In Memoriam

Today marks 2 years since the son of this friend was killed. I posted this piece 4 days later, on 2-10-2010. Reposting it today in memory of Christian, & in honor of his parents~

You just go.
I went to a wake today. The teenage son of a High School classmate of mine died tragically this week. It was a sad day; the shocking loss, the burdens to be borne by the parents, siblings. What struck me more than anything else? The caring & tenderness between these bereaved parents - the high school friend & his precious wife. These two – deep & early into their bereavement – shared an almost palpable energy. It held them together as they huddled with visitors; nodding with some, clinging to others. It emanated from him as he helped her to a seat when the weight of their burden took her knees from her. It shone from her eyes as they slid to meet his in a lighter, easier moment.

It had been that way when we he first introduced her at our 20th reunion. The pride swelling in his chest, the adoring smiles & sweetness in each other’s glances told of a love that was rich & true; one that had spanned the stretch of some life together. Today, in the midst of a sadness that few parents know & fewer marriages survive, these two leaned into that love for dear life. You just can’t do that if there’s nothing to lean into. And for these two, there is. Thanks be to God, because they’re going to need it.

Life is not fair. This is not fair. There’s no way to explain that something like this should happen to anyone at all, much less to two bound by such a sweetness, with such an obvious love for their first born. There’s no way to decipher the meaning in the events of this week.

In these moments you simply go. You embrace the shattered mother, friend. You embrace the tearful, heartsick father. You go because it doesn’t matter what you say or don’t say. It matters that you’re there. You go, because they need to know someone will remember their son.

You go, because you would want someone to remember yours.

You go. You just go.

~~~

Thanks Michael Franti~

Something for my man~

He knows who he is...

Yep!
~~~

Jack(?) & the Bean(?)stalk~

So I'm in the yard this morning, coffee in hand, waiting for our school bus w/ my daughter. I'm pulling a weed here & there, admiring what surely is the last day lily of the summer. One must know first, it's most unusual to have a day lily bloom (of this variety) past mid July. But here she is - "Brocaded Gown" in all her yellow, ruffled beauty.

And if that's not enough to pique my surprise, I find another curious delight...See, if it's unusual to have a bloom this time of year, it's almost unheard-of for new scapes w/ buds to show up! Imagine the surprise at my good fortune! This one will be "Jedi Dot Pearce," 'long about mid-September!


And yet, I've observed a mysterious vegetation growing like Jack's Magic Beans over the past week, & have had fun puzzling over its identity. (Look closely @ the first picture above, & you'll see its leaves poking into the background, top right.)

It's a robust thing that has begun taking over the bed. I'm of half a mind to whisper, "Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum," & start looking for itty-bitty boys amongst its tindrels. Just as I'm humming along with the rest of the rhyme: "Be it alive or be it dead...

...I'll have watermelon(?) with my bread."

~~

*Oh boy*

~~~

Thomas Edison's Broken Bulb

Went to another writing workshop today, friends.

I'm kinda getting used to the way these things run, & have learned to "go with" what strikes me. Today we were presented with a table full of postcards. We were asked to select one & write a travel diary entry that would represent its story. The card that "struck" me was a picture of a broken lightbulb. I knew why, even as I walked back to my seat, & could hardly get to my pen/paper fast enough. What flowed from my pen was not exactly what one would call a 'travel diary entry,' but I wrote "my truth" in the moment nonetheless.



Thomas Edison's Broken Bulb

Time crashes forward as waves in the surf. We are a remnant of life once lived, now drowning in bureaucracy, swallowing, sputtering, choking.

Will we find, on the slick coral, purchase to propel ourselves loose? Will we ever twist free of that which ensnares us?

Bureaucracy cannot, must not filter its tentacles into our lives so deep, such that we trap ourselves within our own collective power.

God help us! Prevent this suicide from on-high, from within.

Else, like the broken bulb - or Atlantis - our culture will lie in shattered ruin at the bottom of the ocean floor.


Yep. My truth.

I do NOT like the "new light bulbs" that the Federal government is forcing me to now use.

I do NOT appreciate the intrusion into my personal space, my home, my way of life. That should NOT be the government's role in American life, and I resent it. In my humble opinion, it's the beginning of that proverbial slide down a 'slippery slope' into a dark place in history, maybe even to the bottom of the ocean floor.

~~

Don't Tread on Me.

