I work in sales, an industry where image leads and functionality follows. The two questions I must answer at the very start of the sales process are “Who are you?” and “What can you do for me?”
It is well expressed in this blurb I read recently in an industry publication: "Two basic tenets of selling are that (1) people buy from other people more happily than from faceless corporations, and that (2) in the marketplace as in theater, there is indeed a factor at work called 'the willing suspension of disbelief.' Who stands behind our pancakes? Aunt Jemima. Our angel food cake? Betty Crocker. Our coffee? Juan Valdez. Anyone over the age of 3 knows that it's all myth. But like Santa Claus and the tooth fairy, the myths are comforting."
There is certainly a lot of theatrics going on in our country today. As shows like Saturday Night Live skewer the leaders of the auto industry for greedy adherence to their rich lifestyles while their industry is on the verge of collapse and as Governor Blagojevich resurrects the image of Chicago politics during the reign of the mob, we would all be well advised to consider what kind of impression each of us makes as representatives of our families, our faith, our congregations, and our heavenly Father.
When it comes to “buying” the whole Christian thing, people are going to be just as attracted to people first as they are when it comes to any other sale. We must “sell” the fact that being a Christian is worthwhile, brings happiness and fosters internal peace even when the world is at war. But the main thing we must sell is that Christianity IS love. In this, you are the Aunt Jemima, the Betty Crocker, the Juan Valdez – in other words, the spokesperson, for Christianity.
More narrowly, you are the spokesperson for your congregation. So, when people talk to you or when they walk into the door at church, does everything about you “sell” the congregation with a favorable image? Are you open, smiling, happy, welcoming? Do you meet visitors with a handshake and thank them for coming?
What if it is someone from a group that split off from yours? Do you get to set aside brotherly love in favor of letting them know that you are unhappy with their choice? Do they feel unwelcome? If so, then you are failing to make that sale – not only to them, but also to your own children and others who may be watching your actions. What kind of impression do you think you are making on the six-year-old who can tell you are suddenly tense? What about that even more vulnerable group – teenagers – who are watching you closely? They often will reject the belief system parents have spent years teaching them in response to witnessing a routine disconnect between words and actions.
Christ Jesus calls us His brothers. We are the sons of God. We are made in their image and tasked with becoming more like them, with the help of the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
People have a right to see Christian behavior in the spokespersons for God, for your faith and for your congregation. The image comes first. Then they will be open to the functionality of the Christian walk.
To paraphrase that famous indictment of Dan Quayle during a political debate: we never want anyone to be able to say to us: “I know Christians and you are no Christian!”
Love, Nancy
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
TIS THE SEASON
It’s that time of year – a time when people who aren’t religious at all find that their faith is now extremely important and they MUST have a nativity scene on the County Court lawn. A time when companies who don’t do anything religious any other time of the year now find they simply MUST send out holiday cards and/or gifts, they simply MUST put up a tree in a public area. A time when people who don’t help the homeless any other time of the year are asking for canned goods for various programs.
This is the time of the year, this is the holiday season, when those who would NEVER EVER think of committing terrorist acts in the name of religion (like the various Islamic nations), would never go to war over sacred ground (like the Palestinians and Israelis), get all aggressive about what they must be allowed to do, must have and what YOU must have too.
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it thousands of times: say “Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays.” Why? Why this time of year, the time when they MUST show their religious fervor and YOU must not only allow it, but align yourself with it.
Do I insist on a tabernacle (temporary dwelling) being assembled on the County Court lawn during the Feast of Tabernacles? Do I insist they all put blood on their doors at Passover? Of course not. I do ask that you allow me to observe my faith freely and I am willing to offer the same to you.
Let’s be clear – I believe with all my heart that you are wrong, that Christmas is a pagan holiday, and that God is NOT happy with your show of lights, decorated trees and gift buying. I KNOW He is not happy with the trampling of innocent Wal-Mart workers just for first right to some deeply discounted toy or electronics.
