Hope – FayreneClarkReese.com

THE BEST OF FRIENDS

THE BEST OF FRIENDS

The Jones girls and I have been friends for seventy-five years, a quarter of a century. Think about it! I received calls from both of them this past week—one from Oklahoma City and the other from Salinas, California. Those calls started me thinking about friendship and what a true friend really is.

I remembered a song from the show, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” It says:

“A kiss on the hand may be quite continental,

But diamonds are a girl’s best friend…

Men grow cold, as girls grow old,

And we all lose our charm in the end.

But square-cut or pear-shaped

These rocks don’t lose their shape.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

I have never owned a lot of diamonds, but I suppose if I had an endless supply, I could purchase the things needed for a comfortable life. Alas, not even the “Hope Diamond” can buy acceptance, warmth, companionship, and love—those qualities indispensable to true friendship.

Dogs are often referred to as “Man’s best friend.” My brother inherited his dog from his granddaughter. Lani grew up, got married, and left Snuggles behind. I never believed my brother would become so engaged with a dog, but when he lost both his wife and daughter within a year of each other, he was terribly alone except for Snug. This “gentleman pup,” as my brother calls him, was there. He was there to listen, to offer a warm paw, and a companionship unlike any other. He was something to love and care for, and a perfect sleeping buddy. This sweet little creature, with an indomitable spirit, exuded a sense of warmth, loyalty, and kindness, regardless of my brother’s demeanor. The reason we call dogs “man’s best friend” is simple. Dogs allow us to be their best friend, and yet, that is not enough. There is still something missing.

Only another human being can fit perfectly into that space existing in every person—that space labeled “best friend.”

I thought of the Jones Girls when I read this quote from C.S. Lewis. He said:

“For a Christian, there are no chances. A secret Master of Ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” can truly say to every group of Christian friends, “You have not chosen one another, but I have chosen you for one another.” The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others.”

So meeting Patsy Ruth was not by chance. God must have been involved when she showed up in my third-grade classroom so many years ago. Her middle name was Ruth and my middle name was Ruth. Don’t you know that was enough for two little girls to decide, “Our friendship was meant to be?”

Throughout our elementary years Pat and her older sister, Wanda, came and went. I had no idea the Jones family were itinerated farm workers. They followed the harvest from Texas to Arizona, to California and back again. I didn’t know why they were gone, but when they came back, we came together again as though they were never absent.

I spent a lot of time with the Jones family. Buck and Inez were like second parents. When we were in high school, the family finally settled in Salinas, California. Though we never lived close again, we did not lose each other. The girls and I boarded Grey Hound buses and visited back and forth. We went to college together. I sang at their weddings and loved on their babies. We grieved at our losses and celebrated our victories. These days, we don’t get around as much as we used to, but we still keep in touch by phone, and I plan to live next door to them in heaven.

Friends come in all shapes and sizes. A true friend really gets you. They like you flaws and all. They fight for you, respect you, include you, encourage you, need you, deserve you, and stand by you.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells us “It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. …if one falls the other helps…Two in bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst…”

The Jones girls walked into my life and said, “We’re here for you and proved it

So take your pick—diamonds, dogs, or someone like the Jones Girls, and if none of these work for you, Proverbs 18:24 assures us,

“… there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

That friend is Jesus. Best friends sometimes fail, but He will never fail you.

When we come to the end of ourselves, God has just begun. The song writer put it this way.

“His love has no limit. His grace has no measure.

His power has no boundary known unto men.

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He gives and gives and gives again.”

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS!

REMEMBER, THE SUN WILL COME OUT TOMORROW!

SET YOUR SMILE FREE

My husband was diagnosed with an inoperable aortic aneurysm. The aorta would eventually rupture, and Cecil would suffer a painful death. We spent the next seven weeks in and out of the hospital, but mostly we spent quiet days at home. Cecil devoted himself to tying up loose ends and thinking about heaven. My time was spent trying to entice him to eat,

For some reason, we didn’t go to church during those weeks. I’m not sure why. I do know that Cecil was a very private person, and perhaps he did not want to expose himself to all that attention, but I missed church. I missed the support of my friends.

Cecil died on a Saturday afternoon. I was in church the next morning, but I felt strange, self-conscious, shy of people and what they might say. For the first time in my life, I did not know how to conduct myself.

We always sat in the second row on the right side of the center aisle. That was our place. I so looked forward to sitting where Cecil sat his arm draped across my shoulders. However, strangers had long since filled that space. I felt so alone wishing I had not come.

