Forgive Us Our Sins

 “Forgive each other, just as Christ forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32

People were leaving the basement room where Corrie Ten Boom had just preached with a message about God’s forgiveness when she spotted him.

During WWII, the Ten Boom family home became a hiding place for those hunted by the Nazis.  They’d risked their own lives living out their Christian faith.  Eventually arrested by the Nazis for hiding Holland’s Jews, Corrie was imprisoned at Germany’s Ravensbrück death camp.  Upon her release in 1944, she traveled extensively as a missionary, preaching the need for reconciliation.

The balding, heavy-set man in a gray overcoat was working his way toward her.  Her mind raced back to their first encounter; him in a cult-like uniform emblazoned with SS insignias and a death head skull designed to evoke terror and shame at having to walk naked past him.

With an outstretched hand, the man said: “A fine message, Fräulein!  How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!”

Corrie, who’d just spoken so casually of forgiveness, fumbled in her purse rather than shake his hand.  Swallowing any response, she smiled and thanked him; praying he’d not remembered her.

“You mentioned Ravensbrück in your talk,” he continued. “I was a guard in there.”

Corrie, who’d been subjected to countless beatings with his leather crop, froze.  It was the first time since her release that she’d been eye-to-eye with one of her captors. 

“But since then,” he went on, “I’ve become a Christian.  I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I’d like to hear it from your lips as well, Fräulein.”  Again, his hand extended.  “Will you forgive me?

The woman, whose sister Betsie had died in that place, could not.  Might this monster hope to expunge her death simply by asking?

After the war, the ten Boom’s again opened their home for victims of Nazi brutality.  Corrie knew from experience that those able to forgive their former enemies were able to move on, despite their physical and emotional scars.  Those who harbored bitterness remained forever tortured.

She must forgive him; Corrie knew that.  Yet she stood immobile; cold as a tomb.  

Mercy, she knew, wasn’t an emotion but an act of will; regardless of the heart’s temperature. “Jesus, help me!” she prayed silently.  “I’ll lift my hand – will You supply the feeling?”

So, as she awkwardly thrust her hand into his, something incredible happened.  A healing warmth flooded her entire being, bringing tears to two sets of eyes.

“I forgive you, brother!” she cried. “With all my heart!”

God’s forgiveness has one prior condition: that we forgive those who’ve injured us.  Jesus says: “If you don’t forgive people their trespasses, neither will our heavenly Father pardon you.”

Merciful God, thank you for Your gift of forgiveness. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures.  Help me offer the same kind of unconditional love, even to those who hurt me.  Amen

"You Say"

 “When I am weak, I’m strong; the less I have, the more I depend on Him." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:10

It’s been said – life’s a roller coaster - surprising, exhilarating, frightening!  At 15, Lauren relished her life.  Then she got sick, really sick.  

What was originally thought to be mono, later turned out to be its nasty, stronger cousin – CMV or cytomegalovirus.  With no cure or antidote, CMV can be serious or even fatal. 

Treatment involves isolation - allowing the body’s own immune system to outlast the disease.  No going to school, no visits from friends; just rest and praying she were someone else.  Worst of all, she hadn’t even the strength to sing.  Blessed with a voice both smoky and sweet, her Mom nicknamed her “The Music Box” as a child.

Her passion for singing coupled with her love of music came from deep within her heart and soul.  She’d dreamed of making her name shine in lights; her voice known worldwide.  But now she felt her life was over; her dreams just a cruel joke.  As she sank deeper into despair, doctors prescribed nothing but rest.  It felt like she was dying.

Lauren yearned for any escape.  Her Mom gave her a devotional titled: “One Minute of Praise,” which was about all she was good for - one minute!  She’d always had a strong faith.  Or thought so.  Now it was being tested beyond her endurance.  Even if she survived this disease physically, could she survive it spiritually?

Each day, Lauren struggled up the stairs to the family’s loft, pausing frequently to catch her breath.  She laid on the floor, sunlight spilling through the windows, reading that $5 devotional. 

Over the next two years, her health gradually improved.  In the quiet solitude forced by CMV, God spoke.  

This time alone was meant to strengthen her resolve. 

After finishing high school, Lauren Daigle enrolled at LSU where joining the choir allowed her to finally rekindle the joy that singing had always provided.  Later she’d audition twice for American Idol only to get cut in the final rounds. 

Critics compared her to Amy Grant.  Opportunities for bigger and bigger venues opened up.  Her first album reached #1 on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart in 2015.  It went Platinum, producing three #1 singles. 

