Tonight I had the privilege of spending an evening with two delightful young women. We talked about everything and nothing and, because all three of us are pregnant, we even impressed a male waiter with the amount of food we consumed. HA!
One of our topics was our husbands and the blessings they are to us and how much we appreciate their sacrifices, their faithfulness and the fact that we are not ashamed to have good marriages because we invest in them, we work hard at them, and the Lord is blessing our efforts. We are not perfect, we argue, we disagree and we do not always meet one another's needs. But the DESIRE to honor our husbands and the Lord in our marriage is our heart's desire.
I came home to find my groom sitting at the kitchen table, Bible opened and pen in hand writing fervently in a notebook. The scene made me stop short as this has not always been a common site. (Read Wive's Expectations for a piece of my personal marriage testimony.) Contrary to the past, I said nothing, but treasured this site in my heart.
A few minutes later we were sitting in our room and he looked at me and said, "God is doing a work in me." and thus began a three hour conversation of how God is convitcting him, changing him, revealing parts of himself that need refinement ... a very transparent and vulnerable conversation. He said, "I have asked the Lord to use others to show me what He wants me to see." About 90 minutes into our deep discussion, and my always expected honesty with him, I laughed and said, "Perhaps you should have qualified that prayer with, "Use others to show me what You want me to see, except maybe Michelle."" He always says I have a laser-like ability to cut to the heart of a matter and hit the target dead on and tonight he actually looked at me and said, "Can you give me a kiss and say I love you so we can end this conversation? I cannot take anymore insight ~ you have given me more than enough to think about!" :o) After 17 years of marriage I can hear that and laugh rather than be offended, and more importantly, I can agree to it!
He fell asleep quickly since he is not 8 months pregnant and does not need a leveraging tool to roll over, but I was wide awake.
My thought was simply this ... how truly thankful I am to be married to a man who is willing to be so vulnerable with me. He confessed sin, pride, his struggle with surrender, his desire to be better than what he is, his desire to actually be what people think him to be ... he was real. He was humble. He was 100% a man and yet 100% tender and willing to stand before me raw, knowing that he can trust me with his heart.
I am not a perfect wife. I do not have a perfect husband. But by the grace of God and because we desire to honor Him in our marriage, we are able to bare the ugliest parts of ourselves to one another and walk away fully confident that when we turn to look back, the other will still be there. Still ready, willing and desiring to come together again, take each other's hand and continue walking through life together with the Lord walking beside us. Loyalty, faithfulness and commitment to marriage are a daily choice and I am thankful that I have a groom who chooses me every single day.
For him I am truly, truly thankful.
6.30.2010
6.28.2010
A story of surrender.
Last night we attended a Summer Night series on parenting at our church. Three specific topics were discussed but the ones that spoke to me most were "be fruitful and multiply" and "who is the God of your home - you or Him?"
I immediately thought of the journey the Lord set me and my groom on ... a journey we did not ask for but have never regretted.
I want to share my story. (Grab a snack or a water bottle, it is lengthy!)
I am not going to debate how big a quiver is or the Biblical support for family and trusting God. I just know that I used to be the woman who had many opinions and critiques about people having a lot of kids, until I was rebuked by an older godly woman and the Lord began a work in me to yield to HIS will.
I would love to hear your thoughts ... your convictions ... how the Lord has worked in you.
I share this so others may see, understand, and know that we all have struggles and we all need grace and the wisdom and maturity of the Lord. I pray you will be blessed, or at the very least, challenged to think about your own heart, your own will and how you are trusting God in this area of your life.
A story of surrender …
I have always wanted a large family. I love my brother dearly but I always felt like we were missing something since there were just two of us. When I met my husband I told him that I wanted to have at least four children. He said two was plenty for him! We were not in agreement.
Fast forward nine years …. We find out we are having our first child, a boy. Micah was a delight to our hearts and we were ready for another baby. Luke came quickly and our life with two sons was a JOY! Dennis was content but I was ready for our next child … and then came Caleb. We did not “plan” him but we were not stopping it from happening either. Dennis was adamantly opposed to having any more children. He said we were at our limit financially, time-wise and he was happy with our family of five.
I did not agree. Everything in me longed for another baby. But I said nothing. No begging, no crying, no pleading. I simply prayed. I was standing in the kitchen and I prayed, “Lord, we are not in agreement. Change one of us so we can be unified in our marriage and at peace with one another.”
When Caleb was four months old Dennis came home from his doctorate class and said, “How many more children do you want?” I was flabbergasted! He was talking a mile a minute and then he handed me a legal sized piece of paper with two columns on it. It was divided into the pros and cons of having more children. On the con list were two things: money and time. The pro list ran the length of the page. I looked at him with confusion and he said, “At the end of the day, family matters. That’s it. How many kids do you want?”
I can honestly say that I was never more amazed at how God works than I was that day. He changed the unyielding heart of a man who was adamant about being done with children to a softened heart that wanted to do what was pleasing to the Lord.
There was another influence ... at Claremont, Dennis’ mentor teacher was speaking with him one day in her office. She asked how many children we had and he told her we had three boys but we were done. She looked at him and said, “Why? Why would you, Christian parents who are raising your children to be soldiers for Christ, want to end that? Why wouldn’t you want to have MORE men and women who are sold out for Christ?” He was stunned by this response but the Lord used this question to penetrate his heart and draw him to His own heart ... a heart that loves children.
Several months later he came home from another doctorate class and was on fire. They had been discussing Christian perspective and ethics and he said, “We need to have more children! We need to raise more soldiers for the kingdom to counteract all of the crud in this culture. We need more kids!” I quickly informed him that “someone else needs to contribute to the army too” but I was thrilled with his passion and his new perspective in seeing children as a benefit and a blessing rather than a responsibility and obligation.
That is how the Lord changed my husband.
This is how the Lord changed me.
For two years the Lord had been working in my heart to surrender control of pregnancy. Of all the areas in my life I could control, I chose this one. I was deciding when we would have a baby. We would “try” on my time clock. We would have sex when the planets were all aligned for conception and so forth. There were always good reasons … when Dennis finishes his doctorate, when we can afford a house, when I lose weight and on and on it went. Never did I think to stop, pray and seek the LORD’s wisdom in this area. After all, He gave me an intelligent mind right? He allows me common sense and practicality to know if we can afford a child, if we have enough time for the child etc. Why shouldn’t I control all of it?
