Today again my heart was ripped out of my chest because of the evil of sexual abuse in our country. I wept as heard how predators have out smarted society again (amazing how quickly their methods have changed and have become more aggressive in just one year). Anger fueled my passion to do everything in my power to protect my child and those in my family, in my neighborhood, in my church against those that carry out these unthinkable horrors to children just months old to our teenagers.
Oprah did an incredible job again at informing viewers about the abuse that takes place daily. Please take a look at her website if you didn’t see her show on Monday (www.Oprah.com) Today there is “how to manuals” on raping children. The Safe Touch prevention classes that are offered by many of our rape crisis centers are now competing with predators that use animated instructional videos for children on how to perform sexual acts on adults. These manuals and videos desensitize our children and predators use it to normalize their demonic behavior.
As a society we have been taboo on sexual abuse long enough. Our silence and denial allows sexual abuse to continue – and our children’s childhood is at stake. YOU CAN do something, YOU CAN make a difference. Here are 3 ways:
1. Bring the Stewards of Children training for adults to your church, your neighborhood, your child’s after school program, or any youth/children service organizations (Boys/Girls Club, Fusion Warehouse, YMCA, day care). This training educates adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the epidemic of child sexual abuse. For more information on the training please contact me by email info@Engage-Reality.com.
2. Help pass the Senate Bill 1738 - PROTECT OUR CHILDREN ACT. This bill will put money behind law enforcement to fund more officers to cover abusers and more resources. Due to the lack of resources law enforcement is unable to follow-up on leads of child sexual abuse, specifically online predators (those that video the rape of children). This bill will authorize $320 million dollars over the next 5 years to law enforcement to investigate child exploitation, mandate that child rescue by a top priority by offices receiving this funding, and will allocate funds for computer software that can track down internet predators. Contact Jim DeMint and Lindsay Graham and tell them “VOTE YES ON SENATE BILL 1738 – THE PROTECT OUR CHILDREN ACT.” Contact information at: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=SC If you choose to email them, you can use the sample letter on Oprah.com http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20080911_tows_predators
3. Volunteer at your local Child Advocacy Center or Sexual Trauma Center. The work load for staff at these agencies can be overwhelming and staff can not cover hotlines or ER visits 24 hours…your help is needed. To find your local center: http://volopps.rainn.org/
Enough is enough. If we don’t stand up and protect our children who will?
Surely we can change something,
Christy
Monday, September 15, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Why Should Christians Care About Social Injustice?
Poverty. Orphans. Degradation of women. Abuse of children. Homelessness. Unequal access to health care. In the last hundred years our society has shifted, from the church caring for the oppressed to government programs overseeing issues. Many may see this as a positive shift, and it is not a bad thing. The government does have the resources, funds, and research to address these issues. But something is gotten lost in the shift…people. When we view rape as an issue or poverty as just an issue something’s wrong. Behind the scary words, like sexual violence, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, there are people; people that are hurting, scared, isolated, and often hopeless.
I know that issues can be overwhelming. I have heard many people say “I don’t watch the evening news or read the paper anymore. It is too depressing.” But ask the same person what’s their favorite TV show? Don’t be surprised when you hear Law and Order or CSI! Is it okay for issues to be entertainment but not reality? But it is reality, “ripped from the headlines”, you couldn’t make up most of those plots. Caring about “issues” doesn’t make you right or left, red or blue, or “in the world”. Caring about “issues” makes you compassionate, even (dramatic pause)… Christ-like.
There are over 2,000 verses in scripture that relate to caring for the oppressed and the poor. 2,000! Do you think the God of all creation was trying to tell us something? Yes, something like, don’t forget each other while you are doing life. Jesus is the perfect example of what God expects from us. (No surprise right?) Jesus loved people, I mean really loved people. He didn’t care about social norms. Remember the Samaritan woman? Jews talking to Samaritans wasn’t going to happen, but a man talking to a woman in public was a disgrace. Jesus never put a stereotype on anyone nor did he have one size fits all way of healing. Instead he looked at crowds with compassion, took time to listen to stories, and touched people. Jesus was revolutionary in person and in love. He made history of 600 plus laws and gave his followers just two – to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second love your neighbor as yourself.
