Content and Journey

I love the journey books take to reach us.  I have two books from my friend Nan, who received them from her sister in-law Karla (also a Lutheran) who thought I, a Presbyterian and Lou Ann a Roman Catholic would enjoy reading them.   We are all women of faith seeking to better understand God’s will for our lives. They are written by Jane Knuth a volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Her first book was Thrift Store Saints and the second is Thrift Store Graces.  Knuth writes with a gentle and humble humor and provides stories that are poignant.  I love her condensed description of the “Rule” of St. Vincent de Paul Society:

1.     Pray together.

2.     Help poor people face-to-face.

3.     The poor are our teachers. We are their students.

Then she writes that “this book[1] is my midterm.  I hope and pray that my teachers, the poor, will grade on a curve.” 

The point is that though the journey of a book to reach its readers is interesting, but it is the content of the book that is most important.  I am interested in how the Bible came to be compiled.  Many of the stories where first passed on in an oral tradition, as they were shared around the evening fire or in a tent or recited as part of worship.  Eventually they were gathered together and a scribe wrote them down.    The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic while the New Testament was written in Greek.  Many of the original texts were lost and only a Latin translation called the Vulgate was available.  For example the first English translation by John Wycliffe in 1380 was solely from the Latin.[2]  But what is most important about the Bible is not how it came to be written and translated and shared with you, but the content of the book called the Bible.  The content that tells over and over the stories of God’s redeeming grace and salvation and pursuit of our souls.  These are the foundational messages of our faith. 

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at last he will stand upon the earth.”  No it is not a New Testament passage, but Job 19:25.  But this message is walking with the two disciples who encounter the Risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus when they say, “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.”  Then Jesus himself opens the scriptures up for them to understand his death and resurrection.  Content is most important. So it is with friends.  Nancy Forsyth was my friend. How we came to be friends is interesting but it is the content of her character that has blessed my life.  Her passion for gardening and nature in general, her battle with sever health issues, love of her family and friends, her blooming faith in Christ and most of all her love of those who suffer illness, poverty, and discrimination. As a teacher, I know she touched many lives with hope and the love of learning.  As a friend she taught me that risk taking is worth the effort not because of the end result but because of the journey.  So perhaps the journey is just as important as the content because it informs the meaning of the content.  New learning from my reflection on my friend's life. 

I dedicate this bog in loving memory of Nancy Forsyth.  Peace be with us all.

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[1] Thrift Store Saints Loyola Press, Chicago 2010

[2] Check out “History of the Bible: How The Bible Came To Us”by Wesley Ringer  http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/bibleorigin.html

JUST TESTING

There is a whole series of Biblical references to a time of testing.  These reflect on the testing of individuals and groups of people as well as the human tendency to test God.  Testing God reminds me of the Emergency Broadcast system that I grew up listening to on radio and TV.

“This is a test of the Emergency Broadcast System… If this had been an actual emergency…” 

Of course I grew up when the TVs were in black and white so the symbol was not so colorful.  But we all learn that we just need to wait a minute while the system is tested.  Recently I had a heart catheterization (when I drop the middle “te” spell check wants to make it a cauterization – not sure that would be good for my heart).  It was just a test to see if I had any problems that could be corrected with a stint or for a more drastic need, open heart surgery.  But everything medical begins with a test – just a test.  I often wonder if our relationship with God does not get interrupted by “just a test”.  Either God testing us or we are testing God.  Is it bad to test God?  The Bible is ambiguous about the role of testing God.

Some texts will tell you not to test God:

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.

Deuteronomy 6:16

Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”                                                                                                      Matthew 4:5-7 

Others encourage testing:

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.                                                       1 John 4:1 

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Malachi 3:10 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  

Romans 12:2 

I liked Ron Julian’s article on testing God:

To test God means much more than trying to get Him to do a miracle; to test God is to insist that He prove that He is trustworthy…  Israel [name for the people who wandered with Moses] and Jesus were not in the wilderness by accident; God led them there. Neither is it an accident when life pushes hard at believers today. We can, if we choose, interpret our troubles as evidence of God’s indifference. We would be wrong. Because God loves us, He uses our troubles to confront us with the spiritual issues we would rather ignore. Our eternal destiny is riding on the choices we are making today: will we trust God in the midst of our troubles, or will we put Him to the test?[1]

Of course the ultimate test was Jesus on the cross.  Here we are in Holy Week walking with our Lord to his ultimate testing.  Then there is Holy Saturday, the pause before resurrection.  In the silence of God, the seeming absence of God we are tested.  Miraculously on Sunday, we are returned to our lives prepared for emergencies.  Prepared to trust and rely on God even in the silence of the tomb.

