Thursday, April 26, 2012
Traveling Through the Valley of Weeping
" What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem."~Psalm 84:5-7 NLT
Decades ago, my mother-in-law shared hosta plants that she had dug and split from her yard with me. I had never grown hosta and wasn't sure how much care they would need. I quickly came to love hosta and their unique qualities. My yard is filled with many different varieties, and I find great joy in watching them grow.
Sometimes, the hosta plants become too big for the area they are planted, and I have to dig and split them like my mother-in-law so lovingly did so long ago. The process of splitting hosta plants is an interesting one. If you want to move the entire plant, you have to dig all around the plant and remove it from the ground. The root system is similar to a turnip in consistency. It's a mass of root. I then take a very long and sharp knife and cut through the root mass splitting the plant into two or more new plants. I often wonder if the plant feels pain during this process. It is now forced to change it's entire future growth because the root system that it was accustomed to no longer exists. In order to maintain life, it has to accept the change.
Last summer, I was blessed to receive a couple new varieties of hosta to add to my many hosta gardens. The problem was they had to be moved in late June. Needless to say, I wondered if they could handle the stress of the move when full seasonal growth had taken place. I also had to split them in order to have the strength to lift and carry them home. They looked sickly and terrible throughout the summer and fall. I cared for them by giving them extra water, fertilizer, and mulching. I didn't know what spring would produce, but I was dedicated to helping them through the transition. When spring arrived, those beautiful points erupted from the ground letting me know that the love and care I had provided had made a difference. They are growing into exquisite plants never revealing all they went through last summer.
This past week, dear friends lost their son, and they are going through the Valley of Weeping that the Psalmist talks about in the verse above. Their pain is intense, and it has forever changed their lives. Their family root system has been split in a way that has left them devastated and yearning for what was rather than what lies ahead. Many weep with them wanting to care for them in any way they are able. They will need extra love, care, and support as they journey through the seasons ahead.
This family has a strength that will sustain them. They are on a pilgrimage here on Earth to live their lives dedicated to loving and serving our Living Savior. They have no doubt that a day will come when they can reunite with their son. Sadly, like the hosta plants that I've split in my garden, they are forever changed. The change has occurred, and now they are faced with how to go on. It's at moments like these that God is counting on His people to step up and be His hands and feet in their lives. He sends us out to do His work in a world filled with brokenness.
As the seasons pass, I know that like my hosta plants, my dear friends will be undergoing many changes. Their hearts are wounded from their loss and this next year will be transitional to their future. They will be growing a new family root system missing a part that was so precious to them. I am certain that as time passes that God will find new ways for them to become firmly rooted and once again be able to find joy in their days. I trust completely in that because God never deserts us in those Weeping Valleys. The refreshing springs of Living Water will arise.
Heavenly Father,
Let us pray for those traveling through the Weeping Valleys. The journey may seem dark and painful with each step taken. May we find hope in the refreshing springs of Living Water that will maintain and enrich life.
In Jesus Name We Pray,
Amen
Friday, April 20, 2012
Confusion! What should I do?
"Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater. The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”"~Acts 19:31-34
Using our voices in this society can have quite an impact. Earlier this year, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation that has been raising funds to support breast cancer research, prevention, and treatments for the past three decades made a decision to pull all funding from Planned Parenthood that may have forever changed the foundation's future. After outcry from those that supported the efforts of Planned Parenthood, the foundation reversed their decision. When the decision was reversed, those that supported the initial decision to pull funding from Planned Parenthood, found themselves at odds with the foundation as well.
In a matter of a few weeks, this reputable breast cancer cure driven foundation had lost respect and support of many that championed their efforts. It's really frightening when you think about it. With this one decision all the lives that have been saved and all the good that has been accomplished was and still is teetering on what its future will hold. All across the nation, the support for Susan G. Komen races has substantially declined. Day after day I read that people are no longer willing to support this organization and are taking their donations and sending them elsewhere.
