I was talked into surrendering my Blackberry last year, and made the leap of faith, with much fear and trembling, to an IPhone. I still have my training wheels on for sure, but I am beginning to get over the trauma and learning curve and have begun to feel pretty pleased with myself.
A few months ago I discovered a new (free) game app for my IPhone called, Sheep Launcher. "Now here's something that will charge my batteries", I thought! The object is to launch a sheep as far into the sky as possible, without letting him fall to the earth and splatter. (I have successfully launched my sheep into outer-space and earned the rank space cowgirl) Silly game? You bet!
But It made me think, "Ohhhh if only mobilizing the church to share their faith could be this easy"! Why don't we sheep launch? Why do we prefer to stay in and get fat? How is it we so easily forget how precious the lost ones are to our Heavenly Father? Why is there a failure to launch?
Matthew 18: 12-14 “What
do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders
away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for
the one that wandered off?And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
I am second generation Portuguese and all of my family came to the US from the Azores (a series of small islands off the coast of Portugal) We often sponsored other families, so they could come to live in the United States, in the days when that was still possible.
Early on, I noticed that my Dad possessed great sensitivity and he seemed to always be on the look out for folks who needed a hand getting started in life. As a kid I remember my family helping, Azorian, Costa Rican, and Korean families and I have fond memories of Dad bringing home: stranded travelers (lost newlyweds who camped in our backyard), a deaf gentleman (who he gave a job to) and a long series of stray people and dogs. (which my mother always took in stride) My childhood was so much richer because of those experiences.
As a kid I learned to navigate cultures...Our Portuguese traditions, heritage,language and religious practices were often in tension with those of American culture. But somehow as time went on, I learned to navigate, (to cross back and forth in and out of the various cultures that surrounded me) I had no idea what an important life skill that would be and I certainly had no idea how much my father had shaped me and taught me to notice, welcome, love and even become a champion for those whom society often casts aside.
It is easy to play it safe and interact with people who look and think just like us. You know people with the same backgrounds, education, socioeconomic status...They go to our gym, our country club and they know the right people...It's not risky and those relationships may get us somewhere right?
How often do we reach out to people who don't look like us, those who think a bit differently than we do on important issues, those who don't have our socioeconomic and educational advantages? Do we realize how much they have to teach us, how much they have to offer. There is a richness and depth to these types of relationships that is discovered in no other way. But to cross cultures takes humility, we must strive to become life long learners and listeners. We must plead our ignorance and ask our new friends to patiently educate us.When we show up, when we notice, when we listen, when we risk, God shows us amazing things, about others, about ourselves , and about His vision for the kingdom of God.
I am having what I refer to as an Elijah moment. You know, those times when we are standing on the mountain top celebrating some great spiritual victory, then in the blink of an eye, a threat comes along, and we flee in fear, heading deep into the wilderness alone, exhausted, searching for God.
Elijah is depressed, discouraged and ready to throw in the towel but he is still searching for God. (I can totally relate to him) I think if we are honest with ourselves we all have Elijah moments. It's so comforting to know that God does not say in these times, You blew it, Go directly to jail, Do not pass "Go" and do not collect $200.00. He doesn't give up on us, get angry, or give us a lecture. He sends angels to patiently tend to us until we are strong enough to travel the next leg of our spiritual journey with him. Elijah's story brings me great comfort.
If you're having an Elijah moment, hang in there my friend, God will meet you and care for you, until you are strong enough to travel.
I had a chance to see the movie "Joyful Noise" with friends yesterday and had a blast. I LOVE Queen Latifah and I love gospel music! I was not at all disappointed with the music. (I had church in the movie theater) It was fantastic! One song in particular really touched my heart, it's entitled "Fix Me Jesus Fix Me" It's not flashy, and in fact it's a very simple song, but it really put to words and music the cry's of my heart... Click below to listen and enjoy!
Fix me Jesus fix me...I have been following Jesus long enough to know that I am powerless to heal or change myself and that fact actually brings me much peace.
