This post isn't normal, Faithful Reader (if your out there). It is, in fact, my current life state and, in part, a message to a sister.
I want to get out of here. I want to leave and go back to the State to which I'm called; the Revolution is ripe for the picking there. I'm going nowhere around here. The wall is back up, and I'm running into it. Yet, the Lord won't move me. I even have job opportunities elsewhere that would bring me further into the work of Christianity. It's thoroughly frustrating.
On top of my own frustrations, my Sister (from The Spirit Connection)is going though a hard time and I have to sit back and let it happen. She can't even communicate to me and all of our friends in this time of hardship. She's been cut off. If you remember from the last post, I share a very strong connection to her. I wonder if something happened to her yesterday, as while I was eating breakfast I was struck with an insane feeling in my body and almost passed out from it. I thought of her when it happened. Still I wonder......
My situation of frustration, readers, will work itself out. But as for my Sister, I don't know. All I know is this: She's missing something. Things have went the way they have because she's missed something crucial. You see, she neglected to tell me some key details concerning her predicament. Now that I know these things, I am a wreck over her sometimes. Work keeps me busy, but my thoughts don't stay dormant, and my spirit never sleeps.
Sister, PLEASE be careful. I love you, and need you to come out of this. I pray constantly for it all to work. But it's hard to do so when I've seen you crash and burn so many times before. whatever it is you're thinking about doing, don't do it. I miss you. WE miss you. But we will see you again, won't we? Yes, we will. Things will be right again.
The Resistance will move on as scheduled.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Spirit Connection
I just thought I'd would share with all of you a neat way in which God has worked things out for me and another person in the past twenty-four hours.
You see, I have this friend who is like a sister to me. We have shared many things, from laughter to horrible heartache and strife. Needless to say, we've been though a lot. I have found that when you are really in tune with another person, the Holy Spirit will establish a spiritual connection between you and this person. I have a strong connection to my sister here.
Now, circumstances and callings have pulled us away from one another for a time, but we have kept in touch and in each others prayers. Our connection, however, will sometimes bring things to our attention. About three weeks ago, I was just going about my day when I felt a great sorrow come over me. I knew it was because my sister was in some kind of struggle or despair. So, after praying, I text her. No reply. I tried calling. Also, no reply. I check Facebook and find I have been deleted from her friends. This is unprecedented. I try for three weeks straight to get a hold of her, praying and asking God to let me know what was up. Three weeks, no avail.
I go to a special service last night at North Cleveland Church of God, For some reason, amongst the hundreds of people there, I knew I would somehow find her there. All that day and throughout the service I prayed that if I was supposed to find her there, I would. God would lead me straight to her. I sit though the service, then when the altar service begins, I went up to help pray for the masses of people that had responded.
I begin to move though all the people, praying only for those I felt I was supposed to. I made it all the way to the side opposite of where I was sitting. As I was wrapping up praying with a youth, I look to my left. A girl was standing there, arms raised and mascara running from where she and been crying. She looked over and our eyes met.
It was her.
After a fierce embrace, we began to pray. It wasn't until later that I heard the tale of everything that had happened to her. I would share it here, but I would be betraying confidences. I will tell you this: she is ok and everything is turning around. And I got the answers I sought. God knocked many things out in one encounter.
Isn't God awesome?
You see, I have this friend who is like a sister to me. We have shared many things, from laughter to horrible heartache and strife. Needless to say, we've been though a lot. I have found that when you are really in tune with another person, the Holy Spirit will establish a spiritual connection between you and this person. I have a strong connection to my sister here.
Now, circumstances and callings have pulled us away from one another for a time, but we have kept in touch and in each others prayers. Our connection, however, will sometimes bring things to our attention. About three weeks ago, I was just going about my day when I felt a great sorrow come over me. I knew it was because my sister was in some kind of struggle or despair. So, after praying, I text her. No reply. I tried calling. Also, no reply. I check Facebook and find I have been deleted from her friends. This is unprecedented. I try for three weeks straight to get a hold of her, praying and asking God to let me know what was up. Three weeks, no avail.
I go to a special service last night at North Cleveland Church of God, For some reason, amongst the hundreds of people there, I knew I would somehow find her there. All that day and throughout the service I prayed that if I was supposed to find her there, I would. God would lead me straight to her. I sit though the service, then when the altar service begins, I went up to help pray for the masses of people that had responded.
