Shakespeare, Carpe Diem, and Virginia Trees

Our 1st visit to Williamsburg, Va.

Autumn is God’s "carpe diem" reminder.

When we first moved from California to Virginia, my kids were in awe of the endless rows of trees.  People would ask them, “What do you think of living on the East Coast?” Each would answer something like, “There’s TONS of trees . . . no, really, I’m not even joking, they’re EVERYWHERE!”

Soon, our first autumn in Virginia arrived and with it, a new appreciation of trees.  The trees began to change colors, and we couldn’t seem to get enough of the gorgeous hues: maroon, cherry red, purple, auburn, burnt orange, yellow-gold, etc.  We took visitors on drives up through Williamsburg and northern Virginia with a destination in mind, but secretly I just wanted to see the trees.

All too soon, the leaves began to turn brown.  Lonely, barren trees emerged.  The unwelcome winter arrived.  

Every year now, I’m intentional about planning outdoor events to enjoy nature’s splendid show before winter comes.  The local news even reports the “highest peak time” for the fall colors, ensuring viewers they won’t miss out.  Apple picking, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals summon people out of the house and into nature.

In life, sometimes we’re in such a hurry to get to the goal that we don’t celebrate the beauty of what God’s doing all around us.  Every day something wonderful is ours if we’ll just pay attention—“Blessed be the Lord, who DAILY loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” (Ps. 68:19)

During Autumn, God reminds me to seize the day. Enjoy the beauty and joyful times of life, no matter how small or fleeting.  The changing colors of Autumn inspired Shakespeare to write the words “love that well which thou must leave ere long.” (Sonnet 73)  How will you make the most of today?

When You Don't Feel Spiritual At All

We’ve all been there . . . so don’t beat yourself up.  You don’t feel spiritual.  You don’t care about anyone but yourself.  And the last thing you want to do is pick up your Bible.  You’re in good company; even the giants of faith had bad days.

Elijah hit an all-time-low after achieving his all-time-success.  I Kings 18-19 records this powerful prophet of God’s rise and fall.  It began with Elijah’s back-to-back victories during a spiritually dark period of Israel's history—he confronted a wicked king, called down fire from heaven, killed 400+ prophets of Baal, ended a drought, and physically ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to Jezreel (a distance of 20 miles). 

After these extraordinary victories, does the enemy leave him alone?  No way!!! Jezebel, the king’s evil wife, threatens to take the prophet’s life. 

Physically and spiritually exhausted, Elijah ran for his life, found a place to hide, and asked God to let him die.  God didn’t condemn Elijah for his lack of faith.  Instead, he sent an angel to comfort and nourish him.  Then, he “benched” Elijah for forty days.  During this time, Elijah didn’t prophecy; he didn’t heal anyone; he just walked alone to Horeb, the mountain of God. In the end, Elijah was quieted to a place where he could hear God’s whisper, and he was given his next assignment.

When we’re physically and/or spiritually depleted, it’s not the end of the world.  But something’s got to give. By failing to slow down, we put ourselves in a vulnerable place. 

For me, the lowest times of ministry are when I’m physically sick.  Usually this follows a “high”—an outstanding event, a successful outreach, a speaking engagement, etc.  Maybe this has happened to you . . . you’re blowin’ and goin’ and BAM!  You receive a knock out punch and you’re down for the count.  Benched.  Sidelined.  Momentum gone.

I’ve found this is the way the enemy usually attacks me.  A broken toe, tennis elbow surgery, knee surgeries, infections, anxiety, things too embarrassing to mention—these are just some of the physical issues that tripped up my forward motion. 

During these times, I struggle to want to pick up my Bible.  All I want to do is climb in bed and watch endless hours of TV.  Escape from the pain, escape from disappointments, and just enjoy a dull, mindless day blanketed in self-pity—this becomes my to-do list. 

As a producer, I think many times I get in a mindset that if I’m not producing, I’m not valuable.  The same goes for being a pastor’s wife—if I’m not reading my Bible and praying, then I’m not worthy to be in ministry.

Sometimes I think God “benches” me because I have to remember the world can go on without me.  I am reminded that God loves me even when I’m not feeling spiritual or being productive. 

Perhaps God, in his mercy, allows me to feel broken and experience my own humanity for my own good.  I regain some necessary leadership qualities like humility, compassion, and gratefulness.  And doesn’t encouragement take on a whole new meaning!  One person texting or calling saying, “I missed you today” means the world to me.  I am reminded that when I check on a sick friend with a Facebook message, text message, or phone call it does make a difference.

When I’m in my “mover and shaker” mode, I can become frustrated with (what I see as) other people’s lack of commitment.  People drop out, get sick, lose steam . . . it happens.  And guess what, it happens to me too!  Suddenly, I stop judging others because I’ve taken a look in the mirror and—big shocker—I’m no different! 

