My Addiction

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4-6

I’m thrilled today to welcome my friend and fellow Christian writer, TC Avey, as a guest blogger. She shares about her addiction—one that most of us can relate to—and how she overcame it. 

Worry and anxiety

Late last year, I lost my father-in-law to lung cancer. This year, my husband’s aunt is battling stage four lung cancer. Both were life-long smokers. This has led me to pray about addictions. There are many types, some more obvious—like smoking, drinking, gambling, or overeating. Some are easier to hide—like pride, perfectionism, control, possessions/lust, and greed.

I want to take you through some truth journaling I’ve done about my own addiction. I pray it helps you identify your addictions and begin working through them with the help of Christ (Phil.1:6).

My addiction: Worry.

My anxiety masks itself in controlling behaviors. Feeling in control eases my fears and gives me a semblance of power in this crazy and unpredictable world.

What do I fear?

I fear not having enough food for my family, so when I see a “good deal,” I buy extra. Then having it neatly organized adds to my sense of control and gives me pride in a job well done (Matt 6:19-21).

I fear someone will unexpectedly drop by my house, so I clean it almost daily. I can’t have them think I’m a bad housekeeper. I must be a good steward of the possessions God has blessed me with…so I clean, clean, clean!

I have fears I cover up by trying to control my environment and be as perfect as I possibly can.

I fear…well, you get the picture.

Where did these fears come from?

Not from God. That’s certain (Romans 8:15, 2 Tim 1:7).

Many of my fears came from my childhood. My dad owned his own business, and he lived by the motto “better to give than receive.” On more than one occasion, that meant the homeless man on the street got my dad's last $20, while his family had to pawn something in order to eat.

As I grew up, I let insecurities about possessions rule my life. I realized I had this sinful habit, but it wasn’t until I began asking God to help me understand why people have such a hard time overcoming addictions that He revealed the true depth of my own.

Now, I know why the smoker can’t “just quit.”

Before the smoker can stop the addiction, they must realize why they began it. Otherwise, they will just pick up a new addiction to help ease the underlying issue.

I thought I was in control, but really my fears/insecurities controlled me. When God showed me where my fears stemmed from, I began asking Him to help me view my fears through His eyes, so I could live victoriously over them and not allow them to control me (Phil. 4:13, Romans 6:16).

Next God showed me all the times my family “almost” went without. Could my dad have used more discretion on giving? Maybe. If I look with human eyes.

But when I look through the eyes of God, I see my dad’s heart was in the right place. Our possessions aren’t ours to keep. They’re ours to bless others with. Not only that, God is our provider (Psalm 54:4, Matt 6:25-34).

Not once did God not provide.

On the issue of cleaning: My mom always kept a tidy house. So did I get a cleaning obsession from that?

No, God showed me it came from me not wanting to be judged by others.

I allowed what others thought of me to dictate my days. Over the years, I can count on one hand the number of times someone “unexpectedly” stopped by. So why I possessed this irrational desire to keep my house super clean is beyond me.

When I boiled down all these fears and control issues, I found the real culprit: Lack of faith and trust in God.

Ouch!

My addictions existed because I didn’t TRUST God. I thought I had to take care of everything. I had to be worthy in others' eyes. I justified it by saying I was being a good steward of the things God had given me (1 John 5:21).

I never realized they held me captive (John 8:34).

Now that I know what fuels my worry, I’m ready to break free.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

This doesn’t mean I’m going to become a lousy housekeeper. No, I must be a good steward. But I do it now with the right heart and mindset (Col 3:23). I also keep my priorities in line, and spending time with family trumps picking up toys. I'm even getting better at buying only what we need now, instead of purchasing ahead.

Questions for reflection:

What are your addictions?

Do you know what fuels them?

Are you ready to ask God to help you break free?

TC Avey is a Christian author devoted to God, family, friends, and nation. She blogs regularly at "Wisdom of a Fool." 

