I’ve had enough and I have to say something…..okay….a LOT of something(s).  I think it’s safe to say that this year’s election season was one of the worst in history.  To admit my own embarrassment of those running for President would be an understatement.  My children aren’t old enough to fully understand everything so I’ve shielded them from it.  Or so I thought.  On Monday, the day before the election, my daughter came and informed me they had been discussing the election at school and she asked who I was voting for.  I admitted I wasn’t voting this year.  Not because I didn’t want to, but because in the midst of the craziness of our transition I had failed to update our voter registrations when we moved.  Truth be told, deep down, I took some awkward solace in that fact.  My daughter stated, “Well, I won’t vote for that woman because she kills little kids!”  Shocked, I gave her an awkward stare and asked her to repeat herself.  She repeated the statement verbatim.  I said, “Where did you hear that?”  She replied, “They told me that at school!”  I asked, “Who is they because that doesn’t sound like something your teacher would teach you?”  She stated, “My friends!” as she continued telling me this elaborate story, never mentioning the word abortion, only eluding to some of the facts in a childlike, misinformed way.  I sat her down and we continued our conversation as I tried to iron everything out.  I explained to her in terms an 8-year-old could understand who both candidates were and what they stood for.  In that moment I felt ill-prepared and somewhat incapable of expressing the true intent of my heart as it had been ripped to shreds and strewn in a million pieces over a period of years that includes this election season.

The realities of our world and society break my heart.  Every day, we are facing issues I never dreamed would ever arise.  My children are growing up in a society that is more “me” driven rather than Christ-centered.  For almost two years, day after day, the candidates on both sides have degraded one another in such hateful ways.  The world has watched the disrespect first hand and now many are repeating the same behavior.  Obama, Clinton, and Trump….OH MY!  We have a MAJOR problem!  I may not be a politician but I am a Christian and a citizen of this country.  A country that was founded on Christ-centered values….and we have a LOT of work to do.  With that citizenship comes certain perks and I intend to submit my “free speech” card at this time.  So, here you go!

Dear Democrats – First and foremost, I am a Christian.  While I choose to vote mostly along a Republican party lines (as their values most clearly reflect my own) I would request you not refer to me as a bigot, racist, misogynist, or any other derogatory term unless the fruit on my tree reflects such—and I will extend the same courtesy to you.  It is your right to vote as you deem necessary and I will do that same as the Holy Spirit leads me.  Had Mrs. Clinton been our next President I assure you I would not have spoken ill of her in public.  While I did not vote for President Obama, I submitted to his authority and respected his position because that’s what the word of God instructs me to do.  I pray you will do the same in the next 4-8 years.  We are all in this together.  While my party’s candidate may have expressed and taken part in negative acts, that does not make me guilty of the same simply by association.

Dear Republicans-I implore you to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  If you desire to receive respect then give respect regardless of color, ethnicity, educational background, financial status, etc.  The orphans and the widows must be our priority.  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” [James 1:27]   It seems Republicans now have all the power, so to speak.  I encourage you/us to use it wisely.  Don’t squander this moment or we will have no one to blame but ourselves.  And while I don’t desire to be a wet blanket on your excitement, please be aware that your responses on social media, in public, and more affect those around you.  If you can’t say something nice, please just SHHHHHHHHH.

Dear President Obama—There is no doubt in my mind the burden you have carried for eight years has been the greatest of your life.  While I do not agree with many of decisions you have made for our country, I respect your position and authority and thank you for your service.  I hope you will take the lead of your predecessor and, going forward, keep your opinions to yourself.  I genuinely hope you enjoy sleeping late and spending time with your family.  No doubt, you have missed quite a bit of that over the past few years.  It is my desire you take your time left in the spotlight to help restore and heal the rift you have had a hand in causing during this season.