The kingdom of God is right now. We are in it, we are it. It isn’t just something that awaits us, but it is Good News that must be shared today with those that need hope and a future. The Good Samaritan saw one person, with one need he could meet. Maybe he left his house that morning with his day’s agenda in his planner and heard story after story of issues that were beyond his control, but he did not let that stop him from doing one simple thing. He simply crossed the street. He saw a man with an immediate need who wanted help, and then he did something about it. The Samaritan cleaned his wounds and carried him to a place that could meet needs beyond his ability. We are not meant to meet needs on our own. I think that is why many Christians find themselves overwhelmed or afraid to reach out. We are afraid we won’t know what to do or what the answer is. Yet, we are surrounded with resources, we just have to know them and be willing to learn how to help with a specific need.
God has not called us to be passive or timid. But he’s called us to boldly reach out with compassion to others and to look beyond an issue or a stereotype, and see a person. Yes, we must make ourselves aware of the issues, their prevalence and consequences. We can’t be effective if we are ignorant and we can’t help someone if we aren’t aware. So may we not see issues, may we see our neighbors.
I Dare You,
Christy
"Don't choose issues; choose people. Fall in love with a group of people who are marginalized and suffering, and then you won't have to worry about which cause you need to protest. Then the issues will choose you." - Shane Claiborne
I know that issues can be overwhelming. I have heard many people say “I don’t watch the evening news or read the paper anymore. It is too depressing.” But ask the same person what’s their favorite TV show? Don’t be surprised when you hear Law and Order or CSI! Is it okay for issues to be entertainment but not reality? But it is reality, “ripped from the headlines”, you couldn’t make up most of those plots. Caring about “issues” doesn’t make you right or left, red or blue, or “in the world”. Caring about “issues” makes you compassionate, even (dramatic pause)… Christ-like.
There are over 2,000 verses in scripture that relate to caring for the oppressed and the poor. 2,000! Do you think the God of all creation was trying to tell us something? Yes, something like, don’t forget each other while you are doing life. Jesus is the perfect example of what God expects from us. (No surprise right?) Jesus loved people, I mean really loved people. He didn’t care about social norms. Remember the Samaritan woman? Jews talking to Samaritans wasn’t going to happen, but a man talking to a woman in public was a disgrace. Jesus never put a stereotype on anyone nor did he have one size fits all way of healing. Instead he looked at crowds with compassion, took time to listen to stories, and touched people. Jesus was revolutionary in person and in love. He made history of 600 plus laws and gave his followers just two – to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second love your neighbor as yourself.
The kingdom of God is right now. We are in it, we are it. It isn’t just something that awaits us, but it is Good News that must be shared today with those that need hope and a future. The Good Samaritan saw one person, with one need he could meet. Maybe he left his house that morning with his day’s agenda in his planner and heard story after story of issues that were beyond his control, but he did not let that stop him from doing one simple thing. He simply crossed the street. He saw a man with an immediate need who wanted help, and then he did something about it. The Samaritan cleaned his wounds and carried him to a place that could meet needs beyond his ability. We are not meant to meet needs on our own. I think that is why many Christians find themselves overwhelmed or afraid to reach out. We are afraid we won’t know what to do or what the answer is. Yet, we are surrounded with resources, we just have to know them and be willing to learn how to help with a specific need.
God has not called us to be passive or timid. But he’s called us to boldly reach out with compassion to others and to look beyond an issue or a stereotype, and see a person. Yes, we must make ourselves aware of the issues, their prevalence and consequences. We can’t be effective if we are ignorant and we can’t help someone if we aren’t aware. So may we not see issues, may we see our neighbors.