At that time were doing a small group Bible study in the “Experiencing God” book. (A study you do not want to do if conviction and challenge are things you are afraid of.) The whole study focuses on God being God and us needing to obey Him because we love Him. It is a study on faith ~ trusting God in the unknown, willingness to surrender fully to Him even when it does not make sense. Countless examples from Scripture are given to support a life of faith and total surrender. And all over the pages I have “let God decide when you have another child” “trust Him to plan your family”, “do not limit God with a vasectomy”. I wrestled and wrestled with it but was never able to say, “Okay, Lord. You are the creator of life and You know what we can handle so I will trust You in this.” Instead, I made the fatal error of delaying obedience, which simply equals disobedience.
Another year went by and I was in another Bible study with women. We were talking about leadership and the first lesson discussed Peter when Jesus said to him, “You are Peter but you will be Cephas.” What a dumb verse, I thought. What in the world is the significance of this? The leader went on to share that the Lord not only sees us as we are but He sees us as we WILL BE. Wow! Such a simple thought and yet quite profound. The question that followed was simply this, “What do you need to do in order to become what God wants you to be?” My answer was: total surrender, let go of control. But control of what I was not sure and then it hit me like a ton of bricks … Pregnancy.
Again, I wrestled. I talked to myself and to the Lord all night and the next day. If I gave up control and let God decide my pregnancies than things could happen outside of my timetable. What would I do then? Were we ready for another baby? Was I being foolish to walk by faith when I have a brain to use? Yet I knew in my heart, in the innermost depths, that I needed to surrender. I needed to rid the house of all birth control. I needed to stop working the mental calculator of fertility and trust God.
I kept dwelling on the thought that I am not the creator of life … The Lord creates life. I just have sex. I firmly believe that every child born was purposely designed by God regardless of the circumstances. So if I believe that, why couldn’t I let go?
At this same time our pastor was dying. We had just been told that he would not be released from the hospital and he would be HOME in a few days. As I read this note it struck me that not only do I not create life, I cannot save life either. I had been fooling myself for so long thinking that I actually HAD control ~ when the reality is, I am a servant of the King. He creates life and He takes life ... who do I think I am?
So I did it.
I surrendered.
I trusted.
Two months later I was pregnant. And I laughed! I smiled and said, “Lord, this is how You deal with me! I think I am so powerful and you remind me of who I am and who You are. Thank you for this baby … thank you for showing me that I can trust You.”
When I told Dennis, his response was the same as mine – he laughed! We both did, together, the whole night and for the next few days. (Which is why Matthew’s middle name is Isaac) We could not believe how the Lord worked. And it felt so good to be free of the burden of control. It is not a pleasant place to be, acting as God, and it was not until I let Him be God of ALL that I realized what a burden I had been carrying.
Four months later we lost our son.
Matthew Isaac was delivered March 14, 2006. The moment we found out he had died I knew the Lord was not done teaching me. What ultimate loss of control does a woman experience that is bigger than losing her own child? I would never have asked for that … but my heart was quieted as my mind dwelled upon Scripture, upon the truths of who God is. Our days are numbered, we were formed in darkness, in the secret places by His hand. He is God. We are not. I lost my son. I had no power to bring him back any more than I had power to create him inside of me. Life belongs to the LORD. Every moment is His and I no longer desire to take charge of those moments.
I have a peace I have never felt as I rest in the goodness of Him and as I understand the power that He has. I have given Him my future and my life … because there is no better place to be than totally and utterly in His hand … safe, secure, and forever faithful.
Thank you, Lord, for showing me that You are God. Though my heart’s desire is to forever yield to Your will, I know I will try to take control again. In those moments, Lord, protect me from myself and remind me of this journey. You and I walked through three years of struggle and pride and surrender. I never want to go back. I just want to trust.
Written in the fall of 2006
* Since writing this, the Lord has blessed us with Josiah Timothy, Isaiah Daniel and soon-to-be Ellie Ruth. Three children who were the result of that simple prayer so long ago, "Lord, change one of us." And now looking back we can see, He actually changed us both.
I immediately thought of the journey the Lord set me and my groom on ... a journey we did not ask for but have never regretted.
I want to share my story. (Grab a snack or a water bottle, it is lengthy!)
I am not going to debate how big a quiver is or the Biblical support for family and trusting God. I just know that I used to be the woman who had many opinions and critiques about people having a lot of kids, until I was rebuked by an older godly woman and the Lord began a work in me to yield to HIS will.
I would love to hear your thoughts ... your convictions ... how the Lord has worked in you.
I share this so others may see, understand, and know that we all have struggles and we all need grace and the wisdom and maturity of the Lord. I pray you will be blessed, or at the very least, challenged to think about your own heart, your own will and how you are trusting God in this area of your life.
A story of surrender …
I have always wanted a large family. I love my brother dearly but I always felt like we were missing something since there were just two of us. When I met my husband I told him that I wanted to have at least four children. He said two was plenty for him! We were not in agreement.
Fast forward nine years …. We find out we are having our first child, a boy. Micah was a delight to our hearts and we were ready for another baby. Luke came quickly and our life with two sons was a JOY! Dennis was content but I was ready for our next child … and then came Caleb. We did not “plan” him but we were not stopping it from happening either. Dennis was adamantly opposed to having any more children. He said we were at our limit financially, time-wise and he was happy with our family of five.
I did not agree. Everything in me longed for another baby. But I said nothing. No begging, no crying, no pleading. I simply prayed. I was standing in the kitchen and I prayed, “Lord, we are not in agreement. Change one of us so we can be unified in our marriage and at peace with one another.”
When Caleb was four months old Dennis came home from his doctorate class and said, “How many more children do you want?” I was flabbergasted! He was talking a mile a minute and then he handed me a legal sized piece of paper with two columns on it. It was divided into the pros and cons of having more children. On the con list were two things: money and time. The pro list ran the length of the page. I looked at him with confusion and he said, “At the end of the day, family matters. That’s it. How many kids do you want?”
I can honestly say that I was never more amazed at how God works than I was that day. He changed the unyielding heart of a man who was adamant about being done with children to a softened heart that wanted to do what was pleasing to the Lord.
There was another influence ... at Claremont, Dennis’ mentor teacher was speaking with him one day in her office. She asked how many children we had and he told her we had three boys but we were done. She looked at him and said, “Why? Why would you, Christian parents who are raising your children to be soldiers for Christ, want to end that? Why wouldn’t you want to have MORE men and women who are sold out for Christ?” He was stunned by this response but the Lord used this question to penetrate his heart and draw him to His own heart ... a heart that loves children.
Several months later he came home from another doctorate class and was on fire. They had been discussing Christian perspective and ethics and he said, “We need to have more children! We need to raise more soldiers for the kingdom to counteract all of the crud in this culture. We need more kids!” I quickly informed him that “someone else needs to contribute to the army too” but I was thrilled with his passion and his new perspective in seeing children as a benefit and a blessing rather than a responsibility and obligation.
That is how the Lord changed my husband.