Dear President-elect Trump—You, sir, will also have my respect because of your position and authority.  But make no mistake, I expect more from you than what I have seen in months prior.  I do not condone your actions and find them quite embarrassing.  My children are watching you.  Because of your influence I hope you will humble yourself, turn from your wicked ways, and seek His face.  If you are the Christian you have bragged to be in recent months, I implore you to act like it.  Your actions haven’t reflected the Bible that I read.  Also, respectfully, you are not capable of Making America Great Again, sir.  Only my Lord and Savior has the ability to accomplish that feat.  I will be covering you in prayer and hope you will show love, respect, and kindness to those you will now be serving regardless of who they are.  Yes, sir.  Serving.  …”Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” [Mark 9:35]

Dear fellow Christians—Just because the election season is over doesn’t mean it’s time to get off of our knees. Regardless of who became our next President it was STILL our job to point people to God.  NOTHING HAS CHANGED!!!! We STILL need God to heal our land!!! Trump nor Clinton were EVER the answer to our problems. God is the way, truth, and life!!!!  I encourage you to abstain from idle chatter.   Matthew 12:36-37, “And I tell you this, that you must give account on Judgment Day for every idle word you speak. Your words now reflect your fate then: either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned.”  STAY ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!! Someone was always going to win and someone was always going to lose. Regardless, the King of King still reigns on His throne!  Let’s get to work!  Regardless of what happens after 12pm on January 20^th, 2017 we have no reason to fear.  As I heard it said a few months ago, “My hope ain’t in Obama, Chelsea’s momma, or Trump’s drama!”

We are responsible for our own actions.  To those on BOTH sides who think it is okay to attack others (physically, spiritually, emotionally, etc.), you’re WRONG.  And not because I say so, rather “…for the Bible tells me so.”  Folks, our children are watching our every move.  They are listening to our every word.  We will ALL be held accountable for our actions someday.  “”If anyone causes one of these little ones–those who believe in me–to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” [Matt 18:6]  I may not agree with the decisions you make but it is not my place to judge you.  I will leave that painstaking work to the Holy Spirit.  I choose to love you and point you to the one with the power to forgive you of your trespasses.  I will not judge you because I’m busy with the plank in my own eye.

Pray it with me, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable and in thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer.”

Let’s join together to stop the work of the enemy!

I love you all!

Months ago I was volunteering for an activity at my daughter’s school.  While the students were playing I noticed my daughter near a set of bars that resembled what kids from my age bracket referred to as “monkey bars” or a “jungle gym.”  She was having some difficulty and wasn’t able to reach the bars.  My first instinct was to go and help her but for some reason I decided to wait to see how she would handle this obstacle.  A few seconds later I watched as another little girl I’d never seen before, unprompted, went down on her hands and knees so my daughter could climb up on her back to reach the bars.  A few seconds later she was swinging and having a good little time.  Minutes later that same little girl was repeating the same action for someone else.  I instantly realized I was in the presence of a little girl with a servants.  The little girl couldn’t have been any older than 8 or 9 but had already learned the importance of servanthood to others.  She never asked for anything in return, she simply helped out and ran to play elsewhere.  Truth be told, I felt a bit of admiration as well as a healthy dose of conviction.  I questioned when was the last time I had gotten on my hands and knees to help someone like that, whether physically or spiritually.  What is my concern and/or reason for not doing so?  Getting my hands and clothes dirty?  Or not doing so because it was inconvenient?

While stopping at a house in Capernaum Jesus called the disciples unto himself after noticing them arguing while on their journey.  Their argument was over who was the greatest.  Jesus instantly squashed their ridiculous conversation by stating, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” [Mark 9:35]    Societal norms now dictate we strive for positions of influence so we can make more money or achieve any number of things that have no eternal value.  I am a strong proponent of someone bettering themselves by way of a college degree, a better job, or the like.  But I also find it important in every situation we must question our motives.  As Christians we all know, “..to whom much is given, much is required.” [Luke 12:48].  It’s imperative we view every promotion as a tool to further kingdom work and His purpose for our lives.  This life is not about achieving a place of dignity or preeminence.  That feeds the fleshly man-that man we have to crucify every day.  This life and our ministry as the hands and feet of God are about getting on our hands and knees and helping someone in need.  The higher we rise in any position, the lower we must become.  A great friend of mine recently send me a text that stated, “A real leader serves people from the bottom up.”  That spoke volumes to me.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Being on our hands and knees isn’t comfortable…but it’s not a far-fetched idea.  After all, we should have been on our knees anyway… praying.  Right?  The idea that someone, or anyone for that matter, is unworthy of our care/help would be like Jesus choosing to only die for the forgiveness of a select few rather than everyone.  A promotion, while yours, was never for/about you.  Everything good that comes our way is a set up for kingdom purposes and fulfillment of His work on this earth.  There’s nothing wrong with being thankful for a God-sent promotion.  But don’t confuse God’s blessings with permission to flaunt our influence.  We should be in the business of giving a hand up rather than a hand out.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

