Because She Couldn't

“God is always at work for the good of those who love him." ~ Romans 8:28

Adele underestimated the cold tonight; the icy wind was wicking away body heat faster than her small frame could replace it.  Turning back was always an option, but one she quickly rejected.

Three nights a week she volunteered with the homeless at Faith House, named for the Pastor who founded the shelter.  She pushed open the heavy metal door and entered an already crowded room, hot and dank with the stench of body odor.  Adele greeted the ‘residents’ with a warm smile before heading for the serving area. 

She noticed the young woman cowering on the floor; her face in her hands.  The ragged coat she wore was way too thin for this kind of weather.   Martha, a regular at the shelter, was caught in the sickening carousel of social services.  Mental Health wouldn’t help until she recovered from alcoholism; but the alcoholism was inescapably tangled with her mental illness.

“How’re you doing tonight, Martha,” Adele asked in a pleasant voice. 

“Whaat’d you caaare?” Martha answered, her tongue thickened by an earlier binge.  Her verbal abuse was legendary.  She detested herself and anyone who showed her kindness.  When Martha was sure she was alone, she’d often cry for all the love she’d driven away. 

“Always good to see you dear!“ Adele said . . . and honestly meant it.  “I’d best get busy.”

Walking away, Adele flashed back to her childhood, recalling the pain brought on by a mother unable to deal with her own challenges and who resorted to vacancy from a bottle.  It hurt.

It hurt to see a mother "un-well;" to hear her vomiting in the bathroom, to hear slurred speech and crying, to find empty bottles.  If Mom had a bad day at work, a fight with one of her boyfriends at the time, or she was drunk, it usually resulted in Adele getting screamed at, choked, even dragged from bed to be beaten.

Adele was so desperate for her mother’s love that she did everything and anything try and keep her happy and not make waves.  She’d walked on eggshells until that day 7 years ago – the day she’d had enough.

Their relationship ended that day.  But in her mind, Adele had lost her mother many years before that.  There’s no hope for reconciliation – no love, no trust.  She survived – but suffers deeply.

She couldn’t save her Mom from herself.  But then, maybe God helped prepare her for His ministry here.  She can show them that He loves them, that there’s hope, that they have value and they can get back on their feet.  She prays that her dedication to Faith House will help someone someday.

Dear God, thank you for always being near.  We trust You to heal those struggling with addiction and pray that they will be relieved of the pressures that cause them to self-medicate.  Give us strength and patience as You begin work in their lives.  Amen 

Ant-Man

“Watch what ants do and learn from them." ~ Proverbs 6:6

Erik stared at the blank laptop screen taunting him.  T-minus one day and he hadn’t even chosen a topic for his mid-term writing assignment. 

Nobody works well on an empty stomach, so he took his time at dinner.  He flossed his teeth, trimmed his beard, and checked his email (again).  Then he wrote . . . a letter to a friend he’d met in fifth grade at summer camp.  

Erik arranged his CD’s in alphabetical order, then won a quick game of solitaire.  Nothing seemed to jump-start his creative energies, so he moved to the back porch with a blank sheet of paper and freshly sharpened pencil.

A tiny ant carrying a huge leaf caught his attention.  It must weigh several times its own weight.  At one point the ant had to negotiate a crack in the concrete.  After brief observation it laid the leaf over the crack, walked across it, picked it up and continued on its way.

Erik raced to the library – he had his subject!  Hours later, he collapsed on his bed - just in time to shut off the alarm.  But what he’d learned about ants revealed a wealth of meaning that can be applied to everyday life.

Sure they’re amazing, able to carry loads up to 100 times their own weight (the equivalent of carrying a city bus on your back).  They’re the strongest creature on earth relative to their size.  But there’s much more.

To start with, everybody in the ant world is important.  Each ant specializes in a certain task within the colony whether it be guarding the queen, foraging for food, or removing the waste.  Yet, ant colonies operate seamlessly.  It’s a great example of individuality being essential to a community without usurping it.

