Tag: Church accountability

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

The Key to a Blessing

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Key to a Blessing

 So call me crazy… again. Over the years I’ve been blessed with a few musical instruments, most as gifts and some I’ve purchased. But through a couple of friends I was taught to dedicate those to the Lord for the purpose of glorifying the Kingdom. When we’d get a new instrument we’d meet with the preacher or have a time of dedication as musicians and it has always been a blessing. So scroll forward from those days to this past week and the purchasing of a new used car for myself. I realize that I could have likely purchased someone else’s problems, I am still “jump and the net will appear” Shari. I think sometimes there is a fine line between faith and stupidity with me. It is not beyond me to make a decision based on a twenty minute time frame, and for the record, God doesn’t always like time constraints. Sometime He’d like us to ponder a decision, mull it over in our minds and chew on it a while to see if the flavor is just right.

Unfortunately, that’s not how I work.

I pass by a car lot, something shiny catches my eye and I’m ready to purchase. Then reality sits in as I look at the price tag. But before I could get back in my car and off the lot the vultures have circled me and they’re pretty sure that they can hook me up with something within my price range. To top it all off, my car (which had a really bad owner, namely me) has an engine that sounds like a busload of Baptist at a housing project on a soul winning mission. It’s knock, knock and knocking and before you know it, I’m driving off the lot in something shiny. Bada-bing-bada-boom, that’s how life works.

Now I’m driving down I-79 in my Jeep Compass with slightly higher mileage than should be on it thinking… what have I done? In my defense  (I feel like you’re judging me) I’d been praying to the Lord about my car; He and I were on the same page I’m pretty sure… it needed to go. I just wasn’t sure that this was the lot it needed to go on. But so it was in true impulse buying fashion.

The Lord has provided me with a car! Thank You Jesus! An instrument of service so to speak which I’ve determined needs to be dedicated to the Lord. So Sunday morning I approach our interim Pastor and asked him if he’d mind dedicating my car that evening. I think he thought I was joking, but in true seasoned Pastor form, he caught himself before he laughed out loud and said “You’re serious?”

So Sunday evening, in a little bigger dedication service than I had planned, he dedicated my car before the congregation of the Lord. They too probably thought I’d lost my mind. But that’s okay because I knew it was the right thing to do for a number of reasons.

First – Because God knows how I take care of a vehicle. It needs blessed.

Secondly – Because that vehicle is an instrument that’s going to be used for the service of the Lord. Instruments of service are not limited to the cups and offering plates in the sanctuary of the Old Testament temple. That car gets me from point “A” to point “B” on many ventures of the Lord’s service as well as secular service. My motor oil needs the anointing of God to keep it running in top form.

Brother Dennis prayed and God poured His blessings down upon me, and my soul was satisfied that the Jeep Compass in the parking lot was now the property of God.

Micah 4:13 says  ~ Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

My hoofs aren’t brass, they’re likely some other form of metal but they are consecrated to the Lord. I believe it’s biblical.

The blessing didn’t only ask for a commitment from God to take care of the instrument of service but it also put a responsibility on me to take care of the Lord’s property. Call me crazy… it’s okay. My family already knows it. But I don’t mind being a fool for Christ. That’s biblical too.

Posted in Life Inspiration

If King David were on Facebook?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on If King David were on Facebook?

bible-facebook

What if King David were on Facebook? That’s the warped question I asked this morning as I read Psalm 55. David is angry at some guy in Church who’s forsaken him, and he’s extremely vocal about it.

Psalm 55 reads in verses 13-16

But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.  We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.

I thought to myself… “Boy, it’s a good thing their synagogue didn’t have a Facebook page or that status update would have been ugly!”

It may have read:

Text Box 1

Actually David was pretty creative in the writing department; his would have likely been a lot more flowery. But it’s probably a good thing there was no social media back in the day. As a matter of fact it might be good if there wasn’t any today. It’s gotten so out of hand it defies logic. I heard a statement that said “Before you write that post you should ask yourself ‘is this something I want to explain on a future job interview?” I thought that was a great question! Well my question is “Is this something I want to explain to God face to face?”

When He and I are standing before “The Book”, you know the one, the “Book of Life” that outlines all I’ve ever said and done, what’s my status update going to be then?

text box 2

Think before you type people! I don’t want to make light of David’s situation or yours. After all David’s enemies wanted him dead. Yours just likely wants you humiliated and wishing you were dead, but it’s still pretty traumatic. I get that, I really do. I too have been on the edge of my keys wanting to lash out at some idiot who made my life miserable. Last night as a matter of fact. And then it occurred to me that I really have enough to answer to God for, ruining my testimony on Facebook doesn’t need to be another one.