As many of my friends and family know, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the hospital lately.  My grandmother was diagnosed in July with cancer. Very soon thereafter the cancer was removed and the road to recovery began. A few weeks later, as things seemed to be going well, she had a stroke. Four days after that her brain began to swell requiring emergency surgery to remove a piece of her skull to prevent further damage due to the swelling. Between moving into a new home, my wife and me starting new jobs, my grandmothers stroke and the two separate surgeries, my children transitioning into new school settings, my wife’s two unexpected dental procedures, a flat tire (and it was a brand new tire, but I digress), traveling over 600 miles weekly for almost three months…..is your head spinning yet – because mine has been?  Let’s just say, I haven’t had any problems sleeping at night. This has been one of the busiest and most difficult seasons I’ve ever endured. Yet, in the midst of all this chaos, I must admit it has been one of the best seasons I’ve ever experienced.  Sounds like I’m speaking out of both sides of my mouth, doesn’t it?  It’s all because of the hospitals I’ve been visiting.  Not the sterile facilities filled with doctors and nurses.  I’m referring to my churches (the one I left because of my job change and the church I am now a part of).

Common sense tells us someone’s entire reason for visiting a hospital is to receive specialized care/help they can’t provide themselves.  Isn’t that what a church is?  A hospital for the hurting?  I’m not just referring to broken arms, band aid’s, and heart attacks…I’m talking about mangled hearts and homes, broken and abused people who feel forgotten.  As Christians we serve as nurses.  The nurses job isn’t to go rogue and begin diagnosing issues.  A nurse’s job is to implement the care plan set forth by the doctor and aid the patient in the process on the road to recovery.  The nurse is an extension of the doctor—but make no mistake, they are not the doctor.  As nurses, [our] job isn’t to attempt to fix someone else’s problems rather pointing them in the direction of the Great Physician.  “Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.”  [1 Peter 2:24]  I’m not sure this nurse (me) could have made it without the prayers and encouragement of my fellow nurses.  To you – and you know who you are – I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.  But to my Physician – Thank You for being with me even in some of the most difficult times of my life.  You always send the right people at the right time to remind me just how powerful You are.  Your healing power astounds and leaves me speechless.  I am humbled by Your greatness!

Closing remarks and encouragement:  It’s not over until God says it’s over.  My grandmother should be dead and in a grave by now…but apparently God isn’t done with her yet.  No one knows what the future holds…..but I know who holds my/our future.  Even in the midst of the craziness I have watched as He has visibly worked all things for [our] good……and it has made me love Him even more.  If you’re sick, take a visit to the hospital.  If you’re not sick, continue nursing.  Regardless, don’t grow weary, my friends.  Your ‘due season’ [Gal 6:9] might just be around the corner!

Over the past few days I’ve been reflecting on my childhood.  Like most everyone, I had my share of ups and downs.  Regardless of how bad things were the one constant thing in my life was my family.  My immediate family was smaller but my extended family reached wayyyyyy out there on many sides 🙂  I was blessed with quite a few cousins, uncles, aunts, etc.  One memory I reflected on was a huge family activity that happened every year.  All of life my paternal grandfather has had a garden.  At the end of every summer, when the vegetables were flowing in from every corner everyone in the family was called over to my grandparents.  The house would be full and flowing with activity as jobs were assigned.  We were making vegetable soup that would be eaten by our entire family throughout the rest of the winter and into spring.  Jobs consisted of dicing onions/potatoes/tomatoes, cutting up the okra (the one slimy vegetable I still don’t care for) or carrots, and more.  On this one particular year I happened to be working on the corn.  I was shucking, “silking” (every good southerner will know what I’m talking about), cleaning, and cutting corn from the cob.  I grabbed the first ear and set about doing as I’d been told.  Before long I was flying through it until……yuck….I ran across a cob that had seen better days.  This one particular ear had a few spots that bordered on rotten, not to mention the slimy little worm who had made his home inside of it.  I called out, “Mamaw-what do you want me to do with this one?”  preparing to throw it away.  She walked over and (in her high pitched voice) said, “Oh, Brian-ee (she’s called me that as long as I can remember), just take your knife and cut away those nasty spots.  Don’t throw the whole thing away.  We can still use the good stuff!”  I watched what she did and repeated it for the next million ears of corn.  Not really a million, but it sure felt like it 🙂

