In the midst of remembering the tragedies of September 11th yesterday, I was honored to spend the day by CELEBRATING life as I attended The Hope Clinic banquet. Being at that banquet, with other passionate supporters/protectors of life, blessed and filled my heart with hope, joy, and thankfulness.
The culmination of the banquet came when testimonies were shared. Two women shared their gratitude with us as they expressed how much the Hope Clinic meant to them. Both women were very vulnerable to the idea of an abortion, but decided against it after finding hope and support at the clinic. One chose to keep and raise her baby, and the other chose to give her child up for adoption. Both were facing trying circumstances, but the loving and caring people at The Hope Clinic walked with them through their hard times (try finding THAT at a Planned Parenthood!!!).
Those testimonies truly highlighted the need for a ministry such as The Hope Clinic. Crisis Pregnancy Centers like that can only exist through the big-hearted donations of the people that support it (whether through prayer, finances, donations, etc.). That is why I am asking my readers to consider supporting this ministry. Last year, so many of you overwhelmed me with your generous outpouring of support as I participated in the Walk for Life (there is no walk this year because they alternate their fundraisers). And so, I am hoping for the same kind of outpouring. I know that the economy is tough, so I understand if many of you cannot donate (though your prayer support is always appreciated - and costs you nothing out of pocket). Though, if you only have even five bucks to send, would you please consider giving it to this blessed ministry? My blogs get approximately 100 views (give or take) a week (and that's just on ONE of the blogs in which I post!). So, can you imagine what a blessing it would be to The Hope Clinic if those hundreds of views turned into a few hundred dollars?
I will now close this blog with another powerful testimony; as well as a few other special links (and the contact information for the clinic if you choose to open your heart and donate financially). The other featured speakers were two women who faced difficult pregnancy diagnoses. One was faced with the certainty that her son, Noah, would not live outside the womb. The other was confronted with the fact that her son, Owen, would have several disabilities. These two women, who are also good friends, clung to each other (as well as their faith and family) to get them through.
Their stories were touching and emotional, and I tried unsuccessfully to hold back my own tears. Their stories reminded me of my own son, Casey, who was born hearing impaired. Even though my son’s disability isn’t as difficult as what they had to face, I still identified with the fact that each life is precious. No matter what adversity a person faces, EVERYONE has a right to live and breathe (no matter how long or short that time is!). They affirmed the fact that each child is a blessing (regardless if they are born “healthy” or not). Each life is planned and serves a purpose and is for the glory of God. Even a child that is born less than “perfect” by the world’s standards is still valuable nonetheless!! They realized, just as I have, that the story of the blind man in John 9 is just as true for us as it was then. Neither the parents, or the man, were being “punished” with a disability or hardship. On the contrary, God’s name would be glorified through the lives of the man and his family - just as His name is glorified in our own lives today!
I don’t have the words to describe their beautiful, heart-wrenching, and inspiring stories. So, please feel free to see, hear, and read them for yourselves on their website. On their site, they have links to the YouTube videos and photo albums of the precious baby boys that they love. Noah went to heaven after blessing his family with one precious hour and 42 minutes of time before going home to the Father. Meanwhile, here on Earth, Owen continues to beat the odds as he continues to live and thrive; serving as a testament to the world that God is good and that nothing is impossible!!
May the grace and peace of the Lord be with all of you as you prayerfully consider what the Lord would have you give to this blessed ministry. Do it for the women and babies. Do it in memory of Noah and Owen (or even for my little boy: Casey). Whatever the reason, do it for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom and to help save and protect the lives of the innocent - for all those God-created persons (Isaiah 44:2, Psalm 139:13). God bless you all!!
The Hope Clinic
165 W. Water Street
Berne, IN 46711
Noah’s Video
Videos of Owen
Casey and Me
Friday, September 12, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
You're Someone's "Tank Man"
Last Sunday, Craig preached the sermon and it was based on Philippians 1:27-30 in which Paul talks about holding fast to our faith, being citizens of heaven, and not being intimidated by our adversaries. He even shared a childhood story of how he was bitten by a dog while trying to flee from him on his bike. Needless to say, he was afraid and intimidated by that dog after that incident, and didn’t want to ride his bike past the dog’s residence again. Though, one day, his friend insisted that they go that way, and sure enough, there was that dog. His friend urged him to stand his ground and not show his fear. Running would only give his power away. The dog came up to them, sniffed around, and then left. Then, they rode their bikes without any trouble from that dog.
