Yesterday I saw an inspirational Hallmark movie, Beyond the Blackboard. It was about the lengths a young teacher went to for her deprived students. After she had made great sacrifices for one student the girl's parent selfishly took her out of school and into a homeless situation. When the teacher protested to her principal and threatened to quit he said, "You just keep giving. No matter what they do with it, you just keep giving."
That made me remember the first time I learned that principle. I was feeling like God had set His seal of approval on me just because He chose me to be a part of His grace to someone. It never occurred to me that He wanted to teach me to give like He does.
In 1973 my husband opened his own cotton office and soon began to make more money than we needed every month. Until then, we had been the ones receiving God's provision, but now He called us to be givers. One of the first things that happened was that we moved out of a nice-sized house where there was no place for the kids' friends to visit and found a new house that gave us the room we needed for our teenagers. As we were moving my husband told me he had rented our old house rather than sold it. A young couple from our church who had three very young children needed a home. "They can't afford all of the monthly payment we had so I'm making up the difference between what they can pay and our mortgage," he added.
A few months later, during my morning prayer time the Lord told me to give the couple a certain amount of money for their living room furniture. I was excited to take the gift but as I considered it I thought, "I need to take Jeri the name and number of the man who just re-upholstered my furniture. For this amount of money, he could make her couch and two chairs look like new!"
When I delivered the check, I explained in detail how she could have a new living room. Jeri seemed very grateful and receptive and I was elated as I left. I could see a lovely, finished room in my mind! A few weeks later, she invited me to come see.
It was all I could do not to blurt my disapproval! Jeri had trashed all of her living room furniture. A lone sectional sofa and TV now sat in the space. It was not only cold and stark but ugly, I thought. I really tried not to show what I was thinking while Jeri thanked me for the gift that enabled her to get what she wanted for her home.
Like the teacher, I felt betrayed, disrespected and abused. "Look what she did! Now her living room looks worse than before," I wailed once I was in the car. The Lord began to explain how godly giving was giving without strings...any strings. As Jesus' death and blood was given for us without strings or pressure of any kind, so are all gifts of grace. In the end, I saw God had only asked me to give a certain amount of money for Jeri's living room everything else had been my idea.
Each time God calls I make a choice to give again with no strings, no pressure. How a gift is used is not my business and since I'm only participating in Jesus' grace to someone there's no gratitude due me. But I've got to say, the blessing that floods over me is always so fulfilling I can't help but wonder who got the best of it, the one I gave to or me?
(I made up the name, Jeri.)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Build Up Your World
Last Sunday, my pastor, Ed, was preaching about our responsibility as Christians to build up our world. He didn't specify exactly how we were to do that, but encouraged us to ask God for directions. At that point my thoughts leaped to something I had encountered at my book signing the day before.
The table displaying my book had been set up directly in front of the entrance. It was impossible to miss and made me feel a little like a fish in a bowl sitting behind it. For the first hour my friends and family crowded around me, but for the second hour I was left alone. That's when I noticed that the strangers entering the store fell into one of three categories that reminded me of a living parable.
The first and largest group was made up of ones who studiously ignored me. I wasn't offended because I identified with them. Before I met Jesus I had put on my blinders when I went out in public. In my mind I gave myself several excuses. I was in a hurry or I wasn't interested in... but most important to me was the feeling that if I acknowledged an unexpected presence I would be vulnerable to the stranger's desires or needs. Then how could I escape? Yes, I assured myself it was better to pretend to be blind in public and mind my own business.
The second group was smaller but they were the ones who had captured my attention in the first place. I didn't want to miss that moment of eye-contact and the smile or nod as each passed the table without breaking stride. I also identified with those folks. Many years ago, I had felt I was spreading God's cheer and goodwill when I had decided to smile and nod at fellow-shoppers in the grocery store instead of focusing intently on my purchases or when I actually looked at the checker and let her know I recognized she was a person. You get the idea. Through the years this second of eye-contact in public has made me feel we are all connected; a part of the human race even though we're strangers. Surprisingly, this practice has made me feel strong and secure rather than vulnerable.