Throughout our lives we make a mistakes.  Some bigger and more frequently than others.  Those around us may reply, “What’s wrong with you?  Why would you do that?  You’ll never amount to anything!…..You’re good for nothing!……You’re worthless!”  They attempt to throw us away.  Instead of throwing us away God says, “Hey–don’t throw that away!  I can still use the good stuff!”  Even better, God can use the bad stuff too!  That the bad stuff, my friends, is called a testimony!  I have come across many people while serving in ministry that have a hard time reconciling someone (God) would want them after all the things they’ve done wrong.  God has this ability not only to see your brokenness but what you CAN be.  He sees your value even when those around you don’t.  That’s the love of your Father!  Recently, a song has been released by an artist named Anthony Brown.  The song is titled “Worth.”  The chorus states, “You thought I was worth saving…so you came and changed my life….you thought I was worth keeping….so you cleaned me up inside….you thought I was to die for…..so you sacrificed your life….so I could be free….so I can be whole….and I will tell everyone I know.”  He gives the “worthless” worth.  He extends grace and mercy when everyone else has turned their back.  Titus 3:5 states, “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit…”  We will never be good enough….but He’s always right there to love and restore us.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  We don’t have to be perfect, just willing to accept His grace and mercy while being prepared to walk in freedom on He can give.  We don’t need to have all the answers, because He’s the answer!  You’ll never be worthy of the sacrifice, so don’t even try.  It doesn’t matter what anyone else says because He sees your worth–and that’s all that matters!

Have a blessed week, my friends!

It’s odd how the world can continue spinning on its axis and time can seem frozen at the same moment.  Whether happy, sad, frustrating, or scary, certain moments or memories stay with us forever.  The same can be said of my current experience.  My grandmother had a stroke about a week ago.  My family and I have been at her bedside since then.  Waiting.  Nothing to do but wait.  We all have the same desire; that is full restoration of her body and mind.  The truth is, we’re helpless…and it’s a terrible feeling.  This particular experience has been one of the hardest I’ve endured in a long time. To watch a healthy 79 year old woman go from smiling and carrying on conversations to simply not responding at all is heart wrenching.  It seems like a cruel joke or a bad dream you hope to wake from.  Through it all I have found myself praying the hardest seven words of my life.  “Not my will but Your’s be done….,” I muttered with tears in my eyes while driving down the highway.  The crazy thing is, I’ve prayed that prayer before.  This time has been different.  The ramifications of what I have said are very real to me.  These words are total surrender to God’s plan for my life.  Rather, God’s plan for my grandmother’s life.

The blessing in all of this is the reminder that I’m not alone.  Jesus prayed this same prayer at the hardest moment in His life on the Mount of Olives.  “He cried out, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” [Luke 22:42]  In His humanness Jesus is admitting His desire not to die.  He is placing God in the driver’s seat regardless of the outcome.  For me, that’s a scary thing.  Common sense tells you I have no desire to lose my grandmother.  Until I got married Mamaw was always my ‘go-to’ girl.  If I ever needed someone to come into agreement with me in prayer she was the one I called.  If I needed to blow off steam I called Mamaw because she had this way of hearing my heart and not my mouth.   At this moment there is genuinely no way to know what direction this will go in.  We are still waiting.  Just.  Waiting.  Funny thing is, even though she’s not mentally here with me right now, she is still with me.  If I close my eyes and pay attention, I can hear her words and encouragement.  I know her response before I ever ask.  She’s the very person who taught me this prayer because she understands the importance of it for her own life.  So, I sit waiting.  For what?  I have no clue.  But I’m not waiting alone.  My Heavenly Father is here.  I don’t need Him sitting in front of me speaking in an audible voice for me to hear or understand.  If I remove myself from the noise, close my eyes, and listen He’s speaking.  But I won’t be able to hear Him if I’m the one doing all the talking–and I had to learn that lesson the hard way.  I guess, all these years, while I’ve been going to Mamaw (in a sense) I was going to God.  She has always been an extension of His love, grace, and mercy for me.  It’s my desire to be the same for others.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Letting go is hard—and I’m not referencing death.  Releasing our will to His will can be freeing.  No sense in stressing over something if you know He’s “working all things for [our] good.”  I’m a firm believer we have to do our part.  When we’ve done all we can do we must step back and allow God to move as only He can.  He can accomplish more in a millisecond than we can in a hundred years.  Those will be the hardest words you ever pray-but you’ll be glad you did.

Have a blessed week, my friends!