~~~

Depth Perception

A little over a year ago, I wrote a post about a time of personal struggle. I didn't have 'answers' to why the struggling happened, & had no evidence of the 'good' that God would bring from it. But slowly, and with certainty, I'm gaining perspective on that difficult 'season' in my life. I have begun to catch glimpses of the fresh, clean growth that results from a severe pruning performed with precise and sure timing. . .

There's growth still to be gained, & depths yet to be plumbed. But there comes a time we simply must release our efforts, & let time and distance carry new perceptions into view. I realize not all the answers are at my disposal, and may never be. And that's okay, I think, somehow.

Laura Story's "Blessings," speaks with extravagant tenderness, as to why . . .



The singer/song writer's own words:

~New depth. Fresh perceptions~

Thanks be to God.

~~~

~Easter~

~Easter is accomplished, friends~

The stone is rolled away; He lives!

Stand in fresh hope; step forward into new Life.

We are Easter People.

~~~

Happy New Year!

Hi friends~

Here's hoping y'all had a safe & happy Christmas season, & are enjoying the start of a fresh year. For me, there's an uncommon sense of renewal, of 'beginning again' that the season has brought.

Maybe it's the age of our children, so engaged in the full spectrum of life: "If I didn't believe in Santa Claus before, I really believe in him now!" -- to -- "All I want is a 5x5 Rubik's cube, because the algorithms of the 3x3 are a snap." (Wha...? Really? Wow.)

Or maybe it was the fun of playing Santa; the phone calls between my husband & me, "Barbie Party Cruiser is in hand," or "Piano keyboard in the scope. Sale price verified," or "Rubik's cube secured." (Then there was the White Christmas, like something out of 'Narnia'...)

Or maybe it was the past year of exploring new activities, new people, new relationships that has ushered in a sense of rising to a plateau -- with the morning sun peeping over the horizon to greet me. Whatever the reasons, I'm grateful, because I often need time to 'gather in' & make sense of my life.

We all need a time for pause. Only then can we look back across time, admire the goodness, observe what needs attention, & resolve to press forward. Only then can we proceed with a crisp & deeper understanding of who we are, & where we're going.

Somehow though, this year's pausing & 'gathering in' was done by a Higher hand, while I tended to earthy, more prosaic tasks... then it arrived to my sensibilities like a joyous, surprising refreshment; a spontaneous, yet natural celebration of the 'full spectrum' that life offers those who are truly living. (Glory, & thanks be to God!)

I suspect, knowing myself, that more reflection is forthcoming, & I'll probably belabor it too much. But for now, I'm enjoying the plateau; this pausing, resting. It's what I needed. Considering that the One in-whose-image & by-whose-Hand I was created paused & rested too, I figure following the shadow of that Company ain't half bad.

