Taking a Knee

The present protests in response to the death of George Floyd have resurrected the gesture of “taking a knee”. This was first introduced by Colin Kaepernick during the National Anthem at one of his games in protest of police brutality. He received a lot of backlash for it, and rightfully so, about his choice of venue and platform. For the life of me, I can't understand why so many couldn't see that this was wrong.

Recently, groups of police officers, Mayors, and the like also made the gesture in front of the protesters to signify that they two were in agreement against brutality. The ritual has caught on and people from around the world are now following suit. "But the most blatant use of the symbolic act for the purpose of political pandering came on Monday when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi led House and Senate Democrats in a group kneel at the Capitol’s Emancipation Hall." (Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - Breaking Israel News)




All of this (the last demonstration by Speaker of the House excluded) has caused me to reconsider the value of the original intent of the gesture, and I am beginning to understand a little more the heart of the man who made it famous. I still believe that it was wrong to associate it with the National Anthem, but see where he might have thought it to be the best way in his power to make a national statement - AND IT DID!

And then there is the debate over “taking a knee” being a form of 'bowing' in honor of someone greater. As a Christian, I will bow to no one but God. When I look at the posture however of the one knee, I see humility rather than a subservient gesture. I know that in the book of Esther we have Mordechai who would neither Kneel or bow low (“All the king’s courtiers in the palace gate knelt and bowed low to Haman, for such was the king’s order concerning him; but Mordechai would not kneel or bow low.”) Esther 3:2 (The Israel Bible™)


So, the debate continues, and we all have to draw our own conclusions, based on our own beliefs. Some will take it to extremes.  Others will use it out of context, etc.  I personally am grateful for God giving me insight that helps me to form a better empathy and greater compassion for others through this and other events happening in our world today.

Finding Treasures in Places Unexpected

I was truly blessed yesterday, when visiting a church member in an Assisted Living facility near my house, to meet an old gentleman named "Rudy" (Rudolph).  At first, he appeared sad and lonely, but when we invited him over to our table in the dinner hall, he brightened up immediately!  Not too long after, the story of Rudy began to unfold.  There I sat in the midst of a man with such a wonderful heritage and legacy!  In brief, Rudy is 84 years old, he is Polish but was born in Germany and moved to the U.S. when he was 14 to the Detroit area.  He graduated HS with honors and then went to WSU where he got an engineering degree.  He married his HS sweetheart and they had children (not sure how many, but his daughter apparently followed in his footsteps by graduating 3 years early from HS, and from college by the age of 19).   He worked at Dupont, and was a Christian.  He taught Sunday School for many years, and gave each of us a copy of his compiled and published writings from all those years of teaching!  He truly had an evangelist heart and a desire for all to know his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ!

This encounter took me back to another "chance" meeting I had at the Nursing Home right next door to my condos a few years back.  I was rollerblading in their parking lot and "Sarah" was sitting on a bench outside, so I sat down next to her and started to talk.  As it turns out, she was Sarah Lonetto.

You may not recognize that name, but Sarah Lonetto (June 9, 1922 – April 24, 2009) played for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League between 1947 and 1949.  She was born in Detroit, MI.  As a professional baseball player for the league, Lonetto threw right-handed and batted both right and left-handed.  Her nickname was “Tomato”.  Lonetto started playing amateur ball at around 15 years old.  She was taken to ball games in Fairview with her brothers.  At 24 years old, she began playing for the league.  In 1943 she was approached by Philip Wrigley who she remembers as “really nice.”  Four years later she started playing for the Racine Belles.  The two other teams Lonetto played for were the Muskegan Lassies (in 1948, 1949), with manager Bill Warnbsganss and the Rockford Peaches.  She believes she herself the nickname Tomato from a friend who started calling her that.  Although she thought all the teams she played in were great, Lonetto had a particular fondness for the Racine Belles.  But overall, all the girls were great.  In 1988 she attended an AAGPBL reunion that took place at the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY.

Then came the movie made about them: “A League of Their Own” – Lonetto was pleased with how the movie came out.  They stayed with Penny Marshall and her brother Gary and the girls explained everything their experience to them.

After talking with her, I had to go home and investigate!  Sure enough, I not only found out her history, but was even able to find the yearbook and roster, and printed her a copy.

This only fuels my desire to make sure these old 'treasures" are not forgotten.  There is so much we could learn about people if we would only take the time to talk to them!  

Who did you meet today?  Just a thought....l!

My #METOO soapbox

The #METOO movement all too quickly became political. Snatched up by the liberal, Pro-Choice monster machine that is now using those who were traumatized in the past as pawns to further their political (and often dark) agendas.  And if you are already a liberal (as Dr. Ford is), you might feel you are justified to ‘embellish’ the truth to further your views and political stance.

