Today's reading, following the lectionary year, is about Bartimaeus. This unsung hero's story is found in Mark 10:46-52. In our guest priest's sermon today I had another aha moment.
When the priest told us just "why" Bartimaeus was the hero in this reading, he used last week's reading (Mark 10:35-37) in which John and James asked Christ to let them sit on his right and left side, as comparison. Christ asked John and James, just as He asked Bartimaeus, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
In the case of John and James they wanted favor. In the case of Bartimaeus, he wanted sight.
But the aha came when I understood, when God spoke to my heart via this young priest, that the sight, is the insight to our own salvation. The sight that Christ is the Salvation of the world. The sight to understand that just knowing this isn't quite enough--but seeing it is everything.
It sounds simplistic when I say it this way, because we all, all God-fearing Christians, understand that Christ is our Salvation. But to SEE this is a bit different I think.
When God showed himself to Moses, Moses hid in a narrow crevice (Exodus 33:22-23) and God kept Himself from Moses direct sight. So too, sometimes we are out of direct sight. Sometimes we are even too far away. But when we, like Bartimaeus, can SEE that the way to all life is through Christ, our advocate, then something is lifted from the eyes of our soul, which are far too often turned inward. It is a seeing, not just knowing, but seeing, that what we want must come through Christ. And what we need is the understanding that only through Christ can the peace come. If we don't really GET IT, then we will ask for something like a lottery win, or health for ourselves, or even others. But when we do GET IT, it is by faith, and turning over to Christ, our lives which He gave His own for. This is the seeing that Bartimaeus got. Sure, his eyes were healed, but the seeing was really knowing the Lord as his Savior. And following Christ forever.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Nobel Peace Prize
My very favorite parable of all is found in Matt.20:1-16. This is the parable of the Laborers in the vineyard. In this parable Jesus says in vs.14 and 15 "Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man.....Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?"
In the days since President Barack Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize our country's opinionators, from conservative talk show hosts to moderate columnists to the thousand of published bloggers have voiced their opinions on the "wrongness" of his selection.
I've been too hurt to post. Emotionally, I feel drained by the constant talk of it. And while I strongly feel that people do indeed have the right to their opinions and to speaking them publicly, I also notice that the negatives always seem to outweigh every other possible option.
While the 5 selectors of the Nobel Peace Prize are not God, by any stretch of the imagination, who knows for certain that their selection wasn't influenced by good and not evil? Why does a positive spin seem wrong? Why do so many people feel "incensed" by the committee's selection?
For my unsung hero/ine today, I nominate this 5 member committee that decides the Nobel Peace Prize. They certainly are "unsung". They are harangued and ridiculed.
Yet they may be far reaching optimists, God-guided, and fair minded people who follow a star we can't yet see. I would rather believe that than belabor a decision that is none of my business.
Like the owner of the vineyard, this committee decides who gets the prize. I feel that is, basically, the end of the story.
In the days since President Barack Obama got the Nobel Peace Prize our country's opinionators, from conservative talk show hosts to moderate columnists to the thousand of published bloggers have voiced their opinions on the "wrongness" of his selection.
I've been too hurt to post. Emotionally, I feel drained by the constant talk of it. And while I strongly feel that people do indeed have the right to their opinions and to speaking them publicly, I also notice that the negatives always seem to outweigh every other possible option.
While the 5 selectors of the Nobel Peace Prize are not God, by any stretch of the imagination, who knows for certain that their selection wasn't influenced by good and not evil? Why does a positive spin seem wrong? Why do so many people feel "incensed" by the committee's selection?
For my unsung hero/ine today, I nominate this 5 member committee that decides the Nobel Peace Prize. They certainly are "unsung". They are harangued and ridiculed.
Yet they may be far reaching optimists, God-guided, and fair minded people who follow a star we can't yet see. I would rather believe that than belabor a decision that is none of my business.
Like the owner of the vineyard, this committee decides who gets the prize. I feel that is, basically, the end of the story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
God's Yellow Pages
With apologies to the bishop for co-opting his main theme from Sunday's sermon, I will use his "yellow pages" idea to hunt for my unsung hero/ine topic. The best thing the bishop said, in my opinion, was that our God is too big for those very same yellow pages. Even NYC yellow pages.
A suggestion followed by many people is to look for Christians in the yellow pages when you need services. Several groups publish lists of proclaimed Christians who practice medicine, surgery, dental care, and so on, and these groups encourage their members to look in the Christian yellow pages for finding suitable professionals. Some of those listed may be very competent and wonderful, and, probably, many are. But to suggest that this is where God would want us to search (among those chosen to believe) and NO WHERE ELSE, is simply silly. We are in God's Good Hands NO MATTER WHAT! Even nonbelievers are in God's good hands, and Jews, and Muslims, etc. To self select to be with those proclaimers is just another form of bigotry no matter how we argue otherwise. And to fail to understand what Christ teaches us when Christ himself ate with taxmen and harlots and all sorts of "unclean" "unchosen" people, well then somehow, we are aligning ourselves , actually boxing in ourselves, to a place where I don't believe we want to be.