Social media has made it possible for people to seem unaccountable for hurting people. Facebook is faceless for the most part. Other than a profile pic (which can stir up the fire within you more if it’s a smug looking pic). But it makes it very easy to say things you wouldn’t dare say in person. Or to write innuendos, knowing full well the person for whom they’re intended will likely figure them out… oh you’re so good!

But there will be a day of accountability. A face to Face book meeting. Think about it. I doubt you’ll be LOL-ing.

Posted in Church attendance, Life Inspiration

Too Stressed for Rest?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Too Stressed for Rest?

stressed

This morning found me taking a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time in my life when all the cares and weight of the world laid upon the backs of my parents who were more than capable of handling the load. My Dad went to work and my stay at home Mom labored to keep heart and home in check throughout the week. Saturday’s came, and for me it meant cartoons on the couch or an occasional chore, but for my mother it meant preparing as much as possible ahead for Sunday. The Lord’s Day. Not just any day but a day of rest. Saturday was preparation day so that after church, even Mom could rest a minute.

Today Saturday’s are filled with housework, yard work, trips to the store or weekend getaways and preparation for Sunday begins at 9 a.m. Sunday morning for most families as they rush to get ready for church, if they’re even going. I’m not throwing stones, just stating a fact (one for which I lived out for many years prior to salvation.) Sunday for me was the day of guilt. I was raised better than to stay at home on Sunday, yet the freedom of adulthood allowed me that privilege and I took advantage of it at every possible opportunity. After all, I was in the workforce now, I needed the rest; and well, Sunday was better than Saturday, because Saturday I had things I wanted to do – like play. Ahem…. I’m preachin’ now!

I’m not a preacher, but King Solomon was when he penned the words in Ecclesiastes 12:10 ~  ”The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.”

Solomon searched to find words that would be both acceptable in the ears of man and right in ears of God that would encourage the congregation of the Lord. Words of truth. I seek those same words this morning as I write in hopes of encouraging a believer (or non-believer) to reconsider the purpose of the weekend.

I know lives are busy… hello… look at my own! I have something practically every day and evening of the week. So I get why someone, especially a young parent says, I need the rest. But the problems come when they miss the rest. The rest is Sunday, in the Lord’s house. The rest is what comes from hearing the preaching of the Word of God which puts balance into our lives. Even the babies as they go to Sunday School class and interact with other families of faith realize that there’s a purpose in Sunday. And bit by bit seeds are sown into the entire family that makes life better Monday through Saturday.

It’s my prayer as you read this, that it stirs your heart for Sunday morning and today you’ll begin preparing and determining that there will be a difference in Sunday. It will be set aside for rest for the body and soul. Perhaps you’ll even share it with someone else that you know has been to stressed for rest.

In the whirlwind of modern life, the constant hustle and bustle often leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It’s in these moments of anxiety that we yearn for solace and relief. While rediscovering the sanctity of Sundays and the rest it offers can provide a spiritual and mental reprieve, individuals grappling with anxiety might seek additional support.

Embracing holistic approaches to managing anxiety, such as incorporating mindfulness practices and natural remedies like Organic CBD Nugs, can create a profound difference. Organic CBD, known for its potential to promote relaxation and ease anxiety, can serve as a gentle companion on the journey to finding inner peace. Just as Sundays are a sanctuary for the soul, exploring these natural remedies might be the sanctuary for the mind, providing a pathway to tranquility in the face of life’s challenges.

Here it is, you likely knew it was coming if you’ve ever heard the verse… Hebrews 10:25 ~ “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Exhortation! Encouragement! Who doesn’t need it? Hope to see you in church tomorrow!

Posted in Church Unity, Life Inspiration

An f5 Transition

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on An f5 Transition

Nine months ago Victory Baptist Church set on the brink of uncertainly with our Pastor of 21 years leaving and there was a gamut of emotions within me. I feared being leaderless, I had concerns over what a new leader’s ideas might be and what my role would be in the church, I had trepidation for my co-workers in Christ, how would they weather this storm we were about to go through and would the storm be a breeze or would it be an f5 tornado; and who would be left standing when the wind died down? I had faith that I’d be one of them, but also the reality that I’d seen many others in the faith who’d walked away from God in good times, so I knew I wasn’t invincible. Over nine months we’ve gone through the F5 phases of transition: fear, fret, frustration, fatigue and praise God, faith!