I’m not stupid. I realize you believe with all your heart that I am wrong.
However, the thing that is supposed to separate the USA from all these other warring nations is our openness about religion. I am willing to gather canned goods for the needy this time of the year or any other. I am willing to accept it if you want to say “Merry Christmas” to me. I understand that is important to you, but you don’t have a right to command me to say it back or even “Happy Holidays.” I will say “thank you” because being polite knows no season. I do eat cookies even if they are shaped like bells, snowmen or wreaths.
Not all my non-Christmas-keeping fellows feel the same way. Some will, some won’t go to the company Christmas party. Some will, some won’t sign holiday cards if they don’t have the word Christmas on them. Some will, some won’t eat those cookies.
But (to my fellow non-believers) we do all have the responsibility of setting a good example. Just because others get all aggressive about their faith this time of the year doesn’t mean that we have the right to stop being polite, patient and kind. The receptionist who asks for the 5th year in a row if you will sign the holiday cards is just doing her job and warrants only a polite “no thank you” unless she asks you to explain why. At that time, she deserves a polite and direct explanation.
Jesus said “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” He did not say to return behavior in kind. I believe He isn’t happy about Christmas and finds it offensive. I do not believe He is pleased with ugly, rude or angry responses to those ignorant of the truth.
One of the things I hate about Christmas is the rude behavior and frenzied buying it encourages. For people who frequently say “put Christ back in Christmas” I still see the behavior getting worse every year. For that reason alone, I would not ask a Christmas keeper about his/her faith.
The question for me, and all others of similar faith, becomes then “is my behavior this time of year encouraging others to ask about my faith or is it turning them off to it?”
Tis the season to let your like shine to this dark world – not with lights and presents and parties, but with true love shown, with kindness, patience and politeness, even in the face of religious aggression by those who need to know the truth.
Love,
Nancy
This is the time of the year, this is the holiday season, when those who would NEVER EVER think of committing terrorist acts in the name of religion (like the various Islamic nations), would never go to war over sacred ground (like the Palestinians and Israelis), get all aggressive about what they must be allowed to do, must have and what YOU must have too.
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it thousands of times: say “Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays.” Why? Why this time of year, the time when they MUST show their religious fervor and YOU must not only allow it, but align yourself with it.
Do I insist on a tabernacle (temporary dwelling) being assembled on the County Court lawn during the Feast of Tabernacles? Do I insist they all put blood on their doors at Passover? Of course not. I do ask that you allow me to observe my faith freely and I am willing to offer the same to you.
Let’s be clear – I believe with all my heart that you are wrong, that Christmas is a pagan holiday, and that God is NOT happy with your show of lights, decorated trees and gift buying. I KNOW He is not happy with the trampling of innocent Wal-Mart workers just for first right to some deeply discounted toy or electronics.
I’m not stupid. I realize you believe with all your heart that I am wrong.
However, the thing that is supposed to separate the USA from all these other warring nations is our openness about religion. I am willing to gather canned goods for the needy this time of the year or any other. I am willing to accept it if you want to say “Merry Christmas” to me. I understand that is important to you, but you don’t have a right to command me to say it back or even “Happy Holidays.” I will say “thank you” because being polite knows no season. I do eat cookies even if they are shaped like bells, snowmen or wreaths.
Not all my non-Christmas-keeping fellows feel the same way. Some will, some won’t go to the company Christmas party. Some will, some won’t sign holiday cards if they don’t have the word Christmas on them. Some will, some won’t eat those cookies.
But (to my fellow non-believers) we do all have the responsibility of setting a good example. Just because others get all aggressive about their faith this time of the year doesn’t mean that we have the right to stop being polite, patient and kind. The receptionist who asks for the 5th year in a row if you will sign the holiday cards is just doing her job and warrants only a polite “no thank you” unless she asks you to explain why. At that time, she deserves a polite and direct explanation.
Jesus said “do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” He did not say to return behavior in kind. I believe He isn’t happy about Christmas and finds it offensive. I do not believe He is pleased with ugly, rude or angry responses to those ignorant of the truth.