May you have a blessed Easter of joy filled new life!  I dedicate this blog to my Lord and Savior who purchased eternal forgiveness and new life for all of creation, Jesus the Christ.  Amen.

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[1]Julian is a teacher at Gutenberg College  http://msc.gutenberg.edu/2001/02/testing-god/

Carrying our Cross

 

As a pastor I have been given many different crosses through the years of ministry.  This is just a small selection of them.  Some were handcrafted by friends others traveled from faraway places to touch my life and work.  I think I have only purchased the cross from San Salvador.  I can still read the artist’s name on the back M. Salgueso.  I wonder what his faith journey was.  More than one children’s time through the years has featured this colorful cross. 

The little gold cross has my birth stone in the center and was given to me by my beloved husband, Rob.  He has been my strong “bulwark” in my ministry, often sacrificing time, financial resources and recognition to help me follow my call.  Who are the people who make it possible for you to follow your call? 

Of course all these crosses have meaning found in the cross of Christ Jesus.  This makes these lovely pieces of jewelry, like wearing a hangman’s noose or some other weapon of torture and death.  Yet a major portion of our witness is acceptance that Jesus the Author of Life, died that we would have eternal forgiveness of our sins.  “… Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”  Matthew 16:24.  He carried our cross to Calvary.  With his blood he purchased eternal life for all of us. 

So if Jesus has done all the heavy lifting, what does it mean to take up our cross and follow Jesus?  It still means sacrifice.  Here we are in Lent and giving up something is a time honored tradition for Lent, but the sacrifice that Jesus is talking about is giving up one’s life!  If you just keep reading in Matthew, Jesus then says: For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. (verse 25)[1]  This is not the small devotional sacrifice of Lent, such as fasting from food, or specific foods like chocolate, or not using electronic equipment like TVs and computers, or the sacrifice of time and money to a meaningful mission or cause.  This is THE BIG SACRIFICE! This is turning your life over to follow Jesus not just for Lent but every day you have breath.  This is the true meaning about wearing a cross.  I am no longer in charge.  I devote my life to Christ’s mission to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. 

My very first cross was given to me by my father when I was still in grade school.  He never told me the story of why he purchased it.  It was not my birthday, but I can still remember that I was seating on the couch watching TV, when he came home from work and handed it to me.  I am sure something or someone moved him to bring this rhinestone encrusted cross home.  It is especially appropriate for a child; since it has a surprise in the center.  That’s not a stone, but a very small magnifying lens and after more than 50 years you can still see some of the Lord’ Prayer inside.  I am sure he never knew the direction my following Jesus would take me, but he was the first to mark the way.  So I dedicate this blog to my heavenly Father and my earthly Father who worked to together to teach me to carry my cross.  May you too learn to carry your cross and accept Christ’s will for your life.  Amen.

 

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[1] http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Matthew+16:21-28&vnum=yes&version=nrsv

Dogs

This has been one bitterly cold winter, one more suited to hibernation than exploration.  My friend Nancy headed back to Texas glad to be out of the cold and snuggle with her friend Jack, a Chihuahua mix.  There is something very comforting about the warmth of any animal, but dogs do bring a special joy to our lives.  First they get you going!  Whether it is to get us up in the morning to feed them and take them out or just stop watching TV so they can go play.  Some dogs bring you toys, others their leash, but it is often it is the insistent barking that makes us move.  I have a lab mix that when really excited spins in a circle, she makes me laugh every time.  Our Rottweiler is not much of a barker but even though she is getting old, she will leap after a ball. They make getting going worthwhile.  Both dogs walk with a limp and when my arthritis is hurting they inspire me to keep moving.  Just remember no matter how big they are they still think they are lap dogs.

 

Dogs also provide protection.  Most dogs bark at strange noises and people because they make them afraid.  Even a small dog’s barking can cause an alarm sound that acts as a deterrent for burglars.[1]  Because aggressive behavior may also include family and friends, all dogs need to be trained.   When you walk your dog, you need to pay attention to your surroundings.  If there is a runner coming toward you, move to the side and make your dog sit.  My husband, Rob was walking the dogs in our neighboring park when a coyote started following him.  It may have been attracted to our small dog, but the Rot was a sure deterrent.  The number one requirement is as the owner you control the dog so others are safe.  I am so grateful for our son, Ray’s willingness to train Bonnie our Rottweiler.  For some friends we just put the dogs outside or in their kennels. This teaches all of us about healthy boundaries.

In spite of their fear, dogs can be risk takers.  Dogs have been taught everything from surfing to mountain climbing.   Take a look at Rookie and Carolyn dancing to “You’re the One I want.”[2]  We need risk taking to grow and learn new things.  Dogs can help us down that road less traveled. 