I recently found myself reading a well-known biblical passage.  Jesus and the disciples were coming through a village where a woman named Martha opened up her home to them.  Apparently, Jesus decided to do a little Bible study while he was there.  We southerners know good hospitality always includes food so there’s no doubt Martha prepared a spread fit for a king.  Literally.  It was the kind of meal you walk away from the table fussing at yourself for eating so much.  Your pants are tight, you’re having trouble breathing, and you feel like you’ll burst.  In my mind I envision Martha running around working her fingers to the bone while sweat poured from her brow.  After a while she noticed Mary wasn’t with her.  She checked in the other room and, wouldn’t you know it, her sister was sitting at Jesus feet taking part in the Bible study.  “Umm, excuse me, Teacher.  Have you noticed that my LAZY sister is sitting here instead of helping me fix this meal?  Would you please tell her to get off of her backside and help me?” [that quote came from the Brian International Version-ha!]  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” [Luke 10:41-42]  If I had been Martha I probably would have returned to the kitchen to fume and pout in private.

I’ve always felt like Martha gets a bum rap (or bad rap as some refer to it).  There was nothing wrong with her choosing to be hospitable to Jesus and His disciples.  It’s actually commendable.  No doubt Martha had a heart of gold.  How many people do you know that will invite (no less than) 13 people over to feed and take care of?  When her workaholic tendencies became the most important thing she loses sight of what was really important.  But Jesus used that moment to teach her a valuable lesson.  The importance of balance in our lives.  I’m learning there is value in being Mary AND Martha.  I see the importance of taking care of and serving others.  Servanthood is a cornerstone of Christianity.  But I also have learned it’s just as important to take care of me.  The perfect example of this ideal can be experienced when you fly in a plane.  You hear the same announcement on every flight.  “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance secure your mask first and then assist the other person..”  If you work your fingers to the bone and become ‘burned out’ you’re no good to anyone.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  To all you workaholics out there (and you know who you are)-take care of yourself!  It’s okay to do something for YOU every now and then.  You can’t give to others if you have nothing to give.  Doesn’t matter if you’re a pastor, teacher, social worker, daycare worker, stay at home Mom/Dad…the list goes on and on.  Sometimes it’s necessary to just sit at His feet and let Him minister to you.  There’s no shame in that.  Always secure your mask first!

Have a blessed week, my friends!!

My children are two of my greatest blessings.  But, sometimes those two little boogers of mine drive me up a wall, HA, HA!  They are very inquisitive (nosey is probably a better word) and ask questions.  Lots. Of. Questions.  I just want to give them instructions and be done.  It never happens that way.  The first response out of both their mouths, 9 out of 10 times, is, “Why, Daddy?!?”  Attempting to give them space to learn and grow I give another response.  Again, they respond, “But, why, Daddy?!?”  A little more in depth this time because apparently my first two answers were not clear enough.  “But, WHY, Daddy?!?”  After about the fourth time and a total loss of patience I state loudly, “Because I said so!”  Don’t judge me.  You’ve probably done the same, HA, HA!  It’s frustrating.  There’s a reason behind every instruction I ever given them.  The majority of the time my reasoning is grounded in providing a safe environment for them to live and grow in.

I’m sure God feels the same way.  Have you ever been given directions from the Holy Spirit and your first response was, “Why?”  I wonder if He ever feels like replying, “Because I said so!”  In Luke 5 we find Jesus ministering to the masses.  When he finishes he asks Simon (Peter) to, “…launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  Simon states, “…Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” (v. 4 & 5)  Jesus was a carpenter by trade.  Simon Peter was an experienced fisherman.  If I were Peter I most likely would have stated, “All due respect, teacher–I think I know a little more about fishing than you do.”  Regardless, he did what was requested.  This submission led to a miraculous moment bringing in so many fish they had to have help from another ship to get their catch to the shore.  Has God ever asked you to do something that didn’t seem logical to you?  You’re in good company.  There are many throughout the Bible who were asked to do things that seemed abnormal and ludicrous (i.e. Abraham sacrificing his son, Isaac).  God is fully aware of our limitations.  There isn’t a single bit of information we can inform Him of that He doesn’t already know.  Have you considered He’s simply looking for a few folks that will respond, “I don’t get it, Lord….nevertheless…..”  He is fully aware how powerful He is.  His request isn’t awkward to Him because He knows the outcome.  We’re the ones that need a constant reminder!  

