When are we going to love the people no one else loves?

For some reason today in church I was reminded of the time I heard this speaker, Tony Campolo, at a conference for university students. One particular story spoke to my heart. After sharing the story with us, he said,

"When are we going to love the people no one else loves."

It has been 30 years and I have never forgotten this message. But now the context has changed.

December 31, 1987. I was a university student at Ryerson in Toronto and  had the privilege of attending this student conference at the University of Illinois, Urbana campus. The event was sponsored by Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship.

During this era, AIDS was a disease no one really knew anything about, except it was terminal and it was a disease apparently rampant in the gay community. I remember in high school when my grade 13 (1985-86) biology classmates had to do a project  on this "thing" called acquired immune deficiency syndrome. There was not much knowledge at that time about AIDS/HIV. I know I was afraid. I was afraid to get close to anyone I knew who was gay for fear of getting AIDS. We were misinformed how it was spread.

So when I was a nursing student at Ryerson, I was very fearful of coming in contact with any blood. And I was fearful of people who were gay, not because of their lifestyle but because of this misinformed information surrounding the AIDS crisis. I remember struggling as a christian because I knew I should love these people but was in fear of contracting this disease. Many people were dying from AIDS in the 80's.

Tony spoke of a friend of his who was a pastor. To earn extra money, he would conduct funerals. One particular funeral no pastor wanted to officiate because the person died of AIDS. So Tony's friend took the funeral. At the end of the service, all these gay men asked if this pastor could read some of their favourite scriptures, like Romans 8..."nothing can separate us from the love of God..."  Nothing can separate us from God's love. Nothing.

Then Tony passionately asked, "when are we going to love the people no one else loves?" At that moment I knew I needed to change my attitude towards those living with AIDS/HIV.  I didn't need to be afraid. I needed to love. I needed to show God's love to these beautiful humans who were afraid and very ill. If my idol at the time, Princess Diana, could shake hands with someone dying of AIDS/HIV then so could I!

But now the context has changed in our world. We rarely hear of people dying of AIDS anymore thanks to medical breakthroughs. 

 I encourage you to find the AIDS Memorial in downtown Toronto at Church and Wellesley streets. I had the privilege of being led through this memorial a few summers ago. I wept. Etched onto plaques  are the names of more than 2700  loved ones who have died of AIDS/HIV in Toronto .  As I strolled through this memorial, I noticed there were more names in the 80's and early 90s than present day. There is now hope.

However, the same fear lingers. But the context has changed.

 Today it is not about AIDS. Today it is about those who are transgender. Today it is about those who are muslim. Today it is about _____. You fill in the blank. We may not agree with certain lifestyles or certain religions.  We may not understand.   We may be fearful.  But we need to remember God is the Creator of these humans.  God is the Creator of you and I. God loves these humans  as much as He loves you and I.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Nothing.

When are we going to love the people no one else loves?

How to win the Battle

  "The Lord will fight for you. All you need to do is stand still. Be still and know that I am God."

(Exodus 14:14)

My friend over at Feathers of Inspiration posted this verse one day on her blog. I couldn't believe how timely it was for me to read it that particular day. I needed the encouragement.  Standing still in the middle of a battle is difficult to do but wise advice. As I have mentioned, I  moved back home with my folks and then we all moved house. It has been the most stressful time in my life and the longest move ever! Packing up seniors is a slow process and change has been difficult for them at this stage in their life. Thus making it difficult on me!  I have had to cling to this verse daily! It is hard for me to be still. I am a natural peacemaker so want to try to resolve things on my own, which results in more stress (and me being miserable to live with)! God has reminded me that He will fight for me. I just need to be and let Him do the rest. After this difficult transition I know without a doubt He is God. I know without a doubt He is my stronghold. I know without a doubt God is greater. I know without a doubt He fights me me. I know without a doubt God, who is Peace, bestows peace daily on my restless, hurting soul. Remember...God will fight for you too. All you need to do is stand still! 

war within

***I came across this "work-in-progress" from November 2010 and decided to post it today. I also decided to not edit this piece and leave "as-is." Some thoughts to mull over!***