Happy New Year, indeed.

~~~

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells...

So I get this email from the "Grade Mother" of my 2nd grader's class...

**Pause for disclaimer**
Grade Mother: a position toward which I've never entertained aspirations; a mantle which I am most grateful is not draped across my reluctant shoulders, and a post for which I am decidedly unqualified, as it requires the corralling of parents (whom I wouldn't know even if they rear-ended me in the car line) into doing things they'd rather not...but for the sake of their sweet cherubs, and getting in good with the teacher. HOWEVER, some dig it, & don the mantle as a potentate would her Royal vestments. So grateful am I to not be the Royal designee, that I gleefully contribute to whatever project is being conjured (as it benefits my cherub & makes her teacher a happier person), while thanking HRH for her benevolent corralling.

...until...

I get this email which says:
"Ms. X is in the process of filling out a 'Favorites' form for me...I will use this list to buy her a nice gift for the Holiday. If you would like to contribute to her gift this year...(blah, blah)..."

I'm not sure exactly what about this particular watering down of the Christmas Season struck the nerve with me, but without pausing (long) for a deep self-reflection on the matter, I replied-to-all,

"This is fine w/ me, but is there some reason we can't call it her Christmas gift?"

From the Royal Throne: *crickets*

Then, from the huddled masses, a voice replying only to me:
"...I'm with you it's a darn Christmas gift!!! I suggested to the grade mother we buy one BIG good 'Christmas' gift.. Then she sent out the email about a 'Holiday' gift…I thought I was the only one who would ruffle a few feathers for what is RIGHT!"

"Well, thanks...sometimes we feel like we're drowning in a PC swamp..."

6 days later, by Royal decree:
"I apologize if I offended you by not calling it a Christmas gift, but I was trying to be sensitive to the fact that some families celebrate differently than you & I. Again, my sincere apologies. I am only trying to take into consideration all of the traditions of every family in the class."

...at which point my uprising continues:
"I understand your intentions are sincere...The question, at least in my mind, is how does Ms. X celebrate the season? If she is Christian, then our gift to her should honor her tradition, regardless of how you or I, or the other families celebrate...If she's Jewish, then we could honor her in that tradition, or if she's Jehovah's Witness, not at all...Just because the school system & the culture at large attempts to sterilize the Christmas season of Christ, does not mean we should with the gift to our 2nd grade child's teacher..."

"...for Ms. X it will be a Christmas gift...I have to follow certain guidelines when sending out emails to all of the parents...I have to be sensitive to all when I send these emails...For the sake of correspondence, I will continue to send emails and notes home in this manner..."

OK. So I realize that the "Royal" metaphor drips with sarcasm, but I'm just having fun (& just read the latest Ann Coulter piece ). I hold no personal feelings against this Grade Mother, & I should say (lest I be guilty of inappropriate bias) that she was diplomatic & respectful of my 'issue,' even when she refused to adjust her tone to her audience.

But, ya know, sometimes it's just the principle of a thing; and one has to illuminate said Principles, when those around have gone into the dark.

So, am I sending $$ for the 'Holiday-even-though-we-know-Ms.X-is-Christian-Gift?' Of course not. Unlike with confiscatory taxation that's leading to the demise of my society, with this I have a choice how my $$ will be spent. It will be spent honoring a good teacher, who celebrates Christmas, with a Christmas gift from the hands of my sweet, 2nd grade Cherub.

As for my rapport with the Grade Mother? It's nothing personal; I wouldn't know HRH if she rear-ended me in the car line. But after this, I should keep an eye-out over my shoulder; she might just want to.

~~~

"Sweet Remembrance of You" ~ Wm. Joseph

For a dear friend, who sweetened my life today by sharing a lovely memory of a dear one who is no longer of this earth...

...and for anyone who may be struggling with the pain of grief, the sorrow of loss this Christmas season. May this piece of music take you to a place of tender, 'sweet remembrance.'

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted,
and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18

~~~

amen.

The Cove, BGEA & the great shalom...

Hi friends~

'Been away for several days; my husband & I were out of town.

See, my brother & his wife gave us this gift certificate, like 2 years ago, for The Cove -- the BGEA Retreat Center in Asheville, NC. We tried to go last February, and had to cancel. But in August, we got an email about a "marriage retreat" featuring Chip Ingram , so we jumped on it! It was a weekend focusing on our age group (people under 45), so we would have lots in common with everyone there.

We'd never heard of The Cove prior to my brother's gift, & didn't know Chip Ingram either. But man-o-man do we know now!! 330 people were in attendance from 19 different states, & Canada.

It was a wonderful weekend, with a deeply refreshing spiritual message from the speaker. Also though, the fellowship with other Believers - some struggling in their marriages, some not - was priceless.

Mostly, what I'll 'take away' from the experience is how much I appreciate my husband, the blessing of knowing others are out there striving to live a Godly life - that we're not alone in the fight against our culture, & that God's design for marriage/family is part of His 'great shalom' :

“I will bring health and healing to it: I will heal My people and will let them enjoy abundant Shalom and safety...I will cleanse them from all the sins they have committed against me…Then this city will bring Me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations of the earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and Shalom I provide it,” -- Jeremiah 33: 6-9

And so, we're thankful to my brother & his wife for affording us the opportunity. But even more, thanks belongs to God for His ministry among His people, & His hand at work in our lives - leading us toward His Great Shalom.

Wow.

~~~

An afternoon with Otis

Ok.

My kids are back in school. I'm working part time, but not today...

I'm on the Board of Directors for a group that needs a head/shoulders picture of all their Directors for a website. (Formal pose not necessary, you see...) So, I spend the large part of my morning on tasks related to the Board's needs, then I decide to have a little fun, & get them their picture at the same time -- maybe.