In the Bible story above, the crowd was gathered and a mob was forming, and it became obvious that few even knew what they were protesting and couldn't distinguish the Jews, the Christians or the idol worshipers of Artemis from one another. Confusion had taken over. They were on different sides, but didn't really know who was on their side or not. The shouting continued, and it wasn't until it quieted down that they all came to realize that if they didn't all quit protesting that they would all find themselves in trouble with the Roman government because protests weren't allowed. They would all suffer if they didn't come to this realization quickly.
This leads me to questions that I often find myself asking, "What is my motive in what I'm doing?" "Am I lost in the confusion of the problem that I can no longer see clearly?" "Is my protest aligned with what is best for for God's purpose and plan, or is it just a protest to be protesting?" Wow! Tough questions! Often we can find ourselves smothered by the crowd and in a state of confusion. It's then that as Christians, we have to take a step back and look at how God would answer these questions as He is watching our actions.
Different beliefs and opinions lead all of us down different paths of understandings. The Susan G. Komen foundation made a decision that I'm sure they wish they had never made. They tried to "fix" it, but found that trying to fix it, only made it worse. So, we're all faced with the difficult question as to whether to continue support or not. After answering the questions above, I find myself looking at God's plan and purpose for the Susan G. Komen races. I've found my answer in my heart, and I hope that after asking yourself the same tough questions that God will lead your heart to His purpose and plan in whether to continue support or not. And remember as the crowd gathered in this Bible story, they soon came to realize that the protest itself was the real problem that came with consequence if they didn't find their focus.
Healing Father,
Please help us to not be defined by the mistakes and sins in our lives. Help us to use our lives to show love and support to causes that protect and care for those that need it most.
Amen
Using our voices in this society can have quite an impact. Earlier this year, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation that has been raising funds to support breast cancer research, prevention, and treatments for the past three decades made a decision to pull all funding from Planned Parenthood that may have forever changed the foundation's future. After outcry from those that supported the efforts of Planned Parenthood, the foundation reversed their decision. When the decision was reversed, those that supported the initial decision to pull funding from Planned Parenthood, found themselves at odds with the foundation as well.
In a matter of a few weeks, this reputable breast cancer cure driven foundation had lost respect and support of many that championed their efforts. It's really frightening when you think about it. With this one decision all the lives that have been saved and all the good that has been accomplished was and still is teetering on what its future will hold. All across the nation, the support for Susan G. Komen races has substantially declined. Day after day I read that people are no longer willing to support this organization and are taking their donations and sending them elsewhere.
In the Bible story above, the crowd was gathered and a mob was forming, and it became obvious that few even knew what they were protesting and couldn't distinguish the Jews, the Christians or the idol worshipers of Artemis from one another. Confusion had taken over. They were on different sides, but didn't really know who was on their side or not. The shouting continued, and it wasn't until it quieted down that they all came to realize that if they didn't all quit protesting that they would all find themselves in trouble with the Roman government because protests weren't allowed. They would all suffer if they didn't come to this realization quickly.
This leads me to questions that I often find myself asking, "What is my motive in what I'm doing?" "Am I lost in the confusion of the problem that I can no longer see clearly?" "Is my protest aligned with what is best for for God's purpose and plan, or is it just a protest to be protesting?" Wow! Tough questions! Often we can find ourselves smothered by the crowd and in a state of confusion. It's then that as Christians, we have to take a step back and look at how God would answer these questions as He is watching our actions.
Different beliefs and opinions lead all of us down different paths of understandings. The Susan G. Komen foundation made a decision that I'm sure they wish they had never made. They tried to "fix" it, but found that trying to fix it, only made it worse. So, we're all faced with the difficult question as to whether to continue support or not. After answering the questions above, I find myself looking at God's plan and purpose for the Susan G. Komen races. I've found my answer in my heart, and I hope that after asking yourself the same tough questions that God will lead your heart to His purpose and plan in whether to continue support or not. And remember as the crowd gathered in this Bible story, they soon came to realize that the protest itself was the real problem that came with consequence if they didn't find their focus.
Healing Father,
Please help us to not be defined by the mistakes and sins in our lives. Help us to use our lives to show love and support to causes that protect and care for those that need it most.