Second, the ant colony has a flat structure; no rules, no boss.  There is a queen but only in that she lays eggs and nurtures the colony.  She gives no commands.  Can you imagine existing in a society where no one has to run the show because the respect for each other working towards a common goal is enough to make it work?

Ants never quit. If they're headed somewhere and you try to stop them, they'll look for another way.  They'll climb over, under, or around; always looking for another way.  They never quit looking for a way to get where they’re supposed to go.

And like ourselves, ants are highly socialized creature that depends on its place within the whole.  We need each other and this earth that we walk upon.  So don’t tug on that bread crust alone.  And don’t watch someone else do it either.

Let’s be like the ants and make generosity and selfless devotion the new norm.

 Lord, thank You for the gift of Your creation.  We thank you for plants, for water, for soil and seeds, for rocks and air, for all animals and even the peskiest insects.  Help us be good and wise caretakers of this beautiful earth.  Amen.

Take Great Care

“God paid a great price for you.  So take great care of your body." ~ 1 Corinthians 6:20

Marin stepped carelessly along the water’s edge glancing across the rippling sea toward the setting sun.  Tangerine light emphasized the dancing waves as they rushed, then died, upon the velvety shore.  In their retreat, something got left behind in the sand.

Stooping, Marin eyed the neck of a brass lantern poking through the sand.  She’d heard of lamps and genies and, hoping that this would be such a vessel, eagerly extracted it out and washed it in the shallow water.  

In a whisper of smoke so fast she didn’t even have time to drop the bottle, a genie appeared as if by magic.

"You’ve released me from my imprisonment!" he exclaimed, "For this I’ll give you any automobile on earth.”

“Wait!” Marin questioned.  Aren’t Genie’s supposed to grant three wishes?”

“Only in fairytales,” he grinned.  “But there’s one catch: you can never sell or give it away.  It’s the only car you’ll ever own."

Hardly believing her luck, the woman thought long and hard as the genie waited patiently for her answer.  Eventually, she spoke.

“If this were the only car I’ll ever own,” Marin began, I’d have to take particular care so that it’d remain my dream car forever.  I’d reread the manual every week, rotate the tires monthly; change the oil twice as often as required, and always park it under cover from the sun.” 

I’d drive as if my life depended on it: coming to complete stops, never passing anyone, and driving 10 mph slower than the speed limit.

Marin stared hard at the genie, who appeared a little annoyed at her sudden indecision.  "No thanks!" she eventually said. "I don’t need it: wish for something for yourself."  Then she continued her stroll along the beach.

God is like the Genie.  He gives you but one mind and body – the same ones you’ll have at 30, 50 and 80.  Your main asset in life is YOU.  Invest wisely.

No matter your age, your future depends on your willingness to invest in yourself now.  Nurturing both your mind and body allows you to have more to give: more energy, more knowledge, more compassion, more ideas, greater strength and endurance.

Expand your mind, develop new skills, explore your creative side.  Learning new things and keeping your mind active helps to grow and maintain your mental ability.

And take great care of your body.  It’s like a well-oiled machine; if you care for it in the way that you might maintain an expensive car, it’ll perform impressively and last for a very long time.  Give it high quality fuel, rest and relax often, and use preventative maintenance.  Get check-ups, take appropriate vitamins and pay attention to any irregular or erratic behavior.

My God, help me treat by body as the temple You intended.  It was bought with an unusually high price.  I will glorify You in the choices and actions I make when it comes to my well-being.  Amen

Elevator Encounter

“You put people in our path on purpose; Lord, show me my assignment today!” ~ Joel Osteen

“Hey, hold the door!” an urgent voice echoed off the marble hallway.

Already in the elevator, Smita was running late for an interview that she’d been looking forward to for the past two weeks.  Just as she reached for the ‘Close Door’ button, the Bible she’d been carrying under her left arm fell to the floor. 