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

(MercyMe)

Prayer Requests:

Emily, who is battling osteosarcoma, will have her three-month follow-up scans and doctor’s appointment on Thursday. Family shares, “As always, we could use prayers and positive thoughts on Emily’s behalf to be free of cancer and treatment side-effects.” 

Erica will have knee surgery Wednesday (today). Please praise for her surgeons, as well as for a good outcome.

Praise Report:

Courtney's MRI came back clean again. Her doctor plans an MRI and a PET scan in October. If they are clear, another chemo med will be dropped. The plan is to eventually stop all chemo in the next six months since she has been on it continuous for two years. Her body needs a rest.

From her Caring Bridge site:

As you might imagine, Courtney's health and recovery is a work in progress. We respectfully ask for continued prayer on her behalf as she fights this mighty battle and the victories that we have and will see along the way. Hopefully we will get good news from her endocrinologist in the coming weeks and should anything else be amiss besides the thyroid, we will be able to begin a treatment program to address those issues and get Courtney to feeling stronger with less fatigue… Thank you so much for all of you who prayed special prayers for Courtney yesterday [last Wednesday]. God certainly heard and answered yours and ours! After seeing once again so many people yesterday at the Duke Cancer Center, we know that God must be hearing from so many other families and their loved ones pleading for help and healing like we have so many times. We just praise God for His continued walk with us and the wonderful way He is carrying Courtney through this journey.

If you have a prayer need, please share it in the comments or e-mail me confidential requests. Would you take a moment to pray for those who leave comments and those on the prayer list at the top of the blog? Thanks!

God bless,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

Deciphering The PC Alphabet

A brouhaha ensued recently over celebrity chef Paula Deen’s use of the N-word decades ago which caused her subsequent fall from grace. Her reputation sullied, she lost millions of dollars and her cooking show because of her honesty about using the word and her Southern upbringing in the 1960s. Last week, we witnessed the annihilation of Riley Cooper, football player for the Philadelphia Eagles, for using the same word.

While their actions required apologies and forgiveness, I began to notice a double standard by the politically correct talking heads who have more than a vested interest in stirring the race pot. Some have made their living doing so while attacking other ethnic and orientation groups themselves. This is too short of a forum to explore that angle, but the evidence is out there for consumption, if you choose to look for it.

This isn’t the only offensive word referred to by a single letter. As I explored the dynamics involved in which words are offensive and which ones aren’t, a few things became apparent. So I thought I’d discuss the PC alphabet today in reverse order.

Obviously, the N-word pretty much speaks for itself. What troubles me is the resurgence of this word in modern society. Growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s in a rural Southern town, we didn’t use this word. We were taught it was offensive and disrespectful. But what I’ve discovered behind this current resurgence is the use of a slight variation of the N-word. Change the –er at the end to –a, and it no longer is considered offensive by some of the younger generation.

Case in point: I discovered a teenage relative had used this variation on a social media website in reference to her young African-American male friend. Shocked and hurt, I began to reflect on the fact that my family has been friends with this young man’s family for four generations. I wondered what the fallout would be. Would our friendship be damaged over this bonehead teenage mistake? In expressing my outrage, I was quickly "straightened out" that this new N-word doesn’t carry racial connotations, rather it’s like calling each other "homey" or some other slang reference to a friend.

I’d heard from media and other high school kids that some African-American kids do indeed call each other this, which is shocking enough, but I was surprised by its blasé use between the races. And the friend in question didn’t appear to have a problem with it.

No harm, no foul. Right?

It’s no wonder when Paula Deen was asked by Today show host Matt Lauer if she thought the African-American community still found the word offensive, she said she didn’t know. After all, her young black kitchen employees call each other that.

When researching songs by popular rappers like Jay-Z, it turned my stomach to read the foul language, which includes this word, our youth listen to and emulate. And yet our nation’s leader readily welcomes this rapper into the White House then laments race relations out the other side of his mouth.

One thing I found interesting, though, as I talked to folks, is the lack of acceptance for this new fangled N-word among some who use other slang-offensive words. That tells me some racial connotation, despite the insistence otherwise, is still attached to the word.