Her third album, Look Up Child, was released in September 2018.  Bolstered by the pop crossover success of the single ‘You Say’ it went on to debut at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the highest-charting Christian album by a woman in over 20 years.

“You Say was written at a time when I felt completely overwhelmed," said Lauren Daigle in a recent interview.  It reminded me that when I’m weak, He is strong.”  The ballad assures listeners of a victory over their struggles if they put their trust in the right hands.

Heavenly Father, help me learn to be content in all things for Christ's sake; to be increasingly conscious of my own human weakness so that I may be inspired by the strength of Your mighty power.  Amen

They Stepped Up

 “Clothe yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." ~ Colossians 3:12

They’d known each other since childhood but became close friends in high school.  Neither was surprised when they ended up working at the same nursing home.

Maurice, the cook, had the smile of one who laughed with ease; his mood unaffected by the world’s chaos.  Miguel, a custodian, lived how he believed people should; as if their flaws were entirely invisible to him.

In October 2013, the California Department of Social Services (DSS) closed the Valley Springs Manor Nursing Home where they worked.  A simple sign hung on the front door below a decorative paper jack-o'-lantern read "Closed for business."

The shutdown was the result of a long list of violations, including failing to properly train employees or run criminal background checks and lying to state regulators.

But even before the facility was ordered shut, employees were largely disillusioned.  Many had already resigned.  The rest left once it became obvious that they wouldn’t get paid.

Except for the cook and the janitor.

Maurice and Miguel immediately took charge of resident’s tasks previously meant for others: keeping medical appointments, making sure their family members could stay in touch, and staying on top of individual medication regimens.

Although loved ones removed some residents, more than a dozen were left inside the shuttered facility.  Some were sick and bedridden.  Others suffered the debilitating effect of dementia.

They ran the facility by themselves for the next 3 days, working 24-hour shifts, taking short naps in the TV room.  With tears in his eyes, Miguel recounted horrible, sleepless nights as confused and weary seniors screamed for food and medicine.  Some, he said, “had become “zombie–like” after going days without medication.”  Still others tried escaping.

Maurice explained, "I just couldn't see myself going home - soon they’d be in the kitchen trying to cook their own food and burn the place down.  They were like our family for that short time."

With medication foul-ups and residents becoming ill, the two sentinels’ 911 calls repeatedly went unanswered.  Eventually authorities, realizing the gravity of the situation, summoned Sheriff's deputies and firefighters who transferred all remaining patients to local hospitals.

The Home’s owner and administrator were arrested on multiple felony abuse charges.  The state enacted stricter civil penalties to prevent elder care negligence.  But the story reveals the truth that no matter how many laws are passed or how many government programs exist, in the end its the action and morality of individuals that matter the most.

When others left because of no pay, Maurice and Miguel stayed.  Despite great personal risk and cost, they stepped up and nursed those who were completely dependent.  

Because it was the humane thing to do.  Because it was the right thing to do.  Because they cared.

Loving God, lead us to the place in our souls where there is tranquility and compassion.  Let Your light shine so brightly in us that people will be drawn to us in search of You.  In Your precious Name we pray, Amen.

Courage Under Fear

 “Don't forget to do good and to share with those in need." ~ Hebrews 13:16

The celebrated movie, The Bridge On the River Kwai, introduced audiences to one of the greatest engineering projects of WWII, the building of the Thailand-Burma railroad.  But the film was more Hollywood than history.  In the real story, Allied prisoners were starved and savagely beaten as they struggled for 14 months to build far more than a bridge. 

Using bare hands and sweat, they hacked a 250-mile railroad out some of the harshest jungle on earth.  Nearly 13,000 of them would never return home from brutality and horror of what history would later dub the “Railroad of Death.”

Nearly 65,000 Allied POV’s and 250,000 Asian laborers endured tropical heat, food scarcity, brutal guards, tropical diseases and repeated allied bombings during construction.  Carved from mountains of rock, the complete railway included some 600 viaducts and bridges.  Sadly, most people have only heard of one – the bridge over the river Kwai.

Unlike William Holden and his cast of movie stars who wore fresh uniforms and ate tasty cuisine while imprisoned, Death Railroad workers were naked except for a small loin cloth to protect them from poisonous snakes, mosquitos and steady rains.  They labored 12-16 hour shifts on about 600 calories/day.