The man whose voice she’d heard seconds before, squeezed into the elevator just before the doors closed.  Even though only two of them occupied the spacious car, Smita moved slightly to make room for him as the lift began its upward flight. 

Suddenly the lights flickered and Smita gasped.  Normally humming gears now groaned and creaked until the car stopped somewhere between the third and fourth floors.  The space went dark.  Both occupants stood on their marks for a moment without speaking.

Once her eyes adjusted to the blackness, Smita pounded every button on the panel hoping that by some miracle her actions would magically turn the stupid machine back on and deliver them to their destination.  After several failed attempts, she slumped against the car’s wall.

Rather than silently facing the door, he looked at her and said: “I’m sorry about your interview.”  It was a simple yet oh-so-kind gesture that started a conversation.

They chatted while mechanics worked to repair the elevator.  Their dialogue progressed to jobs and then family.  He revealed that recently he’d lost a son in a car accident.  Another son was a passenger in the car and had narrowly survived. 

He grappled with the crushing pain of losing a child while attempting to remain strong and stoic for the rest of his family.  It's something Smita would never have known had he not opened the door to conversation.  Her God placed them together today on purpose.

She told him about how she became a believer; told him the story of Roman’s Road; explained why her faith was so strong.  And he listened to every word.

Neither of them could see the brawny angel holding the elevator cables still as her testimony was given.  Nor could they hear the cheers ringing out in another dimension as the words of faith and encouragement were spoken.

Thirty minutes later, the elevator doors opened.  Two maintenance men and one security guard stared as they looked upon the pair embracing one another in the center of the elevator, tears streaming down both their faces.

One of the maintenance men yelled out.  "Hey you're free now!"

The man shook the maintenance man's hand - tears still streaming down his face - and told him the good news.  "Yes I am.  I’m definitely free now!"

Dear God, please show me the spiritual need of those I come in contact with.  Give me a courageous, sensitive, and loving heart that will see people as You see them and love them according to their need."  Amen

Alleyway Angels

“The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from danger." ~ Psalm 121:7

Deion’s babysitting night ended later than expected.  But tomorrow wasn’t a school day and he’d earned a nice tip from his uncle for entertaining their two lively kids. 

He began a leisure walk home, warily eying strangers roaming dimly lit streets.  It had been a tediously long day and Deion couldn’t wait to get home and play a few video games before his consciousness escaped into oblivion.  To save time, he entered the alleyway-shortcut to his home.

As usual, its path was dark; the air heavy and still.  Creaking sounds and foul odors immediately assaulted his sense as he cautiously picked his way towards the single light at the far end.

Flies buzzed over rotten garbage and he heard the scamper of little feet . . . rats.  Every instinct of his body recoiled with terror as three men entered the alley walking briskly toward him.

A crippling sense of fear grew steadily, as his pulse rocketed and air raced from his lungs.  As they approached, the horror became overwhelming, and from some hidden place in Deion’s mind, darkness consumed him.

He began to pray, asking for God's protection.  

Instantly Deion felt a strange presence surround him; as if someone were walking beside him.  When he reached the darkest part of the alley, he walked right past the three men, but not before noting the one with unkempt hair and icy blue eyes.

He reached the alley’s exit without incident.  Quickening his pace, he hurried home, flung open the door, and slammed it tightly behind him.  “Thank you Jesus,” he managed, choking back tears.

Deion read in the morning paper that a man had been robbed and severely beaten in the same alley just twenty minutes after he’d left there.  Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could’ve easily been him, he dropped to his knees, asking for the Lord’s compassion to heal the injured victim.

Believing he could recognize at least one of the attackers, Deion walked to the police station and told of his own ordeal.  They asked if he’d be willing to look at a lineup - to see if he could identify any of them.  He agreed and immediately pointed out the blue-eyed thug from the night before.

When the assailant was told he’d been identified, he broke down and confessed.  The officers thanked Deion for his bravery, and when asked if there was anything they could do for him, he suggested they ask him one question.  Deion was curious why they hadn’t attacked him instead.  

