Help Homeless Children and Families in Rockdale County

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

You never know who you’re going to meet.  I have been working as the religion editor for The Rockdale News for about 4 months now.  I never knew how many people are really trying to learn about and serve God.  So many people’s lives have been touched.  I’m going to add a page to this site so that you can learn more about them.  Check out the links’ section.

On a Mission from God

Did you ever watch “The Blues Brothers” movie? In the musical comedy from the ‘80s, Jake and Elwood Blues emphatically state the motives for their crazy escapades, “We’re on a mission from God.”

Recently, I’ve been blessed to meet several people who are heading out on missionary trips. Their destinations are New Orleans, Haiti, and Kenya. I wonder if I ever could do anything so significant for God. I don’t have their talents, skills or physical stamina. What could I do?

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 NAB, NIV)

I don’t have to pack any tools, medical supplies or building materials for a trip overseas. If I make myself available to serve, God will use me right here.

Dear God, thank you for your infinite wisdom. Please keep prompting me to give.

Well done

There was no air conditioning in the gym that night.  The school sponsored polyester white graduation cap and gown felt like a poorly fitted Halloween costume with its own built in sauna.  My chair was squeaky, my shoes were tight and it took forever to hear my name. 

But none of that mattered as I walked across the stage to accept my diploma.  Out of the corner of my eye, I could see my parents’ smiles.  When the ceremony was over, I couldn’t wait to see them.  Mom and Dad wrapped me in hugs. “Great job, we’re so proud of you….this is such a big day,” they gushed.

 In one of Jesus’ parables, four servants were given talents, but only one servant pleased his master.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”  (Matt 24:21 NIV, NAB)

Someday, I will hear my name called again. As I stand before God, my creator, what will he say to me?

Dear God,

You are so holy.  Sometimes, it seems impossible to serve you without failing.  Thank you for sending your precious son, Jesus Christ.  Please keep teaching me how to walk closely with you.

The Cape’s in the Toy Box

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a superhero. I’d have a huge cape, a sidekick and a cool nickname. Well, I also wanted to be a milkman and a park ranger.

Although more than a couple of years have passed since those carefree days, I still kick into superhero overdrive when a friend is swamped in tragedy.

I rush in to see what I can fix. If I can find the right person with the miracle, I’m just sure that the pain will disappear. Everything will be back to normal. On top of that, when I’m really on a roll, I’ll even say something foolish. I’ll fill the silence with what I think that my friend needs to hear.

One thing is for certain. None of my pat answers will ever allow me to hear the heart of someone who is hurting. Sometimes, all someone wants is our presence.   It’s hard to fight a battle alone. Once you realize that there’s a whole army supporting you, hope is renewed.

Last night, thousands of cancer survivors and supporters circled the track at our own horse park. Arm in arm, they marched on through the night. And, as some of them bumped into acquaintances that were new to the cancer battle, they listened. No capes were needed. Life events like these call for a different dress code.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Col 3: 12 NAB, NIV)

It’s time for me to put my cape back in the toy box. Instead, I need to use my heart to listen.

The Ultimate Navigator

     My sticky legs peeled away from the burgundy, vinyl seat of our station wagon. Squeezing and squirming between my three brothers on the floor was tricky. Dad’s voice was strangely urgent as we took an unexpected detour to Grandma’s.
     “Stay down!” my dad barked as we bumped along the steamy , smoky, noisy streets of Detroit, Michigan. Roofs were on fire and people were running all over the place. Sirens screamed and horns blew as we navigated our way through. After what seemed like a million years, we were finally able to crawl back to our spots and breathe safely again.
     I didn’t know in that summer of ‘68 that this was only one of many times when my parents would shield us from the danger that exploded near my two safest places in the world: our home in Cleveland and Grandma’s near Detroit. Seven year olds didn’t understand a whole lot about any of it.
     Forty years later, I’m still amazed at the lessons that my parents taught us about community, respect, justice, truth, peace and love. They showed us that Jesus’ gospel message isn’t easy. But it is worth every moment.
    ”Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NIV)
     God knows that many times that I have failed to live up to his gospel promise. I’ve learned the bitter truth that misunderstanding and miscommunication can expand quickly. God can guide me straight through the conflicts that I face. Every single time.
 

Dear Lord, please guide me to love others the way that you do.