I Don't Have the Answers

With great sorrow, I mourn with the community of Davie County, for a life that has ended so early in life.  Rather than ease the pain with clichés of “there’s a reason for everything” or “God needing an extra person,” may we comfort each other and find hope in the God who surpasses all understanding.

I don’t have the answers for why people get sick.  I don’t have the answers for why people are filled with hatred or hurt other people.  I don’t even have the answers for why people die before we would like them to. I just don’t. And neither does anyone else. 

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I would like to think that God doesn’t allow bad things to happen to good people.  But then again, what’s the good in that?  Bad things do happen to good people.  No, it is a not a sign of a gap in their faith, nor a test of their faith.  If we are to believe that God gives us free will, then we have no room to blame the evil deeds of our peers on him. It is complicated, no doubt, hard to understand.

Grief is a necessary emotion; Jesus grieved over the passing of a beloved friend in John 11:35.  The disciples grieved the persecution of their Savior, Mary grieved the loss of her son, Moses grieved for the oppression of his people, and many more. 

In the book of Hebrews, we are reminded that God will never leave us nor forsake us (13:5).  Though we do not understand the depths or breadth of God, nor do we understand the many facets of humanity, we can put our hope on the shoulders of someone much larger, our Heavenly Father.   

Take the time to grieve, it’s important.  When the time has come, you will know when you can move on.  Find comfort in those around you, express your struggles and complaints to God, give thanks for his continued presence, and share the love of Christ to God’s people. 

As you seek to minister to those around you, hang around, hug, and hush.  The ministry of presence speaks louder than words.  Be available to talk and pray, let them know you love and care for them, and then listen without trying to explain the grief away.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Philippians 4:7

Accidental Racism

Brad Paisley’s newest album, “Wheelhouse,” has sparked controversy across the web.  The song in question is entitled “Accidental Racist,” and features rapper LL Cool J.  While numerous critics have admitted this is neither artist’s best work, the song bears good intentions and uncovers a topic worth discussing.

In the song, Paisley asserts that his display of southern symbols, the rebel flag, represents his country pride. They should not be interpreted as racism. Cool J returns the sentiment by requesting that judgment not be passed over symbols, do-rag or gold chains, which he may display. Throughout the song, the two speak of years of suppression and the need for change. Whether you like the lyrics or not, the intentions are clear.  The duo is calling to action today’s generation to put aside age-old stereotypes. The question is, will we respond?

In the past two weeks, I have been more disheartened by the lack of grace and acceptance that is extended to all persons in my community, than I have in a long time.  This includes persons rejected for their race, political position, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientations, intellect, and more.  While I would like to give most the benefit of the doubt, if my observations are correct, there is more to the story.

In those frustrating times I had to remind myself that change is not an overnight process.  As a female in ministry, I also realize how crucial it is to tread lightly in such situations.  Nevertheless, I’m a follower of Christ.  As such, God calls me to live a life that extends the same kind of grace, acceptance, and forgiveness that God extends to me.

Our human nature causes us to be stuck in the mud of our sins. But it is through Jesus’ death and resurrection that we can be cleansed of the muck that covers our lives. With that new life, the role of judge is taken upon much larger shoulders and broader understanding than my own.

If I cannot live a blameless life, what right do I have to point out the sin in others?  Rather than condemn, spread hatred, and ignore entire groups of God’s children, I pray that I’m able to go on this journey with all my brothers and sisters, in love and respect.  

God calls me to love my neighbor, simple as that.  That means until the end of my days, I will love my white neighbor, love my black neighbor, my Muslim neighbor, my homosexual neighbor, and all my neighbors in between.  Will you do the same?

Bonhoeffer was hung 68 years ago today (April 9, 1945), at the age of 39, 
while imprisoned at Flossenbürg concentration camp in Nazi Germany. 
Twenty three days before the German surrender.  
Photo courtesy of www.fishink.us.

Fashion and a Rainbow

On Saturday, I was able to spend some much-needed time away from my computer.  Chris and I took the afternoon to prepare a little spot out in his yard for a garden.  Along the way, we recruited some help from a bubbly little blonde, Haleigh.  

With pink Hello Kitty rain boats, pink sunglasses, and her hips twisting, Haleigh matched every step. Playing with the water hose, she figured out how to make a rainbow.  She was so impressed with herself that she even taught me how to make one.  A few new words later, Haleigh was sharing her new knowledge with everyone, which I'm sure was not forgotten in her kindergarten class today. 

After making smores, rainbows, and spying on the momma goose, Haleigh and I went inside to paint our nails.  At five, Haleigh is an expert nail painter, and with three new colors in hand, she laid out her plan for me to look "fashion."  A few drops on the table later, I was "fashion" with mighty mango, love rocks, and firm fig nails.   I then returned the favor, so we could match, of course.

Haleigh and I became fast friends last summer and I now realize how much she watches me.  Over the year she has even picked up my bad habit of hair twirling, but I hope she has picked up some good habits too.  

I enjoyed our day not for the fun adventures but for the reminder, I was reminded how much I'm loved, by Haleigh, by family and friends, and my God.  On the car ride home, she told me she still prayed for me at school and church.  She was praying because of a wreck I had in January, nearly three months later, she's still praying.  While knowing I’m okay, she still extends the hand of love and thought to others and myself when she prays.

What an image that is!  As shown by a bubbly little blonde, may we embrace all that life has to offer, extend love in all circumstances, and seek guidance from the one who is above all things.  And if you’re Haleigh, let us do so with “fashion.”

For His Conscience or His Polls?

On Wednesday, my Facebook newsfeed was buzzing with a myriad of news regarding the state and federal government.  While some left me shaking my head, news of Obama's recent decisions left me confused.  According to ABC News, Barack Obama will be paying back 5% of his salary to the US Treasury.   

Correspondents say the payment is a "sign of solidarity with the federal workers who face furloughs due to the sequester cuts."  In an effort to share the sacrifice, Obama has made a public effort to show such support.  News anchors have questioned rather other politicians will follow suit.

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Whether or not the reason for his decision was genuine or not, it gives me insight into the leadership he is providing.  It exhibits elements of servant leadership, a model of leadership that I have implemented in daily life.

Robert K. Greenleaf devoted his life’s work to promoting servant leadership, and has been the foundation for numerous popular leadership books on the shelves today.  I can imagine that Greenleaf is smiling in his grave with the evidence of his ideology in the White House, even if not the first time. (George Washington was noted for closing his letters with, “Your most humble and obedient servant”).

Whether we agree with Obama’s politics or not, I urge that we can at least take note of his leadership.  We have no way of knowing his true intentions, but can rest assured in the image it portrays.  An image that would serve us all well if we would take note and do likewise.

“Good leaders must first become good servants.”

Robert K. Greenleaf