One of the things I hate about Christmas is the rude behavior and frenzied buying it encourages. For people who frequently say “put Christ back in Christmas” I still see the behavior getting worse every year. For that reason alone, I would not ask a Christmas keeper about his/her faith.
The question for me, and all others of similar faith, becomes then “is my behavior this time of year encouraging others to ask about my faith or is it turning them off to it?”
Tis the season to let your like shine to this dark world – not with lights and presents and parties, but with true love shown, with kindness, patience and politeness, even in the face of religious aggression by those who need to know the truth.
Love,
Nancy
Friday, November 28, 2008
ARMAGEDDON , NOW WHAT?
According to prevailing marketing industry wisdom, the key emotional hot buttons that influence human behavior are fear, greed, guilt, anger, exclusivity, salvation, flattery and patriotism. I think at least two of these are also on the list of Seven Deadly Sins.
Getting back to my watching of the movie Armageddon: so the world is saved, all people, nations, faiths and colors rejoice that this common disaster has been averted. Sure Paris is decimated, but the French are no one’s favorite people any way.
How long do you think peace would last? Since the peace achieved was accomplished based on fear, my guess is that in the given scenario once the common fear is gone it would be days at best before war among nations would resume. All it would take would be a seed of greed or misguided patriotism or exclusivity (hoarding food and supplies within a country less devastated, for example) to take us from being bound as brothers to World War III.
My father had a favorite lecture he often resorted to when my siblings and I were arguing. It began: “if you are fighting now over this issue now, what will happen when we have only one slice of bread?” My father died before we ever saw those hard times, but he had a point.
Fear is a HUGE motivator. So is greed. When you combine the two you have a lethal mixture.
The world is a slave to the ruler of it – Satan. But Christians, with the Holy Spirit active and following in them, should be immune to it – at least after years of being a Christian.
Armageddon, not just the movie but the actual event, and some ugly times before it are coming to this world. Christians, like everyone, need to be somewhat prepared for tough times.
But should Christians, like those who don’t know better, be thinking in terms of “how can I store up and hoard (for MY family, MY church) the goods I’ll need to survive?” Shouldn’t we be thinking in terms of “how can I seek God first and help others to do the same, so that we have the faith to rely on God when tough times come?”
Before you say, “but…” let me quote a scripture: Mathew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”
Read verses 22 through 34 for the entire guidance. I know the word “thought” can better be understood as anxious care, which makes my point – fine to give it thought, not fine for those thoughts to be about preparing for personal, physical survival of those in your exclusive “group” – whatever that group might entail.
That kind of thinking leads you to fight over that last slice of bread instead of sharing it. That kind of thought leads to comments like “sorry, buddy, you aren’t one of us, so I can’t help you out.” It leads to issues like needing to decide if a person is “of my fellowship” or “a member of our church” before sharing what you have and to saying things like “I can’t help you now because I need this for us/me later.”
A store house of food, money socked away in the stock market or under your bed, gold coins, even a stockpile of firewood for heat are all things that can be stolen, lost or destroyed – and things that someone might someday kill you to get.
None of those things are guarantees against disaster. The only guarantee is an intimate relationship with the creator of all things, our Father Provider. So, I encourage us all to let Spiritual salvation be the key hot button that influences all our behavior, not greed, not fear, not salvation (saving of) the body/this life.
Spend your resources to spread the good word of salvation now. Share your resources now and in the future, even if you find yourself down to one slice of bread. Store treasure in heaven, not your 401K, only there is it truly going to bring dividends for the future.
Love, Nancy
Getting back to my watching of the movie Armageddon: so the world is saved, all people, nations, faiths and colors rejoice that this common disaster has been averted. Sure Paris is decimated, but the French are no one’s favorite people any way.
