Do You See a Mighty Warrior in Your Mirror?

I’m thinking about all of the warriors who have risen to the top during these “beyond normal” days of COVID-19. This has been a survival-of-the-fittest for those who arose to the challenges despite the inconveniences, the lifestyle changes, the stay-at-home orders, the abandonment of public get-togethers, etc.

But even before this unparalleled season, we've all had defining moments that either made us or broke us. But, whatever they were -- God did what He does best – He used them for good. I speak from plenty of experience. As I look back on some of the toughest of times, I realize they made me stronger, wiser, gutsier, and braver.

Here’s the thing -- our destiny and purpose are wrapped up in each and every one of these times. It's that "stuff" that makes a warrior – the warrior moments that seemed like the worst of worst times that we call adversity, but were actually the turbo boost to propel us to where we were meant to be.

Maybe you’re one of the rare-breed who has weathered this season like an undaunted champion. You’ve been on duty 24/7 with food prep, school-at-home regimes, games and activities that keep your “team” occupied and having fun. Maybe, you’re one of the front-liners who have fearlessly put yourself at risk and in harm’s way to help others. You have worn face masks so much that your face has lines embedded in them. Shout outs to all of you warriors! You deserve recognition, awards and jewels in your heavenly crown!

On the other hand, some are hanging on by a mere thread – and the thought of ONE MORE DAY of this is nearly overwhelming. I assure you of this -- the times of adversity either make us stronger and cause us to have the "warrior” mentality or we succumb to the pressure and throw in the towel with the "pull-the-blanket-over-the-head” mentality. One makes us stronger and leads to success, while the other causes us to quit.

I recall God’s words to Gideon: “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12) even though he didn't feel like a mighty warrior. And, God has said that to us, too! The enemy came in to devastate our world. My lightning fast mind knows that this invasion wasn’t from God – nothing evil comes from Him. But, the enemy of our souls DOES come in “like a roaring lion – seeking whom he may devour”. (1 Peter 5:8)

I believe God sees mighty warriors in each of us too. Imagine facilitating home school, you’re making yet ANOTHER meal, paying bills, sorting laundry and God appears to you saying, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” God makes victors out of the ordinary and overlooked. God seems to delight in working powerfully through unexpected “warriors”.

So when you look in the bathroom mirror today, who will you see? Even if you’re hiding in there from the kids, you can choose to see a mighty warrior for God. In fact, in Him, we ARE mighty warriors! Isn't that the warrior mentality we all should have to take on all life with passion and purpose and dig in deep to declare war on ANY and EVERYTHING that tries to stop God's assignments? Indeed, we are mighty warriors!

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4

I Flew the Coop After Forty Days of Quarantine

May 1st! Can we even believe it? We have learned some things during this time of quarantine that will serve us for the rest of our days. We've been given many opportunities to grow spiritually and for that we'll forever be grateful. I sincerely believe that God is in Master-control of everything! I am completely at peace when one of these days, He'll call my number and I’ll show up on time! I’m confident of this – like St. Paul writes: “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:10) Win – Win – either way!

I’m not an alarmist, but these times certainly do conjure up thoughts about our end of days. And if it is -- "What a day that will be when my Jesus I will see. I will look upon His face – the One Who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the hand, and leads me to the Promise Land. What a day – glorious day that will be!" I’ve studied the Bible long enough that I know there are many proof-positives that God is up to something! This is a friend's FB post a few days ago that intrigued me:

“The official COVID-19 lockdown started March 23rd and will likely end May 1st. That is EXACTLY 40 days. The Latin root of the word "quarantine" is "forty". So, what does the Bible say about 40? The flood lasted 40 days -- for 40 years Moses fled to Egypt -- 40 days Moses stayed on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments -- the Exodus lasted 40 years -- Jesus fasted for 40 days – The law was 40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth – The optimum number of weeks for human gestation is 40.

A group of theologians says the number 40 represents change. It is the time of preparing a person, or people, to make a change. Something will happen after these 40 days. Just believe and pray. Remember, whenever the number 40 appears in the Bible, there is a change. Please know that during this quarantine, rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less theft and murder, healing is happening, and most importantly, people are turning to Christ. The Earth is at rest for the first time in many years and hearts are truly transforming.

