Politcally Correct or God Corrected

Prayer may be the most humble act of dependence we’ll ever experience.

            I watched an independent three-year-old tie his shoelaces -- “all by myself.” I offered help but he refused. He knotted the two laces, over looped, under looped, twisted, and tucked. Satisfied with his work, the laces perched in two tangled masses on top of his shoes. I knew the strings wouldn’t do their job after five steps.  

            Unfortunately, the I-can-do-it myself spirit never completely goes away. At mid-age, we remain enamored with ourselves, thinking we can “handle” whatever comes our way. By our senior years, we don’t want to bother others, and we wish to take care of ourselves. We like our independence. I like mine, and I imagine you like yours.

            I’m oversimplifying what has happened in our nation, but I think dependence on self has caused most of our woes. When we think that we know better than Almighty God how to live our personal lives and govern a nation of peoples, we fall into the decline of idolatry. Self becomes god.

            More laws would not help. We know that morality cannot be legislated. Laws exist against driving while under influence of mind-numbing substances. However, the law on paper doesn’t keep those drivers off the roads and endangering the lives of others. Only personal convictions of the heart can do that.

            Our choices have caused a downward spiral. Personal worlds inflated with self as god turns to illegal drugs (prescription drugs, too) to numb their senses. One drug cartel in Mexico reaps one and half billion dollars because we are addicted to pleasing self. Thousands have died from drug overdoses, and thousands more have died in the drug wars as cartels maneuver to ship drugs into the United States. We have their blood on our hands because of our insatiable desire to escape our undone lives. Independence from God has a high price tag.

            While some in government seek the counsel of God, others tout blatant sins -- the opposite of Judeo and Christian values. It’s no secret that we allow the killing of unborn babies for the sake of convenience. The general media seeks to influence and “entertain” us with stories of sex outside of traditional marriage, of men marrying men and women marrying women, throwing humor into the mix so we’ll swallow the ungodliness.

            Those who cling to God and traditional values (that God put in place for the good and safety of humankind) experience the ridicule and labeling of “old fashioned” and “out of touch with the postmodern world.”

             The surmounting problems of not only our lives, our nation, and the world seem overwhelming. Questions come to mind: When did we become politically correct, instead of God corrected? What can I do? How can one person do anything to influence change for a better world, a better nation?

            The answer remains simple. We can depend upon God, exercising the privilege of prayer and voting. We can stop spouting political views, arguing, and forwarding nasty emails about candidates or our president. How many have equaled their prayers with the forwards of derogatory emails? This is what I’m praying these days: “Lord, I give up. I have no wisdom about this. Please place in office the one who will bring us back to you.”  

            We’re an old nation that has lost its bearings, and we need a Caretaker, someone besides our politicians. Join nearly 50,000, already praying Sept. 28 – Nov. 6 using Max Lucado’s prayer guide. It’s not politically slanted prayers. They admit dependence upon sovereign God. The acronym USA aids in remembering to pray three things: Unite us, Strengthen us, and Anoint and Appoint our next president.

            One verse always seems popular during election times, as a guide to a past straying nation, it hinged on the word “if.” Read it afresh today. The outcome of our nation depends on how you will comply with that word “if.” “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).  

            Hunger for Humility (week 41):“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

            Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at www.cathymessecar.com

The Priest and Leprosy in MId-1800s

The ten-square-mile Makanalua Peninsula juts into the Pacific below the world's highest sea cliffs. An internet site about the island says, “It's been blessed by nature's grandeur and cursed by humanity's ignorance and fear.” To this day, it remains home to forty elderly patients sent there many years ago because they contracted Hansen’s disease, the proper term for leprosy. At least one humble priest learned contentment there as he served those less fortunate.  

     This week, we look at rule number fourteen from Jeremy Taylor’s (1613-1667) nineteen ways to live humbly. He encouraged all to rejoice when others rise to higher positions or achievements:  “Be content that he should be employed, and thou laid by as unprofitable; his sentence approved, thine rejected; he be preferred, and thou fixed in a low employment.” Key words in this rule about humility are “be content.” The longer I live, the more I realize that life goes downhill and uphill again. This pattern repeats throughout life, challenging us to remain contented even if others receive seemingly better assignments from God or man.

     If we can focus on helping others instead of our misfortunes, it’s easier to be content. I recommend renting or buying the movie “Molokai: the Story of Father Damien” (available on Amazon) or reading the book.  

