Health Care Reform and Christian Concern

With Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts this week, chances increase that the Senate’s health care reform plan won’t succeed.  And after Brown’s victory, Nancy Pelosi indicated that she doesn’t have the votes to pass her health care reform plan in the House.  I’m not gonna lie, since this plan would open the door for expensive, inefficient, and inappropriate government control of health care and allow taxpayer dollars to fund abortion, I’m excited and relieved that it might fail!

Yes, I oppose government-run health care, believing that any decision to give government the power to mandate universal health coverage would likely lead to an inefficient single payer system and squelch the very competition necessary to drive down health care costs.  At the same time, however, it’s clear that health care coverage is often contingent upon employment, costs are out of control, and we do need change; therefore, I support alternative reform ideas, such as expanded access to health savings accounts.

Regardless of my personal perspective on health care reform, it’s undeniable that health care is a hot button topic that won’t disappear any time soon.  Hence, you and I, as Christians, need to consider our reasoning for the position we take on this issue. 

On the one hand, if you support universal health care reform, have you thoughtfully determined that government-run health care will provide access to the highest quality treatment for the greatest number of people, or are you merely championing the trendy “solution,” which also feels the most compassionate? 

On the other hand, if you oppose universal health care reform, have you taken time to proactively consider better alternatives?  Are you concerned about the plight of those who need access to medical treatment, or are you focused solely on the cost and quality of your own care?

As these questions illustrate, health care reform is one of the many complicated “social justice” concerns to which Christians must apply biblical principles.  In determining our position on the issue, we must wrestle with and reconcile divergent priorities such as the sanctity of human life, the proper role of government and community, individual liberty, and the Christian call to help those in need.

How do I reconcile contrasting principles?  First of all, I don’t believe the government – with its inherent inefficiencies and inevitable tendency to push certain ideologies – is intended or able to address social welfare concerns with any long-term success.  At the same time, however, this perspective in no way gives you and I, as believers, a cop-out card from our responsibility to help those in need.  Rather, such a limited-government philosophy actually raises the stakes for Christian individuals and communities to step up and meet needs.  Scripture unequivocally calls Christians to stand against injustice and to help those who are hurting; so, if I’m going to argue that the government shouldn’t redistribute wealth to meet needs, then I had better be investing my time and resources to serve those who are struggling around me.

The welfare and justice question for believers has never been if there’s a responsibility to take care of the poor and the sick, the fatherless and the widow; the question is who’s got that responsibility.  I believe the answer is us – the body of Christ. 

So, regardless of the outcome of the health care debate, and particularly if the bill goes down – which I hope it does – I have a responsibility to reach out to those who struggle without coverage.  Whether I give financially to a clinic that is treating the uninsured or volunteer with an organization that is serving the community, I need to consider how I might better help those who are hurting.

Follow-up Question of the Day:

Is my political stance based upon biblical principles or partisan ideology?  As Christians, we cannot allow partisan ideals or political parties to take precedence over biblical principles as the basis for our political perspective on any issue.  Whether or not it was meant to apply to politics, I love Abraham Kuyper’s quote: “Do not bury our glorious orthodoxy in the treacherous pit of a spurious conservatism.”

Escalator-Crash Humility

So, I’ve been hobbling around the office the past few days cause my knee won’t bend right.  Why won’t the knee bend, you might ask?

That’s a good question with an embarrassing answer.   I wish I could make up some amazing story that I injured it while chasing down a purse-snatcher, scoring the winning shot in a basketball game, or executing an amazing DDR move.  But the sad reality is that I… fell on an escalator last Tuesday.  Yep, the basic events involved running late for my plane, running up the airport escalator, tripping on my left foot, and landing squarely on the edge of a step with my knee.  After getting up nonchalantly, riding the rest of the way, grabbing paper towels to stop the blood, gimping to the plane, and finally settling into my seat, I tried to picture what the people below me on the escalator might have thought when they saw the whole spastic episode.  I imagine they said something like, “Ooooo!  That was a blond moment of epic proportions!  Hard fall.  Why in the world was she running up an escalator?  How embarrassing!”

At least I learned something new: escalator steps have sharp “teeth” on the edge.

So, yes, that was definitely one humbling – and, ok, hilarious – experience!  And, for a girl who gets kicks out of anything active and who doesn’t like to draw attention to signs of weakness, the days after the fall have been quite humbling as well.