How long do you think peace would last? Since the peace achieved was accomplished based on fear, my guess is that in the given scenario once the common fear is gone it would be days at best before war among nations would resume. All it would take would be a seed of greed or misguided patriotism or exclusivity (hoarding food and supplies within a country less devastated, for example) to take us from being bound as brothers to World War III.
My father had a favorite lecture he often resorted to when my siblings and I were arguing. It began: “if you are fighting now over this issue now, what will happen when we have only one slice of bread?” My father died before we ever saw those hard times, but he had a point.
Fear is a HUGE motivator. So is greed. When you combine the two you have a lethal mixture.
The world is a slave to the ruler of it – Satan. But Christians, with the Holy Spirit active and following in them, should be immune to it – at least after years of being a Christian.
Armageddon, not just the movie but the actual event, and some ugly times before it are coming to this world. Christians, like everyone, need to be somewhat prepared for tough times.
But should Christians, like those who don’t know better, be thinking in terms of “how can I store up and hoard (for MY family, MY church) the goods I’ll need to survive?” Shouldn’t we be thinking in terms of “how can I seek God first and help others to do the same, so that we have the faith to rely on God when tough times come?”
Before you say, “but…” let me quote a scripture: Mathew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Verse 34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”
Read verses 22 through 34 for the entire guidance. I know the word “thought” can better be understood as anxious care, which makes my point – fine to give it thought, not fine for those thoughts to be about preparing for personal, physical survival of those in your exclusive “group” – whatever that group might entail.
That kind of thinking leads you to fight over that last slice of bread instead of sharing it. That kind of thought leads to comments like “sorry, buddy, you aren’t one of us, so I can’t help you out.” It leads to issues like needing to decide if a person is “of my fellowship” or “a member of our church” before sharing what you have and to saying things like “I can’t help you now because I need this for us/me later.”
A store house of food, money socked away in the stock market or under your bed, gold coins, even a stockpile of firewood for heat are all things that can be stolen, lost or destroyed – and things that someone might someday kill you to get.
None of those things are guarantees against disaster. The only guarantee is an intimate relationship with the creator of all things, our Father Provider. So, I encourage us all to let Spiritual salvation be the key hot button that influences all our behavior, not greed, not fear, not salvation (saving of) the body/this life.
Spend your resources to spread the good word of salvation now. Share your resources now and in the future, even if you find yourself down to one slice of bread. Store treasure in heaven, not your 401K, only there is it truly going to bring dividends for the future.
Love, Nancy
Sunday, November 23, 2008
ARMAGEDDON AND THE ABILITY TO FOCUS
The other night I was flipping through the channels and caught the end of the moving Armageddon – the one with Bruce Willis, Liv Tyler and Ben Afleck. I always cry when Bruce has his last conversation with Liv, a single father, saying good-bye to his only daughter just before he saves the world. I cry even harder just as he pushes the button on the nuke and his life with Liv, including the future he will miss, passes before his eyes.
And, if possible, I collapse further when all the military, NASA technicians, politicians and scientists embrace, slap each other on the back, whoop and holler with glee. But I am not watching them. I am watching Liv Tyler, separated from the group and looking down at the revelry, detached from it all. You can read it on her face, “yes, the world is saved, but I have just lost my father.”
Finally, Billy Bob Thorton’s character looks up and understands what she is going through. He goes to Liv and holds her while she cries on his shoulder.
This world is a hectic place. Our lives are busy. Our days are full. Most of us move about in a rush from one item to the next on our never-ending “to do” lists – never noticing the hurting people around us. You can spend your whole life doing the important, necessary, legal, moral and right things that make up our daily chores, but still miss out on our biggest opportunities to impact the lives around us.
You and I are not very likely to be called upon to literally save the world. But probably every week of our lives we have the opportunity to spend a few minutes making someone else’s life better with a card, a kind word, a phone call, a visit. It doesn’t take much time or even any money.
It does require an ability to focus on things outside of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
I confess that this is a problem for me. At this point in my life I just want to come home from a long day at work, eat dinner and vegetate. I often end up doing household chores and just preparing for the next day. Sometimes I have work for DCM to do.