     In 1865, leprosy plagued those living in Honolulu, and officials shipped the ill to the desolate Makanalua Peninsula. There, they dwelt in makeshift shelters and caves, living with the bare necessities of life. Seven years later, Father Damien volunteered to go and help knowing that he might contract the disease. Instructed not to touch the diseased, he purposefully touched them as he fed and cared for them.

     For fifteen years, he labored almost single handedly to alleviate suffering. He pled for supplies and extra help, but few had the heart to face the constant sorrows and weary work. King Kamehameha V brought into law the “Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy.” About 8,000, between the years of 1865 and 1969, went to live as exiles on Molokai. Today, about forty aging people, who have the disease (no longer contagious, but some disfigured), have chosen to remain on the island, although they are isolated from most of the world.

     Hansen’s disease is the most misunderstood disease in the world. Myths and ignorance about the disease were rampant in the mid-to-late 1800s when Father Damien volunteered to help. Today, medical science knows that about 95 per cent of the population cannot contract the disease. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is no longer debilitating. The diseased person remains noninfectious after only a couple of doses of medicine and may remain with family even though treatments last for several years.

     The United States documented only 213 new cases in 2009. The social stigma still exists in most of the world and may be more difficult to deal with than the physical illness.  

     What if the clock turned back to the year of 1876, and a call for volunteers went out to serve the colony of ill. If we had no physical obstacles, would we have the inclination to serve others, supposing that we could contract the disease?

            Jesus gave an upside-down message to those who sought greatness in God’s kingdom. They were to serve. He taught his disciples that they were to approach any with this question on their minds, “How may I serve this person?” We can consistently seek the higher good of others, even though we live within a culture of self-indulgence. Be inspired by Father Damien’s story, who allowed others to ascend to hierarchy as he became lowly in spirit and content to dwell among the lonely and hurting.

     Hunger for Humility (week 40): “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)

     Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at www.cathymessecar.com

Servant, the Better Assignment

The ten-square-mile Makanalua Peninsula juts into the Pacific below the world's highest sea cliffs. An internet site about the island says, “It's been blessed by nature's grandeur and cursed by humanity's ignorance and fear.” To this day, it remains home to forty elderly patients sent there many years ago because they contracted Hansen’s disease, the proper term for leprosy. At least one humble priest learned contentment there as he served those less fortunate.  

     This week, we look at rule number fourteen from Jeremy Taylor’s (1613-1667) nineteen ways to live humbly. He encouraged all to rejoice when others rise to higher positions or achievements:  “Be content that he should be employed, and thou laid by as unprofitable; his sentence approved, thine rejected; he be preferred, and thou fixed in a low employment.” Key words in this rule about humility are “be content.” The longer I live, the more I realize that life goes downhill and uphill again. This pattern repeats throughout life, challenging us to remain contented even if others receive seemingly better assignments from God or man.

     If we can focus on helping others instead of our misfortunes, it’s easier to be content. I recommend renting or buying the movie “Molokai: the Story of Father Damien” (available on Amazon) or reading the book.  

     In 1865, leprosy plagued those living in Honolulu, and officials shipped the ill to the desolate Makanalua Peninsula. There, they dwelt in makeshift shelters and caves, living with the bare necessities of life. Seven years later, Father Damien volunteered to go and help knowing that he might contract the disease. Instructed not to touch the diseased, he purposefully touched them as he fed and cared for them.

     For fifteen years, he labored almost single handedly to alleviate suffering. He pled for supplies and extra help, but few had the heart to face the constant sorrows and weary work. King Kamehameha V brought into law the “Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy.” About 8,000, between the years of 1865 and 1969, went to live as exiles on Molokai. Today, about forty aging people, who have the disease (no longer contagious, but some disfigured), have chosen to remain on the island, although they are isolated from most of the world.

     Hansen’s disease is the most misunderstood disease in the world. Myths and ignorance about the disease were rampant in the mid-to-late 1800s when Father Damien volunteered to help. Today, medical science knows that about 95 per cent of the population cannot contract the disease. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is no longer debilitating. The diseased person remains noninfectious after only a couple of doses of medicine and may remain with family even though treatments last for several years.

     The United States documented only 213 new cases in 2009. The social stigma still exists in most of the world and may be more difficult to deal with than the physical illness.  

     What if the clock turned back to the year of 1876, and a call for volunteers went out to serve the colony of ill. If we had no physical obstacles, would we have the inclination to serve others, supposing that we could contract the disease?