Amen
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Stuck in the Middle
"The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."~Genesis 2:9
Last Sunday, I found myself sitting in the middle of the pew with people on each side of me. When it was time to leave, I realized that I would have to wait until either one side or the other was finished talking and ready to exit because I was somewhat stuck in the middle. Sitting in the middle of the pew, takes away some freedoms, but it reminds me that as Christians, we often find ourselves sitting in the middle having to wait, listen, and then choose how to proceed.
This morning on the news an area comptroller has been accused of stealing over 30 million dollars from the city that had entrusted her with distributing the city's funds to the appropriate recipients. She found herself in the middle. The funds came to her office, and then she was to proceed according to her job description, but something happened, and now the question remains, did she use her middle position to work toward good or evil?
When reading this well known passage in Genesis this morning, I am reminded that each day we find ourselves in the middle more often than not. Every decision we make leads us to the next moment of our lives. It may be as simple as stopping at a red light rather than running it. Maybe running that light won't have a consequence this time, but maybe next time, we could find ourselves responsible for injuring another person or worse yet, taking the life of another. Each time we decide how to respond to a friend in need, we are in the middle. We have the opportunity to change their lives by being Jesus in the world, or to remind them how painful it is to not have Jesus in their lives.
Adam and Eve weren't unique to coming to the middle of the garden. Those apples from the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" are something we bite into each day. Jesus provides us the knowledge that we can rely on to help us make good choices each day that are pleasing to Him, but we sometimes fail. But remember, that "tree of life" in this passage? Perhaps, this "tree of life" mentioned so early in the Bible, is symbolic to the tree or the cross that Jesus hung on. It's where we go to remind us that when we fail using our own knowledge that we have somewhere to go for forgiveness.
Life would be much easier if we could find a way out of the middle, but God has placed us right smack dab in the middle of this society. He is counting on us to look to that "tree of life" with every decision we make. Remembering and honoring that sacrifice on the cross each day of our lives will lead us to make better decisions. So whether, you're stuck in the middle of the pew, entrusted with great or small responsibilities, or reflecting the love of Jesus in your life with your thoughts, words, or deeds, remember that the "tree of life" is the place to turn for guidance.
Heavenly Father,
As we read this passage from Genesis, we thank you for the "tree of life." Help us each day to look to You for knowledge and cling to Your promises. Teach us that as we find ourselves in the middle, our direction away from the middle should always be toward You.
Amen
Last Sunday, I found myself sitting in the middle of the pew with people on each side of me. When it was time to leave, I realized that I would have to wait until either one side or the other was finished talking and ready to exit because I was somewhat stuck in the middle. Sitting in the middle of the pew, takes away some freedoms, but it reminds me that as Christians, we often find ourselves sitting in the middle having to wait, listen, and then choose how to proceed.
This morning on the news an area comptroller has been accused of stealing over 30 million dollars from the city that had entrusted her with distributing the city's funds to the appropriate recipients. She found herself in the middle. The funds came to her office, and then she was to proceed according to her job description, but something happened, and now the question remains, did she use her middle position to work toward good or evil?
When reading this well known passage in Genesis this morning, I am reminded that each day we find ourselves in the middle more often than not. Every decision we make leads us to the next moment of our lives. It may be as simple as stopping at a red light rather than running it. Maybe running that light won't have a consequence this time, but maybe next time, we could find ourselves responsible for injuring another person or worse yet, taking the life of another. Each time we decide how to respond to a friend in need, we are in the middle. We have the opportunity to change their lives by being Jesus in the world, or to remind them how painful it is to not have Jesus in their lives.
Adam and Eve weren't unique to coming to the middle of the garden. Those apples from the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" are something we bite into each day. Jesus provides us the knowledge that we can rely on to help us make good choices each day that are pleasing to Him, but we sometimes fail. But remember, that "tree of life" in this passage? Perhaps, this "tree of life" mentioned so early in the Bible, is symbolic to the tree or the cross that Jesus hung on. It's where we go to remind us that when we fail using our own knowledge that we have somewhere to go for forgiveness.