This is how the Lord changed me.
For two years the Lord had been working in my heart to surrender control of pregnancy. Of all the areas in my life I could control, I chose this one. I was deciding when we would have a baby. We would “try” on my time clock. We would have sex when the planets were all aligned for conception and so forth. There were always good reasons … when Dennis finishes his doctorate, when we can afford a house, when I lose weight and on and on it went. Never did I think to stop, pray and seek the LORD’s wisdom in this area. After all, He gave me an intelligent mind right? He allows me common sense and practicality to know if we can afford a child, if we have enough time for the child etc. Why shouldn’t I control all of it?
At that time were doing a small group Bible study in the “Experiencing God” book. (A study you do not want to do if conviction and challenge are things you are afraid of.) The whole study focuses on God being God and us needing to obey Him because we love Him. It is a study on faith ~ trusting God in the unknown, willingness to surrender fully to Him even when it does not make sense. Countless examples from Scripture are given to support a life of faith and total surrender. And all over the pages I have “let God decide when you have another child” “trust Him to plan your family”, “do not limit God with a vasectomy”. I wrestled and wrestled with it but was never able to say, “Okay, Lord. You are the creator of life and You know what we can handle so I will trust You in this.” Instead, I made the fatal error of delaying obedience, which simply equals disobedience.
Another year went by and I was in another Bible study with women. We were talking about leadership and the first lesson discussed Peter when Jesus said to him, “You are Peter but you will be Cephas.” What a dumb verse, I thought. What in the world is the significance of this? The leader went on to share that the Lord not only sees us as we are but He sees us as we WILL BE. Wow! Such a simple thought and yet quite profound. The question that followed was simply this, “What do you need to do in order to become what God wants you to be?” My answer was: total surrender, let go of control. But control of what I was not sure and then it hit me like a ton of bricks … Pregnancy.
Again, I wrestled. I talked to myself and to the Lord all night and the next day. If I gave up control and let God decide my pregnancies than things could happen outside of my timetable. What would I do then? Were we ready for another baby? Was I being foolish to walk by faith when I have a brain to use? Yet I knew in my heart, in the innermost depths, that I needed to surrender. I needed to rid the house of all birth control. I needed to stop working the mental calculator of fertility and trust God.
I kept dwelling on the thought that I am not the creator of life … The Lord creates life. I just have sex. I firmly believe that every child born was purposely designed by God regardless of the circumstances. So if I believe that, why couldn’t I let go?
At this same time our pastor was dying. We had just been told that he would not be released from the hospital and he would be HOME in a few days. As I read this note it struck me that not only do I not create life, I cannot save life either. I had been fooling myself for so long thinking that I actually HAD control ~ when the reality is, I am a servant of the King. He creates life and He takes life ... who do I think I am?
So I did it.
I surrendered.
I trusted.
Two months later I was pregnant. And I laughed! I smiled and said, “Lord, this is how You deal with me! I think I am so powerful and you remind me of who I am and who You are. Thank you for this baby … thank you for showing me that I can trust You.”
When I told Dennis, his response was the same as mine – he laughed! We both did, together, the whole night and for the next few days. (Which is why Matthew’s middle name is Isaac) We could not believe how the Lord worked. And it felt so good to be free of the burden of control. It is not a pleasant place to be, acting as God, and it was not until I let Him be God of ALL that I realized what a burden I had been carrying.
Four months later we lost our son.
Matthew Isaac was delivered March 14, 2006. The moment we found out he had died I knew the Lord was not done teaching me. What ultimate loss of control does a woman experience that is bigger than losing her own child? I would never have asked for that … but my heart was quieted as my mind dwelled upon Scripture, upon the truths of who God is. Our days are numbered, we were formed in darkness, in the secret places by His hand. He is God. We are not. I lost my son. I had no power to bring him back any more than I had power to create him inside of me. Life belongs to the LORD. Every moment is His and I no longer desire to take charge of those moments.
I have a peace I have never felt as I rest in the goodness of Him and as I understand the power that He has. I have given Him my future and my life … because there is no better place to be than totally and utterly in His hand … safe, secure, and forever faithful.
Thank you, Lord, for showing me that You are God. Though my heart’s desire is to forever yield to Your will, I know I will try to take control again. In those moments, Lord, protect me from myself and remind me of this journey. You and I walked through three years of struggle and pride and surrender. I never want to go back. I just want to trust.
Written in the fall of 2006
* Since writing this, the Lord has blessed us with Josiah Timothy, Isaiah Daniel and soon-to-be Ellie Ruth. Three children who were the result of that simple prayer so long ago, "Lord, change one of us." And now looking back we can see, He actually changed us both.
6.26.2010
How am I so blessed?
The women in our Genesis 2 married group got together and threw Ellie another baby shower! They wanted it to be a surprise but one of them who has known me quite a while said, "Are you kidding? Have you met Michelle? She is too much of a planner - we have to tell her!" They did tell me and I showed up to a beautifully decorated shower in honor of our daughter, and I was incredibly blessed.
The cake was adorable and the cupcakes were a continual temptation! They were all handmade by Miss Natalie, one of the hostesses. You should see what else she is capable of designing!
Cassie gave a sweet devotional and read a poem written by a mother about the difference between how the world views women and beauty and how the Lord views his daughters. It was thought provoking and encouraging. Two things I love!When everyone came in they were given a piece of paper, pen and an assignment and I was not allowed to know what it was. After the devotion Cassie asked each woman to share something they appreciated about me as a mom or as a woman ... this is what they had been doing on those papers. I was stunned! How often do you get to hear the hearts of your friends and those you love? They shared such wonderful thoughts and words of encouragement and support ... which sparked in me a desire to work harder to live up to their view of me as a person. Of course, I had to throw in a reminder that I am not perfect and that yesterday my family wanted to oust me from my own home ~ but they laughed and assured me that they know I am "real" and that is why they love me. WHAT a gift! Everyone should have the joy and privilege of such moments. I will never forget them!
Gift time! I must say, these women went all out for my daughter. Some of the cutest and sweetest outfits you have ever seen. And some of the gifts were quite creative. This is me holding up a pair of bedazzled flip flops - yep, you heard me right! I had lamented to two friends that when I went to find flip flops I had to buy them from the MENS section because my feet are too swollen to wear women's shoes. They joked about adding sparkles to make them girlie and VOILA! I now own sparkling, bow-enhanced rubber flops. Hilarious!
I know, this is not the most flattering photo BUT ... I am laughing hysterically because my friend gave me a packet of super-duper-extra-absorbant pads for those first, less than fabulous days after the hospital. (Ladies, you know what I am talking about!) After I had Isaiah she called and asked me if I needed anything and I said, "Yes! Mattress pads!" So this time she is ahead of the game and has me prepared. Only Rita!
