Uplifted in a Broken Down World

Ours is a world constantly expressing need. Not only our everyday conversations, but also, our prayers are inundated with (as commonality defines) needs. But, are we confusing our weeds with our need? If so, does this maximize our weeds and minimize our genuine need? From a Christian prospective, I believe so.

God is the Master Gardener. His hands stand ready to pull my life’s weeds. However, my sole (and soul) need is God and God alone. During my walk today, my steps pondered this viewpoint.

As elementary catechism teaches, God created me to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him. Growing in these ABC’s satisfies the core of need God planted inside my being. If my need is, plain and simple, God, then all else (including excessive wants, trials and tribulations) can be viewed as weeds capable of being uprooted and discarded to the trash heap by my Master Gardener.

It is not only good, but also, necessary for me to distinguish between all my weeds and my one true need. Never should God be lumped in with my weeds. Let weeds be all of life’s sins, trials, tribulations, misfortune and failure. Let need be of God and God alone. While I regret my weeds and ask God to rid me of their curse, I Praise God for being the foundation of my only need.

Ugh!! Since midsummer, the shoppes are already CHRISTmas decorated. Sadly, religious, as well as commercial, establishments have fallen prey to this early sales push. However, for me, this is not the most grievous offense. It is that CHRISTmas is advertised as a hol-“I”-day, not a hol-“Y”-day. Hol-“I”-day is a politically correct label. Hol-“Y”-day is the God given infallible definition.

To most, the interchanging of these two words in inconsequential. However, is it really? Let’s compare the center difference between hol-“I”-day and hol-“Y”-day. Then, you be the judge.

Hol-“I”-day and hol-“Y”-day mirror each other except for their center — “I” in hol-“I”-day and “Y” in hol-“Y”-day. Herein lies the pivotal dichotomy. The world spins CHRISTmas around “I”. God revolves CHRISTmas around “Y”.

Our materialistic world proclaims CHRISTmas to be a hol-“I”-day, bottom lined in “I”. Hol-“I”-day is centered in presents, not presence. It rotates around the wants of “I”. Santa Claus often replaces God as the supreme giver of gifts. Labeled hol-“I”-day translates into how much can “I” get, not how much God has given.

“Y” did God give us CHRISTmas? Baby Jesus, God made man, was born to redeem me (and you). CHRISTmas is God’s ultimate love to fallen mankind. The “Y” of hol-“Y”-day is the present of my (and your) eternal life. Each and every year, CHRISTmas deserves to be celebrated, first and foremost, for what Baby Jesus brought, not what Santa Claus brings. God ordained it a hol-“Y”-day, not a hol-“I”-day.

I’ve come to accept that post 4th of July, store shelves will be filled with CHRISTmas for sale. However, I refuse to buy into that its early promo rests in money making. Instead, each and every bombardment of goods for sale, I choose to view as a reminder of the true meaning of the “Y” that stands in the middle of my preparation for the CHRISTmas hol-“Y”-day.

There are 88 days till the dawn of CHRISTmas morn. It is coming. All that remains is for us to choose whether our hearts and souls are anxiously preparing for a hol-“I”-day or a hol-“Y”-day???

Woke this morning knowing both my daughters have placed me on “stand by”. Feet hit the floor, and God uplifted my being in a downward direction. His message — Forget “stand by”, my daughter. You need to be on “kneel by”!!!

My life right now is probably the same as most — Satan attacking but God conquering. It’s a tough season, but gratefully, our Heavenly Father never goes out of season. As the childhood phrase goes, morning, noon and night God never sleeps, hears our weeps and guides, guards and carries us as His chosen sheep. The calendar states this ‘ol grammy is removed from younger days, but the wisdom of this rhyme still blankets my security.

Back to God’s instruction of this morning — “stand by” versus “kneel by”. One is a tower of company, the other a bunker of strength.

When those we love have need, we “stand by” to be of any help required. God’s gentle nudge, however, declared He will stay the watch, and our best position is to “kneel by” in prayer. Humans, focused on “stand by”, grow over worried and under confident. Mankind choosing “kneel by” turn worry over to God and with His Scripture assurance trust “Don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

In honesty, who’s more equipped to win worldly trials, God or us? Our human loving hearts and caring souls were designed to be close to others facing struggle, walk beside them and physically assist with what needs we can. Unquestionably, as children of God, we are to be ready and willing to share another’s load; but, in truth, only God can carry the weight that threatens lives. So, I pose this thought to ponder. When friends and loved ones are plagued with tribulations, are we called by God to “stand by” to help with our own physical ability or summoned to “kneel by” with faith ready to serve, hearts eager to love and souls relinquishing all to Divine Hands much stronger than ours?

