Happy Birthday to the Class of 70

 I graduated from S.D. Lee High School in 1970.  This year I, along with most of my graduating class of 1970, will have our 70^th birthday.  The ‘Class of 70’ is turning 70.  Although I have precious memories and loved growing up in Columbus, MS; I rarely get back to my home town as my life's journey has taken me away and I have now lived more years away longer than I lived there.  All of my family members who lived in Columbus have passed away or have moved.  However, I still stay in touch with some classmates and friends who still live there.  Growing up in Columbus in the 60’s, for me, was like Opie growing up in Mayberry.  It seemed such an innocent time.  I could walk the streets alone, as a child, and be safe.  We knew our neighbors, their children and classmates (if we didn’t know them intimately, we knew them well enough to wave or speak in passing and to look out for one another).  Oh, sure things were not perfect. There were injustices.  Some have been defeated over the years; others remain present or have evolved into different issues over time.  Evil and injustice has been present throughout history. However, for me, it seemed such a simple wonderful time and place to grow up.  My mind is constantly stirred with many memories.  At age 70 memory can be tricky.  I think it was Mark Twain (if not, it sounds like something he would say) who said he had arrived at a place in life when he could remember things that never happened.

Celebrating 70 years of life should be a time to look back and learn from experiences and memories. I am first reminded that life is fragile.  Psalm 144:4 says; "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow".  I remember classmates who did not live to celebrate 70 years of life.  I remember Ricky, my best friend from 1st grade through college.  He had the greatest imagination and was a very talented artist and one of the most gifted musicians I have known.  I’m glad for the memories of all the creative things we did growing up and still miss hearing him play.  I remember attending the funeral of Alan & Bill, whose lives were cut short in a tragic car wreck, with most of my classmates.  For most of us this was the first funeral we attended that was one of us, not a grandparent or older person.  We often teased Arnold about riding a moped when many of us were driving cars to school.  Most of us didn’t know the moped was because his seizures prevented him from obtaining a license to drive a car.  In fact, many did not know of his struggle until a massive seizure took him away from us.  I think of Dobert (most friends called Diane by her last name) calling me asking to ride home with me from college for the weekend.  I can’t remember why I was delayed that Friday as I told her she was welcome to ride home with me but I wasn’t leaving until Saturday morning. That was the last time we spoke as she drove alone in her own car.  She never made it to Columbus but arrived in heaven that fateful Friday.  There are others I and fellow classmates could name.  Many reading this who are not classmates from Lee High’s class of ’70 will not know those names but we all have similar memories of friends and family now gone.

What is the best way to handle such memories? I honor and cherish the memories of those with whom I was privileged to call a friend as my life was enhanced by them.  It is good to look back and cherish memories.  I am reminded that life is truly fleeting, fragile and precious.  It is vital to make the most of each moment.  We never know when our last words with someone will truly be the last words. Therefore, our words should always be kind, positive and pleasant.  There is never a reason to harbor anger or ill will.  We never know when or if we will see one another again in this life.

I cherish the memories of friends.  I want to continue to make wonderful memories with family and friends.  I want to make the most of each day and each relationship.  Randy Pausch, author of ‘The Last Lecture’, said; “We don’t beat the reaper by living longer. We beat the reaper by living well and living fully.”  Colonel Jack Jacobs, who was famous for being direct with his words, said; “I believe in getting the most out of life because I am going to be dead a long time.”  While I like the sentiment of both of those quotes, I think Jesus put it best in the text, I used in the first sermon I preached over 30 years ago from John 10:10, when he said; “I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” 