Most of all dogs teach us about responsibility.  Taking responsibility for any pet is the most important act to develop human compassion.  When people are cruel to animals it is the beginning sign that an evil spirit has taken up residence in one’s soul.  I am not talking about serial killers.  I talking about ordinary people who take out their frustrations by kicking the dog, or whose priorities are so messed up that they cannot make sure there is water in their bowls or collars are allowed to grow into their skin.  People who are cruel to animals have a serious mental health problem.  When we disconnect from creation, we disconnect from the Creator.  For as Paul wrote to the church in Rome, we are all one yearning for a new heaven and a new earth born of faith, hope and love:

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.  (Romans 8:19-25 NRSV)

 I dedicate this blog post to my friend, Captain, who shared life with me for 12 precious years.   May you find companions for the journey of life… Blessings, Linda

If you are looking for a pet, try your local humane society.  Here is the link to Terre Haute’s.  http://www.thhs.org/  

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[1] http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-the-Right-Dog-Breed-to-Protect-Your-Home

[2] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqbVbPvlDoM

Common Good.

A friend posted an article about a recent chemical spill in West Virginia.[1]  It got me thinking about what is the common good?  

Perhaps our political will for the common good of society is best articulated in the Preamble to the Constitution:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,[2] promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

We all benefit from shared common good efforts.  For example, no matter how fast your car can go, without paved roads, you not going very fast or at all.  So paved roads, police and fire departments, education systems, military, parks and libraries are some of the common efforts our society has valued for the shared common good.  To maintain what benefits all citizens takes shared costs, planning and the will to make a difference. 

Years ago I was visiting one of my favorite zoos, Brookfield Zoo in the Chicago area.[3] Speaking of common good the Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County.  But I digress.  Among some new displays at the Zoo was a nest of South American roaches.  I took one look and said, “No one can contain roaches!”  Visiting the Zoo several months later, I was not surprised to see these same roaches in the Primate House.  Good news, the monkeys were eating them.

Whether it is a tiger in Indian, oilspill in the Gulf or roaches in Brookfield, we need to know that for the common good we must realize that all our best efforts to contain dangerous and destructive forces will fail.  Containment needs to be made while plans for restoration are put in place when containment fails.  Such plans require a common effort of all parties involved. The storage facility in West Virginia had not been inspected for 22 years.  Not a good choice for the common good.

Our society also has a deeply engrained value of individualism.  Such value is also found in our foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

My individual pursuit of happiness may not include exploring a national park or cleaning up a chemical spill in West Virginia or even driving a car, but I understand that my communal bonds require sacrifice for the common good of the whole of my society of which I am a vital part, as are all people.  

The need for support of the common good is also a strong Biblical value.[4]

The prophet Mica wrote:

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” 6:8

The early church found value in the common good: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Acts 2:42-45

Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” John 13:34

Individual life, liberty and happiness are vital to a free society but never at the cost of the common good.  Balance between these two often competing values must be struck.  I think this is also true of our private life.  I think we all have a bit of Gollum[5] in our desires, “I wants it!” is not enough to thwart the shared value of our common good.  I am grateful for paved roads, running water, soldiers in our military and teachers in our schools.  I live move and have my being in a world designed by our Creator to provide us all that we need as long as we share with one another.

I dedicate this blog to all those who sacrifice so much that we would have a common good to share.

Blessings, Linda

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[1] http://m.wvpublic.org/?utm_referrer=#mobile/5465 

[2] In the hand-written engrossed copy of the Constitution maintained in the National Archives, the British spelling "defence" is used in the preamble (See the National Archives transcription and the Archives' image of the engrossed document. Retrieved both web pages on October 24, 2009.)  For more see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preamble_to_the_United_States_Constitution

[3] http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/czs/flash/landing/index.html

[4] http://www.redletterchristians.org/christians-and-the-common-good/

[5] Character from Lord of Rings

Shelter

The other day I looked out my patio door and there was this little finch warming up with our escaping heat.  Later that same day I came across a busy street where the cars in both directions were stopped as driver after driver tried to coax a small white poodle into their car and out of the road.  Then as I drove into a parking lot I saw a person bundled in clothing so that I could not tell if it was a man or a woman, holding a sign asking for help.   As I left the lot I noticed the person was gone, hopefully helped in their need.  The whole day made me wonder, what stirs the human heart to provide shelter for the lost?

All that the bird needed was for me not to open the door and chase it away.  But many times the need demands action and real commitment.  I have seen those in abundance these past few days, as Indiana was hit with a “snow-apocalypse.”  People helping each other dig out their cars, offering a warm place when power is out or just checking on each other.  