Presently, the space on the calendar marks Labor Day. Traditionally, it’s an “us” day. We congratulate “ourselves” for “our” days of labor and celebrate “our” work.

I woke this morning with not me and my labor But HE and HIS labor of Love in my soul.

I’ve crossed many laborious jobs off my list this past year. HIS task, however, should never be crossed off a list. Yes, it is accomplished, but it should never be logged out behind us. Forever, it is to be before us.

Upon rising, my day turned from patting myself on the back to letting my knees touch the floor. Sunrise went from applauding human toil to the SONrise of praising one Devine work.

Today, our Country celebrates the works of man. As Christians, might not our congregations, also, this day commemorate the GREATEST LABOR OF ALL?

“He shall see the labor of His soul and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many. For He shall bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53:11 (NKJV)

The ability to withstand is hailed as strength. But is it always what God calls us to do? And if we do withstand, what is our motive? For the possibility of worldly success, are we willing to sacrifice the Golden Rule? Of greatest significance, what are we instilling in our Youth by our choice of whether they will be reaching out to conquer the world or reaching in so the world doesn’t conquer them?

This week a friend, whom I greatly admire, expressed concern for her grandchild. The youngster is playing on a school team where being bullies tallies more points than a final score. The Gram was concerned for the toll being taken on her grandchild’s emotional wellbeing and self-esteem.

My perspective is just that — mine. I do not proclaim to be the guru of authority. My aim is not to teach or preach. I’m just sharing my personal view, philosophy and “soul”ution.

Belonging on a winning team (at any and all expense) has become the trophy of children’s sports. Desired identity is wearing the uniform of a winning team, even if the players maneuvering classifies them as losers in Biblical standards.

Too often, children are submitted to toxic environments for the sake of chasing worldly wins. To me this is a losing strategy for God’s children. I suggest the path to victory, at times, is travelled by walking away from the path where destructive bullying, materialism and misguided goals reign.

First and foremost, young athletes need to be coached in understanding the differences between being a winner and a champion. At any cost, a winner will do what it takes to hold the trophy of being ranked best by the world. Regardless of cost, a champion will courageously walk away from a toxic circle of worldly acclaim and run towards the crown of Heavenly victory. Secondly, coaches and parents need to contemplate if their desire is to produce winners or champions, as well as the consequences of the direction in which they lead.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” Matthew 16:26 (ESV)

“Two young men knocked on my door today. They were from a nearby church and wanted to pray for me. They see Michael pushing me through the neighborhood every day. I cried of course. They touched my heart. It was a big reminder to pray for those who pray for us.” Last night, my dear sister in Christ, who is battling cancer, shared this text with me.

God’s Faith, Hope and Love were illuminated in these two young men seeking to pray for a stranger. Satan’s fear, despair and hate are constantly highlighted in current dark media coverage of America’s emerging adults. God sends inspiration. Satan hurls discouragement. Each of us has the choice of seeing our good God or being blinded by the evil Satan.

It’s more than time for constant scrolling of our phones for media news to cease. Instead, may we, each and every one, open our eyes and focus on God’s faithful remnant – kindling embers of WHOSE we were created to be. Media snapshots of Satan’s wayward cannot wipe out pictures of God’s children living the image of their Heavenly Father. Infallible Scripture proclaims: “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.”. 1 Corinthians 15:49 (ESV)

Tonight, as we close this day’s scrapbook of memories, let us set our sight on how the SON will rise tomorrow. Let’s choose not to allow news apps on our phones solely paint despair and blind us to God’s canvas of His children depicting His image and Love. As we choose to focus on souls reflecting God’s family, may we recognize ourselves in this portrait.

Faith, now that’s my forte. However, truth be told, not forte but weak spot is where God, recently, met me. It’s been a long year in which my Faith has carried me; but the Good Lord (patience with me running out) let it be known that I didn’t need carrying. I required a flash back and a jump start to remember a lesson learned (but forgotten) decades ago.

