God Only Knows What You’ve Been Through

I've had many eye-opening moments during the last couple of weeks, trying to analyze all that has happened since the grave injustice that most of us have witnessed on media by now. It’s the middle of the afternoon and I’m just now writing this blog unlike those I typically comprise earlier in the day. Not this day. I am soul-searching. My own soul-searching.

I hear this song by For King and Country during my walk this morning. It kick-offs my soul-search. I think about those over many years who have been mistreated, abused, mocked, and rejected – simply because they are of another race, color, or nationality – and they’ve held it in. This song's words may define those with built-up emotions of pain, fear and anger and they believe no one understands, but God does:

God only knows what you've been through.
God only knows what they say about you.
God only knows how it's killing you.
But there's a kind of love that God only knows.
God only knows what you've been through.
God only knows what they say about you.
God only knows the real you.
There's a kind of love that God only knows.

To a diverse group of women on a Zoom-cast call Tuesday night, I asked for forgiveness for my naivety as to think because there are so many black entertainers, sports figures, pastors, politicians and high-profile leaders that prejudice and racism must be a thing of the past. The past that I knew as a child and teenager when we rode the bus at the front instead of the back where the black folk sat. The past when we whispered “Look, black people are trying to eat here” at Kip’s Big Boy Restaurant. The past when my South Oak Cliff High School was segregated until my 1966 senior year when the Dallas ISD was forced to desegregate its high schools. I remember hearing the “n” word way too many times. The fact is – many of those young people in major cities rioting and looting are the children and grandchildren of generations of suffering and injustice. Tuesday night, I openly repented to God and my sisters for the past and the present. I committed to having more empathy, mercy and love for all my brothers and sisters.

A dear black sister-in-Christ and I have texted and encouraged each other daily for the last two months. Not once did I think of her as having been one who might have been the object of racism. But I asked her: “Has your family suffered prejudice and discrimination?” I was taken back when she shared that her family has been threatened, disrespected, physically abused, and many other instances of mistreatment that she refuses to dwell on. This gentle and kind woman said, “I just say in my heart: ‘I forgive you; you know not what you are doing. I compare with back home (another country), we never treat people this way; we embrace; we wholeheartedly accept other people of other nationalities. Why is it different here? Why can’t people just accept one another? Why can’t genuine love exist between all human beings as God intended it to be? It isn’t fair to hate anyone. The person you hate today, may be the one to save your life tomorrow or be a blessing to you tomorrow as God wills it."

I’ve read posts of many other friends of color who have opened up and described their realities and their children's realities. I believe it’s a time of reckoning; a time of true repentence by all God’s children to ask for forgiveness of passivity, of closing our eyes, of sweeping racism and prejudice under the rug. It is truly time to humble ourselves and pray and ask God to forgive us for carelessness, thoughtlessness and blindness to humanity.

Jesus was anything but racist. He went out of His way to minister to a woman from Samaria (the outcast group of the times). He loved her so completely, that she ran to her town and told everyone about this Man – and the whole town came to believe in Him. Maybe that is what God is placing on our shoulders – to go out of our way to make amends, to love the hurting, take up for anyone who is marginalized and misused in any way AND to humbly pray for each other. Love is the answer. Following the example of Jesus -- to love as He loved and His bold example of being a difference maker.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Untying the Apron Strings to Let it Go!

Usually untying the “apron strings” means someone is controlled or influenced too much by someone else who refuses to let them go! Today, I’m thinking beyond parents. "Letting go" can also be referring to “apron strings” tied so tight around a spouse, home, job, their identity and their stuff. To grow or to simply take the next step to leave the past behind and get a fresh new start, it is incumbent on us to untie those “apron strings” and let them go. It’s not just with our children or other people in our lives, we must continually be open to untying "apron strings" so that a new season can spring forth for us.

That was my dear mother-in-law – she held on to her home well into her 90s, but the time came, when physically, she had to let it go. And, when she did – the blessing came to my nephew and his wife to buy her beautiful home and make it their home. Letting go can mean many pay-it-forward blessings.

My sis-in-law told me about three huge sycamore trees in her front yard that seemed to be dying. She worried herself about them and tried many treatments to spark their growth. She finally “let them go” when she saw, in one of the sycamores, a nest and a mama hawk. Soon, she saw two baby hawks learning to fly. Peace consumed her about her sycamores as she watched the little birds. When she let go, the sycamores started budding.

I have a friend who had a tough time letting go of her past, but recently, she gave herself a “butterfly” themed birthday party. She not only let go of her past, but since then, she has sincerely developed her wings and is flying high.