The bridge itself was made of steel and concrete, not the local timber and stone depicted in the movie.  A wooden bridge would never have withstood Kwai’s raging waters in the rainy season.

The Kwai’s actual bridge was never destroyed, not even damaged.  It still stands proudly on the edge of the Thai jungle about 2 Km from a peaceful town as a local tourist attraction.

The movie’s hero, US Navy Commander Shears (Holden), led a four-man commando mission to destroy the bridge before it could be used to transport Japanese troops or supplies. 

But the real-life hero was a local trader of Thai traditional medicines and grocery items named Boonpong Sirivejjabhandu.  Boonpong received a contract from the Japanese to manage the prison canteen, allowing him access to Allied POW’s with few restrictions.

His visits exposed him to the appalling conditions experienced by the sick, wounded, and dead prisoners.  The horror of such vicious, inhumane treatment inspired compassion in him.  Despite unimaginable personal risk, Boonpong chose to do whatever he could.

He secretly smuggled critical drugs, food, radio batteries, and even messages in hollowed-out cabbages to the prisoners.  Larger medical supplies were brought in by his 12-year old daughter Panee, who swam the treacherous Kwai river under cover of darkness.

They probably saved thousands.

Dr. King once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."  Boonpong’s story of courage under fear inspires us; showing how normal people can do extraordinary things.  We can’t take the wait-and-see approach to all the issues and problems that surround us anymore.

Lord, we pray for those needing hope, strength and encouragement.  Dry their tears; take away their fears.  May they feel Your presence like never before.  Amen

No Limits

“(His blindness) happened so the power of God could be seen in him." ~ John 9:3

Children can be cruel.  Most of us have all experienced bullying or teasing at some point in our lives, especially as kids.  Nick knew this all too well.

Born with a rare disorder that prevented his limbs from developing except for a tiny foot with two toes, one of which he calls his "chicken drumstick.”  Throughout his childhood, he not only dealt with the typical challenges of school and adolescence, but also with depression and loneliness.  Kids would often stare at and tease him to the point that anger and bitterness took root in his heart.

At the age of ten, Nick’s bouts with despair and isolation became overwhelming.  Given his age and physical limitations, his suicide options were limited, though he tried in vain to drown himself while bathing a few times.

He credits the victory over his struggles, as well as his strength and passion for life, to his faith in God and love of family.  A key turning point in his faith came when his mother shared a newspaper article about a man dealing with a severe disability.

Nick realized he wasn't unique in his struggles and began giving stirring talks to his prayer group.  Nick realized his disability could inspire others and began embrace his challenges.

Nick gradually adapted to life without limbs, eventually learning to use a computer; typing up to 45 WPM using the "heel and drumstick" method.  He also swims, golfs and surfs.

He created online motivational videos and took every speaking engagement he could find, most of which were unpaid.  His goal was to gain experience and hone his speaking skills.

While in college, his videos caught the attention of John Pingo, who had an active Christian ministry in South Africa.  Despite having never met the man, Nick accepted an invitation to a two-week speaking tour of churches, schools, orphanages and prisons.

During one of his Q&A sessions, a little boy with no arms and missing half a leg, asked Nic how he’d overcome bullying.  Nick invited him on stage.  In front of hundreds of people the boy sobbed.  While Nick did his best to encourage and pray over the boy, the experience inspired him even more.

By the end of the speaking tour they had given away his entire life savings … and perfected his motivational speaking skills.  The boy who’d questioned the purpose of life, or if he even had a purpose, now had a BIGGER one!

After returning home, Nick Vujucic poured even more passion into his work, founding Life Without Limbs, an international non-profit organization and ministry.  Later he started Attitude is Altitude, a secular motivational speaking company.  He credits is family's love, his faith in God, and his positive attitude for his success.

Nick married Kanae Miyahara in 2012.  The couple has four children.

“Lord, please give me arms and legs.  But if You don't, I still trust You and want Your plans for me, even when I don’t understand them.  Amen (Nick’s childhood prayer)

Love What Matters

“We love because He first loved us." ~ 1 John 4:19

Most people hope for true love their entire lives.  If they find it, they consider themselves extremely lucky.  But to share a deep love and bond that only grows with age, well, that’s a beautiful thing.

Harold and Joan’s first date (a fix-up by Joan’s cousin), was at a party in November of 1944.  She was 19, he was 24.  They fell in love immediately; as if a perfect match.  A storybook romance led to marriage the following spring.  Together, they built a family and shared a deep and loving friendship that blossomed for decades; not something endured but savored.