If I have learned and can share anything worthwhile over these 70 years, it is that life is indeed fragile, precious and fleeting.  This world will not always be kind.  There are tragic and sad events that will enter each of our lives at some point.  In learning to cope with the evil and injustice of this world I have found great comfort and guidance from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi.  He wrote the letter while in prison.  He had not committed a crime, but was unjustly jailed because the powerful and influential leaders of the city did not like the message he was preaching.  Despite suffering injustice being jailed as he was only seeking to follow God’s plan for his life, he never expressed a feeling of anger at God, the unfairness of life or those who had wronged him.  He never wrote a word of discouragement or depression.  Remarkably he wrote only encouraging words that still are significant today.  Paul’s words from Philippians 4:12-13 encourage me daily as he wrote; “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Therefore, if I have gained any wisdom in nearly 70 years of life, I have learned that it is wise and best to follow the purpose of Jesus in life.  We make the most of each day fulfilling His purpose for our lives, forgiving and loving others as He forgives and loves us.  The best birthday present we can give ourselves and others is to make the most of each moment seeking joy happiness no matter what the situation may be while we love and cherish those around us.   

Happy 70^th Birthday class of ’70!

You Don't Need a Title

On this date, 26 years ago, a small group of young men waited to hear their name called in a public ceremony for the first time as; “Reverend Doctor _____”.  That public proclamation meant that each had satisfactorily completed several years of vigorous academic classwork, writing and projects to earn the Doctorate of Ministry degree.  Each candidate then walked across a stage, with proud family and friends in the audience, to have the Dean of the theological school place the Doctoral hood upon them.  I know about all of this because I was a member of that group.  However, I was not present for that public presentation.  While my group walked across the stage with the above-mentioned pageantry, I was walking in front of a group of solemn pallbearers carrying a casket to a grave at a small country church. 

I got the phone call late in the evening.  I had been a pastor long enough to know that those calls were not usually bringing good news.  The frantic voice of Mary (not her real name) exclaimed; “John (not his real name) had collapsed.  He is not conscious!  The EMS people are here now.”  I told her that I would be right over.  By the time I got there he was dead.  They had been married over 50 years.  He was a WW2 veteran, deacon in our church and they had been neighbors of my wife when she was a child.  I told her I would stay as long as she needed.  As we talked into the evening, she told me she wanted to have the funeral that weekend at the old country church where he grew up.  Of course, she wanted me to conduct the service and I told her I would consider it an honor.  There was no way I could tell her I actually had other plans for that weekend.  I went home and contacted all my family and told them to cancel their travel plans.  I would not be attending my graduation ceremony. 

I never was a much of a student until I entered seminary so, earning a legitimate doctoral degree was quite and achievement and a surprise for those who knew and remembered me from high school and college.  I was quiet and reserved in high school finishing in the middle of the class academically.  I guess you could say I majored in fun in college.  I had a great time and graduated on time but dead last in my class.  Anyone with lower grades than me did not graduate.  However, that is another story for another day.  I did not get serious about my education until I realized what I was going to do with my life.  A few years after earning my Master’s degree I entered the Doctor of Ministry program to increase my ability as a professional minister.  A friend advised me not to become egotistic with the title.  He said, “Don’t forget that no matter how many times you curl the tail it is still a pig!”  I learned to appreciate his humorous way to remind me to remain humble…but I am getting ahead of myself.    

There are those who seek the title for personal prestige or advancement.  I had a professional acquaintance (I didn’t really consider him a friend) who had a reputation for advancing his ego by any means necessary.  He was not worried about the ethics or legitimacy of what he did to promote himself.  He told me that he was getting a doctorate degree through an internet school.  He told me he would complete the work in less than a year.  A legitimate accredited doctoral degree is a graduate-level credential which is typically granted after multiple years of graduate school.  I told him that I never knew he had been to graduate school.  He told me that he had not but was getting on his “Mastorial and Doctorial” degrees at the same time with this internet school.  I guess there was not time for spelling or grammar since both degrees were being earned in a few short months through that internet website. 

