Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Over the past 10 years, my mom has been slowly losing her hearing. It started very slightly, but has progressed to the point where she hears about half of what she should, even with her hearing aids.
Until my mom started going through this, I had no idea how difficult life becomes when someone’s hearing starts to go. Phone conversations, watching television, socializing at a restaurant, even going to church are all things that have been affected by my mom’s hearing problem. But, the one thing my mom has had the most trouble with is other people’s insensitivity to her handicap. If someone is in a wheelchair, most people will do whatever they can to accommodate that person. A person who is blind either has a cane or a guide dog and everyone realizes immediately that the person is unable to see. However, there is nothing overtly visible about someone who is hard of hearing. So, people who do not know she has a problem get frustrated with her when she asks them to repeat what they just said. And, people who know about her hearing loss, myself included, sometimes forget and get frustrated with her as well. She has said that sometimes she wants to have a t-shirt printed that says, in BIG letters, I HAVE A HEARING PROBLEM…PLEASE SPEAK SLOWLY AND CLEARLY SO I CAN UNDERSTAND YOU!
This has been a tough thing for her adjust to. But, her situation reminds me that that we all have challenges, losses and handicaps that are not outwardly visible, yet that profoundly affect we relate with others. Think about that person at church or at work who you have to walk on egg-shells around because he is so hyper-sensitive and defensive. But, what if you knew that he grew up in an abusive home, or was married to a spouse that was overly critical and verbally abusive? Or, consider that ultra-needy and way too clingy friend whose feelings are hurt when you cannot be there for her? If you found out that her parents gave her up when she was a child and she grew up in several different foster homes, you might better understand her fear of abandonment.
Now, I’m not saying that we can’t overcome past hurts. It is true that with faith, maturity and effort healing can happen. My point is this…when you are dealing with someone that you find hard to handle, remember that they may very well have a long history of suffering that you can’t see, but that drives their attitudes and behaviors. Ask God to help you be gracious and tolerant towards the people in your life who are hard to love. After all, who better to learn grace from than the One who knows every detail of your heart, both the good and the bad, and was still willing to die in order to secure your eternity with Him?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sleep is Over Rated!
My daughter, Carley, goes on lots of weekend camping trips with her girl scout troop. She’s got a wonderful troop leader, so I don’t worry about her too much when she’s gone. But, I also keep my phone nearby when she, or any of the kids are away from home, just in case.
On this recent trip, that “just in case” became reality when, in the middle of the night, my phone rang. And, you guessed it. It was Carley’s troop leader on the phone. Apparently, Carley had developed a sore throat and an ear ache during the night and it had gotten so bad that she couldn’t sleep. She just wanted to come home.
So, I got out of bed and hit the road at 3 AM to get my sick kid. Her illness wasn’t life threatening and she certainly would have made it through the night if I had chosen to stay home and go back to sleep. In fact, at my request the troop leader gave her some Tylenol to help with the pain, and by the time I got to there she was already feeling much better. I found her bright-eyed, happily chatting away with her leader, sipping lemonade and eating Cheetos.
So, was I aggravated that I made a midnight ride to pick up a child who, now, looked pretty healthy? No, not at all. Instead, I was grateful that her troop leader had called and that I was able to come get her. She’s my daughter! I’d do anything in my power to comfort her and I want her to know that whenever she’s hurting and in need of help, that I’ll be there…no matter what time of day or night and no matter how seemingly big or small the problem.
As children of God, isn’t it comforting to know that we also have a devoted, loving parent who waits for our call for help? Just like any caring mom or dad wouldn’t want their children to endure painful times on their own, God doesn’t want us to suffer alone either. He’s not concerned with the size of the problem or whether or not you’re the one who caused it in the first place.
Be encouraged by Psalm 46:1- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
So, what’s hurting you right now? Take it to your heavenly father with the assurance that he does not want you to face this by yourself and he doesn’t want you to seek comfort in the wrong places. Cry out to Him, and he will answer, even in the middle of the night. After all, there’s no wiser counsel to seek, no broader shoulder to cry on, no stronger arms to fall into than those of our Father God.