Life would be much easier if we could find a way out of the middle, but God has placed us right smack dab in the middle of this society. He is counting on us to look to that "tree of life" with every decision we make. Remembering and honoring that sacrifice on the cross each day of our lives will lead us to make better decisions. So whether, you're stuck in the middle of the pew, entrusted with great or small responsibilities, or reflecting the love of Jesus in your life with your thoughts, words, or deeds, remember that the "tree of life" is the place to turn for guidance.
Heavenly Father,
As we read this passage from Genesis, we thank you for the "tree of life." Help us each day to look to You for knowledge and cling to Your promises. Teach us that as we find ourselves in the middle, our direction away from the middle should always be toward You.
Amen
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Daily Renewal
"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."~II Corinthians 4:15-17 NIV
Sometimes despite our best efforts, we may find ourselves in a dental chair with our dentist hovering over us reaching into our mouth with that dreaded drill. Today, I was a victim of a 25 year old filling that was leaking into what was left of my healthy back tooth. The compound in my tooth used so long ago was strong, but day after day, the stress caused the filling to chip away and break down. I settled into the chair, and then my dentist appeared with drill in hand.
As my dentist was drilling, I concentrated on relaxing and seeking that inner part of me where the Holy Spirit dwells so that I could do everything possible to keep the anxiety afar. I said a prayer for strength, and I knew the prayer was heard. My dentist shared that he could still remember the day he put in the original filling. He told me at that time he felt I needed a root canal, but we would see how long the filling would take care of the problem. I made up my mind at that moment that I was going to do everything possible to avoid a root canal. He made the decision to remove all the old filling, so the drilling continued. When he left the room for a short moment, I moved my tongue, and I could feel that terrible emptiness. My tooth seemed vulnerable to anything at that point. Without a new filling, it would have no hope for survival. It would not be able to withstand the daily regiment I put it through. As he filled the tooth with a new compound, I felt such a feeling of relief to know that my tooth has a great chance to survive in the years to come. My tooth was renewed and was now protected by this compound that dwelled within it and filled it completely.
I thought back to that original moment when I concentrated on the Holy Spirit coming to help me with the anxiety as the procedure began. I trusted that with His strength I could face the ominous drill. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but, I had a peace inside that I wasn't in this alone. My tooth without that filling could not survive in this world. It wouldn't be able to withstand the pressure of all that is expected of it. It would be broken and useless in no time.
The verses above remind us that God is inwardly renewing us daily. Our bodies are the place that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Without the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are very vulnerable, like my tooth, to not being able to withstand the pressures and expectations we deal with each day. The Holy Spirit goes with us and keeps our heart and mind safe from all we face. We know it's not always going to be easy, but we know that what we have inside won't chip away or break down. As the verse says, "the light and momentary troubles are achieving us for an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." We will have those moments that are difficult, but we trust that the Holy Spirit is that solid core inside that fills us completely and walks with us every step of the way, and we know eternal glory awaits when the walk is done.
Holy Spirit,
As outwardly, we find times that we suffer or face challenges, may your inward presence that dwells within us remind us that we are never alone. Thank you for renewing us daily for the journey to eternal glory.
Amen.
Sometimes despite our best efforts, we may find ourselves in a dental chair with our dentist hovering over us reaching into our mouth with that dreaded drill. Today, I was a victim of a 25 year old filling that was leaking into what was left of my healthy back tooth. The compound in my tooth used so long ago was strong, but day after day, the stress caused the filling to chip away and break down. I settled into the chair, and then my dentist appeared with drill in hand.
As my dentist was drilling, I concentrated on relaxing and seeking that inner part of me where the Holy Spirit dwells so that I could do everything possible to keep the anxiety afar. I said a prayer for strength, and I knew the prayer was heard. My dentist shared that he could still remember the day he put in the original filling. He told me at that time he felt I needed a root canal, but we would see how long the filling would take care of the problem. I made up my mind at that moment that I was going to do everything possible to avoid a root canal. He made the decision to remove all the old filling, so the drilling continued. When he left the room for a short moment, I moved my tongue, and I could feel that terrible emptiness. My tooth seemed vulnerable to anything at that point. Without a new filling, it would have no hope for survival. It would not be able to withstand the daily regiment I put it through. As he filled the tooth with a new compound, I felt such a feeling of relief to know that my tooth has a great chance to survive in the years to come. My tooth was renewed and was now protected by this compound that dwelled within it and filled it completely.
