Sticks and Stones

A conversation sprung up this weekend. It's one you've probably heard before, even though the subject is one of two you're never supposed to bring up (religion and politics). Guess which one it was?

At any rate, one of the more vocal points was, "I don't like organized religion..." There was more to the stance, but we don't need to go into that. Another sentiment was regarding how people of one sect of Christianity treat people of a different sect of Christianity. Seemed a bit silly to me. I wanted to open my mouth and say, "Hey baby, I'm Lutheran. We're pretty chill. We love everybody." I kept that quip under my hat. I did voice, "That's not how it's supposed to be." And I shook my head thinking about it and feeling sorry for the people who put others down because they're not of one particular branch of Christianity. I'm all about a joke here and there, but to honestly and intentionally make someone feel awful because of their faith? There's something wrong with that. 

Aren't we all in this together? Don't we all serve one God (now and forever amen?) Don't we all believe that Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified died and was buried? And that He did it for us? So... what's the problem? I literally scratched my head just now. 

Love thy neighbor as thyself. Thy Baptist neighbor (gasp!), thy Presbyterian neighbor, thy Catholic neighbor... and guess what? Even your non-Christian neighbor. No one is saying you've gotta wash their feet with your hair but you certainly don't have to throw stones for their perceived transgression of choosing the wrong denomination. Or no denomination. I've never exactly been a "turn the other cheek" kinda gal, though I've been doing more than my fair share of it in recent years- but there's definitely something wrong with going on the offensive or shunning someone for no valid reason. (And someone not genuflecting when they pray isn't what I'd call a valid reason for turning up your nose). 

People dole out tons of reasons for us to get scrappy. You've gotta pick your battles or sooner or later, you're gonna burn out. Try your hand at acceptance. Within reason, of course. If someone is setting puppies on fire, maybe don't be so cool with that. If someone simply comes to God through a different door than you- or they never made it out of the parking lot- that's no reason to label them a leper. 

Regarding the organized religion bit, one point I did make most earnestly, is that sometimes, you get the greatest worship and greatest fellowship when you're not sitting in a pew. So having ill feelings toward organized religion is hardly cause to count the good out. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE my church. I absolutely adore our pastor- he's hands down the coolest man of the cloth you'll ever meet. But God's voice is not limited to brick and stone alone. It is a pity that the organized part of religion has run so many people off. Be not afraid! So you're suspicious of the Bible because it "has too many authors", so you don't jive with being a member of a church because you don't agree with who is at the helm... all that matters is you come to Jesus with love in your heart and do your best to live as rightly as you can. 

Spit out the bad taste in your mouth and fill your cup back up with something GOOD. And hey, lighten up on everybody unless you've got a damn good reason not to. 

For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them. ~ Matthew 18:20

Touchstones of Grace

Today, I wish to share some grace with you. This grace comes from a source very dear to my heart. It is in the form of sprawling blue ink in a familiar, jagged hand. Words penned on a piece of paper and tucked into a sturdy old bible. This was my grandfather's bible, given to him as a gift in memory of his father. It passed to me sometime after his death. 

He placed the paper in Psalms. What a lovely part of the Bible to park a bookmark. I came across it one day when I needed it most- as God has a beautiful way of doing. 

Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side. 
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. 
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change, the faithful will remain. 
Be still my soul, thy best thy heavenly friend. 
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. 

My grandfather, Lothar, likely scribbled this down when he heard it during service (as we are apt to do sometimes). It touched a chord with him and he was inspired to record it for future moments of need. A spiritual touchstone, if you will. He tucked it away in his bible to have it handy. Did he ever think his granddaughter would discover it nearly 50 years later and find grace in it? Generally, I'd be inclined to say probably not, but knowing him, perhaps so. 

We pick up little pieces of grace as we go along. Sometimes, we remember to tuck them away for later use- sometimes we forget where we placed them. It's a beautiful mystery. Almost a symphonic waltz, the way God whispers to us. How He finds new ways to deliver His grace to us. And what a gift in this case especially. 15 years ago today, my grandfather passed away. While he was lucid, I was too young to appreciate any of his counsel. What a blessing to be reached by him long after his passing. He left behind many writings, but I find the most comfort in his bible and the bookmarks within. It was my grandfather who gave me my very first bible. A little white New Testament on Christmas Eve in 1992. On the inside cover he wrote, "You have many toys. A toy this is not." 



Ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart today, to accept the beautiful grace He has crafted just for you. 

Oh Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set they glory above the heavens. ~Psalm 8:1

You've Changed, Sunday.

On the 7th day, He rested. 