But the use of this word made me think. Is it a reflection of race relations further progressed than some purport or representative of our degrading society? If I were a betting person, I’d put money on the latter.

So it’s not a huge leap that a young adult like Riley Cooper, only a few years removed from the college scene, would allow the “wrong” N-word to roll off his tongue so easily. Especially while intoxicated.

The same could be said for the F-word. When I was a teen, it was the MF-word and only the “bad” kids used it. If caught saying it, you’d be suspended from school or your parents would give you a whipping—or both. Now it’s shortened to just the F-word and used for all parts of speech. One of the many reasons I don’t watch R-rated movies is the repeated use of the word. I’d like to send this generation of kids and the movie producers to the chalkboard like in the old days and ask them to diagram their sentences. It’d be interesting.

Then there’s the C-word. Actually, I never hear anyone refer to it this way. People just say “cracker.” Yes, for some reason, this word is politically correct to just say. Recently, in the George Zimmerman trial in Florida where he was accused of killing a black teenager, a witness for the prosecution used the term very casually in referring to Mr. Zimmerman. When some cried foul, the PC pundits defended her, stating that within the context of her life and culture, the use of the word was authentic.

Really?

Am I the only one who found this explanation incredulous? I must be in the minority because New York Democrat Charlie Rangel also felt free to use the C-word recently:

Rangel made the "cracker" comment in an interview last week with the Daily Beast, referring to the tea party as "the same group we faced in the South with those white crackers and the dogs and the police." (Newsmax.com)

Not a single PC pundit, that I know of, took Rangel to task for his language. The race activists and those who typically have loud viewpoints on this subject were eerily quiet.

Then there’s the B-word. It’s been around as long as the others but for some reason seems to still be socially acceptable. I mused aloud one day in the presence of a male (not my husband, in case you’re wondering) that if Riley Cooper had used the B-word instead of the N-word, would he be in as much trouble? The response: No, because women haven’t been as oppressed as blacks.

If my head had been anatomically able to spin on my shoulders, it would’ve. It’s only been in the last hundred years that American women have gained the right to vote and married women could own property. And we’ve still not achieved equal pay for equal work.

Consider these additional facts:

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten. (DomesticViolenceStatistics.Org)

In many third world countries, females are considered property, receive less education than males, are forced into pre-adolescent marriage, and have virtually no rights of their own.

More than 70% of human trafficking victims worldwide are female. The average cost of a slave is $90. (DoSomething.Org) 

According to UNAIDS, young women ages 15 to 24 in sub-Saharan Africa, the region hardest hit by the epidemic, are up to 8 times more likely than young men to be living with HIV…In various regions of the world, rural women often tend to crops that are used to nourish their families or sell in the marketplace. Yet just 1 percent of the world’s women own land. 

Physical, sexual and psychological violence strikes women in epidemic proportions worldwide. It crosses every social and economic class, every religion, race and ethnicity. From domestic abuse to rape as a weapon of war, violence against women is a gross violation of their human rights. Not only does it threaten women's health and their social and economic well-being, violence also thwarts global efforts to reduce poverty. (ICRW.Org)

No doubt, standards are hypocritically applied to certain words in our culture. In the future, before the PC pundits decide which alphabet violators should be punished and to what degree, perhaps they’d be wise to look inside their own hearts and lives and consider Jesus’ philosophy:

“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” John 8:7b

Because real change in any culture begins in the heart of the individual and in the willingness to confront the true underlying reasons for disenfranchisement. Not in dissecting each other’s language.

My two cents, for what it’s worth.

© Laura Hodges Poole

Facing Persecution

Have you ever been just minding your own business when, suddenly, you’re startled by something so heinous, you don’t know how to react? Yesterday on Twitter, I came across a link referencing the torture of a Saudi man caught reading a Bible. Yes, I clicked on the link, but I shouldn’t have. I wasn’t prepared for the graphic horror of the torture. Shaken and sickened, I attempted to research the origin and authenticity of the photo. After a few minutes of research, I let it go. Every time the image flashes in my mind, my stomach roils.