We call it compassion.  The etymology of "compassion" is Latin, meaning "co-suffering.”[1] Probably the most revered of Jesus’ parables is story about co-suffering called “The Good Samaritan.” [2]  The basics of the story are a person of Samaria stops to help a person who has been beaten and robbed.  The co-suffering occurs when the Samaritan stops his journey to aid another, then administers to his wounds and finally finds an inn and pays for his time to stay and heal.  The Samaritan co-suffers with loss of time and money.  Shelter was the pivotal need.  Shelter protects from elements, predators (both animal and human), and also is a place where food can be stored, cooked and eaten.  It is a place to rest and heal.  It is a place to raise children and welcome friends.  Shelter is home and yet it can also just mean the barest of necessities.  Think of all the millions of refugees from violence, economic and environmental disasters.  What is shelter for them?  How do we provide for them? 

Then there is our planet.  It is our ultimate shelter.  So why do we help people and animals find the shelter they need.  Why is there such a passion to “save” our planet?  It could be cause of the proverbial “there by the grace of God go I.”  Or it could be the wondrous idea of “paying it forward.”  What if instead when we help one another find shelter we are acknowledging that we are all part of the kingdom of God, all children of our Creator from the smallest finch to the mighty sperm whale, from the artist to the zoologist, we are all precious brothers and sisters of God’s family.  If your sister needed shelter from a storm, you would be eager to offer it.  If your brother lost his job, you would help with bills and food until he could get back on his feet.  It is what most families do.  Not because what goes around comes around, but because such co-suffering is who we are in the very fiber of our being.  We are made to make a difference in this life.  Remember the story of the Good Samaritan was told because someone had to ask, “Who is my neighbor.”  The questioner wanted to limit his co-suffering.  Jesus, the one who suffered for us all, told a story that said there is no limit.  Providing shelter is who we are, children of the living and loving God. 

I dedicate this blog to all those little finch seeking shelter from the storms of life.

Blessings, Linda

If you want to think about shelter in a whole new way, I would recommend checking out the documentary Garbage Warrior by Oliver Hodge of architect Michael Reynolds attempts at off- grid housing. [3] 

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[1] Well written article by Wikipedia with many resources to explore the depth of our understanding of compassion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compassion#cite_note-sjsl-2

[2] Luke 10:29-37

[3] http://www.garbagewarrior.com/press

Love first!

“Merry Christmas” is a simple greeting but over time it has come loaded with everything but the Spirit of Christ Jesus.  First the word Christmas is from the mass that many of our Christian brothers and sisters celebrate to honor the birth of Jesus. The word “Merry” has become favored in the US over “Happy” that is dominant in the UK. [1]  Then there is the whole hoopla over “Happy Holidays,” when in fact the word Holiday comes the from Middle English holidai meaning "holy day" much like Halloween which is derived from Hallowed Eve. 

For me the disappointment is that so few people really enjoy Christmas however they offer a greeting for it.  It becomes a frenzy of activity focused on consumption and appeasing family, not centering on Christ and God’s eternal grace.  What would happen if you didn’t buy that perfect toy or newest game or designer clothes?  Would your family love you less?  NO!  Overtime, what you would give them is even more precious because you would give them a true sense of what is real and what is important in your life.  You love them and you cannot buy or earn their love.  That’s right you cannot earn love.  You can earn respect but not love.  Love is freely given. When your children care about you for who you are rather than for what they can get out of you that is love.   

Most Christians know by heart John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Yet few of us continue to read in verse 17 “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” Whoa!  Not to condemn the world?  Yes! That is God’s love.  We sometimes call it unconditional love, but real love does not come with conditions.  Love can be hard and tough as the one loved has need, love can hurt the one who loves.  Maybe I should say love often hurts the one who loves. But love is not turned on and off based on the loved one’s behavior.  Jesus told a parable of a prodigal son, whose father never gives up hope for his son’s return.[2]  The father never stops loving his son.  That is the very good news of love.  Neither the lover nor the loved one has to be perfect.  You do not have to have the same politics, ethical stance or religious persuasion to love someone.  What was true during the time of Jesus and in 1965 when Hal David wrote “What the World Needs Now is Love” is still true today.  So let your heart be filled to overflowing with love not just for a season but all your life long. 

So Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays but most of all I love you!  Even if I do not know you, I love you because my heart has been open by the love of God for all of creation.  You are a precious part of this universe.  You are a child of the Living and Loving God.  I dedicate this blog to YOU!

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[1] http://askville.amazon.com/start-Merry-Christmas-Happy-Clement-Moore-poem/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=428207

[2] Luke 15:11-32