I must confess that although I thought my decision to forgo the public ceremony and conduct the funeral for a long-time friend, deacon and veteran was the right decision, there was a part of me that did regret the opportunity to be publicly recognized in such a fashion in front of family and friends.  Then I saw an ad in a monthly publication where I could order a solid oak desk name plate with my name engraved saying “Dr. Bill Drees”.  It also had a laser engraved eagle with one of my favorite verses, Isaiah 40:31; “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”   I thought I deserve some recognition for all my hard work so I ordered it.  When the package arrived I excitedly opened it to see the laser engraved name…“Dr. Thomas Howard”.  They sent me the wrong one!!!!  I was immediately reminded to the phrase my friend had shared some time ago to keep me humble; “Don’t forget that no matter how many times you curl the tail it is still a pig!”  I realized that I may have then learned the greater lesson.  One does not need a title. 

We are all special and unique creations!  There has never been anyone like you in all of human history!  There will never be anyone quite like you in the future!  We have all been created intentionally with our unique personality, quirks, talents and gifts for our unique purpose.  We were also intentionally born in this unique time, family situation and geographical location for our individual and unique purpose.  Therefore, everyday we should be reminded how special and unique we are just because you are you!  Everyday is your time to accomplish the unique and individual purpose that you alone were created to achieve on this planet for this moment.   Some moments and achievements may bring great joy while some may not be pleasant but you have been given the opportunity and gifts to accomplish your purpose for being alive on this day.  No one can do it quite like you.  Don’t worry about titles, awards, recognition or what people may call you or think of you.  Rejoice in who you have been created to be and go forward doing what you have been uniquely created and placed here to do with joy.  Trust me in this…after all, I AM a doctor!

Each Relationship is Unique

 The S.D. Lee High Class of 1970 had another reunion this past weekend.  I made my reservation early and planned to go.  However, I did not get to attend due to a health issue.  Nothing terribly serious, at my age those things seem to happen.  Anyway, a good friend sent me pictures that allowed me to reminisce and review memories from those days when we were classmates 51 years ago.  Some faces were easy to remember, however I must admit that I had to get a magnifying glass to try to read the name tags for a few.  Life has changed all of us in many ways in this half-century since we were classmates.  The ups and downs in this world of unpredictability has a way of bringing change to all. 

My life’s journey moved me away and kept me distant from that special time and place in my life.  I have now lived away from my hometown nearly 5 decades longer than I lived there and I never lived closer than an 8-hour drive.  However, I will always treasure my time and the relationships I made in those special days.  My life was shaped by growing up and spending my first two decades of life in Columbus, MS.  The rhythm of life and the relationships I developed in those days were instrumental in molding me to be who I am today.  The older I become, and luckily, I am still becoming older, the more I realize the importance of relationships.  The relationships we make and keep shape our lives.  That’s why it is important to create and nurture as many positive relationships as possible.  Over the years I often proclaimed in sermons that relationships are the only thing from this life that we can take into eternity.  In fact, our faith and relationship with God determines our eternal destiny. 

I enjoy renewing old relationships and making new ones.  Years ago, I ran across the following poem with a unique perspective about relationships entitled To the World with Love (By Sue Stillwell): I open people just like Christmas presents; excitedly ripping away ribbons, tearing away the paper and lifting the lids off the boxes; and always a surprise awaits me.  Some of the people with the brightest ribbons and the shiniest wrappings are empty and hollow inside.  Some people with drab plain packaging hold the most glittering precious gifts and treasures inside of all.  And as with my Christmas presents some people I put away and never think about; and some I admire, look at and I don’t touch; some I put on pedestals – but they are fragile & usually break; and some become cherished and familiar to me through constant use. 

I thought she captured a great portrayal of how each person is a unique package.  We all have varied interactions with different people.  I was shy and timid and slower to make new friends in my high school years but have learned, in my many years of encountering people in various settings and locations, to be more open to meeting and getting to know people.  One never knows how an encounter may develop.  As I think Sue correctly stated some will surprise you and some will disappoint but you never really know what is inside until you open the package. 

So, don’t hesitate, as I did for too many years, to be open to new encounters.  I also have learned not to put too much stock into first impressions.  A surprise always awaits.  Some who originally seem attractive and appealing may be shallow and dull or selfish while others who initially may seem…well, not worth the time, may become precious and valuable friends for the rest of your days.   

