Our eyes met as we both exited the worship center. He is such a dear older gentleman whom I have grown very fond of the past few years. A tender smile always radiates from his face and he has an eagerness to plant a gentle kiss on my cheek, which I warmly reciprocate. Today, however, things were different. Recently, he was diagnosed with a life threatening prognosis and treatment is not promising. There were no words, but the familiar embrace and kiss on the cheek communicated all of my love for him. Struggling to maintain his composure, he began to weep quietly. A few seconds passed. Stepping back to walk away, his eyes gave evidence of the sadness and fear within. Placing my hand on his arm, I assured him, “I am praying for you…I love you.” This precious soul is struggling. He needs compassion and encouragement from those around him.

Recently, I submitted a contribution for an article on the topic of ministering to those who have lost a loved one or experienced devastating news. This people group is not really a minority at all. Life is a  process because each day marches us closer to our last day here. Odd thought, but true. Everyone is on a “journey” in life. This journey has a very designated beginning- our birth, but an indefinite end.

Why then are we uncomfortable around someone who has been diagnosed with cancer or another incurable disease? Why is it difficult to physically embrace such delicate souls? Is it right to ignore them and just proceed on with our own rat race?  For some reason the adage, “ignorance is bliss”, comes to mind. However, our inability to approach people who are “dying” demonstrates a lack of self confidence and assurance, along with a true misunderstanding of this “journey” we are all on.

A more accurate perspective is we are ALL dying. The Bible compares the death of believers merely to “sleep” (John 11:11), thereby encouraging us to see it through a different lens; one of courage and peace, instead of fear.

Don’t know what to say? Awkward silence is really not that awkward when love is communicated through actions. Sometimes that is all it takes when it comes to loving the dying. We live in a fallen world and death is a part of life. We are all on this “journey” together, we just have different paths that we will follow.

Keep things in perspective!  Step out of your comfort zone and spend time with someone who may be experiencing loneliness and fear due to a dreaded prognosis today.

As I was checking those little boxes, I came to the section on marital status with the following options: single, divorced, married. I fall into that last category but I thought to myself, “I’m not SIMPLY married! I’m HAPPILY married!”

Well, that was not one of the options to check, so you know what I did? I wrote it in myself! Happily Married! That is what I feel in my heart after 20 years, so that is what I am going to say!

Who knows what kind of an impact that attitude can have on others? It may just be the start of an incredible conversation where I can tell someone WHO gives me that happiness and perfect joy and WHO blessed me with my marriage anyway!

Have you thought “outside of the box” today? I challenge you to do so!

In layman’s terms, perspective just deals with how we look at things. Those who say the glass is half full are considered positive thinkers, whereas those who say the glass is half empty are considered pessimists. Why don’t we just look at a glass whether it is half full or a quarter full and recognize its intrinsic value? “Thank you, Lord, for providing me with water to quench my thirst!”

Imagine the exhaustion you feel following a strenuous task or exercise…dry mouth…heart pounding, etc. If you were given two options, no water or some water, what would you choose? I’m pretty sure you would choose some water.

My point is, perspective is critical. God sees things from an entirely different timeline than we do and He also recognizes value in things that seem to have no value. I write and speak a lot on the topic of adversity and adversity is something that we hesitate to embrace. Yet if we focus on the strength and courage we can glean instead of the discomfort adversity causes, we have changed our perspective. I challenge you today, whatever you are facing, try to look at it from God’s standpoint. Perspective can make all the difference.

Try it and just tell the person at the window to tell them…

“Your debt has been paid! Merry Christmas!”

The spiritual implication is more than appropriate this time of year and it just may make someone really think about things!  After all, that is why Jesus came to earth-to pay our debt in full, because we are ALL sinners in need of a Savior!

Come up with some other creative ways to communicate that simple biblical truth today!

Focus on Joy (Anderson Independent, 11/20/2011)

Friends, I cannot count the number of times I have witnessed someone in grief, over a tragedy or loss of a loved one, have an exchange with someone who simply did not know what to say.  One of two things will take place in that instance: something will be said that brings no comfort at all, or worse yet, something will be said that causes more emotional anguish.