I thought back to that original moment when I concentrated on the Holy Spirit coming to help me with the anxiety as the procedure began. I trusted that with His strength I could face the ominous drill. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but, I had a peace inside that I wasn't in this alone. My tooth without that filling could not survive in this world. It wouldn't be able to withstand the pressure of all that is expected of it. It would be broken and useless in no time.
The verses above remind us that God is inwardly renewing us daily. Our bodies are the place that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Without the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are very vulnerable, like my tooth, to not being able to withstand the pressures and expectations we deal with each day. The Holy Spirit goes with us and keeps our heart and mind safe from all we face. We know it's not always going to be easy, but we know that what we have inside won't chip away or break down. As the verse says, "the light and momentary troubles are achieving us for an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." We will have those moments that are difficult, but we trust that the Holy Spirit is that solid core inside that fills us completely and walks with us every step of the way, and we know eternal glory awaits when the walk is done.
Holy Spirit,
As outwardly, we find times that we suffer or face challenges, may your inward presence that dwells within us remind us that we are never alone. Thank you for renewing us daily for the journey to eternal glory.
Amen.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Strength in Suffering
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."~Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Families are very complex mini cultures. No two are alike, and the chemistry between family members isn't always congenial. A friend shares the stress she feels as she continues to try to live her Christian values by example in a family that mocks Christianity and degrades her time and time again. She struggles with the balance of being a disciple and peacemaker, as the pain and depression brought on by the family culture she was born into and dwells within, continues to pierce her heart. It seems the more effort she puts into the relationships within her family, the more broken and oppressed she feels. A grown adult, there are times she comes to me like a helpless child unable to move forward, seeking comfort and unconditional love.
The stories in the Bible about suffering for our faith are many. Yet, often the stories of suffering lead us directly to God for guidance. Prayers are heard, and God often sends His children to those suffering so that they may feel His love and comfort through those He dwells within. My friend knows that she can come to me and many other Christian friends in her life that will remind her that woven in this relentless suffering is this unique and mysterious gift of God's love that can sustain those who love Him through any storm. Sometimes it takes someone to listen, someone to share a hug, someone to pray with, or just someone to sit quietly with to get through the worst of the storm. After the storm, there are often difficult times ahead, but feeling God's intense love at these critical moments, that one feels the inability to go on, is their means of survival.
I don't know why so much suffering exists. The only thing I cling to is understanding the above verse from Isaiah that tells us that God is with us and He will strengthen us. He doesn't just say that He will hold us up, but He says He will hold us up with His victorious hand. Victorious reminds me that after the suffering, there will be victory if our trust is placed in our living and loving God. At those critical moments when my friend feels like she can't go on because the pain is so immense, I'm humbled that God may use me to be the person she reaches out to at that time to help her feel His strength. I've seen her become stronger as the years pass, but on occasion, she shrinks into that little girl so alone and so afraid. She may never be able to entirely escape the suffering, but she trusts that as the storms of suffering arrive she will find her strength in the Lord.
Heavenly Father,
Sometimes as your children, we may feel like outcasts in society and even possibly in our own families. Thank You for the reminder that regardless of how dark the storm, You will provide the strength we need to move forward. Thank You for the people You send into our lives in those critical moments that mirror Your love for us.
Amen
Families are very complex mini cultures. No two are alike, and the chemistry between family members isn't always congenial. A friend shares the stress she feels as she continues to try to live her Christian values by example in a family that mocks Christianity and degrades her time and time again. She struggles with the balance of being a disciple and peacemaker, as the pain and depression brought on by the family culture she was born into and dwells within, continues to pierce her heart. It seems the more effort she puts into the relationships within her family, the more broken and oppressed she feels. A grown adult, there are times she comes to me like a helpless child unable to move forward, seeking comfort and unconditional love.