I Dare You,
Christy
"Don't choose issues; choose people. Fall in love with a group of people who are marginalized and suffering, and then you won't have to worry about which cause you need to protest. Then the issues will choose you." - Shane Claiborne
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A21 Campaign
I have always been encouraged and challenged by women who have a passion for something. On the issue of violence against women and children there are some incredible advocates. But I have noticed in resent days the Christian community doesn't have many outspoken, daring advocates for this issue - their are plenty for the pro-life movement, teen pregnancy, even for the neglect of children - but finding Christians that will speak out against an abuse that effects women in EVERY area of their life for the rest of their life, those people are few and far between. But I have found one brave soul!!
Back in November I found a book that became a catalyst for Engage-Reality and a wake-up call in my personal life. The book is called "Stop Acting Like a Christian, Just Be One." The author is Christine Caine. We now refer to her as just "Chris" in our household! Chris is one of the few Christ-following advocates for sexual violence, a survivor herself, she saw a need and could not ignore it. That is what makes a great advocate.
Please take a moment to learn about A21, the overwhelming epidemic of sexual trafficking, and if you feel led, I encourage you to partner with Chris to make a difference in the lives of these women and children.
Those that have ears, let them HEAR-
Christy
Back in November I found a book that became a catalyst for Engage-Reality and a wake-up call in my personal life. The book is called "Stop Acting Like a Christian, Just Be One." The author is Christine Caine. We now refer to her as just "Chris" in our household! Chris is one of the few Christ-following advocates for sexual violence, a survivor herself, she saw a need and could not ignore it. That is what makes a great advocate.
Please take a moment to learn about A21, the overwhelming epidemic of sexual trafficking, and if you feel led, I encourage you to partner with Chris to make a difference in the lives of these women and children.
Those that have ears, let them HEAR-
Christy
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
For several years I have been learning of women and children who have survived unspeakable horrors from their own government in the DR Congo. This week I have committed to join hundreds around the world to pray for the specific needs of those living in this region. Many of us have seen the movie Hotel Rwanda and have heard of the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region; we are not ignorant to the evils that prevail in our world. But the stories of the DR Congo are often kept silent.
The DRC is the richest nation in natural resources but the poorest in human rights. For 10 years the region has been in civil war. And a weapon of war that has been used for centuries - sexual violence - is rampant. Armed groups daily attack villages - looting, brutally raping, kidnapping women and children forcing them to become "bush wives" or sex slaves. The rapes are so brutal many women and children must be repaired. The Panzi hospital has become a beacon of hope for thousands. Last year it was estimated that 4,000 women were treated for complications stemming from rape, mutilation and disease, this year those numbers are growing. Please join with me in praying for these women and children as young as 2.
I encourage you to visit an encourage website www.congocast.org - here you can find specific prayer needs, and see episodes of 2 American women that have given up everything to spend a year in the DRC to minister to women and children. Their stories are amazing and encouraging. Please take the time to see at least one episode, it will bless you - then take a moment of your prayer time to remember our sisters suffering at the hands of violence.
Awareness leads to change -
Christy
The DRC is the richest nation in natural resources but the poorest in human rights. For 10 years the region has been in civil war. And a weapon of war that has been used for centuries - sexual violence - is rampant. Armed groups daily attack villages - looting, brutally raping, kidnapping women and children forcing them to become "bush wives" or sex slaves. The rapes are so brutal many women and children must be repaired. The Panzi hospital has become a beacon of hope for thousands. Last year it was estimated that 4,000 women were treated for complications stemming from rape, mutilation and disease, this year those numbers are growing. Please join with me in praying for these women and children as young as 2.
I encourage you to visit an encourage website www.congocast.org - here you can find specific prayer needs, and see episodes of 2 American women that have given up everything to spend a year in the DRC to minister to women and children. Their stories are amazing and encouraging. Please take the time to see at least one episode, it will bless you - then take a moment of your prayer time to remember our sisters suffering at the hands of violence.