The poem also gives valuable guidance about being careful whom we admire and put on pedestals.  We all can be frail and fragile so don’t be too devastated when those whom we have revered, esteemed and respected fail and disappoint us.  When friends and family fail me, I have learned to seek to forgive and forget as soon as possible.  It does no good to hold to ill will or hurt feelings.  However, as pointed out in the poem, there are some relationships that need to be put on the shelf and left there.  There are people in life that we may encounter, become close or even be related to who need to be kept at a distance because every time you take them ‘off the shelf’ or open them back into your life, trouble will always come with the package.  It is not bad or wrong to put and leave those ‘packages’ on the shelf and away from causing destruction and difficulty. 

As a compassionate person our heart may tell us that we can win them over and help them change their behavior.  Sometimes that may be true.  However, as I learned over many years of trying, some people will always be trouble and cause trouble.  Sadly, there are some people who remain difficult and troubled no matter how much loving people try to reach out to them.  They are a drowning person who doesn’t really want to be saved but will take the lifeguard down with them.  At some point you may have to push off and swim to shore while you still have the energy to make it yourself, prayerfully leaving them in God’s hands.  We are all in His hands anyway.  That can mean wonderful comfort or frightening judgement.  It ultimately depends on each person’s individual response. 

Years ago, I went to a conference to help ministers deal with people who continually cause trouble in the church.  The leader was a Lutheran minister with German ancestry.  I liked him because my great-grandfather was from Prussia.  But I also thought he was wise in his teaching.  He gave me a saying that I had mounted on my desk.  Every person who entered saw a German saying on the front side; Das Leben ist viel zu kurz um mit neidertrachtigen Menschen Umgang  zu haben.  The back side had the English translation that was my daily reminder; Life is much too short to be on visiting terms with mean people.

Put them on the shelf and enjoy opening the ‘packaging that hold the most glittering precious gifts and treasures.’  Treasure and cherish those gifts (relationships) with constant use.  They and you will be blessed and enriched.  So, make every day like Christmas, cheerfully opening new packages (relationships) making the most of the treasures inside and continue to cherish those who have been precious and special over the years.

Three Things I have Learned

 I am 69 years old.  The first 68 were pretty good.  This year has been more of a challenge.  I began the year (January 7) testing positive for COVID.  Fortunately, my case was mild. My father-in -law tested positive the same day and was gone in two weeks.  My wife later developed a very serious case and took several months to recover.  Her sense of taste is still screwy.  Everything seems to taste like corn chips.  At least that saves us from going to expensive restaurants.   But back to me, it is my blog by the way.  After my mild case of COVID I have had two knee replacement surgeries cancelled due to health concerns, three cardiac procedures, one cataract surgery (another is scheduled in October).   Today I received word that I have a basil cell skin cancer on my forehead and will have to have surgery for that…so much for my youthful countenance. 

Anyway, all this is to say that in my many years of experiencing the ups and downs of life in this sin-scarred world, my years of theological study (Masters and Doctoral level), as well as preaching and teaching on 5 of the 7 continents I have discovered three truths that have become handles that I can grab and cling to no matter what happens. 

The first truth is that you have to believe in something.  Whether you are Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Agnostic, Atheist, or just one of those who declare themselves as ‘non-believers’.   We all really believe in something.  Even declaring oneself as an atheist or non-believer is a declaration of belief in nothing.  Believing in nothing is something.  So, since we all have to believe in something, why not choose a belief system that allows you to be loving and kind to your fellowman.  Far too many wars, conflict and division have been caused by not respecting or accepting an alternative belief.  In all my years of studying different religious beliefs, I have come to the conclusion that it is best to find a way to believe in loving one’s neighbor and practicing kindness toward your fellowman in all situations.  We argue far too often about different beliefs; whether it is religion or politics it is better to get along and live a life of harmony than to be divided.  Years ago, I heard a spiritual teacher share this wisdom; “When in a discussion, if you have a choice to be right or kind, choose kind.” 

