I could summarize my post with this:
You are called, He'll equip you, don't try to convince yourself that you're not qualified.
If Mary was qualified in God's eyes to be the mother of the Savior, you are qualified to make a difference in the life of another human being!
OK, you can stop there. Go forth, do well in His eyes: Love others.
____
But since I can't resist writing more...
I must start out by saying I love America, I love being American, I love my country.
However, I’m a Christian first. I’m a daughter of the King and then an American.
I once lived in a foreign country for about a year as a foreign exchange student. The country was a socialist country.
Socialism in political thought refers to economic theories of social organization advocating collective ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equality for all individuals, with an egalitarian mehod of compensation. (Wikipedia)
I remember thinking that this economic approach would never work in the US. However, as a young Christian girl/woman, it made a lot of sense to me. I didn’t see a lot of poverty there. People’s basic needs were met. I also didn’t see a lot of “rich” people. Now, compared to the poverty experienced by much of the world’s population, these people were loaded – but not compared to that American dream/wealth. It was on organized way to redistribute wealth to all.
I don’t want to get into a big debate of Americanism and politics. However, I selected this example to point out that our way isn’t THE way. THE way is God’s way. It's called: Love others.
“Can you imagine:
-If Christians actually believed that God was trying to rescue us from the pit of our own self-addiction?
-What Americans would do if they understood over half of the world was living in poverty?
Do you think they would change the way they live, the products they purchase, and the politicians they elect? If we believed the right things, the true things, there wouldn’t be very many problems on earth.” (p. 176, slightly modified)
Now I must admit that I didn’t check these stats but I’m sure the editors of the book did:
If you make $35,000 annually you are in the top 4% in the world; $50K puts you in the top 1% (me). (p. 177)
The humans on this planet have the resources and the networks to SOLVE some of the world’s problems (hunger/starvation, disease, etc.). Christians have the knowledge and love of THE SOLVER (Savior) of the world’s problems (life vs. death). Those humans are YOU and ME.
It only makes sens that God would have the problems and the solutions right on the planet (yet we don't follow his directives so things don't get solved).
You can be involved in SOLVING a problem(s) in soooo many ways – creativity is a gift God has given us. For example:
- Redistribute your wealth (give money or property)
- Use your resources (time or skills/talents)
What does this look like:
- International missions (Helping a friend or stranger in a far away community)
- Local missions (Helping a friend or stranger in your community or one nearby)
Give to the poor (even if they make poor choices with your resources); feed to hungry; care for orphans, widows, lost, lonely, sick, etc.
You are not:
- Too young or too old
- You are not “unskilled or uncalled”. God equips those He calls for service. You are called in that He has called every Christian of us to help others – to be the hands of feet of Christ.
That means you. That means me.
We all come with our own baggage (thinking we don't have enough time, being greedy, acting helpless or insecure, thinking we don't have anything of value to give, etc...). That includes me (mine is usually the "time issue"). But you know what, the God of the universe can help us overcome those issues. Seriously, if you don't think you have anything to give: Go make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and find someone on the street who looks hungry. Give it to them. "Feed them." This is only the start...
I once had a family member who said (and I quote): “The biggest problem in this state is all of the poor Mexican girls who get pregnant.” Really? Really? Are you serious? I wanted to scream. This was coming from a “wealthy” white woman who was once a teen mother.
I think we could focus on the problems in this world stemming from a lack of love toward others. And the Bible specifically points out that “rich” people have significant challenges in this world.
Since you have to have a computer or access to one to read this, you are probably considered “rich” in the world’s standards (make more than $2/day), what is your role in loving others? Solving the ills of this world? Sharing the love of Jesus with those you know and those you will meet?
The challenge -to focus on:
- Loving God
- Accepting God’s love for you
- Loving others
- Living out His purpose for your life (He has one; he’ll equip you; you’ll be blessed)
And don’t let anyone tell you that you are too powerless, tainted by your background, inferior, broken or young. He called you. He’ll equip you. You’ll bless others. You’ll honor God. You’ll be blessed.
Live with Purpose!
If you are a Christian, perhaps Mary’s reaction will speak to you:
"I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” – Mary
Saturday, May 16, 2009
America vs. Socialism vs. Christ
Friday, May 15, 2009
Reflect
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What will you do to change your world?
These last few chapters had so much in them that I relate to that it was very hard for me to choose which part to write about. Being a 24 year-old single girl and having many friends in their 30’s; I have had several experiences where I have been made to feel ‘too young’ to think that, say that, or do that . . . . . . . . and I used to just let it go, but after I noticed I was holding onto that bitterness and anger and after reading this book I have began to built up the courage to stand up and tell women in their 30’s that say things like that to me to please explain themselves and tell me what they mean by it that because I do not agree or understand what they mean. I totally related to Jen when she said on page 167; “I began feeling that tension in my twenties, and from age twenty-five on, I told people I was ‘about thirty.’ Turning thirty was such a relief; I figured people might finally take me seriously.” I know too many women who are in their 30's and are not happy about it. I'm different I guess because I can't wait till I'm 30 ('thirty and flirty and thriving'; from a movie called 13 going on 30). It’s kind of sad how so many women in our society/culture/country put an age limit on almost everything in life; college, marriage, motherhood, success, retirement, etc. but I believe that God does not put an age limit or timeline on anything. He uses all people at all ages; I think when Jesus was walking on earth He put children first; the youngest of them all. You know what amazes me? Back in those times children were less/below/less important than slaves. People treated their slaves better than children; children were just seen as property/work/money. We have come a long way in this world; I just wish the whole world (especially the United States) would open their eyes to the starving and dying children of the world; outside America and help those truly in need.