Whether the photo depicted a man punished for his Christian faith or a horrible, tragic accident, it brought to mind the persecution facing Christians in the world today. According to statistics:

More Christians were martyred in the 20th century than in all previous centuries combined. 171,000 Christians were martyred in 2005 [Int. Journal of Missionary Research] (erlc.com). 

American Christians have been in the enviable position of not worrying about martyrdom within our shores, and until recently, haven’t really felt the sting of persecution. With our current political environment, Christian persecution and marginality has become more commonplace in America. Even in the U.S. military, Christian soldiers are threatened with court martial if they share their faith. 

While the potential exists for increasing tribulation, many American Christians, and perhaps others worldwide, believe we will not face the ultimate tribulation described in Revelation. Instead, Christians will be raptured prior to these events. Some Biblical scholars disagree with this philosophy. Both sides have compelling arguments.

I’m not writing to espouse argument or take sides on this issue while our brothers and sisters around the world are persecuted and martyred. It really doesn’t matter how we, as American Christians, choose to comfort ourselves with our beliefs on future events.

What matters is what’s happening now. Bringing unbelievers to the saving grace of Christ, despite personal cost, has to be foremost in the life of a Christian. Saying it is one thing, but living it is another.

Have you ever stopped to consider why the persecuted, mostly from impoverished or oppressed countries, are willing to give their lives for their faith?

Could it be because God is the most important thing in their lives? Christianity trumps their very existence.

Asia Bibi, a 45-year-old Pakistani mother has been sentenced to death for “blasphemy,” due to her Christian faith.

Recently, a large church in Iran was shut down and its pastor imprisoned.

Christians in Sudan face escalating persecution for their faith.

Iranian-American Pastor Saeed Abedini has been imprisoned in the infamous Evin Prison, considered the worst in Iran, for over a year. He was building a government approved orphanage but was arrested due to his Christian faith.

For more examples and up-to-date information on the persecuted, visit Voice of the Martyrs.

Regardless of how we choose to live our Christian faith, two overriding tenets should form the basis for our character and action.

From the Ten Commandments:

“I am the Lord your God…You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2-3

And

Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

When the Christian life is viewed through the lenses of these tenets, the willingness of our brothers and sisters to risk persecution becomes clearer. And then the question becomes: To what degree is God the only god in our lives, and do our lives reflect total love for Him? 

Please join me in prayer for our Christian brothers and sisters living in restricted and oppressed nations.

Other Prayer Requests:

From Courtney: I'm asking for special prayers today as I head up to Duke [for 2-month follow-up brain MRI]. I am praying for a clear report and safe travels. Thank you very much!

From Misty, Erica’s mom: Erica's knee surgery next Wed. It's called medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction.

From Janey: My husband leaves for a missions trip to Greece August 16-26. My prayer request is multifaceted: protection for him traveling an in country; peace in our home as I single parent and homeschool our four children; and God to accomplish all He desires in Darren, the other mission participants, and the pastors, children, and families to whom they'll be ministering. Thanks.

From Laura H: Tim Fryman family... Tim was 20 years old and died of an aneurysm. His funeral is today. He was friends with my son, and I can imagine the pain the family is facing right now.

A lady asks for prayer for her brother and mother in regards to mental health and safety issues. 

Our regular prayer list is located at the top of the blog along with info on Sgt. Jesse McCart, an American soldier injured by an IED in Afghanistan.

Also, the Mission page has info on my Christian brother, Pastor Mike Gonzalez, as he has led a mission team into South Sudan this week. They will also be ministering in Kenya. I just learned this morning of a devastating fire at Kenya's main airport the mission team flew into and have flights planned four times through the duration of the trip. This airport is the gateway for travel in Africa.  

Prayers for all these folks would be greatly appreciated!

If you have a prayer need, please feel free to share it in the comments so others may pray for you, or e-mail me confidential requests. J

Shalom,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

When Life Resembles A Junk Drawer

Life is like...a pile of junk?

