Right now we are all on the front lines of a war. Who was it who said that, "war is hell?" If you have read your bible you know exactly what that means. We were all living a very different life a very short time ago before events dramatically changed everything.
We were working, playing, and learning. We were going on vacations, business trips or getting ready for a wedding. Some women just received news of a miracle pregnancy, others just began their hospital treatment regime. What about all the businesses that just opened only to immediately close? The answer is that all of our lives have been interrupted.
People all over the world are gripped by fear and anxiety as they mull over the mind-numbing and heart stopping information on screens every second of every day about the COVID-19 virus. So much of the information seems confusing and conflicting. Most people I know don't know what to think.
There is a lot of insecurity now. What will be the financial outcome for my family, country and the world? Will we survive this or could we catch it and succumb to the disease? I met my husband while we both resided in New York City. We met through a mutual friend, named Sal*. Sal owns and manages an apartment building on the upper east side of Manhattan.
This used to be one of the most beautiful and desirable addresses in New York City. Not anymore. Not since NYC has become one of the epicenters of the Wuhan virus in the United States. In fact, since my last blog post, New York State has been declared a disaster area. This official designation allows for certain emergency help and monies to be released to the area.
Hospitals are being built in convention centers and other large venues to cope with the overflow of patients that officials expect will exponentially grow and fill them. Auto factories, and breweries are being converted into ventilator and hand sanitizer manufacturers. This sounds like I am right in the middle of World War II or the plague.
Sal asked me what I thought his chances of survival would be if he contracted the virus. That is heartbreaking to contemplate. I am praying everyday that nothing happens to him, my family or my church. I pray for my friends who have risk factors for catching the virus and I pray for all my readers.
What are we to do with all this as we deal day in and day out with this adversity? The answer is we were created for such a time as this. This is real life and our turn to shine. It is not a time to grab all the meat so that no one in line behind you can get any. It is not a time to run away from New York with no concern for anyone you might infect in the next state should you have the virus.
Now that we can't go to the shopping mall or eat at a restaurant, is it our time to contemplate the deeper meaning of life? Who are we, and why are we here? Is it just to serve our own selfish needs? Is there a God who created us and has imbued us with eternity and the desire to know Him?
If that is the case don't we have anything better to do than shake our asses, do drugs and listen to music which glorifies evil on a beach during our college spring break? What about binge watching Netflix? Should you really continue treating your parents badly, when you realize their lives may end suddenly? Doesn't it seem petty to be fighting and acting out with those that you are housebound with?
What should we do instead? Rise to meet the challenge. Call people and help them through this. Don't watch social media and news reports about this all day long. Get a morning and an evening update instead. Try to stay in as much as possible, use what supplies that you have in the cupboards and refrigerator before you go shopping. No sense increasing your chance of getting the virus since people are the main vector. You might realize you don't need to shop so much and you can be content with a little less than you thought you could.
Let go of things that you have no control over. Don't be so angry at the way things are being handled, do we really think we could do better than the officials managing the situation? Most of us harbor anger against something being done or not done in our community to combat the virus? Let us contemplate for a moment that there can be no perfect way of dealing with a killer virus. It will reek sickness, death, and financial destruction. What we are really angry at is, the truth about life. King Solomon describes the seasons of life very well in the Book of Ecclesiastes. There are times of joy and sorrow, life and death. We must accept that and make our peace with it.
Forgive people that you have been holding a grudge against, and read your bible. Pray too. This will be the fuel you need to see past and through the events unfolding. As you work through some of your thoughts and feelings and turn to God's comfort in the situation, you will fine yourself trying to work with the situation the best that you can.
I went out in my spring garden and gathered some fallen branches. They are all over the ground after the winter season. I fashioned a cross and used some twine to secure it in the middle. I then stuck some plastic flowers into the twine and I thought about the upcoming feast of the Resurrection.
* the name was changed to protect privacy.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
It's Here !
Psalm 57:1- “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me. For my soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I take refuge until destruction passes by.”
After my last blog post entitled THE VIRUS (January 31), there has been an exceleration of the worldwide transmission of THE VIRUS and, with that a myriad of consequences. The virus has been responsible for untold illness, pain, fear, brutality, death and economic turmoil.
Now, the coronavirus that just came out of Wuhan, China (also known as COVID-19) has arrived in Westchester County, New York. I knew it would arrive here sooner rather than later. Why? Because Westchester County is home to major movers and shakers. It is not uncommon for me to go to a local coffee shop and run into someone trying to coffee up after a quick trip to China for a business meeting.
China for a New Years' celebration? Sure! Should we go to Italy to enjoy a Carnival season and parade? Of course. Cruises here and cruises there. Cruises everywhere. These are the perks of having money. For many in Westchester County, the world is their oyster.
On any given day, Many are traveling to or from Westchester County from any number of exotic locations for business or pleasure (preferably both). People brag forever about that time they ate blowfish, or about sharing fried locusts while finalizing a business deal. Crunchy I hear, like Rice Krispies.
When you have people in your County all over the globe it is easy to see how this could be a conduit for bringing in any sort of contagion that is going around be it COVID-19, Ebola or anything else that you can think of. Add in taking a plane, after you are infected, and that further spreads the pathogens in the community.
Now all around me, I see the look of panic on people's faces and hear it in their voices. For people who are used to being in control, this is a nightmare. There are schools closing for deep cleaning because a parent was working at a hospital that received a patient who later turned out to test positive for COVID-19. There is a girl who attended a social event where a boy later received confirmation that he had THE VIRUS.
A middle school teacher tested positive for COVID-19 in Scarsdale and now all of the Scarsdale public schoolbs will be closed for two weeks to prevent the further spread of this virus. Deep cleansing in Mount Vernon schools and libraries have been executed. Many other schools and libraries in the vicinity are taking the same step as a precautionary measure. The Governor of New York has even locked down a one-mile square hot-zone in the city of New Rochelle, which is Westchesters' epicenter for corona. He has sent the national guard to assist in that situation. They will disenfect public spaces and deliver food to quarantined individuals.
Are you experiencing any of this where you live yet? It all seems surreal to me. Does it to you? Going to a supermarket for my normal bi-weekly shopping trips are anything but normal now. I drive to stores crowded with people and I can't even get my usual brands of toilet paper or disinfectant because people are panic buying. I know that I am blessed to get any at all and am grateful for that.
I must admit that this is all getting to me! That is until I went to church this past Sunday. I found myself in a sea of calm. People who were not panicking. People who were carrying on normal conversations. My favorite is the people in their 80's who are living life to the fullest. They are singing in the choir, ushering, and still playing tennis and taking exercise classes.
I must admit I don't have the quiet resilience that these folks have. I pray many times throughout the day for strength and calm. I am holding onto lifesaving scripture chapters and verses. For example, Exodus 12:13 which speaks of God's protection and the covering that the blood of the Lamb affords. I have placed this message on a chalk board in my dining room. I have also bookmarked Psalm 91 on my i-Phone so these words of God are always close-by. This chapter is a constant source of help to me. It quickly puts me back to where I should be and the mindset that I should have.
Exodus 12:13
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
After my last blog post entitled THE VIRUS (January 31), there has been an exceleration of the worldwide transmission of THE VIRUS and, with that a myriad of consequences. The virus has been responsible for untold illness, pain, fear, brutality, death and economic turmoil.
Now, the coronavirus that just came out of Wuhan, China (also known as COVID-19) has arrived in Westchester County, New York. I knew it would arrive here sooner rather than later. Why? Because Westchester County is home to major movers and shakers. It is not uncommon for me to go to a local coffee shop and run into someone trying to coffee up after a quick trip to China for a business meeting.
China for a New Years' celebration? Sure! Should we go to Italy to enjoy a Carnival season and parade? Of course. Cruises here and cruises there. Cruises everywhere. These are the perks of having money. For many in Westchester County, the world is their oyster.