I begin to move though all the people, praying only for those I felt I was supposed to. I made it all the way to the side opposite of where I was sitting. As I was wrapping up praying with a youth, I look to my left. A girl was standing there, arms raised and mascara running from where she and been crying. She looked over and our eyes met.
It was her.
After a fierce embrace, we began to pray. It wasn't until later that I heard the tale of everything that had happened to her. I would share it here, but I would be betraying confidences. I will tell you this: she is ok and everything is turning around. And I got the answers I sought. God knocked many things out in one encounter.
Isn't God awesome?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Resistance Transmission #4.5: The Resistance and the Call to Discipleship
"Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of our Church."
German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote Jesus said that if any ma these words sometime before he was martyred by the Nazis in 1945. His book, "The Cost of Discipleship," opens with those very words. How very true they are.
You see, the Church has allowed the doctrine of Grace to become one of Cheap Grace. Well, what does that mean? To begin with, it means that the Grace which Christ has provided for us costs us nothing when, in fact, it should cost us everything to receive that Grace. We think that we can do whatever and however we please because the Cross of Christ has taken care of everything. We have nothing to worry about and we can live our lives like everyone else, right?
WRONG.
Jesus says that whoever wants to follow him will pay a price (Luke 9:23). Grace is costly. Let me repeat that for those of you who didn't catch that. GRACE IS COSTLY!!!!! Cheap grace undermines the gift of salvation and destroys the message of Christ. Your grace DOES have a high cost. Following Christ will COST YOU EVERYTHING!!! Look at the Twelve, the first ones ever to be recruited into the Resistance. They had to leave everything and everyone behind. They gave their lives TO THE POINT OF DEATH to follow Christ.
Being in the Resistance, being a true Christian. will require you to lay down your entire life. If you aren't willing, get out. Christ said that we are either hot or cold; to be lukewarm will cause him to spit us out (Rev. 3:15- 16). Just know, friends, that following Christ means saving grace, but at a very high cost.
"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote Jesus said that if any ma these words sometime before he was martyred by the Nazis in 1945. His book, "The Cost of Discipleship," opens with those very words. How very true they are.
You see, the Church has allowed the doctrine of Grace to become one of Cheap Grace. Well, what does that mean? To begin with, it means that the Grace which Christ has provided for us costs us nothing when, in fact, it should cost us everything to receive that Grace. We think that we can do whatever and however we please because the Cross of Christ has taken care of everything. We have nothing to worry about and we can live our lives like everyone else, right?
WRONG.
Jesus says that whoever wants to follow him will pay a price (Luke 9:23). Grace is costly. Let me repeat that for those of you who didn't catch that. GRACE IS COSTLY!!!!! Cheap grace undermines the gift of salvation and destroys the message of Christ. Your grace DOES have a high cost. Following Christ will COST YOU EVERYTHING!!! Look at the Twelve, the first ones ever to be recruited into the Resistance. They had to leave everything and everyone behind. They gave their lives TO THE POINT OF DEATH to follow Christ.
Being in the Resistance, being a true Christian. will require you to lay down your entire life. If you aren't willing, get out. Christ said that we are either hot or cold; to be lukewarm will cause him to spit us out (Rev. 3:15- 16). Just know, friends, that following Christ means saving grace, but at a very high cost.
"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Resistance Transmission # 4: The Resistance as a Call to Holiness, or Walking the Opposite Way
Begin Transmission
Upon my return to this cyber world, I wish to bring you another tenet of our revolution.
Oh, a brand new insight?
Not quite.
Friends, know that nothing I speak here is of any real originality. I am merely a messenger for the Head of the Resistance, the Lord Jesus Christ. And today, I bring you insight from Him concerning the Opposite Way.
As Christians, members of the Resistance, we try to live a life in the World, but not of it. sad to say, most of us are unsuccessful. We do not know how to live a lifestyle called Holiness. It was a lifestyle lived by Christ and the early Church. It is with great sadness I now say that the Church as it is now is no longer ekklesia (those called out) but rather it has started to blend with the World. Theologies have broken down, the message of Christ has been cheapened, and the Church no longer looks like the Church. We have departed from Holiness.
Now Holiness is not a code or a set of rules that we must follow, contrary to popular belief. In fact, true Holiness is born from the single greatest force in existence: Love. Love of God and love for people. Walking in Holiness means seeking God's heart on every matter in your life. You don't do certain things because God's heart will break and you do certain things because it touches His heart.