"Snow Angel" While walking the dog one cold January 2011 evening, I stumbled upon this freshly made snow angel, the design of a young child. I too LOVED making snow angels as a kid! Ahhh, the innocence of youth! I knew I wanted to capture this image, so thankfully I had my cell phone to take this pic.

i got into this power struggle with a student today, which is not a good thing (and which i normally never do). the class had a supply teacher so the students were taking some liberties - of course! thankfully i had the mind to get both myself and this student to step back and take a break. my principal happened to be visiting this classroom so i asked for his help. "how do i get out of this pickle i'm in!" i realized i reacted because i felt personally attacked - also not a good thing. never take anything personal when dealing with students. but somehow being in this environment takes me on a journey back into the memories of my years in junior high school, only with a clearer and wiser perspective. war of words. that is what this student and i were fighting about. this student is very good at manipulating words. semantics. it got me thinking of the war of sorts that goes on inside us, which eventually translates to unrest in our world. i got to thinking of northern ireland, the country of my ancestors, and its troubles. thinking of racism. generations that can stop it but don't. why do we continue raging our war within, which is reflected onto the community around us, when we speak of desiring peace in our world? what happened to the innocence of our youth?

"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." (Proverbs 14:30)

" For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." (Romans 5:1)

resolution

"...I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
I want justice--oceans of it.
I want fairness--rivers of it.
That's what I want.
That's all I want..."
(Amos 5:18-20, The Message)

Dear God,
I resolve to sing to you, more than I have before, in 2011.
Love, Special "K"

a word to begin our weekend...

Via Feathers of Inspiration, Refine Us.

Knowing changes how I think. Believing changes how I live.

Camp Mini-Yo-We, July 2009. That's me "believing" on the high ropes course!

I know God loves me; believing it means I live as the beloved.

I know I am forgiven; believing it means I live in gratitude for grace.

I know God has great plans for me; believing it means I live with a sense of expectation and anticipation.

I know there is spiritual warfare; believing means I prepare to stand against the Enemy each and every day.

I know that there is a heaven; believing means I live with the end in mind.

I know there are parts of my heart God longs to restore; believing that prompts me to surrender them to Him.

I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me; believing means I won’t try to accomplish God things in my own strength.

I know I have a Heavenly Father that loves me, cares for me and has set me a part; believing that means I live with the identity of a son.

Thanks for this reminder Feathers and Refine Us!

the sparrow

Sparrows nesting in an abandoned church, Kensington Market, Toronto, ON, 2005

The words to this old gospel hymn kept running through my head for some reason. I thought I would share them with you today. May this song encourage you. (To hear Lauryn Hill from the Sister Act 2 soundtrack sing this song, click here.)

His Eye Is On the Sparrow
1905, Civilla D. Martin, Charles H. Gabriel

Verse 1:
Why should I feel discouraged,
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for Heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Verse 2:
"Let not your heart be troubled,"
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth
But one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Verse 3:
Whenever I am tempted,
Whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him,
From care He sets me free:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He cares for me.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in the barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ...So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matthew 6: 25,26; 10:31)

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship. How blessed they are to live and sing there! ...Blessed are those whose strength is in you...For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless." (Psalm 84, NIV, The Message)

Happy Earth Day!

July 2009, Mary Lake, ON-from the beach at Camp Mini-Yo-We

"First this: God created the Heavens and Earth--all you see, all you don't see... God named the land Earth. He named the pooled water Ocean.
God saw that it was good.
God spoke: 'Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants, every sort of fruit-bearing tree." And there it was. Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties, and fruit-bearing trees of all sorts. '
God saw that it was good.
God spoke: 'Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven's sky!...Mark seasons and days and years, lights in Heaven's sky to give light to Earth.' And there it was. God made two big lights, the larger to take charge of day, the smaller to be in charge of night; and He made the stars. God placed them in the heavenly sky to light up Earth and oversee day and night, to separate light and dark.'
God saw that it was good.
God spoke: 'Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind...and there it was.' God saw that it was good. God spoke: 'Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting God's nature so they can BE RESPONSIBLE FOR the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, AND YES, EARTH ITSELF and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.'
God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!"
(Genesis 1, The Message)

Let us not forget God's admonition for us to be responsible for this incredible Earth we inhabit, for this Earth He created for us to savor. Basque in its glory. Basque in the glory of its Creator.
Happy Earth Day!