On any given day, Many are traveling to or from Westchester County from any number of exotic locations for business or pleasure (preferably both). People brag forever about that time they ate blowfish, or about sharing fried locusts while finalizing a business deal. Crunchy I hear, like Rice Krispies.
When you have people in your County all over the globe it is easy to see how this could be a conduit for bringing in any sort of contagion that is going around be it COVID-19, Ebola or anything else that you can think of. Add in taking a plane, after you are infected, and that further spreads the pathogens in the community.
Now all around me, I see the look of panic on people's faces and hear it in their voices. For people who are used to being in control, this is a nightmare. There are schools closing for deep cleaning because a parent was working at a hospital that received a patient who later turned out to test positive for COVID-19. There is a girl who attended a social event where a boy later received confirmation that he had THE VIRUS.
A middle school teacher tested positive for COVID-19 in Scarsdale and now all of the Scarsdale public schoolbs will be closed for two weeks to prevent the further spread of this virus. Deep cleansing in Mount Vernon schools and libraries have been executed. Many other schools and libraries in the vicinity are taking the same step as a precautionary measure. The Governor of New York has even locked down a one-mile square hot-zone in the city of New Rochelle, which is Westchesters' epicenter for corona. He has sent the national guard to assist in that situation. They will disenfect public spaces and deliver food to quarantined individuals.
Are you experiencing any of this where you live yet? It all seems surreal to me. Does it to you? Going to a supermarket for my normal bi-weekly shopping trips are anything but normal now. I drive to stores crowded with people and I can't even get my usual brands of toilet paper or disinfectant because people are panic buying. I know that I am blessed to get any at all and am grateful for that.
I must admit that this is all getting to me! That is until I went to church this past Sunday. I found myself in a sea of calm. People who were not panicking. People who were carrying on normal conversations. My favorite is the people in their 80's who are living life to the fullest. They are singing in the choir, ushering, and still playing tennis and taking exercise classes.
I must admit I don't have the quiet resilience that these folks have. I pray many times throughout the day for strength and calm. I am holding onto lifesaving scripture chapters and verses. For example, Exodus 12:13 which speaks of God's protection and the covering that the blood of the Lamb affords. I have placed this message on a chalk board in my dining room. I have also bookmarked Psalm 91 on my i-Phone so these words of God are always close-by. This chapter is a constant source of help to me. It quickly puts me back to where I should be and the mindset that I should have.
Exodus 12:13
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Psalm 91- 1-16
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Letter To A Wife
An anonymous letter arrived at the home of my Christian friend Maria* late last summer. It was quite a shock to everyone. Have you ever heard of the expression, "let sleeping dogs lie?" I have never been a fan of that philosophy of life but, I must admit that since this letter has arrived, there have been times when I can't help but wonder why someone would send a letter outlining things that happened so very long ago. Things that have long passed and that you can't do anything about. What's the point of that?
I met Maria a while ago when my marriage was in trouble. Her marriage was in trouble too. I guess she didn't know how much trouble it was in at the time. Maria and I bonded over our love of the Lord and our determination to follow God even through the tough times of marital turmoil. She was a constant source of strength for me and she fought harder than anyone I have ever known to try and turn her own marriage around.
Unfortunately, she was not able to reach her husband João's* heart and rekindle that flame of love that they once had. The marriage ended in divorce as a result of her catching him in the act of adultery. The break-up of her long marriage was not easy for Maria. But, that was years ago. So why was she getting some anonymous letter in the mail now many years after the dissolution of her marriage?
The letter had a silly sounding, obviously made-up name and the phony address was of an armory in White Plains, New York. The letter addressed my friend by name. It contained a bombshell that none of us ever wanted to hear or expected. The letter stated that my friend's ex-husband João* had a very long-term affair. The writer of the letter seemed like a stalker or at least someone who has been in the background of my friend's life for a very long time.
The mysterious writer stated an affair started when my friend and her husband had a baby. They would drop that child off for daycare everyday and according to the writer of the letter, the woman was a close friend of the child's caretaker. She cruelly taunted my friend by stating everyone knew and was laughing at her.
When my friend got to this point, I was totally creeped out. Who says mean things like that? A sociopath? Another spurned lover of her husband perhaps? Thank God that at least the letter did not contain an explicit threat to my friend. However, I felt worried and protective of Maria and concerned for her safety. I am such a mother hen sometimes, but it was not without reason. The writer seemed to taunt her like a cat playing with a mouse.
The anonymous letter hinted that one of Maria's siblings had been aware of the affair, ouch and meow! She hinted that Maria's daughter took her father's side in the divorce, ouch and meow! They even had the nerve to advise my friend to tell her daughter about this affair to straighten things out. A cat will watch and wait for the right moment to pounce no matter how long it takes. You can see this cat seems to know everything about my friend's life up until the present even the fact that Maria's daughter doesn't know of her father's affair.
When Maria's marriage to her husband João broke up many years ago, she made a conscious decision not to put her daughter in the middle of it. She thought talking to her daughter about the adultery she had discovered might hurt her and create a wedge between her and her father. Furthermore, if João wanted to tell his grown daughter, it was his choice. At that time, I do remember a few of Maria's girlfriends wanted her to tell her daughter and let her know that while Maria was working hard to repair her marriage this is what her father was doing. Maria thought as a Christian that this would have been revengeful and wanted no part of it. Could one of her girlfriends have written this letter now?
Maria tried to investigate the veracity of this letter after she received it. She was able to contact her daughter's long ago babysitter. The woman reluctantly confirmed that João had an affair with her friend but, she claimed that she didn't know about it until her friend was dying. Poor Maria felt like she had been made a fool of. This story has more layers than an onion and it makes you cry too. Maria had some sleepless nights and crying spells but had decided to move on and to let it go.
Unfortunately, that was not to be. During the Thanksgiving holiday, the anonymous letter writer struck again! I was busy shopping and planning for my Thanksgiving meal when the caller I.D. on my phone revealed Maria's number. I knew it was something important because Maria never calls during her family holidays. Maria was quite distraught and didn't know what to do or how to proceed as she announced that more anonymous letters had been written. This time, two of Maria's sisters were the recipients.
I knew this wasn't over and I'm not sure when it will be. What does this deranged person really want? The timing of these newest letters shows you the destructive and cruel tendencies of this individual and what they are capable of. Maria was looking forward to time with her family, especially her grandchildren. This person was trying to destroy that tranquility and insinuate themselves into this holiday time.
As a Christian, it is essential to follow God's way even at times like this. When feelings and thoughts emerge it is important as the Bible puts it to, "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ"-2 Corinthians 10:5b. We have to seek God and His wisdom at such moments and resist the urge to follow our wrong-headed thinking. Maria and I began talking over the latest letters and tried to make sense of this whole crazy thing.
It was hard for a kind-hearted woman such as Maria to understand why someone would try to disrupt the special family time of a holiday. I sensed the writer wanted to humiliate my friend and ruin her enjoyment of it. This is so far from her mindset that it caused her a panic of sorts. I asked her if I could pray as I thought it was essential to go to Jesus with all of this in prayer. My friend and I did pray multiple times about this matter. The most touching prayer was for the phantom letter writer.
As we talked over all the newest revelations of the Thanksgiving letters, we naturally reached a point where she was ready to forgive and lift up the person who was hurting her at that moment. Jesus said this in Matthew 5:44 : "But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." There is a power when we can work through the issues of our life and then sincerely get to the point when we can trust God to give that perfect justice and release our problems to Him.
But, as I stated, this whole thing may not be over. This is the second time that we have prayed and forgiven this crazy letter writer. God gives perfect justice but, is this person done with their venomous assault? What was their purpose? Are they dangerous? Knowing the content of each letter I can tell you that I feel this person may have borderline personality disorder. Who did this? Here are the suspects: a borderline friend or former friend, another used and discarded and very angry ex-lover of João's, or an unhappy family member, even her ex-husband.