            Jesus gave an upside-down message to those who sought greatness in God’s kingdom. They were to serve. He taught his disciples that they were to approach any with this question on their minds, “How may I serve this person?” We can consistently seek the higher good of others, even though we live within a culture of self-indulgence. Be inspired by Father Damien’s story, who allowed others to ascend to hierarchy as he became lowly in spirit and content to dwell among the lonely and hurting.

     Hunger for Humility (week 40): “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)

     Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at www.cathymessecar.com

God Gaze or Scar Gaze

“Scar Gazing” was the title of a devotional I read in “Power for Today.” Immediately, I was intrigued with how the change of one letter in a common phrase sent me on a different learning path. In that devo, Steven Lemley, co-editor, focused on Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians where Paul gave an attitude update on himself, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).

            Dreadful pasts, have poisonous drawing powers beyond our understandings. Why do we return in our minds to hurtful times and replay them again. I think that’s what Lemley had in mind when he dubbed such events as “scar-gazing.” After reading his thoughts, I recalled an Old Testament story, reflecting scar-gazing and moving forward.

            Several times in Israel’s history, they looked back and longed for their former miserable lives. Exodus 14, describes one such scene. God had led the Israelites away from Egypt and out of generational bondage, lasting for over 400 years. He purposefully had Moses cause the hundreds of thousands of people to encamp “between Migdol and the sea.”

            God knew that Pharaoh would think that the Israelites were wandering aimlessly in the desert, and Pharaoh, having his umpteenth change of heart, would order his army to pursue the newly freed slaves. Apparently, the former miracles performed in Egypt were not enough to convince the Egyptians of God’s sovereignty.

            When the Israelites camped beside the sea, fearful and cautious, they looked behind them. I don’t blame them. The past chases us down sometime. They saw all Pharaoh’s six hundred best chariots and all the other chariots bearing down on their encampment. “They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.” They also complained to their leader Moses as they did a bit of scar gazing: “Was it because there were not graves in Egypt that you brought us out into the desert to die? What have you done to us?” Did graves in Egypt suddenly look better than the unknown plans of traveling with God?

            They were “used ruthlessly” as slaves under harsh Egyptian taskmasters (1:14). For goodness sake, only a generation back the Egyptians threw the Israelites’ newborn sons into the Nile River like yesterday’s garbage! Atrocious annihilation! Hadn’t God proved his majestic capabilities? Even so, they chose to look back to their wounded past. Sometimes, what we’ve known seems better than an unknown future.

            Faithful Moses assured the people that God would not abandon them in this current crisis. He told them, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” He went on to say they would never see the Egyptians again. He added, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

            I love what the Lord God said to them after Moses’ instructions to stand firm and only be still. In seeming contradiction, God said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me, tell the Israelites to move on.” God instructed Moses to stretch his staff over the sea, and all that “night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land.”

            The Israelites found themselves with no seeming escape. They couldn’t physically get to another place, but maybe God was asking more of them. Perhaps he was asking for a heart change, a different mindset. Maybe he was asking for faith-growth – upward to God, to move on in their minds. With God’s rescue from Egypt, evidently he had them in his radar. In addition, they had assurance that God could also move them from fearing and thinking about the Egyptians.  

            I wouldn’t have wanted to be a slave back then, even a rescued slave, but I admit to wishing I could have been present for that night’s unfolding events. The pillar of cloud that had previously led Israel moved and became a barrier between them and the Egyptians. To the enemies, the pillar appeared as blackest night blotting out all. On the other side of the pillar of cloud, fire illuminated the Israelite’s camp.

            Scar-gazing, too much and we drown in past mistakes and sorrows. Blessed is the humble follower, who chooses to God-gaze, imagining future possibilities within his amazing grace.

            Hunger for Humility (Week 39): “But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)

            Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at www.cathymessecar.com

Mr. or Mrs. Friend

My best-known identity is that of friend.

     I am a wife to one, David. I am a daughter of two, my dad and mom. I am a mother to two, Russell and Sheryle. I am a sibling to three, a sister and two brothers. I am grandmother to five. However, I am a friend to many.

           If you are like me, your best-known identity is that of friend. As we do life, we have a limited number of relationships that come about because of the relatives God presents to us. As we know, blood kin can produce some of our closest friends.

           Throughout lifespans, we encounter others who become friends, rising to significant numbers. I imagine we all have yet to meet some friends we will dearly treasure. Turn a metaphorical corner in life, and boom, we meet different people, and encounter probable new friends.