Just Love One Another

Today I had church in the woods. Alone. Completely enveloped by nature. Protected. Protected on all sides from urban sprawl who is slowly choking , annihilating the biodiversity of nature, destroying God's awe-inspiring handiwork. It was a rare moment in these parts. I reveled in every moment of this glorious winter day.

Listening to my ipod, I danced in the snow, breathing in the beauty of the moment. The snow- covered path glistened in the sunshine. The majestic cedars, aged with wisdom, rose high into the crystal- clear blue sky. I love these moments. No distractions as I communed with God.

His words filled my mind:

"But concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another."
(1Thessalonians 4:9)

"My daughter, out of your depths you called upon Me, and I answered you. I have brought you through the dark valley and into this place and time of light. Know of a surety that it is I and not another who has done this. I want you to be so grounded in My faithfulness that you can share it with others. The inner knowledge you have gained through your recent trials gives added strength to your words to others who are facing dark times in their lives."
( Echoes of Eternity, Listening to the Father, Vol 2, Hal M. Helms)

Simple truths to live by. Just be grounded in God's faithfulness. Just be be grounded in God and just love one another.

I know a couple who have truly encapsulated this mandate. In fact, I am "house-sitting" for them at the minute. They have been close friends of our family for as long as I can remember. It struck me today how truly amazing this couple is. I have taken for granted the fact that my life is blessed because they are a part of my world. They have never wavered in their faith. They are incredible prayer warriors, praying every day for family, friends and missionaries. They love unconditionally. They have never turned their back on our family, even when they have had reason to do so. They forgive. They let go. They forget. They move on.

I am hemmed in on all sides by their love and faith in God. I am so glad they have faithfully shared God's truth with others. I am a contented beneficiary!

May my life be one that is authentically rooted in God's faithfulness and authentically just loves one another.

for shame!

I felt a firm tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, I was immediately drawn to his eyes. A vibrant, infectious gleam of light stared straight into my soul. I looked away. I was uncomfortable. He was holding something in his weathered hands. He wanted to tell me the story. Except I was not present in the moment. My thoughts forthwith became judgemental and haughty. My body shifted back and forth in an uneasy swaying motion. I reached for the hand of my friend to stay beside me but the hand was not there. She was gone to collect her children from the church nursery. He moved closer to me - well beyond the line of personal space. His body stench was making me choke, but we had to be in close proximity in order to hear one another above the chatter in the church foyer.

I first met this disheveled, middle-aged man a few months ago at a worship team practice. He was to be joining our band as one of the electric guitar players. It was clear he was a tad bit eccentric, but was friendly enough. He had been quite encouraging to me one Sunday when I sang my first solo with the choir. It was also becoming clear he had a wee bit of a crush on me. Thus, the reason for my reaction in that church foyer. Or was it the reason. At that moment, I had to truthfully search the intentions at my core. I didn't like what I stumbled upon.

The dissident people of this world have always somehow been drawn to me and for some reason I always tried to deflect any lingering contact. Strange- hypocritical really- considering I was striving to be like Jesus. I was given some wise counsel by a friend/teacher back in 1988, whom I met at Holsbybrunn Bible School in Sweden, that made a huge impact on my ensuing outlook of these "misfits of society,"

"...Karyne, I am happy to hear that you're involved in different kids and youth "things" at your church. If you are interested and give the kids of your time you're doing something real important. They need somebody who is willing to listen and take them seriously.I say this because I believe that all personal contacts are our main responsibility and our best opportunities to share our genuine faith. It's not so much the elaborate methods and neat programs that attract people to God. It's real people in real relationships! And by the way...