So last night as I watched my new Pastor, Steven Carter, announce his resignation to his current church my heart sunk a little for them. Not as much, because their circumstances are far different from ours; he was a co-pastor with his father. Therefore their transition is more the adjustment to the filling of roles that Pastor Steven played and missing his family’s presence in their congregation, which I don’t make light of. Things that are different are not the same… I think someone wrote a book about that once. Oh yeah… my new Pastor’s father! But even though our circumstances are different, there is one thing for certain, the transitions in life are usually only enjoyable at completion. That middle part… it’s rough.

Life transitions… childhood to adult, single to married, full nest to empty next, job to job, location to location… the list is endless. Life is ever changing. And Solomon, the wisest guy of all said it well in Ecclesiastes 7:8 when he said “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”

It’s great when we get to the position in life where everyone’s comfortable in their place and content with that stage of life, but when things are a little shaky and uncertain there’s a humility necessary. You tend to rely on one another more and turn to God more frequently than before. I’m speaking tomorrow at a ladies retreat about how “epic failure equals expert.” So can transition. It’s a learning experience. Now that we’re almost to the other side of this phase in our church we can draw from that for future transitions. This was a first for many of us. I’d had only one Pastor since salvation in 1996, that’s about to change!

I’ve seen others not fare so well in the transition. Their f5 was full of fault finding, falsehoods, forsakenness, foolishness and fussin’. And what it left was devastation. Transition success is relational. It’s not leaving one to never return, it’s about moving down the road to the next phase. The road’s still open (unless you burn the bridge). But it’s good to travel back down the road from whence we came and pull from those experiences, and talk to those people to remind us of the lessons we learned in that phase. That’s why transitioning correctly can make you an expert.

Is Victory Baptist Church an expert? We had less than glowing moments, but they were short lived. And because of that, the ties that bind us are even tighter. We depended on each other, a lot! We talked a lot along transitions road, sometimes healthy conversations, sometimes not. But the point of the matter is as we’re nearing the end of our phase, another church is just beginning theirs. Life…. Forever changing. It’s best to stay in the slow lane when transitioning from place to place, enjoy the view…roll the windows down and get some fresh air… stop and ask directions…. Fill your tank up… keep travelin’…. Enjoy the destination when you arrive. But don’t drive your tent pegs too deep!

Posted in Christian Service, Easter, Life Inspiration

He’s Singin’ Our Song!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on He’s Singin’ Our Song!
Isaiah 49:1-6
The Servants Song – a Holy Week Message

 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me; And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.  And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.  And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

He’s Singin’ our Song!

When Jesus sings you a song, you really should come to the concert! This is the second of four servant songs in the book of Isaiah. You’ll find the others in 42:1–9; 50:4–11; 52:13–53:12). It struck a chord in my heart because it’s sung to me specifically. “Listen, O isles” refers to the Gentiles. That’s us! We were called the isles of the gentiles in Genesis 10:5 ~  By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. So here in the book of Isaiah we find God singing us a song of redemption because even then He knew that the Jews, His chosen, would reject Him (Then I said, I have laboured in vain,). How heart wrenching a statement if that were the end of the story. But the end of the story didn’t come until Calvary when He became a light to the Gentiles and His servant’s song is continually sung through the Church that we now serve.

He Saved us to Serve

Here we are in the midst of Holy Week, the week that changed the world forever and I see so many unchanged. I’m even guilty myself. We’re called to be the light of Christ for the world but deed there are times that I don’t feel much brighter than a small candle flame in a dark house. I fail God daily and most churches are far from lighting the path to Calvary, but rather they illuminate the rights of Christians, focusing far more on the fact that our sins are covered than on Whose blood it was that covered our sins. We’ve also forgotten that we’re called to serve.

From the womb Jesus knew He was God, and the purpose for which He was being born was to die in our place. And I fully believe that in the recesses of our minds is our own calling from the time we are conceived. Jeremiah 1:5 (one of my favorite verses) says ~ Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

You can choose to ignore Jesus’ song and His reminder that you’re called to serve, or you can experience the greatest opportunity in life which is to light the pathway for souls to Heaven. Have a blessed week!

Posted in Uncategorized

Who Then is Willing?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Who Then is Willing?

It’s Sunday! My favorite day of the week. I spent the bulk of my Saturday preparing for a Sunday two weeks from now. During our Easter Cantata I’ll be putting the finishing touches on 7 paintings as the choir sings; paintings that for me tell the Easter story. I hope I’m “writing” one that the congregation can understand, sometimes my warped way of thinking doesn’t connect the dots like everyone else. But what a privilege it is to have your hands used by the Lord, especially when you know that there are likely more skilled hands in the congregation of the Lord for such a work as this.

In 1st Chronicles 29:3-6, King David is getting ready to pass the holy baton to his son, Solomon for the building of the temple. But before he does he lays a charge to the congregation of the Lord about their responsibilities for the house of the Lord.

Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house. Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal: The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord? Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly,

The charge still stands:

Setting your affection

Sunday mornings don’t come easy for any of us; the last thing Satan is going to do is allow a child of God an easy ride to worship. He’ll use any and all methods of distraction to make sure that your heart and mind are in a thousand other directions and not on the things of God. Setting your affection is a lot like the setting of the foundation of the house of the Lord. It’s putting the idea of your service in concrete so that no matter what other things arise in life your heart is set on serving Christ.

Sacrificing your assets

David summed it up in verse 14 when he said “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” The reality of the matter is you’re not sacrificing your assets, you’re returning the smallest of portion which God gave you to begin with, and what a privilege to be able! It’s also a mindset. Given the choice, most will choose to keep it for themselves.

Submitting your artistry

Everyone has talents! And David as leader searched those talents out and used them all in the building of the house of the Lord. Our church house may be built but the church is far from finished, else God would have called us home. I hope today you’ll discover a talent worthy of the Lord’s service either in you, or in someone you lead and when God asks “Who then is Willing?” your hand will be lifted high in praise and service for the Kingdom of God. “It’s me O Lord! Ready and Willing!!!”

Posted in Christian Service, Humor, Life Inspiration

A Conversation from the Back Seat

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on A Conversation from the Back Seat

A post on my Facebook wall yesterday morning of the A&W Root Beer Stand brought floods of memories of my own times with my parents at the drive in hamburger stand. What a treat to get to eat in the car! Now it’s the story of my life as I travel the roads of West Virginia. My favorite A&W story isn’t mine, it’s the story of Franklin Graham (Billy Graham’s son) from his book “Rebel with a Cause.” As a child he was picking on his sisters in the back seat of the car as and having been warned by his mother (Ruth Graham) that she was going to put him in the trunk if he didn’t stop, he wasn’t really concerned.  They were on the freeway in four lanes of traffic (heading to A&W or a like place) so he “knew” she wouldn’t stop there.  So he continued until he felt the car swerve out of traffic, across three lanes and on to the berm. She got out, pulled him out, and proceeded to put him in the trunk. He said he loved it. There were all kinds of toys in there. Car jacks and tools and such! When they got to A&W he thought, great, now I can get out. He hears him mom order their food, waits a while, hears the waitress return and then hears the car door open. Ruth Graham opens the trunk, hands Franklin his burger and, and shuts the lid again where he enjoyed his lunch and rode the trip back home. Lesson learned. Don’t doubt your Mom.

I’m not advocating this method of child rearing!  The Welfare department would be knocking on your door before the day was out and probably should be; that was dangerous! But it just goes to show how times have changed. We’ve learned some lessons in raising children and we’ve failed in many other respects. In church it’s no different. We’ve learned much over the years but by the same token many of the old paths have long since been forgotten, traded for a newer shinier path that may or may not show you to Jesus. Church discipline is all but a thing of the past because the church no longer has the right to interfere in the lives of the members.

Well, for the record, God’s still calling the church to hold its members accountable. No… I’m not going anywhere with this. I really don’t know why it’s on my heart this morning, I only know it is. And if it only touches one person this morning, giving them the desire to walk the old path, then it’s been worth it. The world is watching… we’re supposed to be different.

We’re the kids in the back seat… not a good idea to run your mouth to the Father.

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

What Could Have Been Done More? ~

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on What Could Have Been Done More? ~

Christian help wanted

Isaiah 5:1-4 ~ Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.  And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

America has been a blessed land. God’s providence has been written across the pages from the beginning of time. It was founded on Christianity and battles have been fought and won time and time again for the continuation of that liberty. But as time goes on we see less and less of a stand for Christ. Even many of His very own churches for which He died for has turned their backs on Him, falling in line with liberal beliefs that you can have salvation without the blood off Jesus, killing children is okay, we are the alternative lifestyle and Christ is “a” way, not “the” way. It does not surprise me when unsaved people defend the right of wrong, but when the church does it they can accept their part in the slap given by the soldiers in Mathew 27:30 ~ “And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.”

This country was planted with the choicest of vine. Look back on the history of our founding fathers and political factions, and although they were not perfect men, their testimony of honor stands strong today. Now look at our political factions of today and scroll forward to the history books of our great, great, grandchildren and tell me if you see a story of American heroes or sour grapes and briars? Who would want to read our story?

There are few men of great moral fiber (actually just the renderings of a diet of much fiber if you get my gist).