Awareness leads to change -
Christy
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Salt and Light
It is hard to fathom if you are living through hell on earth that everything happens for a reason, but it does. That thought never crossed my mind in the moments of my abuses. Back then my thoughts could not go to such hopeful places. But they do now. I call that time in my life the dark zone. To know me then you would not have ever guessed that I was a victim of sexual abuse. I was outgoing, energetic, funny, made decent grades, and on my way to college. But alone in the dark I looked very different. There I was plagued by doubts, desperation, confusion and shame.
I believe the road to healing from sexual abuse is as painful, if not more so, than the incident itself. In the beginning of that journey my path crossed some well-meaning Christians that would often tell me to pray. Of course I was already doing that, and then they’d say I wasn’t praying hard enough. I was beginning to think that I didn’t know the secret God-code or something. I became bitter. At the time I was surrounded by Christians, who are supposed to be the salt of the earth, but I was decaying. You see, salt is more than flavoring or seasoning. We hear that a lot as an illustration for Christians, but salt is also a preservative. (Jesus was familiar with this as it was used on meats to it restrict bacterial growth.) So when we read, you are the salt of the earth, should we see ourselves as a preservative, having the ability to protect something from decay? YES.
We live in a world full of reasons that make people bitter. Some people have experiences that they inevitably lose parts of themselves, they begin to decay. As Christians we must pass the salt. Rabbis used salt as a symbol for wisdom. As I look back, many Christians I came in contact then really wanted to help but they lacked the wisdom. They just didn’t know how to help. But that should never be an excuse. Christians, if someone chooses you to share a struggle with – it is okay to admit you don’t know the answers, pray with them, and educate yourself. Jesus instructed us to be salt, that may take effort but the resources are available.
Were you ever afraid of the dark as a kid? I can remember the calculated moves it took to turn off the light and make it into bed with a single jump - defeating the monster under the bed! And if you were still afraid, the flashlight would make everything okay again. Now, in my 30’s, I still see how light makes everything okay. Keeping parts of our lives in the dark can haunt us. Light makes everything feel different. In the light, we see things as they really are. “God is light and there is no darkness in him at all” (1 John 1:5), has always brought me a sense of peace. God’s not afraid of the dark; to Him it doesn’t even exist. So what did that mean for me in my dark zone? It wasn’t dark to Him. I know that causes anger in some, pain in others – “Why didn’t God do something if He saw it happening?” There are probably thousands of answers to that question; I’ve heard some well-intended attempts. I don’t claim to know the answers. But I have asked that question too, for me that answer lies in the faces of every survivor I have spoken with. To look into their eyes and know there is a unity, a connection, even if I just met them. I went through the hell because one day I would met them and I had something to give back. That is not a God-complex, but it is because of God’s goodness I can comfort someone else.
God being light is not a bad thing. Think about the alternative - I don’t want a God that is in the dark! Jesus didn’t take the light away when He left this world; He passed that to us too. Being God’s light-bearers isn’t just about salvation, but it is about “holding the light” for others (see Marcus’ blog). It is about passing on the Good News of hope, freedom, joy, contentment, peace, truth…
Bad things happen to people. Every 2 and half minutes a woman is raped. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused by their 18th birthdays. Those facts are reality and that can be overwhelming. More Good News…justice is a foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 89:14) And we are to be salt and light. Christ-followers aren’t afraid to use a little salt, and I am no longer afraid of the dark!
Be salt and shatter the darkness -
Christy
I believe the road to healing from sexual abuse is as painful, if not more so, than the incident itself. In the beginning of that journey my path crossed some well-meaning Christians that would often tell me to pray. Of course I was already doing that, and then they’d say I wasn’t praying hard enough. I was beginning to think that I didn’t know the secret God-code or something. I became bitter. At the time I was surrounded by Christians, who are supposed to be the salt of the earth, but I was decaying. You see, salt is more than flavoring or seasoning. We hear that a lot as an illustration for Christians, but salt is also a preservative. (Jesus was familiar with this as it was used on meats to it restrict bacterial growth.) So when we read, you are the salt of the earth, should we see ourselves as a preservative, having the ability to protect something from decay? YES.