Each of these possibilities exist because of the way that sin can operate in people's life. The profile of this person would be someone who has an anger problem, is manipulative, and has bad communication skills. This individual would have exhibited poor problem-solving skills and be known to hold grudges. The person could be living a life of regret now and even may have turned to alcohol. What do you think readers?
* the names and a few details have been changed to protect identities.
I met Maria a while ago when my marriage was in trouble. Her marriage was in trouble too. I guess she didn't know how much trouble it was in at the time. Maria and I bonded over our love of the Lord and our determination to follow God even through the tough times of marital turmoil. She was a constant source of strength for me and she fought harder than anyone I have ever known to try and turn her own marriage around.
Unfortunately, she was not able to reach her husband João's* heart and rekindle that flame of love that they once had. The marriage ended in divorce as a result of her catching him in the act of adultery. The break-up of her long marriage was not easy for Maria. But, that was years ago. So why was she getting some anonymous letter in the mail now many years after the dissolution of her marriage?
The letter had a silly sounding, obviously made-up name and the phony address was of an armory in White Plains, New York. The letter addressed my friend by name. It contained a bombshell that none of us ever wanted to hear or expected. The letter stated that my friend's ex-husband João* had a very long-term affair. The writer of the letter seemed like a stalker or at least someone who has been in the background of my friend's life for a very long time.
The mysterious writer stated an affair started when my friend and her husband had a baby. They would drop that child off for daycare everyday and according to the writer of the letter, the woman was a close friend of the child's caretaker. She cruelly taunted my friend by stating everyone knew and was laughing at her.
When my friend got to this point, I was totally creeped out. Who says mean things like that? A sociopath? Another spurned lover of her husband perhaps? Thank God that at least the letter did not contain an explicit threat to my friend. However, I felt worried and protective of Maria and concerned for her safety. I am such a mother hen sometimes, but it was not without reason. The writer seemed to taunt her like a cat playing with a mouse.
The anonymous letter hinted that one of Maria's siblings had been aware of the affair, ouch and meow! She hinted that Maria's daughter took her father's side in the divorce, ouch and meow! They even had the nerve to advise my friend to tell her daughter about this affair to straighten things out. A cat will watch and wait for the right moment to pounce no matter how long it takes. You can see this cat seems to know everything about my friend's life up until the present even the fact that Maria's daughter doesn't know of her father's affair.
When Maria's marriage to her husband João broke up many years ago, she made a conscious decision not to put her daughter in the middle of it. She thought talking to her daughter about the adultery she had discovered might hurt her and create a wedge between her and her father. Furthermore, if João wanted to tell his grown daughter, it was his choice. At that time, I do remember a few of Maria's girlfriends wanted her to tell her daughter and let her know that while Maria was working hard to repair her marriage this is what her father was doing. Maria thought as a Christian that this would have been revengeful and wanted no part of it. Could one of her girlfriends have written this letter now?
Maria tried to investigate the veracity of this letter after she received it. She was able to contact her daughter's long ago babysitter. The woman reluctantly confirmed that João had an affair with her friend but, she claimed that she didn't know about it until her friend was dying. Poor Maria felt like she had been made a fool of. This story has more layers than an onion and it makes you cry too. Maria had some sleepless nights and crying spells but had decided to move on and to let it go.
Unfortunately, that was not to be. During the Thanksgiving holiday, the anonymous letter writer struck again! I was busy shopping and planning for my Thanksgiving meal when the caller I.D. on my phone revealed Maria's number. I knew it was something important because Maria never calls during her family holidays. Maria was quite distraught and didn't know what to do or how to proceed as she announced that more anonymous letters had been written. This time, two of Maria's sisters were the recipients.
I knew this wasn't over and I'm not sure when it will be. What does this deranged person really want? The timing of these newest letters shows you the destructive and cruel tendencies of this individual and what they are capable of. Maria was looking forward to time with her family, especially her grandchildren. This person was trying to destroy that tranquility and insinuate themselves into this holiday time.
As a Christian, it is essential to follow God's way even at times like this. When feelings and thoughts emerge it is important as the Bible puts it to, "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Jesus Christ"-2 Corinthians 10:5b. We have to seek God and His wisdom at such moments and resist the urge to follow our wrong-headed thinking. Maria and I began talking over the latest letters and tried to make sense of this whole crazy thing.
It was hard for a kind-hearted woman such as Maria to understand why someone would try to disrupt the special family time of a holiday. I sensed the writer wanted to humiliate my friend and ruin her enjoyment of it. This is so far from her mindset that it caused her a panic of sorts. I asked her if I could pray as I thought it was essential to go to Jesus with all of this in prayer. My friend and I did pray multiple times about this matter. The most touching prayer was for the phantom letter writer.
As we talked over all the newest revelations of the Thanksgiving letters, we naturally reached a point where she was ready to forgive and lift up the person who was hurting her at that moment. Jesus said this in Matthew 5:44 : "But I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." There is a power when we can work through the issues of our life and then sincerely get to the point when we can trust God to give that perfect justice and release our problems to Him.
But, as I stated, this whole thing may not be over. This is the second time that we have prayed and forgiven this crazy letter writer. God gives perfect justice but, is this person done with their venomous assault? What was their purpose? Are they dangerous? Knowing the content of each letter I can tell you that I feel this person may have borderline personality disorder. Who did this? Here are the suspects: a borderline friend or former friend, another used and discarded and very angry ex-lover of João's, or an unhappy family member, even her ex-husband.
Each of these possibilities exist because of the way that sin can operate in people's life. The profile of this person would be someone who has an anger problem, is manipulative, and has bad communication skills. This individual would have exhibited poor problem-solving skills and be known to hold grudges. The person could be living a life of regret now and even may have turned to alcohol. What do you think readers?
* the names and a few details have been changed to protect identities.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Vandalism at The Church
Some churches within Westchester County, New York have recently been vandalized. These actions span the range of hooliganism from: breaking signs, stealing small church accoutrements, to the more serious and costly acts of breaking windows and toppling statues. This appears to be connected to the decisions to allow same-sex marriages by said churches.
Many of the vandalized churches recently and prominently showcased gay pride flags next to various Christian symbols in the front of their churches. The most recent vandalism, at post time, featured the name of an apostle, which the church is named after, next to a gay flag. The sign was cleft between that name and the flag. Symbolic? Perhaps.
The Pastor of the church had a very angry and seemingly unchristian attitude in response. This was in sharp contrast to other priests and ministers who in public statements were voicing words of forgiveness. In fact, the aforementioned Pastor seemed more like she was running for a political office, then running a church. She also seemed to have a tone of self-righteousness proclaiming that her church was preaching rightly on gay marriage. Either that, or it's a case of me thinks the Pastor doth protest too much!
I feel saddened at the destruction of property and costly damages that some churches will have to contend with. I wonder what a person or persons are feeling as they go through preparing to commit an act of vandalism. It seems so foreign to me. My parents instilled the notion of respect for the property of others. They did not want me to so much as run across a neighbors lawn, nor take an apple from someone's low hanging tree because "it is not your property."
Dog walking was supposed to be in the street according to my parents. They let me know that letting our dog urinate or defecate on someone's property was not right. Parents have an immense responsibility to teach and mentor their children on the topic of respect for property. For instance, I remember many teachable moments in my childhood where a newspaper contained a story of vandalism. My parents almost never missed an opportunity to point out the moral wrongs of these actions.
Next point: the perpetrators of these crimes were clearly making a statement about the current debates going on within the Church. Even at moments like this my parents worked their parental muscles when they pointed me in the direction of fair debate, and honorable political action such as voting for candidates who uphold biblical standards. If we don't like a church's position have we stood up for godly principles at that church? Do we need to attend another church? These are the ways to stand up for godliness, but not by vandalizing a church. The action that some took destroying an historic organ in a New Jersey Methodist church was not a correct response to the Methodist Churches' decision to split their denomination over LGBT marriage and ordination.