Jesus Christ was and is our Messiah. Jesus, however, was not a Christian. The unsung hero we are looking for this time is the hero/ine not yet called. Not yet in the "yellow pages". Not in the community's pipeline. The unsung hero/ine hasn't even heard the call. But, by eating with the tax collectors and welcoming the children (those who have not learned about the salvation found in Christ), Mark 10:14-16, we may become a light for some believer not yet found. It is easy and pleasant to hang around with people like ourselves and to validate our beliefs by hearing no others. Some believers take this pretty far.
The people of Christ's day were hearing with new ears and softened hearts. Soften yours today by loving even your nonChristian neighbor. It's a commandment, and after loving God, the only one that really counts.
A suggestion followed by many people is to look for Christians in the yellow pages when you need services. Several groups publish lists of proclaimed Christians who practice medicine, surgery, dental care, and so on, and these groups encourage their members to look in the Christian yellow pages for finding suitable professionals. Some of those listed may be very competent and wonderful, and, probably, many are. But to suggest that this is where God would want us to search (among those chosen to believe) and NO WHERE ELSE, is simply silly. We are in God's Good Hands NO MATTER WHAT! Even nonbelievers are in God's good hands, and Jews, and Muslims, etc. To self select to be with those proclaimers is just another form of bigotry no matter how we argue otherwise. And to fail to understand what Christ teaches us when Christ himself ate with taxmen and harlots and all sorts of "unclean" "unchosen" people, well then somehow, we are aligning ourselves , actually boxing in ourselves, to a place where I don't believe we want to be.
Jesus Christ was and is our Messiah. Jesus, however, was not a Christian. The unsung hero we are looking for this time is the hero/ine not yet called. Not yet in the "yellow pages". Not in the community's pipeline. The unsung hero/ine hasn't even heard the call. But, by eating with the tax collectors and welcoming the children (those who have not learned about the salvation found in Christ), Mark 10:14-16, we may become a light for some believer not yet found. It is easy and pleasant to hang around with people like ourselves and to validate our beliefs by hearing no others. Some believers take this pretty far.
The people of Christ's day were hearing with new ears and softened hearts. Soften yours today by loving even your nonChristian neighbor. It's a commandment, and after loving God, the only one that really counts.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Today A Liberal Died
Today a liberal died. (Probably more than one, and many, many of them, unsung.) There are things to be said of liberals, and trust Fox News to say all of the nasty ones. As a matter of fact, other than when I talk to myself, I hear very little good said of liberals.
I was very moved by yesterday's daily reading in Matt.23:23-26. Jesus accused the status quo of being full of greed and self indulgence. Wanting to keep your two coats, two cars, and two homes might be thought of as a bit self indulgent. I'm no less guilty of this than other people. However, I don't have 2 cars or two homes. And, if you want the second coat, you can indeed have it. Just ask me. But that does not cleanse me of sin....I'm not that holy. And neither was Ted Kennedy. And neither are the conservative news writers.
Ted might have had those two homes, or more, and two cars, or more. The Kennedys were wealthy, no doubt about it. But, he fought for the rights of those not so priviledged. He may indeed have been guilty of all sorts of sin. That, and most importantly, right now, IS between him and his Maker. But, had he been given the chance to have been taxed rigorously, for the reason of helping those that could not help themselves, I don't believe he would have refused the priviledge of paying.
Refusing this priviledge, refusing to help the poor, well, that's turning our back on the least of God's children. The warning from Christ is clear. When I was hungry, you gave me food. When I needed health care......you chose.
Ted Kennedy was a celebrated hero, for sure. But, his liberal talents, as all liberal talents, went unsung.
Today a liberal died.
I was very moved by yesterday's daily reading in Matt.23:23-26. Jesus accused the status quo of being full of greed and self indulgence. Wanting to keep your two coats, two cars, and two homes might be thought of as a bit self indulgent. I'm no less guilty of this than other people. However, I don't have 2 cars or two homes. And, if you want the second coat, you can indeed have it. Just ask me. But that does not cleanse me of sin....I'm not that holy. And neither was Ted Kennedy. And neither are the conservative news writers.
Ted might have had those two homes, or more, and two cars, or more. The Kennedys were wealthy, no doubt about it. But, he fought for the rights of those not so priviledged. He may indeed have been guilty of all sorts of sin. That, and most importantly, right now, IS between him and his Maker. But, had he been given the chance to have been taxed rigorously, for the reason of helping those that could not help themselves, I don't believe he would have refused the priviledge of paying.
Refusing this priviledge, refusing to help the poor, well, that's turning our back on the least of God's children. The warning from Christ is clear. When I was hungry, you gave me food. When I needed health care......you chose.
Ted Kennedy was a celebrated hero, for sure. But, his liberal talents, as all liberal talents, went unsung.
