Well, I have come across something on Trey’s blog (a place I like to visit) that I will mention here as well. Why? because I was moved … I mean, I know things aren’t what they should be and each one of us can help to make things better … we have to make things better here and now and for the future – our future and that of our children.
I guess we will all be exposed to this movie before long … so you might want to have a heads up and go take a look … see what you think. It’s pretty ‘out there’ for some of us, I realize, but y’know, He – this man Christ – was ‘out there’ too – he was in the streets, touching the un-touchables, loving the un-loveables – he was always seeking out ways to make a difference. If we claim to follow Him and wear His name … who are we to think we can do any less? And you know what? He pointed a finger at those who were ‘holier than thou’, those who refused to bend down and lend a hand – because they were afraid they’d get dirty, be contaminated. It’s not about our buildings, our cars, our clothes, the play-off party, the newest gadget for the overhead or all the paraphernalia we think we just gotta have – in church and outa church – it’s about the hurting, the dying, the search and then, the rejoicing when the lost are found and a way provided.
Me being who I am — having been raised as I have and lived where I’ve lived always believes there is HOPE. There’s hope for me to be a better woman in Christ. There’s hope for you and them – for all us because He was and is HOPE personified.
I know Jesus is the only answer to the world and it’s troubles and hopelessness but now this may be the time to re-evaluate … let’s look at how to share this Jesus so that many will come to know him. I think that is the problem here – we keep waiting for them to ‘come’ and it’s our place to ‘go’ – take IT to them. We have as our example is the good Shepherd … He goes on a search and doesn’t rest until the lost is safe in His arms.
So, where has our focus been? And are we listening? Listening to His lessons and are we hearing their cries? are we listening? Are our hearts hardened and callused that we go our way rejoicing in our own ‘goodness’? Has this truly been The Way?
Before we get all caught up in ‘judging’ this one or that, or taking the stand that all has been lost, I believe some have gotten so caught up in hate and preconceived ideas of formal Christianity that they don’t know of the many who are striving to make a difference …
here and
here and
here and not to mention
here –
and I could list at least 5 more groups of people and bookoos of individuals …. who do all they do – sacrifice, and serve in the trenches …. not for their own glory but, in the name of The One who taught us how to live … maybe, we haven’t tooted their horns like we should – shown the world that there are Christians who aren’t yelling, shouting, condemning, just ‘sitting pretty’ in their pews on Sunday morning, but are actually out there doing what He did … we need to let it be known that differences are being made … maybe it’s time we should get crackin’ and give a ‘shout-out’ to invite others to join.
I guess my reaction to IT is to take it as a wake-up call for myself. Maybe to enlighten others, leave my comfort zone, reach out, give hugs, a drink of water, a smile, a word of encouragement … just to give myself in all the ways I can … just as HE taught.
Here is a prime, wonderful example of just sharing an opportunity to be the arms of Jesus …
This little girl in our congregation saw the presentation of Honduras – the children’s home, the ministry at the dump and building houses. Her heart was touched. She was moved to action. She went home from church, went through her room and brought back sacks full of clothes, jeans, tops and beautiful, dressy dresses with a note for the little girls at the Casa. Her note said: “Dear Kids, I hope your hopes and dreams come true some day. If you keep believing, they might. I hope you love your stuff. sincerely, Lauren”
But she didn’t stop there – she also started “Quarter Cause” at her school – it has 4 members, and just this past Sunday she brought in money they had raised their first week – 42 dollars. Included were notes from the four girls and also, a sign-up sheet for the church bulletin board for any Christians who wanted to be involved. Lauren is one of my heroes … she is going to make a difference in life. You see, sometimes, all it takes is a quarter to make a difference – to let the world know that in Him and through Him and because of Him is “The Way of Love”.
Lauren, age 10, founder of "Quarter Cause"
Tags: Growth, hero, life:what-it's-made-of, transformation, VISION