           Enemies don’t form friendships, or people with opposite opinions don’t think alike, so they prefer not to spend time with each other. Friendships occur among those who have something in common. A number of avenues bring us to friendships: church, politics, sports, hobbies, support groups, medical problems, kinship ties, careers, armed services, schools, social clubs, service organizations, neighborhoods, or providential meetings.

           Sometimes it takes very little in common to make a friendly alliance. Sydney Smith said, “Madam, I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life; let us swear eternal friendship.”

           I’ve found that friendships, which have grown from mutual agape love, have helped to keep me sane through some of life’s darkest moments. Friendships enrich our lives. The characteristics of healthy friendships are many, here are just a few: humor, reliability, accountability, sharing, kindness, listening, and respect.

           At a conference this week, I watched a short video about poverty, where the narrator asked people what they thought poverty meant. They answered lack of food, lack of money, lack of shelter, and transportation.

           Then he asked another question to those same middle class citizens, if you lost all today and had absolutely no resources, how long would it take you to find food, shelter, and employment? Most answered that they could find food in a couple of hours, shelter within 24 hours, and work within a week’s time. Why? They said they could depend on friends to help them.

           I got it. I understood that for the desperate who have nothing a friend is the most valuable thing in life. In addition, for those who have everything – same answer. Friends are our most valuable asset in any economic situation.

           Some friends come into our lives and stay until we draw our last breath. Others are not so permanent. We can think of friends who only had relationship with us for a while. For many reasons, they were short term. Perhaps they came into our lives for a reason, for us to help them or them to help us. Other friends are seasonal friends, such as my dear friend Bev Grayson. I knew her only six years before she left this earth.  

           A fragrant, sugar crusted loaf of friendship bread doesn’t last long in my household, but friendships fueled by the ingredients of heaven endure and have an eternal shelf life. Friendships remain an integral part of our lives because Triune God lives in community and created beings capable of community with him and each other.

           Many scriptures give guidance for friendships, a component of friendships is humility, because it takes a humble person to learn from another and to allow a friend to help.

           This week, when you gather with friends, leave them better than you found them, because “As iron sharpens iron, so one friend sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

           Hunger for Humility: “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the
man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

          

          

 

Quit Quaking

     "It has been said that somewhere in the Psalms can be found a reflection of virtually every religious experience known to man, and the person familiar with the Psalter can find balm for every wound." Anthony Ash quoted that, however he admits that this statement may not be strictly true, but it does reflect the high regard for the Psalms from those who have experienced camaraderie and good-fellowship with the authors.

     Within Psalms, we find a blending of theology, worship, and daily living. One of my favorite psalms is 46 and begins with these words, "God is our refuge and strength, and ever present help in trouble." This psalm covers three troubling areas: natural disasters, political upheaval, and battle fatigue. During any of these events, we may lose sight that God remains aware of circumstances and remains in control, never to dethroned.

     The third stanza portrays war and battle fatigue, and God gives directions near the end. He says to the weary, "Be still, and know that I am God." That seems a daunting request when worry assaults as fast as a Ninja. However, for those who accept the challenge and stop worry, they find solace and anchorage for their souls because God keeps his promises.

     Through media, we’re bombarded with disturbing news, in our backyards and abroad. Shellshock has taken on a new definition. In our day, we experience virtual shellshock.

     Who doesn’t need a break from warfare? My heart breaks for the citizens of countries who actually live the headlines, news stories of rebellion, street attacks, and revolution. If you need a refreshing break from worldwide chaos or hometown commotion, take a deep drink from the Psalms this week. You can choose from 150 psalms.

     In 1529, the 46^th psalm inspired Martin Luther to write the words and music to a well-known hymn. You may recognize the first phrase "A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing." The same psalm that inspired Luther still instructs today’s believers.

     "Be still, and know I am God," isn't a take-it-or-leave-it instruction. It's a gentle invitation to bring about blessings through participation. This week, we could pray that phrase for the troops from our community, military personnel worldwide, President Obama, this country, and our enemies.

     Lean on the strong shoulders of the psalms for comfort, resolve to be still, and depend upon God to perform his promises. Join me in an act of humility as we admit our smallness in prayer, “You, O God, are eons beyond our imaginations. We trust your unfolding destiny for this earth and for us.”

     Hunger for Humility (Week 37): “In my alarm, I said, ‘I’m cut off from your sight!’ Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.” (Psalm 31:22)

    

Speak Volumes in Words or Silence

Words or silence – both speak volumes.