During “Meet and Greet” time, when congregants mill around hugging and shaking hands, a gentleman, whom I knew only slightly, walked across the aisle, put his arms around me, and let me cry on his shoulder. He said not a word. Instead, he laid his hand gently on my cheek, smiled into my eyes and returned to his seat.

Sunday after Sunday, for several weeks, he showed the same kindness. He gave a part of himself to me, and in so doing, he helped heal my hurt.

Many years ago, when my life was one big disappointment, my faith was in question, and joy and gladness had been taken from my plentiful field, I asked why. Why did I no longer experience the “joy of the Lord?”

A very wise man told me, “If you want joy in your life, you must learn to give yourself away.”

“You would be surprised,” he said, “at how much a lonely person would welcome a heartfelt smile.”

“There are so many lonely, hurting, needy people out there,” he continued. “At first you may not be able to do more than a smile, but as you make that effort, you will find yourself capable of more, and you will find the joy you are longing for.

By experience, I found that wise man’s counsel to be true.

For so long, because I was insecure, I had time only for those who made me feel good about me. When I began to look beyond my own needs to those of others—when I made an effort to reach out to them, I began to experience the joy that had been missing.

Most of us are too self-absorbed struggling to find the answer to our own needs.

A highly advertised dental business says that with their procedure they can “SET YOUR SMILE FREE.”

However, there is a better, less painful, less expensive way to obtain a free smile. The Holy Spirit will not only set your smile free, He will free your complete person to become a healer of broken hearts and pain-filled lives.

It is not necessary to be a preacher, a missionary or even a teacher in order to touch the needy. Just be you and God will use you.

Most people don’t want or even need another sermon. They need a smile, a touch, a listening ear, a story about what Jesus has done in your life. These things don’t cost a penny and require very little time. They can be accomplished in the checkout line, at the beauty shop, or in your driveway with a passing neighbor.

We are so blessed. Matthew 10:8 says, “… Freely you have received, freely give.”

Again in Matthew 10:48, “…if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones…he will certainly not lose his reward.”

Sunday evening, at home group, after more than five years, I had the opportunity to thank the gentleman, who stepped across the aisle to comfort me. He had forgotten. Not I!

Let our Lord “SET YOUR SMILE FREE!”

REMEMBER, THE SUN WILL COME OUT TOMORROW!

DOING IT OVER

When I was a child, my Saturday chore was to rake our gravel driveway – to rid it of stray leaves or any other bit of trash that had found its way there.

Raking the driveway was not a happily anticipated chore, so my efforts were sometimes half-hearted. Upon inspection, my Mama would often say, “Fayrene, you need to go back and “lick your calf over.” I never quite understood those words, but I knew, without a doubt, that I hadn’t done a good job, so I had to do it again.

The phrase, “lick the calf over,” is a rural, southern expression referring to the way a cow cares for her newborn calf. She spends much of the first few hours, after birth, licking her new baby. Among other reasons, she licks to form a bond and groom her calf removing the fetal membranes.

“Lick your calf over” means to re-do a job that was not done well.

Doing it over again, regardless of what the task is, is never pleasant. “Doing it over again,” always has a negative connotation. It means—you did something wrong or you didn’t do something right. It means carelessness or failure or simply a lack of “want to,” and it means multiplying precious time already spent.

My mother taught me to sew when I was a little girl. She taught me to sew the quick and easy way. She taught me certain shortcuts. However, in eighth grade, I found that I had been doing it wrong all those years. I couldn’t just pin seams. I had to baste them, but basting took too long. When my teacher caught me doing it the wrong way, the seams had to be ripped out and I had to start over. I hated that. Why couldn’t I do it my way—the fast way.

Four years ago I had my right knee replaced. Seven weeks ago I had my right knee replaced again. It was a “do over.”

My original surgeon didn’t want to touch it. He offered a brace or physical therapy, but I didn’t want to settle for a temporary fix, so I opted for a complete replacement. That meant finding a surgeon who would rip out the whole thing and start over. It was an aggressive surgery for someone my age. I think I’m glad he did it, or at least I will be someday.

Sometimes, in our journey through this life, something goes awry, and we make a royal mess of things. On occasion our mistakes can be easily fixed. Others are ruinous and hurtful throwing all of life off course.

Being human, often, our first inclination is to find a quick fix—an easy out. Just put a brace on it or shore it up with bailing wire, and get on with life. But braces and bailing wire are only temporary remedies dealing with the surface. They never really get to the source of the problem.

In 1969, Frank Sinatra introduced the song, “I DID IT MY WAY.” The song is about a man who lives his life, including failures, and losses, without any regrets. It seems to imply that he lived his life to suit himself without the consideration of others. The whole song smacks of arrogance. By the way, Sinatra grew to detest that song.