Most of the ladies who blessed me today ... some had already left. They took a photo of me with each guest but I know you do not want to scroll through that many photos! ;o)
I was cajoled into a belly shot. Yikes!
Dennis asked me just yesterday if I want my "other body" back and I repsonded, "You mean the one that when I turn sideways I cannot hold a coffee cup on my bun shelf and a water glass on my belly at the same time? YES! I want it back!"
And for a few winners of creativity and adorableness:
A handmade felt book from Miss Demi. It is for Ellie to learn colors and animals and just to have fun! Delightful!
Ellie's Easter dress for 2012! This was my grooms favorite clothing item. Beautiful and feminine.
The Victorian Era is alive and well! How precious is this?
This gift received the most accolades for creativity and a need to be copied in the future.
My friend gave me polo shirts for all of the boys in shades of blue and white ... and an outfit for Ellie in the same hues. The directions: "For their first photo shoot as brothers and sister." You got it! I can already see the photo now. Fabulous idea!
Thank you, friends, for a special, memorable and heart-warming day. I felt incredibly loved, cared for and spoiled! Your kind words will be remember and cherished forever and your thoughtfulness will be treasured for a lifetime.
You touched me in a way I have not experienced in a long time ... the Lord used you to meet me where I am and to minister to me in a way that only sisters in the Lord can do.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Addendum.
This is an addendum to the previous post Who Knew? regarding children calling adults by first names or titles.
I want to clarify the word "respect."
I am not speaking about a child respecting the character or morality of an adult. There are judges, doctors pastors and kings, people considered high authorities, who abuse their children, have affairs, murder people who get in their way, and are just plain ungodly. They have not earned respect and are not deserving of it in terms of their character.
I am speaking about respecting the POSITION of adults.
We all must submit to someone ... husbands, bosses, pastors, law enforcement. We may not approve of their lifestyle, attitudes or the way they treat others, but we are commanded Biblically to obey their authority until they ask us to go against God's Word. God can use the most evil of men for His purposes and it is not for us to question.
Children follow our example. We may not like the current administration, for example, but if President Obama walked into a room, we would stand and show respect for his position as the leader of our country. Whether he has earned our respect or favor is not the point. He is the President of the United States.
A child does not know, understand or comprehend the minute details of adult life and adult choices but they do understand authority, who is allowed to tell them what to do and the consequences of not obeying the person in charge.
I could go on and on but the point is this ~ we need to teach our children to respect the position of adults and as they grow and mature we can teach them how to use their discernment to understand the difference between respecting a position (i.e, government leader) and respecting the person (their character, moral compass and love for or rejection of God).
Maturity brings those things to fruition, but it will be a lot easier if the foundation is laid when they are young.
I want to clarify the word "respect."
I am not speaking about a child respecting the character or morality of an adult. There are judges, doctors pastors and kings, people considered high authorities, who abuse their children, have affairs, murder people who get in their way, and are just plain ungodly. They have not earned respect and are not deserving of it in terms of their character.
I am speaking about respecting the POSITION of adults.
We all must submit to someone ... husbands, bosses, pastors, law enforcement. We may not approve of their lifestyle, attitudes or the way they treat others, but we are commanded Biblically to obey their authority until they ask us to go against God's Word. God can use the most evil of men for His purposes and it is not for us to question.
Children follow our example. We may not like the current administration, for example, but if President Obama walked into a room, we would stand and show respect for his position as the leader of our country. Whether he has earned our respect or favor is not the point. He is the President of the United States.
A child does not know, understand or comprehend the minute details of adult life and adult choices but they do understand authority, who is allowed to tell them what to do and the consequences of not obeying the person in charge.
I could go on and on but the point is this ~ we need to teach our children to respect the position of adults and as they grow and mature we can teach them how to use their discernment to understand the difference between respecting a position (i.e, government leader) and respecting the person (their character, moral compass and love for or rejection of God).
Maturity brings those things to fruition, but it will be a lot easier if the foundation is laid when they are young.
6.21.2010
So many things to do!
It was interesting to see how the Lord worked as we went through the list of notes we had been keeping these past months. Some things were deleted and many new ideas/thoughts/needs came up that were added. The Lord is certainly leading this ministry step by step ~ it is wonderful!
And best of all, we have a NAME!
We are not ready to reveal it yet, but I promise, you will like it!
The Lord did a doozy on me with the name. I knew what I wanted ... the Scripture I wanted to be the backbone of the ministry ... ideas for the logo ... um, basically, I was in control. That is, until the Lord said, "Ahem, Michelle? Remember Me? I am the One who called you to this. I am the One who gave you this passion. I have some plans of My own and it would be nice if you would get out of the way so I can reveal them to you. Be still, daughter, and listen to Me. I already see the future and I know where I want to lead you. Just follow Me, and trust Me."
So I did.
I woke up the next morning with His praises on my lips and Scripture in my heart. I knew what He wanted. I surrendered and obeyed and I feel complete security and peace in what He is calling me to do as I join Him where He is working.
Life is so much better when God is allowed His rightful place ~ in control!
6.20.2010
An unbelievable father.
The one who gave me six sons and a soon-to-be-daughter.
How we love him.
How we respect him.
How we appreciate him.
And how glad we are that he is OURS!
Happy Fathers Day, Dennis!
Who knew?
I have often been asked what I think about children calling adults by their title, Mrs. Butterworth, or by their first name, Betty.
We are firm believers in children being in the position where they belong - UNDER the authority of adults. Which means, you do not speak to each other on a first name basis. Friends call each other by name. But children and adults are not friends. They are not equals. And it can quickly blur the lines of who is in charge when a 4-year-old refers to an adult in too familiar a tone.
Even adults do not address one another in such a casual manner until invited to do so. None of us would walk up to Queen Elizabeth and say, "Hi, Beth!" We address law enforcement as "Officer", "Sir", "Your Honor". We don't say, "Thanks for the ticket, Hank!"
And yet, somehow, countless children are allowed to walk around calling adults by name as if they were pals.
Take it or leave it, that is our philosophy. When my sons address every adult as Mr.and Mrs., they are instantly aware that they are under their authority and must obey and respect them. They would never call us Dennis and Michelle, right? The home is the model for life outside the home.
So - what is my point?
This morning in church our pastor was speaking on fatherhood and had a whole section on honor, respect and obedience of children and the blessing that comes with it, as well as the curse that comes with disobedient and wayward children. He was discussing the specific issue of respect and how children address their elders and he pulled out I Timothy 5:1,2.
"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."
I never knew there was Scripture to support our philosophy! But here it is in black and white, and in context. Scripture specifically commands young people to address their elders just as they would their fathers and mothers. Period.