Remember we are in the year 2020 and 20 + 20 = 40. Also, 2020 is the year of the United States Census. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born during a census. Lastly, 2020 is perfect vision. May our sight focus on the Lord and living according to His perfect vision for us knowing He holds us in the palm of His hand. May these days of quarantine bring spiritual liberation to our souls, our nation, and our world.”

That was a great lesson in numerology – a lot of people are into that study. And they give great credence to their findings. But, here’s what makes my day! One day history will come to a close and eternity will go forever. The future is as bright as the promises of God. Remember our reward will last forever. The Bible says, "Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”. 2 Cor 4:17

Imagine what it is going to be like when one day, with ALL of us standing before the throne of God (no necessity for 6-foot social distancing there), as we present our lives in deep gratitude and praise to Christ. Together we will say, “Worthy, oh Master! Yes, our God! We will praise Him for His perfect plan and live for His purposes forever! Did I give you something to think about?

Being a Soul Searcher

I’ve been doing some soul-searching – especially about my attitude during this quarantine. Honestly, not too much in my life changed. Yes, I've missed my Austin and Tulsa family and I was sad about the retreat that was cancelled that we had been working on for months, but I had no special occasions or vacations planned, a job that I depended on, children who were missing their senior year activities, or the loss of a loved one.

Of course I can have a sunny disposition – I haven’t personally been touched with emotional or physical pain as some of you have. But today, I am a Soul Searcher. I think, maybe, my happy-sing-along-with-Donna attitude may have come across as insensitive. So, please, forgive me -- especially to those of you who have suffered loss and are still in a grieving mode. I sincerely mean it. To love you is to help bear your burdens.To love you is to wrap my arms around you (virtually) so you know how much I care and am praying that you will weather this storm with strength and resolve.

Among the recommendations for keeping us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic was to gargle with warm salt water. But, I thought about salt in a different way when I considered where some of my friends are at. I realized that my sunny disposition may not appeal to those who are in misery right now. Lots of disappointments, financial setbacks, dreams squelched, and really severe depression. That is not something to be “sunny” about. The saying goes “It’s like rubbing salt in a wound.

I do know that grief can slip in quietly behind our best defenses. I do know what it is to force thinking about good and hopeful things, but still the darkness won’t go. I also know more about strength and determination in God's timing that sure helps. I think King Solomon understood it when he told us “There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

I’m sure there are those who know that scripture and how seasons like this come and go. But, I also know weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing can all occur in one “up-and-down” day. I've learned it’s okay to have a good cry (like when I was going through old photos of my husband and I last week). I also know "Don't stay there!" I know to move on is to appreciate the beauty of the present. Grief-triggers used to be unwelcome visitors for me. I would refuse to allow myself to go there. But, I’ve learned that it’s okay to grieve -- temporarily – because to those who loved much – miss their loved one much. I embrace those memories as a chance to give thanks for God’s past gifts and to expect His work now and in the future.

Here’s my heart -- I’m so sorry for giving the impression that I don't care about my friends’ needs. I assure you I do care and I want to help you out of despair. Christ is alive so that we don’t have to mourn or grieve as those without Him do. He brings us beauty right in the middle of our hardest days and saddest seasons. And even though His work isn't always an immediate song and dance, He always presents us the opportunity to change: "He grants to those who mourn in Zion -- beauty for ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of heaviness." (Isaiah 61:3).

We don’t have to force the joy or avoid the pain. But we do entrust our sorrow and hurts to Jesus because He is a compassionate Savior who knows grief and understands sadness. He cradles us, He heals our brokenness, and He transforms the ashes we bring Him into a crown of beauty that only He can create. The "corona-virus" starts with corona (crown). Let's change clothes, put on the garment of praise and thanksgiving, our crown of beauty and expect the best is yet to come! I love you so much and I'm praying for your change of seasons and that your BEST days are ahead!!