Proverbs 14:12 tells us, “There is a way that seems right unto man, but in the end it leads to death.”

I have a choice. I can arrogantly assume that I am always right insisting on doing it my way. Or understanding that I need council, I can cry with the Psalmist David (Psalm 25:4), “Show me your ways, O Lord. Teach me your paths…”

Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us why we need to know God’s ways. He says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.”

can’t fix my messes by doing it my way. That’s how I get into trouble in the first place.

So, how do I do it?

First, I must admit that it is my mess. I am at least, in part, responsible. I cannot play the blame game and expect to come to a satisfactory and healing solution. I must be willing to delve into the deep recesses of my own heart to the very moment when I veered off course. Only then can I begin to do it again—the right way this time.

It may be necessary to rip out a few seams. It may be necessary to perform surgery on the problem—starting from the beginning ripping out the old and replacing it with the new. A painful process!

Jeremiah 15:19, “Therefore this is what the Lord says: If you repent, I will restore you…”

Restoration calls for repentance—an admission of guilt and a plea for forgiveness. Restoration demands a “do over.” Repentance may mean making things right with a spouse, apologizing to a child or fellow employee. None of this is easy, especially when pride is at stake. It’s hard to say, “I was wrong!”

This is a very simple, but difficult formula. However, it is a formula that works.

If you need something restored in your life, ask God to show you His way.

Remember, the sun will come out tomorrow!

BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL

Gerald Brooks couldn’t read a lick of music, but he had a strong voice and an enthusiastic, positive attitude, so he became our church song leader. That was in the days before worship teams appeared, and organs and pianos, choirs and soloists disappeared.

There Gerald was, behind the pulpit on Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday evening, energetically pumping his arm up and down or back and forth, not always in time to the music. He chose the songs (his favorites) from our “Melodies of Praise” hymnal, so we often sang the same ones over and over—“There’s Within My Heart a Melody,” and “Since Jesus Came into My Heart.” We always sang three songs, and whether the song had three verses or thirty, we sang only three verses.

When I was very young, the choir was made up of those in the congregation who wanted to sing. It was as simple as that. When the pastor opened the service, he invited anyone, who wanted to be in the choir, to make his way to the platform. They came all ages, with broad smiles and lusty, not necessarily good voices, ready to worship.

There were no auditions. The choir was not trained. It was not practiced, nor did they know which songs they would sing. They were there to back up the song leader and, by example, encourage the congregation in worship.

I majored in music my first couple of years in college, so now I know. “WE DIDN’T DO IT RIGHT!” However, the memories of those simple, unstructured, unmanipulated times of worship, when hearts swelled, voices were lifted, hands were raised, in unrestrained, joyous praise to the God of heaven, are indelibly etched in the corridors of my heart.

As a child, I was part of that worship. I know we did not sound like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but in those moments, I am convinced God leaned over the balcony of heaven and savored every word of praise, every joyful shout ascending to His throne. Our simple and sincere praise blessed Him.

We often speak of God’s blessing upon our life—His mercy and benefits to us, but you must know that we also are called upon to bless Him. I just conferred with Mr. Webster. I was surprised to see that most of his dictionary entry defining “Bless,” and “Blessing” refer to our blessing God not the other way round.

He says, “To bless is “to give thanks to God the Father in a special manner, to speak gratefully to Him for His kindness, to honor in worship, to praise or glorify His name.”

In his book of songs, King David set a wonderful example for us.

Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Psalm 103:1, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”

Psalm 119:175, “Let me live that I may praise You…”

Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord…”

In essence, David is saying, “My purpose in life is to praise God by everything I do and say. Therefore, I will praise Him continually with all that is in me, and if you are breathing, you must do the same.”

We ask for and receive His blessing, but I am wondering how often we thank Him for His kindness—how often we praise and glorify His name. Not often enough, I would imagine. Yet, over and over again in His Word, we are admonished to praise Him—to bless him.

Why does He command us to bless Him? This God, who knows everything, can do anything and owns all that exists. Does He really need our praise? Surely He is not going to wither and vanish away if I do not bless Him. Truth is I can’t make God any bigger or any greater with my praise. So, why—

Actually, when I praise God, I am the one who benefits, and God knows that. It is God’s way of lifting me out of my slough of despond, away from my impossibilities, above the cares of this world, and into His marvelous presence. In His presence, there is fullness of joy. In His presence, I am encouraged, my faith is renewed, and I am strengthened to continue the journey.