As I’m writing this blog today, I’m writing to myself. I need “this word”, as recently someone made a false accusation about me that cut me to the core. My first response was to go into defense mode to clear my name. I thought: “If by now my ‘fruits and my integrity are not known, then what more can I do?” It is the enemy of our souls that ties us up with his apron strings to keep our minds held hostage on negativity instead of the freedom we have in Christ. My first impulse was to speak my mind, get my witnesses lined up and prove I am who I display that I am! But then, I hear the words “Let it go” in my spirit. As I read my devotion from “The Word Among Us” devotional booklet, I see how my holy Role Model demonstrated how to “Let it go!”

“Jesus came and revealed a new way of living. In the face of the selfish grasping at the heart of Satan’s rule, Jesus followed the rule of self-sacrificing love. While Satan urged vengeance, Jesus preached mercy and forgiveness. While Satan preferred pride and arrogance, Jesus taught humility and service. Again and again, Jesus showed that the devil had no power over Him (John 14:30). No amount of lying, cajoling, or tempting could convince Him to swerve from His path. He followed the law of love all the way to His death and resurrection. And, because Jesus’ faithfulness unto death, the iron grip of Satan’s rule was broken. Today Jesus is telling you that He is on your side. He has overcome the ruler of this world. You are no longer under the devil’s thumb. You can share in Jesus’ victory. You have options that our ancestors never had – you have the Holy Spirit, always ready to help you follow in the way of Christ. So whose rule will you follow today?”

Thanks for the uplifting reminder, “The Word Among Us”, and for showing us how to let go of all those things the enemy uses to encumber, stifle, demean and hinder us from God’s good work that He does in us and through us. I let go and I let God be my strong defender.

As I type this blog, as much as I need these words myself, I’m sure there are at least two or three of you who need it too. Let’s join forces – the forces of our Power Team: the Father – the Son – and the Holy Spirit -- Who fight our battles for us. We can throw down our weapons and let the battle be won by our Super Hero Power Team. I’m letting go – how about you?

The Full-Body – Immaculate -- Inside and Out Cleaning

It’s Sunday morning. My first thoughts are of misdeeds I did long, long ago. "WHAT? Lord, why am I thinking those thoughts? I know when I ask for forgiveness from my faltering and failings – You forgive me, instantly. So why am I going back to my childhood this morning?" I thought those times were long past. But, then I realize that maybe, just maybe, I never consciously asked God for forgiveness of some specific times when I was just a kid. But today I did ask.

I remembered my next-door neighbor (and 2nd grade friend) was home by herself a lot. We played lots of games but I recall her showing me money she had taken from her mom’s and dad’s bedroom. She said, “They’ll never notice it. Let’s go to the store!” The store was just a couple of blocks away. I was excited because she was going to share her loot with me. The loot was just candy, but still, it was stolen goods. I remember the next time at her house, we did it again. I was her accomplice.

I know when I asked Jesus into my heart when I was just eight years old and asked for forgiveness of my sins – I was completely and wholly made clean. He threw all of those sins into the Sea of Forgetfulness. (Micah 7:19) But, I don’t think I ever specifically asked forgiveness for the things I had forgotten about. Apparently, I needed to. But, more than dredging up the past, I think God was reminding me how my personal value system developed over the years. Now, I don't even accept more change than I should be given from a cashier.

Nevertheless, maybe, it’s this “aloneness” during this isolation period with less distractions that has me in this “coming clean” mode. Yesterday, my blog was about “clean hands AND a pure heart”. It seems God has me in His complete sanitizing wash today. I sense Him nudging me to pray the “Litany of Humility”. I pull it out and I pray it. I am asking Him to cure me from way more than my childhood mistakes. I'm asking for even my desires and thoughts to come clean, too. My car wash has levels of washes I can buy – the basic and the full-body, then the extras for tires and wax and then the full deal -- inside and out cleaning. I ask Him for that today as I read and pray this Litany of Humility prayer which covers all my desires to be more like Jesus. Just in case you’d like the full-wash-deal today, I offer this prayer image for you to “come clean” too!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
"O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ!"

Let’s Sing a Brand New Song

The old familiar Christmas carols are still echoing in my heart, but I know something new is on its way. Psalm 96:1 says “Sing to the Lord a new song.” That new song is made possible by the Incarnation of Jesus. A new song to the One Who became God in the flesh and Who makes all things new. A new song that revels in the Father’s love for us. A new song that makes our hearts leap with joy at the promise of the good news!