Every well meaning New Year's resolution I make
Every sermon I hear or Christian book I read
Every well meaning friend filled with loving advice and helpful suggestions
Every discipline I hand out to myself... has no effect
The tools are useless. And as wonderful as some of them are , they cannot, in themselves, bring healing or change, unless Jesus Himself empowers and works through them. On their own, and on my own, it's impossible. When I hurt or when I stumble for the 1000th time over the same life
issue, my only hope is Jesus, and the only cry of my heart is"Fix Me
Jesus, Fix Me". I so want to be more like you, but I fall so short. It may mean pain, it may bring tears and sorrow, I may have to fall 100 more times before I learn or understand what you are trying to teach me, but Jesus you are my only hope. "Fix Me Jesus, Fix Me"
Lord I know you love us too much, to leave us the way that we are, you came to be our Savior because you knew we couldn't do it on our own, so please "Fix Us Jesus Fix Us"
Psalm 34:18-19 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man or women may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers them from them all;
A water bearer in China had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a
pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in
it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion
of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the House, the
cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on
daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water
to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its
accomplishments, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot
was ashamed of it's own imperfection. And miserable that it was able to
accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years
of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water
bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to
apologize to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because
this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your
house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you
don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The bearer said
to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of
the path, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always
known about your flaw. So I planted flower seeds on your side of the
path, and every day while we walk back, you've watered them. For two
years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the
table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this
beauty to grace the house?
It's a privilege to work on staff with Alpha USA and Alpha New England and I love what I do! I find there are often a multitude of new outreach initiatives that vie for my time and attention. There are countless projects I could be working on, all with great kingdom building potential! This is fantastic, but frankly if I tried to implement them all, I would go down in flames for sure.
I think my greatest challenge as a leader is to discern where God is inviting me to join Him in His work (to "lazer in on my mission" as Bill Hybels says) So this means learning to say no to great projects so I can say yes to God and His greater project. When I do sense God nudging me in a direction, at first glance, it often makes no earthly sense, but God patiently persists in confirming His plan. It's as if He is saying, "Yes you heard me correctly the first time, keep going this way." and so goes our journey with God, we walk by faith and not by sight!
About three years ago Alpha rolled out a new initiative called Global Alpha Training. I listened and I learned more, but I had a ton of things on my plate so I put it on the shelf for another time. Two years ago I attended a luncheon with Nicky Gumbel and heard him talk about the impact GAT's were making in countries around the globe. I felt God tap me on the shoulder, but I put the project back on the shelf. This past year I was in London and met leaders from over 100 nations during International Week at HTB. It was exciting to hear how God was moving in other parts of the world and I was stoked! I heard from Alpha Teams in Norway who traveled to Switzerland to help train leaders to launch new courses. I heard about GAT teams traveling to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Egypt and Russia. I heard about the courses that began and multiplied as churches worked together and celebrated the impact they were having as many souls came to know Jesus through their efforts. I was really fired up. I talked with pastors at my home church, Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA. and they were really supportive of the idea, so I began to pray and ask God to send us the right opportunity. I had heard of many needs in different countries but none seemed like the right fit for us. Then a few weeks ago I received a note from a missionary currently serving in Haiti and she writes:
"I met with the Ouanaminthe pastors league. It was
fascinating. A tremendous response too. The league has 81 local pastors
in it that regularly meet. A few pastors traveled a distance by foot to
get there and some that couldn't come sent their representatives. They
were all wonderful. We introduced the ALPHA program to them and they are very
excited to receive your team and host an Alpha training. I wanted your team to
be in prayer for them.This group of pastors face extraordinary challenges and
talked to us about problems with Voodoo, not having a building for church, and
people not coming to church because they had no shirt to wear. It was
incredible. During this meeting, I felt so strongly the presence of the Holy
Spirit. Listening to these pastors and sensing their joys and strength, and
emotions.I really just can't describe it. Wow, I just know one thing for
a fact, that the Lord's hand is on this and for those that will be part of
it I know they will be profoundly transformed beyond any expectation they may
have. God bless all of them. Please have the group keep them in prayer to
prepare for this epic spiritual enlightenment and transformation."
After reading this, I kind of felt like Paul and I was directed to these verses:
Acts 16:8-10 (MSG) They went to
Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to
turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So
they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of
Jesus wouldn't let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia,
they went down to the seaport Troas.That
night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called
across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave
Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over
to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure
that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans.
So we are now in the process of putting together a Grace Chapel GAT team for a short term missions trip to Haiti the first week of July.
I know what your thinking crazy right, HAITI in July ??? I had visions of going by myself, until today when the Lord sent me notes from 7 other GOD CRAZY Alpha leaders to ask how they could be a part of the team! My level of faith has now risen my friends! WOOHOO! I am really getting excited about what God is up to and how He will shape us, teach, use us and change us on this trip! I hope to Blog a bit about our experiences as we go along, but if you would like to read more about Global Alpha Training (GAT) Click to visit our GAT web pages
The Kings Speech has become one of my all time favorite movies. So much to ponder, so many life lessons, so many ministry illustrations and so many AH HA moments. (When England's throne is suddenly thrust upon him, amidst a family scandal and impending world war, King George the VI (Colin Firth) must overcome a life long debilitating speech impediment to lead his nation.)
