How Do We Trash A Conversation?

I’ve had this blog parked for quite some time hoping to use it on a week when I would be short of time to write my own. I want to recommend it to you this week because I can see myself in this blog composed by Ed Welch at CCEF. In his blog, Ed helps us see what things we tend to do in conversations that often are not conducive to communication. He refers to them as the things we do to “trash” a conversation. I hope you find it helpful. To read the blog click here.

—Diego Cuartas

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

Pure, Simple Joy

On June 21st I came to the park. I don’t need an excuse to come to the park. I could be happy. I could be sad. I could go to get a cry out or to talk to God for awhile. On this day, I was grieving and feeling very overwhelmed. I just needed a little time to get my head together before work. When I saw this couple sitting on the bench, my heart softened. Even though they weren’t sitting too close to each other, I saw love in this scene. I thought, “Thank you God. Thank you for knowing me so well that you would perfectly lay out this scene to remind me of who you are. Thank you for this glimpse of your love.”

The scene was enough to quiet my heart to speak to God. To calm my anxiety. To soothe some of the confusion and pain in me. I forgot about the couple on the bench and just had some time with God to be in His presence.

Then, as I was getting ready to leave, I looked up and saw this. 

I watched him as he gently held her hand and guided her across the beam. I can’t even tell you how that blessed my heart. I wanted to meet them. I wanted to tell them that they helped me see beauty that morning. They showed me goodness in a world that has been hard to find goodness in lately. So, if you know me, I did exactly that, with very little hesitation. As I approached them, they seemed very hesitant and unsure - even a little fearful. Then I watched their facial expressions soften as I told them how grateful I was to see them, that they blessed my heart and that today they were my gift from God. I admitted taking their picture and I showed them. They smiled and the man stated, “We are here all the time.” With a renewed hope in my heart, I waved goodbye and went on with my day.

On June 29th, I returned to my park. Again, just getting some quiet time in before work. As I stepped out of the car, the same couple walked by. When they saw me, both of their faces lit up. I looked behind me to see who they were smiling at. Oh, it’s me. They greeted me like I was their best friend. Big smiles, confident voices, and joy. They looked like joy. Pure, simple, beautiful joy. They invited me to take a walk with them. I declined, but I think next time I go, I will be prepared with my sneakers.

As I walked to my park bench, I whispered “Thank you God. I needed that.”

—Dara Born

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

An Unexpected Encounter

I didn’t expect it that morning.

I really didn’t expect it in the ladies room at Wawa.

I didn’t even know I needed it…

I was rushing to fit in a couple of errands before work and realized I hadn’t brought my coffee from home. I slipped into Wawa to grab one to take along with me. Washing my hands in the rest room, I glanced up and noticed a card partly tucked behind the fire alarm on the wall. There was Jesus—peeking around a corner, looking right at me with a kind and loving smile. The caption read, “Psst! I love you.”

Oh, how my heart quickened and the tears welled up in my eyes. I watched me in the mirror physically responding to His gentle words. My shoulders relaxed, my brow softened, I smiled to myself, and nodded in humble gratitude.

He does love me. I need look no further than the cross.

From my earliest years, I have often sung this truth. “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Had I forgotten it? I don’t think so. So why such an emotional and hungry response to His words on that wall?

I think it’s because I know who I am. I know what I do and what I think. And while I KNOW Jesus LOVES me, when I look in that mirror some days, I have a really hard time believing He should. I find myself wondering why He would even like me.

Alicia Bruxvoort nailed it in an article I stumbled across, one she wrote for the Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I don’t know about you, but somedays I just feel unlikeable.

Some days I feel messed up and maxed out, exasperated and exhausted.

Some days I’m not grateful or gleeful, flexible or fun.

Some days I don’t bring delight to my husband, my kids or even my dearest pals.

And to be totally honest, some days I don’t even like myself.

Yet scripture reminds us that the One who took our place on Calvary’s cross doesn’t merely tolerate us through gritted teeth or embrace us because of holy compulsion. As preposterous as it sounds, the One who first loved us, actually likes us too.  And here’s proof:

·       Psalm 18:19 says He takes joy in us.

·       Psalm 149:4 declares He delights in us.

·       Zephaniah 3:17 affirms He rejoices over us.

·       And Psalm 147:11 proclaims that we bring Him pleasure.

It’s crazy when you think about it—that the perfect Prince of Heaven takes joy in His flawed followers on the dust of earth. But when I remember this simple truth, it changes the way I pursue my Savior.

