Friday, February 29, 2008

Hope Springs Eternal


As surely as Winter keeps fighting to keep its “Current Season” title this time of year, out of nowhere the crocus will pop up, defying the calendar and coaching Spring, a brash young amateur contender slipping through the ropes to take on the heavyweight titleholder. Winter scoffs at Spring and desperately trys to hold its own, strutting around the ring for a few more rounds and throwing a few good punches. But Spring always rises from the mat before the count of 10, and inevitably, an exhausted and out of shape Winter grudgingly gives over the title belt to a fresh new season...and the fans go wild!

At least, that’s what I imagine began to happen this week. On Tuesday my friend Debbie forwarded these pictures by local photographer Frank Renault, and they were balm for my winter-weary heart. Then, on the heels of this sure sign of spring, the temperature took a dive, it snowed for two days, and my daughter got an unexpected (but much appreciated) vacation from school.

Still, it’s those little signs of spring that keep hope alive this time of year. I cheer on the bulbs braving the elements, but for me it’s the peepers that signal the end of winter. When I can stand on my deck on a warm evening in early spring (or late winter) and hear the loud chorus of tiny tree frogs, I know spring has finally arrived.

Another friend heralded the arrival of a robin in her yard last week. But according to one website I visited,

“The American Robin actually spends the winter in much of its breeding range. However, because they spend less time in yards and congregate in large flocks during winter, you're much less likely to see them. The number of robins present in the northern parts of the range varies each year with the local conditions.”


So I’m sticking with my peepers. And depending on a groundhog to predict the end of winter makes far less sense than any of these other signs. So why does Puxatawny Phil get so much press coverage? He must have a great agent. After all, he did land a leading role in that movie with Bill Murray…

But a better question would be, why do we need hope so badly as winter’s end draws near? My faith doesn’t waver during the cold, dark winter months, although I sometimes catch myself wanting to hibernate, rather than venture out to church on Wednesday night, or deliver breakfasts early on Saturday morning. But even though my faith remains strong and I know the seasons are bound to change, every sign of spring is a welcomed visual and tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Young actress Dakota Fanning’s even younger sister Elle Fanning recently made her acting debut in the movie, Phoebe in Wonderland.” At one point in the film, Fanning’s character asks her therapist, “Are you always supposed to feel hope?”

I thought that was an excellent question, seeing as there ere are days when I’m not sure I “feel” anything at all. But thank God it’s not about what we feel, or even what we see.

It seems far too often these days that I’m writing about friends who’ve died, and I lost another one in a tragic accident this past Valentine’s Day. I worked with Jeff Owen for 17 years, and he was one of the kindest, most humble men I’ve ever known. He loved nature, his family, and the Lord, and when I approached his casket, my heart was warmed to see his Bible opened to the book of Hebrews, with this verse marked, “favorite verse”…

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” ~ Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

I remember Jeff sharing that very verse with me years ago, and I know his faith has been realized now, his hope finally revealed so that he can see what he could only imagine before.

So I have faith that spring will follow winter, and summer after that. And even if the seasons cease, I have faith in God, and trust that He has faith in me.


Frank Renault, who also took this photograph of a dog in Italy, tells me there will be a photography exhibit at the Bristol Library in March, a joint exhibit of the Highlands Camera Club of Abingdon between and the Kingsport Senior Center Photo Group and Highlands Camera Club of Abingdon. “Border to Border — In Focus,” on display through March 28, will feature nearly 40 photographs taken by members from both clubs. There is no cost to view the exhibit, and there will be an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. this Sunday, March 2. For more information, visit: http://www.gotricities.com/content/article.dna?idNumber=5322

Friday, February 22, 2008

Double Vision



In my last post I introduced Kevin (L) and Kolton, my favorite twins. The other day their dad shared this more current photo with me...my how they've grown. But they haven't just grown taller. Here are a few comments from their parents' perspective:

"Kevin and Kolton are a product of the Pleasant View Church family. They are full of compassion for others, they love going to church, and they ask spiritual questions almost everyday as they seek to know more about who they are. As the twins that they are, they learned to share and be patient much earlier than most. They also learned to comfort and to cry when their brother was hurt. That is what the church is and should be. I learn something new from them everyday. Today...is their 7th birthday. God bless you and PVUMC! We love and miss you guys!"

Well said. The New Testament also has some direction for us regarding brotherly love:

"Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other."
~ 1 Thessalonians 4:9 (NIV)

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." ~ 1 Peter 1:19 (NIV)

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
~ 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)


Happy Birthday Kevin & Kolton. May your lives always be filled with brotherly love!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Amazing Grace = Equality



From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
from His dwelling place He watches
all who live on earth-
He who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
~ Psalm 133:13-15 (NIV)


I know all men are created equal in God’s eyes, but are identical twins more equal than others? I don’t know, but I do know I still can’t tell these boys apart anymore than I could when they were newborns.