But on Saturday, I experienced one more category that I really didn't identify with. That memory is the one that returned while Ed was preaching. About half-way through the last hour a lady came into the store. She obviously wasn't browsing but had a specific reason for coming. After she finished her business she retraced her steps to arrive at my table. Smiling she said, "I just came over to say 'hi'."
"I'm glad you did!" I said smiling back.
She picked up a book and glanced at the back cover as she made another comment or two. I don't remember the gist of our conversation because it wasn't important. The truth I was suddenly aware of was important.
She has come over for me, I thought. She doesn't want a book and is not impressed that I wrote one. She saw me sitting alone and has come to encourage me!
About that time she replaced the book as she said, "I hope you have a really successful book signing and sell lots of books."
I thanked her as she walked away. Then I marveled at how only a minute of two of the woman's kindness had lifted my spirits and renewed my hope. It wouldn't take much, I thought as Ed preached, to build up my world one person at a time.
The table displaying my book had been set up directly in front of the entrance. It was impossible to miss and made me feel a little like a fish in a bowl sitting behind it. For the first hour my friends and family crowded around me, but for the second hour I was left alone. That's when I noticed that the strangers entering the store fell into one of three categories that reminded me of a living parable.
The first and largest group was made up of ones who studiously ignored me. I wasn't offended because I identified with them. Before I met Jesus I had put on my blinders when I went out in public. In my mind I gave myself several excuses. I was in a hurry or I wasn't interested in... but most important to me was the feeling that if I acknowledged an unexpected presence I would be vulnerable to the stranger's desires or needs. Then how could I escape? Yes, I assured myself it was better to pretend to be blind in public and mind my own business.
The second group was smaller but they were the ones who had captured my attention in the first place. I didn't want to miss that moment of eye-contact and the smile or nod as each passed the table without breaking stride. I also identified with those folks. Many years ago, I had felt I was spreading God's cheer and goodwill when I had decided to smile and nod at fellow-shoppers in the grocery store instead of focusing intently on my purchases or when I actually looked at the checker and let her know I recognized she was a person. You get the idea. Through the years this second of eye-contact in public has made me feel we are all connected; a part of the human race even though we're strangers. Surprisingly, this practice has made me feel strong and secure rather than vulnerable.
But on Saturday, I experienced one more category that I really didn't identify with. That memory is the one that returned while Ed was preaching. About half-way through the last hour a lady came into the store. She obviously wasn't browsing but had a specific reason for coming. After she finished her business she retraced her steps to arrive at my table. Smiling she said, "I just came over to say 'hi'."
"I'm glad you did!" I said smiling back.
She picked up a book and glanced at the back cover as she made another comment or two. I don't remember the gist of our conversation because it wasn't important. The truth I was suddenly aware of was important.
She has come over for me, I thought. She doesn't want a book and is not impressed that I wrote one. She saw me sitting alone and has come to encourage me!
About that time she replaced the book as she said, "I hope you have a really successful book signing and sell lots of books."
I thanked her as she walked away. Then I marveled at how only a minute of two of the woman's kindness had lifted my spirits and renewed my hope. It wouldn't take much, I thought as Ed preached, to build up my world one person at a time.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
When I'm Happy
I sat down in the sactuary as usual about thirty minutes before church started. I like to be early since it gives me time to turn my thoughts to God and quietly prepare for the service. All of a sudden I heard my daughter, Carrie's voice from somewhere behind me. I couldn't tell what she was saying and didn't turn around to see who she was talking to. Suddenly, however, I heard her laugh then her voice dropped as she continued to speak before she laughed again. "She's happy today," I thought as I smiled. As she laughed again I wanted to enter in and laugh with her.
Then the Lord spoke to me, "I joy over you when you're happy," The thought passed through my mind with a reference Zeph. 3:17.
Then, He continued, "Don't waste your days in complaints and worries. I came to help every trouble you'll ever face." Another reference, Psalm 46:1, sprang into my mind to confirm the truth He had just spoken.