And, that brings me to my real point – humility.  I’ve been challenged recently, through more situations than the escalator episode, that I need the Lord to continually develop in my life the humility of His Son, Jesus Christ.

I’m not talking about that fake, put yourself down, avoid complements kind of humility.  I’m talking about true humility: viewing the world and living life from the perspective that nothing else matters compared to how great God is.  I’m talking about following Christ’s example of surrendering His rights, disregarding His position, making Himself nothing, and putting others first.

Andrew Murray powerfully described humility this way: “It is simply the sense of entire nothingness which comes when we see how truly God is all, and in which we make way for God to be all…  Humility is nothing but the disappearance of self in the vision that God is all.”  I’ve also heard it said that humility isn’t thinking less about yourself; it’s thinking about yourself less because you’re so busy thinking about Christ.

Applying this concept of humility, what would my life look like if I made way for “God to be all”?  There are so many times that I’ve felt selfish thoughts about my own desires, comfort, ambition, or image begin to rise and refocus my attention from God’s glory to my gain.  As a result, I’ve often become jealous, discontent or defensive.  I want to surrender each of these thoughts to Christ and to replace them with Truth from His Word about my purpose on this earth – namely, to bring Him glory.

Such a Christ-focused perspective frees us to love and serve others.  It allows us to measure success based on how we conform to God’s standards, rather than how we compare to others’ success.  It frees us to focus on what we can do for others, rather than what they should do for us.  It liberates us from feelings of jealousy and discontentment that rise when we think we’re not promoted fast enough or included on the fun work projects.  It keeps us from acting like certain jobs are beneath us.  If God’s glory is our only goal, we have nothing to prove, no ego to protect, no rights to defend, and nothing to deserve.

I love what author and speaker Jill Briscoe once wrote: “[Christ] laid it all down.  He came down, knelt down, was nailed down on a rough-hewn cross – it was all about ‘down.’  [All too often, our lives are all] about ‘up’.”  She followed it up with this thought: “Do something great, learn to be small.  Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus: learn to be small; learn to be small; learn to be small.”

Wow, that’s the kind of life I want to live!  I want to be small so that God can reveal how big He is, in and through my life.  Even if it takes little reminders, like a fall down an escalator, to remind me how weak and dependent I truly am, I want to be “nothing” in light of the majestic reality that He is everything.  Time to live out escalator-crash humility!

A few extra thoughts from Philippians 2:

• Jesus, who holds every claim to superiority, found no reason to size himself up to others (Phil. 2:6).  Why, then, do we compare ourselves to others?  Why does it make us feel good when we have the upper hand, when we measure up to arbitrary human standards, or when we succeed and others fail?

• Christ, the high and exalted Lord of the universe, made it His very mission to serve (Phil. 2:7).  How can we settle for anything less?  Why do our desires, our image, our rights, and our ambition hinder our ability to truly love and serve those we encounter each day?

• Christ, the King of all creation, humbled Himself and accepted the worst of all assignments for our sake – even though we were undeserving (Phil. 2:8). Why, then, is it so hard for us to accept menial tasks and to serve without recognition? Why do we hold onto our rights when we feel like we’ve been wronged?

• God is the One who exalted Christ, and the only One who can truly lift us up (Phil. 2:9).  Why, then, do we strive to be exalted by the world?  Do we care more about what men think or what God thinks?  Are we living for earth or for eternity?

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

In eighth grade, my Bible teacher had our class memorize a powerful testimony – known as “The Fellowship of the Unashamed” – that has continued to challenge and encourage me to this day.  The author of this inspiring declaration, though ultimately unknown, is believed to have been a young pastor from Zimbabwe who was martyred for his faith.

Driving home tonight, after an encouraging time of fellowship with amazing friends who love the Lord, “The Fellowship of the Unashamed” came to mind for some unknown reason.  As a result, I spent most of the car ride home wondering how different my circle of influence would be if I truly lived out these words; wondering how different our churches, our country, and our world would be if more of us lived out this testimony.

So, I’m sharing these words in hopes that they will bless and inspire you for the first time or once again:

I am part of the “Fellowship of the Unashamed.” The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed.

I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until Heaven returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear.

His Glory in a Sunset, Our Worth in Him

Last night I watched the most beautiful sunset I’ve seen in years.  The western sky appeared ready to burst open with bright streams of fiery orange light that painted the surrounding clouds a pulsating pink hue.  Radiating outward from the vibrant color concerto on the western horizon, softer shades of pink and blue reflected off wispy clouds across the entire sky.  Words – even a picture – can’t fully capture or convey the beauty.