Otis is a funny animal. Squeezable, playful, funny, very happy; and, well, quirky. See, he licks things -- carpets, hardwoods, sofa cushions, piano bench legs; people's legs, toes, cabinets, cups, toothbrushes, suitcases. He's always licking at things too, if nothing but air. So, why I thought this (Otis, a camera timer, & a BoD picture) was going to work, I'm not really sure...

Eventually we got it, I think. It may not work for the BoD & their site, but it was a lot of fun!

Would that the whole world could have an afternoon with Otis every once in a while...

~~~

(Anti)apology tour at Joe's

Hi friends~

Something has been niggling at the back of my brain...A few weeks ago @ Joe’s blog, he was entertaining a lively discussion about AZ Senator Jon Kyl’s visit w/ president BHO. Joe expressed his exasperated opinion about BHO’s political chicanery, and I agreed by quoting Joe in my comment. One would think that would be that. Well, no.

See, bloggers who’ve read any of my stuff, know my Christian world-view. I’m quite clear about it, & don’t even hint at apology (I hope). Sure, there are mockers & scoffers, etc. Only in Joe’s spirited discussion, one of the former fashioned her mockery into a weapon. She tried using my faith against me - to neutralize my ability to take a passionate stance on the issue of the day.

Were I younger, more naïve & eager to please, I might have acquiesced to the guilt laid upon me, apologized & hoped we could be more amicable. But not now, with the benefit of a bit of age under my belt, & just a smidge more maturity than I had @ 17. Or 23.

So, nothing-doing this time…The following is what happened (It’s what I’ve come to, & it might be just a little dangerous. But hey, ‘danger’ sounds like a nice middle name; he## of a lot better than ‘politically correct’):

Commenter:
I don't think "heaven" listens to people with such mean-spirited hearts and who denigrate God's creations.Whether you like it or not, Miss Susannah, Mr. Obama is God's creation. How loving of you to trash His creation from the bottom of your loving Christian heart. LOL!

My response:
Interesting, Joe. Some folks don't understand that being a Christian does not neuter one's ability to make assessments of character based on observable fact; that discerning character is neither an attempt to judge/condemn one of "God's creations", nor does it "denigrate" or "trash" the soul of said creation. It's simple honesty.

Folks like our friend here would rather Christians be weak, flaccid, impotent wimps who won't speak the truth for fear of being criticized or disliked. They'd rather we just shut up & go to church, or something.

Sorry, but there's a guy I've read about who made a big mess out of a Temple when he saw people doing wrong, & screamed at people - calling them what they were - when they made a mockery of Truth.

Call me crazy, but I'm guessing people wanted Him to shut up & go read the Torah or something. I'm also betting that Heaven was indeed listening that day - with a keen ear - and rejoicing.

And you know...I'm hoping against hope...I wanna be like that guy.

~~

Some day I want to be more like Jesus; more willing to act with a mind for defending Truth over defending my ego, with a heart for seeking Justice instead of self-preservation.

Folks can try as they might, pushing us back against the wall of complacent Christianity, but for those of us who are no longer wallflower Christians, there’s no turning back. And there will be no apology, either.

~~~

Musical Interlude...

Hi friends~
I'm writing little snippets in other places, thus today's post.

I was inspired by Z's blog a few days ago. So Z, this is for you, sweet one!

Jesus loves us, this we know.

~~~

Smile, Mr. Susannah!

Okay, so I just discovered this song yesterday...

Posting it today for the one who always knows how to make me smile.

He knows who he is, & he's just the best!

~Enjoy~

"Don't know how I lived without you,

'cause every time that I get around you, I see the best of me inside your eyes.

You make me smile."

1hanks 4ev3r!

~~~

Primary Perspectives: 'do over'

Some things are important enough to repeat.

I've had discussions lately wherein it would've helped if the person with whom I was exchanging comments had known a little more about me & why I blog. These recent talks were w/ a pacifist who is naive enough to think that violence against women must be physical in order to be real, insidious & systemic. (Sounds like a blockhead kind of man, no?) Thus, this do-over of my very first blog piece - September 27th, 2008. (Pay close enough attention, & you'll even hear why this blog calls itself GTBI.)