            Joy ignites smiles when clever persons respond with humorous replies. We need good clean fun, and dry-witted people often provide that. In addition, pleasures arrive when a person responds with the right answer at the right moment. Several stories about word usage come to mind from a favorite book of mine, “Viva la Repartee,” a collection of “clever comebacks and witty retorts from history’s great wits and wordsmiths.”

            Calvin Coolidge, the thirtieth president, was a man of few words, earning the nickname, “Silent Cal.” After returning home from church one Sunday morning, the First Lady, Grace, asked, “What did the preacher speak about today?”

            Coolidge replied, “Sin.”

            Disturbed by his lack of detail, she wanted to hear more news of the sermon she’d missed, “Well, what did he say about it?”

            Apparently enjoying the moment, Coolidge replied, “He was against it.”

            In the 1900s, Joseph Choate and his wife lived in England while her husband served as ambassador. While at a London party, the host suggested they play a game. She asked partygoers to name the person they’d most like to be if they were not themselves. When Choate’s turn came, he stood and glanced toward his wife before providing his diplomatic answer: “If I could not be myself, I would like to be – Mrs. Choate’s second husband.”

            As refreshing as clever words are, silence can prove stronger than words. When an intellectual discussion goes over my head, I dive out of the conversation and swim into the shallows of silence. There, I can seem contemplative instead proving my ignorance by speaking. “Blessed are they who have nothing to say, and who cannot be persuaded to say it,” said James Russell Lowell.

            In this year of studying, reading, and searching out humility, I’ve concluded that silence becomes trademark of a humble person. However, silence can be the wrong response whenever we see evil and our integrity demands a rebuttal. At those times, we must gather the courage to respond, but for this day, we address the good nature of silence.  

            Consider these effective ways to practice silence: Within a small gathering of people, when someone has received praise, remain silent and allow them to bask in the rewards of their labors.

            How about swallowing pride and backing out of opinion based squabbles by saying, “You could be right,” and then remain silent and listen to the other person. However, don’t stew in silence: truly contemplate their stance on the issues.

            When you ask a trusted person for advice or to evaluate your job performance, become silent, listen intently, and consider all spoken observations. A simple thank you will suffice when they are through. Don’t let bitter thoughts invade. Pray to receive and accept any truths they relate.

            Mend arguments with apologies. However, after a sincere apology, allow the controversial issue to drop, even if the other person continues to lecture. Remain silent and practice humility. You don’t have to get in the last word. Silence can often be the most sincere answer.

            I am moved by the many times, Jesus told evil spirits and storms, “Be quiet.” He stopped their rackets and trumped evil by calling for silence. I am moved when I remember how his disciples “kept quiet” when Jesus asked what they had been arguing about. They kept silent because they were guilty of arguing about “who was the greatest.” In poignant reply, Jesus sat down, called the disciples to join him, instructing, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:33-35).  

            Silence deserves a larger stage. Try lifting the curtains on it among your family and friends. When you stop a volley of words, they might want a curtain call.

            Hunger for Humility (36): “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15).

            Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at www.cathymessecar.com

 

What to do?

            I hear myself saying this sentence more as I age, “I have no wisdom about that.” When our family encounters a problem that has no probable solution, or two good choices come along in life, I refer to my go-to mantra: “I have no wisdom about that.” Read what Old Testament King Jehoshaphat did when faced with an advancing army, people to protect, and he had no apparent knowledge of what to do.

            The account of his kingship, in 2 Chronicles chapters 17-21, shows the king’s prayer-response to an advancing enemy against Judah. A report brought to King Jehoshaphat announced a “vast army is coming against you from Edom” (20:2).

            When the message arrived, the enemy was still at least 25 miles away. The news of impending attack spread from farmer to farmer from merchant to merchant, household to household. The citizens surrounding Jerusalem rushed into the city to “seek help from the Lord.” The urgency caused men to bring their unprotected families with them.  

            Alarmed by the news of enemies on their tunic tails, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all of Judah, and afterwards he faced the temple and prayed. During his talk with God, the king reminded God of his promises. God had previously assured his people that when they sought an audience with him he would hear.  

            The final words in Jehoshaphat’s prayer express a common feeling of helplessness when our piddling wisdom and resources run out. The king admitted to God, and before his citizens, his lack of wisdom: “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.” He continued his plea, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” (20:12). I’ve adopted the last sentence of Jehoshaphat’s prayer about personal issues, our country, and its people: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

            Too often, we let the daunting troubles that our eyes see sway us toward fear. We forget that God is mightier than any problem or foe we will ever face in life. The last line of Jehoshaphat’s prayer acknowledges our smallness and lack of wisdom. His words also confess that God is God and man is man.