On this recent trip, that “just in case” became reality when, in the middle of the night, my phone rang. And, you guessed it. It was Carley’s troop leader on the phone. Apparently, Carley had developed a sore throat and an ear ache during the night and it had gotten so bad that she couldn’t sleep. She just wanted to come home.
So, I got out of bed and hit the road at 3 AM to get my sick kid. Her illness wasn’t life threatening and she certainly would have made it through the night if I had chosen to stay home and go back to sleep. In fact, at my request the troop leader gave her some Tylenol to help with the pain, and by the time I got to there she was already feeling much better. I found her bright-eyed, happily chatting away with her leader, sipping lemonade and eating Cheetos.
So, was I aggravated that I made a midnight ride to pick up a child who, now, looked pretty healthy? No, not at all. Instead, I was grateful that her troop leader had called and that I was able to come get her. She’s my daughter! I’d do anything in my power to comfort her and I want her to know that whenever she’s hurting and in need of help, that I’ll be there…no matter what time of day or night and no matter how seemingly big or small the problem.
As children of God, isn’t it comforting to know that we also have a devoted, loving parent who waits for our call for help? Just like any caring mom or dad wouldn’t want their children to endure painful times on their own, God doesn’t want us to suffer alone either. He’s not concerned with the size of the problem or whether or not you’re the one who caused it in the first place.
Be encouraged by Psalm 46:1- God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
So, what’s hurting you right now? Take it to your heavenly father with the assurance that he does not want you to face this by yourself and he doesn’t want you to seek comfort in the wrong places. Cry out to Him, and he will answer, even in the middle of the night. After all, there’s no wiser counsel to seek, no broader shoulder to cry on, no stronger arms to fall into than those of our Father God.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
No Deal!
Hi. I’m Tami and this is a Moment for Mom.
Among my many titles: Mom, Wife, Morning Show Co-Host, is the title Official Game Show Reject”. You see, I was one of the thousands of people who auditioned at open casting call for Deal or No Deal when it came to Winston-Salem. And, you guessed it...I didn’t make the cut.
At the audition, I had 20 seconds to “sell” myself to the show’s casting director. And, I gave it everything I had. I tried to be enthusiastic and personable. I even threw in the fact that, if I won big money on the show, I’d buy a bigger house so my poor, widowed mother could move in with us.
But, evidently, what I gave just wasn’t good enough. I knew I was finished when I got the whole, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” routine. And, as much as I hate to admit it, it hurt! The feeling reminded me of my single days when I was interested in a guy who didn’t feel the same way about me.
Thankfully, my dejected state didn’t last too long. I realized that there were lots of other people auditioning that day who wouldn’t make it either...many of whom had camped out overnight and waited for hours in a cold rain for their chance at instant wealth. So, at least I was in good company. Still, nobody enjoys rejection. Think about the way you felt the last time it happened to you. Unfortunately, we’ll all probably have plenty of experience with rejection over the course of our lives.
But, I can promise you this. There is One who will never reject you. Your heart is safe with God. Romans 8:38 & 39 confirms it: “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So, be assured….God will never tell you that you are not good enough. His love and acceptance are 100% guaranteed by the blood Jesus shed on the cross.
Among my many titles: Mom, Wife, Morning Show Co-Host, is the title Official Game Show Reject”. You see, I was one of the thousands of people who auditioned at open casting call for Deal or No Deal when it came to Winston-Salem. And, you guessed it...I didn’t make the cut.
At the audition, I had 20 seconds to “sell” myself to the show’s casting director. And, I gave it everything I had. I tried to be enthusiastic and personable. I even threw in the fact that, if I won big money on the show, I’d buy a bigger house so my poor, widowed mother could move in with us.