Obviously close friends can be given titles such as "Aunt Ginger" or "Uncle Steve" but there is still a phrase of authority that resonates in the mind and heart of the child. They know they are not on equal ground.
If you are of my generation, you know that we would have been harshly rebuked for calling any adult by their first name. Even now, at 38 years old, every adult I have known since childhood is Mr. or Mrs. so-and-so. And until they invite me to do otherwise, they will remain that way.
We see respect falling by the wayside every day in our culture and it is up to us to retrain the minds of our kids and teens to treat an adult with respect - even if they are not deserving of it - because it is the right thing to do. It is the Biblical thing to do.
Let's reclaim this thinking and together, train up a generation to clearly see the lines of authority. Children are children. Adults are adults. There is no other way. There is no better way.
Amen?
Amen.
We are firm believers in children being in the position where they belong - UNDER the authority of adults. Which means, you do not speak to each other on a first name basis. Friends call each other by name. But children and adults are not friends. They are not equals. And it can quickly blur the lines of who is in charge when a 4-year-old refers to an adult in too familiar a tone.
Even adults do not address one another in such a casual manner until invited to do so. None of us would walk up to Queen Elizabeth and say, "Hi, Beth!" We address law enforcement as "Officer", "Sir", "Your Honor". We don't say, "Thanks for the ticket, Hank!"
And yet, somehow, countless children are allowed to walk around calling adults by name as if they were pals.
Take it or leave it, that is our philosophy. When my sons address every adult as Mr.and Mrs., they are instantly aware that they are under their authority and must obey and respect them. They would never call us Dennis and Michelle, right? The home is the model for life outside the home.
So - what is my point?
This morning in church our pastor was speaking on fatherhood and had a whole section on honor, respect and obedience of children and the blessing that comes with it, as well as the curse that comes with disobedient and wayward children. He was discussing the specific issue of respect and how children address their elders and he pulled out I Timothy 5:1,2.
"Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity."
I never knew there was Scripture to support our philosophy! But here it is in black and white, and in context. Scripture specifically commands young people to address their elders just as they would their fathers and mothers. Period.
Obviously close friends can be given titles such as "Aunt Ginger" or "Uncle Steve" but there is still a phrase of authority that resonates in the mind and heart of the child. They know they are not on equal ground.
If you are of my generation, you know that we would have been harshly rebuked for calling any adult by their first name. Even now, at 38 years old, every adult I have known since childhood is Mr. or Mrs. so-and-so. And until they invite me to do otherwise, they will remain that way.
We see respect falling by the wayside every day in our culture and it is up to us to retrain the minds of our kids and teens to treat an adult with respect - even if they are not deserving of it - because it is the right thing to do. It is the Biblical thing to do.
Let's reclaim this thinking and together, train up a generation to clearly see the lines of authority. Children are children. Adults are adults. There is no other way. There is no better way.
Amen?
Amen.
6.17.2010
Um, wow.
The boys and I just finished a missionary biography about Gladys Aylward who was a missionary in China in the early 1900's when Communism was taking over the country.
As would be expected from a missionary biography, her story is amazing and each page is filled with her faith, her surrender and her passion for the Chinese people, no matter the cost.
This passage was in the last chapter, taking place towards the end of her life during the peak of the Communist persecution against Chrisitans. It sent chills up my spine and tears down my cheek as I read of the courage and total commitment of this young woman and those who followed after her.
My first thought was, "Would I be this brave? Would I die for Christ? I pray it would be so!"
"Over two hundred students were marched ino the square, heavily guarded by Communist troops. A man clutching a sheath of papers climbed onto a box. He picked up the first sheet of paper and read the name loudly. A seventeen-year-old girl stepped forward from the group of prisoners. Gladys recognized her as one of the newest converts. Gladys shivered as she thought about the pressure the girl had been living under for the previous three months.
The Communist official cleared his throat. He looked directly at the girl. "Who do you supoprt now?" he asked.
The crowd was hushed. The girl spoke loudly and clearly. "Sir, three months ago, I thought Jesus Christ was real, and I thought the Bible was true. Now after three months of your hatred, I know Jesus Christ is real, and I know the Bible is true."
The official, his face turned white with rage, yelled to one of the soldiers on his left. The teenage girl was pulled roughly into the center of the square and shoved to her knees. With one swift movement the Communist soldier drew his sword and sliced the girl's head off. Gladys buried her own head in her hands. All she could do was pray. "If they must die, let them not be afriad of death, but let there be a meaning, O God, in their dying."
As much as she wanted to flee from the terrible sight, Gladys stayed while each of the more than two hundred students was asked whether he or she would support the Communist government. Even though they knew for certain they were only moments from death, not one of them said they supported the Communisits. Every one of them was beheaded.
As Gladys walked slowly home after the brutality in the town square, she wept bitterly for what China was becoming."
Can you imagine?
And notice what Gladys wept over - what China was "becoming". They were already killing people in masses and she was weeping over what was to come. How much worse could it get?
America may allow us the freedom of religion, but be not deceived, our freedom is not as free as it once was. We have to prepare to fight. We have to be armed for battle. And we need to be prepared to die a death that has meaning.
Could you stand firmly planted, eyes locked on your persecutor, and say, "Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God. I will bow my knee to no other."?
When the day comes, may the world see a group of believers who stands strong, does not yield, and refuses to bow it's knee to any other god.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
As would be expected from a missionary biography, her story is amazing and each page is filled with her faith, her surrender and her passion for the Chinese people, no matter the cost.
This passage was in the last chapter, taking place towards the end of her life during the peak of the Communist persecution against Chrisitans. It sent chills up my spine and tears down my cheek as I read of the courage and total commitment of this young woman and those who followed after her.
My first thought was, "Would I be this brave? Would I die for Christ? I pray it would be so!"
"Over two hundred students were marched ino the square, heavily guarded by Communist troops. A man clutching a sheath of papers climbed onto a box. He picked up the first sheet of paper and read the name loudly. A seventeen-year-old girl stepped forward from the group of prisoners. Gladys recognized her as one of the newest converts. Gladys shivered as she thought about the pressure the girl had been living under for the previous three months.
The Communist official cleared his throat. He looked directly at the girl. "Who do you supoprt now?" he asked.
The crowd was hushed. The girl spoke loudly and clearly. "Sir, three months ago, I thought Jesus Christ was real, and I thought the Bible was true. Now after three months of your hatred, I know Jesus Christ is real, and I know the Bible is true."
The official, his face turned white with rage, yelled to one of the soldiers on his left. The teenage girl was pulled roughly into the center of the square and shoved to her knees. With one swift movement the Communist soldier drew his sword and sliced the girl's head off. Gladys buried her own head in her hands. All she could do was pray. "If they must die, let them not be afriad of death, but let there be a meaning, O God, in their dying."