What does this all point to? It all points to moral war raging within our world. How should believers respond? The answer is by understanding the underlying principles of this war. This war is a spiritual battle between good and evil, between right and wrong. If we want to be on the side of good we must understand the principles of the spiritual warfare occurring in the world and respond accordingly. We must pray and live a life of faith in God even when the world is against us. We must read our bibles everyday and continue to reverence the gift of salvation that is Jesus Christ. Below is a primer on this topic, including what the problem is and how we are directed as Christians to face it. It is tempting to take things into our own hands but whenever I feel that way, I read this passage and remember Gods's direction to me on this matter.
Ephesians 6:11-18 says, Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devils's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power's of the worlds' darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, take up your full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayer for all the saints.
Many of the vandalized churches recently and prominently showcased gay pride flags next to various Christian symbols in the front of their churches. The most recent vandalism, at post time, featured the name of an apostle, which the church is named after, next to a gay flag. The sign was cleft between that name and the flag. Symbolic? Perhaps.
The Pastor of the church had a very angry and seemingly unchristian attitude in response. This was in sharp contrast to other priests and ministers who in public statements were voicing words of forgiveness. In fact, the aforementioned Pastor seemed more like she was running for a political office, then running a church. She also seemed to have a tone of self-righteousness proclaiming that her church was preaching rightly on gay marriage. Either that, or it's a case of me thinks the Pastor doth protest too much!
I feel saddened at the destruction of property and costly damages that some churches will have to contend with. I wonder what a person or persons are feeling as they go through preparing to commit an act of vandalism. It seems so foreign to me. My parents instilled the notion of respect for the property of others. They did not want me to so much as run across a neighbors lawn, nor take an apple from someone's low hanging tree because "it is not your property."
Dog walking was supposed to be in the street according to my parents. They let me know that letting our dog urinate or defecate on someone's property was not right. Parents have an immense responsibility to teach and mentor their children on the topic of respect for property. For instance, I remember many teachable moments in my childhood where a newspaper contained a story of vandalism. My parents almost never missed an opportunity to point out the moral wrongs of these actions.
Next point: the perpetrators of these crimes were clearly making a statement about the current debates going on within the Church. Even at moments like this my parents worked their parental muscles when they pointed me in the direction of fair debate, and honorable political action such as voting for candidates who uphold biblical standards. If we don't like a church's position have we stood up for godly principles at that church? Do we need to attend another church? These are the ways to stand up for godliness, but not by vandalizing a church. The action that some took destroying an historic organ in a New Jersey Methodist church was not a correct response to the Methodist Churches' decision to split their denomination over LGBT marriage and ordination.
What does this all point to? It all points to moral war raging within our world. How should believers respond? The answer is by understanding the underlying principles of this war. This war is a spiritual battle between good and evil, between right and wrong. If we want to be on the side of good we must understand the principles of the spiritual warfare occurring in the world and respond accordingly. We must pray and live a life of faith in God even when the world is against us. We must read our bibles everyday and continue to reverence the gift of salvation that is Jesus Christ. Below is a primer on this topic, including what the problem is and how we are directed as Christians to face it. It is tempting to take things into our own hands but whenever I feel that way, I read this passage and remember Gods's direction to me on this matter.
Ephesians 6:11-18 says, Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devils's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power's of the worlds' darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, take up your full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayer for all the saints.
Friday, January 31, 2020
The Virus
By now, wherever you are, you have heard of the novel coronavirus emerging from Wuhan, China. The virus hunter, Dr. Guan Yi who first helped identifiy the SARS virus of 2003, has pronounced the seriousness of this outbreak as only one who has seen it all can caution, he says that he is scared. The World Health Organization has officially gone on record declaring this to be a worldwide emergency.
As I write this post, I am aware of the number of people in China who are sick growing exponentially to 10,000 cases, and at least twenty countries reporting cases. That is the official tally. The actual number of cases may be much higher. Dr.Yi is right, this is scary isn't it? Oh Lord preserve and protect us!
This is reading like a story of the past, such as the Black Plague or the Flu Pandemic of 1918-1920. I remember reading all the stories of pandemics and epidemics as a child. I read how they began, how they progressed and the cold, hard statistics of death and devastation. We now know that the story of the Wuhan coronavirus will be recorded and preserved in history alongside these other events.
Whereas science and history record the cold, hard facts, it is the charge of religion, literature and poetry to describe the human and spiritual experiences of life. Turning to these stories as a child truly gave me the full context and human toll of pain, suffering, life, death and nobility. It told the story of saints who ran into danger while the rest of the people ran away from it, such as Fr. Damien who served the lepers of Molokai. Read the modern version of Fr. Damien in my blog post about Graham Staines (February 11, 2019).
What of the doctors who served the people dying of the Black Plague and who died doing that? Or the everyday men and women who served their families and communities amid hopeless circumstances and disease outbreaks? These are the heroes of the human story. People who were
serving not because they were ordered to but because they saw the higher purpose and nobility of it all. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.-John 15:13
The Bible tells us many stories of illness, and plague. It talks of service and love. How do we put that all together at a moment like this? What is the Christian response to such a disaster? The grim saga unfolding before us brings out all our instincts for survival. Our instincts to follow God are revealed in what we do next. Are we fighting at the market to get that last cabbage? Or, even though we know that we are sick, do we get on a bus or plane and risk infecting others? These are the normal things that we all feel compelled to do in our fight for survival. It is natural.
Without God’s Holy Spirit within our lives, we would not have the strength to face the sense of calling in those situations. We are called to be light* and salt* where we are planted by God. There could be food shortages but, what we all have can be shared to lightened the burden of hunger. We may want to travel to the best hospital to get treatment for our coronavirus but without traveling under medical supervision we risk other people’s lives. Love your neighbor as yourself.
The Bible tells us that we have an earthly existence and then an eternal existence. We all think we know how that will unfold. Some people tell me, my mother and father lived to be very old, and I will too. Others think themselves too important to die and reason that they should survive because of their great medical skills, artistic mastery or intellectual prowess.
When something like the coronavirus comes along it challenges all our suppositions as well as our spiritual fortitude. If you are reading this gripped with fear, I understand. You may wonder what the truth is about this virus, and may wonder if you are at risk. The media whips people up into a frenzy in the quest to get more viewership. The fact is you would do best to follow standard medical wisdom to reduce your chance of catching a communicable disease. Please wash your hands often under warm water and soap up for about 15 seconds. If you need to sneeze, be thoughtful of others by covering your nose and mouth and sneezing into a tissue, or sneezing into your elbow. Disinfect all surfaces often because the World Health Organization suggests the virus may live for a time on surfaces touched by infected individuals. It is time to bring these simple precautions to our schools, workplace, church, and other public settings. However, Do not fear. -Deuteronomy 31:6
For those in China, where every region now has recorded cases of this virus, the danger is upon them. We are not entitled to another breath of life, but God graciously has endowed us with it and will see us through any and all crisis if we ask Him into our life and make Him our Lord and Savior. As precious as it is, this life isn’t the last step in our journey. We must live our life with integrity and courage as we face uncertain circumstances knowing that when it is our time to die that because of the atoning death of Jesus Christ we can go to be with God. Even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort me.-Psalm 23:4
* To be salt: Salt is a preservative. A believer needs to preserve the good in a world gone wrong.
To be light refers to bringing light to some dark situations.
As I write this post, I am aware of the number of people in China who are sick growing exponentially to 10,000 cases, and at least twenty countries reporting cases. That is the official tally. The actual number of cases may be much higher. Dr.Yi is right, this is scary isn't it? Oh Lord preserve and protect us!
This is reading like a story of the past, such as the Black Plague or the Flu Pandemic of 1918-1920. I remember reading all the stories of pandemics and epidemics as a child. I read how they began, how they progressed and the cold, hard statistics of death and devastation. We now know that the story of the Wuhan coronavirus will be recorded and preserved in history alongside these other events.