But, evidently, what I gave just wasn’t good enough. I knew I was finished when I got the whole, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” routine. And, as much as I hate to admit it, it hurt! The feeling reminded me of my single days when I was interested in a guy who didn’t feel the same way about me.
Thankfully, my dejected state didn’t last too long. I realized that there were lots of other people auditioning that day who wouldn’t make it either...many of whom had camped out overnight and waited for hours in a cold rain for their chance at instant wealth. So, at least I was in good company. Still, nobody enjoys rejection. Think about the way you felt the last time it happened to you. Unfortunately, we’ll all probably have plenty of experience with rejection over the course of our lives.
But, I can promise you this. There is One who will never reject you. Your heart is safe with God. Romans 8:38 & 39 confirms it: “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So, be assured….God will never tell you that you are not good enough. His love and acceptance are 100% guaranteed by the blood Jesus shed on the cross.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A MUST READ!!! SEND TO EVERYONE!!!
In my inbox, among the spam, jokes, cute animal pictures and e-bills, there are usually a few sensational chain emails forwarded by well intentioned friends. The topic usually involves something like an attack on Christianity, the latest political scandal, a new type of crime or a newly discovered health hazard of a particular food or product.
Usually, I delete these emails once I realize that they are probably just urban legends. Occasionally, though, they come from someone whom I consider a reliable source and the content seems at least plausible. So, I dig deeper. A quick check on snopes.com or truthorfiction.com reveals whether or not the email is valid. Unfortunately, most of the time it is not. I am always relieved that I did not forward the email to all of my friends without checking first. And, I’m always surprised that the friend who sent it to me didn’t do the same thing.
We have to be so careful about what we accept as truth. While I think it’s important to have an open mind, that does not mean that we should blindly accept everything we hear as fact…even when it comes from a source we respect. Teachers, parents, bosses, spouses and preachers are human beings and, as such, prone to make mistakes. Even scripture, when taken out of context can be used inaccurately.
Proverbs 3 (21-23) contains the following admonition, “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble”
Let’s pray that God will provide us with sound judgment and discernment so we’ll be better able to filter out truth from untruth.
And, by the way…it does say, “In God We Trust” on the side of the new gold coins, lemon slices in restaurants really can be nasty, petro express is not owned by Citgo, and the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will not burn off your skin. Hope this helps!
Usually, I delete these emails once I realize that they are probably just urban legends. Occasionally, though, they come from someone whom I consider a reliable source and the content seems at least plausible. So, I dig deeper. A quick check on snopes.com or truthorfiction.com reveals whether or not the email is valid. Unfortunately, most of the time it is not. I am always relieved that I did not forward the email to all of my friends without checking first. And, I’m always surprised that the friend who sent it to me didn’t do the same thing.
We have to be so careful about what we accept as truth. While I think it’s important to have an open mind, that does not mean that we should blindly accept everything we hear as fact…even when it comes from a source we respect. Teachers, parents, bosses, spouses and preachers are human beings and, as such, prone to make mistakes. Even scripture, when taken out of context can be used inaccurately.
Proverbs 3 (21-23) contains the following admonition, “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble”
Let’s pray that God will provide us with sound judgment and discernment so we’ll be better able to filter out truth from untruth.
And, by the way…it does say, “In God We Trust” on the side of the new gold coins, lemon slices in restaurants really can be nasty, petro express is not owned by Citgo, and the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser will not burn off your skin. Hope this helps!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Inside-out Worship
On a recent Sunday morning, as usual, we were late getting to church. The kids, Alton and I all rushed through the parking lot, into the building and then quickly and quietly entered the sanctuary. After finding a place to sit we began singing along with the last few moments of praise and worship music. The worship leader then asked us to bow our heads and join him in a word of prayer. As I lowered my head, I discovered, to my horror, that my shirt was on inside out! I quickly felt the back of my collar and sure enough, there was the tag, hanging out for everyone to see. While the rest of the congregation prayed, I slipped back out of the sanctuary and headed to the restroom to correct my “wardrobe malfunction”. I then made my way back to my seat thinking to myself how grossly unprepared I was for worship.