Gazing at the sky from our back porch, a feeling of sheer awe and joy and wonder and energy and excitement coursed through my spirit.  As the earth continued to rotate and the sky’s color changed from piercing shades of orange and pink to deepening tones of red and purple, I couldn’t help but laugh, stretch out my hands to heaven, and then burst into a song of praise.  Then I just kneeled on the cold wooden boards in awe-struck silence.

That sunset reminded me how amazed I am at the majesty and beauty of our God who created and sustains the universe, who paints the sky in light and colors no human hand can emulate.

He is the fullness and standard of beauty itself.  More than that, He is the fullness and standard of beauty, life, meaning, purpose, and truth.

The Lord perfectly orchestrated that sunset last night.  In a minute way, those rays of light reflect His beauty and majesty.  God also perfectly orchestrated you and me.  We’re created in His image, the image of Beauty and Majesty.  Stop and think about that old cliché phrase “God doesn’t make junk.”  It’s corny, but it’s true.  We are His “workmanship.”  According to Scripture, that means we’re fearfully and wonderfully made, created for His glory, and created for good works He prepared in advance for us to do (Ps. 139, Is. 43, Eph. 2).  

Why then, I wonder, is it so easy to recognize God’s workmanship in a sunset and so hard to recognize His workmanship in me?  Why do brilliant lights in the sky make me pause and reflect on His grandeur, plan, and perfection while I so quickly forget that His glory, pleasure, and purpose are meant to be reflected with such brilliance in my life?  Why is it so easy to forget that as God’s created and redeemed child I’ve already been given the unshakeable significance of approval from the only person whose opinion really matters?  Why do we look to the cheap and fleeting promises of this world for worth when we already have true, unfading worth – created in the image of and loved by the mighty Lord who paints the sky with such radiant color?  Why do I seek satisfaction or fulfillment in any source besides the one great and mighty Father who can and will meet every longing of my heart with more of Himself?

These were the thoughts running through my head last night as I gazed at that beautiful sunset and pondered the greatness of our God.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Ps. 8

Spiritual Discipline: Bring on the Resolve

I spent some time thinking tonight about certain spiritual practices that should be strengthened in my own life and contemplating some areas that should be surrender to the Lord.  For example, I’d like to spend more time in concentrated prayer each day, transition to a morning quiet time, and give up my late-to-bed habit (which often turns the morning devotion time I desire into an evening or hurried one).  As I was thinking about these goals, I realized that establishing new habits and braking old ones will require discipline – something that I don’t usually lack in other areas of life, but somehow seem to struggle with in this regard.

It also hit me that the notion of spiritual discipline has fallen into disrepute amongst many in this generation.  In fact, we often equate the idea of striving for a daily quiet time, focused prayer sessions, periodic fasting, a steady ten-percent tithe, and weekly church attendance with legalism.  We reject the work necessary for new spiritual practices as a negation of God’s grace.

Nothing could be further from the truth.  Certainly, spiritual disciplines aren’t the means of our salvation – which comes through Christ’s grace alone (Eph. 2:8) – but they are an important means of growth in our relationship with the Lord.  Absolutely, God is the one who works righteousness in our lives (Phil. 2:13), but He has also called us to live out holiness, discipline, and self-control (1 Pt. 1:15-16, Gal. 5:23, 2 Pt. 1:6, 1 Thes. 5:8).

I love that Paul “resolved,” or determined, to know nothing except Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 2:2).  I’m challenged and encouraged that Daniel “resolved,” or firmly purposed in his heart, to honor the Lord by refusing to eat or drink the King’s food (Dan. 1:8).  Both of these men followed through on their resolve and were powerful witnesses for God’s Kingdom.

So, though the notion of discipline is in disrepute today, God clearly desires that we diligently invest our time, energy, money, talents, and affection in those habits that bring Him glory and mold us into the image of His Son.  And, ultimately, the main reason we should practice spiritual disciplines and ask the Lord to shape our habits isn’t because of legalism; it’s because of love!  What a privilege to spend substantial time talking to the Creator of the universe, to wake up early to read His Word of love and truth, to give generously of the resources He’s given us, and to let go of those things that prevent us from grabbing hold of all He has to offer.  And here’s the coolest part: when we desire to honor the Lord by practicing the spiritual disciplines He places on our hearts to pursue, He’s the one who provides the strength, resources, ability, patience, and diligence to follow through.