I think I can tell you why you seem to attract "weirdos" to yourself. Those are people who don't fit and aren't accepted. They don't measure up simply. And when they feel that you don't look at them that way, they can't do anything else than try to develop that little friendship that is so vitally important.

Don't misunderstand me when I tell you this and don't feel that all this puts even more pressure on you. You don't have to do anything. But what you decide to do, do it honestly and in a free way.

These people can notice right away whether you care about them at all. And since they don't get respect as human beings from everybody, just a few actually, they simply can't resist the warm personality that you radiate. So these people are weird, clumsy in their expression of emotions, different, maybe even dangerous at times, but so what?

The reason why I make this such a big deal, is that I am utterly convinced that we as Christians find God available in the little ones of this world. We know that Christ shows something unique about the One and True God. God is on the side of the weak and oppressed. We meet God in these people, because He has identified Himself with the lowest of human misery. That's my starting point for my belief in God. So Karyne, God bless you in these contacts. I believe you're going the right direction if these people are attracted to you! Then you radiate true love. I don't write all these things to flatter you. Take it as a real encouragement though. I believe in you!

Your friend in the promised land, Jorgen Skold."
( I didn't realize just how wise those words were back in 1988! As I pen them here I am in awe. This letter was written when I was in university for nursing- before I entered full time youth ministry. Oh how I have learned exactly what he knew- the hard way at times! He was so young to be so wise. Unfortunately, I have lost contact with Jorgen. I hope our paths cross again one day!)

Over the years, I learned to embrace my fears and reach out. Or so I thought. I am now face to face with someone in my church community who, without realizing it, is challenging my belief system once again. He just wants to tell his story to someone who will actively listen. Without me knowing at that moment, he also wanted someone to pray for him. I knew I had to give this man my full attention. I knew I had to squelch my awkwardness and say to myself, "so what if he has a crush on me, listen to his story, learn from him, what is God trying to say to you through him.

The item being clasped by his weathered hand was a solid-pine, electric guitar "sound box," minus the neck. His brother handmade it for him for Christmas. It was beautiful. His face glowed as he recounted the history of how this guitar came to be and how it was to be completed. He wanted me to touch it. I hesitantly obliged. Carefully I felt the curves, felt the smoothness of the wood, felt the painstaking hours it took the craftsman to create. Now, I was ready to end this conversation as I was hungry and wanted to go home for lunch. Politely I excused myself but not before he asked me for a favour.

As he spoke, that gleam radiated to my soul once again. He wondered if I would pray for him that afternoon. He had invited some homeless people- those who live outside- over to his house for a post Christmas dinner. ( honestly, this man looked homeless himself.) He wanted to share Jesus with them - would I pray. Of course! I reassured him I would, said goodbye, then quickly headed out to my car.

As I drove away into the blazing sun, I couldn't get the vision of his elated countenance out of my head. Shame on me for being uncomfortable. Shame on me for caring recklessly. How impudent of I. For shame. I prayed PASSIONATELY for him and his Christmas dinner that afternoon. God in His graciousness and mercy gently restored that right spirit within me. I hope I can continue to radiate true love - God's love to the "little ones of this world." Living out our worship. (As of yet, I have not been able to connect with him to get an update on how the dinner went. When I do, I will post it here!)

Today, I was reading in Amos and Isaiah and the following words in Isaiah jumped out at me. They speak for themselves. It is God's word after all!

"...This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am."
...If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places-
firm muscles, strong bones.
You'll be like a well-watered garden,
a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
You'll be known as those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate
make the community livable again."
( sections of Isaiah 58, The Message)

Who will be our next Prime Minister of Canada? (My first political rant on my blog)

Just like our friends to the south of us, (I tried to be creative using the red, white and blue of their flag, so the words you can't see say "to the"!!) we are having ourselves an election here in Canada. October 14, 2008 is our big day. I just received my election card in the mail today. I have no idea who I will vote for so I need to do some careful research-and do it quickly I might add. Our Prime Minister didn't give us much time unlike our US neighbours who have been campaigning for over a year! ( Our Prime Minister just called the election on my birthday!) I am disillusioned with all the party leaders yet do want to make an informed vote this Federal Election. Canadian elections have to be one of the quietest election campaigns in the entire world - really we are pretty apathetic as a whole nation.