Today a liberal died.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Cinnamon and Oreo
Now I am later still. I've spent the last couple of months in Northern California babysitting my grandchildren's guinea pigs! Now that is pretty easy duty. Guineas are responsive to people in easy, unobtrusive ways, UNLESS one opens the refrigerator door, that is. Then the squeaking demands of these small, small pets can be heard around the world.
The guineas liked being outdoors. I would carry the top of their cages out so they would be protected from potential predators. Cinnamon and Oreo (their names) would only complain when I brought them indoors. Once a day for a couple hours, they had the natural food of their environment, soft grass, to munch on. I would put the tops of the cages right next to each other, and they would cuddle up side by side.
When indoors, Cinney and Oreo would come out of their igloos to eat when I sat to eat. In the morning when I turned on the coffee, Oreo sang a greeting to me to begin my day.
If you can't guess already, these small creatures are my candidates in this post for unsung hero/ines. They are probably, in terms of the animal kingdom, the least of these. They sure look like rodents with those small front pointed teeth. And when I picked them up, their feet reacted in a rodent-like ways, kicking and reaching for ground. But, they were personable, friendly, and obviously wanted human companionship. Animals show their needs in many nonverbal ways. And show their love in the same ways. They always pay attention. They never fail to make PEOPLE feel important, noticed, and needed.
My verse to go with my little guineas unsung status today is Matt.18:10. We must not despise even one of God's creatures--for the hand of God is even in them. To Cinnamon and Oreo, "thanks for noticing me" as Eyeore would proclaim!
The guineas liked being outdoors. I would carry the top of their cages out so they would be protected from potential predators. Cinnamon and Oreo (their names) would only complain when I brought them indoors. Once a day for a couple hours, they had the natural food of their environment, soft grass, to munch on. I would put the tops of the cages right next to each other, and they would cuddle up side by side.
When indoors, Cinney and Oreo would come out of their igloos to eat when I sat to eat. In the morning when I turned on the coffee, Oreo sang a greeting to me to begin my day.
If you can't guess already, these small creatures are my candidates in this post for unsung hero/ines. They are probably, in terms of the animal kingdom, the least of these. They sure look like rodents with those small front pointed teeth. And when I picked them up, their feet reacted in a rodent-like ways, kicking and reaching for ground. But, they were personable, friendly, and obviously wanted human companionship. Animals show their needs in many nonverbal ways. And show their love in the same ways. They always pay attention. They never fail to make PEOPLE feel important, noticed, and needed.
My verse to go with my little guineas unsung status today is Matt.18:10. We must not despise even one of God's creatures--for the hand of God is even in them. To Cinnamon and Oreo, "thanks for noticing me" as Eyeore would proclaim!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sorry I'm Late
I am sorry I'm late posting a new episode in the unsung hero/ine blog! We had a very sick dog, Max, who went through surgery, successfully I should add, for cancer.
Cancer is the illness we all live in fear of. When an animal has it, the process is just as hard to watch--because there is no discussion, no rationalization of treatment, just pain and strange states of being. The first week, we held Max all night, to ease his pain. Now he is totally back to normal, his own sweet self, loving and giving always, guarding us in bed at night with a watchful eye. And while his family is his "everything" there is no reproach to that painful period. Just a return of how things were.
Dogs are reminders of God in so many ways. Particularly for me, my dogs remind me of how I am to love God--fully and faithfully. And then too, how God loves me, fully and faithfully.
Scripture on dogs sends some mixed messages about them. In Matt.7:6 we are told by Christ not to give what is holy to dogs. In 2 Pet:2:22 is the famous return to vomit statement. But in Eccl. 9:4 says a living dog is better than a lion! And the woman who grabbed Jesus robe reminded him that even dogs are fed with crumbs from the master's table.
So there are some good statements about animals found in scripture. Animals can be examples for the good. But most of all, Jesus taught us to look with our hearts to the good in others. And also, how God cares for the least of things. Each blade of grass is known to God. And my good dog Max, well he was blessed with healing by our Gracious Lord. Max is the unsung hero today, and as with all of us, it is by God's Good Grace.
Cancer is the illness we all live in fear of. When an animal has it, the process is just as hard to watch--because there is no discussion, no rationalization of treatment, just pain and strange states of being. The first week, we held Max all night, to ease his pain. Now he is totally back to normal, his own sweet self, loving and giving always, guarding us in bed at night with a watchful eye. And while his family is his "everything" there is no reproach to that painful period. Just a return of how things were.
Dogs are reminders of God in so many ways. Particularly for me, my dogs remind me of how I am to love God--fully and faithfully. And then too, how God loves me, fully and faithfully.
Scripture on dogs sends some mixed messages about them. In Matt.7:6 we are told by Christ not to give what is holy to dogs. In 2 Pet:2:22 is the famous return to vomit statement. But in Eccl. 9:4 says a living dog is better than a lion! And the woman who grabbed Jesus robe reminded him that even dogs are fed with crumbs from the master's table.
