What are we really saying when we say these words:  "I am so blessed"

These words are often followed up in response to something good that has happened or is happening in our lives, but what does that really mean?  Are we only blessed when things are going well?  What is a blessing anyway?   Has it become just a cliche that we easily utter when we feel happy?  

Jesus' powerful, yet often misunderstood words in His sermon on the mount begins each point with "Blessed are those".  However, Jesus list of those that are blessed are not quite what we'd expect.  For example, we don't tell someone after hearing they have had a death in the family, "Wow, You are blessed."  We are much more likely to say that phrase when we see someone with a gorgeous wife, nice car, or large home.  Yes, Jesus says, "Blessed are those that mourn."  If you refer to Matthew 5 you'll see Jesus states that those that are happy (or blessed) are not those with the "perfect life", but instead those that face trials, those that must make hard decisions (like to be a peacemaker) and those that are struggling in weakness.  Yet the common thread in all of these tough situations that Jesus holds as "blessed" is that each and every one of those cause us to need God, to boast in our weakness and rely on the Creator's strength and trust in a Will of something greater than our own.

As we enter into Easter, let us not forget that a blessing does not just come from the beauty of the Risen Christ on that 3rd day, but from the pain of Jesus dying on our behalf just days prior.  We are not blessed bc Christ lives, but because of the struggle and pain Jesus endured that allows us to live free from sin today.  

Next time, you are tempted to say, "I'm so blessed" consider is this drawing me closer to God?  If not, what is the hardest part of your life right now?  Just maybe this is where God wants to bless you.

The New Year

       Her voice whispers (drenched in confident assurance), "You know if they would send that 15.00 to a family that needs food instead of wasting it on lottery tickets it would be so much better".  I must admit (as I agreed with a nod and a smile) she had a good point.  However, is she correct in her thinking?  Is it really that simple?  Is what I have been trying to instill in my children what's right according to God's word (even if it is a better approach to living to share rather than gamble)?  Am I creating judgmental people?  As I look back on 2013 and all that God has shown me and taught me about loving others and mission I realize I still have far to go.

       My daughter (at the sweet age of ten) knows my thoughts simply because I often share them without saying a word.  She sees where I spend my time, she witnesses where I spend my money, she knows what upsets me and she knows what I'm passionate about.  I think of the well known words of Saint Franis Assisi, "Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary use words".  What a beautiful idea, but does my life preach the gospel?  

      I would like to think that knowing that it's better to invest in lives than to waste away money on a one in a million chance is a good example of discipleship and I am teaching my daughter well.  On the flip side, just as I begin to feel puffed up and proud that my daughter knows what's best... I realize I have just applauded her (and myself) for being judgmental.

       So what is this gospel we are supposed to live?  This good news that our lives should display.  Is it reaching out to those in need?  Is it knowing what's most important in life?  Is it empowering others with our lives?  I believe the good news encompasses all of these things yet isn't the gospel the fact that God loved us so much that he sacrificed for us?  Something so dear to him...his own son.  Why?  Simply because of a love so deep.  A genuine authentic love that can't be duplicated in our fleshly form.

  So, while I would love to tell my sweet Audrey, "Yes, giving to those in need is better than gambling away what God has given us."  I think a better approach is to say.  "My love, giving to those in need is very important and all of our blessings are given to us for God's purpose, but we shouldn't stand in judgment of others, because here's the thing: We don't know his story.  Only God does and perhaps today that lottery ticket for a brief moment gave him hope in something.  While we both know it's not a lasting hope (because only God can give us that) just for today maybe that man needed to spend that 15.00 on that lottery ticket to have hope.  Instead, let's pray for him and pray that God will fill his heart and shower him with the love and hope that only God can give.  Then maybe tomorrow he will be able to choose differently."  

    My prayer for 2014 is that God will continue to stretch and grow me.  That God will teach me to love unconditionally, to empower and pray for others to live fully into His plan without judgmental thoughts of their choices.  "Let us love one another, for love is from God and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."  1 John 14:27  

Re-thinking Christmas Charity

A couple weeks ago I posted about my struggle with black Friday and the idea of how we become "consumers" perhaps even to the point of being greedy. Since then I have witnessed many of those that consume giving in big ways through angel trees, church charities and even through local businesses.

This time of year lends itself to an outpouring of mercy to others. Now, God is revealing to me that with mercy we must also be just. Justice in the form of charity should look something like dignity for those we help. I urge you to think about your donations, your gifts...are they furthering those you help, or just perpetuating their poverty and tearing down their sense of worth?

My struggle now is what this actually looks like. A model of charity that empowers rather than enables. God calls us to love and to set His people free through empowerment not through dependency. My heart aches to help those in need, but I don't desire to do so at the expense of their dignity. Often we help with great intentions not realizing we are making the poor feel even poorer.

Consider offering help in which someone is a partner with you rather than only being a recipient. This does require more of an investment on our part, but is our giving for us to feel good, or to truly help. I, by no means have all the answers. I just think God is revealing this to me through my own errors in giving. I pray that God will continue to lead me and direct me into healthier ways of showing love and mercy that is accompanied with justice. "He has shown you, Oh mortal, what is good and so what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8