Unquestionably, Faith is the crux of how to handle our trying seasons. It is the decisive point that renders courage and stamina for the battles we face. Nonetheless, Faith alone does not “put the pedal to the metal” and barrel us through challenge and into the victory lap. Not maneuvering in a race car, but sitting in a wheelbarrow, leads to waving the checkered flag. This is the message of wisdom I learned but let slip from memory. Venture back with me; and may this recaptured story captivate you, as it did me so many years ago.

“The Blondin Wheelbarrow Parable” took place in 1859 at Niagara Falls. High above the rushing water, Charles Blondin, a French tightrope walker, successfully pushed a wheelbarrow filled with cement across the Falls. The crowd enthusiastically cheered and proclaimed Blondin a miracle worker. ‘Twas then that Blondin asked his most applauding fan if he believed he could push a human being across Niagara Falls in his wheelbarrow. Resoundingly, the singled-out enthusiast and entire crowd yelled an affirming “YES”! However, when Blondin asked the seemingly confident supporter to get in the wheelbarrow, he refused — as did every other member of the crowd.

The masses affirming YES was Faith. Sitting in the wheelbarrow did not take Faith. It required TRUST. Though my (or your) Faith may be deep, strong and unwavering, only by TRUSTING GOD and completely letting Him carry me (you) across my (your) most dangerous challenges can my (your) seemingly impossible become possible. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” Psalm 56: 3-4 (ESV)

I thank God for reconnecting my Faith to Trust. Never to be forgotten again is that the question to be answered is not is my Faith strong enough but, rather, am I sitting in God’s wheelbarrow!!!

Last weekend found me leaning against a concrete pillar while waiting to board my flight. When the delay turned lengthy, the concrete pillar gave my physical weigh to the way of God supporting my spiritual stance.

While the anxious crowd was growing more self-centered, the crux of my heart was drawn to a wife/mother, her husband and her young daughter. My initial thought was regret that I wasn’t sitting, so I could have given this woman a chair in which to collapse. She was maybe in her late thirties and heavily dependent on a brightly colored cane accented with a meadow of flowers. A smile crossed my face as I assigned its selection to her preteen daughter. My grin turned to a frustrated frown as I witnessed not a sole worldly traveler giving up their comfortable seat to this heaven-bound soul journeyer. Her husband, holding secure the only rest haven available, she caved down onto her carry-on suitcase. Her head tumbled onto the cane she was grasping.

As my heart ached for this suffering sister in Christ, my soul realized when mankind becomes self-centered in “I”, their eyes are blind to any genuine need beyond their imagined wants. Why, God, has our human race abandoned stopping to help others and, instead, runs after self (and selfish) fulfillment?

While the boarding delay lengthened, another challenge presented itself to this family. This suffering wife/mother laboriously rose in need of the rest room. Her husband realized he could not escort her and be the foundation anchor she required. Instinctively, and immediately, the daughter became the support her mother needed. Though intent on assisting her mom, this young girl, also, understood her father’s worry. With an assuring smile of love radiating from her eyes, this Godly daughter turned to her dad. Her helping hand slid into a fist. Her petite thumb staunchly rose upward and flashed the message “I’ve got this, dad”. Her father, holding back welled up emotion, shook his head in thanksgiving.

Inconvenienced adults, trapped in self-pity, were oblivious to what had just unfolded. My spirit sighed as I deep down realized that it’s impossible for society to be grateful and often yields to being hateful, when they’ve chosen to focus on trivial trials and overlook the plight of critical tribulations.

No longer did I pity the weakened warrior fighting to survive, her loving husband or her “thumb’s up” daughter. Instead, I felt sorry for the self-centered crowd who deprived themselves of grasping the picture of reality of how truly blessed they are.

As I finally boarded the plane and tightened my seatbelt, I thanked God for buckling my life with my mother who instilled in me that “life is fragile, so handle it with prayer” and my father who taught me “not to look but to see”. Additionally, I asked God to guide and guard His inspiring warrior wife/mother, her loving husband and her “thumb’s up” daughter.

“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for 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.” Isaiah 40: 29-31 (ESV).