Don't worry, I am pointing the finger at myself as well.

I heard this GREAT analogy today from the teacher in the grade 3 class where I work in the mornings. She wisely cautioned her students to stop "pointing their fingers" at fellow students for mistakes made before taking a good look at their own life. Using her pointed hand as a prop, she showed the students that for every pointed finger there are 3 others facing back towards YOU. A compelling visual reminder of how we should treat our fellow human beings. Thanks Dar!

Immediately, I thought about the story in the Bible of the adulterous woman who was brought before the temple courts where Jesus was teaching. The leaders ( teachers of the Law) wanted her stoned according to the Law and taunted Jesus to see his reaction. His response was this, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Low and behold, no one threw a stone at her! In fact, they retreated and left the temple. Jesus then spoke to the woman and asked, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one sir." He then declared, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."
(John 8)

Great wisdom admidst the political turmoil of His day.

Yet I digress. Back to the point of my post...

I have always seemed to take a "haphazzard" approach to politics. One of the many reasons being these questions that have plagued my mind:
Does my vote even matter- really matter? Is my voice even heard? Are any politicians making a difference in running our country? We never seem to be happy with any government in power? We always seem to find fault with every Prime Minister?

Other reasons for my apathy? Stripped bare...Fear. Fear of not clearly understanding the issues, fear that my decision could be wrong and alter the course of history, ( okay, so I'm a bit dramatic here!!) fear that our country will end up in a greater mess than when it all began on July 1, 1867. Fear that ends in surrender.

NOW, I am determined to turn my apathy into educated interest.

After all, my female Canadian forefathers sacrificed a great deal so I could have the right to vote TODAY. I can't give up. I can't let fear prevent me from taking a stand for what I believe in and ensuring the safety of these beliefs. My vote DOES matter and DOES make a difference. I just need to make certain I know what I believe and what each party/leader believes.

A friend of mine recently sent me an email full of great questions to ponder in helping me to assess these beliefs:

*Should corporations serve people or vice versa?
*Should Canadian politicians work to protect and strengthen the Canadian economy first or grow the global economy first?
*Do you agree with Trudeau's quote, "The government has no business in the bedrooms of the nation?"
*Should tackling environmental problems aggressively and intelligently be a big part of our politics?
*Are women, GLBT's and minorities deserving of equal rights and equal pay with everyone else?
*Would you agree that the best economic policies help protect the poor and grow and protect the middle class?

In addition, there are other issues close to my heart, such as the future of the education system and its affects on our children.

I have alot of homework to do so I better sign off and get busy!

On October 14, 2008, I will stand my ground and boldly make the best decision for the future welfare of our country.

Lessons from Sunday Church

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea...The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress...Be still, and know that I am God; ...The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." (Psalm 46)

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. he will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber...The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand...the Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (Psalm 121)

Praise

"Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under His care." (Psalm 95:6-7)

Happy Sunday Morning!

I wanted to share what I read today from Romans 12. I just LOVE how it is paraphrased in "The Message."

Here you will find more ways to "walk our talk!" Be encouraged on this happy Sunday morning!

"....If you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. ( this part spoke to me, especially in my line of work!!) Keep a smile on your face. ...Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.' Our scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good."

Walk the Talk!

A co-worker of mine recently asked me,

“Karyne, why do you participate in organized religion?”

“That’s a good question,” I replied!

It is a question with many layers.
Yet, I knew the inferences he was trying to formulate.

With candor, I proceeded to share my frustrations with the church. I hate the hypocrisy and legalism too. However, I went on to explain that in spite of the many negative issues of “organized religion,” the positive benefits prevail. I was clear to indicate that my focus is on my relationship with Jesus, not on all the other “stuff.” That is why I can participate in “organized religion.”