The second truth has to do with our sense of control in our lives.  If this year or two of COVID cancellations and shut-downs has taught us anything it should have taught us that we do not have control of the future…even the next five minutes.  As I write this, I am reminded that 41 years ago, at this very time, my wife and I were beginning the ceremony where we would publicly profess our love and commitment to one another as husband and wife.  Last year, to celebrate our 40^th anniversary we planned a Rhine River Cruise.  COVID changed those plans.  We decided to stay married and are scheduled to finally go in a few weeks.  However, I will not be shocked if something happens.  I have learned through this year of COVID, cancellations, shut-downs, and my own health issues that I do not have control of anything in this world...except one thing. 

As I often proclaimed from the pulpit, “We live in a sin-scarred world where bad things happen, often for no understandable reason.”  Jesus told us that God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:43-45).  I could live a righteous life, eating only healthy foods, exercising and being kind to animals and still get hit by a drunk driver running a stop sign.  The only thing in this life that I (or you) can control is how we react to what just happened!  We may not have any power over what is happening in and around our lives but we can control how we react to what just happened.  We can become angry, impatient, bitter, etc. or we can decide to make the best of the situation no matter how unfair or unjust we may think it may be. 

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Philippians.  The Apostle Paul wrote this letter from a Philippian jail.  He had committed no real crime but was falsely imprisoned because the ‘powers that be’ did not like his public proclamation of the Gospel.  Paul did not become discouraged or angry at God at the injustice he was suffering.  Instead, he realized that the guards were now his ‘captive’ audience and there became a revival inside and outside the palace guard.  As he gets to the conclusion of this marvelous letter of encouragement, he gives the following incredible statement; “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  Wow!  His faith led him to “be content whatever the circumstances.”  He could not control the unjust leaders that had him falsely imprisoned.  He could not control the lies that were continually spread by those who opposed his faith.  The only thing he could control was his reaction to the situation and he chose CONTENTMENT.   When we realize that we have control of how we can (and should) respond to anything and everything that may happen, whether good or bad; we have made a great step in learning, as did Paul, the secret to contentment!

Finally (preachers often say this and continue to drone on and on, however I will try to wrap up quickly), since we have to believe in something and since the only thing, we can control is how we react to what just happened, we might as well choose to be happy.  If your belief system is not leading you to happiness and positive relationships with your fellowman, I would encourage you to try altering your belief.  Years ago (I know people my age say that a lot but we have been around for a number of years), I ran across a book entitled, “Happiness Is A Choice”.  I have learned that it truly is a choice.  We can choose to try to be happy and content no matter the situation, as did Paul, or we can choose to become angry, bitter or disillusioned.  We really do have that power to choose our reaction (refer back to truth # 2). 

I am often amazed that 69 years of life have rolled along so rapidly.  I wonder, “How, did I get this old this quickly?”  Life is truly fragile and fleeting.  There is no reason not to make the most of each moment and in my years, I have come to the conclusion that it is best to believe in a life of love and compassion for your fellowman, seek to have a positive response no matter what just happened and do all you can to choose happiness each day. 

Looking Through a Better Lens

I recently had cataract surgery.   For you youngsters let me explain it to you.  As we age most of us will develop cataracts.  In simple language, the lens of your eye becomes cloudy.   It is like looking at the world through extremely dirty glasses that you cannot clean.  I knew I was having trouble seeing, especially when my wife was screaming; “That’s a ditch not a driveway!”  She used to scream about other things while I was driving but that is another story.  Anyway, again for those too young to yet know about this issue, the surgery removes the cataract and inserts a new lens.  It is amazing how quickly one’s vision changes.  I could not only easily distinguish the difference between a ditch and a driveway as well as read road signs again.  I had forgotten how the increasingly cloudy vision had affected the vividness of colors and seeing details.  We have several bird-feeders in our back yard and love to sit and watch the birds.  My wife would say look at the number of Cardinals around a certain feeder and I hated to admit that I could barely see the feeder.  The morning after my surgery I sat and saw the most beautiful bright red Cardinal and not only could see the vibrant coloring of all the markings but individual feathers.  I thought, “Wow, I had forgotten how much I had been missing.”