My favorite scene in the movie takes place on the evening of the his coronation.The soon to be King is in full blown panic, he has been ridiculed, abused and belittled for most of his life, he has never been taken seriously, he doubts his own abilities, he is terrified of being crowned king, and he cannot imagine how someone with all his deficiencies and weaknesses could possibly lead the country. Despite this, his speech therapist, Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush), sees the soon to be King's greatness, the depth of his character, his courage and his brave perseverance in the face of adversity. Lionel challenges the King. (click to view the scene)
Have you ever struggled to be heard, to have a voice, to express yourself ? Have you ever had to fight against the overwhelming fear within yourself to use your voice? Have you had to risk being ridiculed by your peers to speak out ? Then you can relate to this scene and the incredible personal victory it represents. It represents a victory for all of us who have struggled to find our voices and for those who have cried out only to be ignored. It inspires us and reminds us that our voices have value, that we as individuals have value.
Maybe you find yourself serving on a team with colleagues (business or ministry) who have more impressive credentials than yourself and you are tempted to withhold your ideas when asked to contribute... use your voice.
Perhaps you represent a minority culture and you are called to serve within a dominate culture? The dominate culture overlooks you and misses out on all the depth and richness diversity can bring to that project, church, or business...take courage my friends and use your voice.
Maybe you are a female business or ministry leader and you are often called into large meetings only to find that you are the only women in the room...Then keep showing up girlfriend and if prompted by the Spirit, use your voice.
Perhaps English is not your first language or you have never graduated high school? You my friends have a voice.
Those who do find themselves in a place of power and privilege might consider laying down a small portion of that power, to make space for those on the fringes to find their voice. Do we see the God given potential and gifts within others? Do we take time to draw them out, challenge and encourage them? There is nothing more fulfilling, then helping people discover and develop the gifts that God has already placed within them.
Perhaps God has placed you in a position to be a champion or voice for others who don't have a voice: Victims of human trafficking, the homeless, HIV Aids orphans, survivors of domestic violence, rape victims, refugees, the handicapped, the poor and so many others that our society often politely and silently casts aside.
We fight internally and externally to find and use our voices without disrespecting and drowning out the voices of others along the way. Lord give us your strength and courage to find and use our voices when you prompt us in the places you have called us, and yet let us be sensitive, respectful and humble enough to allow space for others around us to find and use their voices as well. We are all created in your image and we are so grateful that you have given each of us a place, a purpose and a voice to be used for your glory.
Losing My Religion: If I'm So Done With Faith, Why Do I Still Feel Its loss?
That was the Huffington Post headline that met me head on when I opened my email yesterday morning. It got my attention because I think it's a question that many people ask themselves today. The article was written by Margaret Wheeler Johnson, the Women's Editor for Huffington Post. In it she chronicles her journey of faith, her departure from religion, her life without faith, and the aching loss she still feels despite her negative experiences with religion.
A few things struck me profoundly:
It reminded me of my own faith story and my journey from religion to relationship.
It gave me hope because she was still wresting with and questioning that loss.
It drove home how few safe places there are in the world today, even within Christian community, to discuss questions about faith and life.
The depth of the anger, pain and disillusionment expressed by those who left comments was overwhelming.
Christians who commented tended to argue/pick fights, and in so doing, missed opportunities to extend compassion, to listen, and to step in the gap to apologize (acting as agents of healing)
It gave me a glimpse into the hearts and minds of those who live life apart from God and I began to grieve deeply and pray specifically for our communities, our nation, our faith communities and our world. (I was convicted that I don't pray for the lost enough)
I did leave a comment: “I believe there is a God sized hole in each human heart, that only He can fill. Religion and tradition will always disappoint and disillusion. A relationship with the living God is all that can satisfy and make us complete. He designed us with that yearning so we would seek after Him, though it seems, He is already seeking after and pursuing us...”
And I did receive many sad, angry and hate-filled responses from folks interacting on her page. I won't bother posting all of them but here are two in particular:
"Nice pretty words, there, but meaningless."
"It's kind of like missing the Parent that beat & abused you, and who you still hate even though they're now dead.... It's wishing things had been different, wishing you had, had a parent like the great parents one of your friends had. Even if you still miss your hateful parent, you still long for what could have been."
I believe that people are still searching hard to find purpose and meaning for their lives, they wish their experiences with church and religion had been different and they are still longing for what could have been. How will we, the church, respond to these kinds of opportunities? Will we get it right? Are we willing to listen as they tell their pain-filled stories? Can we listen without judging? Will we validate their pain or try to minimize it? Where will they go to ask spiritual questions? If they come to you, will you respond with love?
