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the solid rock i stand upon

11/30/2014

2 Comments

 
I feel frustrated by the number of folks, particularly church folks, who wiggle and squirm when they learn of my commitment to prison ministry and ministry to the families and friends of the incarcerated. Often people quoting the 25th chapter of Matthew skip over the part where God says that when we visit folks in prison, we have visited God in prison.

On this first Sunday in Advent, this morning's sermon not only did not skip that part, the preacher actually discussed this as a better way to celebrate Christmas than those recommended by a culture still touting "stuff" as the road to happiness. This good man was quite direct and clear in reminding us that we are all in need of forgiveness and restoration and this is the work we are each charged to do today.

So, today, what friendship have you failed to tend that you can offer to restore? To what person, who is a rather challenging character, can you offer kindness instead of an interior "harrumph"? What stranger, who looks odd or seems in need, can you touch today? What forgiveness can you offer that models for another the forgiveness that our perfect God offers us anew every time we fall short by what we do or we leave undone?

The Lord says, “I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.”  - Jeremiah 31:34 (NRSV)

Halleluah!

2 Comments
jane
11/30/2014 23:29:29

I have a Grandson, who is draining me physically and financially. I wonder when you stop helping... No matter what I do IT IS NEVER ENOUGH. I have given up helping him, because there is no end to it... I feel, as we are suppose to help our family and friends.. He is 26 years old and this has been going on since he young.. When do you stop enabling???? I am envious of your wonderful work, we pray for each day in our prayer group...

Reply
Jann
12/1/2014 00:12:38

It sounds like you and I share a common challenge. We are hard-wired to help, especially those we love. and by age 26 the habit of manipulation is strong in your grandson.

I know this helps mes: God knows what my loved one needs, but I do not, having learned after many mistakes that I do not know what he needs because the harder I try the behinder I get. So I really have no option except to Let Go and Let God.

The discipline of turning every anxious thought into the choice to pray has helped me.

The discipline of posting a Bible verse in various places in my house so I can pray that verse for myself or my son has helped me.

The discipline of embracing opportunities to be the hands and feet of God by serving meals to the homeless or sending notes of encouragement has helped me.

Because, Jane, in the end this journey that so often turns each day into a maze of chaos when trying to help your grandson does neither of you any good. But as YOU grow closer to God your increased faith, hope, peace, joy, love and self-control will speak louder to your grandson than anything else.

And remember this, no matter where your Grandson is, God's Love has his back, God whispers in his ear and woos him. God is longing to meet his needs in ways nothing and no one else can and God will answer his softest prayer with joy and wisdom.

When you fear your "no" to your grandson is being mean, remember that your "no" may be the needed crack in the wall he has constructed around himself. Being aggressive in our frustration and fear is understandable, but not really good for either of you. But calmly stating your prayed about and lovingly considered need to establish healthy boundaries may be unpleasant but it will also be appropriate and freeing.

Of course, as you change, your grandson will be angry because when we change others much change and that can make them very angry. God will be with you both when you act as you have discerned is required.

Thank you for your prayers. There are A LOT of us dealing with these issues and I am grateful every day if I can offer a bit of fellowship. Prayer drives this ministry at all times, so thanks for the fuel!

Adding "Jane's grandson" to my prayer list!

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    Jann's son was incarcerated.  She longed for a community where she could connect with others dealing with similar issues.

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