The stories in the Bible about suffering for our faith are many. Yet, often the stories of suffering lead us directly to God for guidance. Prayers are heard, and God often sends His children to those suffering so that they may feel His love and comfort through those He dwells within. My friend knows that she can come to me and many other Christian friends in her life that will remind her that woven in this relentless suffering is this unique and mysterious gift of God's love that can sustain those who love Him through any storm. Sometimes it takes someone to listen, someone to share a hug, someone to pray with, or just someone to sit quietly with to get through the worst of the storm. After the storm, there are often difficult times ahead, but feeling God's intense love at these critical moments, that one feels the inability to go on, is their means of survival.
I don't know why so much suffering exists. The only thing I cling to is understanding the above verse from Isaiah that tells us that God is with us and He will strengthen us. He doesn't just say that He will hold us up, but He says He will hold us up with His victorious hand. Victorious reminds me that after the suffering, there will be victory if our trust is placed in our living and loving God. At those critical moments when my friend feels like she can't go on because the pain is so immense, I'm humbled that God may use me to be the person she reaches out to at that time to help her feel His strength. I've seen her become stronger as the years pass, but on occasion, she shrinks into that little girl so alone and so afraid. She may never be able to entirely escape the suffering, but she trusts that as the storms of suffering arrive she will find her strength in the Lord.
Heavenly Father,
Sometimes as your children, we may feel like outcasts in society and even possibly in our own families. Thank You for the reminder that regardless of how dark the storm, You will provide the strength we need to move forward. Thank You for the people You send into our lives in those critical moments that mirror Your love for us.
Amen
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The Ugliness of Holy Week
"Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"~Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG
I find myself in the midst of Holy Week dwelling on the word Holy. When I think of something Holy, I think of something reverent that I should respect and uphold in my life. It also signals that it is a time to be attentive as I watch, listen, and participate in what is happening around me. Ironically, the days of Holy Week leading up to the Easter miracle are filled with pain, suffering, injustice, betrayal, and shame. These are not words I generally associate with holy.
My husband's favorite scripture is Hebrews 12:1-3, and this scripture has such deep and intense meaning especially when applied to Holy Week. I used the translation from the Message Bible because it is so raw and demanding. It takes on the ugliness of Holy Week, yet ends with an Easter message. Is it fitting that we call it Holy Week? Perhaps, it is that ugliness that leaves us grasping for the Holy. The sins known and unknown in our lives are a parallel to the rawness of Holy Week. We'd like to forget all about them, and focus on Easter. However, that's not the way the story goes.
A childhood memory surfaces that I would honestly like to forget, but there seems to be some reason it refuses to leave. Rarely in the 60s and 70s, did families have all new furniture in their homes and even less often in families with young children. As I entered Jr. High, my parents purchased their first ever brand "new" end tables and a coffee table. They were beautiful quality, and my parents had worked very hard to earn the funds to purchase this furniture. One Saturday afternoon, when my parents weren't at home, I decided to remove the fingernail polish from my fingers. I sat the nail polish remover on the new coffee table and was carefully removing the polish from my fingers, and in a split moment, it seemed my world changed. The nail polish remover spilled onto the new coffee table, and even though I quickly grabbed something to wipe it off, it damaged the varnish layer of the wood. I remember at that moment I wanted to die. I felt strongly that this was something that I could never tell my parents, and my only solutions were to either run away, die, or think of how my parents were going to punish me. The latter seemed the worst scenario, but I knew what I had to do.
The confession was a difficult one. I remember thinking I should have ran, but I didn't. I had to face the harsh punishment that was the result of me not thinking through all that could happen with that nail polish remover. I had to go through the ugly to reach that inner peace that allowed me to move on with hope that my tomorrows would bring better days ahead.
