Anonymous No More

Anonymous . . . that was my friend . . . that was until something happened that changed everything . . . but wait, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Let me begin by telling you that I recently heard a sermon in which a man of God mentioned that everyone, at one time or another, goes through an identity crisis. All of us wonder who we really are, what purpose our life is to have in the big scheme of things and how in the world we are to fulfill that purpose. This need of identity has taken many a man on a journey that has offered endless challenges and remarkably, the search often has no boundary of time.

As a young man my friend watched as others around him were lead through trying times by God-fearing, faithful men of our community. Most grew up to mirror the beliefs that they had been taught but, as they say, my friend was cut from a different cloth. The talk around town was that he chose to break the mirror and do things his own way. Soon, wherever my friend went he was met with ridicule and rejection as he sought to carve out his own identity of choice.

Over time bitterness, resentment and anger grew within him. Without actually realizing it he allowed this darkness to define who he would become. Seeing no other way out he chose a life that would eventually lead him to his very own pit of hell. Empty and lonely were his last days on this earth for yes, sadly, judgement came as it always does and my friend's sentence was to die for his transgressions.

As he hung there, two other men hung along side of him. One, just as evil as himself, but the other man was different. For reasons unknown, the man in the middle was being punished for things that he didn't do. We wondered then why in the world he didn't shout curses to those who had mistreated him with such vile hatred in their hearts or at the very least what kept him from declaring his innocence. But as my friend watched these things unfold - as he heard this man express only tenderness for the mother that he was leaving behind - as this man sought merciful forgiveness for the barbarians who betrayed him - my friend's heart melted. No further explanation was needed - I could see that my friend knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this man was, indeed, the Christ of God, the Chosen One.

It was then that my friend's identity became clear . . . it was then that he knew that he had been chosen by God to be an example for the rest of us who - even unto the last moments of your life - have the opportunity to accept Jesus as your very own Christ.

Anonymous no more. Something happened to change everything . . . and with the promise of Paradise before him, my friend died knowing that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.

May you realize fully God's touch on your life as something happens to you which changes everything.
Amen and amen.
bo

The Perfect Gift

As I recall the Christmas' of my youth my remembrances drift back to special moments that are forever etched into my heart. I was born into a family of hard working parents who did everything they could, with meager means, to create special moments for my sisters and I. My father could never bring himself to say 'no' to any of his girls so when my mother's heart was moved to surprise one of us, Daddy rarely raised any serious objections.

Christmas tradition in our home included midnight mass, followed by a Christmas morning that brought with it gifts that we came to expect . . . a new flannel nightgown and a brand new baby doll. To this day I can remember the smell of those dolls and still, if by chance I come into contact with something that has that same smell, it takes me right back to those special times.

But I recall one particular Christmas that was more than just a bit out of the ordinary. Oh, don't get me wrong, we opened packages with extra soft pajamas in them and then there was the usual (instant) bonding that brought that baby doll into our hearts but on this particular Christmas with all the gifts unwrapped, I remember my father directing me to go into the cellar to bring a tool up for him. Although I don't remember whether or not I jumped at the chance to be obedient . . . my guess is that I didn't . . . I have a vivid recollection of going down the stairs and there finding a wonderful surprise waiting just for me to discover . . . it was a beautiful, red bicycle with my name on it. Isn't it simply amazing that the Lord allows us to capture and recall memories that become even sweeter with time.

Special, yes, but what about those Christmas' . . . or for that matter, what about those ordinary days in which it becomes a challenge to see any gifts at all coming our way?

As I pondered this reality I was lead to Psalm 119. There in the center of the Bible you find words that cause you to open up your heart to know that the only true and lasting gift that we have in this world is the Word of God. Scripture is our gift from God . . . at Christmas or on any given day. John tells us that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John later recounts that Jesus tells Nicodemus "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son." . . . Christ, the Word, is our gift and there isn't any power on this earth that can overcome the Power of that Truth.