I listened to a segment of the Ellen Show before work this morning, and she made a valid point in defense of Dr. Ford’s testimony while sharing her #METOO moment.  She said, “I get angry when people say, ‘How do you not remember what day it was?’  You don’t remember those things.  What you remember is what happened to you, and where you were, and how you feel.”  She was 15 years old at the time, and states how vulnerable a girl is at that age.  “We trust, and then when you are violated, you don’t know what to do.”

I can relate to her statement because I had more than one #METOO incident in my teen years where I couldn’t tell you the dates, times, exact places, etc.  I would add that you might only be thinking about survival at the time.  When I did try to tell someone about it, it was summarized that I was asking for it by the way I dressed, and that I probably deserved it!!  But, having said that, I would never want to use what happened to me personally to be put on someone else who had nothing to do with it.  Why would I?  Just to make myself feel better that I made men pay for it?  God forbid!  And, speaking of God, He is the only One who can vindicate and bring you healing and peace caused by such abuse.  So, it's not that I don't believe something traumatic happened to Dr. Ford, it's just that the timing, the delay in bringing her story, the people backing her, and so on make her story less credible.  I believe that Judge Kavanaugh is more than a scapegoat here.  (It is a dark time in our country spiritually, and the abortion industry is at the root of it.)

Then, I hear a piece on Fox & Friends where Kelley Ann Conway shared her two cents, “...Let this woman (Dr. Ford) be heard; and we did hear from her for hours under oath.  We’ve heard from the people she said who could corroborate what she alleged to have happened 36 years ago…but don’t forget, we’ve also heard from Judge Kavanaugh….AND PEOPLE WHO ARE SO ANGRY AND CHASING DOWN SENATORS IN THE HALLS AND SCREAMING THEIR HEADS OFF AS IF THOSE MEN HAVE PERSONALLY WRONGED THEM…they don’t even stop and think about the 28 years of public service of Judge Kavanaugh….AND LET ME JUST SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE ANGRY.  I RESPECT THE FACT THAT WE LIVE IN A COUNTRY WHERE WE CAN DISAGREE. THEY’RE NOT DISAGREEING.  THEY ARE TRYING TO DESTROY.  THIS IS ACRIMONY AND ANGER THAT DIDN’T METASTISIZE 3 WEEKS AGO.  SOME OF THESE WOMEN HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS AND MARINATING IN IT FOR YEARS, YOU LISTEN TO THEM - CHASING DOWN ORRIN HATCH AND CHUCK GRASSLEY.  DID THEY INDIVIDUALLY WRONG THESE WOMEN? THEY CAN’T BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR WHATEVER MAN OR MEN HAVE WRONGED THEM….” And then regarding the confrontation with Jeff Flake in the elevator, “God bless them for coming forward but also they need to feel that anger toward their individual perpetrators (5:19), not toward Senators who are unconnected…"  This only validates my point!

It is time to STOP and think!  The #METOO movement could have been purposeful if only to help young girls know that they can and should speak up WHEN and if these things happen to them; and that they will be heard now that the country is awakened to this atrocity.  I’m afraid it might even be too late for this.

BTW, where were the protesters when Bill Cosby was exposed?  Just a thought!

Houston Deployment - Oct 2017

It's been a week since I have been home from Houston and I am still trying to process all that God did on this deployment. 
First of all, meeting and working with a new team of Chaplains and Chaplain Coordinators each time is such a blessing.  To learn and glean from the experience of others is priceless.
    
I know it is not about numbers, it is about people, but there is such a need for God's love and hope in these situations that just my partner and I probably prayed with over 100 people (a conservation number), and we had 4 people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ!  We were able to bring hope to people that have lost everything and were at the end of themselves.
    
Before the beginning of the year I felt that God was leading me not to commit to any mission trips this year, but to keep myself open for deployment with the Rapid Response Team.  This was hard for me because I love missions, and this year my church was not only sending teams back to South Africa and possibly Thailand, but they were adding a trip to Lebanon.  Still, I stayed obedient and it wasn't until the end of August when the weather reports were telling of major hurricanes on the horizon, that I started to see why.


What is not hard is finding that through my first deployment last year to Baton Rouge, I found my hearts real passion!  Broken and hurting people are everywhere, and hearing the testimonies at church this morning by the team that just returned from South Africa reminded me of that.  It doesn't matter if you are half-way around the world in Durban...

...down south in Houston, Tx....

...or right here at home....