As much as she wanted to flee from the terrible sight, Gladys stayed while each of the more than two hundred students was asked whether he or she would support the Communist government. Even though they knew for certain they were only moments from death, not one of them said they supported the Communisits. Every one of them was beheaded.
As Gladys walked slowly home after the brutality in the town square, she wept bitterly for what China was becoming."
Can you imagine?
And notice what Gladys wept over - what China was "becoming". They were already killing people in masses and she was weeping over what was to come. How much worse could it get?
America may allow us the freedom of religion, but be not deceived, our freedom is not as free as it once was. We have to prepare to fight. We have to be armed for battle. And we need to be prepared to die a death that has meaning.
Could you stand firmly planted, eyes locked on your persecutor, and say, "Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God. I will bow my knee to no other."?
When the day comes, may the world see a group of believers who stands strong, does not yield, and refuses to bow it's knee to any other god.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
6.16.2010
God's Word ~ always fitting, encouraging, appropriate.
I am SO SO SO excited!
Tonight I am meeting with my dear friend to plan/analyze/pray through the details of the new ministry the Lord has so intensely placed on my heart ... to encourage and support families who have lost a baby to miscarriage, surrender or abortion.
I have a looong list of all of the thoughts, ideas, Scriptures and promptings He has placed on my heart these past months - it is exciting to see how active the Spirit has been! And already, before we are even "up and running", we have had two women suffer the loss of a baby, one in the womb and one shortly after delivery. It is the secret no one talks about. The topic no one wants to bring up. The death of an innocent baby.
But these women and their husbands, and those who love them, are hurting. They had an anticipation of something wonderful and good and everything changed in a moment. They are questioning, struggling, grieving, angry, confused ... and they need to be surrounded by people who "get it", who have gone before them, and suffered the same way, to say, "I know. There is nothing I can say to take this away. But I can promise that the pain will lessen, you will smile again and the Lord will always restore and repair what is broken." They need to know someone remembers their child and honors his/her life.
I am nearly bursting at the seams to have everything done! The website, the leadership, the women who want to serve and love on these women in their darkest moments, the calendar of all of the dates so we can send hand-written cards to the families and let them know someone cares, someone is thinking of them and more importantly, there is a God who loves them and He is the only One who can heal their broken hearts.
I have no idea where this will lead, what God has in store, why He chose me, or why it is "for such a time as this." But I know He is calling me and I will be obedient to answer the call. I serve and love a BIG God and I barely have the patience to see what He is going to do! How exciting it is to be a follower of Him, even when the road seems invisible and illogical. He is a God of purpose and design and I never need to fear.
Please pray for us as we plan and work and figure out the details of this ministry. And most of all, lift up the women who are hurting because they miss their babies ~ due to a miscarriage, having to surrender their baby because they could not care for him/her, or because of an abortion. None of us can go back and we cannot undo what has been done. But the Lord forgives all, wipes the slate clean, picks up the shattered pieces of our hearts and brings us to the cross ~ the only place we can find healing and joy.
A friend who has already said, "Yes! I want to be a part of this ministry!" sent me this Scripture today. She said it always comes to mind when she thinks of these women, as well as her own loss. I read it and was blown away, once again, by how fitting, encouraging and appropriate God's Word ALWAYS is when we seek it, read it and allow it to penetrate our hearts. May it lift you up as well.
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion ~
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61:1-3
Tonight I am meeting with my dear friend to plan/analyze/pray through the details of the new ministry the Lord has so intensely placed on my heart ... to encourage and support families who have lost a baby to miscarriage, surrender or abortion.
I have a looong list of all of the thoughts, ideas, Scriptures and promptings He has placed on my heart these past months - it is exciting to see how active the Spirit has been! And already, before we are even "up and running", we have had two women suffer the loss of a baby, one in the womb and one shortly after delivery. It is the secret no one talks about. The topic no one wants to bring up. The death of an innocent baby.
But these women and their husbands, and those who love them, are hurting. They had an anticipation of something wonderful and good and everything changed in a moment. They are questioning, struggling, grieving, angry, confused ... and they need to be surrounded by people who "get it", who have gone before them, and suffered the same way, to say, "I know. There is nothing I can say to take this away. But I can promise that the pain will lessen, you will smile again and the Lord will always restore and repair what is broken." They need to know someone remembers their child and honors his/her life.
I am nearly bursting at the seams to have everything done! The website, the leadership, the women who want to serve and love on these women in their darkest moments, the calendar of all of the dates so we can send hand-written cards to the families and let them know someone cares, someone is thinking of them and more importantly, there is a God who loves them and He is the only One who can heal their broken hearts.
I have no idea where this will lead, what God has in store, why He chose me, or why it is "for such a time as this." But I know He is calling me and I will be obedient to answer the call. I serve and love a BIG God and I barely have the patience to see what He is going to do! How exciting it is to be a follower of Him, even when the road seems invisible and illogical. He is a God of purpose and design and I never need to fear.
Please pray for us as we plan and work and figure out the details of this ministry. And most of all, lift up the women who are hurting because they miss their babies ~ due to a miscarriage, having to surrender their baby because they could not care for him/her, or because of an abortion. None of us can go back and we cannot undo what has been done. But the Lord forgives all, wipes the slate clean, picks up the shattered pieces of our hearts and brings us to the cross ~ the only place we can find healing and joy.
A friend who has already said, "Yes! I want to be a part of this ministry!" sent me this Scripture today. She said it always comes to mind when she thinks of these women, as well as her own loss. I read it and was blown away, once again, by how fitting, encouraging and appropriate God's Word ALWAYS is when we seek it, read it and allow it to penetrate our hearts. May it lift you up as well.
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion ~
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61:1-3
6.12.2010
A privilege.
Recently, Dennis and I met with some old friends whom we rarely get to see. They are fighting their way through personal, professional and spiritual battles and have barely been keeping their heads above water these past few months.
Though we already knew the "why" and have been praying for them and encouraing them along the way, it was an absolute blessing to have them sitting on our couch, looking at each other face to face as we listened to them share their hearts and tried to encourage them with what we have learned through our own marriage and life trials. We are peers, but we have lived at least ten years more of life, been married much longer, have older children and have been put through the fire more than we would care to admit.
We are very mindful that God desires us, and commands us, to encourage, comfort, exhort one another ... and because we are older we have a responsibility to come alongside them and help carry the burden that is weighing them down. They cannot fight alone. They are exhausted and they need their brother and sister in Christ to pull out the pom poms and cheer them on as they strive to finish the race, keeping their eyes fixed on HIM and not on their circumstances. Like Peter, when we look around, we begin to sink. And that is when we need someone to throw us the rope and pull us back until we have the strength to stand up, shake it off and push forward again.