Closing remarks and encouragement:  I firmly believe God desires to do the miraculous in our lives.  Sometimes we can’t seem to shut our mouths long enough to do what we’re told.  A simple, “Nevertheless…” reply could be the catalyst to see God move in our lives in ways we’ve never experienced.  Sometimes we just have to stop thinking so much and simply follow His directions.  Then we might just experience the miraculous in our lives. 

Have a blessed week, my friends!!!

As many already know, our little family is in the middle of a transition.  After nearly twelve years our ministry assignment is changing.  Over the past month our house has been an absolute wreck.  Cleaning, and purging, and packing—OH MY!  I haven’t really had a routine in two months and I’ve become like a caffeine starved coffee drinker at times.  A few days ago I traveled into the abyss (also known as my daughters room) with gloves, a gas mask, and a biohazard container (who are we kidding-it was a trash can, ha ha!!).  I mustered up as much bravery and confidence as I could find and began the arduous process of cleaning out from under her bed.  While rifling through the dust bunnies, broken dolls of the past, crayons, and leftover Cheetos I hit my breaking point.  I literally said out loud, “I’m sick of this junk….AHHHHHH!!!!”  No sooner had I said it I hit game box under the bed and marbles exploded all over the floor.  I wanted to be mad but I couldn’t.  I just busted out laughing.  (I guess you could say I found all the marbles I had lost over the years-HA!)

You see, I have this special relationship with marbles.  Any time I see them I’m reminded a specific moment in my life.  My wife and I were undergoing fertility treatments attempting to get pregnant.  All the shots, pills, and doctor’s visits were coming to a climax on this one specific day.  We had spent the night with some of our closest friends to be closer to that hospital for the early morning procedure.  When we got up that morning, though I tried to hide it, my stress level was shining through the fake smile I had painted on my face.  Right before leaving my friend walked over to me and, sitting on the edge of the couch, held out a marble to me.  I looked at him (attempting to mask my confusion) as he said, “As small and insignificant as this marble seems to you-imagine what it looks like to God.  This is how small your problems are to Him.  He’s already taken care of this and has gone ahead of you.”  He prayed with me, hugged my neck, and we went on our way.  If you know me or read my blog you know that doctors visit didn’t end well.  Believe it or not, that marble still rolls around my top dresser drawer as I’m getting something out or putting something in it daily.  Every time I see it I’m reminded of that time in my life.  Though things didn’t work out the way I wanted them to I learned that my worries are nothing in comparison to how big my God is.  He’s never concerned with (what I perceive as) the stressful moments of my life because He already knows the outcome.  I’m worrying about the details and God is sitting up there shaking His head saying, “I told you…I’ve got this!”  And you know what?  From experience, I can assure you–He does!

Closing remarks and encouragement:  I don’t know what your ‘marble’ is today.  It could be any number of things.  He will always be the calm in the middle of any storm.  Grab a marble and be reminded of how BIG your God is.  I leave you with a few words from the Apostle Paul—“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”  [2 Thessalonians 3:16]  

Have a blessed week, my friends! 

It was a hot day in May made especially ‘toasty’ by the garb I was sporting.  I was covered in black from head to toe.  No, I wasn’t going to a heavy metal concert.  It was my college graduation and my excitement couldn’t be hidden.  I had worked hard for four years (well, I’d goofed off a good bit too) and was now being rewarded with a piece of paper valued at over $40,000.  That piece of paper signified my intentions to save the world one worship service at a time.  I look back at that young guy, giggle a little, and (as a good southerner should) just say, “Bless his heart.”  Sure, I had taken a few tests and read a few books over those years but I was far from ready for what was to come.  Those first few months of ministry work were grueling, to say the least.  I was living by myself for the first time and paying bills on my meager paycheck.  If I’m being transparent, ‘adulting’ wasn’t as enjoyable as I had anticipated.  I remember attempting to do everything on my own and be what I thought everyone expected me to be.  I put on my red cape with the “S” emblazoned on it and fell into superhero mode.  I failed miserably.  I couldn’t do it on my own.  I was wearing myself down and burning myself out quicker than I ever expected.  Then I did something unthinkable.  I starting asking people for help.  I began empowering others by giving them authority that had been entrusted to me.  I wasn’t being lazy, rather, I had learned the importance of having a support system around me.  I learned that ministry work isn’t as much about what you can do on your own as much as it is working with those around you to accomplish a common goal.  By sharing the load I allowed them to be creative in their own ways while giving them ownership of the ministry they were a part of.