Recently, I had a friend in the hospital. I wasn’t able to visit her before I took off on a trip for work. When I got back, I came down with the flu. I still have not been to see her. I do call, but it isn’t the same for my friend. She feels the need to see me.
My life is busy. I am doing meaningful things – earning a living, working at DCM, trying to keep myself healthy with exercise a few days a week, trying to build my marriage. I find that there are people who are important to me who are getting left out of the equation. Yet, if you asked me I’d say relationships are very important to me, but, big sigh, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Truth is, I need to focus on each thing before me, and not lose focus on what I say is most important. So, I guess this blog is for me. But I hope it touches you too. There are enough hours in the day – not to meet everyone’s needs, but to meet a few, even in the busiest day. I’m going
to try. You should too.
Love, Nancy
And, if possible, I collapse further when all the military, NASA technicians, politicians and scientists embrace, slap each other on the back, whoop and holler with glee. But I am not watching them. I am watching Liv Tyler, separated from the group and looking down at the revelry, detached from it all. You can read it on her face, “yes, the world is saved, but I have just lost my father.”
Finally, Billy Bob Thorton’s character looks up and understands what she is going through. He goes to Liv and holds her while she cries on his shoulder.
This world is a hectic place. Our lives are busy. Our days are full. Most of us move about in a rush from one item to the next on our never-ending “to do” lists – never noticing the hurting people around us. You can spend your whole life doing the important, necessary, legal, moral and right things that make up our daily chores, but still miss out on our biggest opportunities to impact the lives around us.
You and I are not very likely to be called upon to literally save the world. But probably every week of our lives we have the opportunity to spend a few minutes making someone else’s life better with a card, a kind word, a phone call, a visit. It doesn’t take much time or even any money.
It does require an ability to focus on things outside of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
I confess that this is a problem for me. At this point in my life I just want to come home from a long day at work, eat dinner and vegetate. I often end up doing household chores and just preparing for the next day. Sometimes I have work for DCM to do.
Recently, I had a friend in the hospital. I wasn’t able to visit her before I took off on a trip for work. When I got back, I came down with the flu. I still have not been to see her. I do call, but it isn’t the same for my friend. She feels the need to see me.
My life is busy. I am doing meaningful things – earning a living, working at DCM, trying to keep myself healthy with exercise a few days a week, trying to build my marriage. I find that there are people who are important to me who are getting left out of the equation. Yet, if you asked me I’d say relationships are very important to me, but, big sigh, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Truth is, I need to focus on each thing before me, and not lose focus on what I say is most important. So, I guess this blog is for me. But I hope it touches you too. There are enough hours in the day – not to meet everyone’s needs, but to meet a few, even in the busiest day. I’m going
to try. You should too.
Love, Nancy
Saturday, November 8, 2008
HAVING THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE
I remember once being so sick with a sinus infection that it was all I could do to get my older kids off to school before I’d collapse on the bed again, with the TV on to entertain the youngest child, trying to gather my strength to make lunch in a couple of hours. It didn’t last long, but for a time I knew that I could only do the very most basic, necessary things. I literally had no energy to spare for anything but caring for my children’s most basic needs.
It is strange how a near-death experience, a devastating illness, the death of a loved one, a job loss or a natural disaster will change your focus, at least for a time. Suddenly, you pare your life down to what is most important. More often than not, you slow down either to enjoy the remaining moments or because the illness or injury requires that you do.
What things in life bring you the most joy? What things give you the most satisfaction? When asked these questions, people routinely list the simple things in life – those that don’t really cost anything – like walks in the woods, hearing their children laugh, eating with friends and even enjoying the company of a beloved pet.
Why do we humans need some external force to propel us to what should be the core focuses of our lives any way? One reason could be that we have come to consider being busy as a badge of honor. We are a busy people here in the USA.