Holiness is born out of love. When you are so in love with God and desire to be so close to Him that every action is done with Him in mind. Crazy idea, right? That's why it works. It helps us walk the Opposite Way. You see, being closer to God and living in His Holiness causes you, no, REQUIRES you to walk a completely different direction from everyone and everything else. There are those of you who are reading this and you are sick of normal existence. Tired of the grind, and the ridiculous notions of our wayward society. The Resistance, true Christianity, goes the Opposite Way. If you have not learned this, open the Resistance Manual (the Bible) and see the revolutionary writings and teachings of the Founders of the Resistance.
Romans 12:2 speaks of the Opposite Way. Paul tells us not to be conformed to the World, but instead to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I challenge you, today. Renew your mind. Render your heart. walk the Opposite Way alongside Christ and countless others. Stand up and resist the patterns of this world. Join the Resistance.
In my next Resistance Transmission, I want to speak to you all of another call: a Call to Discipleship.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."- Philippians 4: 8-9
Grace and Peace
*End Transmisson
Upon my return to this cyber world, I wish to bring you another tenet of our revolution.
Oh, a brand new insight?
Not quite.
Friends, know that nothing I speak here is of any real originality. I am merely a messenger for the Head of the Resistance, the Lord Jesus Christ. And today, I bring you insight from Him concerning the Opposite Way.
As Christians, members of the Resistance, we try to live a life in the World, but not of it. sad to say, most of us are unsuccessful. We do not know how to live a lifestyle called Holiness. It was a lifestyle lived by Christ and the early Church. It is with great sadness I now say that the Church as it is now is no longer ekklesia (those called out) but rather it has started to blend with the World. Theologies have broken down, the message of Christ has been cheapened, and the Church no longer looks like the Church. We have departed from Holiness.
Now Holiness is not a code or a set of rules that we must follow, contrary to popular belief. In fact, true Holiness is born from the single greatest force in existence: Love. Love of God and love for people. Walking in Holiness means seeking God's heart on every matter in your life. You don't do certain things because God's heart will break and you do certain things because it touches His heart.
Holiness is born out of love. When you are so in love with God and desire to be so close to Him that every action is done with Him in mind. Crazy idea, right? That's why it works. It helps us walk the Opposite Way. You see, being closer to God and living in His Holiness causes you, no, REQUIRES you to walk a completely different direction from everyone and everything else. There are those of you who are reading this and you are sick of normal existence. Tired of the grind, and the ridiculous notions of our wayward society. The Resistance, true Christianity, goes the Opposite Way. If you have not learned this, open the Resistance Manual (the Bible) and see the revolutionary writings and teachings of the Founders of the Resistance.
Romans 12:2 speaks of the Opposite Way. Paul tells us not to be conformed to the World, but instead to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I challenge you, today. Renew your mind. Render your heart. walk the Opposite Way alongside Christ and countless others. Stand up and resist the patterns of this world. Join the Resistance.
In my next Resistance Transmission, I want to speak to you all of another call: a Call to Discipleship.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."- Philippians 4: 8-9
Grace and Peace
*End Transmisson
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Great Hiatus, or Why I haven't Been Posting
Obviously, I haven't been on here in a long time. Life happened, and as usual, I have been incapacitated from my blogging duties. Rest assured, I am now in the process of returning to The Resistance with fresh insight, stories, and other random life quips. There is much to write and plenty to cover. So, in short, I am back to provide those of you who walk the Opposite Way with more fuel and drive to keep you walking in your destined direction.
See you again, very soon.
See you again, very soon.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
"How's a Raven Like a Writing Desk?": A Review of Alice in Wonderland
Earlier tonight, I went to see Tim Burton’s new movie, Alice in Wonderland. Let me tell you, I enjoyed it very much. This movie definitely warrants a Resistance Movie Review. So strap in everyone, and don’t drink unfamiliar substances, even if they do say: DRINK ME.
So, let me start by saying that this wasn’t the typical, ghastly dark film that you would expect to see come from the legendarily eccentric Tim Burton. For all you moviegoers who don’t roll with Tim Burton, give this one a chance. Sure there were a few things that were total giveaways for Burton, but all-in-all this movie was definitely user-friendly. This leads me to the next point. Should parents take kids to see this movie? The answer depends on the child. There is nothing inappropriate contained in this movie that would prevent families from being able to see it together. However, be warned that a few characters and creatures might scare smaller children.