The mugger didn’t hesitate when asked.  "He wasn't alone.  He had two powerfully built men walking on either side of him."

Guardian Lord, no matter what the problem is in our life or whatever situation has us feeling overwhelmed, we know You’re right there with us.  You never sleep or forget about meeting Your children's needs.  Help us to be as faithful to You Lord.  Amen

I Don't Text or Tweet

(A letter from God)

“Be still and know that I am God." ~ Psalm 46:10  

My beloved children:

Technology has flourished.  It’s crushed the traditional communication barriers between cultures, countries, and religions.  Gone are the days of hieroglyphics, telegrams, and phone booths.  Yet, in the midst of all the digital gadgets at your finger-tips, you still seem so lonely.

In My day, people would come from miles away to visit family or friends.  It became a celebration filled with hope and joy - cherished memories captured in journals and later in photographs.

Now, you send pictures over the web and skype with loved ones from far-way places.  You hold virtual meetings and sign documents digitally – all in the name of technology.  There’s literally no F2F time.  You’re growing more out of touch with each other every day.  

At the core of internet-based relationships is a sense of anonymity.  Technology allows you to create (and perfect) a fake self.  You know people on a superficial level; following the insanity of their vanity through a series of online reports. 

But smart phones can’t convey a person’s spirit.  The most it can do is show a snapshot or record a word.  Real friendships are built when people are side-by-side, speaking and interacting together.  It’s the same with Me.

I don’t send ‘Friend Requests.’  My love is yours for the asking.  I know everything about you.  I adore you and want you to know Me intimately.  I want others to experience the deep love that we share by example.

You seek instant gratification, and get irritated if someone doesn’t respond immediately to your texts or tweets.  You sleep with your phone on our pillow or right next to the bed, just in case someone needs an immediate reply.

Your relationships are influenced by technology, but its standards don’t apply to Me.  You want to say a ten second prayer . . . and expect an answer back in five.   I don’t send email, instant or text messages.

I hold time in My hands.  I want you to trust me — not be entertained by Me.  Sometimes an immediate response is not best for you.   I want time – the real kind of time that makes you come face-to-face with Me.  And if you don’t hear My response, it may be because you either got out of the habit of listening or because you chose to ignore Me.

Take a break from your computers and Smart phones.  Go back to some basics.  Listen to each other – even the boring parts.  Because it's when you stumble or lose your words that you reveal your true selves to each other.  Humanity created technology to make things easier – but true relationships require time  . . . and energy.”

“Do you know that if I were with you in physical form I’d take you in my arms and tell you how precious and beautiful you are to Me?  I’d tell you how deeply I love you.  Be still and talk to Me!  Love always, God.”

Tiff for Tot

“Children are a blessing - a special gift from God." ~ Psalm 127:3

These were choppy waters.  After running several tedious errands, Carla scanned her grocery list one last time before heading for the checkout line.  She hated food shopping, particularly after a long work day; especially when facing a HUGE line.  Little Kenzie sat quietly in the grocery cart . . . for now.  That would soon change.

While placing items on the checkout belt, her strong-willed 3-year old asked for a candy bar placed strategically at kids’ eye level.  “Pleease Mommmy?”

“Oh God,” thought Carla.  She knew this day would come.  Grocery stores are designed to send children into crying fits.  All of the sugary food, the bright packaging, the toys, the candy — it’s a minefield.  An occasional meltdown is unavoidable, but why TODAY?  “You can handle this,” she repeated silently.

“Not tonight, honey,” she said.  “It’ll spoil your dinner.  We’re having watermelon for desert.”

“But I neeeeed one!” the youngster whined.

“OK, so that failed,” Carla admitted.  Distraction sometimes works with youngsters.  Sidetrack her fast before a tantrum erupts.  Gently picking Kenzie from the cart, she placed her on the floor.  “Will you be my helper and count these things when I take them out of the cart?” 