It is true. Sometimes we are so obsessed with our needs that we cannot find a word of praise, and yet the scripture even asks us to sacrifice praise to God.

Hebrews 13”15-16, “…let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Our style of worship is not the issue. Whether or not it is polished and practiced is not what counts. It is the attitude of the heart and a grateful, loving spirit that attracts God’s attention, and causes His presence to inhabit our praise.

Remember, the sun will come out tomorrow!

DISAPPOINTMENTS

We all suffer disappointments from time to time. Some are fleeting while others may last a lifetime.

For months I have been plagued with pain that has made it almost impossible to walk more than a few feet. Because of obligations and other “THINGS,” I waited to make arrangements for surgery. Finding an Orthopedic surgeon to do a knee revision is not an easy task. Most will readily do the initial knee replacement but refuse to fix something you have messed up. That’s what I did. I messed up my knee falling on the pavement.

I was thrilled to find a doctor who would do the surgery and do it well. I actually counted the days until the scheduled operation—ten days, three days, only one day until I get some relief. I prayed every day that I would not fall again.

Yesterday morning, I was at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. I waited forever until everyone had his coffee. Then a sweet nurse took me back to prepare for this anticipated event. My pastor was there to pray with me, and dear, longtime friends came to see me through the ordeal.

During the course of disrobing, being poked with needles and answering interminable questions, Dr. Hudson, the anesthesiologist showed up. He was concerned about my Pace Maker and the fact that I am totally dependent upon it. After faxing my cardiologist for more information, Dr. Hudson came back to explain that it is possible during the surgery that some of the medical instruments could interfere with the Pace Maker. If such a thing occurred, they would have to send me by ambulance to another hospital, because being a specialty hospital, they have no cardiology back up.

The upshot was they would not do the surgery. They couldn’t take the risk. I was so disappointed! I was numbering the days until I would be mobile again. Of course, I didn’t want to die, but—

Four and one-half hours after being admitted, I left the hospital feeling deflated—overwhelmingly disappointed.

Later, I thought, “The only positive thing about all this is the delightful breakfast and visit I had with my good friends.” Then I thought again.

I remembered the extreme kindness of Dr. Hudson and the fact that I had a wonderful opportunity to talk to Kim, one of the nurses, about The Lord.

All of a sudden there was an explosion in my “pea brain.” I thought, “This doctor may have saved my life!”

If I believe what I say I believe, then God was not absent yesterday morning. He was right in the big middle of everything that happened.

I had prayed beforehand that God would guide the surgeon’s mind and hands, and enhance his skills, but I never imagined He would stop the surgery. God, however, knows what is best for me, and since I belong to Him, I must allow Him to command every situation. So, He was there. He stopped the surgery—the doctors following God’s direction whether or not they were aware.

Romans 8:28 says, “…we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

I believe that scripture. I really do, but I am not the spiritual giant that I may sometimes wish I were. When I awoke this morning, I thought, “I should be in rehab today beginning the therapy that will put me on my feet again. Instead, I have three more weeks of pain and immobility to look forward to.” I was not happy!

I do love God. He has called me to be His child, and slowly, as I allow, He is working His purpose in my life, but I want to know right now, what is the purpose of this royal mess-up— why didn’t someone recognize the problem, when arrangements were being made?

However, in reflection, I realize the Holy Spirit has given me a whole list of Whys.

The few hours I spent in the hospital Monday morning I had the opportunity to show a joyful spirit, and to witness of God’s goodness to a needy soul. What if that is her only witness?
The anesthesiologist saved my life proving once again God’s love for me.
I had wonderful fellowship with people whom I love and seldom see.
As I wait for the next three weeks for surgery at another facility, I have the opportunity and the time to draw closer to God—to know Him more intimately. What a wonderful possibility!

Surely there are more “WHYS,” and the greatest one I may never know, but something good will come out of all this. God said so!

Don’t fuss at God about your disappointments. Don’t let them defeat you. Remember God is there in the midst of them, and He will “work it together for your good” and for His purpose.

REMEMBER, THE SUN WILL COME OUT TOMORROW!

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

I am back! I had a long summer! Surgery and recovery, but I am glad to be back with a new post!

I was saddened a few days ago to hear of the death of Anthony Bourdain. Mr. Bourdain was an acclaimed chef, a world traveler, food expert, author, and an award-winning television personality. After thirty years as a fine dining chef, he left that arena to travel the world.

Bourdain, who, in his early years, was a macho, unrepentant, drug-loving chef, became a crusader for the hungry of this world. He said he would eat anything, go anywhere and say anything. He also said he was famous for his optimism, and eating was the thing he did best.