So there are some good statements about animals found in scripture. Animals can be examples for the good. But most of all, Jesus taught us to look with our hearts to the good in others. And also, how God cares for the least of things. Each blade of grass is known to God. And my good dog Max, well he was blessed with healing by our Gracious Lord. Max is the unsung hero today, and as with all of us, it is by God's Good Grace.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Abide in Love
John 15:9-11. Jesus said to his disciples, "As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."
Today is my birthday. The gift I value most in life is the gift of life. It is the gift God gives us and with that gift a promise to love us, NO MATTER WHAT! I believe that I began understanding God the minute I had my first child. I sort of always believed in God, but without much real understanding. But "getting" God's love is more complicated that a simple understanding that God exists. Knowing that God is always loving us, always in the situations that concern us, always there without fail, even when we aren't thinking about Him, well, that's a beginning of understanding.
If you look in today's paper, you will see the stories of many criminals, movie stars, and atheletes, and other "sung about" hero/ines". I would like to think that you could see a story about a Christian, a believer, who loves God back. My unsung hero/ine candidate today is that person. That one who loves God. That's the only thing that matters. God takes care of the rest.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Everyday Parent
I was taken with a newspaper article today about a mom who put her two daughters out on the curb and left them because they were fighting in the car as she made her way through traffic. She is being "talked about" like an abuser is talked about.
I remember growing up and hearing my mom and dad say, "If you two don't stop bickering, the car is going to be stopped and you can both walk home." In my imaginative memory, sometimes they did this to my sister and me. I'm not certain this memory is accurate. That's the way memory is sometimes.
When I drove my own children to school, we instituted a rule about talking in the car, particularly negative talking. There were many times when the threat of being put out of the car was uttered. There were other threats too, equally potentially abusive in today's world.
Isaih 3:12a mentions children as oppressors which of course they ARE!!! But we all take turns being oppressors, really, because children have no real voice, no matter how spoiled they are. But in Proverbs 22:6 we are instructed to raise children the way we want them to grow.
Making your way back home at 10 and 12 after screaming in the car is no big deal. Screaming in the car is not an option for people. The cars are lethal weapons after all, and we don't take this lightly, nor should we. There are other areas where some pretty strong actions could be taken to help a child grow straight and strong amidst a crooked, difficult world.
So my nominee for unsung hero/ine today is the Everyday Parent. The one on display every single minute and who is judged by the public at large. This public is certain that there is a better way than the way the viewed parent is handling a situation with children. To that mom who took an unpopular but firm choice, I raise a cup of tea, and I hope her children soon value their heroine as much as she merits, and then a bit extra just for love.
I remember growing up and hearing my mom and dad say, "If you two don't stop bickering, the car is going to be stopped and you can both walk home." In my imaginative memory, sometimes they did this to my sister and me. I'm not certain this memory is accurate. That's the way memory is sometimes.
When I drove my own children to school, we instituted a rule about talking in the car, particularly negative talking. There were many times when the threat of being put out of the car was uttered. There were other threats too, equally potentially abusive in today's world.
Isaih 3:12a mentions children as oppressors which of course they ARE!!! But we all take turns being oppressors, really, because children have no real voice, no matter how spoiled they are. But in Proverbs 22:6 we are instructed to raise children the way we want them to grow.
Making your way back home at 10 and 12 after screaming in the car is no big deal. Screaming in the car is not an option for people. The cars are lethal weapons after all, and we don't take this lightly, nor should we. There are other areas where some pretty strong actions could be taken to help a child grow straight and strong amidst a crooked, difficult world.
So my nominee for unsung hero/ine today is the Everyday Parent. The one on display every single minute and who is judged by the public at large. This public is certain that there is a better way than the way the viewed parent is handling a situation with children. To that mom who took an unpopular but firm choice, I raise a cup of tea, and I hope her children soon value their heroine as much as she merits, and then a bit extra just for love.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Share the Peace
You will notice that I changed the title to Eskay's Christian Notes. Yesterday I googled eskay's notes and found some "distractions" in other types of eskay's notes, so I decided to distinguish mine from the hip-hop artist's blog.
That being said, I hope to still rely on the theme of unsung hero/ines where we often find Christ when we weren't even looking. I discovered another key to finding Christ in others in the scripture reading today. After Christ's resurrection, His greeting began with "Peace to you" (Luke 24:36b) (John 20:26b) .
It is in those very words, Peace To You, that you always find Him.
Peace has nothing really to do with politics, or war, or neighborhoods even. The peace that Christ gives, and sends through unsung hero/ines, is the feeling of acceptance, contentment, and rightness with the world. That's why an endodontist, a child, a dog, a priest, a prisoner or even an enemy can bring the message of Christ's peace to us. Sometimes peace will come from a nonbeliever, or a Muslim, or a person you thought of as an enemy. That peace that we yearn for doesn't have "human" boundaries. It isn't a math formula, set up in a neat and concise way, and doesn't answer to laws of any sort, natural, religious, or manmade. Christ's peace is beyond the ideal point were parallel lines converge. But it is only His peace that is real. Find some of that peace to day and share it with others.