Then He continued again, "Remember how your attention was instantly focused on Carrie when you heard her voice just now and how you wanted to join in her happiness? And yet, there are many times you cannot meet the needs she has? How much more do I joy over you when you are happy and carefree in your faith knowing that I can always make a difference in your life!"
Then the Lord spoke to me, "I joy over you when you're happy," The thought passed through my mind with a reference Zeph. 3:17.
Then, He continued, "Don't waste your days in complaints and worries. I came to help every trouble you'll ever face." Another reference, Psalm 46:1, sprang into my mind to confirm the truth He had just spoken.
Then He continued again, "Remember how your attention was instantly focused on Carrie when you heard her voice just now and how you wanted to join in her happiness? And yet, there are many times you cannot meet the needs she has? How much more do I joy over you when you are happy and carefree in your faith knowing that I can always make a difference in your life!"
Monday, April 2, 2012
Inspirational Friends
I was taught many years ago that I should hang out with people who inspired me if I wanted to live a successful life. I've always believed that adage was true. I attend a Friday Bible study that has become another of those inspirational groups for me.
Last week, I felt especially challenged as the conversation swirled around me. As each of the women shared the events of their week I was struck by the effort and prayer they each invested in serving those around them.
One, whose church had taken on the PTA duties of an elementary school, described her involvement in the program as well as her efforts on behalf of another charity in town. Another looks forward to the days each week that she volunteers at a clothing center for those in need. A third had cleaned the house of an elderly woman who was disabled and the fourth had just prepared lunch for 15 ladies who gathered at her house to learn how to sew dresses for African children. The fifth lady had spent the last week and a half volunteering to host a re-enactment of the Old Testament Tabernacle outdoors in the scorching sun and blistering wind of West Texas.
As I listened I thought to myself, none of these women are physically young (though most are younger than I am), and yet they are not wasting the days of their lives. They never spend our time together complaining or discussing why they can't do something. They are storing up treasure for themselves in heaven.
Last week their conversation included a woman some had met who put us all to shame with her life of serving. Everywhere she looked she saw people whose needs she could help with and she continually strove to meet them. That woman is truly a marvel! I don't remember her name but I'm certain God knows her very well.
Since the meeting on Friday, I've spent a lot of time thinking about my friends and what was said. I've asked God to bring people across my path who I can help and to make me more sensitive to others' needs. I want to ease the burdens of individuals I meet as well as be a part of larger more anonymous projects.
Today as I was preparing to leave a public parking lot a stranger hailed me down. He needed a battery boost to start his car. I didn't even think of saying 'no.' It was very satisfying to 'meet in person' the first answer to my new prayer!
Last week, I felt especially challenged as the conversation swirled around me. As each of the women shared the events of their week I was struck by the effort and prayer they each invested in serving those around them.
One, whose church had taken on the PTA duties of an elementary school, described her involvement in the program as well as her efforts on behalf of another charity in town. Another looks forward to the days each week that she volunteers at a clothing center for those in need. A third had cleaned the house of an elderly woman who was disabled and the fourth had just prepared lunch for 15 ladies who gathered at her house to learn how to sew dresses for African children. The fifth lady had spent the last week and a half volunteering to host a re-enactment of the Old Testament Tabernacle outdoors in the scorching sun and blistering wind of West Texas.
As I listened I thought to myself, none of these women are physically young (though most are younger than I am), and yet they are not wasting the days of their lives. They never spend our time together complaining or discussing why they can't do something. They are storing up treasure for themselves in heaven.
Last week their conversation included a woman some had met who put us all to shame with her life of serving. Everywhere she looked she saw people whose needs she could help with and she continually strove to meet them. That woman is truly a marvel! I don't remember her name but I'm certain God knows her very well.
Since the meeting on Friday, I've spent a lot of time thinking about my friends and what was said. I've asked God to bring people across my path who I can help and to make me more sensitive to others' needs. I want to ease the burdens of individuals I meet as well as be a part of larger more anonymous projects.
Today as I was preparing to leave a public parking lot a stranger hailed me down. He needed a battery boost to start his car. I didn't even think of saying 'no.' It was very satisfying to 'meet in person' the first answer to my new prayer!
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