What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger

Yesterday, we had another wonderful sing-a-long at the front yard of Tim and LaDonna Gatlin Johnson. Still assembled in our 6-foot rule spacing, we clapped and sang together to some of the best old hymns. Tim, an incredible pianist, gave us a concert in "Liberace" style!

Most beautiful were the testimonies of God’s amazing grace. Tim touched us with his story of surviving cancer in all of his lymph nodes many years ago. Tim and LaDonna became stronger in their faith and trust in God’s faithfulness more than ever before. What didn’t kill Tim, made him stronger.

I can speak a similar story – through the illnesses of my children, myself, and my husband’s illnesses and passing – I became stronger than I ever thought possible.

Pictured again here is the after-shot of the tornado that my father and mother-in-law went through. What didn’t kill them made them stronger and even greater good did God do through them. That property was sold to a young couple. She saw my blog and commented: “Thanks for sharing the pictures. I especially recognized the after-tornado picture. Since then, that property has been home to over 100 foster children in DHS, home to 7 different family groupings needing a safe place for a season, home to International Bible University, Westport Gathering and our home where we have raised our family including two grandchildren now. So appreciate and love the history your family established here. Love all of you.”

The quote: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" dates back over 100 years ago to Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher. He believed that if one can persevere through the difficult times and trials of life, the end result can often be a strengthening of character and endurance.

But I think it goes back even further. The Apostle Paul explained it well after he and his friends had endured horrible events like being whipped 29 times, beaten with rods, and left for dead after being buried under a pile of rocks: "We have this treasure from God, but we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This is to show that the amazing power we have is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don't know what to do, but we don't give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

The people I respect most have not had easy lives. They are the people who faced adversity and didn't give up. They were transformed by grace. It's really not what doesn’t kill us that makes us stronger, but God’s grace in the face of our struggles that makes us stronger. And through that grace, in the most difficult of times, we find endurance. And in that endurance, we find character. And it is that character that gives us hope.

This unparalleled COVID-19 season has been a rough time for so many, but those of us who are resilient in these times will come out stronger than we’ve ever been before. I’m counting on hearing story after story of the determination of those who kept their faith intact and the grace of God that made them stronger, wiser and more grateful than ever before.

The Sky is Falling!!! Oh, No, it’s Not!

Remember the story of Chicken Little? Chicken Little was having a great day when an acorn fell from a tree, hitting the top of her head and she cries out: "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!"

Proverbs 4:23 says "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life." Isn't that so true? From just an acorn, Chicken Little thought the world was coming to an end. We have encountered something far greater than an acorn. The COVID-19 has consumed our thoughts and actions and our "normal" is no longer normal.

I’ve heard many talks about this being the “end-times”, so in a sense we could be thinking “the sky is falling” or rather, the end is near. But, rest assured, only God knows "the end", but I do believe that "what the enemy meant for evil" (Genesis 50:20), God in His "Master Plan" mode is causing us to have an “upward” perspective towards Him. COVID-19 is nothing compared to our God. If we continue to immerse ourselves in daily binge-watching the news and dwelling on the 33,000 people who have died from the C-virus versus the 150,000 who have recovered out of the 778,000 confirmed cases (statistics from WHO), we’ll get as worked up as Chicken Little.

We must get a grip. Are we going to live by news reports or recognize the enemy who wants to keep us in fear, worry and doubt? We can turn those thoughts inside out and into thoughts like "We will overcome. I am strong. I am protected by the blood of Jesus. I have an assignment to fulfill. I walk in divine health. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. God is for me and who can be against me? God holds my todays and tomorrows, so why should I worry or fret?" I know this about God:: “Fear is reality minus God. Faith is reality plus God.”

The sky is NOT falling! So, there is no need to buy paper goods and antibacterial soap till the shelves are empty every day. Unfortunately, some people get the virus and recover and sadly some die. (Last year 18,000 to 20,000 died in the U.S. from the flu). Let’s keep everything in proper perspective. Let’s do what the medical professionals and our government officials are telling us to do – social distancing, washing our hands, etc. – and spread positivity while the scientists around the world are working on the solution to kill the virus.