As my heart remembers my (to many) ancient High School days, gratitude fills my being. Academic achievement, fun filled extracurricular activities, friendships and graduating from Chicago’s acclaimed “The Immaculata” are cherished but far from the greatest High School treasures for which my soul, even to this day, thanks God.

Letters on a report card rewarded my study. Numbers, measuring the rung of worldly ladders climbed, proclaimed my level of material success. However, the caring and sharing of Blessed Virgin Mary Nuns instilled in my heart and soul the wisdom, stamina, understanding, and God given purpose that, time and again, withstood life’s greatest battles. This band of God’s angels truly planted and cultivated in my being the desire not to reach the stars, but rather, to reach beyond the stars and touch the heavens. Not hailing success but conquering my shortcomings was, and remains, the true worth these veiled servants of God engraved upon my High School Diploma.

To highlight a few:

Sister Emmanuel taught me the life skill language that sometimes the best words spoken are not for sole advancement but “soul”y others’ needs.

Sister Emilda stitched my life together in learning man’s manufactured patterns often need adjustment to the individual style and fabric God has chosen me to wear.

Sister Ivo showed me, though total fear may engulf my body, I am capable of dissecting what I want to run from and, thereby, conquer worldly fright and anxiety by opening up my anatomy to the gift of God’s inner trust and peace.

Sister Jolenta scored victory by dribbling into my heart the game winning shot that though I have my preferred court to dominate, accepting my painfully obvious limitations on my ungifted playing fields brings the championship trophy of humility and valuing myself not for who I am but for WHOSE I AM.

Sister Martin attached to my diploma the crown point jewel that God created life not to be rushed and exhausting. Worldly, fleeting success may solely be tied to how much I do, but eternal reward comes “soul”y from releasing myself from the race for earthly success and resting in God — His power, protection and provision.

The bricks and mortar of “The Immaculata’s” building no longer educate Chicago’s young ladies, but my life remains cemented in its foundation. This old lady, who is so deeply blessed to have walked its halls, forever thanks each and every teacher, administrator and fellow classmate who helped educate my brain, seeded and watered my heart and, forever, nurtures my soul.

It was a SONday afternoon. A kindergarten lassie was perched upon her daddy’s lap. His arms secured her from sliding off the dining room chair. Lodged in her daddy’s fingers was a common kitchen tool — a nutcracker. Before the duo, a bowl of hazelnuts rested. To the spectator’s eye, preparing a dessert treat was underway. In God’s “I”, a spiritual, meat and potatoes, meal was being readied and served.

“Daddy, why is it so hard to break through the outside so we can eat the yummy stuff inside?”

“My daughter, the goodness of our longed-for delights always rests inside a hard shell that must be broken before we can be nourished by life’s most fulfilling delicacies.”

“But why, Daddy, why?”

“Because we truly are grateful for, hold onto and treasure only what we cherish enough to overcome a struggle to possess.”

“Your hands are strong, daddy. Mine are not. On my own, I cannot open a hard barrier. I need you, daddy, to do it for me.”

“Sweet child of mine, I can’t do it for you. You must do it with my help. Let me explain. Worldly challenges try to ‘steal’ our dreams from us by shutting them inside a hard to crack fortress. Often, we are defeated because the process seems impossible to open up and attain. However, the ‘steel’ of God’s strength is beyond the power needed for us to break all earthly barricades. Our hands just need to trust, take hold of and use all God’s power that rests inside our hearts and souls.”

“Daddy, teach me how to do this.”

“Here, take hold of the nutcracker and discover the wisdom and way to learning this truth and its rewards. First, you must never forget that the nut’s outer shell depicts all worldly attempts to ‘steal’ your dreams come true. The ‘steel’ of God’s power is symbolically represented by the nutcracker. Your frail human fingers must cling to God’s ‘steel’ power. No defeat can ever prevent success, if you hold fast to God being your power. Just as my daddy palms now encircle your petite hands while you grasp the nutcracker, so do your Almighty Father’s surround and uphold yours. Cradled in God’s ‘steel’ strength, you can split open any, and every, worldly barrier attempting to keep you from unlocking the reality of your dreams come true.”

May we each and every one take a seat in our Heavenly Father’s welcoming lap, take hold of the “steel” of God’s strength and allow God’s palms to embrace our vulnerable hands and defeat the world from “steal”ing the dreams harbored in our hearts and souls.