As I sat on my couch listening to them share I realized what an incredible privilege it was to be trusted with their hearts. They have chosen to share with a select few and for whatever reason, they feel safe with us. They were real, raw, transparent and vulnerable. And if you know us at all, you know we ask the tough questions! There was nothing off limits.
We were given a gift last night. Trust. And that is no small thing.
We live in a world where so many hide behind plastic smiles and "I am good, how are you?" when really they are dying inside. They are waiting for that one person to reach out, grab their hand, look them in the eye and say, "No, REALLY. How are you. How can I serve you. How can I be an encouragement to you?" People are afraid to say "I can't do this anymore." "I don't like where I am." "I want to change." Once you say it, you are accountable and no one wants that anymore. We want to vent, complain, whine, or even cry. But we don't really want to do the work it takes to change. Because it does take work.
Yet here sat this sweet couple, not only willing to be completely transparent, but to seek wisdom and counsel from those older than themselves and take it in and allow the Lord to use it in their lives. Such humility is rare. It is Biblical. It will change them.
And I was privileged to be welcomed into this private place. What a joy to walk alongside a brother and sister in the faith and see the hand of the Lord as he refines them through the difficult moments as well as they joy-filled moments. Because as we know, mourning lasts for a night, but joy does come in the morning!
Lord, guard the hearts of our dear friends as they seek to persevere and trust and rely on You rather than themselves. Give them an abundance of grace and continually show them Your work in their lives so they may be encouraged to keep running with all diligence and faithfulness as they seek to honor You and come out looking more like You when they cross the finish line. Thank you for their friendship and the tremendous honor of loving and caring for them as friends. May they continue to trust in You.
Though we already knew the "why" and have been praying for them and encouraing them along the way, it was an absolute blessing to have them sitting on our couch, looking at each other face to face as we listened to them share their hearts and tried to encourage them with what we have learned through our own marriage and life trials. We are peers, but we have lived at least ten years more of life, been married much longer, have older children and have been put through the fire more than we would care to admit.
We are very mindful that God desires us, and commands us, to encourage, comfort, exhort one another ... and because we are older we have a responsibility to come alongside them and help carry the burden that is weighing them down. They cannot fight alone. They are exhausted and they need their brother and sister in Christ to pull out the pom poms and cheer them on as they strive to finish the race, keeping their eyes fixed on HIM and not on their circumstances. Like Peter, when we look around, we begin to sink. And that is when we need someone to throw us the rope and pull us back until we have the strength to stand up, shake it off and push forward again.
As I sat on my couch listening to them share I realized what an incredible privilege it was to be trusted with their hearts. They have chosen to share with a select few and for whatever reason, they feel safe with us. They were real, raw, transparent and vulnerable. And if you know us at all, you know we ask the tough questions! There was nothing off limits.
We were given a gift last night. Trust. And that is no small thing.
We live in a world where so many hide behind plastic smiles and "I am good, how are you?" when really they are dying inside. They are waiting for that one person to reach out, grab their hand, look them in the eye and say, "No, REALLY. How are you. How can I serve you. How can I be an encouragement to you?" People are afraid to say "I can't do this anymore." "I don't like where I am." "I want to change." Once you say it, you are accountable and no one wants that anymore. We want to vent, complain, whine, or even cry. But we don't really want to do the work it takes to change. Because it does take work.
Yet here sat this sweet couple, not only willing to be completely transparent, but to seek wisdom and counsel from those older than themselves and take it in and allow the Lord to use it in their lives. Such humility is rare. It is Biblical. It will change them.
And I was privileged to be welcomed into this private place. What a joy to walk alongside a brother and sister in the faith and see the hand of the Lord as he refines them through the difficult moments as well as they joy-filled moments. Because as we know, mourning lasts for a night, but joy does come in the morning!
Lord, guard the hearts of our dear friends as they seek to persevere and trust and rely on You rather than themselves. Give them an abundance of grace and continually show them Your work in their lives so they may be encouraged to keep running with all diligence and faithfulness as they seek to honor You and come out looking more like You when they cross the finish line. Thank you for their friendship and the tremendous honor of loving and caring for them as friends. May they continue to trust in You.
6.09.2010
How would you respond?
Recently, Dennis and I were with a couple who asked him what kind of legacy he wanted to leave in his professional career as an educator. They discussed it for a little while and as they talked I thought, "What a great question ~ for everyone!" Regardless of your profession, your age, your influence, your ethnic background, married, parent or single, you DO leave a legacy. We all do.
My answer came to mind immediately.
"She took me to the feet of Jesus and to the pages of Scripture consistently and passionately, and she lived a life of purpose."
One of the greatest tragedies I can think of is to imagine people who knew me well gathered together after the Lord has called me home and having nothing to say ... nothing to remember ... nothing to inspire them.
But more importantly, I want to LIVE as though I am always dying.
Am I encouraging?
Am I honest?
Am I transparent and vulnerable?
Do I speak the truth without fear of the response?
Do I push others to want MORE of Christ and less of self?
Do I take risks when it comes to the Kingdom?
Is my first response to edify, encourage, exhort, seek God's Word?
Do I consistently and passionately take others to the foot of the cross and lay them before the Father?
Lord, deepen my desire to be a woman who longs for the things you long for. Make me ever aware of where You are working so I may join You. May my life be a real example of a child of God who purposely pursues You, loves You, obeys You and is always growing and maturing in the faith. We all run the race. We all finish at the judgment seat. That is not enough. I want to finish well. Strong. With energy left over to pursue more. Keep refining me, Lord, until I reflect Your face, Your desires, Your passions and Your heart. More of You and less of me. Much, much more of You.
What about you? How would you respond?
My answer came to mind immediately.
"She took me to the feet of Jesus and to the pages of Scripture consistently and passionately, and she lived a life of purpose."
One of the greatest tragedies I can think of is to imagine people who knew me well gathered together after the Lord has called me home and having nothing to say ... nothing to remember ... nothing to inspire them.
But more importantly, I want to LIVE as though I am always dying.
Am I encouraging?
Am I honest?
Am I transparent and vulnerable?
Do I speak the truth without fear of the response?
Do I push others to want MORE of Christ and less of self?
Do I take risks when it comes to the Kingdom?
Is my first response to edify, encourage, exhort, seek God's Word?
Do I consistently and passionately take others to the foot of the cross and lay them before the Father?