It struck me that my inside-out shirt was really an outward sign of an inward condition. My soul is pretty disheveled when I make my way into church on Sunday, because I haven’t spent nearly enough time getting ready for worship. I like to sleep in on Sundays and then ease into the day, sipping coffee and surfing the ‘net. Then, at the last possible moment, I end up rushing to get ready for church and out the door.
There is something in the “every Sunday-ness” of church that’s led my heart to believe that, as long as I actually make it to church, I’m good to go. My inside-out shirt spoke volumes about the fallacy of that line of thinking. Especailly when I compare the condition of my heart with these words in Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water”
What can we do to better prepare for worship? Well, I’m clearly not an authority on these matters, but I’m thinking that a good night’s sleep is a good place to start. The Jews begin the Sabbath on Saturday at sundown, that’s not a bad idea! Also, it couldn’t hurt to spend some time reading the Bible and praying prior to heading out the door. These are the things that prepare our hearts for God’s message. These are the things that “Let us Draw Near”.
It struck me that my inside-out shirt was really an outward sign of an inward condition. My soul is pretty disheveled when I make my way into church on Sunday, because I haven’t spent nearly enough time getting ready for worship. I like to sleep in on Sundays and then ease into the day, sipping coffee and surfing the ‘net. Then, at the last possible moment, I end up rushing to get ready for church and out the door.
There is something in the “every Sunday-ness” of church that’s led my heart to believe that, as long as I actually make it to church, I’m good to go. My inside-out shirt spoke volumes about the fallacy of that line of thinking. Especailly when I compare the condition of my heart with these words in Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water”
What can we do to better prepare for worship? Well, I’m clearly not an authority on these matters, but I’m thinking that a good night’s sleep is a good place to start. The Jews begin the Sabbath on Saturday at sundown, that’s not a bad idea! Also, it couldn’t hurt to spend some time reading the Bible and praying prior to heading out the door. These are the things that prepare our hearts for God’s message. These are the things that “Let us Draw Near”.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Don't Make Him Come Back There
The other day, as usual, my 3 kids were bickering in the back of the minivan. I usually try to ignore these sibling rivalries, hoping the situation will resolve itself without any blood letting. But, this time their words had gotten particularly ugly and the insults they were hurling were pretty biting.
So, I decided to intervene by pointing something out to them that they probably had never considered. I asked them to imagine how they would feel if their dad and I constantly argued and called each other mean names. Then I had them think about how they would feel if our verbal fights escalated into physical confrontations like theirs often do. I explained that I was pretty sure that they would be very upset to see and hear two people that they love very much hurting each other I said that’s exactly how their father and I feel when they fight.
Despite this stroke of, what I considered, parenting genius, I am fairly sure that my insight was basically ignored. I know this because the kids resumed their argument pretty much the moment I stopped talking.
However, our discussion did impact me in an unexpected way. I realized that, just as it pains me to hear my children say and do terrible things to each other, it hurts our heavenly father when His children are unkind to one another. God tells us plainly how he wants us to treat each other in Galatians 6:10- Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Is there someone in your life who is a regular source of conflict? It could be anyone, a family member, co-worker, spouse, in-law, whatever. Now, try to imagine you and that person in the back seat of a minivan and picture God in the driver’s seat. You’re going to tell that person exactly how you feel about them. Remember, God is watching everything in the rear view mirror. What are you going to say to that person? How will you say it? Does the fact that you are preparing to talk to one of God’s children in his presence change your tone?
This visualization is not too far from the truth. God really does see and hear the things we say and do to each other. He even knows what is in your heart. Remember that the next time you’re facing a confrontation with someone and you may find that resolution comes much more easily.