We live in a world full of reasons that make people bitter. Some people have experiences that they inevitably lose parts of themselves, they begin to decay. As Christians we must pass the salt. Rabbis used salt as a symbol for wisdom. As I look back, many Christians I came in contact then really wanted to help but they lacked the wisdom. They just didn’t know how to help. But that should never be an excuse. Christians, if someone chooses you to share a struggle with – it is okay to admit you don’t know the answers, pray with them, and educate yourself. Jesus instructed us to be salt, that may take effort but the resources are available.
Were you ever afraid of the dark as a kid? I can remember the calculated moves it took to turn off the light and make it into bed with a single jump - defeating the monster under the bed! And if you were still afraid, the flashlight would make everything okay again. Now, in my 30’s, I still see how light makes everything okay. Keeping parts of our lives in the dark can haunt us. Light makes everything feel different. In the light, we see things as they really are. “God is light and there is no darkness in him at all” (1 John 1:5), has always brought me a sense of peace. God’s not afraid of the dark; to Him it doesn’t even exist. So what did that mean for me in my dark zone? It wasn’t dark to Him. I know that causes anger in some, pain in others – “Why didn’t God do something if He saw it happening?” There are probably thousands of answers to that question; I’ve heard some well-intended attempts. I don’t claim to know the answers. But I have asked that question too, for me that answer lies in the faces of every survivor I have spoken with. To look into their eyes and know there is a unity, a connection, even if I just met them. I went through the hell because one day I would met them and I had something to give back. That is not a God-complex, but it is because of God’s goodness I can comfort someone else.
God being light is not a bad thing. Think about the alternative - I don’t want a God that is in the dark! Jesus didn’t take the light away when He left this world; He passed that to us too. Being God’s light-bearers isn’t just about salvation, but it is about “holding the light” for others (see Marcus’ blog). It is about passing on the Good News of hope, freedom, joy, contentment, peace, truth…
Bad things happen to people. Every 2 and half minutes a woman is raped. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused by their 18th birthdays. Those facts are reality and that can be overwhelming. More Good News…justice is a foundation of God’s throne (Psalm 89:14) And we are to be salt and light. Christ-followers aren’t afraid to use a little salt, and I am no longer afraid of the dark!
Be salt and shatter the darkness -
Christy
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Small Things Change the World!
I saw good news last night on TV. That was such a rarity I thought it needed to be blogged!! But before there is good news, there must be the bad.
• More than 5,000 children are dying every day as a result of water-borne disease.
• Millions of Africans lack access to clean water.
• The lack of clean, accessible drinking water is the second largest worldwide killer of children under five.
Our neighbors across the world are suffering. I heard someone recently ask “Why should we worry about people across the world when America has so many needs of its own?” I have two answers for that. One…because we CAN. God’s blessed us and we should give it away. Two… I had to answer the question with a question, “So exactly what are you doing to help with domestic needs?” No response, not surprising.
Okay, where is the good news in that? So glad you asked! Americans have exactly what it takes to bring clean water to our global neighbors…CASH and CREDIT. This week area businesses are helping us to Engage in this Reality. In simplistic, yet creative way you can help be the difference between life and death for children just by going out to eat. This week restaurants are asking patrons to pay $1 per glass of water as a donation to The Tap Project, an effort by UNICEF to bring clean drinking water to children in countries where a cup of safe water is often a luxury. How awesome is that!?! Even if you prefer tea or soda, which is usually $2 in restaurants, splurge a little (you are American, we are good at that) and buy yourself a nice cold, clean glass of water. A small action can go a long way. In this project, $1 provides one child with safe drinking water for 40 days!!