The lens by which we view life can make all the difference.  I am not just thinking of the physical lens in our eye but the way we see and perceive.  There are some who go through life looking at the world through the lens of prejudice.  They look down on those who are different in skin color, ethnicity, and educational, social or financial status.  Some have a distorted lens and viewpoint concerning people from different countries or different parts of this country.  People can develop a different lens to see a cloudy inaccurate vision of people with different political or religious beliefs.  Others look at the world through a lens of anger, bitterness, jealousy, or any number of negative views that cloud and distort the truth. 

We all need to have times to examine the clarity of what I call our lens of ‘spiritual vision’.   The spiritual anatomy is different from the physical anatomy.  Jesus told us in Matthew 5:8 that those who are “pure in heart” are “blessed” because they “will see God”.  So as the physical eyes often need a faulty lens removed and replaced with a clear new lens to give a clear, undistorted view of how things truly look; a heart that is pure sees God, which is true and accurate.  Such clear, accurate and Godly vision sees the beauty of each individual life God has created rather than a distorted critical unloving and unforgiving view.   It is a vision that looks through the lens of love and grace.  As we go through life in this “sin-scarred” world with all of its trials and troubles it is easy to develop a ‘spiritual cataract’ that causes a distorted vision that benefits no one but in fact can be quite harmful. 

My physical cataract was discovered as I went for regular checkups and the eye doctor performed several tests to discover the reason for the change in my vision.  A ‘spiritual cataract’ can be detected by a Spiritual heart exam.  Ask yourself some of the following questions…and be honest with your answers: How is your state of joy?  Are you easily angered?  Do you have some people that you just can’t seem to forgive?  Are you impatient with others?  Do you find it impossible to feel love for certain people?  Do you think that other people are the cause of most if not all of your problems or difficulty? 

That is enough to get you started.  You will begin to develop your own questions that indicate the condition of your Spiritual heart.  Once you diagnose the problem(s) confess them to God.  I John 1:9 says; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Take it from me.  There is nothing like clear, undistorted vision that will show you the way things really look.  There is also nothing like having a heart that is clear and pure of distortion.  Life is too short not to see all of its beauty in a clear and undistorted fashion.  God’s world and the people He created are also too precious not to be seen without His clear vision.  

Expand Your Vision

There is a tumbleweed on my patio.  Tumbleweeds are not normally found in South Carolina.  In fact this one came from Kansas…over 40 years ago.  My mother-in-law was heading home with her husband and youngest son from their first visit to see their daughter and her new husband in their first church staff position in Wichita, KS.  Tumbleweeds occasionally blew across the highway.  Her husband and son saw them but didn’t pay much attention this was a common sight for that part of the country.  However, she had a vision and saw more than a bush blowing across the road.  She made him stop the car, retrieve the tumbleweed and move the luggage to the backseat to make room for the tumbleweed to ride unharmed in the trunk for the next thousand miles.  By the way, he loved her very much and was used to following her directions and requests even when he had no clue where they were leading. 

She had a gift to see beyond what others saw at first glance.  That tumbleweed plus a few ornamental birds made a beautiful decoration in their fireplace for the summer.  She did not see the bush blown by the wind that most people saw and paid little attention.  She saw the potential for something better.  The ability to look past the obvious and see the potential in things and people is a gift for which we all should strive. 

George Bernard Shaw said, “You see things; and you say ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say ‘Why not?’ Senator Robert F. Kennedy used a similar quotation as a theme of his 1968 campaign for the presidential nomination: “Some men see things as they are and say, why; I dream things that never were and say, why not.” Senator Edward Kennedy quoted these words in his eulogy for his brother in 1968.

There are certain gifts that some seem to have at birth. Some seem to be born with a special gift for music, art, sports, math (YUK), etc. While others may try they simply do not have certain gifts.  I tried sports and found out I had a gift or talent of hitting line drives into the catcher’s mitt.  That career doesn’t have a great future.  However I believe this is a gift that can be attained by all of us. That is the gift to look past the obvious as look for the potential, in ourselves and especially in others. 