But could it also be that we have forgotten what David said in Psalm 39:4-5 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand…” (New Living Translation)
The truth is, we are all dying – even if you have just received a clean bill of health from your doctor. If it were not for the plan of God and the sacrifice of Christ, that would be the end of it. We can be thankful there is more after this life has ended.
We should also be thankful for the time we have in this life – here on earth, as human beings. This life isn’t just to be endured through gritted teeth. There is a lot of joy to be gained, if we use our time wisely, knowing that in this life, time is finite resource.
Life isn’t always good. Bad things happen. But we don’t have to be diagnosed with cancer in order to focus on the most important things in life.
Why not reconcile with a long, lost friend now and enjoy some quality time? Why not invest more time playing with your kids, use some time to really talk your mate, spend time gazing at the stars and contemplating the universe now? If these things are the kinds of activities to which we assign the highest value (and they are), if they are the things that bring us the greatest sense of satisfaction (they are), if they are the things we would do if we had six months to live (that is what we say), why aren’t we doing them now?
Why wait for some external force to realign your priorities? We have “all the time in the world.” It just isn’t enough time that we can waste it on things that don’t matter. Your days are numbered and, most likely, you don’t know when your number of days will be up. So, spend the time of your life wisely.
Love, Nancy
It is strange how a near-death experience, a devastating illness, the death of a loved one, a job loss or a natural disaster will change your focus, at least for a time. Suddenly, you pare your life down to what is most important. More often than not, you slow down either to enjoy the remaining moments or because the illness or injury requires that you do.
What things in life bring you the most joy? What things give you the most satisfaction? When asked these questions, people routinely list the simple things in life – those that don’t really cost anything – like walks in the woods, hearing their children laugh, eating with friends and even enjoying the company of a beloved pet.
Why do we humans need some external force to propel us to what should be the core focuses of our lives any way? One reason could be that we have come to consider being busy as a badge of honor. We are a busy people here in the USA.
But could it also be that we have forgotten what David said in Psalm 39:4-5 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand…” (New Living Translation)
The truth is, we are all dying – even if you have just received a clean bill of health from your doctor. If it were not for the plan of God and the sacrifice of Christ, that would be the end of it. We can be thankful there is more after this life has ended.
We should also be thankful for the time we have in this life – here on earth, as human beings. This life isn’t just to be endured through gritted teeth. There is a lot of joy to be gained, if we use our time wisely, knowing that in this life, time is finite resource.
Life isn’t always good. Bad things happen. But we don’t have to be diagnosed with cancer in order to focus on the most important things in life.
Why not reconcile with a long, lost friend now and enjoy some quality time? Why not invest more time playing with your kids, use some time to really talk your mate, spend time gazing at the stars and contemplating the universe now? If these things are the kinds of activities to which we assign the highest value (and they are), if they are the things that bring us the greatest sense of satisfaction (they are), if they are the things we would do if we had six months to live (that is what we say), why aren’t we doing them now?
Why wait for some external force to realign your priorities? We have “all the time in the world.” It just isn’t enough time that we can waste it on things that don’t matter. Your days are numbered and, most likely, you don’t know when your number of days will be up. So, spend the time of your life wisely.
Love, Nancy
Saturday, October 11, 2008
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TRAUMATIZED ELEPHANT?
“What do you do with a traumatized elephant?” seems like the start of a joke, but an August 15 article in the Dallas Morning News (written by James C. McKinley, Jr.) brought up that exact question. The debate was over whether to send Jenny (a 32-year-old African elephant) to a 300 acre drive-through park in Mexico or a 2,700 acre sanctuary in Tennessee.
Jenny had been orphaned, “stolen” from Africa, sent to the circus in the USA and beaten by her trainer. The experience left her with mental problems which resulted in self-mutilation and depression. For the past 22 years, Jenny has been given humane and loving care by the Dallas Zoo.
The debate was about whether she should live out her “last years” in seclusion, considering what human beings have put her through. Elephants have about the same average life-span as human beings (70-80 years). Jenny may have many years left to live with her emotional scars.