Bottled water in America is now a $4 billion a year business. And most of us are blessed to have clean tap water everyday. It is easy to take that for granted. We give thanks before we eat, but what about before we drink our single most bountiful resource.
So the next time you take a drink of water, thank God for it and pray for those without it. You can make a difference. Below are the restaurants in our area that are participating (I hope there will be many more next year!) and websites that give you more information on this issue.
Be aware and make a ripple!!
Christy
Greenville restaurants participating in the Tap Project (Sunday, March 16 – Saturday, March 22):
- Blue Fire Grill - The Blue Ridge Brewing Co. - Brown Street Club - Devereaux's
- Flat Rock Grille - High Cotton/Maverick Bar & Grill - The Lazy Goat - Midtown Deli
- Overlook Grill - Restaurant O - Rick Erwin's West End - Snapshot Café
- Soby On The Side - Soby's
http://www.tapproject.org/
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/ (if you don’t make it to a participating restaurant this week, you can make a $1 donation here anytime)
• More than 5,000 children are dying every day as a result of water-borne disease.
• Millions of Africans lack access to clean water.
• The lack of clean, accessible drinking water is the second largest worldwide killer of children under five.
Our neighbors across the world are suffering. I heard someone recently ask “Why should we worry about people across the world when America has so many needs of its own?” I have two answers for that. One…because we CAN. God’s blessed us and we should give it away. Two… I had to answer the question with a question, “So exactly what are you doing to help with domestic needs?” No response, not surprising.
Okay, where is the good news in that? So glad you asked! Americans have exactly what it takes to bring clean water to our global neighbors…CASH and CREDIT. This week area businesses are helping us to Engage in this Reality. In simplistic, yet creative way you can help be the difference between life and death for children just by going out to eat. This week restaurants are asking patrons to pay $1 per glass of water as a donation to The Tap Project, an effort by UNICEF to bring clean drinking water to children in countries where a cup of safe water is often a luxury. How awesome is that!?! Even if you prefer tea or soda, which is usually $2 in restaurants, splurge a little (you are American, we are good at that) and buy yourself a nice cold, clean glass of water. A small action can go a long way. In this project, $1 provides one child with safe drinking water for 40 days!!
Bottled water in America is now a $4 billion a year business. And most of us are blessed to have clean tap water everyday. It is easy to take that for granted. We give thanks before we eat, but what about before we drink our single most bountiful resource.
So the next time you take a drink of water, thank God for it and pray for those without it. You can make a difference. Below are the restaurants in our area that are participating (I hope there will be many more next year!) and websites that give you more information on this issue.
Be aware and make a ripple!!
Christy
Greenville restaurants participating in the Tap Project (Sunday, March 16 – Saturday, March 22):
- Blue Fire Grill - The Blue Ridge Brewing Co. - Brown Street Club - Devereaux's
- Flat Rock Grille - High Cotton/Maverick Bar & Grill - The Lazy Goat - Midtown Deli
- Overlook Grill - Restaurant O - Rick Erwin's West End - Snapshot Café
- Soby On The Side - Soby's
http://www.tapproject.org/
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/ (if you don’t make it to a participating restaurant this week, you can make a $1 donation here anytime)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Just One More Fan
Every so often, maybe once or twice a year, I hear God calling me out. Of course, I believe He is constantly calling or speaking to me but somehow I miss his voice most of the time. When this happens, I get really passionate about Him and my life. I start reading books on apologetics, theology, Christian philosophy, and the Bible. I start seeing God in people, places and things I never saw Him in before. I become acutely aware of my sin and I marvel at His grace. How does He do that? How does He forgive me after all I do all the while ignoring Him. I start writing about Him, talking about Him, I even start to mean the songs I sing for and about Him. I start loving people I never even noticed before. I start thinking about tithing, serving, and sharing my faith with the world around me in some tangible/meaningful way. I start wondering what He really wants from my life. It’s a little overwhelming. I work myself into a fever. And then it happens, (you know what’s coming don’t you) nothing, nothing, that’s what happens. I crash and burn and turn into a big heaping pile of apathy. I lose it, the fire, the enthusiasm, the vim and the vigor. Why? Why? What about personal commitment? What about perseverance? What about “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me”? Am I forever relegated to a life of spiritual ADD?