Traveling the globe he rubbed shoulders with the elite and shared meals of questionable substance with remote tribal people. He searched for obscure cuisine and unknown restaurants, and explored politics and history, life and love with locals over a plate of food and drink, and—

Last week, at the age of 61, he hanged himself in the bathroom of his suite at a luxury hotel in Kayersburg, France.

His mother said, “He had everything!” He had success beyond his wildest dreams, and money—more than you can imagine.

“I want it ALL! I want to try everything once,” he had declared.

Some believe that he was on a quest to seek out and understand the “Human Condition.” He wanted to find the answers to the great questions of life.

However, in his journey to try EVERYTHING, he arrived at NOTHING. In all his experiences, in everything he had tried, he found no answers to the questions that plagued his troubled heart. Unable to face the unbearable misery of depression and disappointment, he thought to end it all by taking his own life.

What is meant by the “Human Condition?”

Simply put, it is “The Meaning of Life”—the characteristics, key events, and situations which compose the essentials of human existence.

The real problem in human life comes from the existence of good and evil. We are capable of doing terrible things, but we can’t seem to figure out why we do them nor how to stop it.

Why are we competitive, aggressive and selfish when our originally instinctive state was cooperative, selfless and loving?

Years ago, I gave up my work toward a doctorate in counseling, because I couldn’t figure out myself. How in the world would I ever be able to help anyone else?

Truth is, on our own, we are unable to understand ourselves or anything else.

Do you sometimes wonder what life is all about—why you were born, how do you find happiness, why this world is in such a mess?

Trying to figure out all of this can result in unbearable depression and no answers.

Though I have seen him on television a few times, I am not particularly interested in the life of Anthony Bourdain. However, when I see a life that has enjoyed it all and yet ends in such terrible despair, I can’t help but wonder how he arrived at such a place.

I must tell you, “I am privileged—I am blessed.” Never once in all my life, even during the darkest of times, have I ever thought of ending it all by taking my life. I have never come near such a thought, for from my earliest days I have known the answer to these difficult questions.

The answer to all our questions lies in Father God our Creator, God who sacrificed the life of His own Son, so that we can live, God who loves this human race and longs for its reciprocal love.

This world is in a mess because man decided to do his own thing rather than obeying God.

Obey, demand, command, laws—these are negative words to us. Yet, living in obedience to God results in the most positive, joyful, productive life ever imagined.

Let me give you the highlights of Leviticus 26:3-13. God says, “If you live by my decrees and obediently keep my commandments…” You will have more than enough to eat. Your country will be a place of peace and war will be eliminated. God will give you His full attention and cause you to prosper. He will live in your neighborhood and walk through your streets. He will be your personal God, and you will be free.

WOW! What promises for simple obedience! Isn’t it worth a try?

A few days ago, President Trump sat at the table with Kim Jong Un trying to fix some of this world’s problems through diplomacy, but in the end, diplomacy doesn’t work, war doesn’t really solve anything, and walls don’t end the problems.

From the beginning of the human race, God had the answer. “Obey me!”

If you are struggling today, and all your avenues of relief have turned into “Dead Ends,” there is still hope. He is our hope! God, who created this world and all that is in it—God, who formed man his is own image, has never found a problem that He cannot solve. Hope in Him!

Remember, the sun will come out tomorrow!

THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS

THE MILK OF HUMAN KINDNESS

Walking across the parking lot toward the restaurant, I faced a fearful obstacle. With my cane and iffy balance, stepping up onto the sidewalk can be difficult and even dangerous. Fortunately, as I neared the step up, a gentleman approached.

“Sir,” I asked, “Do you mind helping me up?”

“Gladly,” he replied, as he smiled and proffered his hand.

Gratefully I thanked him. Then he went his way.

As I opened the restaurant door, I met two women coming out—one with a cane.

“Wasn’t it nice of that gentleman to help you the way he did, she asked?

“O, I asked him to help me,” I told her. “I gave up my pride a long time ago.”

Sitting with friends at lunch, I thought of the small, but numerous ways people have shown me kindness. Giving a hand, opening doors, picking up a dropped item, retrieving an object on an unreachable shelf—On Sunday morning, a lady at my church, takes my handbag and places it on my seat in the sanctuary, so that I can go to the coffee shop, saving me difficult steps—all small things, but oh, so appreciated.

I love the “Dignity Health” commercials “Hello Human Kindness.”