Now, to the real matter at hand: Did this movie do justice to the original book and classic Disney cartoon? My answer for you is not a simple yes or no. You see, this film was never intended to provide a remake of or sequel to the original movie. Burton sought to provide a more connected story with this film, an element that the original film lacked. He used elements from all three Lewis Carroll works concerning Alice: “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” “Through the Looking Glass,” and the poem, “Jabberwocky.” I feel like fans of the original movie and books will enjoy Burton’s adaptation.
Overall, Alice in Wonderland was a very entertaining move. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good time. Resistance Movie Review gives Alice in Wonderland 8.5 out of 10.
So, let me start by saying that this wasn’t the typical, ghastly dark film that you would expect to see come from the legendarily eccentric Tim Burton. For all you moviegoers who don’t roll with Tim Burton, give this one a chance. Sure there were a few things that were total giveaways for Burton, but all-in-all this movie was definitely user-friendly. This leads me to the next point. Should parents take kids to see this movie? The answer depends on the child. There is nothing inappropriate contained in this movie that would prevent families from being able to see it together. However, be warned that a few characters and creatures might scare smaller children.
Now, to the real matter at hand: Did this movie do justice to the original book and classic Disney cartoon? My answer for you is not a simple yes or no. You see, this film was never intended to provide a remake of or sequel to the original movie. Burton sought to provide a more connected story with this film, an element that the original film lacked. He used elements from all three Lewis Carroll works concerning Alice: “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” “Through the Looking Glass,” and the poem, “Jabberwocky.” I feel like fans of the original movie and books will enjoy Burton’s adaptation.
Overall, Alice in Wonderland was a very entertaining move. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good time. Resistance Movie Review gives Alice in Wonderland 8.5 out of 10.
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Small Things: A Lesson from Toy Story
As I write this, I am watching the movie Toy Story.
Yes, you heard me. Toy Story.
My friends and I had gathered for a game of Risk. The first one to be eliminated from the game decided to put on Toy Story in order to occupy him while the game continued. As the movie progressed, our Risk game slowed. Turns were talking much longer than usual (for those who have played Risk, you know how long they can take) due to the fact that Toy Story was stealing our attention. Needless to say, the game ended soon after the movie began.
Now, I cannot speak for my friends and how they feel when they see this movie, but I for one was transported back into my past. I remembered my elementary days. I was picked up early from school by my parents one day. Upon getting in the car, they told me I was going to a movie. My excitement level was though the roof. Now I see that it wasn’t that big of a deal, but at the time it meant the world to me.
Academics, jobs, and other stresses in life tend to take a lot of joy from our lives. We wait for the big breaks and big nights out to provide relief. I gonna risk sounding cliché here. Sometimes, it’s the little things that get you through most days. There are a ton of people in a ton of places with an even bigger load of problems. But there’s always some little thing that comes along and gives you a little bit of a relief. It may not be a movie. It could be a song you hear. A phase that is quoted. A picture that was taken.
Remember to take comfort in the little things. Sure, this may sound ridiculous now, but I guarantee that after you read this post, you’ll walk out the door and unexpectedly find some little thing that will make you smile and restore your joy, if even for a fleeting moment, in this world that seems to slip further into pure chaos every day.
When you lose yourself in the chaos, God will always provide at least a modicum of joy that will remind you that there is hope and peace still attainable in this world.
Yes, you heard me. Toy Story.
My friends and I had gathered for a game of Risk. The first one to be eliminated from the game decided to put on Toy Story in order to occupy him while the game continued. As the movie progressed, our Risk game slowed. Turns were talking much longer than usual (for those who have played Risk, you know how long they can take) due to the fact that Toy Story was stealing our attention. Needless to say, the game ended soon after the movie began.
Now, I cannot speak for my friends and how they feel when they see this movie, but I for one was transported back into my past. I remembered my elementary days. I was picked up early from school by my parents one day. Upon getting in the car, they told me I was going to a movie. My excitement level was though the roof. Now I see that it wasn’t that big of a deal, but at the time it meant the world to me.