I think, for me, knowing Jesus has been largely an intellectual pursuit. That doesn’t necessarily mean that I have no emotional investment, I do, but I analyze and reason myself to Jesus more than I engage Him intimately. I am essentially a fan. Yeah, I am a fan of Jesus. I read His blog to see what He’s thinking about, I watch His segment on ET to find out what he has been wearing and what whether or not He’s been in rehab recently. I watch Him on the Barbara Walters special and wait with baited breath for that one deep, probing question. You know the one that’s going to bring Him to tears. I buy bumper stickers with His name or something cleverly lifted from scripture written on them. I buy one of those “fishy” symbols to put on my car. I buy books that reduce His words to a seven, ten, or twelve step program to “personal, spiritual, health and/or financial” fulfillment. I add Him to my Myspace page and watch the “Sermon on the Mount” on Youtube. I vote republican no matter what because everyone knows that Jesus is a republican. If I am feeling particularly “spirit-filled” I’ll boycott something, you know like the newest children’s book that’s not a sophisticated allegory for all things “christian”. I could go on and on with examples “Fan–atism” but I won’t. Where does this leave me? Why, with more questions of course.
What if, instead of learning more “about” Jesus, I actually spent more time “with” Him? What if I read His words and obeyed instead of searching for theological or philosophical insight? What if I became a disciple instead of a fan? What does that look like? What would this cost me?
Luke 14:25-35 (The Message)
Figure the Cost
25-27One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple.
28-30"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.'
31-32"Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?
33"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.
34"Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing.
"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
Am I listening? Is this what Jesus has been trying to tell me all along?
I think I’ll take a walk and invite Jesus to come along. Wait, He has already sent the invitation to follow Him. I guess I should just do that.
Guest Blogger: Jeff Stamey
I think, for me, knowing Jesus has been largely an intellectual pursuit. That doesn’t necessarily mean that I have no emotional investment, I do, but I analyze and reason myself to Jesus more than I engage Him intimately. I am essentially a fan. Yeah, I am a fan of Jesus. I read His blog to see what He’s thinking about, I watch His segment on ET to find out what he has been wearing and what whether or not He’s been in rehab recently. I watch Him on the Barbara Walters special and wait with baited breath for that one deep, probing question. You know the one that’s going to bring Him to tears. I buy bumper stickers with His name or something cleverly lifted from scripture written on them. I buy one of those “fishy” symbols to put on my car. I buy books that reduce His words to a seven, ten, or twelve step program to “personal, spiritual, health and/or financial” fulfillment. I add Him to my Myspace page and watch the “Sermon on the Mount” on Youtube. I vote republican no matter what because everyone knows that Jesus is a republican. If I am feeling particularly “spirit-filled” I’ll boycott something, you know like the newest children’s book that’s not a sophisticated allegory for all things “christian”. I could go on and on with examples “Fan–atism” but I won’t. Where does this leave me? Why, with more questions of course.
What if, instead of learning more “about” Jesus, I actually spent more time “with” Him? What if I read His words and obeyed instead of searching for theological or philosophical insight? What if I became a disciple instead of a fan? What does that look like? What would this cost me?
Luke 14:25-35 (The Message)
Figure the Cost
25-27One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple.
28-30"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.'
31-32"Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?
33"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.
34"Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing.
"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
Am I listening? Is this what Jesus has been trying to tell me all along?
I think I’ll take a walk and invite Jesus to come along. Wait, He has already sent the invitation to follow Him. I guess I should just do that.
Guest Blogger: Jeff Stamey
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