Thank God for these times on the sidelines; let God “reboot” you as a leader who walks in love and understanding.  And just as He did for Elijah, let Him whisper words of life in your ear.  Whether you’re “benched” for 4 or 40 days, you’ll be ready for your next assignment.

Would My Life Inspire a Movie?

As the guest segment producer on a TV show, I happened to meet three people this week whose lives inspired movies.  Sometimes when I meet well-known people, I’m disappointed by how they really act behind the scenes.  But these 3 did not disappoint-they were warm, kind, enthusiastic, and larger than life.  It’s as if each one left an imprint of inspiration on me.  It got me thinking, would my life inspire a movie?  As I reflected on my encounter with each, I started to see common themes in their lives.

First, let me briefly introduce you to these extraordinary people:

Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is the real Rudy from the movie –you guessed it—Rudy. Rudy dreamed of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite his small size, his poor grades, and his family discouraging him.  After overcoming great obstacles to get into Notre Dame and on their football team, he was finally allowed to play in the last game of his senior year.  I won’t give away the best part.  The movie Rudy is ESPN’s #4 best sports movie of all time. 

 “Papa” Joe Bradford is the inspiration behind the new movie Unconditional.  Joe overcame childhood poverty, nearly died from a snakebite, and served time in prison.  Even after dedicating his life to God, his health declined rapidly and he spent nine hours a day on a kidney dialysis machine.  After the costs of a high-risk kidney transplant, he and his wife Denise were financially destitute and moved into Nashville’s projects.  While living among the poor, they began a children’s ministry, provided food to other families, started a youth choir and a drama team, and created an educational program. 

Finally, Angus Buchan is portrayed in the movie, Faith Like Potatoes.  A brand-new believer and poor South African farmer, Angus began reading the Bible and preaching to his crops.  He saw miracles—a bumper crop of potatoes during a drought, a heavy rainstorm appeared after he prayed for God to put out a fire that threatened his crops, and a corn crop destroyed by hail seemed to resurrect itself after three days.  God told Angus to start men’s conferences in South Africa, and he rented huge stadiums by faith.  Miraculously, God brought thousands of men to come hear this unknown farmer.  Today, over half a million men come to these conferences.

These are some characteristics these three heroes of faith have in common:

1)  Passion-  Angus’s passion is to raise up godly men.  

Papa Joe’s passion is caring for needy children.

Rudy's passion is Notre Dame football.  Rudy loved football and Notre Dame so much, he was willing to play on the practice team—taking the tackles from guys twice his size. In the end, he only got to play a total of 27 seconds in a real game.  Passion will empower you to continue when circumstances say you should just quit.

2)  Faith-  Rudy believed he could play for Notre Dame.  

Angus believed his potatoes would grow despite the drought. 

When Papa Joe started his feeding program, he and his wife didn’t have any food to give away. By faith, they passed out fliers in their projects, promising food on a certain day. Their prayers were answered when a large food bank promised them food, only to cancel their shipment 24 hours before the day of their food distribution called “Walk of Love.”  No problem—Joe and Denise started praying.  Within a few hours of their promised food delivery, a woman they didn’t know called and gave them $8,000.  They bought $40 grocery gift cards with the money and made their deliveries on time. 

3)  Courage-  Rudy took repeated tackles on a daily basis from guys twice his size. 

Every day Papa Joe works with children in the inner city he puts his very fragile immune system at risk.

Angus’s courage is the stuff of legends.  Hysterical with grief, Zulu tribal women came to Angus one stormy night, begging him to bring their friend back from the dead.  At first he said no, but the women reminded Angus about this “powerful Jesus” he always preached about. Convicted, Angus reluctantly entered the hut where the woman’s body was covered with a blanket.  All the women in the village gathered to watch.  Angus took the blanket off the woman and started to pray.  As he continued to cry out to God, he felt led to grab her hands and pick her up.  As he pulled her up from the dirt floor, she opened her eyes and began to breathe.  How much courage would you need to pick someone up who is dead?  Hello!!  A lot! 

4)  Just plain ol’ hard work-  Each of these three worked hard, physically worked hard:  Rudy practicing football, studying to keep his GPA up, working as a groundskeeper on his off-hours; “Papa” Joe walking the streets to deliver food, leading choir practices, directing dramas, and raising 7 children of his own; Angus building a chapel, planting & harvesting crops during harsh seasons, preparing and preaching sermons.  Nobody makes movies about lazy people.  Lazy people don’t change communities.  Making a difference is hard work.