Too often we settle for the obvious in our own lives and in our expectations that lead to disappointment.  All of us can do better if we will look to our potential for our own best.  I never was a threat to become a professional athlete but I did discover that once I looked past my shyness of youth, God had called and gifted me with the ability to stand in front of an audience and preach a message of His love.  45 years ago my home church recognized this and issued a public ‘License to Preach’.  It hung in my office for some 40 years.  It along with other certificated and diplomas are retired to a less public position, as am I.  However, I finally was able to see beyond the timid image that others most saw and was able to preach God’s love on 5 of the 7 continents.  Even my mother never thought I would be able to do it and she loved me very much.  The point is that we all have potential and unique gifts that we need not be afraid to explore.  We will never know the results of that potential that is within us until we step out in faith.  Don’t listen to the negative discouraging words of others.  Look beyond and soar. 

We can also help others soar as we look and sometimes help them see their own potential.  You may be able to help someone discover their hidden potential with a simple word of encouragement.  I will never forget the words of a preaching professor, who had written the textbook many teachers used, when he simply looked at me, after hearing my effort, and saying; “You have it!”  That obviously did not mean that I would be the next Billy Graham but he did see the potential for me to do something that still seemed questionable to me and others.  Look for the potential in others and don’t be afraid to share it. 

Getting the most out of life is not often accomplished by worrying about what others might think or say and playing it safe.  Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.”

My mother-in-law was not worried about looking foolish with a tumbleweed in her fireplace, in fact the opposite was realized.  She was praised for having a vision to create beauty that enhanced life when others simply saw a bush blowing across the road.  Getting the most out of life is best accomplished when we seek to look past the ordinary in our lives and the lives of others.  Open your eyes to your potential and help others find theirs.  If I can be inspired by a 40 year old tumbleweed on my patio think of what you can see when you look at the potential that is within and all around you. 

Is There Any Hope?

Several years ago I was having a conversation with a friend who was the director of one of the major counseling centers in our state.  We were having a wide-ranging discussion of things going on in the world and coping with daily issues in life when he paused, sighed and said; “You know, I always thought things would get better but in reality they seem to be getting worse.”  This perspective by someone who studies the human psyche and spends his life seeking to help people overcome problems with their emotions, mind and spirit stayed with me.  I came away from our conversation thinking; “Wow; if he, who’s calling and training in life is to guide people from despair into hope, doesn’t see hope that things are improving that is really discouraging.  And this was years before all the effects of the COVID pandemic and the political turmoil that has a growing negative impact on our lives today. 

I spent most of my life teaching, preaching and leading people to find hope.  Now I find myself often needing a ‘booster shot’ of hope.  These days of global pandemic, severe political turmoil, growing racial unrest and various other unsettling events have rocked the foundation of hope and faith for many.  People who once were very active in practicing their faith, sharing and leading others to hope and faith are now questioning their own beliefs.  I called a longtime friend and fellow faithful servant of God as they are dealing with the torture of watching the love of their life waste away in a slow painful decline from an incurable debilitating disease.  They confessed, “Pastor, this has truly shaken my faith!”  I have to admit that; although we had a long deep friendship where they often had come to me, as pastor and friend, for encouragement and spiritual counsel that I now was at a loss for words.  I simply had to confess that I also have been having my own struggle with faith.

We both were very familiar with Henry Blackaby’s famous “Experiencing God” Bible study books and materials.  Blackaby speaks of believers coming to a ‘crisis of belief’.  God’s invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.  Most believers come to this crossroads and find faith to press on. 

Believers can always find hope in Christ no matter how difficult the situation may be.  He gave us many promises that restore hope.  He said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)  He told us that He came that we could live abundantly and no one could take us from his hand. (John10)  Scripture is filled with promises to restore faith and encourage us no matter how things may look or be in the world.  Romans 8 tells us that “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” .  So those who follow Christ may get knocked down and their faith may waiver but for most there are always answers to renew faith and move forward in hope even when the future is uncertain or frightening. 

