Life is a beautiful thing. It can also be ugly, funny, horrific and about any other descriptive word you can think of. Usually, all those things will describe your life. Or my life. Each moment in life is broken into moments where we see things in those moments. One minute we can be on top of Mount Rainier, overlooking the beautiful sights of Western Washington. The next minute we can be trying to find the rip cord as we free fall towards earth. We may be rejoicing at the birth of our 5th child, or mourning the loss of a loved one. Each moment, distinct in our perception of how life is and how we walk through those stages. They make us. They break us. We are today because of those yesterdays.
How do we handle those yesterday's? When do we heal? How do we heal? Do we ever, "get over," each of these moments? How do we, "move on," when heartbreak hits? How can someone celebrate life when they are going through cancer treatment? So many questions that all pertain to living each day when the hits, the punches, the falls, the get back ups and the victories are everywhere around you. We ask the, "what if's," and the, "did this just happen's," constantly. Like the Energizer Bunny, the questions seem to never end.
All of us deal with these questions and answers differently. Me, I don't have the answers to many, if any of these questions. And the answers I might have are different for everyone. And your answers might help me out, but not your neighbor. I don't get it. I would love it if there were a simple answer for all of life's crazy. But, I'd also get really bored if every one of your life's questions were the same as my life questions.
But, there is one thing I know. One thing I've had to explain to some of my Uber riders that I'll share here. Ask. Ask me how I handle things. Ask how you should look at things. Ask how your brother has survived his loss of his wife to the auto accident. Ask how your sister has lived with gestational diabetes. Ask your best friend what it's like to retire from the military and how hard it's been to get a job in the civilian world. Ask your aunt how they have kept a smile on their face when your cousin continues getting arrested. Just ask.
For me, you asking about my cancer, the effects it had on me, might still have on me and what it will look like in 10 years is therapeutic. It helps me focus on the blessings I have in life; the thankfulness of seeing each day on what is borrowed time. Ask about the scars of self imposed failure during the battles of cancer. Ask.
I pray we learn to ask. It shows others we care. It brings an inexplicable healing to you and I. We'll start building each other up. It will allow us to have personal exchanges that our phones aren't letting us have anymore. It will take away the Instagram likes and replace them with high fives/fist bumps/hugs/smiles. It could change your world.
Ask. It's not stupid. Just ask.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Monday, November 18, 2019
Remember The Ass
Nobody likes rhetorical questions. Unfortunately, sometimes that is the only way to make a point. So, I'm gonna ask a rhetorical question. May I talk to y'all for a few minutes? Good. And, may I recommend some popcorn, 'cause things 'bout to get good.
Kanye has stirred up a lot of discussions about a lot of things. Is he a Christian? Is he Born Again? Is it just a money grab? But what about his past, he called himself... Okay, can't comment on any of those questions. I won't comment on what I know nothing of. Mine isn't to determine his heart. Mine isn't to determine intentions. Or honesty/sincerity. I don't know the man or his family. I don't know where he has been and what he has seen in his life. So this post isn't about any of this.
This post is for everyone that has had comments questioning Kanye. It's for all of you that think his actions are fake. For those that believe it's just a money grab. It's for those of you who are speaking in, "righteous judgement," of all Kanye discussions. Also for those that are using the power of your inner keyboard warrior that just want to chip in with your expertise and knowledge of all things Kanye related simply because you find that your words are the only words that matter as if you are the only one with direct communication with God himself. (***WARNING: If any of these descriptions give you a complex or a guilty feeling, this post is for you. You WILL BE OFFENDED!***)
Many years ago I discovered a great skit with Bob Newhart playing a psychiatrist. He provided simple yet a very easy to understand method to follow for his clients. So simple it was only two words: STOP IT! Yup, two words. He wasted no time providing much needed guidance. Sure, his clients were confused and frustrated they couldn't get any other advice, or share any more of their problems before they were offered these words.
In the great words of Bob, here's my words to:
The person that says Kanye isn't saved. STOP IT!
The person stating it's a money grab. STOP IT!
Those that think he shouldn't have gone to Joel Osteen's church. STOP IT!
Those that think he's a wolf in sheep's clothing. STOP IT!!!
Anybody speaking ill of anything and everything this man does. STOP IT!!!
Need any explanation of those words? Confused about either of them? Good. So just do everyone a simple favor. STOP. IT.
Again, this is NOT me talking about Kanye. I don't know him, don't find his actions pure or impure. Genuine or not. NOTHING about this post is a form of support or lack of for Kanye. Nope! Yes, duplicating these statements because I'm sure some of you a certain I support him and know that I'm deceived along with the rest of those welcoming him to the faith.
Let me be clear my dear friends. You christian that is using your justified righteous anger when you discuss Kanye. Do you not remember that God used the following to prove a point, win lives, convince people to do as he asked?
An ass
A whale
A tax collector
A prostitute
Wine
A star
That's just a short list. Need more reminders on what God does? How about these?
John 3:17 - God did not send his son to judge the world but to save it.
Hebrews 11:6 - And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.
Luke 11:10 - For everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks the door will be opened.
Hebrews 5:11-12 - There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don't seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again in the basic things about God's word. you are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.
Matthew 7:3 - Why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?
I could go on. But, I won't.