When I acknowledge that Jesus enjoys me, I look for ways to enjoy Him, too. I seek His company as I go throughout my day, whether it’s talking to Him as I drive across town or laughing with Him over my children’s goofy antics.

I notice His kindness in the depths of my daily grind—the brazen sunset over the trees in my back woods or the unexpected phone call from a friend on a hard day.

And I relish His presence in the midst of my pandemonium. I savor the song of the birds beyond my window, the unexplainable peace in my hurry, the echo of an encouraging Scripture verse that runs through my mind.

In short, when I remember how the One who died for me also delights in me, I’m drawn to delight in Him, too.

So I’m gonna keep singing that Sunday School song I learned as a child: Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

But I’m also going to celebrate that oft-ignored truth that He also LIKES me.

Did you get that, friends? Oh, please do. My day reset after my wash room encounter with Jesus that morning. Living loved—and even LIKED—has that kind of dramatic effect on each of us. It changes the way we think, act, respond, choose, work, love, serve, and everything else…about ourselves, others AND our Father. As His children, ones who desire to follow Him into every area of our lives, we need to be reminded of that every day. We are loved.

So when you have been too busy, when your heart has wandered, when you have trusted false saviors,  when you have willfully sinned, when you have been unjust or unkind, when your passions have controlled you—when you look into your mirror and see someone you don’t recognize, someone you don’t even like, remember that you are still loved. You see, it really doesn’t matter what you think of yourself, how you judge yourself, what you KNOW about yourself, how you feel, behave, or look. Jesus loves you. And it’s not because of who you are or even what you have done. Jesus simply has decided to love you...while you were still a sinner. Yes, it’s all because of who He is and what He has done!

Jesus loves you. He likes you. Believe it. Doesn’t that stir your heart? Doesn’t it make you want to smile and sing? Doesn’t it make you want to share that overwhelming, gracious love with someone else today?

Maybe you’ll find that person in Wawa.

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.

A Different Perspective

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”

If you are an insane movie buff, or perhaps a Robin Williams fanatic, you might recognize this line from the 1989 drama film Dead Poets Society. Dead Poets Society is one of my favorite movies of all time. The film’s dark academia themes mixed with an adorable cast of characters and an emotional but important message makes for a perfect movie.

If you are unfamiliar with the film, I will give a brief synopsis: Dead Poets Society follows John Keating, a new English teacher, to a prestigious all-boys preparatory school. Though the students are used to a classical teaching style, Keating uses non-traditional methods to connect with his students and inspires them to embrace literature, and life, in a different and unique way.

One of my favorite scenes from the movie happens in the classroom when Keating unexpectedly climbs onto his desk and stands on it. He then asks his students why exactly he is doing this. When no one can give a plausible answer, Keating responds with, “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way.”

After he states this iconic line, Keating then asks all of his students to stand on his desk as well. One by one, the schoolboys line up and climb onto Keating’s desk. The students are skeptical, but they understand the importance of this lesson. We must constantly look at things in a different way.

So what’s keeping Christians from looking at things with a different perspective? Why is there a harsh stigma from Christians surrounding the LGBT community, teen mothers, people struggling with addiction, and so many more? Because we’re not looking at a different perspective.

The Bible clearly states that these things are sinful, and some are even punishable by death. Romans 3:23 also states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Who hasn’t sinned at least once in their life? Simple things some might do every day, like lying to a friend or eating too much food (aka gluttony), are both sinful. Change your perspective. There shouldn’t be some sins that are “socially acceptable” and some that aren’t.

In John 8, an adultress is brought to Jesus by the Pharisees. They intend to stone her to death as the Law of Moses commands, but Jesus stops them by saying, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” When no one can cast a stone, Jesus sends off the woman and commands her not to sin anymore.

Basically, Jesus is saying not to be hypocritical in your hasty judgment. We are all guilty of sin. All sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord and all sin separates us from God. God calls us to love, not hate. Scripture points to inclusion, not exclusion. The Word of God inspires us to be open and accepting, not fearful and judgmental.

When we just see what is in front of us and don't bother to look deeper, the consequences can be harmful. Our perspective is very much a reflection of who we are. Like 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, ‘As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.’ (ESV)

So instead of being hateful and judgmental Christians, let's be people who stand up on the desk and see a different perspective. Look at people as who they are, children of God, and not their sin. And together, let's be good people and do better by looking at a different perspective.

—Olivia Born

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.