And we used to as well. Or at least, that's what was expected. From a biblical standpoint, that 7th day is Saturday but we Christians do our honoring on Sunday. From the 'for what it's worth department', here's an interesting take on why. 

Many of you can remember the days when stores were actually closed on Sundays. God rested and in the old days, His people did too. Way back in the day people weren't even supposed to do housework on a Sunday. Sunday was meant for worship, fellowship and reflection. In this day and age, largely and for the most part, Sunday is usually just a day to sleep in or a day off from work (although many folks do attend church!) However, anyone can see, Sunday has changed. 

St. Paul's Episcopal- Richmond, VA

Instead of the cup running over, our modern society has watered down Sunday. Don't get me wrong- it's super convenient being able to run out to Target on a Sunday if I suddenly realize we've run out of something but looking back on what Sunday used to be and what Sunday has become is a little sad. 

Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Do you feel there has been a shift? How holy do we keep it and what is enough?

In our home in the fall you're probably more likely to hear Fox's NFL theme and the blowing of whistles than scripture quoted aloud. I certainly don't think there's a seat in hell reserved for us because of that but I get the feeling from now on there might be a little more Jesus to go with our Baltimore Ravens. Growing up, the tradition in my family has it that burgers are to be served on Sunday... but in my youth I don't recall thanks being given for the expertly prepared beef on a bun. In reflection on what Sunday was and what Sunday should look a little more like, I want to set a better tone for my family. A happy medium between "not darning a single sock, reading the bible, going to church"- and the "just another day off" mentality. 

We race through our days. Life is hectic. Life is crazy. It's hard to catch a breath between work, social obligations and maintaining yourself and your home. To reference the linked article, God didn't create a day of rest for Himself- it was created for His people. Shouldn't we take that gift and do more with it? Take five and do a quick devotional. Say an extra prayer. Make sure your family sits down together for a proper meal. Go to church. Have fellowship with family and friends. Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. I'm not saying sit in a darkened room with your nose in the Old Testament from sun up to sunset. I'm just saying slow down and recapture the essence of what the Lord's day is supposed to be. You don't have to go bananas- simply taking the time to read this post and cultivate your own meditation is already a great way. 

Society is never going to turn back the clock on Sunday. We've entered into an entirely new era. You can revive Sunday in your own life though, and pattern it a little closer to what God intended. 

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us REJOICE and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24

Water Into Wine? No Problem. Come'n Right Up.

You ever say to yourself, "Hey, where are all the really cool miracles these days?" I'm talking demon be gone, walk on water, the blind can see kinda stuff. Can I get a ticket to THAT show? Jesus did some pretty astounding things and it really made people snap to and pay attention to his presence here on earth. So in this day and age, sometimes you might wonder where the flash, bang, razzle dazzle jump for joy hallelujah kind of miracles are. It crossed my mind a time or two. Then, I got my answer.

There was this 17 year old boy. Easy going, friendly, fun to be around and, a Christian. One December day while at school, he was rehearsing with some classmates when he suddenly lost all function of the left side of his body. He slumped against the chalkboard and slid helplessly down the wall. As he lay there on the floor, looking up in terror, he realized he was completely paralyzed on the left side of his body.

He was rushed to the hospital where it was determined that he suffered an arteriovenous malformation. The layman's explanation- a weak group of blood vessels had ruptured in his brain. The initial pronunciation from an ER doctor was that his case was hopeless and that the young man's family should come to say their final farewells.

Acceptance of this prognosis was simply not an option. Thankfully, a second opinion revealed that surgery would be required, but he'd have to be moved to a more capable facility.

He was taken to renowned CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). The risk involved in surgery was considerable, but there were no other options. After two surgeries to repair the damage to his brain, the young man pulled through. Initially, doctors believed he would never walk again. Even after the surgery was deemed a success, it was unclear if he would function properly. He still could not move the left side of his body.

On Christmas Eve night, one week after his surgery, the young man finally moved one finger on his left hand. It was a strange, unbelievable triumph. It took months of intensive physical therapy but with a lot of excruciating work, the young man was able to walk- even run again. The only permanent hindrance to his mobility was a dropped ankle which caused a mild limp. 

This young man's mother was what you might call a prayer warrior. Clearly, it was not an easy time for the family and as you well know, even those who have admirable faith can be tested beyond the breaking point. She prayed. She had others pray. She prayed some more. Not long after the young man recovered, she took him along with her to church. The congregation had been praying for him the entire time, and now, he returned to worship. They all knew his story and rejoiced in his being there. He wore a bandanna to cover the scar that traced from one side of his skull to the other, but there he was, sitting in church, where folks had been praying for him. After the service, a man approached him. This man had come through his own serious battles and was now a professing Christian. He looked at the young man and said, "You're a miracle." All due glory was settled upon the Lord. Yes, Jesus still performs miracles. It wasn't as swift as "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home." ~ Mark 2:11 but still, the young man in essence got up and went home. 