A new day -- a new year is almost here! We can start singing a new song and close the door to the old “My Love done me wrong” songs and the "Woe is me" songs. Our LOVE for God and His LOVE for us puts a new song of joy, hope, and peace in our hearts. It's an "Everything's gonna be alright" song!

What if we were given a gift on January 1st and the Giver said – “What you do today – how you love, how you express gratitude and hope and express joy in the middle of your circumstances, will set the tone for 2020. TODAY sets the precedent for a year of singing joy-filled, faith-filled, and overcoming-filled songs – but not just songs – living lives of each day being set for victory,”

I'm already practicing for 2020 today. I'm singing a new song, flowing from the relationship I have with God. You can sing a new song, too! Let’s join the angels in singing “Glory to God in the highest,” because we see signs of His glory everywhere we go (Luke 2:14). Let’s imitate Mary as we sing and magnify the Lord and rejoice in God our Savior. Let’s sing of the joy of knowing we have been redeemed by a loving God. Let’s sing even when we make mistakes because forgiveness and grace awaits us.

But let's not sing just because God has made us happy. Let's sing because it makes Him happy too! Sing a song that proclaims the wonders He has done. Sing a song that declares who you know Him to be. Our Father rejoices when we praise Him, not because He craves our attention, but because He knows how praise lifts our spirit, strengthens us against temptation, and fills us with a desire to share His good news.

And if you don’t like to sing, speaking it out is just as good. And here's another way to ensure 2020 looks different from any other year. Start spending time with God, and right now is a good time to start. A new start is in itself a new song.

“Lord, put a new song in my heart today. Stir your Spirit in me, and teach me to sing to you!”

Being Careful but NOT Judgmental

I want to be very careful with my words today because I cringe with the thought that I could sound judgmental. I don't get into politics much, though I am adamant in my position which I think is obvious for Who I follow -- our Abundant Life Provider (John 10:10). Maybe I'm naiive because I assume that those I chum with at church, events and various organizations follow my set of values, principles and God's ways according to His Word. But, shock and awe -- not everyone sees my way of thinking! How can it be? 😉

Such was the case when a friend expressed that she is pro-choice and anti most everything else I stand for. I could have been knocked over with a gentle breeze. I was numb, couldn't even respond and just walked away. A week later I heard that my walk-away meant that I was mad. I quickly asked for forgiveness for the impression I left. At first I thought I'd provide a list of reasons for my position, but then I thought "What would Jesus do?" And, immediately the Fruit of the Spirit -- the qualities that I want "fruitful" in my life, came to mind. So, I expressed my appreciation and love and that "our politics and persuasions" don't make a difference in that love. Between you and me, I'm praying that God will draw her to Himself and clarity comes to her.

Here's what I know. I know we shouldn't judge others, lest we be judged (Matthew 7:1-3). But, I figure it's quite alright to inspect the fruit in my own life and be my own "fruit inspector". I can judge me. Matthew 7:20 says "Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them." WOW! That’s how we’re recognized as devoted followers of Christ, or not. By our "fruit". So as fruit inspectors, first, we need to pass the test on the fruit we, ourselves, are bearing. It will be obvious, not by judging, but by inspecting where people are at by the fruit they bear also.

It is "fruit bearing" season. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23) I'm checking out the "freshness" of my fruit even as I type this blog. As we experience the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, those beautiful attributes and characteristics of the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit will thrive and flourish in our lives. As believers, we know Holy Spirit is in us so we already have the good soil, fertilizer, nutrients and everything else we need to be good FRUIT bearers.

With all the craziness of politics and a world of unrest and pain, we can still find beautifully, mixed-in times of thanksgiving and gratitude. It's the perfect time to settle down to be drawn into a place of intimacy with God and inspect the good or bad fruit we may be bearing. Perhaps, a self-fruit-introspection is what will make us true "Fruit of the Spirit" fruit bearers that cause others to desire that fruit in their own lives, too. Lord, let it be!

Oh, But for the Mercy of God!

I’ve heard people say “Lorrrd, have mercy!” as a quick retort when yet another “I can’t believe it” circumstance happens. In reality, that is what we should say, rather pray, anytime we encounter a roadblock, a rock landslide, “rocked my world” or rock crazy situations going on in our world. God is our ROCK in all of life's ups and downs and His DIVINE MERCY is at our beckoned call when tough times come or when we are the ones who made a huge mistake and created the tough times.

Today is “Divine Mercy” Sunday – a time that is specifically dedicated to the great gift of the Lord’s mercy and love. God's “Divine Mercy” was given in His covenant as He promised protection, provision, guidance, and His constant presence to His children. Because God is the initiator, the mercy He gives is gracious, unmerited, undeserved, is compassionate and leads to forgiveness, and to the steadfast love that God sustains in our relationship with Him.