Lord help us, Your church, to be that safe and loving space for people to come, just as they are, with their spiritual questions. Help us to love them with your strength, mercy, wisdom and compassion, so that they might encounter You.
Link to view the full article
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/margaret-wheeler-johnson/atheism-religion-doubt-faith_b_1172849.html?ref=tw
Creating safe spaces for conversations has become a reoccurring theme on several ministry projects I'm currently involved with. When I think of safe spaces for deep conversations the words intentional, honesty, trust, mutual respect, love, humility, authenticity, gentleness, and confidentiality all come to mind.
It made me wonder how many faith communities intentionally create safe
spaces for those who are not Christians to stop in and engage in conversations to explore, experience, debate
and perhaps even disagree with the claims of Christianity?
One of the things I often help church leaders think through is how they might help people move forward on their spiritual journey's: from being outside the church, to actively seeking , to surrender to Christ, on to growing as a believer. Does your church have a path in place to help people move from place to place as they grow?
Interesting Facts:
One of the biggest barriers for people outside the church: their own negative experiences with church, Christians and/or those they considered to be religious people.
(based on eleven years of my own experience, engaging non-Christians in conversations about spiritual questions: 80% of the people I spoke with had a bad religious/church experience)
The first step for many seekers who came to faith in Christ learning to trust a Christian
(2000 new converts were interviewed about their spiritual journey in Don Evert's book
I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus) A great read by the way!
Safe spaces for seekers to engage in no pressure conversations about spiritual questions, often allows God the freedom and space He needs to break into individual lives. Can you locate those safe spaces within your faith community?
A friend posted this wonderful poem and I loved it so much I thought I would share it. It's history is amazing and it's words powerful. A beautiful definition of pure faith and trust. Hope you enjoy.
"The Gate of the Year" by Minnie Louise Haskins (1875-1957)
"I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'
So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.
So heart be still!
What need our human life to know
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife of things
Both high and low,
God hideth his intention."
"This poem was written in 1908 by Minnie Louise Haskins, an American
lecturer at the London School of Economics, who wrote as a hobby. It
was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth the late Queen Mother, who showed
it to her husband King George VI. He included it in his famous
Christmas message broadcast in 1939 at the beginning of the Second
World War. After the King's death the Queen Mother had it engraved on
bronze plaques on the entrance to the King George VI Memorial Chapel,
Windsor, where both are now interred. It was also read at the funeral
I just returned from a road trip to spend some down time with dear friends. I love to travel, and I love adventure, especially when it involves exploring new territory! On the drive back to Boston however, I made a wrong turn on the highway and wound up in the heart of NYC in some not so glamorous neighborhoods. Those of you who know me, understand that I am directionally challenged and despite the use of modern technology (the GPS), I often find myself veering off course somehow. My anxiety began to mount as time passed, nothing looked familiar, pan handlers approached my car when stopped at red lights, graffiti and burned out cars lined my horizon and there were no signs to help me find the interstate.
I decided it was time to start praying. I realized that God knew exactly where I was (Psalm 139) so therefore I could not be lost (denial or faith I am still not sure...) When I reminded myself that I was not alone, and that the God of the universe was indeed with me, my perspective began to change. My anxiety was replaced with peace and I began to view my unscheduled detour as a divine adventure! (crazy right) Soon I began to sit back and enjoy the ride, the skyline, NYC cabs, streets filled with people. I drove by the piers where an aircraft carrier was docked, I saw various types of aircraft displayed on the decks (how awesome and surprising was that) and then suddenly as I rounded the curve the Statue of Liberty came into view, a truly majestic and glorious sight and then before I knew it, I was back on the highway with the George Washington bridge in sight. As I headed down the interstate, I thanked God for this unexpected divine adventure, for replacing my anxiety with His peace and for reminding me that even when I feel lost, off course, and afraid...there is nowhere I can wander where He is not present.
Our journey with God is an exciting adventure (sort of reminds me of an Indiana Jones movie) There are things in store for us around every corner. Opportunities for spiritual growth await us and leaps of faith will be required. But we don't need to fear the unknown, because God has already gone before us.
I was reminded yesterday that we are heading into a new year and there are 365 blank pages of our stories waiting to be written.Before us are hidden countless opportunities for divine adventures with God, if we allow Him to write our story. And when God is silent or we feel we may have veered off course and lost our way, let's remember that God is still with us and that He is indeed for us.
But It made me think, "Ohhhh if only mobilizing the church to share their faith could be this easy"! Why don't we sheep launch? Why do we prefer to stay in and get fat? How is it we so easily forget how precious the lost ones are to our Heavenly Father? Why is there a failure to launch? 