            What was God’s response to this humble leader who knew he didn’t have the answers or the power to protect his people: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Then the Lord gave King Jehoshaphat an assignment, “[S]tand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (20:17). Read further in these chapters to find how conflict in the enemies’ ranks caused them to slay each other.

            Until the end of December, we’ll keep focusing on disciplining ourselves in humility. To help in our efforts, adopt Jehoshaphat’s verbal confession of faith and reliance. Almost daily, we see life stick out her foot to trip self or someone we know. We will have that “what-now?” look on our faces again. When that happens, remember God says, “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). Make a habit of praying the short prayer of King Jehoshaphat. Pray it for self. Pray it for the nations of the world and for our country: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

            Hunger for Humility (Week 35): “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2)

        

Look at the Doors in Your Home

During the Middle Ages, merchant and craft guilds sprang up across Europe. They became an important part of medieval life because a man could attain a higher social status if he belonged to a guild. The English word “guild,” first used sometime in the fourteenth century, meant “payment, tribute, or compensation.” The merchant or craft guilds in towns and cities held exclusive rights to do business in their communities. As they monopolized commerce, they often took over the governance of the same townships.

            A guild from that era caught my attention because the artistry continues to influence us today. The Woodcraftsmen’s Guild in England took as their motto the words of Christ, “I am the door” (John 10:9). These carpenters followed the governing practices of other guilds, and apprentices began working with woods as young teenagers, serving five to nine years. At this training stage, the teens remained single and did not receive pay (only room and board). Those who honed their skills could advance to the next level of “journeyman,” with that title came the freedom to marry.

            A journeyman received pay for his labor, and during this stage of time, work on a masterpiece to present to the top artisans in the guild. The masterpiece could show special skills and expertise, and if judged superior could possibly make the journeyman eligible to become a “master.” If he achieved the status of “master,” he could open his own shop and begin to train apprentices.

            Many craft guilds existed: candle makers, bakers, apothecaries, masons, cloth makers, tanners, and cobblers. However, the one I’m fascinated with is the carpenter guild because you may have a product in your home that still reflects their purpose, work, and motto. That product is a door, and it could become an ever-present reminder of Jesus Christ who said, “I am the door.”

            If you have a four-paneled door or even a six-paneled door, look at it closely, most have the design of a cross in relief. The cross design in your door is not an accident. The Woodcraftsmen Guild chose to include the sign of the cross in each door. The beautiful pattern has stood the test of time, and its use continues today, pleasing to the eyes.

            The lyrics of “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” includes the phrase “the cross before to guide me.” The hymn and that lyric first came to my attention because of the group L’Angelus (www.langelus.com), who performed Cajun music at the Catfish Festival in Conroe, Texas. My friend Eddie later gave me a CD of their hymns. That specific hymn quickly became a favorite because the lyrics mirror those of Psalm 23. You may recall hearing this Irish melody hymn at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in Westminster Abbey, London, 1997.

      That most familiar psalm of David’s says, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” A parallel verse in the hymn of consideration says, “In death’s dark vale I fear no ill With Thee, dear Lord, beside me; Thy rod and staff my comfort still, Thy cross before to guide me.”

      Another verse depicts Jesus as Shepherd, “Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulder gently laid, And home, rejoicing, brought me.” Often in childhood, I saw the picture of Jesus with a lamb across his shoulders, and I know it had early influence over my thinking, long before I could read.

      When I studied the Bible in later life, I discovered how accurately that picture portrays the Christ. I saw further evidence of that care in additional scriptures and especially in the tender care experienced in life. We’ve all had times when our wobbly lamb legs will not hold up the weight of life. That’s when, bigger than life itself, more powerful than any natural force on earth, the Savior Shepherd bends to scoop us up, taking our burden upon his shoulders, similar to how he carried his own cross for our sakes. This week, watch for the cross symbol in doors, and allow them to remind you, “Thy rod and staff my comfort still, Thy cross before to guide me.”

      Hunger for Humility (Week 34) “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

"We're all bright in spots"

When Francis was a child, she made a comment about a special needs child. Overhearing her conversation, her dad told her not to look down upon anyone whose life or circumstances caused them personal pain. However, for her preacher dad, the verbal teaching wasn’t enough. He put legs on his lesson.

            He told his daughter that he wanted her to go for a ride with him. On the road, he told her about his childhood friend, a girl, who made a habit of making fun of others. Soon, they arrived at the “girl’s” home, who was now an adult with a family of her own. The minister knocked on the door, and his friend from childhood was delighted to see him. It seems he made regular visits to encourage this caregiving mom. After going inside, the minister introduced his daughter Francis and asked about the wellbeing of the woman’s family.