Thank God, we are no longer defined by our past because God's mercy is real and available. Of course, we celebrate His mercy every time we cry out to Him for mercy when we have failed Him. And, mercy should be a part of every Christian's life when we have been hurt by someone. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7).

Think about it – after Jesus rose from the dead, He went to His disciples where they were huddled in fear. He could have gone in and started in a rant about their weaknesses and their failures. He could have displayed His disappointment in their betrayal and denial of Him. His first words could have been, “Thanks…. for NOTHING! What were you thinking? Where were you when I needed you?” He had every right to unload His righteous indignation on them. But, no, His first words to them were “Peace be with you”. Isn’t that the way He continues to speak to us – in spite of our mistakes & failures? He loves us unconditionally and speaks “Peace be with you.” Yes, He is a God of divine mercy!

None of us need to be defined by our past because Divine Mercy is open to us all. Whether our sins are small or great, the mercy of God is available to all of us. The mercy of God is real! The mercy of God is His love! The mercy of God is the power of the resurrection still working today. You are not your past. Believe in it! Embrace it! God’s Divine Mercy forgives, forgets and even forges the way to becoming all God destined for us in the first place. So, shouldn't His example cause us to be His people of mercy, too -- forgiving and loving others with mercy? Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

When Forgiveness Seems Too Much to Expect

It was customary for my mom and me, my boyfriend, his sister, and his parents to go out to eat at Kip’s Big Boy every Sunday night after church. It was our date night of the week. We lived many miles apart so it was a big deal for us to have this time together. We sat at a separate booth from the older folks. It was him and I on one side and his little sister sitting across from us – giggling as she spied under the table and saw us holding hands. We had been together since he was 13, me, 12. He had just turned sixteen, got his driver’s license and he was so excited that his dad had consented to let him take me for a ride around the block in his dad’s brand new 1963 Buick Electra. Free at last! Thank God Almighty! We were free at last!

I squeezed in close to him (no console back then) and we were off for our 10-minute excursion. He was so proud as we drove down one block and then on the parallel street to Kips, he did what any 16-year-old might do. He speeded up, hit a big dip in the road that catapulted us to the ceiling of the car (no seat belts back then) and we heard a pretty loud "KER-THUNK". Serious damage was done to the car and I think I remember hearing “the bottom fell out”. I’ll never forget my boyfriend bitterly crying and lying across the front of the car saying in utter regret “Dad, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry!” It was then that I witnessed his loving dad wrap his arms around his boy and say “Son, I forgive you. It’s okay. We’ll take care of it.” It made a lasting impression on me of what true forgiveness looks like. BTW, I married that boy two years later.

That story reminds me of the love of the father of the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance, yet when his father sees him coming down the road to home, he embraces him and kisses his lost son. The father represents God. The truth about forgiveness is that it is not a natural response and it isn’t for the person we’re forgiving. It’s for us. I heard once "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." Unwillingness to forgive eats away at our hearts and souls, while forgiveness frees us.

No greater forgiver was Jesus, Who after the lies, beatings, denials and pain, said: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." In the Bible, “forgive” is on the lips of Jesus 43 times. Forgiveness was a gift Jesus was happy to give. Jesus gave forgiveness as a gift to people who didn’t do anything to earn it and to others who didn’t seem to deserve it. Jesus still does that today. Forgiveness is the trademark of Christians – or at least it should be. I put myself on the line every time I say the Lord’s Prayer: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

There are so many wrongs in this world that are grossly unfair, brutal and reprehensible on what might have been done to us. For me to speak about forgiveness when I don’t know what was done to you seems ludicrous. But, it’s not me speaking. It is our loving Heavenly Father who put His Son front and center on the stage of “This is what forgiveness looks like!”

The Apostle Paul said, "Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ." (Ephesians 4:32) Sure seems like a tall order, but one that comes with sweet rewards. We can move on with our lives, have freedom from the pain of the past and enjoy greater happiness in the present. That kind of love says "You're forgiven!" We may not forget, but we are at least free from the burden of unforgiveness. It’s not that we dismiss the pain but it does mean we recognize that even our greatest wounds and deepest pain will one day be transformed into beauty by our God who wastes nothing.

From Hyper-Space to Hyper-Grace

This post was inspired by a friend’s FB post a couple of weeks ago. She and her husband were at an arcade museum playing those good-old-days games. The museum gave them the opportunity to play the games as well as provided other media that traced the history of the games and their creators.