Recently they shared another intimate meal at their preferred fast-food joint.  It wasn’t their anniversary or a cute birthday treat.  It was simply date night.  The scene conjured up images of the film ‘The Notebook’ about a husband taking care of his Alzheimer's stricken wife.  If you think those kinds of scenes of everlasting love only happen in the movies, then these seniors prove otherwise.

In between his own bites, Harold fed tiny bits of chicken nuggets to his life-long partner when a much younger patron approached.

“Excuse me,” the young man politely interrupted.  “I don’t mean to intrude but do mind if I ask how long you’ve been married?”

Harold patted Joan’s hand warmly before saying, “If we make it till May we’ll celebrate 75 years of marriage.  Unfortunately, Alzheimer's is claiming her bit by bit.  But somewhere in her heart's memory she knows who I am.”

The young man stood frozen in place, desperately searching for consoling words.  “I’m so sorry,” was all he could manage.

Unfazed, Harold looked lovingly into Joan’s wizened face and stroked grey hair once fashioned so neatly.  “Oh, don’t be,” he said.  “We’ve enjoyed a wonderful life!  Getting to the finish line with the person you began the race with is perhaps of the most glorious thing on this earth.”

Before retreating, the young man wished them well.  He fought back tears as he said, “Yours’s is the kind of love I want in my life."

Harold kindly offered, “God’s love is so powerful that we’re able to love others.  Open your heart and let His Love in - Open your life and share your love out.”

Over the weeks that followed, the young man realized a few things.

He realized that when people truly love one another, they’re willing to put the other person before themselves no matter what problems may come their way.  He learned that the best way to be loved is to be loving.  And the best way to be loving is to realize that you’re already loved completely and unconditionally by the most powerful Love in the universe.

Loving Father, make Yourself at home in my heart.  Help me understand the scope and depth of Your love.  And as my life is filled with a deeper understanding of Your love for me, fill me with the richness of life and compassion that comes from You alone.  Amen

Earthly Treasures

“Do your best at everything as if you were working for the Lord." ~ Colossians 3:23

When you think of first responders, you probably picture paramedics, firefighters, and police officers.  But there’s someone behind the scene who handles things long before those folks get involved.  Dispatchers like Shaunda take emergency calls, offer medical instruction, and calmly manage the trauma until more help arrives.

Shaunda rarely showed emotion beyond fatigue.  But tonight, halfway through the second half of a 16-hour shift, she felt tired, cranky and starving.

That’s when the suicide call came in.

Mom found teen daughter hanging from ceiling fan and cut her down … ambo rolling … started talking Mom through CPR.

Sirens blaring in the background signaled that her job was now nearly complete.  Being so close to such pain and hearing Mom’s soul-crushing sobs affected her more deeply tonight than usual.

After disconnecting, she needed some break time and drove to the nearby convenience store for a smoke and an energy drink.  There sitting on the curb in the parking lot, she broke down.

Tears burst forth like water from a dam - defenses washed away by salty tears.  Shaunda cried as if the ferocity of it might bring the child back to life.  She just couldn’t stop imagining what that Mom was going through.

She immediately sensed a presence.

The woman who owned the store sat down beside her.  Many of the dispatchers frequented this store, so they were all familiar to her.  She handed Shaunda a steaming cup of coffee and a small plastic bag.

“God bless you for what you do dear,” she said in a kind, sincere voice.  “Remember the ones you saved when you can't forget the ones you weren’t able to."

Smiling, she turned and walked back into her store.  The bag contained a blueberry muffin, some Skittles, a pack of tissues, and her favorite energy drink.

“Thank you, Margaret,” she thought to herself, “for being there when I didn't even know I needed you.  And for knowing us so well that you understood my dismay and knew exactly what to say to help me through it.  And thanks for the care package, too.”

Two ordinary, yet earthly treasures quietly doing God’s work.

Witness your preacher.  Consider the elderly women who make snacks for all youth events or the man who faithfully mows the church lawn.  Look at the manager, the electrician, and the tax accountant who conduct business with the highest ethical standards.  Think about the teenage athlete who leads the team in prayer before each game.

We’re all ordinary!  Those above were content being ordinary so God could do His extraordinary work through them.  You can do anything God wants you to do … if you’ll let Him.

God of Love, help us remember that You have no body now on earth except ours, no hands but ours, no feet but ours.  Give us the courage to minister to those in need with love, compassion, integrity and in other ways to glorify You.  Amen