Bad idea.  Instead of helping as requested, Kenzie grabbed the desired candy from the shelf and waved it in her mother’s face.  “This one Mom; I neeeed this one pleeeease?”

Carla continued to unload her foodstuffs hoping that Kelsey would lose interest if she simply ignored her.  “Mommmy, you’re not listening!” Kelsey stated with the urgency of a hand grenade with its pin removed.  A full-blown tantrum was coming.  And once it started, she knew there wasn’t much Carla could do to contain it.  Best to have an EXIT strategy - leave the shopping cart where it is, exit the building as fast as possible, and never come back to this store again.

After saying “No” for the third time, she just gave in.  It was only one Snickers bar, the reasoned. 

Then something amazing happened.  After paying for all the groceries, Carla handed the candy bar to Kenzie.  The toddler stopped, turned around and handed it to a little boy that was crying in line behind them at the register.  

To say that Carla was surprised might be the understatement of all time.  When asked why she gave it to him, Kenzie explained that she heard the boy’s mom tell him they didn’t have money left for candy until she can find another job.

Sometimes you gotta go with your instincts.  Three year olds can swing rapidly between endearingly cute antics and screaming, fits of rage.  Completely unpredictable, we love them as little blessings and nightmares . . . sometimes at the same time.

God of Love, You demonstrate Your patience for us through Your continual forgiveness of sin.  Please shape our children’s characters, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, so they will be patient and gracious as You are.  Amen

Perfect Timing

“I have plans for you, plans to bring you and the future you hope for." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

It was a grey day; grey drizzle fell from the city’s grey sky.  Grey people hurried down the sidewalk under grey umbrellas.

Corinne decided to shake the “cobwebs” loose with a quick run.  Keeping it light, she tied her house key to her show laces; nothing more.  Soon she fell into rhythmic pace; all she heard was her feet pounding the payment and the cadence of her breathing.  Her mind cleared; she forgot everything else.

So engrossed in the dance between her feet and breath, Corinne failed to notice two things: 1) a grey shap huddled against a tall grey building and 2) shoe laces that had ‘untied’ themselves. 

Boink!  She face planted the pavement . . . losing her key.

Retracing her steps, Corinne searched the sidewalk and the grass.  “Perfect timing” Corinne thought sarcastically.  “Can’t find my key, no cell phone, and daylight’s disappearing.”  Worry began to set in.

As she continued her search, ‘grey-shape’ painstakingly got to his feet.  Dressed in multiple layers of rotted clothing, she could smell him coming long before he arrived.  “Are you alright?” he asked in a way that suggested it was okay to talk to him.

Corinne explained that she was looking for her house key.  He pulled a flashlight from his bag of odds and ends and handed it to her. “Here,” he offered kindly.  “A bright light helps in the dark.”  They searched for nearly an hour before she found it between the grass and sidewalk.

“Thank you!” she said relieved and anxious to finish her run . . . homeward.  “But I have no reward to offer you I’m afraid.”  She would have given him $50 if she’d had the cash on her.

Smiling he placed his hand on his heart and said sweetly, “Young lady, many kind strangers have helped me before.  I’m pleased to return the favor.”  Tipping his scruffy chin, he lumbered off into the darkness.

She’d never forget that man – the guy with no family and no place to sleep who helped her get home that night.  His patience and kindness touched her heart.   He’d serve as a lifelong reminder to be grateful; to never take the slightest thing for granted.  She couldn’t have planned this man’s arrival.  It was perfect timing!

Losing her key would also remind her that we are not alone in this world.  Jesus gives us a community, a family, and we belong to it and share in it.  The more we are part of His family, which is the Church, the stronger we are and the more we can live to change the world.  

Lord, I rest on Your promise to deliver me and from evil.  I believe You will guide my life in accordance to Your will, so that I may walk the blessed walk, for myself and to live for You, so I can be an example to all of those around me.  Amen