Inspired by . . . my voice

We have a lot to grieve over in this country.

We have a lot to feel angry and concerned about . . .


Bad cops

Blacks killing blacks - in countless numbers, every day 

Protests that result only in innocent lives lost and businesses plundered

The rush to judgement and erroneous reporting by the major media outlets

Injustices like the Kate Steinle murder

The recent terrorist acts in San Bernadino and Orlando

A government that is no longer for the people and by the people

. . . to name a few.

We have reason to despair.

Keep in mind that where you see disunity, chaos, and hate the enemy is at work. And those who are helping to perpetrate these things are working for him.

We have reason to despair.

Amid the clamor of social media voices mine is barely a whisper. As a white, Christian, conservative, lower-middle-class female my voice has been all but silenced in this country. 

No one wants to hear from the white, middle-American housewife, who loves her country and her God. Who tries to love her neighbor and her enemies. How could I possibly understand the issues? Or have something helpful to bring to the table? I'm expected to clam-up and go back to my privileged, blessed life.

It's tempting, let me tell you. It's much easier not to speak out. It's a lot easier to bury my nose in a book and walk with tunnel vision through my privileged, blessed life. It's certainly much easier to sit on my porch and lose myself in the wonder of God's creation than it is to sit in sackcloth and ashes in front of my computer screen for 30 minutes and pray, and lament, and pray and repent, and pray and grieve, and cry out to God with hundreds of others who ache for unity, peace, and understanding.

We have reason to hope.

God hears the prayers of His people. Don't let the prevailing evil in this world make you doubt this Truth.

God hears and God ACTS.

And this little white girl will continue to share the wonders of His creation. She will continue to share the Gospel Truth.

Because JESUS is our ONLY hope for change in this world.

Shalom,

A note to my readers:
If you visit here often you know that I don't normally post about controversial issues. Instead, I've chosen to combat the evil in this world by simply sharing and speaking God's Truth in this space, rather than addressing specific injustices. 

I prayed long and hard about this post and even after writing it I didn't hit publish right away. But I couldn't let it go, as much as I wanted to. I decided that candidly sharing my feelings about my "voice" was important. My intent is not to make any of this about me, but rather to share one perspective, one voice in a sea of voices. I can't be the only one who feels this way. Despite how we may feel the truth is, every voice matters. Thank you for your grace.

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Let Us Walk Worthy,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends

Inspired by . . . worship

Some of you may remember the book club I mentioned a few weeks ago. The book we're reading, The Yada Yada Prayer Group, by Neta Jackson, is about a multi-cultural prayer group, how it gets started, and how the group impacts {mainly} the main character of the book. 

One of the things I really liked about the book was the portrayal of the diversity of Christian worship. Most of the women attended different churches, had different ways they prayed and worshiped, and different comfort levels in doing so. 

Yet, they were all united in Christ.

From almost the first scene of the book, the main character was impacted by the style of worship at a Christian conference she attended with a friend. She was struck by the music itself, the worshiper's response, and the length of time spent worshiping, all of which were very different from her church experience. Ultimately, it was through the words of this style of music, a CD given to her by a member of Yada Yada, that God chose to speak to her heart, and she received a measure of His grace in a time of great need.

Most churches begin with a time of worship. The style of music, the nature of expression {raising of hands, or not, etc}, and the length of time spent in worship varies greatly from congregation to congregation.

But I wonder how often worship is a part of our personal "quiet" time spent with God. Up until a few weeks ago, I'm sorry to say it wasn't a part of mine.

But God is dong a new thing. I enJOY music, but it's never been a huge part of my life. As I've said before, quiet is my chocolate. But God is doing a new thing. He's changing the way I relate to Him, and to others. Breaking down barriers of tradition in my mind that have constrained brave thinking.

One of the women who shared during Jeanne Oliver's online course, Listening / Finding the Quiet shared a song by Lauren Daigle. Some of her words echo the longings of my heart. Words I've prayed, and sang back to God. Things surrendered, and proclaimed.

I've found that incorporating worship into the beginning of my quiet time is often the conduit I need to quiet and focus my spirit away from the chaos of life. 

Certainly, there is a need to, literally, sit quietly with God. But there is also a time to dance before Him, as David did, when our hearts are full to overflowing with praise.

This behavior feels awkward at times, I admit. This white-girl has about as much rhythm as a stick-bug. I'm not an overly demonstrative person, and come from a conservative church background, but there is something about praising God in song that calls to my spirit. 

[D]uring my first “quiet time” of the summer, it occurred to me that that was an odd phrase. “Quiet time.” That’s what they called it at church camp when I was a kid, what every pastor or teen group leader or Bible study I’d ever been part of had called it— that, or “personal devotions.” No wonder I had never included out-loud praises to God in my devotions, or turned up the music and danced. Jackson, Neta (2013-12-17). The Yada Yada Prayer Group: Book 1 (Yada Yada Series) (pp. 297-298). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

Have you ever watched the Hasidic Jews sing the psalms? I can't understand a word they're saying - but it doesn't matter. My spirit is praising our Lord right along with them!

God is spirit, and we are to worship Him in spirit and truth. We should not feel as if we have to confine our worship to a particular style or tradition. I think, too, as we grow in our relationship with God our intentional time with Him, and the way we relate to Him changes.

As individuals we all have our own way of communing with God. As children of God, we can learn and grow from watching how others, from different church backgrounds, and different cultural backgrounds praise and worship the One true God.

Do you incorporate praise into 

your private time with God?

What style or expression of worship do you feel drawn to,

that you're not currently engaging in?

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday

Inspired by . . . forward: an invitation

I'm doing some new things this year. 

One of those things is stepping outside my comfort zone when it comes to addressing the issues of race in our country.

For now, my first step is joining Deidra Riggs and her new book club, Forward.

Now, I admit, this is a baby step. I have my thumb in my mouth and a firm grip on my Linus blanket. But it is some action on my part, to help move the conversation forward.

It all began when Deidra decided to move the conversation forward, and suggested that we read differently for the remainder of the year. For those of you who love to read, this suggestion may speak to you. 

That suggestion was followed by a request to build a list of amazing books by a fabulous author who happens to be from a different race, culture, or ethnicity than yours.

The decision to read one of these books together and discuss it was, I think, a natural outcome. The list was compiled, narrowed, and voted upon. We begin on January 15th to read, together: The Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book One, by Neta Jackson

And, friend, you're invited to join us! 

Here's the link to all you need to know about the club and the book: http://www.deidrariggs.com/2016/01/08/forward-guidelines-for-our-little-book-club-with-a-linkup-option/

If you're like me and have been hesitant to engage about controversial issues on social media {for various reasons}, Deidra's blog and this book club, is a safe place to begin. 

This blog has always been a place to encourage and inspire you to seek and to know Him. I don't typically weigh in on current events. The only agenda here is Him. That's not going to change. That hasn't changed.

The "race issues" in this country {and around the world} are not just "current events". At their root, they are a human issue that has been around since the moment sin entered the world. An issue God cares very much about. 

The very fact that they are human issues makes them complex and, at times, difficult to understand.

I'm a long way from understanding. Perhaps you are too.

Forward, the book club, is an open door. Imagine walking into a sunlit room, lightly scented with lavender. Cozy couches piled high with pillows invite you to settle in. Lift a cuppa to your lips, crack open or scroll through Yada Yada and, listen. Engage. Or not. Your participation level is up to you.

I hope you'll consider joining us.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Playdates with God, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Still Saturday