In my day, it was pinball machines that got our attention. Then fast forward to my children's era in the 70s & 80s when Atari was the latest craze. Video gaming was just getting its start. The screen resolution was so poor but we didn’t realize it was “poor”. It was the best we had seen in technology and we all had a blast playing. It was an exciting period of time when we had no idea how fast technology would accelerate. My son was an avid Atari player of the Asteroids and Space Invaders games. He got so excited when he pushed the HYPER-SPACE button to make his rocket ship disappear momentarily to escape being hit by asteroids or enemy spaceships.

Of course, I’m going to segue to a “God” comparison. Over the last few days, in light of the current political climate, my posts have been focused on getting our hearts in the right places, doing the right things, and being people of integrity and honor even when no one is looking. Yesterday, I referenced the mistakes we make even when we're purposing to do the right thing. We do our best and oftentimes our “best” falters. When it seems that our failures outweigh our successes, it could seem we are surely doomed for a life of hopelessness.

AW…but God’s amazing grace! I call it God's HYPER-GRACE that gave us His ONLY son to die in our place. The END was the beginning because He rose up out of that grave and today we have hope and life in abundance. The HYPER-Good News is His HYPER-GRACE is unlimited. When we are out-of-power and the enemy is targeting us to take us down and out, His HYPER-GRACE shows up to take us over or under or around or through the circumstances. And, the weaker we may feel, the stronger He gets. He comes in like a rocket ship with asteroids blazing and takes out the enemy altogether. One day, He’ll push the “HYPER-SPACE” button and we’ll escape and spend eternity with Him.

These scriptures assure us of God's amazing grace: "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
"Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

“You Without Sin, Cast the First Stone”

From John 8:1-11, those are words that Jesus spoke to the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees when they brought a woman before Him when she was caught in the act of adultery. The first question I have….where was the man caught in the act of adultery with her? The second question I have is “How could Jesus forgive her so readily?” There are no words given about the man, but Jesus’ next words show the results of forgiveness for someone who is truly repentant. “Your sins are forgiven you. NOW, go and sin no more.”

Television, radio, social media, newspapers and every other form of media amps up when they hear about the indiscretions and scandals of people in the public eye -- celebrities, high profile leaders, politicians, but most of all -- pastors, ministers, priests, and though we don’t read about it, we feel it -- if it’s happened in our own homes, churches and our own world. I'm not sugar coating the consequences of sin. For those abused and wounded, my heart and my prayers go out to you and for families who have a loved one who has been abused, I'm praying for you. I'm praying for each and every one of us who feels the great pain of betrayal.

If we go way back in history, we'll see the wrongdoings of some really good people who yielded to temptation and caused a lot of pain for themselves and others. Take, for example, King David in his indiscretion with Bathsheba AND the murder of her husband. (2 Samuel 11). How does God resolve this horrific turn of events? I can take no credit for the following words, except that I gave birth to the writer, my daughter, Staci Wallace. In no way am I condoning or justifying sinners’ faults, mistakes, pitfalls, lies, indiscretions or taking lightly the harm that innocent people have suffered. I can only go straight to our highest authority, God – Himself Who is our Supreme Judge and His Word says “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19). But, what is our responsibility? How do we cope with such blatant indiscretions? My daughter, Staci Wallace, says it so well here:

“Sometimes the hardest VERB to put into action when you've been violated, hurt, offended, persecuted, wounded or even hung on a cross by others is LOVE. How can you LOVE when "it" hurts so badly? How can you forgive when the blood is still wet and the wound still open? How can you extend mercy when you have felt the spear of the merciless?
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Because forgiveness is not about YOU...it's about faith. It's an act of LOVE. It takes faith to forgive. It takes trusting in GOD who "IS LOVE" and then letting go of your hate, personal offenses or deep-rooted anger and let LOVE have its way.
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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. "Whoever does NOT love does NOT know God, because God IS LOVE." 1 John 4:8
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Those words don't mean staying in a room that continues to hurt you. Leave the room and CHOOSE LOVE. If someone violates you and true injustice is there, go to authorities of justice and put the offense in THEIR hands so YOU can choose LOVE.
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And if, somehow, the justice YOU want to happen – doesn’t happen, and if the authorities allow you to be hung on a cross, persecuted publicly and suffer to the point of death...CHOOSE LOVE and let your final breath be an ether of COMPASSION that is remembered as your final fragrance left in the world."

I choose LOVE.