I guess that now that I placed these thoughts on the blog, there’s a little more psychological accountability to actually wake up early for the morning quiet time.  And, that part about going to bed early; well, I’ll try to start that discipline this weekend… or on Sunday night… Eeek.  Well, good thing my co-worker told me it only takes 21 days to establish a habit.  That said, I’m resolved to honor the Lord in pursuing those life patterns He’s nudging me towards, even if one of them involves early mornings.

Are there habits that might move you toward holiness?  Whatever they are, bring the resolve!

Don’t Forget in the Darkness What You’ve Seen in the Light

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Who among the gods is like you, O Lord?  Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? (Ex. 15:1-2, 11)

The Israelites had just seen God manifest Himself as pillar of fire to protect them, they had just witnessed Him divide a massive body of water so that they could escape from their enemies on dry ground, and they had just watched Him wipe out a fearsome army in an instant.  Ultimately, the people of Israel had just seen God work powerfully and personally on their behalf.  And they sang this song of praise to their Savior after He led them through the Red Sea.

Scripture provides this description of the Israelites response to God’s amazing work: “And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant” (Ex. 14:31).  Clearly, the Lord had proven Himself Israel’s Strength and Salvation.

And yet, fast forward just one chapter in Exodus, and the Israelites were already complaining, questioning God’s plan, and doubting His ability and willingness to provide for their needs (Ex. 16:2-3, 17:3, 7).  And as soon as Moses and the Lord were out of sight for forty days, up on Mt. Sinai, the people of Israel turned away from the Lord and toward a manmade idol (Ex. 32:1, 4, 8).  In fact, they gave credit to a golden calf as the god who had brought them up out of Egypt (Ex. 32:8).

Within five months of God’s amazing rescue at the Red Sea, His people had already forgotten His grace in that situation, doubted His plan, and rejected Him as their God and Savior.

Reading this story and other segments from Israel’s wandering saga through the desert, it’s easy to question how the Israelites could so quickly forget the Lord’s faithfulness.  Studying their pattern of rebellion and God’s work of restoration, it’s easy to wonder how they could be oblivious.

Yet, when it comes down to it, we Christians are often just like the Israelites.  We face the same reality that it’s easy to praise God during times of success and joy, easy to doubt Him during times of failure or trial.  It’s easy to follow the Lord when we clearly see His hand of guidance, but it’s difficult to follow Him when He doesn’t seem to be giving any direction.  It’s easy to trust God when we see Him tangibly answer our prayers; it’s harder to believe Him when we see nothing but silence.  It’s easy to rest in our Father when things are going well; it’s harder to “be still and know He’s God” when trouble comes and life doesn’t make sense.

The truth remains, however, that God is forever faithful and strong during good times and bad.  He was the same awesome God of grace when he parted the Red Sea and when He allowed the Israelites to wait on Him for food and water.  The fact that Israel forgot God’s work of salvation during difficult circumstances didn’t change His role as Savior.  In the same way, we can’t forget that the Lord’s constantly by our side whether we feel Him or not, He’s accomplishing His purposes whether we see Him or not, and He’s worthy of honor and glory and praise no matter what we face.

And those times of God’s clear revelation – when we see His hand at work, hear His voice, tangibly feel His presence, and deeply experience His joy – are gracious gifts from the Lord that we must hold on to during those times of darkness – when He appears silent, when we feel alone, and when life circumstances don’t make sense.  During those moments of doubt, when we’re faced with the temptation to put our hope in some other savior – in some promise of this world, we must believe what God promises about Himself and His plan.  When the future looks bleak, we must remember God’s faithfulness in the past and apply this trust in Him to the present.

To close, my pastor once made a powerful statement that I’ll always remember: “Don’t forget in the darkness what God’s shone you in the light.”

In Exodus 16, the Israelites had just seen the Lord deliver them from certain death, and yet the moment they entered the desert, they forgot all about what God had done to save them.  Let’s not make the same mistake.  When we enter times of darkness, which life is sure to throw our way, let’s cling to God’s Promises and remember the ways He’s revealed His faithfulness and power during seasons of light.

God is My Helper, I Won’t Be Afraid

So, I was gonna play some basketball tonight and then had… well, we’ll just call it a “car issue” (to say the least).  Bummer, I hate missing good pickup games!  Bummer, it’s been such a great week, and then this had to happen!  Bummer, it’s such bad – yeah, really bad – timing to have a car issue!  And, I know absolutely nothing about anything related to “car issues” - insert halfhearted haha.