Craig urged us to stand our ground when faced with persecution. He cited another example by telling us of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Protests in China. Some may know what I’m talking about, but for those that don’t, here’s a YouTube video to illustrate the courage and bravery of the unknown man who stood in the way of the tanks that were attempting to silence the message of the students who were taking a stand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-nXT8lSnPQ
That video illustrates a powerful point. Sometimes, it only takes one person to stand up to injustice in order to start a whole revolution! One person’s courage can inspire more people to take a stand as well. It reminds me of a quote by Marianne Williamson:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Of course, there is often a lot of risk and persecution involved in helping to liberate others. Doing the right thing can be costly, but it’s worth it! And, you might be the very example that someone needs to see in order for them to have the courage to step out in faith themselves. Sometimes, I think about how altar calls at church are like that. There are lots of people that want to come to the altar for prayer or healing, but they are afraid to be the first to step out. Though, once someone is bold enough to go first, others follow once someone decides to be courageous enough to lead and set the example.
Who is looking to you as their example? Craig said that we may be someone’s “tank man.” In fact, as Christians, I think we are ALL tank men!! We are supposed to step out and stand up for what’s right. We aren’t supposed to sit idly by as everything sacred gets stripped away from us in this world. We are to live out our allegiance to Christ in our actions, not merely our words. We are supposed to be salt and light and living our lives for Christ as a testament to the goodness of our Lord. How else will a person see and know that God is loving and good if we don’t model it for them? Like the saying I once heard, “You may be the only Jesus someone ever sees” or “the only Bible that they may ever read.”
I pray that all may see and read good things about Christ as they look at my life. I’m not perfect, and I have my flaws, but I do the best I can. I pray that my life can help others see “the life” in me. May God’s grace and peace be with all of you!!
Craig urged us to stand our ground when faced with persecution. He cited another example by telling us of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Protests in China. Some may know what I’m talking about, but for those that don’t, here’s a YouTube video to illustrate the courage and bravery of the unknown man who stood in the way of the tanks that were attempting to silence the message of the students who were taking a stand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-nXT8lSnPQ
That video illustrates a powerful point. Sometimes, it only takes one person to stand up to injustice in order to start a whole revolution! One person’s courage can inspire more people to take a stand as well. It reminds me of a quote by Marianne Williamson:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Of course, there is often a lot of risk and persecution involved in helping to liberate others. Doing the right thing can be costly, but it’s worth it! And, you might be the very example that someone needs to see in order for them to have the courage to step out in faith themselves. Sometimes, I think about how altar calls at church are like that. There are lots of people that want to come to the altar for prayer or healing, but they are afraid to be the first to step out. Though, once someone is bold enough to go first, others follow once someone decides to be courageous enough to lead and set the example.
Who is looking to you as their example? Craig said that we may be someone’s “tank man.” In fact, as Christians, I think we are ALL tank men!! We are supposed to step out and stand up for what’s right. We aren’t supposed to sit idly by as everything sacred gets stripped away from us in this world. We are to live out our allegiance to Christ in our actions, not merely our words. We are supposed to be salt and light and living our lives for Christ as a testament to the goodness of our Lord. How else will a person see and know that God is loving and good if we don’t model it for them? Like the saying I once heard, “You may be the only Jesus someone ever sees” or “the only Bible that they may ever read.”
I pray that all may see and read good things about Christ as they look at my life. I’m not perfect, and I have my flaws, but I do the best I can. I pray that my life can help others see “the life” in me. May God’s grace and peace be with all of you!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Dont' Let A Rock Do Your Job!!
I have a confession to make…..I’m stubborn. Does this shock you? For those of you that know me best, I’m sure it doesn’t. Though, what would make me bring up the issue of my tenacity right now? Well, it’s because the time has come to put my determined and immovable will to better use. By that I mean that I changed from a stubborn “I’m not sure if I can vote for McCain” mindset, to a “I will vote for no one other than McCain” stance after watching the Republican convention last night. This despite the fact that I said I would NEVER vote for McCain. Well, like the saying goes, “Never say never!” After all, if Dr. Dobson can change his mind, so can I; and especially since we have good reason to!
Of course, many of you probably recall just how “Huckafied” I was during the first part of this year when I began supporting and advocating for Mike Huckabee when he was fighting for the presidential nomination. I was determined and unwavering in my commitment to his passion, conviction, and vision for this country. Everything was paying off too, that is, until he started losing momentum (which I attribute to spoiler Fred Thompson and the S.C. primary - but I won‘t get into that now). And, when Mike Huckabee was forced to withdraw, I bawled and bawled and just couldn’t accept the fact that the best man for the job was out of the running. This also led me to resist accepting McCain right away because of the obvious difference in the level of true conservatism. So, yes, I was very stubborn and resistant when it came to jumping on the McCain bandwagon because it felt like such a step backward and I didn’t want to settle for second best.
So, for months, I have had thought and prayed about the whole thing. McCain had never shown himself to be a solid conservative; and yes, I know that Obama is far worse than McCain, but I just didn’t know if I could vote for him in good conscience. I thought if he picked Huckabee for his running mate, I would compromise. Otherwise, I would just write-in Huckabee and be done with it.