“To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.”~Thomas A. Edison

I have a junk drawer in my kitchen. Actually, I’m ashamed to say, I have more than one and in other rooms of the house. The one pictured on the left is one of my neater drawers! J You probably have one, as well, that collects odds and ends, extra straws, rubber bands, coupons, and little plastic pieces that fit on something, but who knows what? Stray crayons, pencils, and my personal favorite—ink pens that no longer write!

No doubt, Edison embraced junk, but lately, I’ve thought about how our lives can resemble junk drawers. And, unlike Edison, my creativity is hampered by junk. I’ve been feeling a nudge by the Holy Spirit to start cleaning out the junk. Turn the drawer upside down, let everything spill out, and then start over, assembling the proper order, perspective, and priorities to achieve my ministry and writing goals.

After all, it’s God’s ministry to do with what He wishes. I’m just the vessel He works through. But when I allow my schedule, my priorities, and society (yes, even Christian society), to interfere, it’s time to toss the drawer and see what needs to remain.

I’m in this process now. Reexamining my goals and the path I’ve chosen to achieve them is at the top of the list. I’m doing some intense soul searching and praying to reach tough decisions. Tough rarely looks attractive and will never be mistaken for ease. But it’s often necessary.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

This verse from Ephesians is one of my favorites because it reflects my earnest desire not to waste my God-ordained time and to understand what He wants me to do with this time.

I’d appreciate your prayers as I embark on the journey to empty the junk drawer and discern what goes back in and what gets tossed.

Now, it’s your turn. What one thing could you do to make life simpler or more functional, whether on an emotional, physical, or spiritual level? How do you plan to achieve this? If you’d like to share to encourage others, please do so. I’d love to hear from you!

You're the one who conquers giants

You're the one who calls out kings

You shut the mouths of lions

You tell the dead to breathe

You're the one who walks through fire

You take the orphan's hand

You are the one Messiah

You are I am

You are I am

(MercyMe)

I’ve added a new page at the top of my blog on mental illness. It contains a collection of articles I’ve written, as well as resource information. If you or a loved one is struggling with this issue, please take a moment to check it out.

Prayer Requests:

If you have a prayer need, please share it in the comments or e-mail me confidential requests. Our prayer list is located at the top of the blog along with info on Sgt. Jesse McCart, an American soldier injured by an IED in Afghanistan. Our soldiers continue to suffer and be killed from these type injuries in Afghanistan. Would you take a few moments to pray for these folks? Thanks!

God bless,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

Learning to Trust

“I do not trust people who don't love themselves and yet tell me, 'I love you.' There is an African saying which is: Be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt.”

― Maya Angelou, poet

Hmmm. Never thought of trust quite that way, but she has a point. And it’s made me think about how many times in my life a naked person offered me a shirt, metaphorically speaking, of course.

I tend to trust people until they show me otherwise. Most of us have had an ah-ha moment when a “friend’s” true colors shone through. As I wrote about in this guest blog post, My Middle Name Is Not 'Doormat', I used to have a tendency toward allowing people to walk over me, even when the evidence pointed toward their being wrong and me being right. After all, they claimed to be a friend, and some folks are pretty gifted at skewing reality in their favor.

Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me. Psalm 41:9

Apparently, even the psalmist had trouble with friends who stabbed him in the back.

So what do we do when this happens? We can swear never to trust anyone again. A little extreme. Or we put up emotional walls to protect ourselves from being hurt again. Or we don’t recognize the pattern and continue to trust folks blindly and eventually get hurt again.

Despite how we choose to handle untrustworthy people, I’ve found one friend who has never let me down.

Jesus.

Since the beginning of time, he’s loved us. His words and actions are trustworthy.

How do I know he’s a trustworthy friend?

He mediates on our behalf in heaven.

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6a

He intercedes for us in prayer.

Jesus’s prayer for believers prior to his crucifixion: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [the disciples’] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:20b-24

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25

“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34

He is preparing a place for us in heaven.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4

He loved us first and called us friend.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:13-15

Consider this about God’s nature:

"But God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through.”

― Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

If you’re having trouble trusting the folks in your life, start with Jesus. The relationship you build with Him will enable you to discern authenticity in people.

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”

― Ernest Hemingway

Ultimately, this is what relationships come down to. Even with the best safeguards around our hearts and minds, the only way to truly know if someone is trustworthy is just to trust them.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse that has helped you with trust issues? I’d love for you to share it. J

I hope you're as blessed as I am when you listen to this Third Day song, "Trust in Jesus."

Praise Report:

My great-nephew Jack, who has Perthes disease, came through his hip surgery fine. Please continue to pray for him and his parents as they adjust to the new normal of healing and rehab.

Prayer Requests:

If you have a prayer need, please share it in the comments or e-mail me confidential requests. Our prayer list is located at the top of the blog along with info on Sgt. Jesse McCart, an American soldier injured by an IED in Afghanistan. Would you consider taking a few moments to pray for these folks? Thanks!

Shalom,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

Gaining Courage, Conquering Fear

Have you ever been so hopelessly lost you thought you’d never find your way back? Most of us have had that experience on a physical, emotional, or spiritual level. Today, my sister Teresa shares her experience of getting lost while hiking at a state park with her late husband Sal. Stick around to the end, where I’ll share the spiritual application. J

About 18 years ago, Sal and I spent many weekends hiking the trails at O'Leno State Park in Florida. On one occasion, we planned to do a long hike that would take 4-5 hours to complete. We brought food and water, planning to have a picnic out in the woods. Unfortunately, we stepped off the trail and onto a deer path and were miserably lost for hours. This was prior to cell phones and, with our unfamiliarity of this area in the deep woods, we could do nothing but say a prayer and keep walking. 

We ended up behind Camp Kulaqua. We had to climb the fence, walk through the camp, a mile out to the main road, and back to O'Leno. We estimated we had walked at least 24 miles that day. It was a day we never forgot!

After Sal was diagnosed with cancer, O'Leno was our refuge. We sometimes just drove out, sat near the bridge, and enjoyed the peace it brought to us.

For years, I’ve wanted to conquer that trail but have been too "a-feared" to try it. Well, today, with food, water, and a cell phone, I did just that! I set out with much more knowledge of trail markings. I checked in with the park rangers, so they knew where I was heading. I kept my eyes alert and proceeded cautiously, carefully staying on the right path. It took 3 hours to get to my destination of River Rise and 2 1/2 hours to get back.

I was out in God's glorious country, with deer prints on the path and some areas completely grown over. I was alone...what an awesome feeling to experience God's presence in everything around me. And, the moment I realized I was walking past a 4-foot rattlesnake on the trail, I maintained that peaceful feeling. Alright, yes, I did levitate and say, "holy cannoli." J But, it did not lessen my feeling of closeness with my Lord. I must say, I am proud of myself for stepping out there and not only conquering that trail, but conquering my fear, as well. And, I think Sal would be pretty proud of me, too!

~Teresa Lynn

****

Knowing Sal, I’m sure he would’ve been proud of Teresa. I certainly am. She’s been a great spiritual inspiration to me and all who know her.

Many times in life we encounter paths that appear to lead in the right direction. Then they turn into scary, meandering unknown trails that we’re desperate to escape.  

Sometimes the enemy entices us onto the wrong path.

And sometimes, we choose the wrong path because we don’t interpret the warning signs to stay away.

But consider this: Sometimes we know the path is right, and we’re simply too afraid to step onto it. Like Teresa, we’ve had previous bad experiences or we fear the unknown. We’ve been burned one too many times. We’re scared we’ll get hopelessly lost.  

Our faith walk emulates this at times. God leads us on a spiritual journey, but he doesn’t promise it will be a path of roses minus the thorns. But he does promise to walk with us. We simply have to obey. Doesn’t seem so simple, though, does it? Yet when we step out on faith and trust God to lead us, he won’t disappoint. His promises enable us to be courageous.