Isaiah’s question “What could have been done more?” hit me hard this morning. God gave us His best. There was NOTHING else He could have done. But as for us… what is our excuse as the American Church for doing nothing? For allowing that nonsense in Washington to continue and saying that we have no right to step in. I personally don’t have the answer, but I have the desire. If I seen the right leaders stepping up for the coming elections I certainly would fall in behind them. As well as in my local community. But they have to be Christian leaders, else we’ve done nothing more than the world, which is what has us in this predicament now.

I hope we’re all prayin’ and I hope God will answer with some strong Christian men and women to stand up for the America we read about in History. Not for the one that’s going down in History.

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Leave the Weather to God

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Leave the Weather to God

Job 38:31

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

T. De Witt Talmage once said “Of all the sweet influences that have ever blessed the earth those that radiate from Christ are the sweetest.”

As winter winds down… at least I hope so, cabin fever has set in, my bones ache from the cold and it wouldn’t break my heart if I never had to drive on an ice covered road through the hills of West Virginia. But if the Farmer’s Almanac holds true I might as well get over it because winter is still the season I’m in. I have no influence over climatic conditions, other than possibly moving to another climate; but as it stands now that’s not going to happen. So why do we spend so much time stressing about things for which we have no influence on and so little time influencing those things we can.

We can influence the economy

If all Christians who say they’re Christians gave as they should give (tithes and offerings) what affect do you think it would have on the economy of the United States? I dare say we wouldn’t be in the shape we’re in. As it was in the days of Malachi 3:8 -10 so is it today ~ Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

We could influence the economy through the blessing of God if we so chose.

We can influence political decision makers

If all Christians voted Christian morals and not party lines what affect would it have on the nation? Deuteronomy 17:15 spells God’s design out when He said Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. These are those who God blesses. And yet we choose to talk about the weather.

We can influence community

In Matthew 5:13 we’re told that Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Christians are the seasonings of life! We flavor the community… be it bitter or sweet.

 We can influence family

God’s ultimate plan is have us together in a perfect world, but the only way that can happen is if our friends and family know Christ as their Savior. It is our influence that will get them there. Ephesians 2:3-7 ~ Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

We need to be about our Father’s business… leave the weather to Him.

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

I have issues…

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on I have issues…

I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. I love and hurt deeply. People are important to me… I like stuff… but mostly stuff that connects me to people. But connecting to people opens up your life for scrutiny, and it’s not always healthy. People will look at you and judge a snapshot of time which has taken a movie reel to produce. While my family and I were “connecting” at my Mother’s dinner table yesterday after church, the subject of mental health came up. No comments from the peanut gallery… remember… this is a snapshot – not a movie. J But it was a pretty heavy subject with regards to the lack of access and seriousness of the issue. Those in need of mental health professionals are often lumped in to the criminal side of correction and a downward spiraling multi-generational effect occurs.

So why do I feel I’m qualified to discuss the issue… because I have an issue with it, and I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express a while back, and I guess that wisdom sticks with you for a while.

For 15 or so years I worked for the courts, prior to that for about 6 months I had a temporary hitch as file clerk for the Department of Health and Humans Resources. What I discovered was I could have brought the filing systems with me to the court, because many were the same names, generations of families; second and third generation offenders who were just living out what they had been taught by parents and grandparents. So what does that have to do with mental health? The court was looking at the snapshot instead of the movie. I know… they don’t have time. But that excuse doesn’t fix it and it ended up being why I left the courts, because we weren’t fixing anything. It was like a raw steak… which nauseates me… slap a BandAid on that baby and put it back out in the field, it’s not done. The jail time and fines didn’t finish the crime spree, it just left an open wound waiting to be infected again by something bad. There was no healing.

There were two stories that came to my mind this morning as I thought on the issue of mental health. One was the demon possessed man in the book of Mark and the other was the woman with the issue of blood.

Mark 5:15-20 ~  And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts. And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

Matthew 9:20-22 – And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

I know your argument, one was mental, one was physical. Yes… but they both had the same cure, and prior to their healing they were both outcasts in society. People didn’t get either one of their issues. And we haven’t progressed too far today. What the people didn’t understand they shunned.

Please understand that I’m not saying all criminals have mental health issues and need to be loved and nurtured to redemption… some people are just mean, and they need locked up. But I’ve seen too many people who if someone had looked at their movie instead of their snapshot they’d have seen an entirely different story. Praise God that Jesus knows the entire story line! And should we as Christians not spend a little time on the movie instead of the snapshot approach at what our people need.

I do tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, and sometimes my sleeve is also filled with other hearts as well. Today my heart is broken for a family that needs their movie viewed…

If today you should come across someone who’s life isn’t pretty… please take a little time to get the story behind the snapshot.