My stalemate continued for a while as I waited to see who McCain would choose for a running mate. We all knew that his pick would be crucial and says a lot about how conservative he really is. It would be the deciding factor. I hoped and prayed hard for Huckabee, but instead, I (and the rest of the world) was pleasantly surprised when he picked Alaska governor Sara Palin. I must say that I would have been more disappointed in the fact that he didn’t pick my man Mike if it weren’t for the fact that his choice was so perfect for a varied number of reasons. For one, this was a BRILLIANT strategy and a huge slam to the democrats. Obama neglected to pick Hillary as a running mate; which would have made even more political history. Yet, McCain chose to pull the rug out from under him by doing what Obama wouldn’t (I’ll bet Obama is kicking himself now!! LOL). McCain might very well pick up the many female votes that would have gone to Hillary had she still been in this race (and Palin is a steak compared to hamburger Hillary anyways! There‘s no question as to who the better woman/leader is! This should be a no-brainer for all those who want to vote for a truly worthy female candidate!!).
Though, bigger than the shock value or clever political tactics is the fact that McCain picked a conservative more solid than he is. Beyond the fact that she is a woman of faith, she is also a mother of five as well as a brilliant, tough, and capable woman who fights for truth and justice. Her small-town background and values are what shaped her. Before she was governor, she was mayor of her small town, and her experience alone (and the LACK of experience that Obama has) makes a world of difference!!
I was taken in by her as I watched her speak last night. Her speech was PHENOMENAL!! She spoke with courage, strength, faith, and heart. She was warm, funny, charming, and TRUTHFUL! And, when she spoke to all of us who have children with special needs, I became teary eyed. Her commitment to the well-being and protection of life is what riveted me the most. She said that we will have an “advocate” in the white house for our children. That was the probably the one thing that resonated most with me, and that was when I said “they get my vote.” Not only will children, like my hearing-impaired son, have someone who will protect and encourage them in their lives, but ALL CHILDREN (born and pre-born) will have the hope of protection and life if McCain/Palin are the next residents of the White House.
So, there you have it. This is my new and improved stubbornness. LOL I will now be supporting McCain/Palin and encouraging others to do the same. And, for those of you that may still have qualms, let me tell you about something God reminded me of. This may surprise you, but I was somewhat reluctant to accept a woman as a vice-presidential candidate. Having women in a position of high leadership, to me, undermines the dynamics of things. Men are supposed to be the ones in a position of headship and authority (just as men are supposed to be head of their household and the spiritual leader of their families). However, as I wrestled with this in my mind before she left the stage, Queen Esther came to mind. I thought of her courage and faith and how she had to be willing to possibly sacrifice her life in order to try and save her people. In the latter part of verse 4:14 in the book of Esther, Mordecai says to her: “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
Indeed, we NEED just the right people to lead in “such a time as this.” God purposed Esther to serve and to reign in a crucial time for her people, and God has done the same for us with John McCain and Sara Palin. Women in ministry and leadership are just as crucial as the men; and especially imperative when God’s army lacks male volunteers. I’m not meaning to slam men here, though I’m sure I’m not the only one who has noticed that this world is running short on 100% passionate, sold out, die-hard Christian men who are eager to love Jesus with their whole heart and serve His people. You can even ask my step-father (who is also a pastor) if he agrees, because he has been criticized for putting women in leadership in his own church. Though, his response to them is that when men start stepping up, he won’t have to put women in charge of the shoes that the men are supposed to be filling. God has a purpose, and if we reject it, He’ll rise up someone else that is willing to accept it. Much like how Jesus said the rocks would cry out if His people ceased to praise Him (Luke 19:40). If we don’t do what we are meant to do, someone else will have to pick up the slack. And, like a good pastor I know once said “I don’t want a rock doing my job.”
I applaud Sara Palin for stepping up in “such a time as this.” She’s done a good job as mayor, governor, and by the grace of God, will do wonderfully as a vice president. Though, she can only fulfill her purpose if we fulfill ours by VOTING!!! Don’t let a bunch of “rocks” do your job!!! Don’t let this country fall to pieces by failing to fulfill your role in this election!! STAND on the rock, Jesus, and we won’t have people with only rocks in their heads running this country!!
Grace and peace to all of you as we pray for these elections and support those who hold God’s principles dear to their hearts!!
Of course, many of you probably recall just how “Huckafied” I was during the first part of this year when I began supporting and advocating for Mike Huckabee when he was fighting for the presidential nomination. I was determined and unwavering in my commitment to his passion, conviction, and vision for this country. Everything was paying off too, that is, until he started losing momentum (which I attribute to spoiler Fred Thompson and the S.C. primary - but I won‘t get into that now). And, when Mike Huckabee was forced to withdraw, I bawled and bawled and just couldn’t accept the fact that the best man for the job was out of the running. This also led me to resist accepting McCain right away because of the obvious difference in the level of true conservatism. So, yes, I was very stubborn and resistant when it came to jumping on the McCain bandwagon because it felt like such a step backward and I didn’t want to settle for second best.