I’m sure you have seen two-year-old Marty Williams trying time after time to blow out the candle on his birthday cupcake. When he is finally successful with the straw his kind father produces, you can see the satisfaction and look of triumph on Marty’s sweet baby face.

My heart is touched when I see the truck driver, who stops to rescue a baby horse and put him back over the fence to join his anxious mama, and I smile as I see the reunited pair trot away.

Where does this kindness come from?

William Shakespeare is credited with coining the phrase, “The milk of human kindness.” To Lady Macbeth, “milk of human kindness” is distasteful stuff. Being ambitious, she fears that her “too kind” husband lacks the courage to murder King Duncan and snatch the Scottish Crown. As fluids go, Lady Macbeth is more inclined to murderous blood than nurturing milk.

As we listen to the news and observe things taking place around us, we can’t help but believe our nation has listed in that direction. We are so bombarded on every side by negativity, disease, and toxicity that, at times, it is almost impossible to see the good.

Yet, there are still good people in this world doing good things, and yes, there are people who give no credence to God—even evil people, who sometimes do good deeds. Even mean people love their dogs. This beggars the question: “What is the source of this goodness?

Goodness comes from the heart of God and no other place. When man was created, God invested him with a soul that tended toward human kindness. Sin and disobedience have all but obliterated that tender part of the soul in many people leaving them hardened to the needs of others.

I think of the story of the “Good Samaritan” found in Luke 10:25-37. Samaritans were hated by the Jews, but when thieves beat and wounded a Jew, in route to Jericho, leaving him half dead, it was a Samaritan who showed him compassion not a Jewish Levite or Priest.

In Luke 10:27, the Jewish law says, “You shall love…your neighbor as yourself.” In this case it was the hated Samaritan who proved to be a good neighbor and not the Jewish brothers.

We all have the power to heal—the true power of human kindness prompted by the love of God in us. The effect we can have on one another when we reach out and help ease each other’s pain is immeasurable.

Sighing and complaining and shaking our head do nothing to diminish the power of evil in this world. However, we do have a very real and powerful tool against it. The love of God exhibited in human kindness has the power to change this world individual by individual, as we reach out.

Galatians 5:22 tells us, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, KINDNESS…”

Kindness toward others will be the fruit of the abiding presence of the Spirit of God in your life.

In the story of the “Good Samaritan,” when asked, “Who was the neighbor to him who fell among thieves?” Jesus answered, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then he said, “Go and do likewise.”

YOU, GO AND DO LIKEWISE! Find someone who needs you—not necessarily someone who deserves your attention, but someone to whom you can be a true neighbor. Let the love of God flow as you minister to him. You can be an instrument of change in his life and in this world.

Remember, the sun will come out tomorrow!

COUNT YOURSELF BLESSED

I was awakened before dawn by the strange and unaccustomed song of the Muezzin calling the faithful of Islam to prayer.

I had just passed my first night in the great city of Istanbul, Turkey having been invited there to minister to the kids, while their missionary parents prayed and planned, worshipped and fellowshipped together.

This small band of missionaries had come from all over Turkey, where they lived and ministered incognito. For at that time, in the seventies, there were no missionaries in Turkey, not legally at least. These missionaries served as teachers, students, medical personnel business men, etc, but behind their books, their instruments, and desks, they took every opportunity to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This was my first foray into Asia Minor. Being a fairly new missionary myself, I was wide eyed and agog at the unfamiliar sights. My hosts were extremely kind and accommodating.

We visited the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, where 20,000 of Islam’s faithful worship at the same time. The Topkapi Palace, home of the Sultans, with its wealth and treasures, and the beautifully furnished and decorated Harem, was a sight to behold.

I suppose the Grand Bazaar, was one of the most fascinating places I have ever experienced. It is known as the world’s oldest shopping mall dating back to the 1400’s. It consists of 4,000 shops lining a warren of narrow, crisscrossing streets, where 250,000 – 400,000 visitors shop each day. It is unrivaled in Europe with regard to the abundance, variety and quality of goods. You can buy almost anything there.

However, as I oohed and aahed, shopped and stared, I was aware of an uneasiness—a heaviness in my heart. I realized I was surrounded by a multitude of people who, in spite of the fact that this had once been a Christian nation, knew nothing of the love of Jesus Christ.

When the early church survived persecution, the Christian Faith spread in Asia Minor, including Turkey, like wild fire. Because of the constant efforts of missionaries like the Apostle Paul, the blood of martyrs, and the unwavering faith of so many Christians, gradually the heathen lands of Turkey were receptive becoming a cradle of early Christianity.