People need the Lord, and we just need to make ourselves available to be used by Him!  The really beautiful part, and I know the Africa team can attest to this, is that language isn't even a barrier.  Three of the salvations and prayers we had were Spanish-speaking home owners (two of which spoke no English at all, and one with broken English), but we were able, with some SP volunteers who spoke it to communicate.

Also, what I found amazing, is that even though I was prepared for some of the people we encountered to be angry with God for the disaster, none were!  They were not bitter or angry.  For the most part they were just thankful that their lives were spared and told us repeatedly that is was "only stuff".  Still, it was 'their stuff' and they knew that most of it couldn't be replaced.  We could only attribute this attitude to God's grace.

So, the biggest takeaway I see here is not to forget those that are suffering loss, trauma or even abuse need our continued prayers, and whenever the door is open to "go into all the world", then GO!

Until next time.......God speed!

Reminiscing about the days of old!

I've been hearing a lot lately about how much more stressful 
and busy life is today.

Life was so much easier back in my day!

Granted, it was slightly busier on the holidays.  Take Easter for instance:

Back in my day it meant waking up early enough to pray and then get myself ready before having to wake the 4 kids and get them ready for church (after the chocolate was wiped from their faces of course!); Get them to and from church (by myself), then rush home to make a couple side dishes so we can go visiting.  (It was always 3 different houses every holiday back then!)  I would pack up the kids, diaper bags, the food and gifts (so glad I only had 3 in diapers at once for just a few months!).  Then we would visit and corral the kids for hours in between serving and cleaning up the meals; Drive the exhausted and sleeping children home after a long day (did I mention that we lived an hour away from all those relatives for about 4 of those years?); and then we’d carry them to their beds.  Afterwards I would put all the food we brought home from Gramma’s away in the fridge, feed the dog and sit down to reflect on what a good day it was!

Good thing the rest of the days in the year were easy! 
Oh, except for every Sunday and Wednesday, dressing and bringing them to church; and Monday - Friday for school.  Lunches, homework – can’t forget the homework!  And, oh, laundry –YOWSERS!  Where did those heaps of clothes come from?!  Then it was off to dance, T-ball, Cub Scouts, soccer, cheer leading and football.  Did I forget anything? Oh yeah, lots of cooking! There was no eating out – it was too expensive; and dishes (by hand for many years).  
I also have to include the waitressing so I could afford to send them to Christian school. 

Next, were the teenage years. Wow! Was that fun!  

Still, God got me through it all, because I stayed close to Him throughout.  But if I could change anything, it would be less T.V., less putting pressure on myself and more prayer and time with God!

Now, I sit back and watch the next generation raising their own families, and I pray for them.  Yes, they work hard and they love their kids.  The holidays are hard though. And, it’s harder to get together with family now.  There is just too much going on! 

If only life was as easy for them now as it was for me 
back in the day! 
(I know, there is a little sarcasm mixed in there - but mostly reality!)

Could it be that there are even more things vying for our attention nowadays?  Video games, iPads, social media, movies, sports and entertainment all seem to play a part.  For many, it doesn't seem church is getting in their way (Oops!); So what is it?  Blended families?  (Yes, that is something the last generation didn't have as much of, but has to be considered!)  
Or is it priorities?  Less time seeking God? I think maybe all of it.  
Do we not have time, or do we not MAKE time?  Is there a difference?
What is the answer?  What is sucking up your time that has no eternal value?

"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Seriously though, maybe you can't do it all!  Maybe you're not supposed to!  Families really are under a lot more pressure today, but who is putting that pressure on them?  The world? Themselves? Who told them that they have to be involved in all that they are doing? Life is so busy today, you can't even sit around at the dinner table and talk!

What I read in God's word is an offer of peace, contentment and a lighter burden.  

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
(John 14:27)
"The theif cometh not but to steal and to kill and to destroy.  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."  (John 10:10)
"My yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  (Matt. 11:30)

Take a little advice from someone who has been there and stop 
putting so much pressure on yourself.  And by far, my best days were when I put God first! 
What would you change or cut out if you could?  Would you add anything?
Just a thought!

Chaplains & Disaster Relief

"Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest?  I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!  They are ripe for harvest."  (John 4:35)

If there is anything that will cause people to be open and see their need for God, it is disaster!  

I had the privilege and opportunity to serve with 14 other Chaplains and around 200 Samaritan's Purse Volunteers down in Baton Rouge, LA where prolonged rain fall resulted in catastrophic flooding that submerged thousands of houses and businesses, and caused 13 deaths.  The flood has been called the worst US natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. 