I love what Jen says on page 178; “We can do this, girls. We can pull off what Mary envisioned, what her Son began. I imagine a world where ten million children no longer die each year from preventable diseases. We can solve the crisis of starvation – eighteen thousand children will die today from plain old hunger. We could ensure basic water sanitation for the 40% of the world who drink wastewater. If God intends His Word to be read, we’d better address the one billion people who cannot sign their name, one-sixth of the global population. If you are a woman born into wealth (meaning you make more than two dollars a day like half the world) and part of the next generation, I believe you were chosen before the foundation of the earth to be an answer to problems unsolved until now. This generation was selected for this time – a time so promising and passionate, it has never been rivaled. There is a holy calling awaiting this generation, girls. We are the ones.” I have a missionary medical doctor friend and his family living in Kenya right now performing life-giving (or life-saving) surgeries that we take for granted here in the United States. It amazes me how many people (children) in countries like Africa die from simple diseases like strep throat that ends up turning into heart failure when we can just go to a doctor, take a pill, and be fine here in America.
I may have not voted for President Barack Obama (although I sure did think about but my conservative conscience kept me from doing so) or totally agree with his politics and some of his views, but he spoke at my college commencement Wednesday May 13th at Arizona State University and I am with him on some levels. He spoke a lot about how our country/culture/society has become so materialistic and put the worst things first (materials, cars, houses, jobs, money) when we should be going out into our communities and serving/loving/doing for the poor, needy, and underprivileged. I have a heart for children in the foster care because of all the trauma, anxiety, worry, pain, and abandonment those kids have to go through at such a young age and what struck me the most that Obama said was that no matter what you do in life; what kind of car you drive, how big your house is, how much money you make, what degree you get, what title you have etc. . . . . . you may still not feel very important in the world, but to a forgotten and underprivileged child you may mean the world to them just because you cared and reached out. He pointed out our “Me First” approach and what is really considered success in our world that desperately needs to change. He also reminded us of the people in our history who didn’t have much of a title, degree, or were very wealthy, but they reached out, followed their passion and did something for someone else and made the world a better place. He reminded us to follow our passion no matter if they gain you fashion, fame, or money.
Jen shared some remarkable things on pages 180-181; “’Feed My sheep.’ ‘I feed their souls.’ ‘Yes, but twenty-four thousand of My sheep will die today because no one fed their hungry bellies. Eighteen thousands of My littlest lambs will die in their mothers’ arms today, starved in a world of plenty. My true disciples engage the suffering of the world.’ Jesus said that His gospel was good news for the poor, sick, orphaned, and oppressed because His people would be His hands and feet. What is better news to the starving: a Christian tract, or sustainable agriculture for the village? Which sounds better: a church that prays once a month for the AIDS pandemic, or one that funds clinics and medicine?”Let there be no doubt: Our generation has been entrusted wit more resources, wealth, opportunities, and knowledge than any before us. God must think highly of our potential. Let’s not squander our legacy on self-absorption of chasing the American Dream, a dream the rest of the world cannot afford. But may we hear from our Savior one day: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
IF WE ARE THE BODY by Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAWeHo8E70E
THE AMERICAN DREAM by Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cVUeKP7w_k
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Rebel with a Cause
Spiritual maturity can be viewed two ways when it comes to age - either you’re too young to have it or you’re too old not to have it. Personally I have found neither option to be true.
Looking back on my own life, my spiritual maturity has changed based on how much I’m feeding myself with God’s word. I was really involved in my youth group as a teenager and as a result of that, I possessed more spiritual maturity during my teen years than I did in my twenties. Now I feel like my maturity grows stronger as I continue to seek and obey God. It requires change and it is an ongoing process but the reward far outweighs the struggle.
Obviously with what God placed on the very young shoulders of Mary, there is no age requirement to obtain spiritual maturity. God does not place a sign out that says, “If you were born after May 13, 1999 then you are officially spiritually mature”. It is based solely on you and your relationship with God. Draw near to him and you mature. Pull away and you don’t. It’s as simple as that!
As Christians we place a lot of stereotypes on others and by doing this we judge their spiritual maturity. Jen says in Chapter 10 – ‘God constantly blows the doors off our stereotypes ….No one is more unconventional than God. Funny how His name is used to create boundaries when, in fact, He is the Ultimate Rebel. Frankly, I’m shocked when He uses anyone slightly normal, whatever that is.”