12 years later, that young man is a vital member of the community he grew up in, a God loving Christian, an amazing father to his little girl and devoted husband to his blogging wife. 

Miracles do still happen. Every day. Super preemies that beat the odds and not only pull through, but thrive. Cancer going into remission. Being saved from peril at the last second. Life created in a womb once thought barren. Coming to the Lord when all faith was thought lost. Miracles are more prevalent than we realize, but praise His name- they abound. 

"Peace, peace to those far and near," says the Lord. "And I will heal them." ~ Isaiah 57:19

When I Walk, Let Me Walk Close to Thee...

As I stare at the wooden cane resting atop the quilt on my bed, I consider how funny it is that the post that comes to spirit this morning is one about your walk with Jesus. For my purposes, this cane is an aide in my time of need with torn muscles about my knee. It feels a bit preposterous, a vital, lifelong athletic gal such as myself relying on an instrument of the elderly merely to get about. However, I know that if I allow my arrogance to rule me, I'll hobble along without the cane and inevitably, the rips in my muscle will worsen. My ambulatory prowess will weaken and my recovery time will be prolonged.  

That's a bit like one's walk with the Lord, don't you think? When we get it in our heads that we walk, heck, run just fine without Him it doesn't take long before we're resoundingly reminded that we can't get around on our own. We need Him. He is not a crutch, solely relied upon only when the chips are down. He is a constant and we are stronger through Him and our acknowledgement of all that He does in our lives. 

Your walk with the Lord is a beautiful story. One that should be shared with the world. When did you come to Him? How has your walk evolved over the years? As it deepens and flourishes it's important to remember that in our times of great strength as in our times of pitiful weakness- we must honor His part in our walk. 


1 Peter 1:6-7~ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith- of greater worth than gold, which persists even though refined by fire- may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

Wish I Had a Storm Warning

Do you remember the first time you heard the story about Jesus in the boat? How the storm raged all around the disciples and they cried out in fear? 

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 

"Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 

He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" ~ Mark 4:39-40

Now, the first time I heard this story, I was maybe eight years old in vacation bible school at good old Good Shepherd. The teacher phrased things a little differently. The message I received loud and clear was, 'You have nothing to be afraid of because Jesus is with you.' I remember we used watercolor paints to paint in these little plastic rainbow shaped sun catchers. It stuck with me then. At the time, it meant: 'Okay, when I'm scared in my bed at night, all I have to remember is Jesus is with me. I have nothing to fear if Jesus is with me.' That mentality did chase away many a Boogieman in my childhood. 

Storms are different now. Your storms change over time. As you pass from one phase to the next, the previous storms don't seem so serious. For me, becoming a parent threw myself and my husband into full fledged hurricane season. So many new battles and fears and all on a lot less sleep than we used to get! You ever try reasoning with a wailing five month old who refuses to nap longer than 30 minutes? Doesn't work. 

There were moments when I said, "That's it! I give up! I can't do this!" But every time, He pulled me back again. Sighing, shaking His head and saying, "Oh, you." and loving me nonetheless. Coming to my rescue again and again, even when it seemed like He jumped ship. Even when it looked like I had forsaken Him, he hadn't forsaken me. He would rise, tell the wind to be quiet, be still. I'd settle my hormonal butt down, take a breath and get back on track. 

Prior to parenthood, I didn't put a whole lot of stock in spiritual attack. That was before we were a lot more vulnerable. That was before we had a hell of a lot more to lose. The first year of our little girl's life often felt like a tug-of-war in our home. All too may times, we gave in to frustration, pounded the floor and demanded why God had forsaken us in the storm. He hadn't. He just knew we had to weather it for a while. 

My mother-in-law recently reminded me of the story about Jesus calming the storm. We talked at length about storms, how they impact our lives and how easy it is to forget that Jesus is still in the boat- even when we think he isn't. Faith. We must keep faith. He isn't going to let us drown. Eventually, when the time is right, He will calm the storm. 

What storms have you been facing lately? Has it seemed like you were all alone in the boat? Have the storms seemed too frequent? Too brutal? It's easy to have faith and joy when the sun shines and the waves are cheerful. And I know that not long after I hit 'publish' something new will arise to toss me back into that churning sea of 'Are you kidding me!? Come on already!' I just have to remember that He is still there, in the boat. He is with me. He is with us all. 

St. Paul's Episcopal~ Grace Street in Richmond, Virginia!