Kevin and Kolton are sweet boys, but make no mistake – they’re ALL boy. It has been a joy to watch them grow, first as babies and then as toddlers and young boys, and I miss them. Their parents are our former Youth Pastor and his wife, Matt and Terri, and they live in middle Tennessee now. Still, we get to see them every now and then because one set of grandparents lives in this area. My daughter Hannah used to babysit for Kevin and Kolton occasionally (when Matt and Terri needed a sanity break), and she is graced with big bear hugs when we do get to visit with them.

One of the unique challenges I recall their parents having to address as they grew was the need to treat them as individuals, rather than as a “matched set.” Terri told me she took Kevin out for an adventure without his brother one day, and he looked at her and said with great wonder, “Mommy, Kolton’s not with us!”

Eventually we all have to find our own way…our own identity in this world. And what a boring world it would be if we were all alike! But wouldn’t it be wonderful if, at the same time, we could both appreciate our differences and celebrate our similarities? What if we could look at the people who, on the surface, are so vastly different from ourselves–whether because of skin color, gender, social position, financial standing, or even because they live half a world away–and and still see them as God’s children, no different from ourselves?

The older I get, the less patience I have for people who think they’re better than anyone else. I think they’re in for a rude awakening, if not in this life, then in the afterlife. I realize that in this imperfect world it’s easy to say, “It is what it is.” But I think the trick is to put ourselves in others’ shoes. In my experience, the fit may not be perfect…in fact, it will probably be a little tight and uncomfortable. But as the saying goes, "There, but for the grace of God, go I.”

Yesterday I watched the movie Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce’s tireless fight to end slave trade in the British Empire during the 18th century. Wilberforce, a member of Parliament, eventually succeeded in his quest, and went on to fight and win many other humanitarian battles. A friend and encourager of his, former slave trader John Newton, wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace," which was originally called “Faith’s Review and Expectation,” and was based on David’s prayer in I Chronicles 17:16-17:

“Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, ‘Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O LORD God.’”

The truth of the matter is, we are all created equal in God’s eyes, and we could all ask the question, “Who am I, O LORD God?” If it wasn’t so, Jesus’ death on the cross would have been meaningless. Think about that the next time you look at someone and think how different you are…

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779)

Sunday, February 10, 2008

The Great Brain Debate



As if we didn’t have enough ways to stereotype each other and separate ourselves like children on a playground, along comes The Great Brain Debate.

It’s not a new concept, classifying people according to which side of their brains they utilize more, and it’s fairly simple to determine which side you come down on…maybe even easier than picking a presidential candidate this year. In fact, the whole thing started with 1981 Nobel Prize Winner Roger Sperry’s "split-brain" experiments on patients suffering from seizures. Sperry concluded,

“The main theme to emerge... is that there appear to be two modes of thinking, verbal and nonverbal, represented rather separately in left and right hemispheres respectively and that our education system, as well as science in general, tends to neglect the nonverbal form of intellect. What it comes down to is that modern society discriminates against the right hemisphere.” ~ Roger Sperry (1973)

The brain is made up of two halves, with a front-to-back fold dividing it into two distinct sections. These two parts of the brain are connected to each other by a thick cable of nerves–corpus collosum–at the base of each side. One website I visited described it as, “… an Ethernet cable or network connection between two incredibly fast and immensely powerful computer processors, each running different programs from the same input.” You can certainly find more detailed and scientific explanations of how it all works, but because I’m right-brained, that's good enough for me. But I’m getting ahead of myself…

Imagine a boxing ring: In the left corner, with plaid flannel boxers, is LEFT BRAIN–logical, detail oriented, factual, into math and science, reality-based, strategic, practical, and safe. And in the right corner, with polka-dotted silk boxers, is RIGHT BRAIN–imaginative, philosophic, impetuous, into symbols and images, fantasy, the “big picture,” and possibilities, definitely a risk taker.

Can you see it in your mind? Then you’re probably a right brainer (better than being a no brainer). But the truth is, it’s just not that simple. Many brain functions draw on both hemispheres, and most of us exhibit some of each side’s qualities. Still, we each tend to favor the right or left brain, and I’ll be the first to say it: I’m a right brain girl.