I love that God is a rebel – and that he uses abnormal people because I have that going for me! And I’m pretty sure it really ticks off Satan to hear God described as a Rebel and to see him cozying up to the bad guys, because if anyone can flip a bad seed good, it’s God! Satan is probably saying “Back off my people – I got them locked up!” See that is the thing with God…nobody is excluded from His grace which means anyone can come in to spiritual maturity no matter what their past is. God is a rebel with a cause - and that cause is YOU!
I really enjoyed reading about Jen’s friends in Chapter 12 – wow what amazing women. I’m kind of feeling like a slacker! Makes me realize I could do so much more than what I do for God. I do however have something awesome coming up so I’ve decided to be totally selfish here and ask for your help. For the past 2 summers I have had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip with my church to Moldova, the smallest and poorest Eastern European country. On June 20 I will be headed back there with another group of adults to help lead a sports camp for teenagers. We have a very small group going this year – just 4 of us – and we really need your prayer! So if you can start praying now for God to be with us in planning, preparation, in the willingness of the kids to attend, for the Moldovan leadership as they put the camp together, for our safety in travel and for us to be spiritually mature and share God’s love with these kids – it would be greatly appreciated!!
I’ll leave you with a picture of me and my girls Karina, Nadia and Maria, and my husband Devlyn and Karina's brother Dan, some of the awesome teenagers in Moldova that I have formed a very special bonds with. Thanks for your prayers!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Teen Scene
Mary's Momma
Monday, May 11, 2009
Jesus I'm your mother!
Our last woman in the lineage of Christ – Mary! We are going out with a bang on this one – she’s Jesus’ freaking mother - you can’t get any closer than that!! Everyone knows who Mary is. But does everyone know how young she was when this huge responsibility was placed in her lap? The answer is 13. Thinking back to myself at 13 and how I would feel if I was told I would be giving birth to the Savior let’s just say…I’d be totally freaked out! I just started shaving my legs and didn’t even know about shaving my armpits and you’re telling me I’m going to have a baby? And he will be called Jesus? And oh yeah – he’s pretty much the Son of God. Awkward!
I’d be pretty glad if I was Mary that the song ‘Mary Did You Know’ did not come out until way after the fact because it would have freaked me out even more. The lyrics go…
Mary did you know…your baby boy will some day walk on water / will save our sons and daughters / has come to make you new / the child you have delivered will soon deliver you / will give sight to a blind man / will calm a storm with his hand / has walked where angels trod / when you’ve kissed your little boy you’ve kissed the face of God / is Lord of all creation / will one day rule the nations / is heaven’s perfect lamb / the sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.
People talk about Kate Gosselin being a super mom – well she had nothing on Mary!! TLC would be all over this one – I can see the show now – they'd call it ‘Oh Jesus I’m Your Mom’ – starring Mary and Joseph and Jesus Christ as Himself!
As we’ve all heard many times, age is just a number. As of today, I am 429 months and 3 days old. Sounds like a strange way to say I’m 35. I think it is funny when you ask a mother how old her child is, she will tell you in months. Now I can understand doing this when they are under 1, because months are all they have. But when they turn 1, just say 1 people! Also when you’re young, you give ½ years…I’m 11 and a half. That half is important. To this day, I still acknowledge my half birthday. I was under the impression everyone did but apparently I’m one of the few.
I think you pretty much stop telling and people stop asking your age around 30. Personally I don’t care, it is what it is, but some people have real hang ups when it comes to age. Thank goodness God doesn’t!
Our last truth – women are favored by God. Hooray for us girls!! Now I personally know what it means to be favored. We have a joke in my family that I’m the favorite child and I have to admit – for me, it’s kind of fun. Or it's fun to at least pretend that I am because I know my parents truly do not favor me over my sister.
Now having the favor of God does come with a bit of responsibility. It’s not automatic. You can’t have favor with someone who you don’t even know. If you have a relationship with God and you remain faithful - you will remain in His favor. Jen gives the example of Peter and feeding the sheep. This is one of my favorite stories of the Bible. I have a close relationship with my dad and since I was young I have asked him, “Dad – do you love me?”
He will say yes and I will respond “Feed my sheep”.
Sometimes he answers yes I’ll feed your sheep because he knows the drill. I try to catch him not thinking about it and get him to just say yes so I can say the feed my sheep part.
It’s funny because it is the same way with God. If I am close to Him and He asks if I love him, I’ll say yes and I will feed your sheep. But if I stray away and get off track when he comes to me with this question I simply say yes. Then he has to remind me to feed his sheep.
Feed His sheep ladies - remain in His favor!!
I’m so sad this book has come to an end! I loved the book and would recommend if you haven’t already read it, you need to!! One last story for you...
When I was little I wore my underwear backwards for so long that when my mother tried to get me to stop, it just didn’t feel right wearing them correctly.
This is kind of how I feel in life lately. I think I know myself and my capabilities but everything I know about myself is just like my underwear – backwards!
After reading about these 5 great women – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth Bathsheba and Mary – I see some of the same great stuff in myself. I too thought I was too powerless (Tamar), too tainted (Rahab), too inferior (Ruth), too broken (Bathsheba) and too young (Mary). Now I know I am smart, brave, beautiful, influential and Godly – how cool is that?! I got my panties on the right way and it feels good!!