            He specifically asked about a daughter named Teresa. The mother replied that all was well, and continued, “Teresa’s about the same. Do you want to say hello?”

            The minister replied yes and led little Francis into a room where twenty-one-year-old Teresa lay in a bed – her body held captive by her mind, not advanced beyond that of a two-year-old child.

            Recently, the grandmother-aged Francis related the story to me saying, “I’ve never forgotten the power of that experience.” If her dad had only verbally chastised her for making fun of someone, the instructions might have faded, but he wanted to teach a lasting lesson and he succeeded.

            This week’s humility lesson, based on Jeremy Taylor’s rule thirteen encourages believers to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).  Taylor’s  (1613-1667) rule thirteen in the language of his day: “Suffer others to be praised in thy presence, and entertain their good and glory with delight; but at no hand disparage them, or lessen the report, or make an objection; and think not the advancement of thy brother is a lessening of thy worth.”

            Let’s say that in Texanese: Make a habit of praising others, not finding fault. Don’t subtract from that praise by pointing out some fault of the person’s being. When you hear a good report about someone else, don’t think poorly of yourself because you don’t have similar or equal gifts or honors.

            I first discovered Taylor’s rules in Randy Harris’ book, “Soul Work: Confessions of a Part-Time Monk.” Harris furthers understanding of rule thirteen saying, “If we have a moment of deep and sudden honesty. . . Taylor catches us here.” He continues, “We all have had a moment when we heard about somebody’s failure and everything in you said, ‘Yes!’” Harris further says, “Or we’ve had a moment when we heard about somebody’s success and everything in us says, ‘Too bad.’”

            For me, the rule indicates looking for a genuine quality in a person and encouraging them by noticing their gift. Too many people live in a negative atmosphere. Awful things happen to moral people. Our minds accuse us of missteps. Haughty people delight in pointing out the faults of others. Family members point out mistakes and rarely overlook minor offenses. People sorely lack someone who will step up and extend a gentle kindness or congratulate them on an accomplishment.

            After all, everyone has disabilities. We’re all flawed. No one is perfect. Our inadequacies could have crippled us for life, but most of us by the grace of God had good souls come along and nurture our graces. I spent a few days working with Francis, and I saw in her a resolute spirit of encouraging others to make good choices. Francis is a tough-love woman with an endearing, fun-loving spirit.

            This week, as we all work toward becoming more humble people, look for the good you see in others, and choose to praise them. You may have to look a long time at the worse among us, but you’ll find something to praise. As my husband, David, fondly says, “We’re all bright in spots.”

            Hunger for Humility (week 33): “To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:2 ESV)

            Cathy Messecar welcomes comments here or at www.cathymessecar.com       

Jezebel, "A Boy Named Sue," and Jesus

“Jezebel to the front registers, please.” Multiple customers awaited checkout at the department store when I heard that announcement. My first thought after hearing her summoned: “Why would parents name their child Jezebel?"

            Queen Jezebel mentioned in scripture was an extremely over-the-top malicious woman. If Satan had a wife, she’d probably resemble this royal matron of the Bible. Because of the early evil associated with that name, I wondered why anyone would christen a newborn baby girl with that moniker. After pondering on the trials of receiving an infamous name, I thought why not redeem the name of a queen gone bad. Why not allow something good to rise from the ashes of evil.  

            All of a sudden, I admired the modern Jezebel for not insisting on a name change once she reached legal age. Maybe this current Jezebel’s parents hoped that she’d overcome any negatives from bearing the notorious name. Could Jezebel have been the name of a loving aunt, who had already added virtue to the name?

            That day as I walked to my car, I remembered the Johnny Cash song, “A Boy Named Sue.” He first performed it to a prison audience, the song more recitation than actual singing. Out of all of Cash’s recordings, “A Boy Named Sue” remained his biggest hit, because all have challenges from setbacks.

            Another name I never heard as a given name is “Friend.” Our trucking company sends paperwork through a Beaumont regional office each year. Generally, I mail information and money for apportioned tags, and don’t speak on the phone to office personnel. However, the few times I phoned to ask questions, a female clerk spoke with me and asked for additional information to be mailed. She instructed me to write, “Attention: Friend” on the envelope. I reasoned it was a code word.  