Academics, jobs, and other stresses in life tend to take a lot of joy from our lives. We wait for the big breaks and big nights out to provide relief. I gonna risk sounding cliché here. Sometimes, it’s the little things that get you through most days. There are a ton of people in a ton of places with an even bigger load of problems. But there’s always some little thing that comes along and gives you a little bit of a relief. It may not be a movie. It could be a song you hear. A phase that is quoted. A picture that was taken.
Remember to take comfort in the little things. Sure, this may sound ridiculous now, but I guarantee that after you read this post, you’ll walk out the door and unexpectedly find some little thing that will make you smile and restore your joy, if even for a fleeting moment, in this world that seems to slip further into pure chaos every day.
When you lose yourself in the chaos, God will always provide at least a modicum of joy that will remind you that there is hope and peace still attainable in this world.
The Lee Clarion: To Be Or Not To Be?
As some of you might have noticed, I have a little bit of an interest in writing. A few people have told me in past few days that I would make a great addition to the content of the school newspaper, the Lee Clarion. Taking this into consideration, I have decided that it is indeed something I would like to pursue. I have been in contact with the editor recently and am currently waiting for another reply. In the meantime, I would like your thoughts.
What do you think? Should I write for this newspaper? If you aren't sure, read through some earlier posts and decide for yourself. In addition to this, what category would you like to see me write in? News? Life? Opinion? Sports? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
What do you think? Should I write for this newspaper? If you aren't sure, read through some earlier posts and decide for yourself. In addition to this, what category would you like to see me write in? News? Life? Opinion? Sports? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
University Issues, or Addressing Fridays at Lee.
This post is a little more unusual than most. Rarely do I directly address problems and happenings at Lee University, of which I am a student. I have let my friend and colleague, Matt Smith, do that. However, something disturbing going on around campus has prompted to me to act. For those of you who aren’t aware, I am referring to the nefarious blog, Fridays at Lee.
This blog is laced with personal attacks. Sure, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but these posts go beyond that. They directly attack specific people and do everything they can to discredit students and faculty. They do so with vulgar language and contentious intentions. They have caused a firestorm here, and have remained anonymous to avoid the administration.
I have decided to speak out. As a student and a Christian, I find that these things said by Fridays at Lee are directly in contradiction to the Word of God. All the blog does is tear down, berate, and belittle. This, in of itself, should speak to its credibility (or lack thereof). I will also go out on a limb and defend those who voice their honest opinions on campus. Fridays at Lee has been attacking other Lee bloggers haphazardly. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but no one is entitled to attack another people’s reputations. That is about the only thing an individual has the right to damage for themselves.
So, Fridays at Lee, in short, it tearing down the Lee community. This needs to stop. All the gossip, slandering and backbiting must cease. Such has no place on this campus. I will not support or condone things said by those who have no interest in REAL truth. I will stand with the administration and students who have already taken a stand in this matter.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Grace and Peace
Greg
This blog is laced with personal attacks. Sure, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but these posts go beyond that. They directly attack specific people and do everything they can to discredit students and faculty. They do so with vulgar language and contentious intentions. They have caused a firestorm here, and have remained anonymous to avoid the administration.
I have decided to speak out. As a student and a Christian, I find that these things said by Fridays at Lee are directly in contradiction to the Word of God. All the blog does is tear down, berate, and belittle. This, in of itself, should speak to its credibility (or lack thereof). I will also go out on a limb and defend those who voice their honest opinions on campus. Fridays at Lee has been attacking other Lee bloggers haphazardly. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but no one is entitled to attack another people’s reputations. That is about the only thing an individual has the right to damage for themselves.
So, Fridays at Lee, in short, it tearing down the Lee community. This needs to stop. All the gossip, slandering and backbiting must cease. Such has no place on this campus. I will not support or condone things said by those who have no interest in REAL truth. I will stand with the administration and students who have already taken a stand in this matter.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Grace and Peace
Greg
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Resistance Transmission #3: Pain and the Intersection.
*Begin Transmission*
The year 2009 was a horrible year for a lot of people. I know personally it was the most trying year of my life. Even news networks are saying the same thing. From finances to relationships, 2009 seemed like doom was coming to us all. Most of us often times forgot that we have Christ, the all sufficient Savior. I do admit, it is hard to keep your focus, especially when your world is turned upside down. Let me give you some examples:
• A college junior finds out that his mother has both breast and lung cancer. Treatment of one will interfere with treatment of the other. As the doctors find out what to do, he is consumed by depression. Being at home kills him, yet being away from home causes him to feel guilty. Life, it seems, is bringing on the pain.