Whereas science and history record the cold, hard facts, it is the charge of religion, literature and poetry to describe the human and spiritual experiences of life. Turning to these stories as a child truly gave me the full context and human toll of pain, suffering, life, death and nobility. It told the story of saints who ran into danger while the rest of the people ran away from it, such as Fr. Damien who served the lepers of Molokai. Read the modern version of Fr. Damien in my blog post about Graham Staines (February 11, 2019).
What of the doctors who served the people dying of the Black Plague and who died doing that? Or the everyday men and women who served their families and communities amid hopeless circumstances and disease outbreaks? These are the heroes of the human story. People who were
serving not because they were ordered to but because they saw the higher purpose and nobility of it all. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.-John 15:13
The Bible tells us many stories of illness, and plague. It talks of service and love. How do we put that all together at a moment like this? What is the Christian response to such a disaster? The grim saga unfolding before us brings out all our instincts for survival. Our instincts to follow God are revealed in what we do next. Are we fighting at the market to get that last cabbage? Or, even though we know that we are sick, do we get on a bus or plane and risk infecting others? These are the normal things that we all feel compelled to do in our fight for survival. It is natural.
Without God’s Holy Spirit within our lives, we would not have the strength to face the sense of calling in those situations. We are called to be light* and salt* where we are planted by God. There could be food shortages but, what we all have can be shared to lightened the burden of hunger. We may want to travel to the best hospital to get treatment for our coronavirus but without traveling under medical supervision we risk other people’s lives. Love your neighbor as yourself.
The Bible tells us that we have an earthly existence and then an eternal existence. We all think we know how that will unfold. Some people tell me, my mother and father lived to be very old, and I will too. Others think themselves too important to die and reason that they should survive because of their great medical skills, artistic mastery or intellectual prowess.
When something like the coronavirus comes along it challenges all our suppositions as well as our spiritual fortitude. If you are reading this gripped with fear, I understand. You may wonder what the truth is about this virus, and may wonder if you are at risk. The media whips people up into a frenzy in the quest to get more viewership. The fact is you would do best to follow standard medical wisdom to reduce your chance of catching a communicable disease. Please wash your hands often under warm water and soap up for about 15 seconds. If you need to sneeze, be thoughtful of others by covering your nose and mouth and sneezing into a tissue, or sneezing into your elbow. Disinfect all surfaces often because the World Health Organization suggests the virus may live for a time on surfaces touched by infected individuals. It is time to bring these simple precautions to our schools, workplace, church, and other public settings. However, Do not fear. -Deuteronomy 31:6
For those in China, where every region now has recorded cases of this virus, the danger is upon them. We are not entitled to another breath of life, but God graciously has endowed us with it and will see us through any and all crisis if we ask Him into our life and make Him our Lord and Savior. As precious as it is, this life isn’t the last step in our journey. We must live our life with integrity and courage as we face uncertain circumstances knowing that when it is our time to die that because of the atoning death of Jesus Christ we can go to be with God. Even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff they comfort me.-Psalm 23:4
* To be salt: Salt is a preservative. A believer needs to preserve the good in a world gone wrong.
To be light refers to bringing light to some dark situations.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Jealousy In The Church
I ran into someone I had not seen for awhile at a New Year's Day Party. I originally met this woman when I was on the Board of a certain non-profit in Westchester County, New York. It occurred to me at the time how she stood out as a genuinely kind and caring person. She was well-liked and well-respected by those around her.
So, it was quite a surprise to hear that she had recently gotten thrown out of a local church. When she mentioned this at a table crowded with atheists and new age believers, everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to Megan's* story. It was like throwing out some chum for sharks!
I must admit I was curious too. Megan is originally from the Midwest. People from the Midwest generally tend to be nicer than New Yorkers. I think New York just got voted the rudest state in the Union, didn't we? So, Megan is basically the nicest person in Westchester County. What could she have done to raise the ire of the elders or Pastor such that they would ask her to leave?
The story unfolded during the Christmas season. Wow, is it just me or do you already feel the irony of someone getting thrown out of a church at Christmastime. She must really have a side that I have never seen, right?
Here is the story. Megan was the concert master for her churchs' annual Christmas production of Handel's Messiah. Recently, a new choir director had been hired. He wanted to bring in his own orchestra and choir master at that point. Megan told us that, "she was fine with that." That is until some, perhaps well-meaning, members of the congregation told her that she should continue in this long-held position. Megan brooched the topic with the new choir director who acquiesced and agreed to allow her to continue her role in that capacity.
The problem is, that he didn't mean it. Instead, he was deeply insulted. He could not let it go. His ego could not stand it. Megan called it music politics. Sure, music politics at the New York Philharmonic but at a local church? Does this seem like godly behavior to you? Nor did any of the atheists and new age believers think much of the Christian world when they heard this story. They are right too.
After hearing the non-believing crowd tear the church to pieces, it was my turn to chime in and say what I thought. I started by telling Megan that I was sorry that this had happened to her. I continued to explain that, in any church there are a variety of people at varying levels of Christian maturity. We are all a work in progress that God is working on. Being a Christian doesn't mean that you are perfect just forgiven. Within a "body of Christ" we should be accountable to one another in a kind way. The Bible tells us if someone offends us to go and tell him alone. When we do this and solve the problem immediately we show the power of God in our life and the life of the church. Why couldn't they talk this out?
When are we Christians going to let Christ be the head of our Church? This story highlighted something that we all need to think about. How do we handle the so-called politics of positions at our local church? Are we drunk with the power of our volunteer or paid position? Are there factions in our churches? The effects of factions are damaging and can destroy a church. The Bible uncovers what often lies beneath our disagreements. (For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."-James 3:16.)
I find it incongruent to think of hearing the words from the book of Isaiah proclaiming the coming Messiah sung in a church and imaging the resentment and factional disputes that lie underneath it all. Yet, isn't that what the Bible tells us, all our deeds are as a filthy rag-Isaiah 64:6. That description well fits the effect of what this church did in their musical performance.
We are sinners. This manifests itself in all that we do. We need to understand this, confess our sins to God and ask Him to help us to be more holy. We ought to obey and follow what the Word of God instructs us to do when conflict arises. (To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”- John 8:31-32.) Spoiler Alert: the Word of God never advises fighting over who gets to play the lead role in Handel's Messiah.
I know Megan and her husband have started to attend another church but I invited her to visit my church as well. I am praying that she does not confuse this all too human conflict with who Jesus is and what He did for her, because Jesus was a man just like us in every way except sin. He is her Savior and Lord.
* the names are changed to protect people's identity.
So, it was quite a surprise to hear that she had recently gotten thrown out of a local church. When she mentioned this at a table crowded with atheists and new age believers, everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to Megan's* story. It was like throwing out some chum for sharks!
I must admit I was curious too. Megan is originally from the Midwest. People from the Midwest generally tend to be nicer than New Yorkers. I think New York just got voted the rudest state in the Union, didn't we? So, Megan is basically the nicest person in Westchester County. What could she have done to raise the ire of the elders or Pastor such that they would ask her to leave?
The story unfolded during the Christmas season. Wow, is it just me or do you already feel the irony of someone getting thrown out of a church at Christmastime. She must really have a side that I have never seen, right?
Here is the story. Megan was the concert master for her churchs' annual Christmas production of Handel's Messiah. Recently, a new choir director had been hired. He wanted to bring in his own orchestra and choir master at that point. Megan told us that, "she was fine with that." That is until some, perhaps well-meaning, members of the congregation told her that she should continue in this long-held position. Megan brooched the topic with the new choir director who acquiesced and agreed to allow her to continue her role in that capacity.
The problem is, that he didn't mean it. Instead, he was deeply insulted. He could not let it go. His ego could not stand it. Megan called it music politics. Sure, music politics at the New York Philharmonic but at a local church? Does this seem like godly behavior to you? Nor did any of the atheists and new age believers think much of the Christian world when they heard this story. They are right too.