It was by faith Abraham obeyed God’s call to go to another place God promised to give him. He left his own country, not knowing where he was to go. Hebrews 11:8

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Has God called you to walk a path that seems scary and full of unknowns? Or maybe it’s filled with known threats? Share a scripture that has given you courage to follow His call.

Would you take a moment to pray for those on the list at the top of the blog and for the requests below?

My 7-year-old great-nephew Jack is undergoing surgery on his hip next Tuesday, July 23, due to Perthes disease. Please pray for his surgeons and hospital staff, as well as for the best possible outcome for him. Prayers for peace for his parents during this stressful time would also be appreciated.

Tony has started having frequent migraine headaches. Please pray for him to figure out what is triggering the migraines and for pain relief.

If you have a prayer need, please leave a comment or e-mail me confidential requests. I’d love to pray for you.

God bless,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole

Blind-Sided by Trials

Why?

Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other…So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing—and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. Genesis 37:17b-19, 23-24

I got blind-sided this week. Not like Joseph. No cisterns or evil brothers. Instead, it involved a nice duck pond and a rather aggressive goose.

My children, Lindsay and Josh, and I stopped at the duck pond one day while she was here visiting. Ever since Lindsay was a little girl, it’s been one of her favorite things to do. So, with bread and crackers in hand, we strolled through the group of ducks and geese. Believe me, no one went hungry. When I suggested we mosey on down the path to feed the turtles, a goose charged and latched onto my leg above my knee. I’m not suggesting he understood English and knew his food source was leaving, but whatever his reason for aggression, neither I, nor my leg, cared. I just wanted the fool thing to turn loose, which he eventually did. A pit bull wouldn’t have anything on a goose’s beak. In hindsight, I should’ve grabbed him around the neck and his mouth probably would’ve popped open. A tidbit of info to store away, if it happens again. J

 

We’ve all been blindsided in life by an unwanted attack. Most aren’t as silly as my illustration. Sometimes it’s an accident or illness or death of a loved one. The victims of the 9/11 terror attacks were blindsided. People receiving cancer diagnoses are blindsided.

I talked to a friend today who suffered through a life-changing trial a few years ago. Of course, as we all do, she asked the why question.

Why did you allow this, God?

The fallout and suffering hardly seemed worth any good that could come from it. Recently, God has begun to provide opportunities for her to minister to others going through similar life-altering situations.

As Christians, our response during trials will include the why question. There’s nothing wrong with that. But getting stuck there can pose serious spiritual problems. In time, God often shows us the “why” of a situation through what we choose to do with the lesson of the trial.

Do we simply rail against pain and suffering? Or do we become more mature Christians by choosing to walk through the trial with Him?

The Apostle Paul spoke of such trials throughout his many letters.

We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3

We can expect to be blind-sided in this fallen world. But we can also cling to the promise from James, the half-brother of Jesus:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

And again from the Apostle Paul:

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5

God doesn’t just leave us in the trial to suffer. He brings us through stronger, as more mature Christians, abiding in his hope and sharing it with those we encounter.

My prayer for each of us today is we’ll accept God’s grace and mercy to comfort and strengthen us as we persevere through our trials. May we experience the joy that only He can provide through the Holy Spirit.

I don't know, I don't know

What tomorrow may hold

But I know, but I know

That You're holding it all

So no matter what may come

I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are

'Til every doubt I feel

Deep in my heart

Grows strangely dim

(Francesca Battistelli)

Please pray for comfort, strength, healing, and wisdom for those listed on the prayer list above, as well as for those on the mission page and Sgt. Jesse McCart.

New prayer requests this week:

·       Children seriously injured (blunt trauma and burns) during a fireworks show. Please pray for their physical and emotional recovery, as well as comfort during their healing.

·        Laura Hilton’s oldest son, unnamed request. “God knows.”

·        Christian McNeal recently gave birth and is undergoing surgery for a condition that developed after delivery.

·        Pregnant young lady hospitalized for possible preeclampsia

If you have a prayer need, please leave a comment or e-mail me confidential requests. I’d love to pray for you.

Shalom,

Laura ✞

©Laura Hodges Poole