Forgiveness is Unlocking the Door to Freedom

Forgiveness is Unlocking the Door to Freedom
FORGIVENESS: to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone, we seek his or her forgiveness for the relationship to be restored. Forgiveness isn't granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. Instead, it is an act of love, mercy, and grace. "Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free, and realizing you were the prisoner." Max Lucado

I’ll admit FORGIVING is a “tough nut to crack” when we’ve been so rejected, wronged, harmed, heartbroken and betrayed. But, then there is the upside down world of God’s Word which usually tells us to do the opposite of what seems right for us at the time. Colossians 3:13-14 “Bear with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” That scripture doesn’t say anything about the one apologizing and ASKING for forgiveness. It simply says “forgiving each other”. How is it possible when we may have been hurt so deeply?

I've read many incredible stories about people who forgave in the most heart-wrenching situations, especially when forgiving would seem so unnecessary on a human level. Most recently, we all grieved with the families who lost their loved one(s) in the Florida school shooting by a 19-year old man. I can’t imagine the deep sorrow of the parents' and the spouses' and families', but I do know our all-loving God is with them to comfort and strengthen them as they reach out to Him. I was so inspired when I read the story of 11th grade student at the school, Daniela Menescal, who survived the mass shooting. She told a news station “It’s a miracle that I’m alive.” She said she thought it was a drill until the moment bullet fragments slammed into her back and leg. Inside her locked classroom, she said she and other students hid behind a metal cabinet as gunfire sprayed the room. "I saw the blood and then the girl in front of me turned around and I saw her -- she was hit in her face." Two students in her class didn't survive. Despite what happened, Menescal said she still believes in FORGIVENESS. "In the back of his mind (the shooter), God is with him and I know that we all deserve a second chance, and that even for all that he caused, I forgive him," Menescal said.

Another 16-year-old Junior at the school, Shay Makonde, led a time of prayer. He said, “Those who are lost, we shall carry on their lives for them.” Then he went on to say that he cannot hate the shooter — he hopes he changes in prison. Instead, Shay says he wants to focus on the people he still has in his life, and on honoring his lost friends' lives. “Hatred”, he said, “only breeds more hatred and pain. I can’t afford to hate, or lack courage."

On October 2, 2006, Charles Carl Roberts walked into an Amish school in Pennsylvania and shot ten girls, killing five of them. On the same day of the shooting, a grandfather of one of the girls who had died, told other relatives, "We must not think evil of this man." Another member of the community visited the shooter's family that day to comfort them and offer forgiveness. Dozens more attended his funeral and offered to give financial support to his widow. One member of the community later said, "I don't think there's anybody here that wants to do anything but forgive and not only reach out to those who have suffered a loss, but to reach out to the family of the man who committed these acts."

The truth about forgiveness is that it is not a natural response and it isn’t for the person we’re forgiving. It’s for us. I heard it quoted: "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." Unwillingness to forgive eats away at our hearts and souls, while forgiveness frees us. No greater forgiver was Jesus, Who, after the lies, beatings, denials and pain, said "Father, FORGIVE them for they know not what they do."

When we have been hurt, we face the same challenge that those who we've hurt faced. Will we respond with compassion, kindness, and FORGIVENESS? And, will forgiving become a way of life for us? "Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ." Ephesians 4:32. It sure seems like a tall order, but one that comes with sweet rewards. We can move on with our life, have freedom from the pain of the past, enjoy greater happiness in the present and better health and well-being. Love means saying "You're FORGIVEN!" We may not forget, but we are at least free from the burden of unforgiveness. It’s not that we dismiss the pain, but it does mean we recognize that even our greatest wounds and deepest pain will one day be transformed into beauty by our God who wastes nothing. “And FORGIVE us our trespasses as we FORGIVE those who trespassed against us.” From “The Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew 6:12.

Love Means Saying "You're Forgiven"!

"Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free, and realizing you were the prisoner."

Yesterday, my post was about apologizing, saying AND meaning those words, "I'm so sorry!" Today's is the reciprocating action.....being quick to forgive. How is that possible when we may have been hurt so deeply and their "I'm sorry" just isn't enough?

I've read many incredible stories about people who forgave in the most heart-wrenching situations, especially when forgiving would seem so unnecessary on a human level.

On October 2, 2006, Charles Carl Roberts walked into an Amish school in rural Pennsylvania and shot ten young school girls, killing five of them. On the same day of the shooting, a grandfather of one of the girls who had died, told other relatives, "We must not think evil of this man." Another member of the community visited the shooter's family that day to comfort them and offer forgiveness. Dozens more attended his funeral and offered to give financial support to his widow. One member of the community later said, "I don't think there's anybody here that wants to do anything but forgive and not only reach out to those who have suffered a loss, but to reach out to the family of the man who committed these acts."