After hearing the non-believing crowd tear the church to pieces, it was my turn to chime in and say what I thought. I started by telling Megan that I was sorry that this had happened to her. I continued to explain that, in any church there are a variety of people at varying levels of Christian maturity. We are all a work in progress that God is working on. Being a Christian doesn't mean that you are perfect just forgiven. Within a "body of Christ" we should be accountable to one another in a kind way. The Bible tells us if someone offends us to go and tell him alone. When we do this and solve the problem immediately we show the power of God in our life and the life of the church. Why couldn't they talk this out?
When are we Christians going to let Christ be the head of our Church? This story highlighted something that we all need to think about. How do we handle the so-called politics of positions at our local church? Are we drunk with the power of our volunteer or paid position? Are there factions in our churches? The effects of factions are damaging and can destroy a church. The Bible uncovers what often lies beneath our disagreements. (For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."-James 3:16.)
I find it incongruent to think of hearing the words from the book of Isaiah proclaiming the coming Messiah sung in a church and imaging the resentment and factional disputes that lie underneath it all. Yet, isn't that what the Bible tells us, all our deeds are as a filthy rag-Isaiah 64:6. That description well fits the effect of what this church did in their musical performance.
We are sinners. This manifests itself in all that we do. We need to understand this, confess our sins to God and ask Him to help us to be more holy. We ought to obey and follow what the Word of God instructs us to do when conflict arises. (To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”- John 8:31-32.) Spoiler Alert: the Word of God never advises fighting over who gets to play the lead role in Handel's Messiah.
I know Megan and her husband have started to attend another church but I invited her to visit my church as well. I am praying that she does not confuse this all too human conflict with who Jesus is and what He did for her, because Jesus was a man just like us in every way except sin. He is her Savior and Lord.
* the names are changed to protect people's identity.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Ringing In The New Year!
Out with the old and in with the new is a common sentiment expressed as we begin any New Year. The implication being that it is a propitious time to redirect our path by letting go of some things from our past and developing a fresh approach for the future. (Ecclesiastes 3:6- A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away). I'm going to break this concept down a little further into the realm of mind, body and spirit. Let's review this past year in the realm of these three parameters of our well-being: mind, body and spirit.
Mind: How are you doing emotionally? Are you happy or sad? Anxious or well-balanced? Depressed or coping with things well? Are you exercising your mind in any way? As we celebrate the beginning of a brand new year you should do a review of your emotions and be completely honest as to where your are at. After all, there is always room for improvement. If your are depressed, what is that about? Should you think about moving, getting a new job or breaking up with that boyfriend? Do you need to stop letting people step all over you and think about setting some godly boundaries? The thing is, we paint ourselves into some corners and think there is no escape. That is simply not true. That leads us to depression and even anger. But, it doesn't have to be that way.
One thing to do in the new year is to stop being on emotional automatic. Instead, take time to reflect upon how you are acting, coping and feeling and catch yourself before you do the same old reaction pattern. That means instead of getting into the same old disagreements about money with a parent or spouse, stop yourself and ask what else you can do instead. Are you in an abusive pattern with someone and it goes from verbal or physical abuse, to breakup and then makeup over and over again? Do you have a pattern of drinking or drugging to cope with stress? Have you lost a few jobs over your angry outbursts? (Ephesians 4:26- In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry).
Are there any bad patterns in your life that you recognize and would like to change, such as choosing bad partners? Men who aren't emotional available, or who refuse to work. If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, it's time to wipe the slate clean! If you're saying to yourself New Years resolutions never work, that is exactly the self-talk that you must combat as you endeavor to contemplate new goals for this upcoming year. Start by taking some small steps. Just say no when a bad boy asks you out, walk out of a room when feeling the urge to have an angry outburst. Anger often covers up other feelings that we feel less comfortable expressing such as fear or powerlessness.
(Proverbs 28:13- whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy). It is better to admit what we are really feeling than to cover things up with obfuscations. Admit the cause of your depression instead of drinking that extra glass of wine. The Bible says that wine is a mocker and that means we will end up embarrassed by our overuse of it. Is it time to challenge ourselves intellectually? If the clock has struck midnight it is! So, what language are you going to start learning? What craft will you learn? What about taking a business seminar? Take a book out of your local library.
Body: Every year people sign up in droves for a gym membership in the month of January. As opposed to a mind or spirit makeover, people can easily look in the mirror and say I need a makeover now. Yet, many fail in their quest to loose weight or get in better shape. Again, don't be hard on yourself. Try some small steps. Drink some more water, add a fruit or vegetable to your diet slowly. Cut your dessert portion by 1/4 than alittle bit more some time later. Try to walk,or do a half-push-up.
Try to exercise outdoors if possible. God created trees, and a beautiful sky with birds. God looked at His creation and He said it was good. Shouldn't we too? Studies show that when you look at these things that you will have a greater calm and relaxation. Don't we all need that?
Spirit: Your body was meant to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. If we are not in relationship with God, something is missing. (Be still and know that I am God-Psalm 46:10). Take some time to reflect on the miracle of creation, who God is and what He has done through His son Jesus Christ. Make this a habit every day. Start reading the Bible in January. Start in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and see God's plan unfold.
Begin to look for God's plan for your own life. He has one you know. Start working with God and not against Him. ( Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a stream in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland- Isaiah 43:18-19).
Mind: How are you doing emotionally? Are you happy or sad? Anxious or well-balanced? Depressed or coping with things well? Are you exercising your mind in any way? As we celebrate the beginning of a brand new year you should do a review of your emotions and be completely honest as to where your are at. After all, there is always room for improvement. If your are depressed, what is that about? Should you think about moving, getting a new job or breaking up with that boyfriend? Do you need to stop letting people step all over you and think about setting some godly boundaries? The thing is, we paint ourselves into some corners and think there is no escape. That is simply not true. That leads us to depression and even anger. But, it doesn't have to be that way.
One thing to do in the new year is to stop being on emotional automatic. Instead, take time to reflect upon how you are acting, coping and feeling and catch yourself before you do the same old reaction pattern. That means instead of getting into the same old disagreements about money with a parent or spouse, stop yourself and ask what else you can do instead. Are you in an abusive pattern with someone and it goes from verbal or physical abuse, to breakup and then makeup over and over again? Do you have a pattern of drinking or drugging to cope with stress? Have you lost a few jobs over your angry outbursts? (Ephesians 4:26- In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry).
Are there any bad patterns in your life that you recognize and would like to change, such as choosing bad partners? Men who aren't emotional available, or who refuse to work. If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, it's time to wipe the slate clean! If you're saying to yourself New Years resolutions never work, that is exactly the self-talk that you must combat as you endeavor to contemplate new goals for this upcoming year. Start by taking some small steps. Just say no when a bad boy asks you out, walk out of a room when feeling the urge to have an angry outburst. Anger often covers up other feelings that we feel less comfortable expressing such as fear or powerlessness.
(Proverbs 28:13- whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy). It is better to admit what we are really feeling than to cover things up with obfuscations. Admit the cause of your depression instead of drinking that extra glass of wine. The Bible says that wine is a mocker and that means we will end up embarrassed by our overuse of it. Is it time to challenge ourselves intellectually? If the clock has struck midnight it is! So, what language are you going to start learning? What craft will you learn? What about taking a business seminar? Take a book out of your local library.
Body: Every year people sign up in droves for a gym membership in the month of January. As opposed to a mind or spirit makeover, people can easily look in the mirror and say I need a makeover now. Yet, many fail in their quest to loose weight or get in better shape. Again, don't be hard on yourself. Try some small steps. Drink some more water, add a fruit or vegetable to your diet slowly. Cut your dessert portion by 1/4 than alittle bit more some time later. Try to walk,or do a half-push-up.
Try to exercise outdoors if possible. God created trees, and a beautiful sky with birds. God looked at His creation and He said it was good. Shouldn't we too? Studies show that when you look at these things that you will have a greater calm and relaxation. Don't we all need that?
Spirit: Your body was meant to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. If we are not in relationship with God, something is missing. (Be still and know that I am God-Psalm 46:10). Take some time to reflect on the miracle of creation, who God is and what He has done through His son Jesus Christ. Make this a habit every day. Start reading the Bible in January. Start in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and see God's plan unfold.