If you’ve ever watched the Dog Whisperer, you know that traumatized dogs can be rehabilitated. If we can go by the movie The Horse Whisperer it seems that the same goes for traumatized horses. So, I wonder why, after 22 years of tender loving care, Jenny still has her emotional scars. Perhaps this gives credence to the old saying “an elephant never forgets.”
It is not my intent to review your responsibility to go to an injured brother to ask for forgiveness. Nor do I intend to cover the need to forgive others.
What I want to say is, after the forgiveness occurs, after the war is over, after amends have been made, there is still the trauma and emotional scars in need of healing. You and God have to deal with those.
The book of Jonah deals with this subject. Jonah had some hurt feelings and reason to be a bit depressed about the forgiveness of Ninevah, knowing, as he did, that they would ultimately oppress his people. God dealt with Jonah privately, teaching him a lesson through the miracle of the gourd about compassion.
Jonah had to be willing to learn, be willing to let go, and be open to God’s teaching. Otherwise, the hurt and trauma he felt could have haunted him for the rest of his life.
People do mean, ugly things, sometimes deliberately. When they repent, when reconciliation and forgiveness occurs, sometimes there is still healing to be done that only God can do. I encourage you to seek His healing for all your emotional needs. Don’t carry them around for the rest of your life and let them influence your behavior. You are the one that is hurt by that, more than any other.
God is the Human Whisperer. Only He can rehabilitate traumatized humans. And He will if you seek His healing.
With love,
Nancy
Jenny had been orphaned, “stolen” from Africa, sent to the circus in the USA and beaten by her trainer. The experience left her with mental problems which resulted in self-mutilation and depression. For the past 22 years, Jenny has been given humane and loving care by the Dallas Zoo.
The debate was about whether she should live out her “last years” in seclusion, considering what human beings have put her through. Elephants have about the same average life-span as human beings (70-80 years). Jenny may have many years left to live with her emotional scars.
If you’ve ever watched the Dog Whisperer, you know that traumatized dogs can be rehabilitated. If we can go by the movie The Horse Whisperer it seems that the same goes for traumatized horses. So, I wonder why, after 22 years of tender loving care, Jenny still has her emotional scars. Perhaps this gives credence to the old saying “an elephant never forgets.”
It is not my intent to review your responsibility to go to an injured brother to ask for forgiveness. Nor do I intend to cover the need to forgive others.
What I want to say is, after the forgiveness occurs, after the war is over, after amends have been made, there is still the trauma and emotional scars in need of healing. You and God have to deal with those.
The book of Jonah deals with this subject. Jonah had some hurt feelings and reason to be a bit depressed about the forgiveness of Ninevah, knowing, as he did, that they would ultimately oppress his people. God dealt with Jonah privately, teaching him a lesson through the miracle of the gourd about compassion.
Jonah had to be willing to learn, be willing to let go, and be open to God’s teaching. Otherwise, the hurt and trauma he felt could have haunted him for the rest of his life.
People do mean, ugly things, sometimes deliberately. When they repent, when reconciliation and forgiveness occurs, sometimes there is still healing to be done that only God can do. I encourage you to seek His healing for all your emotional needs. Don’t carry them around for the rest of your life and let them influence your behavior. You are the one that is hurt by that, more than any other.
God is the Human Whisperer. Only He can rehabilitate traumatized humans. And He will if you seek His healing.
With love,
Nancy
Saturday, October 4, 2008
THE RIGHT TO DIE, FOR ONLY $5.00
This blog is not what you think. It isn’t about actually dying. What sparked the idea was a recent article I read about a tradition at a particular Buddhist temple in Thailand that allows visitors the opportunity to lie in a coffin for a couple of minutes while monks chant a funeral dirge. When the visitors climb out, they believe they have been cleansed of their pasts.
Those who spend the 180 baht to go through the ritual (about $5 US) believe the bad karma has been sucked from their lives. Many of the followers use the term “reborn” to describe how they feel. As Spock would say, “Fascinating.” I don’t think I could do it – lie in an actual coffin – not even for a few minutes – not even with a 11 other visitors doing it at the same time.