The Apostle Paul was born in Turkey 568 miles southeast of Istanbul. He preached and taught, and established churches all over that part of the world. John, the Revelator was pastor and bishop of the church of Ephesus just 300 miles southwest of Istanbul, and Antioch to the far south, where Christ followers were first called Christians, is also the site of one of the earliest and oldest surviving churches—a church established by Saint Peter.

In the 11th century, The Ottoman Empire took over the country of Turkey, and made Islam the State Religion. The country is now 98% Muslim, and the land that still hosts hundreds of ancient abandoned churches became a country where less than 0.4% of the population is now Christian. My heart is sad.

Turkey now claims to be a secular state with freedom of belief and worship. However, those rights are restricted, and Turkey is often unwelcoming to today’s Christians.

When I was in Turkey that first time, I was told, continually, “Do not use the word ‘Missionary’ in Public. You never know who is listening.”

The word missionary has such a stigma that it is avoided like the plaque by every Christian in the land. Missionaries are called “separatists and destructive.” Converts and those who try to spread the Gospel are seen as traitors.

Yes, there is persecution in Turkey for Christians. It is hard to be a follower of Christ. Though your life may not be in danger, there is always the awareness that somehow you do not belong, that you are treated as a second-class citizen often suffering verbal attacks.

Becoming Christian means losing family and friends, ostracism and animosity, house arrest or even death.

Admittedly, our own America has become increasingly unfriendly to Christians, still we have never faced the hardships, the mistreatment, and the danger suffered by other believers around this globe. I am wondering how much we really appreciate this truth.

We are still free to go to church wherever and whenever we please, to worship according to the dictates of our own heart, and to speak openly of Jesus to whomever we choose. We can’t imagine that physical or verbal persecution will ever be visited upon us.

Don’t be so sure!

In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven…”

Notice He said, “…WHEN they revile and persecute you…” not IF they revile and persecute you. Difficult days will surely come before this is all over.

Jesus’ word to us is “BE READY!” Regardless of what may happen remain strong and steadfast. Keep working for the Master.

PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED BELIEVERS AROUND THE WORLD.

REMEMBER, THE SUN WILL COME OUT TOMORROW!

DEFINING MOMENTS

One of the most powerful influences in my life was my Mother. Though not well educated or widely traveled, there was a strength about her that helped shape my life and make me the person I am today.

Though she would not have known the term “defining moment,” marrying at the age of seventeen, giving birth to three babies and losing a her young husband and oldest child, all within the span of six years, created within my Mom a strength and determination that served her well throughout life setting an invaluable example for her offspring.

Looking back on her life now, I am sure my Mother would acknowledge that those particular events brought about fundamental changes that defined, to a great degree, the person she became.

A defining moment is a point in your life when you are forced to make a decision that will change everything. It will change you, your outlook, and your behavior.

Every life is a series of defining moments that shape and change us—moments that have a huge influence on our development and our choices. These moments aren’t easy to recognize except in hindsight, but they are the moments that determine who we are and will be—the moments that shape everything that matters to us.

Some of these moments are positive, and some are negative, but that doesn’t matter. The importance lies in how we respond to them.

This morning, I am looking back on some of those defining moments that made me the gal I am today, and I am remembering the summer of 1968 and a church family camp in Prescott, Arizona.

I had just finished my eighth year as a public school teacher. I enjoyed teaching, and I was good at it, but when I dared admit it, there was, deep in the recesses of my heart, a disappointment that could not be quelled.

From my earliest days, I knew that God had a plan for my life. There was something He wanted me to do, but not knowing what it was or how to find out, I just did what I thought best. I became a teacher. After all, I might need to make a living for myself.

I loved my long, leisure summer days apart from my fourth graders, but my determined Mother had another idea. She suggested it would be nice, if I would take her and some of her friends for a few days to family camp. I couldn’t say “no.” So off to Prescott we went.

Little did I know that this was one of God’s defining moments—a life changing moment.

I had not really wanted to go to camp, but the first day on the grounds, Jack, a young man in whom I was greatly interested, showed up. Camp wasn’t a total waste after all.

After taking my Mom and her friends back to the valley I returned to camp. God used that return trip to soften me up. Alone in the car, I thought about Jack.

With tears, I demanded, “Why, God?” I’m lonely. Why can’t I have a man like Jack?

It is amazing the things and people God uses to bring us to the place where we can hear his voice.

The camp speaker was a man from Montana. I didn’t know him and he didn’t know me. Many were blessed by his ministry, but I am totally convinced that God sent Reverend Goodman to Prescott, Arizona just for me. God does things like that, you know.