“I admit it! I’m a conservative republican evangelical Christian – unashamedly so…”

Such was my ‘coming out’ to some precious liberal friends recently. This, my official debut, came after doing a bit of personal inventory with the changing political winds at my face. Later, I reiterated my proclamation to some of my closest friends (who were probably thinking, “This is news?”), just because it felt so good to say. These aren’t words that I would have so emphatically written or said before. But now, somehow candor is essential. It's time to speak some things.

It started with a discussion that led into a bit of politico-speak wherein the Governor of Alaska & the Republican nominee for Vice President, Sarah Palin, was being derided. I listened with interest, but didn’t tip my hand, and later left the conversation with gnawing unfinished business. After I screwed up my courage, because there is no coming back from such things, I composed a crisp email, detailing my ‘outage’ to the original conversants, who I trusted enough to not deride me too. Below is a bit of what I wrote them that next day:

Girls, I know we're coming from different places, but let me tell you what she represents to me...Sarah Palin is a woman who - for the first time ever on the national stage - represents me. She's not an angry woman trying to be a man; not a woman who claims to champion my views, but who is so far out of step w/ me that she may as well be on Pluto. She is a woman who loves & respects her man, loves her children, loves being a mother. She is not afraid to be smart & savvy, but won't beat you about-the-head-neck-&-face w/ it. She is unapologetically committed to her faith, & she is conservative politically...So, why start a web log over this? Because I was watching the day her candidacy was announced - and was absolutely stunned. An eerie déjà vu draped itself over my shoulders, and I felt like I was looking in a mirror. Finally - a real woman (who could actually be me), with the potential of being Vice President of the country. A real woman who cares about the things I do - not someone who screams far-left hyperfeminist propaganda & then swears she's speaking for me.

Why write here & now? Because I’ve been writing for some time with a sense of discovery and anticipation, and with a notion that perhaps I have something to say. And because that day, I experienced a shift in perspective.

I'm not sure who'll win this thing, but the pundits are right. Governor Palin’s candidacy is a 'game-changer,’ -- for me, anyway. Primarily, she gives me real hope that conservative women now have a voice in the Women's Conversation of our time; that the Left no longer has a monopoly on "issues that women care about." She is a role model for thousands of women - who now see & know that you don't have to be abrasive & shrill in order to be tough & strong.

That's why they've been trying to kill her voice, kill her reputation, kill her credibility - literally kill it, before (shhhhhh!) any other women get the Big Idea that the feminist agenda has challengers...The media part of it has been beastly, and yes, quite personal. Because when the media tear her apart, they're tearing apart women like me.

So, there you go. Many thanks to Governor Palin for the shift in perspective. And thanks to the other Sarah Palins in my life, some who’ve helped me chart a course since before I have memory. Thanks to those who abrade my conscience, encourage my struggles, cheer my victories, and give me opportunities to serve in kind. You’re helping me live fully, helping me hone our voice and perhaps discover some big ideas.

~~

So thanks for indulging another do-over. Some things are just important enough to repeat.

~~~

You just go.

I went to a wake today. The teenage son of a High School classmate of mine died tragically this week. It was a sad day; the shocking loss, the burdens to be borne by the parents, siblings. What struck me more than anything else? The caring & tenderness between these bereaved parents - the high school friend & his precious wife. These two – deep & early into their bereavement – shared an almost palpable energy. It held them together as they huddled with visitors; nodding with some, clinging to others. It emanated from him as he helped her to a seat when the weight of their burden took her knees from her. It shone from her eyes as they slid to meet his in a lighter, easier moment.

It had been that way when we he first introduced her at our 20th reunion. The pride swelling in his chest, the adoring smiles & sweetness in each other’s glances told of a love that was rich & true; one that had spanned the stretch of some life together. Today, in the midst of a sadness that few parents know & fewer marriages survive, these two leaned into that love for dear life. You just can’t do that if there’s nothing to lean into. And for these two, there is. Thanks be to God, because they’re going to need it.

Life is not fair. This is not fair. There’s no way to explain that something like this should happen to anyone at all, much less to two bound by such a sweetness, with such an obvious love for their first born. There’s no way to decipher the meaning in the events of this week.

In these moments you simply go. You embrace the shattered mother, friend. You embrace the tearful, heartsick father. You go because it doesn’t matter what you say or don’t say. It matters that you’re there. You go, because they need to know someone will remember their son.

You go, because you would want someone to remember yours.

You go. You just go.

