The Couple and the Beggar
On the way to dinner, the couple passed a beggar. The beggar's old clothes barely provided comfort from the cold autumn air, and the clothes raggedness robbed him of his dignity. His old hands held a cardboard sign, that read, "Hungry, anything helps."
The man drew the woman closer to him as they scurried by. They had seen the beggar before. His presence was the catalyst for conversations about giving to the poor and the laziness of the homeless. The two debated God's call to follow Jesus and how to do it in a way that taught their children to care about philanthropy. Every year, they made sure they gave to multiple charities and tithed to their church. They made sure their friends and family saw their name at every charity event.
Invitation To Adversity
A negative comment will leave me crying for days. A person doubting me will send me into a spiral of doubt and confusion. My fear of criticism often keeps me from following my dreams.
And yet, Jesus invites all who follow him into adversity.
As Levi sat down with Jesus, the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees began to question Jesus’ choice to eat with Tax collectors. I always marvel at this part of the story, because if someone doubted my ability to sit with Jesus, I would believe them.
Invited Home
During my sophomore year of college, I knew God wanted me to tell my sorority sisters about Jesus, but I wanted to lead a small group of freshmen. To lead a bible study with my sorority sisters felt risky, but the freshmen study felt Godly. The freshmen ministry was established. Women signed up for that. It was safe.
Yet, Jesus said, “Go to your sisters.”
The summer after my junior year, I was arguing with God about being called into full-time ministry. I asked, "Do I have to do ministry with fraternity and sorority students?"
Because I Am Loved
Tears were streaming down my face as I sat cuddled on the couch this morning. I had been like that all night. I didn't feel like I could write, I couldn't think about students, the ministry or even my daughter.
My husband heard me tossing and turning and gently kissed me on my forehead and said, I love you.
With those words, I was able to uncurl my legs. Take a deep breath.
Maybe I can move forward today.
What If He Meant Me?
He sat in a hot, dusty booth, watching the ships come in. Dutifully, he tallied up the taxes that he would send to the Romans.
His own community despised him because of his job. He skimmed some off the top, but how could he not? He had to make a living. But for his trouble, he was labeled as a sinner, lumped together with prostitutes.
He noticed a broad band of people following a man. What an odd sight. It must be one of those religious teachers, he thought. He ignored their presence, knowing he wouldn’t be included.
Then the Rabbi looked at him and said, “Follow me.”
How I Learned to Follow God
The other day I read a blog post that made me cry. As I read over a woman’s account of her sorority experience and how it drove her away from following God, I wept because she had missed out on what I got to experience in my sorority.
I grew up Christian. Like most southern families, my family went to church religiously, even when we lived in a country where it was outlawed. My parents sent my sisters and me to Christian camp for 5 weeks every summer. I knew the Bible backwards and forwards and I called myself Christian; however, before joining my sorority, I wasn’t following God. I called myself Christian, but that meant nothing in my life until I joined Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Anniversary
This month marks the anniversary of my first rejection. After attending a writers workshop, I decided to submit a proposal for an article. I hadn’t submitted a proposal for ten years. I nervously crafted the piece, sent it to a proofreader and anxiously awaited the decision.
Days past.
A week past.
And finally, I got an email back. No.
I Am More Than a Date
Every week I deal with obnoxious men on Twitter and Instagram wanting to “start a conversation”. The comments show that these “men” are looking for a pretty face. While I expect the comments from trolls, I’ve been surprised by the number of Christian men who have actively sought me out for a date. Each and everyone mentions my looks.
Be Present
I desire to escape this exhausting world. I want to avoid the stories of racism, bigotry, and sexism. I want to hide from the scenes in my life where other people treat me less than because I am a woman. I want to ignore the fear-mongering that our religious and political leaders spew.
Escaping is easy. Netflix’s countdown to the next episode is a convincing argument to ignore the world and lose myself in a never-ending world of fiction.
The Balancing Act of Jesus’ Way
When Thomas asked, Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?
Jesus responded, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
And while those words are comforting when we are discussing comments about eschatology, they leave me dumbfounded through most of life.