So, I decided to intervene by pointing something out to them that they probably had never considered. I asked them to imagine how they would feel if their dad and I constantly argued and called each other mean names. Then I had them think about how they would feel if our verbal fights escalated into physical confrontations like theirs often do. I explained that I was pretty sure that they would be very upset to see and hear two people that they love very much hurting each other I said that’s exactly how their father and I feel when they fight.
Despite this stroke of, what I considered, parenting genius, I am fairly sure that my insight was basically ignored. I know this because the kids resumed their argument pretty much the moment I stopped talking.
However, our discussion did impact me in an unexpected way. I realized that, just as it pains me to hear my children say and do terrible things to each other, it hurts our heavenly father when His children are unkind to one another. God tells us plainly how he wants us to treat each other in Galatians 6:10- Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Is there someone in your life who is a regular source of conflict? It could be anyone, a family member, co-worker, spouse, in-law, whatever. Now, try to imagine you and that person in the back seat of a minivan and picture God in the driver’s seat. You’re going to tell that person exactly how you feel about them. Remember, God is watching everything in the rear view mirror. What are you going to say to that person? How will you say it? Does the fact that you are preparing to talk to one of God’s children in his presence change your tone?
This visualization is not too far from the truth. God really does see and hear the things we say and do to each other. He even knows what is in your heart. Remember that the next time you’re facing a confrontation with someone and you may find that resolution comes much more easily.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Meh
The word “MEH” is being added to the next edition of the Collins English Dictionary. The definition of “meh” is an expression of indifference or boredom. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but one of its first known uses was in an episode of The Simpsons in which Homer suggests a day trip to Bart and Lisa, whereupon they simply shrug and say "meh" in unison before going back to watching TV.
There are lots of things that I feel “Meh” about. Any of the following questions, “Who will win the world series?”, “What’s for dinner tonight?” or “What’s your favorite brand of cornflakes?” could all be answered by me with a “Meh.” These things just don’t stir me up.
It’s OK to feel that way about some things. But there are lots of things that do deserve our attention and passion. Jesus is one of them. You cannot be “Meh” about Christ. Unfortunately, there are lots of Meh Christians. People who may go to church and claim to be believers, yet look just below the surface and they’re really pretty indifferent about their faith.
John had a prophetic vision about these folks and wrote about it in the book of Revelation. Here’s what Jesus says to them “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-16)
If you are genuinely a Christian, then you have no choice but to be passionate about your faith. God’s only Son died so you could spend an eternity with him. This has to stir you. Notice in the verse I just mentioned Jesus knows whether or not someone is lukewarm by looking at their deeds. If you are passionate about Him it will show by your actions.
Let’s pray that when Jesus looks at the things we do, He sees people who are deeply in love with Him. I know we’ll make mistakes and I know we’ll fall short more often than we get it right. But when it comes right down to it I pray that the lives we live are proof that we are anything but “Meh” about the Messiah.
There are lots of things that I feel “Meh” about. Any of the following questions, “Who will win the world series?”, “What’s for dinner tonight?” or “What’s your favorite brand of cornflakes?” could all be answered by me with a “Meh.” These things just don’t stir me up.
It’s OK to feel that way about some things. But there are lots of things that do deserve our attention and passion. Jesus is one of them. You cannot be “Meh” about Christ. Unfortunately, there are lots of Meh Christians. People who may go to church and claim to be believers, yet look just below the surface and they’re really pretty indifferent about their faith.
John had a prophetic vision about these folks and wrote about it in the book of Revelation. Here’s what Jesus says to them “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:15-16)
If you are genuinely a Christian, then you have no choice but to be passionate about your faith. God’s only Son died so you could spend an eternity with him. This has to stir you. Notice in the verse I just mentioned Jesus knows whether or not someone is lukewarm by looking at their deeds. If you are passionate about Him it will show by your actions.
Let’s pray that when Jesus looks at the things we do, He sees people who are deeply in love with Him. I know we’ll make mistakes and I know we’ll fall short more often than we get it right. But when it comes right down to it I pray that the lives we live are proof that we are anything but “Meh” about the Messiah.
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