I am actually surprised I haven’t given up. I have experienced some nasty spiritual abuse and a crisis in my faith. After high school graduation, I attended Torchbearer Bible School in Holsby, Sweden. It was an AMAZING experience, yet my faith experienced a crisis! Prior to Holsby, I had never questioned my faith before as there had been no reason to question. Enter the Swedish people into the equation. They are intellectual people who want logical reasons to believe in God. I was forced to challenge my thinking and knowledge on the tough questions of the faith they were asking:

Prove God exists.
How do you know your religion is the right one.
Why does God allow suffering.
And the list goes on….

I couldn’t give them clear answers. I began to doubt what I believed. I wanted to give up on Christianity. In spite of my doubts, I KNEW at the core of my being God was truth. I found my way back. God welcomed me with open arms!

Why have I continued to be loyal to Christianity, to “organized religion?” The answer lies in a passage of scripture I read today from Romans 11,

“They’re holding on, not because of what they think they’re going to get out of it, but because they’re convinced of God’s grace and purpose in choosing them. If they were only thinking of their own immediate self-interest, they would have left long ago.” (The Message)

I am convinced God is truth. I am convinced of God's grace and His purpose. I continue to keep my eyes focused on Him!

After my conversation finished with my co-worker, I realized more than ever that we Christians need to smarten up and "walk our talk." Our track record has not been good. Show God is truth. GENUINELY show God's AMAZING grace. Stop pretending and ...

"Love from the centre of who you are; don't fake it." (The Message)

love like that

"Watch what God does, and then you do it...mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that." (Ephesian 5: 1ff-The Message)

I read this passage this afternoon and several things spoke to me.

First, God gently reminded me that I need to keep better company with Him. It is the only way to know Him and the only way to learn from Him. He is truth and in order to know that truth I need to be more diligent in spending time in His Word. It is easy for me to read my little "Echoes of Eternity" devotional ( which is great by the way) and pray but lately I have been skipping my Bible reading. It is imperative especially as I am participating in an interesting book club at work.

Our book this month is called, "The God Delusion," by Richard Dawkins. He is a professor at Oxford who happens to be an atheist. In this book he sets out to, "eviscerate the arguments for religion and demonstrates the supreme improbability of the existence of a supreme being. He makes a case that faith is not just irrational but potentially deadly."

I prayerfully decided to purchase this book and read it. It is tough to plough through and is not witty or humourous as promoted on the back cover! A friend of mine gave me a copy of a rebuttal from a Christian author, which is a helpful supplement. I enjoy hearing the various arguments but want to make sure I am not subtly sucked into his definition of truth. Thus, my need to "keep company with God" and be diligent in studying the Bible - studying Truth! I look forward to our book club discussion. At this point, I must digress a bit and share a neat story related to this book.

One of my co-workers, who is also in the book club, was in a car accident last week on her way to work. It was the morning of one of our bad snowstorms, so the roads were terrible. She ended up crossing the road into the oncoming traffic and hit a sign ending up in the ditch. She hit no other vehicles and had little damage done to her car - though clearly shaken. When she was telling me her story, she ended by saying:

"After I read 'The God Delusion,' it confirmed what I had always believed, but now I definitely think there is a God up there - no there is a God- he spared my life."

At that moment, I silently sent up a thank you prayer to God and then I said to her, "yes there is a God and He definitely looked out for you!" God used this "garbley- gooped" ( is that a word...I hope so!!) book - a book setting out to disprove God exists- to reveal Himself to my co-worker! God is AMAZING! It confirmed that I am to continue trudging through this book and be His voice, even though He doesn't need me to be His voice, at our book club meeting! The Truth will set you free!!!

Secondly, this passage spoke to me about how we are to love. In society today, it is all about " what will you give me in return for_________" You fill in the blank. Love has become conditional. Even in the church. One of the reasons I wished God allowed me to have children of my own was so I could understand His unconditional love more. But, the great news is all I need to do is keep company with Him and I will learn a life of unconditional love. Watch, observe, remember the Cross! As I take an honest look at my heart, most times my love is conditional. Keep better company with Jesus Karyne so His UNCONDITIONAL love will permeate to all those you encounter. Real love. How radical. People in this world need to know real love. Truth. The Cross. Jesus. Love like that!