Begin to look for God's plan for your own life. He has one you know. Start working with God and not against Him. ( Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a stream in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland- Isaiah 43:18-19).
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Christmas Message
Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord
What does Christmas mean to you? How do you celebrate it? Over the years I have heard many answers to those questions. Family, traditions and gift-giving are central. Cooking and decorating come in a close second as to importance. What I have noticed is that all of the things that we do for Christmas go back in history to ancestral practices which pre-date Christianity. I had a really scary experience in Austria. Have you ever heard of Krampus? This half goat, devil man must win the award for the most pagan of all customs that has managed to merge into Christmas traditions. I feel that when you watch a parade with furry figures of Krampus in it, or send a Krampus card to someone, its pretty much spicing up Christmas with a little bit of a demon please.
What about the Christmas tree? Over the years, I have spent a significant amount of time and energy devoted to having and decorating the perfect Christmas tree. This year, for the first time ever, I did not put up a tree. Sacrilege you say? Hold on a minute and let me explain. I made that decision for a few reasons. One is space. I happen to be storing some things for my church which cut down on available floor space. We don't want a fire hazard do we? Besides that, this year has been emotionally exhausting for me due to family problems. I do think it is important to be flexible and realistic each year as we contemplate the possibilities of Christmas. Some people were worried about me and shocked that I was not putting up a Christmas tree. A more manageable plan this year included putting up some garlands, wreaths, and nativity sets around my home. I also have Christmas floral arrangements around the house and some mini lights displayed here and there.
As I walked around my house and I contemplated the meaning of my changed decorating habits I reminded myself that having a Christmas tree or the best lit house on the block doesn't have anything directly to do with remembering the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the Christmas tree seemed to be blessed by Martin Luther, and embaced by Queen Victoria doesn't it in fact go back to pre-Christian beliefs in tree spirits? Or doesn't my decor sound close to what the Romans did for Saturnalia? At the winter solstice the Romans decorated their homes with garlands, wreaths and gave out gifts. That is exactly what I am doing and I even do this the same time of year that the Romans did it.
As I walked around my house and I contemplated the meaning of my changed decorating habits I reminded myself that having a Christmas tree or the best lit house on the block doesn't have anything directly to do with remembering the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the Christmas tree seemed to be blessed by Martin Luther, and embaced by Queen Victoria doesn't it in fact go back to pre-Christian beliefs in tree spirits? Or doesn't my decor sound close to what the Romans did for Saturnalia? At the winter solstice the Romans decorated their homes with garlands, wreaths and gave out gifts. That is exactly what I am doing and I even do this the same time of year that the Romans did it.
Sometimes it is even hard to find time to contemplate the birth of Jesus amid all the running to and fro. The demands of the Christmas season varies from country to country but in general it seems like in addition to everything else that we have to do everyday that the season of Christmas brings a lot more work. Christmas plus final exams. Christmas plus end of year job requirements. Christmas plus all the other chores that we already have to do. Does it sounds as if I am a Scrooge? I hope not. The Christmas season is a beautiful and joyful time. However it all came to this point of the way we celebrate it let's try not to exhaust ourselves or do things that would be ill-advised such as get into debt to buy gifts or drinking to excess. Also, remember that the expectations of the perfect Christmas makes many of us feel inadequate. Is our family experience as good as the person next door? Does our cooking or family holiday measure up? A survey just done in the United States showed that the majority of Americans believe that we need more Jesus in Christmas. If you are overwhelmed, discouraged or lonely this Christmas remember that God sent Jesus to be with you in your troubles and to give you hope and new direction. He didn't come to help perfect people in perfect families who live in perfect homes. He came to help those who could get real and realize that they are sinners in need of salvation. Keeping this in mind keeps everything in perspective.
Merry Real Christmas!
Merry Real Christmas!
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Allegory of the Missions Trip- Part 3
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.- William Shakespeare.
Intro: How is the story of Queen Esther like my missions trip? Does the story of Queen Esther remind you of any events in your own life as a Christian? Let us contemplate these questions.
Queen Esther:
Intro: The story of the greatness of Queen Esther undoubtably casts her into the light of the hero who has greatness thrust upon them. Nowhere in the Bible story of Queen Esther do I see her either born or striving for a mighty role in the drama unfolding before her. Yet, when the time for greatness came she accepted the scepter of responsibility.
Setting: The Babylonian empire had laid siege upon the Jewish people and destroyed their capitol in the sixth century B.C. Many Jewish people were kidnapped and enslaved at that time and taken to live in Babylon. Some time after that, the Babylonian empire was itself defeated by the Medo-Persian empire. After this happened the Medo-Persians became the overlords of the Jewish communities living in exile. A Persian King eventually gave the Jewish people permission to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild that city.
Many Jews chose not to return to Jerusalem. They had grown accostumed to the life and culture of the place they now lived. Perhaps they were less religious or had grown prosperous in their new environs. Whatever the reason, this is the setting that the young Esther, (Hadassah) found herself in as we begin our story. She was a stranger in a strange land (Exodus 2:22), i.e. a subject of the Medo-Persian King Ahasuerus.
Up until the Jewish people established the state of Israel, they forever lived a life of insecurity and persecution. As a longtime exiled people they always formed a minority in the many countries in which they lived. Although they made important contributions to every country which they inhabited, they ended up hated and reviled none-the-less.
The ups and downs of life for the Jewish people can be seen very clearly in the story of Queen Esther (Esther 3:8). It is an exact template of all of the most heinous things which have ever happened to them. Yet, the finale of this story is one of the most hope-filled stories in the Bible.
Esther is an orphan child being raised by her cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:7). Mordecai represents the faithful remnant of Jewish believers in exile. He is watchful and protective of Esther and the Jewish community (Esther 2: 10-11). The dangers are many for the Jewish people. There is physical danger, as well as spiritual danger. God called his chosen people to be different than those around them. Could they continue to be spiritually strong and stay unified as God's people should be with so many temptations in a foreign land?
When our story begins we see that the goings on in the court of King Ahasuerus include drunkenness and demeaning behavior toward the King's wife Vashti. In what can only be described as a sadistic mindset, King Ahasuerus and his courtiers decide that Vashti must be dethroned and replaced by a new queen. Moreover, pretty quickly we see that one of the King's advisors Haman hates the Jewish people and is plotting an early version of a Holocaust.
Esther: We all live in an environment in which we must operate: at home, at school, at work or at church. Further, we must make decisions as to our responses to both the good and the evil we are confronted with every day. When challenges come, there is always a risk to us when we stand against it. When we rise to meet a challenge it is never convenient. It costs something.
The costs can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. They could be financial or effect our life in a multitude of ways. In the Bible, God often chooses the least likely individual for a divine role. It shows the possible for each of us to rise to a challenge, and it shows God's providence in the situation. Without Esther, all would have been lost. She was the person who played a pivotal role in saving those who were wrongly treated and in need of salvation.
Was there a Queen Esther on my trip, a Haman or King Ahasuerus? The answer is yes. The Spirit of Esther, Ahasuerus and Haman exists in all our lives and in various situations. It is up to us to recognize and follow God in those moments. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?- Esther 4:14b
Intro: The story of the greatness of Queen Esther undoubtably casts her into the light of the hero who has greatness thrust upon them. Nowhere in the Bible story of Queen Esther do I see her either born or striving for a mighty role in the drama unfolding before her. Yet, when the time for greatness came she accepted the scepter of responsibility.
Setting: The Babylonian empire had laid siege upon the Jewish people and destroyed their capitol in the sixth century B.C. Many Jewish people were kidnapped and enslaved at that time and taken to live in Babylon. Some time after that, the Babylonian empire was itself defeated by the Medo-Persian empire. After this happened the Medo-Persians became the overlords of the Jewish communities living in exile. A Persian King eventually gave the Jewish people permission to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild that city.