The truth about forgiveness is that it is not a natural response and it isn’t for the person we’re forgiving. It’s for us. I heard it quoted: "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." Unwillingness to forgive eats away at our hearts and souls, while forgiveness frees us. No greater forgiver was Jesus -- Who after the lies, rejections, beatings, denials and pain, said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

When we have been hurt, we face the same challenge that those who we've hurt faced. Will we respond with kindness, compassion and forgiveness? And, will forgiving become a way of life for us? The Apostle Paul said, "Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ." Ephesians 4:32. Sure seems like a tall order, but one that comes with sweet rewards. We can move on with our life, have freedom from the pain of the past, enjoy greater happiness in the present and greater health and well-being. The fact is love mean saying "You're forgiven!" We may not forget, but we are at least free from the burden of unforgiveness. It’s not that we dismiss the pain but it does mean we recognize that even our greatest wounds and deepest pain will one day be transformed into beauty by our God who wastes nothing.

Because He Lives, I Can Face Today AND Tomorrow

The hullabaloo about New Year’s Eve celebrations has ended for another year….well, except for many of us who are still sharing how we commemorated 2017’s debut. Unlike so many that entered into 2017 with a gnarly hangover, I heard about New Year’s Eve church services where those in attendance heard messages about the possibilities that await us all in this new year, and then they celebrated the new year in by praying and praising God for the lessons of the past and the hopes for the future. Now, that's getting the new year off to a great start!

How beautiful that sounded compared to those who are still ranting in the news and social media about Mariah Carey’s performance (or the lack thereof) on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" It seems she was lip syncing her songs – which isn’t unusual because technical issues are an enormous challenge in an outdoor concert anyway, but the technical difficulties with her earpiece has now dubbed her performance as “disastrous”, “the diva strikes out again”, and so many other hurtful words spoken by folks who could stand some “oil of kindness” in their little light lanterns.

Honestly, my heart went out to Mariah, after all, she was one of my young daughter's voice role models. But more importantly, she is one of God's kids, who, like so many of us, have made some mistakes, and maybe it’s not always our fault, but we, too, get crushed for failing at something that we really hoped to have succeeded at.

Mariah can decide whether to let what now is her past, define her…..and so can we. It’s so easy to fixate on yesterdays and yesteryears and the guilts associated with mistakes we may have made. Mistakes can be as little as an “oopsie” or as big as a huge blunder -- an “ouchie" or a devastating "OMG" catastrophe that alters the course of our lives. No matter what kind of mistake we made or make, there is always a solution for restitution. It comes in the form of grace. God’s grace that heals and restores, and He exchanges our tarnished and warped slate, for a fresh, clean slate so we can begin again.

Mistakes are inevitable, but the good news, as God’s repentant kids, all our mistakes are forgiveable. That kind of grace is literally so amazing, that God can even turn those mistakes to something good. Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes." Most importantly, it reminds me that my God is bigger than my faults and weaknesses and He can turn anything around for His glory!

Here’s the deal…..the past is gone and this day and this year are before us like the birth of a newborn baby with so much possibility and potential in his future.

I say this to you AND to Mariah today. Maybe all the stuff that is being thrown at you today from the media, your friends and family seem just too much to handle and it seems there's no hope for tomorrow. I have such good news for you. You are not alone. The ONE who created you and loves you and wants your life to be full of joy, peace and happiness.....HE LIVES. He holds your todays and tomorrows! That means, BECAUSE HE LIVES, your life is worth living!!! Go ahead -- tell tomorrow -- "I'm alive, I'm still here, God's not done with me -- and I'm going to be resilient, unstoppable and determined to MAKE IT!

What's Your Rhythm?

Rhythm -- a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
This morning I woke up, looked at the clock and first words out of my mouth were, "Thank you, Lord, for getting my sleep rhythm back to normal." For me, that is a regular, repeated pattern of at least 6 or 7 hours of sleep. Since moving from my home, I've slept in lots of different places, in different beds and getting only 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night. But, now that I've been at my friend's home for several weeks now, and getting used to the bed here, I'm back to my normal 7 hours sleep a night. My sleep rhythm is back! Thanks be to God!

My mother-in-law has had a pacemaker for keeping her heart rhythm regular and constant for many years. She knows it when it's out of rhythm. She feels weak and dizzy.