See, christians forget that Christ became sin so we would not. He died so we could live. He told the thief on the cross next to him that he would not be forgotten and would see him at the right hand of God. We forget that David committed adultery and killed another man to commit said adultery. But, we still know that David was a man after God's own heart. Committing sin seems like a strange way to pursue God, but we all sin, just like David. We forget that Saul persecuted Christians before he became Paul.
Here's my point. God can and will use whatever he desires to bring glory to his name. Luke 19:40 warns us that the rocks will cry out. Kanye is crying out. He is teaching. His name alone is bringing people to churches that would never set foot in a church if not for Kanye. Can you convince me that I have a chance to speak to the masses like he is? Are you able to convince me that you can put out an album that everyone talks about? No? Anyone? Oh wait, that's right. You don't own 2 ranches in Wyoming, or a shoe line, or married to the porn star, or have recently announced you're running for president in 2024. See, the very fact he's doing something to get people into a church, listen to a gospel album or simply talking about God, he's doing something so many of us christians aren't. Shame on us!!! And good on him.
Instead of flinging poo at Kanye, shouldn't we be praying for him? Shouldn't we be excited that people are beginning to believe when they once didn't? Shouldn't we be getting a little uncomfortable and joining Kanye in sharing what God has done in our lives with others? Shouldn't we all just, STOP IT?
Remember, sooner or later the ass is gonna talk to all of us. Or will you be running to Nineveh when God says go?
Kanye has stirred up a lot of discussions about a lot of things. Is he a Christian? Is he Born Again? Is it just a money grab? But what about his past, he called himself... Okay, can't comment on any of those questions. I won't comment on what I know nothing of. Mine isn't to determine his heart. Mine isn't to determine intentions. Or honesty/sincerity. I don't know the man or his family. I don't know where he has been and what he has seen in his life. So this post isn't about any of this.
This post is for everyone that has had comments questioning Kanye. It's for all of you that think his actions are fake. For those that believe it's just a money grab. It's for those of you who are speaking in, "righteous judgement," of all Kanye discussions. Also for those that are using the power of your inner keyboard warrior that just want to chip in with your expertise and knowledge of all things Kanye related simply because you find that your words are the only words that matter as if you are the only one with direct communication with God himself. (***WARNING: If any of these descriptions give you a complex or a guilty feeling, this post is for you. You WILL BE OFFENDED!***)
Many years ago I discovered a great skit with Bob Newhart playing a psychiatrist. He provided simple yet a very easy to understand method to follow for his clients. So simple it was only two words: STOP IT! Yup, two words. He wasted no time providing much needed guidance. Sure, his clients were confused and frustrated they couldn't get any other advice, or share any more of their problems before they were offered these words.
In the great words of Bob, here's my words to:
The person that says Kanye isn't saved. STOP IT!
The person stating it's a money grab. STOP IT!
Those that think he shouldn't have gone to Joel Osteen's church. STOP IT!
Those that think he's a wolf in sheep's clothing. STOP IT!!!
Anybody speaking ill of anything and everything this man does. STOP IT!!!
Need any explanation of those words? Confused about either of them? Good. So just do everyone a simple favor. STOP. IT.
Again, this is NOT me talking about Kanye. I don't know him, don't find his actions pure or impure. Genuine or not. NOTHING about this post is a form of support or lack of for Kanye. Nope! Yes, duplicating these statements because I'm sure some of you a certain I support him and know that I'm deceived along with the rest of those welcoming him to the faith.
Let me be clear my dear friends. You christian that is using your justified righteous anger when you discuss Kanye. Do you not remember that God used the following to prove a point, win lives, convince people to do as he asked?
An ass
A whale
A tax collector
A prostitute
Wine
A star
That's just a short list. Need more reminders on what God does? How about these?
John 3:17 - God did not send his son to judge the world but to save it.
Hebrews 11:6 - And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.
Luke 11:10 - For everyone who asks receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks the door will be opened.
Hebrews 5:11-12 - There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don't seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again in the basic things about God's word. you are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.
Matthew 7:3 - Why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?
I could go on. But, I won't.
See, christians forget that Christ became sin so we would not. He died so we could live. He told the thief on the cross next to him that he would not be forgotten and would see him at the right hand of God. We forget that David committed adultery and killed another man to commit said adultery. But, we still know that David was a man after God's own heart. Committing sin seems like a strange way to pursue God, but we all sin, just like David. We forget that Saul persecuted Christians before he became Paul.
Here's my point. God can and will use whatever he desires to bring glory to his name. Luke 19:40 warns us that the rocks will cry out. Kanye is crying out. He is teaching. His name alone is bringing people to churches that would never set foot in a church if not for Kanye. Can you convince me that I have a chance to speak to the masses like he is? Are you able to convince me that you can put out an album that everyone talks about? No? Anyone? Oh wait, that's right. You don't own 2 ranches in Wyoming, or a shoe line, or married to the porn star, or have recently announced you're running for president in 2024. See, the very fact he's doing something to get people into a church, listen to a gospel album or simply talking about God, he's doing something so many of us christians aren't. Shame on us!!! And good on him.
Instead of flinging poo at Kanye, shouldn't we be praying for him? Shouldn't we be excited that people are beginning to believe when they once didn't? Shouldn't we be getting a little uncomfortable and joining Kanye in sharing what God has done in our lives with others? Shouldn't we all just, STOP IT?
Remember, sooner or later the ass is gonna talk to all of us. Or will you be running to Nineveh when God says go?
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