That being said, I hope to still rely on the theme of unsung hero/ines where we often find Christ when we weren't even looking. I discovered another key to finding Christ in others in the scripture reading today. After Christ's resurrection, His greeting began with "Peace to you" (Luke 24:36b) (John 20:26b) .
It is in those very words, Peace To You, that you always find Him.
Peace has nothing really to do with politics, or war, or neighborhoods even. The peace that Christ gives, and sends through unsung hero/ines, is the feeling of acceptance, contentment, and rightness with the world. That's why an endodontist, a child, a dog, a priest, a prisoner or even an enemy can bring the message of Christ's peace to us. Sometimes peace will come from a nonbeliever, or a Muslim, or a person you thought of as an enemy. That peace that we yearn for doesn't have "human" boundaries. It isn't a math formula, set up in a neat and concise way, and doesn't answer to laws of any sort, natural, religious, or manmade. Christ's peace is beyond the ideal point were parallel lines converge. But it is only His peace that is real. Find some of that peace to day and share it with others.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Jonah
Some of God's messages are hard. The Book of Jonah tells of an unsung hero (Jonah) sent to a gentile tribe, the Assyrians, to warn them and make them aware of God's great mercy available to them if they repent their sinful ways. God's forgiving ways in this story predate Christ by 700 years. God has always asked for us to love and obey. God takes care of the rest (food, shelter, the beauty of our earth).
Much of The Book (our Bible) is like this. Over and over we are shown in story after story that God loves human beings. All humans. All the time. No matter what.
Yet we get angry with God (like Jonah did) and confused and saddened by how we see the world going. Just like Jonah who was so angry that the Nineveh citizens were spared. We get angry too and question why??? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why are some people asked to bear so much? And why do others get forgiven worse acts then we can even think about?
Sometimes I tell myself to remember God's words to Job in chapters 38 and 39--when God asked Job who questioned God's ways where were you when I made the earth? And Job answered in 40:4, Behold, I am vile. We are vile, evil, and yet we live (change the letters and have all three!) And tomorrow I will forget the lesson of Jonah and Job as soon as some unfair thing happens. And it will. I will then think it through, after a time, and realize that I'm the lucky one that Christ died for--so even my anger and rage are forgiven. Though I am vile and evil I live, because Christ died for me.
But it's not always easy--except of course for all those things that God does provide gratis--beautiful skies, oceans, beaches, mountains, salvation.......
Much of The Book (our Bible) is like this. Over and over we are shown in story after story that God loves human beings. All humans. All the time. No matter what.
Yet we get angry with God (like Jonah did) and confused and saddened by how we see the world going. Just like Jonah who was so angry that the Nineveh citizens were spared. We get angry too and question why??? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why are some people asked to bear so much? And why do others get forgiven worse acts then we can even think about?
Sometimes I tell myself to remember God's words to Job in chapters 38 and 39--when God asked Job who questioned God's ways where were you when I made the earth? And Job answered in 40:4, Behold, I am vile. We are vile, evil, and yet we live (change the letters and have all three!) And tomorrow I will forget the lesson of Jonah and Job as soon as some unfair thing happens. And it will. I will then think it through, after a time, and realize that I'm the lucky one that Christ died for--so even my anger and rage are forgiven. Though I am vile and evil I live, because Christ died for me.
But it's not always easy--except of course for all those things that God does provide gratis--beautiful skies, oceans, beaches, mountains, salvation.......
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Palm Sunday
Daily I go to an Irish Jesuit online reading site called Sacred Space. Because I start my day at my laptop, after coffee and exercise, starting with scripture and a though-filled message sets me up just right. Today, Palm Sunday, the reading included the anointing of Jesus feet, Mark 14:2-9. Later this morning I'll go to Church and read the part of a disciple as we follow Palm Sunday traditions. The unsung hero/ine today must be the woman of that passage. She is my inspiration always. While Christ is the backbone of the revealed truth, i.e. the Bible, this woman is surely one of the ribs. Following this woman is one of the things that I see Christians do best. We are, none of us, capable of being Christ's twin. But all of us can adore Christ, humble ourselves and do what we can. We can indeed be the woman's twin. Recognizing Christ. Paying due attention. Thanking God for the gift of himself to us.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Y-O-U
This time, the unsung hero is YOU. You are wearing the armor of God (Eph.6:10-19) You have no idea what effect you may have today on someone else--but more often than you know, you will be a hero/ine.
Perhaps it's a bad day for you. Things are not right in your world, and there are certainly enough worries for everyone these days. But you are alive, a child of God, loved by him and shielded with this armor. Think of the rainy days as if you are walking with a large umbrella and someone you barely know hops under with you. Getting out of the heavy rain. Finding shelter. Being grateful that you are there in that time and place.