• A 17 year old girl goes to a dry party, only to have the host shove her into a room and rape her. She’s a virgin, and as he begins she realizes she can’t overpower him. She asks that he at least uses protection. He laughs at her and refuses, carrying out the deed. He yells at her as she cries, and leaves her alone when finished. She is left feeling used, broken, and in physical and emotional pain. Ashamed, she goes home, scared to tell a soul and scared she may be pregnant. She has nowhere to turn.
• A college freshman has her world shattered when her ex-boyfriend publishes a revealing note on Facebook in an incompetent attempt to apologize to friends. Not only do her parents find this, but so does everyone on the Internet. Public embarrassment, severe depression, and near expulsion from a Christian university builds up. She feels alone. Everyone treats her like a whore. On top of this, the ex’s parents begin to harass her. Things begin to worsen, and it seems all hell has come for a visit.
All three are real events that happened to real people in 2009. There are many more, better and worse, but these are just to name a few. Yet, I did not mention one thing. All three of these people have found that despite their sufferings, the sufferings of Christ will get them through. He was all they had left. They defied the Corrupt System. They are part of the Resistance. They learned from James by realizing that all these things made them stronger (James 1:2-3). In turn, they have saved lives and helped others because they themselves survived their darkest moments. They found the intersection of the Boulevard of Broken Dreams and the Narrow Way. They saw that Christ had crossed the Boulevard as He established the Way. He made an alternative route for us, so that we didn’t have to walk the Boulevard that the Corrupt System has to offer. These people became guides though the Boulevard and led others to the Way. All because Christ died and made the Way.
I don’t know what most of you have went through this past year. But I can tell you this: HOLD ON
This was not intended to be a long post, but rather a short encouragement for the coming year. I pray that you all will find blessings in the hope of Christ during 2010. May Christ be with you always.
Grace and Peace.
*End Transmission*
The year 2009 was a horrible year for a lot of people. I know personally it was the most trying year of my life. Even news networks are saying the same thing. From finances to relationships, 2009 seemed like doom was coming to us all. Most of us often times forgot that we have Christ, the all sufficient Savior. I do admit, it is hard to keep your focus, especially when your world is turned upside down. Let me give you some examples:
• A college junior finds out that his mother has both breast and lung cancer. Treatment of one will interfere with treatment of the other. As the doctors find out what to do, he is consumed by depression. Being at home kills him, yet being away from home causes him to feel guilty. Life, it seems, is bringing on the pain.
• A 17 year old girl goes to a dry party, only to have the host shove her into a room and rape her. She’s a virgin, and as he begins she realizes she can’t overpower him. She asks that he at least uses protection. He laughs at her and refuses, carrying out the deed. He yells at her as she cries, and leaves her alone when finished. She is left feeling used, broken, and in physical and emotional pain. Ashamed, she goes home, scared to tell a soul and scared she may be pregnant. She has nowhere to turn.
• A college freshman has her world shattered when her ex-boyfriend publishes a revealing note on Facebook in an incompetent attempt to apologize to friends. Not only do her parents find this, but so does everyone on the Internet. Public embarrassment, severe depression, and near expulsion from a Christian university builds up. She feels alone. Everyone treats her like a whore. On top of this, the ex’s parents begin to harass her. Things begin to worsen, and it seems all hell has come for a visit.
All three are real events that happened to real people in 2009. There are many more, better and worse, but these are just to name a few. Yet, I did not mention one thing. All three of these people have found that despite their sufferings, the sufferings of Christ will get them through. He was all they had left. They defied the Corrupt System. They are part of the Resistance. They learned from James by realizing that all these things made them stronger (James 1:2-3). In turn, they have saved lives and helped others because they themselves survived their darkest moments. They found the intersection of the Boulevard of Broken Dreams and the Narrow Way. They saw that Christ had crossed the Boulevard as He established the Way. He made an alternative route for us, so that we didn’t have to walk the Boulevard that the Corrupt System has to offer. These people became guides though the Boulevard and led others to the Way. All because Christ died and made the Way.
I don’t know what most of you have went through this past year. But I can tell you this: HOLD ON
This was not intended to be a long post, but rather a short encouragement for the coming year. I pray that you all will find blessings in the hope of Christ during 2010. May Christ be with you always.
Grace and Peace.
*End Transmission*
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