Well, God’s goodness and faithfulness remains constant and unchanged, regardless of my circumstances.  Didn’t I write about that a few weeks ago?  Yeah, I did.  I guess this “car issue” provides a neat chance to practice living out the truth of God’s goodness when faced with a small frustration.

Some words that popped into mind tonight:

When the rain comes down in frustrating ways, I’ll still lift my voice in praise!

When I’m anxious and don’t know what to do, I’ll still live to honor You!

When the path is dark and I can’t see why, I’ll still trust in You my Prize!

When I’ve run out of strength and wisdom too, I’ll be still and rest in you!

More thoughts:

God is my helper, I won’t be afraid

Mighty One, Savior, Sustaining my days

Faithful Redeemer, To His love I’ll cling

Enthroned in glory, His goodness I’ll sing

So, can you tell I’m not a poet?  Guess it’s crazy what sputters out when you’re tired, angry, overwhelmed, worried, trying to rest in the Lord, and – did I mention – missing pickup basketball.

(Is.48:10-12, Heb. 13:5-6)

A call to Christian Conviction: The Manhattan Declaration

Just wanted to let you know about a neat movement that’s going on, where Christians are affirming their commitment to biblical principles on life, marriage, and religious freedom. 

A group of prominent Christian leaders, including Chuck Colson, Ravi Zacharias, Robert George, and Jim Daly, recently released a declaration calling citizens to stand for their convictions on the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty.  Called the Manhattan Declaration, this important document has already been signed by almost 200,000 Christians – all declaring their commitment to Truth. 

Here’s a synopsis of the movement:

We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

1. the sanctity of human life
2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Here’s a powerful statement taken from the Manhattan Declaration Summary:

… Let it be known that we will not comply with any edict that compels us or the institutions we lead to participate in or facilitate abortions, embryo-destructive research, assisted suicide, euthanasia, or any other act that violates the principle of the profound, inherent, and equal dignity of every member of the human family.

Further, let it be known that we will not bend to any rule forcing us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality, marriage, and the family.

Further, let it be known that we will not be intimidated into silence or acquiescence or the violation of our consciences by any power on earth, be it cultural or political, regardless of the consequences to ourselves.

We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God’s.

To find out more about the Manhattan Declaration and to sign the document, visit manhattandeclaration.org.

Thankful Corns

To start off, Happy Thanksgiving!

I’m home in Atlanta this week, getting to spend time with my wonderful family.  What a blessing!

And I gotta say, I love celebrating Thanksgiving with the fam!  I love cooking [and eating ] all the amazing food – particularly the corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, and apple pie.   I love having my cousins in town.  I love playing two-hand touch football, basketball, and all kinds of card games after we eat.  More than that, I love the opportunity to stop and focus for one day on all that we’re thankful for.  And, I always look forward to a little family tradition that encourages the spirit of thanksgiving.

Each year, every family member has two or three kernels of corn sitting beside their place at the table – we call them “thankful corns.”  After everyone’s grabbed their food, good ol’ potluck style, and we’re all seated around the table, it’s time for those aptly named thankful corns.  Taking turns around the table, each relative holds up a thankful corn and shares one blessing for which they’re thankful.  Though it’s sort of a corny tradition, and some family members look forward to it more than others, I think it’s so neat to hear about the various experiences, gifts, and relationships for which each person is thankful.

Since we just did the “thankful corn” tradition, and these thoughts are fresh on my mind, here are a few of the things for which I’m thankful:

• God’s grace and faithfulness.  I’ve been blessed recently by two powerful descriptions of Christ in Hebrews 12:2.  The verse says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  I love this simple truth: Not only is Jesus the almighty author of our faith; He’s also the persistent perfecter of our faith.  This means, despite my weaknesses, shortcomings, and stubbornness, the Lord will faithfully accomplish His perfect purposes.  In the same way that God has already saved my life, He will transform my life, by His grace and power, into the very image of His Son.
• God’s Word. “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.  Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.  Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain”  (Ps. 119:89, 14-16, 30, 35-36).
• Precious parents.  I’m incredibly blessed to have wise, fun, and committed parents who truly love and serve Christ.  Though they made some mistakes, like all parents do, I never had a doubt in my mind that their heart’s desire was to raise daughters to follow Christ, and I’m so thankful that they prepared and challenged us well for this lifelong pursuit.  Mom and Dad were so intentional about planning fun family nights (which often included card games or hair decorating competitions), taking us on unique family trips (which often involved camping, long car trips, and frantic tours to see as much of a town as we could in a few days), sharing memorable devotions (which often involved something crazy like sitting in a trash dump or receiving tangible objects that represented spiritual truths), teaching us about what’s important in like (which includes serving others, maintaining an eternal perspective, and sharing the gospel around the globe) and letting us know that we were loved.
• Special sisters.  I don’t know what I’d do without three sisters to shop with, sing Broadway songs with, share prayer requests with, play games with, and occasionally fight with.  I’m so thankful for the joy, fun, encouragement, love, and memories that my sisters and I have been able to share! 
• A godly heritage.  Though no family’s perfect and mine definitely has it’s fair share of weaknesses, I’m so thankful that my great grandparents, grandparents, and extended family have lived an example of loving and serving the Lord.  They’ve shown me what it means to pray passionately, to apply biblical principles wisely, and to advance the gospel courageously.  They’ve left a legacy of living by faith, trusting the Lord for His provision, and persevering through hardship.  In many ways, my family’s the biggest earthly blessing I’ve been given.
• Faithful friends.  I’m so thankful that at each stage of my life God’s provided amazing friends to challenge and encourage me in my walk with Him.  I’ve been blessed with fun, godly friends to laugh and cry with, to dance and pray with, to roadtrip and read the Word with.
• All the little things in life… Pick-up basketball games, smooth lakes to slalom on, movies like Sound of Music and High School Musical to sing along, snowball fights, mountains to climb, Agatha Christie mysteries, guitars to play, crackling fires to read beside, and coffee to drink on a cold day (or any, ok every, day).

All that said, if you were holding several “thankful corns,” what are the blessings on your heart this Thanksgiving?

I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Ps. 69:30

A Sheep and Her Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Ps. 23:1-4).

Last week I found out some discouraging news that shook me a bit.  It wasn’t what I expected, certainly wasn’t what I was hoping for, but go figure.  It was just another point this year where I reached the end of my rope, feeling like I didn’t have the strength, wisdom, courage, or resources to deal with a situation on my own. 

There have been so many times over the last few months that, apart from the Lord’s grace, guidance, insight, provision, and power, I’ve been basically helpless.  And it seems like each time God has so graciously lifted me up from a situation that knocked me down, another situation has arrived just in time to bump me back, forcing me to depend upon his strength and sufficiency once again.

So, last week’s news came right on cue.

After sharing some of my discouragement to a wise friend, she reminded me that such a place of helplessness and surrender was probably right where God wanted me to be.

And then, she proceeded to tell me about sheep.  Sheep?  Yes, sheep.  More importantly, she also told me about shepherds.

Here’s the summary of what D shared: sheep are stupid!  Those cute fluffy creatures are directionless, defenseless, and downright dumb.  They’re practically wired to be helpless. 

D described how sheep are easily flipped onto their backs by missteps on only slightly uneven terrain.  And once they’re tipped over, they absolutely can’t right themselves.  Sheep will actually die of starvation unless a shepherd sets them on their feet again.  Wow, talk about helpless creatures!  Apart from their shepherd, sheep can do nothing.

The amazing thing, however, is that sheep’s utter helplessness actually highlights the shepherd’s total love and faithful to his sheep.  Sheep’s absolute dependency upon their shepherd for direction, protection, sustenance, and life itself clearly illustrates the shepherd’s power, grace, and sufficiency.

No wonder God is called the Good Shepherd in Scripture (Jn. 10:11).  No wonder we’re called His sheep.  It’s no surprise, in fact, that sheep or shepherds are mentioned almost 250 times in the Bible.  What a powerful metaphor for our absolute dependency upon the Lord, and His gracious care for us.

But surely I’m not totally helpless, to a sheep degree.  Am I?  Yes, I know the Lord’s my sovereign and sufficient source of life, but for some reason, I so often try to maintain some semblance of strength and control.  I like to think that I have it all together.  And, it’s not so flattering to use words like unable, frightened, weak, and dependent to describe myself.

The reality is, however, that I might as well have been a sheep this year.  But, like D encouraged me, being a weak, dependent, confused, and even completely helpless sheep isn’t so bad.  It isn’t so bad because I serve a Good Shepherd who is my salvation, my strength, and my song.  Because in my weakness, God is strong.  Because He uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.  Because He uses fallible, but available vessels to display His glory.

Wow, this sheep is feeling a little better about last week!

But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:9-10).