 However, there are those who find they are at the end of their rope of faith and the knot has slipped loose.  There is simply nothing else on which to lean stand or hold that gives hope or encouragement.  They have run out of people to ask or places to go to find answers.  Some of these people are believers, former believers or people who still want to believe but life has tumbled inward in such a deep and difficult manner that the words and methods of the past no longer sooth or give hope.  Some are embarrassed or ashamed of their struggles because they have been looked at as religious leaders or examples of faith in the past.  If they admit their true struggles and doubts they fear that they will be ostracized or ridiculed.  So they struggle in lonely silence. 

So where do we go when nothing seems to help?  When no one seems to have an answer that really gives us the help and hope we seek?  How do we keep from giving up?  How do we find the strength to go on when there seems to be no hope? 

Recently I ran across a conversation with a husband and wife that gave me a few handles to grasp that I hope will be helpful.  Dr. Brené Brown: professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host asked her husband, Steve Alley the following research question; “Do you think that, in general, people are doing the best they can?” (Rising Strong, 2015, pg. 113) He responded, “I don’t know. I really don’t. All I know is that my life is better when I assume that people are doing their best. It keeps me out of judgment and lets me focus on what is, and not what should or could be.”

So with apologies to Steve Alley, sometimes when there seems to be no real answer to the question of hope, the best way to move forward may be to assume that there is an answer.  Is there any hope? “I don’t know. I really don’t. All I know is that my life is better when I assume that there is hope. It keeps me out of despair and lets me focus on making the most of what is, and not what should or could be.”

Strength, Hope & Humility Revisited

 

On JANUARY 21, 2009 I shared the following blog commemorating the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Also sworn in that day was Vice President Joe Biden.  On Wednesday, January 20 Joe Biden will be sworn in as our 46th president.  Although this inauguration will be different due to the COVID protocols and threat of violence, I felt it was appropriate to share my thoughts from 2009 that still are relevant.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2009

Strength, Humility and Hope

It is a grand time in our country. We have a new president moving into the White House. There is no other country on the planet now or in history that exhibits the civil transfer of power as does the United States of America. No matter how one voted, this is and should always be a time of great celebration of our freedom and unique strength as a nation. I hope our new president finds a special place in the White House. I read that there is an unpainted section of the White House on the Truman Balcony. It is exposed charred wood that was burned when the White House was occupied by the British and burned in the war of 1812. History can be quite interesting. This section was left exposed as a reminder of that occupation for three reasons that we should always remember as a nation and as children of God today.

As is often indicated in the Old Testament, and today, we are still people of a short memory. We frequently need historical reminders of God’s grace and providence in our spiritual lives as well as in the life of our nation. As we stand at another significant time in the life of our nation I thought it would be appropriate to remember the three reasons for the exposed charred wood on the Truman balcony.

First, it is a reminder of STRENGTH. The United States of America was strong enough to be established as a free nation where people could live and worship freely. This freedom gave us the strength to come back from the British invading and taking the capital. We were strong enough to regain the White House and rebuild it and it remains a symbol of strength today. We must never forget that strength that comes from freedom.

Second, it is a reminder of HUMILITY. We must always remember that we can fall. We must never take our sovereignty or strength for granted. We have previously had foreigners invade and burn our capital. We must never become too proud.

Finally, there is always HOPE. No matter how dark the days may seem there is always hope when men seek freedom. That is the American dream. Even when the President of the United States of America had to flee and run for his life as the White House was invaded by a foreign power and burned there was hope for the future. All was not lost. The war was won. The White House was regained. The country became stronger. We must always have hope.

As a follower of Jesus I find eternal strength in Him as I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13), I seek to follow His eternal example of Humility (Philippians 2:1-12) and I find my hope for eternity through faith in Him (John 14:1-6). As an American I ask that you will join me in praying that our elected leaders will find and follow that same trinity of Strength, Humility and Hope.