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Quarantine Reflections
First, pause and take a deep breath. Humanity will get through this, even if we come through to the other side forever altered. I do believe it’s time to hunker down, but I do not believe it’s time to turn completely inward. COVID-19. That is on everyone’s minds and lips these days. Reactions run the gamut from absolute, mind-numbing fear and anxiety to cavalier bravado. We all fall somewhere on that continuum. I do not want to minimize anyone’s experience, but I do want to offer a few thoughts and hopefully a few words of encouragement. I know this is a difficult and uncertain time. For many, stopping to think…
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Employee vs. Heir
If Scripture tells us that as Believers in Christ we are grafted into the family of God and are co-heirs with Christ, then why do we still relate to God as we would to an Employer instead of to a Good, Heavenly Father? I realize not everyone has a wonderful family experience. Some have painful, complicated relationships with their earthly fathers. Moreover, many people love their jobs and feel as if their co-workers are like “family.” Generally speaking, though, we tend to place family and jobs into two separate categories. Job/Career: For the most part, we must meet certain qualifications to obtain a job (even if those qualifications are merely…
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Quest for Biblical Womanhood
The #MeToo Movement. Debates surrounding the “Billy Graham Rule.” High profile religious leaders stepping down because of inappropriate behavior with, and to, women. Is it no wonder the role of women in ministry is causing ample chatter among various groups of people? I find myself searching Scripture and books, grappling with this issue inside and outside of the church. I have recalled past conversations from my youth with youth leaders and other adults. I have prayed and meditated on Scripture. I have discussed this topic with my spouse (ad nauseum) and trusted friends. I have mentioned it in passing to friends and family. I have read differing voices on social…
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Unmet Expectations
Palm Sunday: Crowds of people yelling, “Hosanna!” as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. A few days later: Many of those same people were screaming to Jesus, “Crucify Him!” What happened? Palm Sunday: Lazarus had recently been raised from the dead. Jesus had performed many miracles prior to this day. Many Jews were drawn to Jesus because of these miracles. The crowd of Jews in Jerusalem were gathered to celebrate Passover, remembering an event when their ancestors were freed from a tyrannical ruler. Rome was oppressive. The people were excited for their Jewish King to finally triumph and usher them into victory. Only a few short days later: These…
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Monday Musings: Identity
“You are not who you think you are, you are who others perceive you to be.” My dad lays that tidbit of wisdom upon me from time to time. At some level, that is certainly true. To that other person, whatever they think about you is their reality. Often, no matter how much you would like to change their perspective or how much you have changed yourself, you cannot make that person change their perception of you. At times, I may think I am portraying a certain image to find out later my self-image is not what was perceived at all. (This brings to mind a few childhood memories that…
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Monday Musings
With Billy Graham’s recent death, I have been reading a small sliver of the articles, tributes, posts, and remembrances written about him. While I generally hold Billy Graham in high regard, I do not have a story to tell of a personal encounter with him or his ministry. I have enjoyed a few personal stories of others, though. Billy Graham leaves an immense legacy with many touting his greatness, however, I have been mostly drawn to articles discussing his family, and in particular, his children. Many of these articles discuss his time spent away from his family for ministry sake and the fall out among his family. One writer highlighted,…
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Joy
Honestly, joy is the most mysterious and elusive of the Spirit’s fruit for me. I’m not exactly sure why. Perhaps it is simply because I am unable to manufacture joy no matter how often I tell myself to be joyful. For the most part, I can produce some version, albeit pale in comparison to the true article, of the other “fruit” listed in Galatians. But with joy, the best I can produce on my own is a fleeting happiness based upon circumstances or positive self-talk. Happiness, however, often gets a bad rap in some Christian circles. I have often heard warnings against making “happiness” my life’s goal. I have repeatedly…
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Love is…
“The fruit of the Spirit is love…” I cannot think of anyone who does not want to be loved. How to define that love is difficult, though. We all define love differently. Probably more accurately, we all emphasize different aspects of love. For some, love is a rush of emotion and feelings, while others stress love as a commitment. Many equate love with actions, mere words never being enough. Others equate love with acceptance or agreement or lack of conflict. The topic of love could, and does, fill volumes of books, magazines, and online writings. However, during this first part of December, I am reminded of God’s love in…
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Fruit Happens
The holiday season is upon us. Here in my corner of the world, we’ve just wrapped up Thanksgiving and we’re headed into Christmas. Maybe you are celebrating Chanukah or Kwanzaa or something else entirely, but here I’m knee deep in Christmas plays and parties, present buying, decorating, and holiday cards. Sandwiched in between all the To Do List items is a desire to slow down, reflect, and look forward to the advent of Christ. As I do so, I can’t help but reflect on my attitude toward all the festivities and the stress that comes along with them. During this season and all year long, I want my life to…
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The Giving of Thanks
The national day of Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. The days leading up to it are filled with planning, making grocery lists, cleaning, shopping, and travelling. Many will be gathering around a table on Thursday and eating copious amounts of food. In our family, the meal is usually the same each year and often the only time we cook candied yams, grandma’s cranberry salad, and a large turkey. Before the meal, some will hastily say thanks to God or incorporate some version of “what are we thankful for” before digging in. Others will skip what they feel are trite phrases and simply eat, laugh, and spend time with loved ones. Still…