In Psalm 131 of God's Word we find the author talking about being a content baby. In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season I pray that you will take a moment and sit quietly with God. Allow Him to stir your heart as He impresses His love upon you. Know His presence. Enjoy the joy you feel - no matter what your earthly circumstances are - enjoy Him . . . for ultimately He is the Gift that you will recall and honestly be able to say "I love my life". Not because of 'stuff' but because of the fullness of pleasure that He provides.

Father God, I give you thanks - simple as it is. I, like the little drummer boy, have nothing to give to you other than my heart but I give it to you Father . . . freely and wholly . . . and as I do this in your presence, I shout praises of glory and honor to the Gift you have so generously provided . . . for HE IS WORTHY!

bo

I Love YOU Lord

Have you ever wondered how in the world it is possible for us - mere mortals - to bless God? I've wondered that very thing myself but as I understand it, the literal meaning of the Hebrew word bless is 'to kneel' . . . so therefore, in our act of blessing God we are kneeling our souls before Him in worship and gratitude.

As I posture myself before Him I have to stop in my humanness and ask "But do I love Jesus . . . do I worship HIM . . . or do I love the gifts that he so freely gives to me?" It's easy enough to melt the two together and stir them up as though they were one but take a moment with me, if you will, and separate the two . . .
He is worthy of my worship because He is my Creator. I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for Him.
He is not only loving but He IS love . . . and He tells us that nothing is more important in all the universe than love.
He willingly sacrificed Himself so that He and I could spend eternity - ETERNITY - together.
He is powerful, compassionate, merciful and forgiving.
How grateful I am that that He is slow to get angry with me, He doesn't punish me as I deserve and He is willing to ERASE my sins from His memory.
Oh, and yes, He is generous - providing for my every need. My heart beats because of Him. He fills my lungs with air and each tiny cell of my body, however aging, works in perfect rhythm because of Him. I have, because He provides.

Not long after I was first married I remember asking my new husband why it was that he loved me. Nearly 40 years later I can tell you that whatever his specific comments were back then they were fleeting but isn't it wonderful that even though 'life happens', the love that my God has for me - even after my 56+ years on this earth - has NEVER wavered. He loved me when He created me and loves me even today. He has never disappointed me, turned His back on me nor abandoned me. His desire is for me to stay on this path of rightousness - for His name's sake.

Glory be to the Lamb for He IS worthy of my love for HIM!
I love YOU Lord. Bless your Holy Name.
Amen and amen.
bo

Basking

There are times in our lives when we are called to help carry the burden of others in order that they might be blessed . . . or even survive a situation. We feel helpless for we realize quickly that our wisdom falls short, we have no power and we aren't in control. But oh, what an ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh moment it is when we finally turn to the One - the only One - in whom we are able to find consolation and strength.

Turn and bask . . . nourish a longing in your heart for God - the God of the Universe who is all powerful - all knowing - and completely willing to step in to help you.
He has enough love to give.
He has enough power to manage whatever is going on.
He is willing and He is able.

Nourishment that fills us, sustains us and heals us.
Sometimes it's a longing to know more about Him.
Sometimes it's a longing to sit quietly with Him (on the couch, if you will) and just enjoy His presence.
Sometimes it's a longing to carry on a conversation with Him.
Sometimes it's a longing to slow dance with Him (like you've never slow danced before!).
Sometimes it's a longing to show Him off to the world that's standing on the sidelines watching.
Whether you're taking the time to bask in His strength, in His wisdom, in His loving compassion or in His reassurance, the secret is to desire Him as a bride desires her bridegroom.
Stop the busyness - stop the thoughts that draw you away from Him.
Settle your mind on Him - basking in the closeness and love that is nourishing you.
Bask in knowing His desire is to be everything you want and need.
Then give thanks for He IS the answer to every burden . . . He IS your strength to go on.

Jesus, as we bask in who You are to us, may we be comforted in knowing that You are all that we will ever need.
Father, may it be so for I ask it in the Name that is above all names, Jesus the Christ.
Amen and amen.
bo