Holy Week reminds me of those moments when we sin. Sometimes we can't see beyond what we've done, but we have a Savior that sends a strong message to each of us that regardless of what we've done, if we repent and confess our sins, we will be forgiven. He will also give us the strength we need to face each day and forgive us when our plans fail even when they are accidental failures. Yes, it's that ugliness and brokenness that leads us to the beauty of Easter. It is only when we understand the journey getting there that we truly come to appreciate and value the gift of the seemingly unbearable sacrifice.
Holy is a way to look at this week of ugliness. It's a time to be attentive to what we've been blessed to receive. Even a midst the sin of our lives, our Savior reminds us that he died for that ugliness. It was a painful death, and it was to put our sins to death. Yes, it is a week of Holiness, and I'm thankful that it's a story that is told over and over again.
Sacrificing Father,
As we face the rawness and ugliness of Holy Week, may You lead us to the cross where You suffered, so that we can truly come to know the deep Love you have for us. May we rest assured that in our brokenness, You will provide everything we need to find the gift of Easter in our daily lives.
In Jesus Name We Pray,
Amen
I find myself in the midst of Holy Week dwelling on the word Holy. When I think of something Holy, I think of something reverent that I should respect and uphold in my life. It also signals that it is a time to be attentive as I watch, listen, and participate in what is happening around me. Ironically, the days of Holy Week leading up to the Easter miracle are filled with pain, suffering, injustice, betrayal, and shame. These are not words I generally associate with holy.
My husband's favorite scripture is Hebrews 12:1-3, and this scripture has such deep and intense meaning especially when applied to Holy Week. I used the translation from the Message Bible because it is so raw and demanding. It takes on the ugliness of Holy Week, yet ends with an Easter message. Is it fitting that we call it Holy Week? Perhaps, it is that ugliness that leaves us grasping for the Holy. The sins known and unknown in our lives are a parallel to the rawness of Holy Week. We'd like to forget all about them, and focus on Easter. However, that's not the way the story goes.
A childhood memory surfaces that I would honestly like to forget, but there seems to be some reason it refuses to leave. Rarely in the 60s and 70s, did families have all new furniture in their homes and even less often in families with young children. As I entered Jr. High, my parents purchased their first ever brand "new" end tables and a coffee table. They were beautiful quality, and my parents had worked very hard to earn the funds to purchase this furniture. One Saturday afternoon, when my parents weren't at home, I decided to remove the fingernail polish from my fingers. I sat the nail polish remover on the new coffee table and was carefully removing the polish from my fingers, and in a split moment, it seemed my world changed. The nail polish remover spilled onto the new coffee table, and even though I quickly grabbed something to wipe it off, it damaged the varnish layer of the wood. I remember at that moment I wanted to die. I felt strongly that this was something that I could never tell my parents, and my only solutions were to either run away, die, or think of how my parents were going to punish me. The latter seemed the worst scenario, but I knew what I had to do.
The confession was a difficult one. I remember thinking I should have ran, but I didn't. I had to face the harsh punishment that was the result of me not thinking through all that could happen with that nail polish remover. I had to go through the ugly to reach that inner peace that allowed me to move on with hope that my tomorrows would bring better days ahead.
Holy Week reminds me of those moments when we sin. Sometimes we can't see beyond what we've done, but we have a Savior that sends a strong message to each of us that regardless of what we've done, if we repent and confess our sins, we will be forgiven. He will also give us the strength we need to face each day and forgive us when our plans fail even when they are accidental failures. Yes, it's that ugliness and brokenness that leads us to the beauty of Easter. It is only when we understand the journey getting there that we truly come to appreciate and value the gift of the seemingly unbearable sacrifice.
Holy is a way to look at this week of ugliness. It's a time to be attentive to what we've been blessed to receive. Even a midst the sin of our lives, our Savior reminds us that he died for that ugliness. It was a painful death, and it was to put our sins to death. Yes, it is a week of Holiness, and I'm thankful that it's a story that is told over and over again.
Sacrificing Father,
As we face the rawness and ugliness of Holy Week, may You lead us to the cross where You suffered, so that we can truly come to know the deep Love you have for us. May we rest assured that in our brokenness, You will provide everything we need to find the gift of Easter in our daily lives.
In Jesus Name We Pray,
Amen
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