This is the kind of love and protection that is always there for us. And in return, we can be for each other. Every day, heroic opportunities await us. Every day, each of us can be an unsung hero/ine for somebody. Somebody just like us.
Perhaps it's a bad day for you. Things are not right in your world, and there are certainly enough worries for everyone these days. But you are alive, a child of God, loved by him and shielded with this armor. Think of the rainy days as if you are walking with a large umbrella and someone you barely know hops under with you. Getting out of the heavy rain. Finding shelter. Being grateful that you are there in that time and place.
This is the kind of love and protection that is always there for us. And in return, we can be for each other. Every day, heroic opportunities await us. Every day, each of us can be an unsung hero/ine for somebody. Somebody just like us.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A Dentist as Unsung Hero/ine?
Prov. 25:19 says Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. Hmmmmm. Right now I can relate.
About a month ago I cracked a piece off a tooth. This is the 6th time I've done this. Growing old is not much fun sometimes. The first 4 times I cracked a tooth, I had each extracted as soon as the word "root canal" was spoken. Well, 4 is about all I think one can safely lose, so for the 5th, I had the cap and crown, particularly since the dentist did not say the unmagic, unholy words, "root canal". The fifth worked out well. One month ago, the 6th cracked. Again, no bad words were said. So, I had the cap and crown. Last Saturday when I was expecting 19 for dinner in honor of my mom's 80th birthday, that cap and crowned tooth gave me pain like I never have felt before! I called my dentist and he ordered antibiotics, pain medicine and said come in on Monday. Monday morning he gave me the bad news about "root canal". I decided to get a second opinion from an expert in the field of root canal--something I once thought of as perhaps the tortorous path to hell. Today I met this unsung hero. (And if EVER there is an unsung hero/heroine big time, it must be a dentist. I know God must love them because NO ONE ELSE DOES!!!) My root canal doctor pulled the traitorous pulp out of the dentine, packed that space with medicine, and fixed that tooth in no time flat. And I was out of the chair in less than 25 minutes which included drilling through the cap and crown. This hero was gentle and a real pro. Of course, as you can imagine, I prayed for myself and for the dentist too. Prayer was answered. When you think of the person you love and admire the least, remember that God loves him/her just every bit as much as God loves you (maybe more). And even a dentist can be a hero/ine. And even a dentist can show you the face of Christ, if you look for that Face.
About a month ago I cracked a piece off a tooth. This is the 6th time I've done this. Growing old is not much fun sometimes. The first 4 times I cracked a tooth, I had each extracted as soon as the word "root canal" was spoken. Well, 4 is about all I think one can safely lose, so for the 5th, I had the cap and crown, particularly since the dentist did not say the unmagic, unholy words, "root canal". The fifth worked out well. One month ago, the 6th cracked. Again, no bad words were said. So, I had the cap and crown. Last Saturday when I was expecting 19 for dinner in honor of my mom's 80th birthday, that cap and crowned tooth gave me pain like I never have felt before! I called my dentist and he ordered antibiotics, pain medicine and said come in on Monday. Monday morning he gave me the bad news about "root canal". I decided to get a second opinion from an expert in the field of root canal--something I once thought of as perhaps the tortorous path to hell. Today I met this unsung hero. (And if EVER there is an unsung hero/heroine big time, it must be a dentist. I know God must love them because NO ONE ELSE DOES!!!) My root canal doctor pulled the traitorous pulp out of the dentine, packed that space with medicine, and fixed that tooth in no time flat. And I was out of the chair in less than 25 minutes which included drilling through the cap and crown. This hero was gentle and a real pro. Of course, as you can imagine, I prayed for myself and for the dentist too. Prayer was answered. When you think of the person you love and admire the least, remember that God loves him/her just every bit as much as God loves you (maybe more). And even a dentist can be a hero/ine. And even a dentist can show you the face of Christ, if you look for that Face.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bicycle Ride
Yesterday I had a wonderful bicycle ride down an ocean road. I often think when I'm riding my road bike that this must be what heaven is like, riding down a road on my bike, seeing birds and big sky, and feeling the ocean breeze. Perhaps it is that I hope that is what heaven will be like. Anyhow, as I took this ride and thought these upbeat thoughts, a fire rescue truck came by with the siren blazing. I felt a bit sad about this, knowing someone was having a problem somewhere, but I rode on. In about 6 miles, I came to the "scene" of the rescue. It appeared that a young, thin, attractive man on a three-wheeler had been hit. He was OK, but quite shaken, bruised, and a bit bloody. He was so grateful for the attention he was getting and the man who had clipped him was crying and saying, "sorry, so sorry, forgive me" over and over. All the while, the young man kept being cheerful and thankful for the attention. This young man is my unsung hero today. He was a mentally challenged gentle soul not at all thinking of himself, but of all those around him. Instead of anger, he showed love. He was brave. He was forgiving. I don't know if he understands his Christ-like presence. But I saw Christ in him, and felt grateful for that moment in time. Some of my happiness faded though in the face of the pain that I know he feels every day. Like Job, many challenges face this man. And, like Job, he seems to stay gracious. I am humbled in the face of this. Eph.4:31-32
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Cross
Today our priest spoke about the Cross symbol. It was wonderful to me that he pointed out something I should have realized years ago. The fact is, that in Christ's time, the Cross was not a symbol to be honored as we do by bowing, by displaying, by revering (or even by wearing as jewelry around our necks). The Cross in Christ's time was a symbol of disgrace!
