My child, I see you. Tendrils matted to your sweaty, tear-stained cheek. Where the salty streaks tell of pain embedded deep. Within you, I see. I see the dreams that invade your memories with not-so-subtle lies that the Enemy tries to bind and keep. The injustices that line your sleep. I see the look of shame as you're reminded of atrocities that tried to overcome you but I held them off and kept you strong. The dark shadows that pranced across the walls of your mind, but it was your heart that has always been mine. And it's the heart that sets the pace for the mind, so I sowed within you the foundation of truth. The truth that you're mine.
My child, I see you. I see how my dreams for you have become intwined in yours. How my will for your life is quick to your lips and the injustices of this life have equipped you for battle. I see the look of awe as you realize it's me who's holding your hand, as we paint hope across the walls of those still standing still, ready to drop their chains. To embrace me wholeheartedly, you have, not timidly as before but now more of a hug that refuses to tread lightly. For this walk that we've been on is anything but ephemeral. My child, we have eternity.
And it is there, also, that I see you--the future, yes, but for me it runs together. I see you, my child. In my arms, I hold you secure, as we laugh and travel the New Jerusalem. And I love causing you to grin, as I show you the sharks and with them, how to swim. Oh and the lions, (I'm partial to the lions!), we laugh and point as we watch them embark, side by side with the lamb, not frightened. And this is my kingdom, and you are my child!
My child. I like saying this. And please don't be so quick, to loosen your grip on my hand when you can't see the plan. When pain overtakes you and you have trouble seeing to tomorrow. I ask you one thing. To look up. For I am here. Squeeze my hand and trust me because I am here and I see you. Open your eyes, and see Me. Forever mine. Forever free.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Pro-Life: Holistic Integrity
Given the recent presidential elections and debates, I have been thinking about the biblical stance on "Pro-Life", and how many well-meaning Christ-followers often stop short of supporting a holistic ideal of abundant life. Don't get me wrong, I am very much against abortion, but in claiming to be "pro-life" i also am required to look into all that this belief entails, meaning: Anti-death penalty, anti-war and violence, pro-health care, pro-foster care, pro-services for teenage mothers, pro-empowering those in poverty...pro-restortation of life.
We often, as Christ-followers, are very quick to title and categorize what we are "against" versus what we are "for", and often only go as far as protesting versus allowing our values to intertwine into the fabrics of our everyday lives. We hold firm beliefs but really would rather them stay as beliefs and not mess up our lives too badly and keep us in a comfortable box of checklist commandments. In other words, we kind of skip over the whole integrity value. We claim "pro-life" but really don't open our homes up for kids or pregnant mothers, get our hands dirty, or enter into the messiness of life. we are fine to tell others what we think they should do and judge their decisions, but quick to put up walls in supporting them in making right decisions and walking them through actual life.
Claiming "pro-life" does not and should not stop once the child is born! Abundant life. This is what Christ has allowed for: "I have come to give life and life abundantly" John 10:10. Does this not also include issues of healthcare and war...death penalty and poverty?? Who are we to judge? Who are we to throw the first stone? Restoration of life. Given the great mercy of our Father God, and the intense grace of our Savior Jesus, should we not be called to restorative justice as well? How can we say "You should be punished with death for killing someone?" Seems like an oxymoron to me. I wonder how many Pauls and Davids we have committed to death for the penalties of their murderous sins? How many times we have declared war on those who have enticed or reacted with war, themselves.
Where do we draw the line in the sand? Where do we throw down the "abortion is murder" signs and pick up a life of integrity...living out what we truly believe and promoting abundant life to the fullest? Let us take example from Jesus and enter into the mess. Then, and only then, is where our words will be valid...our beliefs restorative and our integrity holistic.
We often, as Christ-followers, are very quick to title and categorize what we are "against" versus what we are "for", and often only go as far as protesting versus allowing our values to intertwine into the fabrics of our everyday lives. We hold firm beliefs but really would rather them stay as beliefs and not mess up our lives too badly and keep us in a comfortable box of checklist commandments. In other words, we kind of skip over the whole integrity value. We claim "pro-life" but really don't open our homes up for kids or pregnant mothers, get our hands dirty, or enter into the messiness of life. we are fine to tell others what we think they should do and judge their decisions, but quick to put up walls in supporting them in making right decisions and walking them through actual life.
Claiming "pro-life" does not and should not stop once the child is born! Abundant life. This is what Christ has allowed for: "I have come to give life and life abundantly" John 10:10. Does this not also include issues of healthcare and war...death penalty and poverty?? Who are we to judge? Who are we to throw the first stone? Restoration of life. Given the great mercy of our Father God, and the intense grace of our Savior Jesus, should we not be called to restorative justice as well? How can we say "You should be punished with death for killing someone?" Seems like an oxymoron to me. I wonder how many Pauls and Davids we have committed to death for the penalties of their murderous sins? How many times we have declared war on those who have enticed or reacted with war, themselves.