The most important is to PRAY – big time. Many faith groups are setting up the Sign-Up Genius app for around-the-clock prayers for our health professionals, laborers who are on the front lines and for those who are relegated to stay at home and especially for those who are struggling with their finances and for anyone who has contracted the virus. Lord, have mercy!

There are NO negatives in the Kingdom of God. Every obstacle in our life has a promise and a provision attached to it. The Father is not up in Heaven losing sleep over the COVID-19 virus. He is not filled with fear for His children and He does not feel like He is losing control. Let’s be like Him and apply His Word (like these) to our daily routines:

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬). God gives us His wisdom, so ask His advice before we leave our home or do something that we think could possibly put us at risk.‬‬‬

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6-7‬). God wants us to come to Him with thanksgiving -- thankful that He directs our steps, gives us His wisdom, fills us with hope, and casts out all our fear.‬‬‬

“No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” (‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭10-11‬). This promise wasn’t only for the Israelites. In Jesus name, and by the healing power of His blood, we are protected from this plague!‬‬‬

Heavenly Father, Your faithful love endures forever! Nothing surprises You. You delight in steering us clear of fear, anxiety, panic, sickness, and any other negative in our life. We ask for divine revelation to come to scientists and medical teams for a cure and it is administered quickly. Help us to be a light to those that are filled with panic. I pray that our peace would draw them to You. You are a good, good Father, and we love You! In the healing name of Jesus, amen, and so be it. 🙏🙏🙏

HELP! I Need Hand & Heart Sanitizer

I was talking to my sis-in-law last night. They are in the professional, large-buildings (mostly banks) cleaning business with over a hundred employees working for them. Bless their hearts. They are also an “essential” business on the front lines. Because sanitizing standards are amped up, their employees are working double and triple the hours to get their jobs done as banks are requiring sanitizing three times a day.

She also told me about how God had given her the wisdom, even before the pandemic hit us here in the U.S., to order large quantities of toilet paper and disinfectant for their buildings. Wonder why I didn’t get that memo from God? I know He must be amused at us – panicking over not enough T.P., disinfectant and hand sanitizers. Among the items my cousins needed as I shopped for them yesterday, were disinfectant wipes and napkins. Nowhere to be found. I chuckled with another shopper as we viewed the paper goods aisle with no toilet paper, paper towels, or napkins. But, rest assured, if you want an Easter basket full of goodies for your kiddos, just go to the paper goods aisle and you’ll find plenty there!

I was needing hand sanitizer myself. I've had one tiny bottle that I've used faithfully when going outside my home. I’ve shopped online and store after store, but none is available. But, what a difference Spring-cleaning makes. I’ve been on a mission to get cabinets and closets cleaned out – endeavoring to make my “retreat” a successful venture of getting things done that I’ve put off as long as I could. In that quest, lo and behold, you can see in the picture here – a larger hand sanitizer bottle and several little ones. Up from the grave they arose! Hallelujah!

I know I'm wordy. I said all this to get to the point of today’s blog. See that big bottle. It is left over from an ACTS retreat that I served on a couple of years ago. We printed the labels for the hand sanitizers to be placed on our tables. The label included our retreat theme scripture: “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Psalm 24:3-4. And St. Teresa of Calcutta’s quote: “A clean heart can see God, can speak to God, and can see the love of God in others.”

Yes, we are doing our best to have clean hands in these times. I wear gloves when I go to the grocery store and use hand sanitizer after. It’s an absolute must for us. But even more critical are those words on the bottle. "Clean hands and pure hearts." Those are the hands and hearts who know better than to only think about the purity of our external selves. Far greater – in the light of eternity – and in the light of letting our lights shine brighter than ever before, is what is in us that might "soil" the relationship we have with God. We do our best to keep our hands and hearts pure and clean because we want to please our Father so much. I’m thinking that we may need to apply some of His Holy sanitizer to our hearts that removes the bitterness, strife, anger, resentment, worry, fear. God's holy sanitizer cleans all those things away when we pray along with King David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me!” Psalm 51:10

Clean hands. Pure heart. Dear Lord, please apply your Holy sanitizer to my life – inside and out, today!