After his ministry of the Word, I wept at an old fashioned altar. Not conscious of praying words, my heart, without restraint, flowed out to God. He knew the longing, the confusion, the disappointment, the doubt, the fear.

Reverend Goodman prayed with me. At the nudging of the Holy Spirit, he talked with me telling me things about myself that only God and I knew. He shared his own ministry experiences encouraging me to open my heart and life to others—to become vulnerable.

I left that camp totally changed. My life was never again the same. There is no way to explain it. It was God’s defining moment.

I had already signed a contract, so I taught one more year before launching into full time ministry—a ministry that was as varied as the colors in a rainbow and extended to many parts of the world.

There is an overwhelming joy in my heart as I remember nearly fifty years of ministry experiences and the lives that have been changed, and I think, “what if I had said no?” How different life would have been!

Among all the decisions I have made in my life, two standout—the moment, when as a child, I decided to follow Jesus, and the moment, as an adult, when I said “yes” to God’s call to service. Those are the moments that defined my life and made me who I am today.

Your life is a composite of all the decisions you make. It is all but impossible to make the right decision on your own. Think of the mistakes and hurts you could avoid, if you had the right counsel—divine counsel.

Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”

Commit yourself and every decision to God. Let Him define your life.

Remember, the sun will come out tomorrow!

A ROCK IN A WEARY LAND

In summertime, beach cities, in our country and around the world, host a myriad of sandcastle sculpting competitions.

To my amazement, I learned there really are professional sand sculptors, or “Masters of Sand,” as they are called. They actually make a living playing with sand and water.

Sand sculpting is no easy feat. Tons of sand must be shoveled and hundreds of gallons of water carried. In larger competitions sculptors, both professional and amateur, are given four days to complete their masterpiece. At the end of each day, these uncompleted creations are sprayed with a mixture of water and white glue in an attempt to preserve them.

However, in the end, whether professional or amateur, whether hours or days are invested, these masterpieces or amateur attempts, are not strong enough to withstand the swelling tide or the buffeting winds. They are swept away.

I’ve never made a sand castle. I know it must be fun and satisfying to create something spectacular, and in these competitions, there is usually a monetary reward for the best ones, but when I think of the intense effort and time spent knowing my work cannot be preserved, it seems like time wasted.

The main reason these sand sculptures cannot be preserved regardless of having been fortified is that they are built on sand. When the tide comes in, that underlying sand is swept away and the structure crumbles. They have no sure foundation.

I was so excited when I bought my first house in August of 2009. It was brand new, and in my mind, it should have been perfect, but sometime after I took possession, I began to find cracks in the walls. I learned that the builder had not properly prepared the ground before laying the foundation, so the structure was not adequately supported.

A foundation is a body or ground upon which something is built—an underlying base of support.

Most things need some kind of support. Women wear foundation undergarments to smooth out the bulges and keep things from jiggling. Even makeup needs a foundation, and I have discovered that my life must also have a solid foundation if it is to be of any worth.

Last week, Jan came to clean for me. She was angry and upset because things were not going well with her grandchildren, whom she has raised. This woman has been in and out of my house for several years. She knows me well enough to be sassy with me.

From the beginning, I felt that God put her in my pathway for a reason. I have often talked to her about the Lord being very frank concerning the truth of the gospel. Jan always seemed to appreciate our conversations, but she has never taken that crucial step of faith.

Why can’t I ever get a break,” she wailed.

We sat on the sofa, and I said, “You know, Jan, you want God’s blessings and answers to your problems, but you have never given Him your trust. You have never given Him anything.”

“Why should I?” she demanded. “He has never done anything for me.”

“No?” I asked. “Two thousand years ago He gave His life for you, but you won’t even give Him the time of day.”

She left angry refusing the hug I offered.

Jan has no foundation. She has no one to call on in time of need. She has no one to lean upon when she is weak. She has nothing steadfast upon which to depend.

She is like the foolish man in Matthew 7, who built his house upon the sand: and when the floods came and the winds blew, the house fell, and great was its fall.

Matthew 7:24 also tells us about a wise man, who built his house upon a rock, and when the rains came and the wind blew, the house stood firm.

Matthew likens the wise man to one who makes Christ his foundation, his rock, and lives in obedience. He also likens the foolish man to one who refuses Christ and will not obey Him.

In 1 Corinthians 3:11, the Apostle Paul says, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

In the 1800’s, songwriter, Edward Mote wrote:

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

You may be worn out with the problems you face today. A flood may be threatening and a gale blowing. Make Jesus your foundation. He will be your “Rock” in this weary land.

Remember the sun will come out tomorrow!