Another priest in another church who helped me along my way brought home to me the fact that if I had been the only person alive, that Christ, indeed would have still suffered on that Cross. When we think of that death, we must understand that our individual personal sins are what Christ died for, so that they could be forgiven. It is my own sin that I think of now when I see a cross.
My mother spoke disparagingly of someone recently who was "living in sin". I gently (at least I hope it was gently) pointed out that we all are--living in sin. This is my "Unsung Hero/ine" today; the person that my mother spoke of who is "living in sin". I remember those lines, my very favorite in all the Gospels, found in Luke 23:42, when Jesus reassured the person hanging on the very cross next to him. When that man said, "Jesus, remember me, when you come into Your Kingdom", I know that all of us will be remembered, and forgiven.
Another priest in another church who helped me along my way brought home to me the fact that if I had been the only person alive, that Christ, indeed would have still suffered on that Cross. When we think of that death, we must understand that our individual personal sins are what Christ died for, so that they could be forgiven. It is my own sin that I think of now when I see a cross.
My mother spoke disparagingly of someone recently who was "living in sin". I gently (at least I hope it was gently) pointed out that we all are--living in sin. This is my "Unsung Hero/ine" today; the person that my mother spoke of who is "living in sin". I remember those lines, my very favorite in all the Gospels, found in Luke 23:42, when Jesus reassured the person hanging on the very cross next to him. When that man said, "Jesus, remember me, when you come into Your Kingdom", I know that all of us will be remembered, and forgiven.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Grandchildren as Unsung Hero/ines
Grandchildren are fun. They are precious, cute, perfect (we aren't responsible for them...8-), and wonderful. Are they Hero/ines though? Today is my grandson's birthday. He is 4 today, so I mulled over the idea of whether or not he could fit into my unsung hero/ine blog. Of course, I must include my granddaughter too. We know that young children can bring joy to folks in nursing homes and to so many people's lives. But they get lots of feedback for those good times. Are there times when they don't get the credit they deserve? I say yes after thinking this over. Throughout my aging process there has never been a time that I would look back and wish I were this age or that age. Every year is better than the last. Even though my children were more than I deserved, and I absolutely loved being a stay at home mom with them, and those were great times, this day I have is still the day I hold in highest esteem. I don't look back and say that was a better time. And I definitely think that being a child, 4 or 8 as my grandchildren are, is the hardest time of all. All the un-understood quirks of other humans that we inhabit the planet with are really mysterious to children, and often nonsensical. And they are surrounded by bullies and jerks and insensitive people. All this time, they are trying to find their way to themselves. It takes a long time. So, they are my unsung hero/ine candidate for today, the children, the grandchildren, all of them around the world......but especially those in my world. Happy birthday T and lots of love to G. Surround yourself with the armor of faith and all will be well, but nothing will be easy. Read Eph.6:11.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
John Downsized Doe
Today in the "dear abby" column a writer complained about being totally dropped from the friendly circle of his former workmates when the now common casualty of downsizing hit him. Not only was he unemployed, he became friendless. Of course, he had family and a spouse who still stood by him to validate him. However, he was crushed by the loss of friends. I will call this John Doe my unsung hero for today. Because, he has turned readers inward to think of how they may need to respond to such a person among their acquaintance. His "heads up" will remind readers that they do indeed need to treat others as they would like to be treated themselves. And, the loss of work is not a catchy disease, as prevalent as it is in America today. Fun and friendship can continue without costing a single cent. A walk, a talk, a listening ear, are all tax free and reciprocal. It has been my experience that kindness is like seed money. Always returned in a multiplied fashion, many, many times over. I'm sorry that John Doe's former workmates missed out on this special opportunity for happiness. Read Ps.67:1. Lord be merciful to John Doe, and to me.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Will you still need me when I'm 64?