So, for months, I have had thought and prayed about the whole thing. McCain had never shown himself to be a solid conservative; and yes, I know that Obama is far worse than McCain, but I just didn’t know if I could vote for him in good conscience. I thought if he picked Huckabee for his running mate, I would compromise. Otherwise, I would just write-in Huckabee and be done with it.
My stalemate continued for a while as I waited to see who McCain would choose for a running mate. We all knew that his pick would be crucial and says a lot about how conservative he really is. It would be the deciding factor. I hoped and prayed hard for Huckabee, but instead, I (and the rest of the world) was pleasantly surprised when he picked Alaska governor Sara Palin. I must say that I would have been more disappointed in the fact that he didn’t pick my man Mike if it weren’t for the fact that his choice was so perfect for a varied number of reasons. For one, this was a BRILLIANT strategy and a huge slam to the democrats. Obama neglected to pick Hillary as a running mate; which would have made even more political history. Yet, McCain chose to pull the rug out from under him by doing what Obama wouldn’t (I’ll bet Obama is kicking himself now!! LOL). McCain might very well pick up the many female votes that would have gone to Hillary had she still been in this race (and Palin is a steak compared to hamburger Hillary anyways! There‘s no question as to who the better woman/leader is! This should be a no-brainer for all those who want to vote for a truly worthy female candidate!!).
Though, bigger than the shock value or clever political tactics is the fact that McCain picked a conservative more solid than he is. Beyond the fact that she is a woman of faith, she is also a mother of five as well as a brilliant, tough, and capable woman who fights for truth and justice. Her small-town background and values are what shaped her. Before she was governor, she was mayor of her small town, and her experience alone (and the LACK of experience that Obama has) makes a world of difference!!
I was taken in by her as I watched her speak last night. Her speech was PHENOMENAL!! She spoke with courage, strength, faith, and heart. She was warm, funny, charming, and TRUTHFUL! And, when she spoke to all of us who have children with special needs, I became teary eyed. Her commitment to the well-being and protection of life is what riveted me the most. She said that we will have an “advocate” in the white house for our children. That was the probably the one thing that resonated most with me, and that was when I said “they get my vote.” Not only will children, like my hearing-impaired son, have someone who will protect and encourage them in their lives, but ALL CHILDREN (born and pre-born) will have the hope of protection and life if McCain/Palin are the next residents of the White House.
So, there you have it. This is my new and improved stubbornness. LOL I will now be supporting McCain/Palin and encouraging others to do the same. And, for those of you that may still have qualms, let me tell you about something God reminded me of. This may surprise you, but I was somewhat reluctant to accept a woman as a vice-presidential candidate. Having women in a position of high leadership, to me, undermines the dynamics of things. Men are supposed to be the ones in a position of headship and authority (just as men are supposed to be head of their household and the spiritual leader of their families). However, as I wrestled with this in my mind before she left the stage, Queen Esther came to mind. I thought of her courage and faith and how she had to be willing to possibly sacrifice her life in order to try and save her people. In the latter part of verse 4:14 in the book of Esther, Mordecai says to her: “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
Indeed, we NEED just the right people to lead in “such a time as this.” God purposed Esther to serve and to reign in a crucial time for her people, and God has done the same for us with John McCain and Sara Palin. Women in ministry and leadership are just as crucial as the men; and especially imperative when God’s army lacks male volunteers. I’m not meaning to slam men here, though I’m sure I’m not the only one who has noticed that this world is running short on 100% passionate, sold out, die-hard Christian men who are eager to love Jesus with their whole heart and serve His people. You can even ask my step-father (who is also a pastor) if he agrees, because he has been criticized for putting women in leadership in his own church. Though, his response to them is that when men start stepping up, he won’t have to put women in charge of the shoes that the men are supposed to be filling. God has a purpose, and if we reject it, He’ll rise up someone else that is willing to accept it. Much like how Jesus said the rocks would cry out if His people ceased to praise Him (Luke 19:40). If we don’t do what we are meant to do, someone else will have to pick up the slack. And, like a good pastor I know once said “I don’t want a rock doing my job.”
I applaud Sara Palin for stepping up in “such a time as this.” She’s done a good job as mayor, governor, and by the grace of God, will do wonderfully as a vice president. Though, she can only fulfill her purpose if we fulfill ours by VOTING!!! Don’t let a bunch of “rocks” do your job!!! Don’t let this country fall to pieces by failing to fulfill your role in this election!! STAND on the rock, Jesus, and we won’t have people with only rocks in their heads running this country!!
Grace and peace to all of you as we pray for these elections and support those who hold God’s principles dear to their hearts!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)