Many Jews chose not to return to Jerusalem. They had grown accostumed to the life and culture of the place they now lived. Perhaps they were less religious or had grown prosperous in their new environs. Whatever the reason, this is the setting that the young Esther, (Hadassah) found herself in as we begin our story. She was a stranger in a strange land (Exodus 2:22), i.e. a subject of the Medo-Persian King Ahasuerus.
Up until the Jewish people established the state of Israel, they forever lived a life of insecurity and persecution. As a longtime exiled people they always formed a minority in the many countries in which they lived. Although they made important contributions to every country which they inhabited, they ended up hated and reviled none-the-less.
The ups and downs of life for the Jewish people can be seen very clearly in the story of Queen Esther (Esther 3:8). It is an exact template of all of the most heinous things which have ever happened to them. Yet, the finale of this story is one of the most hope-filled stories in the Bible.
Esther is an orphan child being raised by her cousin Mordecai (Esther 2:7). Mordecai represents the faithful remnant of Jewish believers in exile. He is watchful and protective of Esther and the Jewish community (Esther 2: 10-11). The dangers are many for the Jewish people. There is physical danger, as well as spiritual danger. God called his chosen people to be different than those around them. Could they continue to be spiritually strong and stay unified as God's people should be with so many temptations in a foreign land?
When our story begins we see that the goings on in the court of King Ahasuerus include drunkenness and demeaning behavior toward the King's wife Vashti. In what can only be described as a sadistic mindset, King Ahasuerus and his courtiers decide that Vashti must be dethroned and replaced by a new queen. Moreover, pretty quickly we see that one of the King's advisors Haman hates the Jewish people and is plotting an early version of a Holocaust.
Esther: We all live in an environment in which we must operate: at home, at school, at work or at church. Further, we must make decisions as to our responses to both the good and the evil we are confronted with every day. When challenges come, there is always a risk to us when we stand against it. When we rise to meet a challenge it is never convenient. It costs something.
The costs can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. They could be financial or effect our life in a multitude of ways. In the Bible, God often chooses the least likely individual for a divine role. It shows the possible for each of us to rise to a challenge, and it shows God's providence in the situation. Without Esther, all would have been lost. She was the person who played a pivotal role in saving those who were wrongly treated and in need of salvation.
Was there a Queen Esther on my trip, a Haman or King Ahasuerus? The answer is yes. The Spirit of Esther, Ahasuerus and Haman exists in all our lives and in various situations. It is up to us to recognize and follow God in those moments. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?- Esther 4:14b
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Allegory of The MissionsTrip- Part 2
Intro: Last week, in part 1 of my missions trip story, I explained that I am not at liberty to reveal the country nor details of what activities transpired as I traveled with my church to try and make a difference for children in need. Part of that mandate is easy for me. In my blog, The Confessions of a Westchester Christian Housewife, it is policy to change the names of people and certain identifying characteristics in order to maintain some anonymity.
This blog is a spiritual diary that I share with you, my friends, as we all try to cast a spiritual light on this life we live. To do that I have to give frank portrayals of things that have actually happened. It has been a spiritual lifesaver for me. So, how do I begin to express the depth of pain that I have touched upon in this my latest missions trip without giving some salient features of that trip? How do I do honor to all those whom I have met and honestly tell their story without certain details?
The answer that I have come up with, is to explore the world of the allegory. That secret world that writers have created to host ideas and lay out commentary. The allegory has kept the writer safe from persecution throughout the ages. The allegory is a deep dive by the reader into a topic, sort of a brain teaser of truth.
Today, I am exploring my inspiration from literature of one of the great allegorical writers of all time, Dostoyevsky. As I pulled our my old "dog-eared" copy of his book, The Brothers Karamazov, and started to re-read it; I realized that there were many parallels between things that I wished to express and what he captured in his novel of ideas and emotions.
Inspiration: The Brothers Karamazov-
They all came from the same father. Yet, no unity existed. It had been many years since they had all been together as a family, when Providence would bring them all back together in their small ancestral village of Skotoprigonevsk. This is the place that it all started for these men, it is the place they were all born. The Brothers Karamazov all had business to attend to, but no uniformity of purpose or vision for their families' future.
They all had somehow survived their wreckage of a childhood. Poor Dmitri's mother died and he was sent away by his father to live with other family members who would raise him. He eventually joined the military. There is a sort of metaphor that emerges when you contemplate the career paths of all three sons. Would Dmitri be strengthened enough in the military to stand up against his biggest foe, his father?
Would Ivan ever find the reason behind all that had happened in his family life through his philosophical and intellectual explorations or a path to God? What of Alyosha? He was studying to become a monk under the spiritual Father Zosima. What a sharp contrast father Zosima is to his biological father Fyodor in every way. Is that the point?
These men were all quite different how would they ever come together as a family? What other situations exsisted for these brothers which would come to bear upon their situation. One such circumstance was about to come upon the scene. A situation exists in the way of a scene stealer : another brother will emerge.
Conclusion: The total outcome of any situation will equal the sum of its' participating parts. So, here we have our allegorical equation. The situation as envisioned by Dostoyevsky is dire. Evil exists and explodes in our lives and in the pages of this novel. It is huge too: lust, greed, narcissism, and even murder.
However, the theme of redemption beats ever present throughout this mess. There is light, truth, and grace, many of the characters in this novel are in a allegorical quest for this prize, like the medieval knights of old. Some of the characters are not!
Next week: Conclusion: Queen Esther and my Missions Trip
This blog is a spiritual diary that I share with you, my friends, as we all try to cast a spiritual light on this life we live. To do that I have to give frank portrayals of things that have actually happened. It has been a spiritual lifesaver for me. So, how do I begin to express the depth of pain that I have touched upon in this my latest missions trip without giving some salient features of that trip? How do I do honor to all those whom I have met and honestly tell their story without certain details?
The answer that I have come up with, is to explore the world of the allegory. That secret world that writers have created to host ideas and lay out commentary. The allegory has kept the writer safe from persecution throughout the ages. The allegory is a deep dive by the reader into a topic, sort of a brain teaser of truth.
Today, I am exploring my inspiration from literature of one of the great allegorical writers of all time, Dostoyevsky. As I pulled our my old "dog-eared" copy of his book, The Brothers Karamazov, and started to re-read it; I realized that there were many parallels between things that I wished to express and what he captured in his novel of ideas and emotions.
Inspiration: The Brothers Karamazov-
They all came from the same father. Yet, no unity existed. It had been many years since they had all been together as a family, when Providence would bring them all back together in their small ancestral village of Skotoprigonevsk. This is the place that it all started for these men, it is the place they were all born. The Brothers Karamazov all had business to attend to, but no uniformity of purpose or vision for their families' future.
They all had somehow survived their wreckage of a childhood. Poor Dmitri's mother died and he was sent away by his father to live with other family members who would raise him. He eventually joined the military. There is a sort of metaphor that emerges when you contemplate the career paths of all three sons. Would Dmitri be strengthened enough in the military to stand up against his biggest foe, his father?
Would Ivan ever find the reason behind all that had happened in his family life through his philosophical and intellectual explorations or a path to God? What of Alyosha? He was studying to become a monk under the spiritual Father Zosima. What a sharp contrast father Zosima is to his biological father Fyodor in every way. Is that the point?
These men were all quite different how would they ever come together as a family? What other situations exsisted for these brothers which would come to bear upon their situation. One such circumstance was about to come upon the scene. A situation exists in the way of a scene stealer : another brother will emerge.
Conclusion: The total outcome of any situation will equal the sum of its' participating parts. So, here we have our allegorical equation. The situation as envisioned by Dostoyevsky is dire. Evil exists and explodes in our lives and in the pages of this novel. It is huge too: lust, greed, narcissism, and even murder.
However, the theme of redemption beats ever present throughout this mess. There is light, truth, and grace, many of the characters in this novel are in a allegorical quest for this prize, like the medieval knights of old. Some of the characters are not!
Next week: Conclusion: Queen Esther and my Missions Trip
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