As Chaplains, we were given the responsibility of bringing spiritual first aid to the community, and being available to the SP Volunteers who come from all over the country to be placed on teams that help the homeowners clear out, mud out and gut their homes; spray for mold and bring them to the place where they are ready to rebuild.  They work extremely hard and give all they have to helping and ministering to those that have lost everything.  This is exhausting for them, not just physically, but emotionally.  Many times, they are the first ones to come and hear the stories of the homeowners who were devastated by the flood, and they go from one house to another, hearing and ministering and working.  As of last week, there were still 1400 open Work Orders that needed to be addressed and people showing up or calling every day needing help.

Besides going out for home visits and doing follow-up, we found that just wearing the shirt that says "Chaplain" makes us a magnet, and gives us permission to offer prayer support to the community.  It didn't matter if you were visiting a home, in the Walmart, or stopping somewhere for a "Po-Boy" for lunch in between appointments - ministry was everywhere!  The people are hurting.  


We were told that there were over 80 decisions for Christ just in the last 2 weeks.  There were many that re-dedicated their lives to the Lord, and countless prayers for any and all personal needs and situations. Everyone's flood story is unique and the needs are GREAT!  And it is far from over!  (It is beyond my comprehension to think of having everything I own and worked hard for including the walls and appliances in my house; all the pictures and personal affects, etc. to be out at the curb as rubbish!)

We met some very precious people.  Many who just needed a listening ear, a hug, some words of encouragement or directions on how to get on the list for a Work Order.  It was an honor being able to serve them in this way.

 

Church, this is for you:  Those who volunteer for disaster relief may have a hand up on what it might look like in the end times, but I see God preparing His whole church for a day when we will all need to minister in this way!

Extending the love of God – how far do you take it?

(I wanted to pen my experience from the other day because there seems to be much that can be learned by it.)

I parked about a block away from the restaurant I was to meet my friends at in Birmingham.  As I was walking, I spotted a black woman sitting in front of the building by the bus stop.  (I wondered if she just got off work and was going home).  I decided immediately that I wanted to be friendly and say “hi”.  (Was this God prompting me?  I don’t know, but I don’t usually tell myself seconds in advance that I am going to purposely do something like that – I just do it!).  Well, it immediately turned into more than just a friendly ‘hello’.  She wasted no time with her response of ‘did I know when the bus was coming?’ and that she needed to get somewhere.  She also mentioned that she did not have the money for the transfer she would need.  (Mental note taken).  Then, the bombshell!  She told me that she just received the worst news anyone could want to hear (Uh-oh! brace yourself Liz!).  She said she just found out that her daughter was murdered by her boyfriend because she wouldn’t give him drug money! And the tears started to well up.  (Brief thought – scam? – maybe – but keep listening!)  I told her how sorry I was to hear that and immediately asked her if I could pray for her.  She told me to sit down and proceeded to tell me she might get some financial help from a church in Grosse Pointe. (Mental note #2).  No, it didn’t end there.  She opened her phone and told me to listen to the voicemail message she received from someone who introduced themselves as the manager of the apartment building where her daughter lived, telling her of the bad news. Once again, I told her how sorry I was to hear of her loss and then she let me pray for her.  Right after that, her phone rang again and it sounded like it might have been the church she was waiting to hear from.  At the same time, I saw the bus coming and got up to flag it down.  I stepped on the bus to ask what the cost of the fare and transfer was while Denise was hanging up and trying to tell me the church couldn’t help and ‘never mind’.  The driver told me the transfer was $2.50 and the first bills out pulled out of my wallet added to $4.00 so I said “this should cover it” and Denise left on the bus.

What just happened there?  This long story seemed to happen in just a split second! No time to think or analyze along the way.

Hindsight analysis:  So what did happen here?  Was this God using me to speak into someone’s life and to help someone in need?  Was this a scam? (If so, it was a pretty good one and well thought out – including the voicemail from the apartment manager!).  Did she really even want to get on the bus or did she just go along once I gave the money?  Does it matter?

I say, “no”.  It doesn’t matter.  Whatever the reason this all happened,  I learned a long time ago that when you are sincere and are genuinely trying to bless someone in the name of the Lord – you are doing it “as unto the Lord”.  It doesn’t matter the motive of the person or even the outcome of the situation. 

The sad thing is that we (and we all do it!) can even have the thoughts that someone might be scamming us!  Yes, it happens every day and yes, we need to use wisdom. But, I would never want to let that keep me from reaching out to people!  What is money anyway but a tool we can use to share God’s love?! And the prayers?  Well, I don’t know where the words came from, but if there was a scam going on, she will never forget that prayer!

Conclusion:  So, should I have purposed to be friendly?  Absolutely!  Would I do it again?  In a heartbeat! To God be the glory!!!!