~~~

Best laid plans of mortals & Kings.

I like order. I like to have a plan & know what to expect. I’m not great at flying by the seat of my pants. It’s one of those weaknesses I have to work on every so often…like today.

See, I was asked to deliver the “Congregational Prayer” during our Praise & Worship service this morning. Today was “Christ the King” Sunday, the close of the Christian calendar: a day set aside for proclaiming the Kingship of Christ. Established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, it was designed to counter the rise of atheism & secularism that was absorbing early 20th century Europe. (Sounds like our current culture, no?) So our Pastor focused on ‘Christ the King,’ blending in touches of the Thanksgiving holiday, & needed a prayer to mesh, at least loosely, with his outline.

Back to my penchant for order…As is my nature, I had pre-written a prayer, weaving in elements of the chosen scripture (John 18:33-37) & Thanksgiving. In my haste to get out of the house though (failing at promptness - another weakness), I left my scripted prayer at the laptop, waiting to be printed.

My first thought when I realized what I had done? ‘No time to turn back now! I’ll have to wing it.’

Then came the corollary, “Maybe you’ll just have to trust my Holy Spirit for the words, Sus. Hmmm?”

So, we struck a deal, God & me. I would improvise, uncomfortable as that is, & He would supply the Prayer. (Didn’t have a choice really, late as I was.) But also, I’m learning some very important things about my God: my weakness is immaterial to Him, in fact it's when I am weak that He is strong. And, when He says He’ll be there, I can count on it.

So the time for our prayer came, & so did the words. It opened quietly with ½ of a verse of “Come Ye Thankful People Come,” a capella, then flowed into words coming from nowhere. I don’t remember exactly what they were (not that it was enraptured spiritual amnesia or anything). But the words I do remember were exactly what my heart needed (& perhaps the hearts of others?) on this day; at this time when so much is uncertain, & the powers-that-be seem out of hand.

The words were something like this: Christ Jesus is the King of kings, & He is my King. No person, no group & no Government can supercede His authority in my life…Christ Jesus is my only King &, Glory Hallelujah, that’s all that really matters.

Amen?

Amen.

So, I just have to ask. Who is your King?



Do you know Him?

~~~

Help Is On the Way: Michael W. Smith

Okay, so today has been a great day.

This weekend has been great. My husband surprised me with - get this - children staying with his dear parents, and tickets to a Michael W. Smith concert last night: 7th row!

It. Was. Fabulous!

The concert included Phil Stacey (American Idol), Matt Maher & Meredith Andrews.

I wish that I could convey the bigness of the sound, the energy of the music, the intimacy of the lyrics & the palpable movement of the Holy Spirit. Be assured, dear friends, that it was BIG!

These two videos (2 of my favorites from last night) can't convey all that, but they can sure give a peek.
Enjoy!





I am so thankful to have been a part of that experience, & I thank my dear, generous, thoughtful husband for giving it to us.

I believe people's hearts were moved in that room last night.
I believe healings of all kinds took place, & people left different than they came.
I believe people tasted the sweet pelting of Healing Rain & know, truly, that Help is On The Way.

I believe this happened;
I know it's true, because I'm one of them.
Glory Hallelujah!

~~~

From tedious adulthood to the faith of a child...

Lately, a blogger that I've just discovered & I have been having a discussion (he's young & fancies himself athiest, but even he says he's not quite sure). In a recent post he asks,

"Who is God, who made God? Can such a complex and all powerful being just come into creation? How was God made? Who decided God should be the Alpha and the Omega? Why not me? Please don't say God just is...Because I can easily say the universe just is & then we're back to square one..."

I like this new blog friend. He has an openness to conversation & a gentleness to his young spirit. But one can see the tedium with which he approaches the Almighty.

Then just today I was hearing all about my first grader's day at school. She is quite a talker, & one might think she's rambling-on until you stop to listen to what she's "rambling"...which is almost always something that makes good sense. (It's mentally exhausting sometimes, let me tell ya!)