I understand the desire to remove the bad feelings (not to mention potential repercussions) created by our past actions, but spiritual rebirth has already occurred for you if you are a believer who has been baptized – and it didn’t cost YOU a thing. It certainly cost Jesus plenty. Once you’ve done it, you don’t need to go through it again, unlike the temple visitors who go through the service multiple times.
Colossians 2:12 says that we are “buried with Him (Jesus) at baptism.” Continuing in verses 13-14 we find – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”
We were already dead because of sin, became buried at baptism and then resurrected to a new life. Of course, our new life looks a lot like the old one when we first come up out of that watery grave. But it isn’t the same. We have a new life and we have the opportunity and the responsibility to walk in “newness of life.”
Upon receipt of the Holy Spirit, we also have the will and the means to live a new life – our past sins no longer held against us. And it cost you nothing – God’s free gift to you.
Jesus gave His life so that we can have a new life in Him. With all past sins and the penalty of death wiped away a baptism, with the Holy Spirit to guide, with Jesus as our example and our advocate with the Father, the life ahead will be different from the one behind.
The past cannot hold onto us. It is gone. Sure, sometimes a penalty for our past sins will continue with us – like the fact that, even though God forgave King David of his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, He still allowed their first son to die.
But as far as God is concerned, the sin is gone and so is the death penalty your sin has earned for you. Now eternity within God’s Kingdom is our future. Hallelujah! If that isn’t reason to feel fresh, new and unburdened, I don’t know what is.
Whenever we are tainted by a sin from baptism forward, we can repent, pray for forgiveness and immediately have that sin forgiven and removed from us. No coffin required. You are free to spend your $5 on a Latte at Starbucks or, better yet, use it to reach others who don’t know this good news.
With love,
Nancy
Those who spend the 180 baht to go through the ritual (about $5 US) believe the bad karma has been sucked from their lives. Many of the followers use the term “reborn” to describe how they feel. As Spock would say, “Fascinating.” I don’t think I could do it – lie in an actual coffin – not even for a few minutes – not even with a 11 other visitors doing it at the same time.
I understand the desire to remove the bad feelings (not to mention potential repercussions) created by our past actions, but spiritual rebirth has already occurred for you if you are a believer who has been baptized – and it didn’t cost YOU a thing. It certainly cost Jesus plenty. Once you’ve done it, you don’t need to go through it again, unlike the temple visitors who go through the service multiple times.
Colossians 2:12 says that we are “buried with Him (Jesus) at baptism.” Continuing in verses 13-14 we find – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross.”
We were already dead because of sin, became buried at baptism and then resurrected to a new life. Of course, our new life looks a lot like the old one when we first come up out of that watery grave. But it isn’t the same. We have a new life and we have the opportunity and the responsibility to walk in “newness of life.”
Upon receipt of the Holy Spirit, we also have the will and the means to live a new life – our past sins no longer held against us. And it cost you nothing – God’s free gift to you.
Jesus gave His life so that we can have a new life in Him. With all past sins and the penalty of death wiped away a baptism, with the Holy Spirit to guide, with Jesus as our example and our advocate with the Father, the life ahead will be different from the one behind.
The past cannot hold onto us. It is gone. Sure, sometimes a penalty for our past sins will continue with us – like the fact that, even though God forgave King David of his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, He still allowed their first son to die.
But as far as God is concerned, the sin is gone and so is the death penalty your sin has earned for you. Now eternity within God’s Kingdom is our future. Hallelujah! If that isn’t reason to feel fresh, new and unburdened, I don’t know what is.
Whenever we are tainted by a sin from baptism forward, we can repent, pray for forgiveness and immediately have that sin forgiven and removed from us. No coffin required. You are free to spend your $5 on a Latte at Starbucks or, better yet, use it to reach others who don’t know this good news.
With love,
Nancy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