As I read Job 2 the other day for my personal devotion, I was reminded of Job’s immense suffering. He experienced the loss of loved ones, the loss of personal property, he was even afflicted physically with painful sores all over his body. Yet, look at his friends’ reaction!

So what does this passage say to me? I see people around me suffering every day. I come into contact with people who are dealing with painful issues: a cancer diagnosis, a divorce, the loss of a child, the list goes on. So, what do I say? How can I help?

I actually see tremendous wisdom in Job’s friends’ initial response. They SAT with him! That hit me like a ton of bricks! Their mere PRESENCE brought comfort to Job. Wow! The passage goes on to say that they were quiet-not saying a word to him for seven days because they realized how much he was going through. Double wow!

Most oftentimes, we feel as if we HAVE to say something when someone is hurting! But the reality is, comfort can come in one’s presence with no words at all! Yes, it is hard to be quiet, but that can be the best way to minister to those who are hurting. Thank you God for that reminder!

Our response to sin can appear just as absurd! While in the midst of sin, what good does it do to try to fix the mess or consequences without going back and eliminating the root of the problem? We are mistaken if we think going to church, saying our blessing or doing good things for others will counter the effects sin has upon us. Yes, those activities are important and expected if we consider ourselves followers of Christ, but if we continue to sin willingly and choose not to escape its grasp, our “act” of being holy is not genuine and will lead to spiritual catastrophe.

Think back to the lady with the hairbrush. First of all, she ANTICIPATED a problem because she was carrying the brush! She knew the wind was blowing and her hair would be entangled by it. Brushing her hair BEFORE exposure to the wind did no good, but neither would brushing in the midst of it! Her most logical option would be to wait until entering the store and then proceed with a good brushing!

God knows how easily we can become entangled with sin. That is why He teaches us in His word about the importance of pursuing holiness at ALL times, so we do not lose focus or become disengaged. Entering a battle WITH preparation is really half of the battle itself. When we approach temptation with this mindset, we will see sin from a different perspective. The next time you feel you are facing a battle with temptation, think about the necessary steps to avoid entanglement altogether.

So, to brush or not to brush…is that the question? Not really, I believe it’s all in proper preparation.

“What is the best thing in life, bringing more joy, delight and contentment than anything else? Knowledge of God.”

Packer goes on to talk about what that knowledge involves, but I want to focus upon the statement’s simplicity.

Materialism is just one trend that is distracting.  Do you realize how materialistic our society has become? How so many of us get caught up in trying to out-do our neighbors or co-workers, thinking such ambitions will satisfy us? Why are we so drawn to these pursuits? Are we so out of tune with Who God is? Do we even recognize how fallen our world is, in contrast to how holy He is? Sometimes I just want to scream at the top of my lungs, “He’s God, people! Wake up! What are you doing?!?!”

Having things is oftentimes driven by a desire to be accepted by others or to feel as if we have accomplished something. Yet, being with the in-crowd and winning the popularity contests isn’t all its cracked up to be. Yes, it may bring some temporary satisfaction, but it doesn’t bring true joy.

Scripture teaches that we are ALL here for a purpose, “…everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:7, NIV) We ALL have gifts and different personalities for the same reason…to glorify God!  In that glorification process, God wants to KNOW us! That is not my opinion, it is a biblical truth!

So get this, while we are doing what we have been created to do in the first place, we get the added bonus of feeling good about it!

Wow! A complex thought broken down in simple terms. What are you pursuing today?

Finally, today is Book Release Day on Amazon.com! Wow, what a journey! I remain humbled that God has used my life experiences to encourage others and yet at the same time, I want to proudly shout the news from a mountaintop of all He has done in my life!

I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds the future…and what is important to me at this point in my life is that I have been obedient to the Lord. Therefore, may all who read this understand that it is not about ME.  I give this book, Laurie’s Story: Discovering Joy in Adversity, to God because this story is about HIM! May He use it for His glory, to draw people from around the world to His kingdom! I am just a vessel…an imperfect person, who through my brokenness found Christ. To God be the glory, great things He has done!