            One year, due to a looming deadline, I drove the paperwork to Beaumont, and I met Friend, her name plaque on her desk followed by her last name. Thrilled by her unique name, I was curious. I asked how she came by her name, and she said that “Friend” was her grandmother’s name. The clerk lived up to her ancestry through her good manners and kind help.

            A teacher matching names and faces in her new class of first-graders, asked one little boy, “What’s your name?”

            “Jule”

            “Not Jule,” she said. “You shouldn’t use nicknames; I see your name is Julius.” Turning to the next boy, she asked him his name.

            “Billious,” he answered.

            You may have a name you love, tolerate, or despise, but the name itself doesn’t define you, no matter the name’s past history of good or bad. Your personality, nature, and behavior create your make-up. Moses the most humble man on the face of the earth grew into his title somewhere along his 120-year life. Others share Jesus’ name, but only our Savior has innate humility. Although superior, his humility allowed him to give up the sanctuary of heaven to live among us, demonstrating the fullness of God’s love.

            If asked to identify your main characteristic, what would a friend say? Would he or she say humility? As I thought through that question and considered my character, I had to take a deep sobering breath. Humble living takes hours of effort and a plentiful diet of humble pie.   

            Our names do not describe us. Our character does that. The little boy Sam Houston in the television series “Christy” called his given name his front name. This week’s challenge to all – seek to live humbly – give your front name a good reputation.     

            Hunger for Humility (32): “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” (Philippians 2:3)

          

Uprooting Bitterness

Yellow bitter weeds now bloom in pastures. Transplanted from Europe, they thrive in much of the United States. Because of an unpleasant aroma and taste, cows usually don’t nibble on the plants. However, if a cow has nothing else to eat and consumes the weed, her milk has a rank taste.

            One resource said insects have disagreeable reactions within 30 seconds after ingesting the noxious weeds. Toxic to sheep, farmers try to eliminate it from pastures. By experience or instinct, animals and insects learn to avoid the harmful wild plant. 

            People can also have unpleasant experiences with “bitter weed” friends. Although blessed, these close acquaintances choose to look at what goes wrong instead of counting blessings. To them, something is wrong with almost everything, so they whine, groan, and fault find, carping through morning, noon, and night. For them, noticing the good things in life is rare as an eclipse.

            After spending one hour with such a person, my attitude can warp and worsen too. Occasionally, I borrow their dark sunglasses, and the world gets gloomier. Unfortunately, bitterness is an attitude that roots easily and multiplies rapidly.

            Commercial herbicides will rid weeds from a pasture, but how does a spirit get rid of bitterness? Small irritants and larger evils occur in life, so Paul wrote to the Ephesian Christians telling them how to respond as children of light: 

            Paul’s said to put off your old self. Be made new in the attitude of your minds. Who helps us transform our minds? God does. He gives us new eyes to see what is beautiful and to practice thanksgiving in two ways: aloud and inwardly. Paul tells Christians don’t pillow your heads with anger in your hearts, because the bitterness bedbugs damage at such times. Before the sun sets or the moon rises, Paul said to be kind, compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (paraphrase of Ephesians 4:20-32). 

            When bitterness settles in a soul, the devil can use that fissure to toss the tiniest seeds of other evils into that bedding, providing a marshy place where ills multiply. During a summer drought, the foundation to our house moved and cracked. Because the foundation weakened, other cracks appeared in sheetrock walls. Through all those cracks creepy-crawlies walked right in to make my home their home. 

            One day, I glimpsed a small lizard darting around the legs of the breakfast table. My grandchildren squealed as they watched me pest patrol and control. On hands and knees, with an empty plastic container and lid, I made several of my best lizard-catching moves for a capture. We placed the small reptile outdoors, the same place bitterness belongs – outside the human heart.  

Bitterness is really a pride issue: Why me? What have I done to deserve this? Why do bad things happen in my life? I deserve better. I don’t deserve to be ill or have trouble in my family. A wise person said, “Why not me? I’m no better than anyone else.”    To weed out disturbing bitterness, practice daily thanksgiving. Keep a piece of paper handy and jot down blessings as you encounter them. As your mind and heart move to different good scenes of the past and present, amazingly, light will crowd out the dark bitter spirit.

In a concentration camp where bitterness could have soared off the charts, Corrie ten Boon and her sister were thankful for lice infested barracks. Because of those pests, the male guards didn’t molest the already traumatized women. Look for the good in every pasture of bad times. Be on guard. Let bitterness reside only in dictionaries, not on the pages of souls.

Hunger for Humility (31): “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31).