Even though language skills are attributed to the left brain, I sure don’t have any of the left brain math skills. My friend and co-worker Susan loves to work Soduko puzzles. I say a puzzle AND numbers? Count me out. I'm not a risk taker, but I enjoy working with a group of fantastically talented graphic designers and photographers. They are “creatives,” feeding off of each others’ energy. (It works best when it’s positive energy.) It’s just plain fun. I love music, books, and art, and recently confessed to a friend that there’s definitely a non-conformist vying for attention deep inside of me. It’s a good thing I was a mere child in the 60’s…


I’m also a visual learner. Give me concrete examples I can see; don’t assume I get it just because you said it. Maybe that’s why I can relate to my friend Teresa’s need for, “God with skin on.” I know He’s everywhere, and always with me. But sometimes I just need to see Him, touch Him, and curl up on His lap as I drift off to sleep at night… I even pictured Jesus riding shotgun with my teenagers when they started driving! And His “hedge of protection,” which I constantly pray for Him to place around them, is very real and tangible to me.

Now, you might say the need to see something to believe it is a left brain attribute, and you’d probably be correct. But remember, I said there’s a lot of crossover between the left brain and the right brain. And it’s not that I need to actually see it to believe it; it just feels more real to me when I use my imagination. But it seems to me that the bigger question is this: If faith is believing in things UNSEEN, what does that mean for us, whether we use our left or right brain?

To me, it means all of us “…walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) Left brain or right, “…we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

And that’s fine by me. If I had to depend only on the things I can see to fuel my faith, I’d be in bad shape. But when I lean on my faith, rather than on my own understanding, God’s imagination is my limit.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

The Big Question



Recently a beloved, older member of our church family died, and I was blessed to be there for his memorial service. I say “blessed” because it was one of those services during which we celebrated a life of faith, lived out in relationship between him, us–his friends–and God. There were hugs, tears, and songs, but the bulk of the evening was spent passing microphones around the sanctuary and sharing memories of Hobart Johnson.

Hobart was a man of books and learning, of deep and abiding faith. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and Ricky–his daughter who had suffered a stroke in her early adult years–on his arm. He believed in the church and in the King James version of the Bible, and was deeply concerned about the direction in which we were heading as a denomination.

As I listened to my friends share scripture from Hobart’s Bible (always KJV), and memories from their hearts, I was touched by just how many lives he affected with his solid faith. But the pivotal moment of the evening for me came when my friend Stan took the microphone and shared a story about Hobart that has kept me pondering for the past two weeks.

Stan, a good friend and church staff member, told us about a conversation he had with Hobart. Shortly after he had been hired to head up our Youth Ministry, Stan was approached by this veritable icon of Pleasant View UMC, who posed the following question:

“What has God done for you through brokenness?”

Now I don’t know about you, but that simple question hit me square between the eyes. It wasn't a question about theology, or political issues–both area Hobart was very interested in–but rather a deeply personal query about what God had done in Stan’s life. And I began to consider how it related to my life.

There is a song about brokenness that we occasionally sing in our contemporary worship services… It’s by Sonic Flood, and it’s titled, “Holiness.” The lyrics go like this:

Brokenness, brokenness is what I long for.
Brokenness is what I need.
Brokenness, brokenness is what
You want from me.


Brokenness…That’s a hard thing to admit you need, much less long for. It’s never easy, or comfortable. But it is what God wants from us, because it’s the most effective way He grows us. And it’s not what breaks us that we long for, but what He does with it, and how it draws us to Him.

In my life, especially these mid-life years, God has used circumstances to humble me, and show me beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will do. (Praise to Him and thanks to Beth Moore for the wording!) When I’m unbroken, I’m much more likely to pat myself on the back for the way things are going. But when I’m broken, I have no choice but to turn to Him, and trust Him to lead me in His ways. When I’m in a place of brokenness I can say, to quote another song, this one from a Living Proof Live CDThe Lamb has Overcome, featuring Travis Cottrell (from Boone, NC):

I will not be moved.
And I’ll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield,
My Strength, my Portion,
Deliver, my Shelter, Strong Tower,
My very present help in time of need.


That’s what He’s done for me through brokenness.

In another encounter just today my path crossed with a friend’s whose son grew up with my son. I knew Josh had a horrific snow tubing accident two weeks ago that left him with a shattered vertebra, but to hear the narrative from his father was spellbinding and again, a blessing.

As Josh’s father shared the events of the past two weeks with me, I could see in his eyes how hard it was to even say the words that made his son’s story real. In fact, he admitted that he couldn’t have made it through the story just a few days ago. After all, it was the stuff a parent’s worst nightmares are made of.

But ultimately God brought Josh through surgery and a mere two weeks later he is a walking miracle. During his ordeal in the hospital, he related a deep sense of peace and reassurance that everything was going to be okay, and, thanks to his church family, his father shared a new awareness of the power of prayer.

Brokenness…it’s what we need.

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
~ Psalm 51:17 (KJV…for Hobart)