In Exodus 17 we find something similar going on.  The Israelites had encountered early opposition while in the desert. A group of wandering raiders known as the Amalekites had attacked the Israelites.  As Moses, Aaron, and Hur watched from a hill nearby, young Joshua led the troops into battle. Exodus 17:11 informs us, “So it came about when Moses held his hand up, Israel prevailed, and when he let his hands down, Amalek prevailed.”  Realizing what was going on, Aaron and Hur’s response was to allow Moses to sit on a rock while they held his arms up for him.  This continued until the Israelites totally defeated the Amalekites.  Moses was a strong, anointed, and gifted leader (despite his lack of confidence in himself) to the Israelites that accomplished a lot in God’s name.  But, he had weaknesses like the rest of us and needed help.  Coincidentally, none of us can do it all on our own either.  Over the past (nearly) twelve years I have served at the same church.  Our intention upon arrival was to hold up their arms.  Little did we know they would bless us more than we could have ever imagined possible. I have been surrounded by one of the most wonderful groups of Aaron’s and Hur’s I could have ever asked for.  Through my physical/mental/spiritual moments of weakness they have held my arms up when I didn’t have the strength to do it on my own.  For that, I will be eternally grateful.  Today, I honor those people.  I couldn’t begin to name them all but they are best known to my family as the Dillon Church of God.

D.C.O.G.- I am grateful to have found myself numbered among you over the years.  Thank you for teaching me, loving me, caring for me…and just putting up with me (I know you love my wife and children the most, ha ha!).  We may be separated by distance but you will always be close to my heart.  I despise ‘good-bye’s’ so I’ll just say, “See you later!”  And though my words will fail to fully express my thoughts and emotions–from the bottom of my heart—Thank you.  Just.  Thank you!

Like many women I know, my wife has this thing with bugs.  She hates them.  ALL. OF. THEM!  With time she’s actually gotten better about killing them for herself, though this one particular incident was the exception.  She came through the house as I was working out and- with a putrid look on her face- said, “I tried to kill a bug and I think he got in your clothes….because I can’t find him.”  I said, “Did you look for it.”  She responded, “I just can’t.  He was huge.”  As I walked back to our bedroom I had flashbacks of the 90’s movie Arachnophobia and shuddered a little.  Not knowing what I was walking into I proceeded carefully.  I began perusing through my clothes piece by piece and doing the shake down to set this massive predator free.  After the second or third piece it came tumbling to the floor and ran to the hall.  I caught the vermin and stepped on him.  He was actually tiny in comparison to the image I had in my head.  I asked my wife, “Is this it?” referring to the freshly murdered corpse of this miniature creature at my feet.  She responded, “I don’t know, but he was HUGE!”  Again I went back to shaking my shirts expecting ‘big momma’ to fall out as I assumed I had only killed her offspring.  I began a second round of shaking, then a third.  Nothing.  After a few minutes I realized I had already rid the world of the ‘HUGE’ bug (You’re welcome – by the way).  As I scooped him up with a napkin I giggled at how insignificant it was to me but how massive it seemed to my wife.

We’ve all heard that looks can be deceiving.  We know from experience that perception and reality don’t always tend to match up.  Fear (or the lack of fear) can affect how we view the things around us.  What may seem simple and infantile to some may seemed magnified and strike deep fear, worry, or regret in others.  The situation with my wife caused me to laugh as I’m not afraid of bugs.  But put me in the vicinity of a snake of any size and, well, let’s just say those around me will get a good laugh at my expense.  Have you ever experienced anxiety over something and, months later, realized you had blown things out of proportion?  I dare say we all do.  Psalms 56 finds David as he’s been captured by the Philistines in Gath.  In verses 3-4 he states, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”  This coming from a man that experienced some type of battle all his life.  He could have chosen to allow himself to be overtaken by the worries of his current reality but his experiences had taught him the answer to every issue he encountered.  Trust in God.  Sounds simple but we tend to make it hard.  Think about it.  If we could learn to reflect on our past and what God has brought us through the moment adversity hits we wouldn’t be nearly as stressed or worried.  We would know He’s already worked it out.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  From our point of view we see mountains standing in our way.  From his point of view it all looks flat and easily maneuverable.  Maybe the answer is simply shifting our view?  Better yet, maybe we should just look back.  If He brought us through that, surely he will bring us through this.

Have a blessed week my friends!