Most importantly, God wants us to get into His rhythms -- those strong, regular, repeated patterns of love, kindness, forgiveness, tenderness, gentleness, giving, honoring, respecting. In all seriousness, there are just way too many people who are OUT OF GOD'S RHYTHM. They think it's okay to be nasty and hateful. That's certainly not His rhythm. I want to live on His side of the sweet music that He makes -- because when we are in tune with Him, we'll recognize all those folks, situations and circumstances that want to take us out of rhythm with Him and we'll resist that music with everything that's in us.

Since God, Himself, is the source of music, He wants us to get in His rhythm that dances, sings, lives and breathes His character and in His ways. His music sounds like this: "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 4:19) "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!" (Phiippians 4:13) "Greater is He Who lives in me than He who is in the world." (1 John 4:4) "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Mark 12:31) "I have the peace of God that passes all understanding." (Philippians 4:7) Those are rhythms that make for really spectacular music.

So you ask me why my heart keeps singing,
Why I can sing when things go wrong.
Since I've found the Source of music
I just can't help it. God gave the song.....Yes, I'm dancing, singing, living in God's rhythm!

LOVE Forgives

Yesterday, my post was about apologizing, saying AND meaning those words, "I'm so sorry!" Today's is the reciprocating action.....being fast to forgive. How is that possible when we may have been hurt so deeply?

I've read many incredible stories about people who forgave in the most heart-wrenching situations, especially when forgiving would seem so unnecessary on a human level. The drunk driver whose thoughtless ways resulted in the death of a spouse or child, but the family member forgave the killer. Or the one who was betrayed by their spouse but in God's love, the other spouse forgave. And, today they have a dream-come-true marriage together.

On October 2, 2006, Charles Carl Roberts walked into an Amish school in rural Pennsylvania and shot ten young school girls, killing five of them. On the same day of the shooting, a grandfather of one of the girls who had died, told other relatives, "We must not think evil of this man." Another member of the community visited the shooter's family that day to comfort them and offer forgiveness. Dozens more attended his funeral and offered to give financial support to his widow. One member of the community later said, "I don't think there's anybody here that wants to do anything but forgive and not only reach out to those who have suffered a loss, but to reach out to the family of the man who committed these acts."

I heard it quoted: "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." Unwillingness to forgive only eats away at our hearts and souls, while forgiveness frees us. No greater forgiver was Jesus Christ -- Who after the lies, the rejections, the beatings, the denials and the pain, said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

When we have been hurt, we face the same challenge that those who we've hurt faced. Will we respond with kindness, compassion and forgiveness? And, will forgiving become a way of life for us? The Apostle Paul said, "Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ." Ephesians 4:32. Sure seems like a tall order, but one that comes with sweet rewards. We can move on with our life, have freedom from the pain of the past, enjoy greater happiness in the present and greater health and well-being. I'd say that's a good pay-back!

Shovel-fulls or Spoon-fulls

Day 151 of Photo Inspirations -- Shovel-fulls or Spoon-fulls
I heard such a beautiful message Sunday about "The Man in the Mirror".  We all remember this song as one of Michael Jackson's best.  It spoke of the person we need to be in order to make the world a better place.  The chorus went like this:  "I'm starting with the man in the mirror.
I'm asking him to change his ways.
And no message could have been any clearer.
If you want to make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change".

And the pastor took that message even further when he said what we should see in the mirror is how God sees us, and what He says to us.  He says:
1.  I love you.
2.  I'm grateful for you.
3.  You're a rare and beautiful treasure.
4.  I forgive you.
5.  I'll hold you to high standards with appropriate amounts of grace & mercy.
6.  You have a special calling.
7.  I'm cheering for you, and I believe in you.

God lavishes all of His goodness, love, grace, compassion and mercy on us, by the shovel-fulls. He is a shoveler.   He didn't meet us half-way; He came all the way to us from heaven.  He relentlessly pursues us.  And, when we know that's true, it will be shown in how we interact with others.  We really love to celebrate the shovel-fulls we get, but we usually dispense to others in spoon-fulls.  And, the question is......what do we do with all that love; all that grace; all that mercy; all that goodness in return?  Are we dispensing shovel-fulls to others around us....or are we dispensing spoon-fulls?  How can we say to others, "I'll think about forgiving you"?   "I'll think about helping you" when we have been so forgiven and so helped with the shovel-full.  If we consider the outrageous, indescribable love of God to us, then how could we give less than our best to others.

Perhaps.....it's not spoon-fulls OR shovel-fulls -- it should be dump-truck full of blessings to others if, in fact, we desire to be like Him Who gives and gives and gives to us FAR more than we could ever ask or think.