Where do we draw the line in the sand? Where do we throw down the "abortion is murder" signs and pick up a life of integrity...living out what we truly believe and promoting abundant life to the fullest? Let us take example from Jesus and enter into the mess. Then, and only then, is where our words will be valid...our beliefs restorative and our integrity holistic.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Upside Down Reformation of Loving Our Neighbor
I have to make a confession. I have not done such a great job of loving Christ's bride, the church. Insomuch, that i have been very critical of the American church today, without remaining a part of it in order to help promote change and rebirth. I have committed hypocrisy. For, in reality, we are all hypocrites, right? The question remains, then, how can we rebuild what is hypocritical in our lives, in the church, in the world around us, so that we do not remain blind and a poor reflection on the heart of the God who we so desire to represent? How do we become honest and transparent vessels of change within ourselves first, and then within the system of Christianity that is flatlining in a world so desperate to know love?
Conversion. Complete conversion of the heart, mind, and mindset. Erasing the separation between "church and state" or "church and lifestyle". Acting on our preaching...taking action on our very prayers. Forget about handing off the problems of society to the hands of political parties. Society...community...these are the church's concern, not the government's. It's not about pushing policies into law or voting for Blue or Red. Change starts within our own lives and ignites other individuals and communities--churches and neighborhoods. On this election day, i had the thought, "i'm voting Republican for government and desiring the church to start thinking democratically" (to a sense).
For example, I don't believe it should be the role of government to enable or even provide for the economic security of the poor by taking money from the wealthy; however, I do believe that if we really understood Jesus' heart, the government wouldn't have to if we, as Christians, not out of guilt or obligation, but rather---LOVE---provided for the needs of the poor, took care of widows, women, children, the sick, those in need. Christianity must serve to become more than a belief. It must become action. Our thinking, our hearts, and yes, even our view on money, need to be reborn and reformed back into the ideals that the early church pursued.
To love our neighbors. To give the coat off our back. To not store up for ourselves treasures in the here and now, but to think heavenly. Dependent on our Father for our "daily bread"...our daily needs to be met! We wonder why we don't see miracles. Perhaps its because we don't need....we aren't in need for God to show up! So we turn to our stockpile of money saved up and our treasures of a 50" flatscreen or our Mercedes-Benz to get us through our day, while all the while we are declaring "justice for all!" and "Bless America!". "God, bless me with this..." instead of how can my life be a blessing to others and God, himself. How do we become a church body that cares for and loves our neighbors at the very core of our faith belies, including: healthcare, economics, hospitality, servanthood, militarism, peace, humility, emotionality, spirituality?
Church, as we know it today, is broken and bleeding. Our mindsets, our hearts, and our paychecks are not always reflecting Jesus' heart. Does that mean we abandon the church? I'm being convicted that this is not the answer. Who am I to think that i am no less of a hypocrite than the church? No less at fault? Who am I to think i can or should do this faith living without community or the bride of Christ? We need the church and the church needs reformational thinking...to be revived--In love and truth. I don't want to be that seed that gets uprooted or tossed about due to not taking root or being secured in foundation of community and accountability. How do I love my neighbor? How do you love your neighbor? How do we as a church better represent the Bride of Christ to our neighbors in every aspect of everyday living? Let's start asking these questions and working together in unity towards reformation and revival of the very heart of our saving grace, Jesus!!
Conversion. Complete conversion of the heart, mind, and mindset. Erasing the separation between "church and state" or "church and lifestyle". Acting on our preaching...taking action on our very prayers. Forget about handing off the problems of society to the hands of political parties. Society...community...these are the church's concern, not the government's. It's not about pushing policies into law or voting for Blue or Red. Change starts within our own lives and ignites other individuals and communities--churches and neighborhoods. On this election day, i had the thought, "i'm voting Republican for government and desiring the church to start thinking democratically" (to a sense).
For example, I don't believe it should be the role of government to enable or even provide for the economic security of the poor by taking money from the wealthy; however, I do believe that if we really understood Jesus' heart, the government wouldn't have to if we, as Christians, not out of guilt or obligation, but rather---LOVE---provided for the needs of the poor, took care of widows, women, children, the sick, those in need. Christianity must serve to become more than a belief. It must become action. Our thinking, our hearts, and yes, even our view on money, need to be reborn and reformed back into the ideals that the early church pursued.
To love our neighbors. To give the coat off our back. To not store up for ourselves treasures in the here and now, but to think heavenly. Dependent on our Father for our "daily bread"...our daily needs to be met! We wonder why we don't see miracles. Perhaps its because we don't need....we aren't in need for God to show up! So we turn to our stockpile of money saved up and our treasures of a 50" flatscreen or our Mercedes-Benz to get us through our day, while all the while we are declaring "justice for all!" and "Bless America!". "God, bless me with this..." instead of how can my life be a blessing to others and God, himself. How do we become a church body that cares for and loves our neighbors at the very core of our faith belies, including: healthcare, economics, hospitality, servanthood, militarism, peace, humility, emotionality, spirituality?
Church, as we know it today, is broken and bleeding. Our mindsets, our hearts, and our paychecks are not always reflecting Jesus' heart. Does that mean we abandon the church? I'm being convicted that this is not the answer. Who am I to think that i am no less of a hypocrite than the church? No less at fault? Who am I to think i can or should do this faith living without community or the bride of Christ? We need the church and the church needs reformational thinking...to be revived--In love and truth. I don't want to be that seed that gets uprooted or tossed about due to not taking root or being secured in foundation of community and accountability. How do I love my neighbor? How do you love your neighbor? How do we as a church better represent the Bride of Christ to our neighbors in every aspect of everyday living? Let's start asking these questions and working together in unity towards reformation and revival of the very heart of our saving grace, Jesus!!
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