A good friend had his 64th birthday yesterday. I worked hard to fix a "suitable" dinner for him and his wife, our very good friends, because I thought he deserved to be feted this way. This friend I will call FS. To the casual observer, FS would not, perhaps, be an unsung hero. He's had many interesting exploits and he is a raconteur of no small talent. However, one of the items that few know is just how dedicated he is to whatever he puts his hand to. Right now, he puts his hand to being a houseparent for intellectually and mentally challenged adults. No small deal. And his supervisors are not ever considerate of their staff, demanding more and more and more. The demands are beyond what anyone could rightfully expect. Yet FS and his wife are more than considerate and loving of the clients. Because it is too often that good guys get the shaft, I wanted this 64th birthday to be really special, out of step with his current terrible situation at work. When he and his wife danced before they left in my living room, as we played, "will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64", I knew, at least for the moment, by God's Grace, we were all blessed. Happy Birthday FS. Read Matt. 5:3-12.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Ms. Z
Ms. Z took me to lunch today (vegan, naturally). Do you remember the song "Purple, People Eater?" (she was a one-eyed, one-eared flying purple people eater). Well, Ms. Z was all in purple--not a laid back purple but a BOLD purple. She's my unsung hero/ine of the day. She spends all her heart caring for others and worries herself to death in the process. She spends a long time at the altar rail praying for many. Selfless. That's what she is all about. The purple clothes are camouflage--meant to distract and subtract from this selfless person. The purple and many other outrageous outfits are real distractions from the work that goes on within her soul. A Christian, no doubt about it, in the image--though sometimes she gets Him confused with that strange John the Baptizer, and mimics him too, just to be different. Just to be strange. Just to do the work the Lord has given her to do. And to do it in secret. And to do it for love. And to do it with style. Thanks Ms. Z. Read Mark 12:43-44.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Jesus as unsung hero
Yesterday the reading in church was about Christ healing a leper with the admonition to "tell no one". The priest's homily reflected to us just what a big deal touching a leper would have been at that time in history. Touching the leper would make Jesus himself untouchable. But, Christ did touch and didn't flinch. The priest pointed out how we treat the homeless, the poor, the dirty and the different as untouchables, like these states are "contagious". While Jesus is a "sung about hero", in many ways, I saw a different Jesus, an unsung and unfollowed hero. Struggling as I do to be more like Him, I've seen a new side--one that we talk about perhaps, but seldom follow. Mother Theresa did, for sure, as she just held and loved the dirty, the poor and the diseased. And we try perhaps with our soup kitchens and charities. But money is not acceptance nor love. To be an unsung hero, I know I need to do more. Read Luke 18:22-23. Make sure this isn't you.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Best Friends
There are several people who have come my way that I refer to as "best friends". These are the people who are like the pets we have who love us no matter what and require nothing but an occasional pat on the head, so to speak. Of course, like our pets, it is best to do more for these friends than an occasional pat.
And sometimes these "unsung hero/ines" do more for us.
Yesterday I received a thank you gift from my college roommate and BF, Jean, way beyond what I merited. I find this happens often to me. I'm one lucky BF! I guess that loving people must be enough sometimes.
So to all the Best Friends that I have, I salute you today, on Valentine's Day, for all the love and generosity shown to me over the years. I hope that today you are surrounded by love and valued for the treasure you are.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Read Luke 11:5-10 and know that you always have a friend. God always loves us even when we forget to love back. It is the hope for every Christian to be the friend that God is to us.
And sometimes these "unsung hero/ines" do more for us.
Yesterday I received a thank you gift from my college roommate and BF, Jean, way beyond what I merited. I find this happens often to me. I'm one lucky BF! I guess that loving people must be enough sometimes.
So to all the Best Friends that I have, I salute you today, on Valentine's Day, for all the love and generosity shown to me over the years. I hope that today you are surrounded by love and valued for the treasure you are.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Read Luke 11:5-10 and know that you always have a friend. God always loves us even when we forget to love back. It is the hope for every Christian to be the friend that God is to us.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Lilias
Lilias Trotter (1853-1928) was an early social justice person with a passion for the poor. Though brought up wealthy, and with an early talent for art, Lilias turned her back on her own advantages to provide advantages for others. She opened the first public restaurant for women and opened a hostel for those on the street. Furthermore, she funded her own mission in Algeria! She was a radical Christian who lived her beliefs, not imposing her ideas on others, but lifting others lives up. Lilias produced many books, sadly all out of print now. She is another unsung hero(ine), and a good leader for this unsung leaders blog. Read Luke 18:22. Lilias followed this. She turned her back on riches and shared and spoke of God's Love, following Christ in her lifetime.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The First Unsung Hero/ine
I once had a cat that I didn't name. The cat became Eskay, for my first initial, S and the Kay sound for cat. Eskay still didn't have a name but an identity. I didn't really want a cat, but my housemate insisted on giving me one so her cat would have a buddy.
This blog is in honor of that poor cat that I did not name. And perhaps in honor of all those that I ignored too often in my life. The unsung heroes, just being who they were, ignored by too many of us, but who do the really great (but unheralded) jobs, perform the monumental tasks, and have the heart for love. The ones that the "headline" stories are not about. This blog is for them. The stories are their stories. Read Luke 7:38-48. She was not named but her story was told.
This blog is in honor of that poor cat that I did not name. And perhaps in honor of all those that I ignored too often in my life. The unsung heroes, just being who they were, ignored by too many of us, but who do the really great (but unheralded) jobs, perform the monumental tasks, and have the heart for love. The ones that the "headline" stories are not about. This blog is for them. The stories are their stories. Read Luke 7:38-48. She was not named but her story was told.
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