Lord, deepen my desire to be a woman who longs for the things you long for. Make me ever aware of where You are working so I may join You. May my life be a real example of a child of God who purposely pursues You, loves You, obeys You and is always growing and maturing in the faith. We all run the race. We all finish at the judgment seat. That is not enough. I want to finish well. Strong. With energy left over to pursue more. Keep refining me, Lord, until I reflect Your face, Your desires, Your passions and Your heart. More of You and less of me. Much, much more of You.
What about you? How would you respond?
6.06.2010
Showers of blessings, joy and thoughtfulness.
Today I had the honor of being a guest at a shower for our daughter Ellie. It was given by women who have known me since a was a silly 15-year-old girl. They were at my wedding ... they were at my first shower (11 years and 7 babies ago!) ... they mourned with us when we lost our son Matthew ... and they have rejoiced with us over PhD's, job hires, financial stresses, children's successes and life in general.
They may be far beyond me in years and life experience, but they are close to me as they minister to and invest in my family and in my heart. It was a lovely day and I am so grateful for the effort and creativity and thoughtfulness that made this celebration possible.
The hostesses ~ Janet (my mom), Norma and Sue
These hand-dipped chocolate and caramel apples were the "thank you for coming" gifts. Too cute.
Gail gave a lovely devotion and prayed that Ellie would be a girl who would exhibit the cheerful and joyful heart Scripture talks about. In the midst of a world where nothing is godly or pure, her prayer was for Ellie to stand out, to be set apart, and to be seen as unique because of her unquenchable spirit ~ filled with joy and optimism because of her love for the Lord. May the Lord find favor on our daughter because of this fabulous blessing!
The hostesses had the women play two games (boy are these ladies competitive!) and then they enjoyed some fabulous food while I enjoyed opening their sweet gifts for Ellie.
One of the gifts that received many "oohs" and "aahs". I still cannot believe I am going to have a child who can wear such a thing! It really is precious. Even Dennis smiled when he saw it.
Ellie's first teacup and saucer ... an actual heirloom from one of the women. I was touched beyond belief that she would pass it to my daughter. So gracious and thoughtful.
As are each of the women there today. Selflessly giving an afternoon to spend with me, in honor of my daughter. How blessed I am to have such Titus II women in my life!
6.02.2010
How far are you willing to go?
I was at a women's event a few years ago listening to a speaker share about her personal/family tragedy. Like most, it was sad and shocking but I was encouraged when she left the drama and shared about a unique truth God had shown her in the midst of the pain:
Stretcher bearers.
Do you remember this passage in Scripture?
"A few days later the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2
She shared how her friends and family rallied around them during a very intense and trying time and became her stretcher bearers. They did not leave her alone or tell her they would pray for her or that everything would be okay. They took her to Jesus.
Think about these men. They have a friend who cannot walk. He has spent his entire life lying on a mat, probably begging at the gates for food and money. He is completely dependent on others which must hurt his pride considerably. He may be longing to see Jesus, this healer and great teacher everyone is talking about. But he cannot go himself. He needs help.
And here come his friends. They could have come to visit like usual, chatting about the weather, how their pottery business is going, the wedding details for a daughter ... but instead, they say, "Let's go see Jesus!" And they do. But they arrive to find a huge crowd and absolutely no way to get inside to lay their friend at His feet.
They could have stopped there. They could have looked at their friend and said, "Sorry, we can't get in. Maybe next time."
But instead, they got creative. They refused to be defeated. They thought outside the box and they found another way. Through the roof! "We can cut a hole in the roof and lower him down right in the middle of the house. Then Jesus will see him!" And they did.
And look at what the verse says, "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Scripture does not record the faith of the paralytic - it records the faith of his friends! It was their perseverance, their love, their commitment, and THEIR FAITH, that moved the Lord to not only heal the man but forgive his sins as well.
Are you that kind of friend?
Are you willing to go the distance ... carry the stretcher, against all odds, as it gets heavier and more cumbersome and fight for those who need help? Defend the weak? Protect the innocent? Love the unloveable?
Are you willing to take those who need healing and forgiveness to the foot of the cross?
Have you ever done it?
Have you ever been blessed by the look of relief, the tear-filled smile, the radiance of joy that follows sorrow after ministering to someone so broken they thought they would never be whole again?
Have you ever been the broken one? A heavy heart, tear-stained pillow, angry, frustrated, insecure and unsure ... and then that wonderful stretcher bearer knocks on your door, looks you in the eye and smiles, hugs you so tight you can hardly breathe, and then just sits next to you and lets you be. Lets you talk. Lets you cry. Laugh. Scream. Question. Heal. Because she carried you to the feet of Jesus.
How far are you willing to go?
And how far are you willing to let others carry you?
Stretcher bearers.
Do you remember this passage in Scripture?
"A few days later the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2
She shared how her friends and family rallied around them during a very intense and trying time and became her stretcher bearers. They did not leave her alone or tell her they would pray for her or that everything would be okay. They took her to Jesus.
Think about these men. They have a friend who cannot walk. He has spent his entire life lying on a mat, probably begging at the gates for food and money. He is completely dependent on others which must hurt his pride considerably. He may be longing to see Jesus, this healer and great teacher everyone is talking about. But he cannot go himself. He needs help.
And here come his friends. They could have come to visit like usual, chatting about the weather, how their pottery business is going, the wedding details for a daughter ... but instead, they say, "Let's go see Jesus!" And they do. But they arrive to find a huge crowd and absolutely no way to get inside to lay their friend at His feet.
They could have stopped there. They could have looked at their friend and said, "Sorry, we can't get in. Maybe next time."
But instead, they got creative. They refused to be defeated. They thought outside the box and they found another way. Through the roof! "We can cut a hole in the roof and lower him down right in the middle of the house. Then Jesus will see him!" And they did.
And look at what the verse says, "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Scripture does not record the faith of the paralytic - it records the faith of his friends! It was their perseverance, their love, their commitment, and THEIR FAITH, that moved the Lord to not only heal the man but forgive his sins as well.
Are you that kind of friend?
Are you willing to go the distance ... carry the stretcher, against all odds, as it gets heavier and more cumbersome and fight for those who need help? Defend the weak? Protect the innocent? Love the unloveable?
Are you willing to take those who need healing and forgiveness to the foot of the cross?
Have you ever done it?
Have you ever been blessed by the look of relief, the tear-filled smile, the radiance of joy that follows sorrow after ministering to someone so broken they thought they would never be whole again?
Have you ever been the broken one? A heavy heart, tear-stained pillow, angry, frustrated, insecure and unsure ... and then that wonderful stretcher bearer knocks on your door, looks you in the eye and smiles, hugs you so tight you can hardly breathe, and then just sits next to you and lets you be. Lets you talk. Lets you cry. Laugh. Scream. Question. Heal. Because she carried you to the feet of Jesus.
How far are you willing to go?
And how far are you willing to let others carry you?
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