So it went like this,

her: "...learned about the solar system...the line that goes around the earth...God gave us all the languages so we can talk to each other...we live above the equator...God gave us all the names so we can name our children something different...days to get around the sun..." and then...

her: "I've always wondered why God doesn't have a wife."

(Do you see why I always have to be listening?)

me: "Baby, God doesn't have a wife, because God isn't human. God is God."

her: "God has to be part boy & part girl, because boys talk to God about boy stuff & girls talk to God about girl stuff."

me: "Very wise & observant thing to say. A lot of adults don't even understand that about God, baby. Good thinking..."

It was so simple to her. No worry about the origin of God, the gender of God, sexism superimposed on images of God, etc., etc. To my precious 6 year old daughter, God just is. And you know what? She's right.

And this new blog friend? He would be right too...so is the universe.

~~~

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15

~~~

"10 X 10"

So…considering my last post, I think it may be time to gain some perspective.

Have you ever done a spontaneous inventory of what’s most important to your life? Me either, until my friend Linda asked a favor the other day. (“Favor”: heh, heh.) She invited me to the rare privilege of contributing to a ‘pilot’ program of ministry to young girls/teens. Her project was conceived a year ago , has been in embryonic stages, & is now emerging more fully formed: “Read My Lip-gloss.” Linda has a faithful team of skilled people who are fully committed to nurturing girls & giving them practical tools to become Godly, courageous women, in spite of the culture that surrounds them. What a treasure to be even a small part of this operation!

The ‘favor’ which was asked of me? It’s a “10 x 10” rubric; a scenario in which I place myself, then share with Linda my written response:

You’re a woman on a bus, riding comfortably, when a young teen gets on, taking the empty seat beside you. She introduces herself & tells you where her stop is. You know that 10 minutes hence, she’ll get off & you won’t see her again. For whatever reason, you feel an urgency to impart the 10 most important things that you believe she’ll need to know, to carry her through the rest of her life. You don’t have time to plan & you don’t have time to poll your friends. When this girl gets off the bus, she’ll be gone forever. You will either have used the opportunity of 10 minutes, or you’ll have lost it.

As a woman, what will you tell her? What 10 essentials can you absolutely NOT let her get off that bus without hearing? What really matters, to you, in life?

After getting off the phone with Linda, I went to my living room w/ a scratch pad & my favorite pen (Paper-mate, Write Bros., blue). No kids around (amazing!). Otis was not barking (perfection). I gave myself 10 minutes. What follows is my spontaneous “10 x 10”:

1) Choosing a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important decision you will ever make in your life, bar none. No exceptions.

2) God has a perfect plan for your life. This doesn’t mean you will be perfect, but you can always rely on His perfection.

3) You are who God believes you are, not what media, peers, or Hollywood tries to tell you. God made you exactly as He wants you – for His purpose & His glory.

4) Rejoice then! Because you are His Masterpiece!

5) Sexual virtue is an immeasurable blessing to a future marriage. It provides a foundation of trust, respect & dignity like no other intangible can.

6) Release self-imposed guilt; allow shame to dissolve in His mercy. God can redeem anything, & is fully able to make all things new.

7) You can be a tough, strong woman without being harsh and shrill.

8) American Feminism lied. Though some of it brought progress for women, the “sexual revolution” has resulted in devaluation & degradation of femininity such that womanhood is hardly viewed as uniquely special, & has lost esteem in our society.

9) Womanhood is uniquely special & worthy of high esteem. Our marriages, children & entire culture suffer when we deny this fact.

10) God has created you with perfect giftedness. Be flexible & malleable to the embrace of the Holy Spirit, & God will surprise you with the ways your gifts are used, for His glory, across the measure of your life.

Good-bye, dear girl. God speed.

The times upon us are chaotic & frightening. Changes are advancing that threaten us with calamity. We feel impotent. We feel angry, strapped, crippled, helpless. We can’t seem to gain a grasp on the truth…

It’s time to take inventory, friends, because Truth is constant. Above, you have the Truth of my life. I believe it, & I stand firm in it. No “change” will shake me from it, so help me Lord Jesus. In the end, if that's all I have left, it’ll be enough. I will stand, waiting to be surprised by God’s use of my gifts, until the full measure of my life meets its end.

Thank you, dear Linda, for my 10 minutes. It was indeed a privilege.

~~~