My goal in life is not to be the inspiration for a movie*.  That would be amazing, but highly unlikely and very boring! The best stories are born out of adversity, and who would ask for more adversity? But just as these three heroes of the faith, I do want my life to motivate others to be everything God desires them to be.  I want to be a hard-working, courageous woman of faith and passion who loves people and doesn’t run from challenges.

Angus Buchan gave me a tiny pocket-size jar of mustard seeds right before his 700 Club interview.  He also keeps a jar in his pocket everywhere he goes (he said it wasn’t a good luck charm).  Angus told me it’s a daily reminder that if we just have the tiniest bit of faith we can move mountains . . .

(*If it does, I want Sandra Bullock to play my role—lol)

Facing My Biggest Fear--Public Speaking

When I was growing up, I feared public speaking.  Understatement.  For most of my life, my voice would shake when I spoke in front of a group of any size.  In high school and college, I had to take speech class and I barely made it out alive.  At church, I could teach small groups of jr. high girls or younger, and that was my limit.  Don’t ask me to teach boys, high-school students, and certainly not adults—not.in.this.lifetime.

In college, I wanted to study English or History because I loved those subjects.  But, I knew those two majors would only prepare me to be a teacher.  Teaching was not a career option for me, because that would require speaking in front of people!  Why would I subject myself to that torture?  So, I majored in Psychology.

God had other plans for me.  After moving to northern California, I couldn’t find a job.  I worked temporary, meaningless jobs.  I wondered, “God, is this all you have for me to do?  What is my purpose?”  Several months later, out of the blue, I was offered a job teaching in a Christian school.  My current job was so miserable, so dreary, and so boring, that I thought teaching couldn’t be any worse than what I was doing!  I would give it a try.

The big day arrived. With great anxiety, I went to pick up my class.  They were quietly lined up in our before-school day care room.  Those 5^th graders looked like angry, mischievous miniature giants (if there is such a thing)!  I was terrified!  I led them upstairs to our classroom and introduced myself.  I was doing my best “fake-out”--trying to act strong and confident.   Little did they know I wanted to throw up!  About that time my husband came to my classroom.  I stepped out into the hallway, and he said, “Listen.  No matter what, don’t ever let them see you cry.  Be strong—you can do this!”  I still laugh at his advice to this day, but I took it.  No tears!  I stiffened my spine, put a smile on my face, and strutted back into the room.  I opened my mouth to teach, and surprisingly, I didn’t die.

In total, I spent 14 "no tears" teaching years in Christian schools.  True to my passion, I ended up teaching English, History, and Bible to jr. high and high school.  But I had to face my fear.  You see, God calls us to do things that are beyond our natural abilities.  He wants to get the glory.  Don’t be surprised if God asks you to do the thing that scares you the most.  

Speaking at my church--Still a challenge, but I know God is with me!

Is it OK to Laugh at the Church?

I just rented the movie Blue Like Jazz.  I may be wrong to admit it—but I especially liked the scenes where they poked fun at the church.  For example, in one of the first scenes, the youth pastor tries to explain the meaning of the cross to children while doing his best Spanish accent and using a Mexican puppet. Next, he brings down a cross-shaped piñata, and when it breaks open it’s full of pre-filled communion cups (the kind we use at our church).  The kids are very disappointed at the obvious absence of candy. 

In another scene, the assistant youth pastor is wearing some plastic armor in front of his church congregation, illustrating the armor of God.

This brought back memories of my days working in youth ministry--how many cheesy, non-relevant illustrations have I used over the years?  I apologize now to anyone who had to witness one!

Am I wrong to laugh at this?  A movie is making fun of the church—oh dear!

Actually, I have been laughing at the church my whole life.  I grew up a p.k. (preacher’s kid) and let me just tell you—we laughed almost daily at the crazy stuff that happened in church!  Here are some of the funny things I’ve witnessed in church:

•         A visiting evangelist once got very “full of the spirit,” and he decided to come down from the platform and preach while walking back and forth across the front pew.  Unfortunately, his fly was down.  On top of that, pews 2-4 were filled with young people (the young people in our church always sat down front).  Let me just say, there were many stifled giggles that Sunday!

•         One morning a woman in the congregation stood up and announced it was Flag Day.  Without missing a beat and before the pastor knew what was happening, she came up on the platform and led everyone in the pledge of allegiance and a song (I think it was God Bless America).

•         Flag woman also brought her accordion one night.  For some bizarre reason, the pastor allowed her to perform.  Not only did she play and sing,  she made a grand entrance from the back, playing her accordion along the way.

•         Another time, a very old woman came on the platform during “testimony” time and told the pastor that God helped her write a song.  The pastor made the mistake of asking her to sing it (before asking her what the song was about).  The song was about her dog.  She was a horrible singer.

The stories are endless.  I have funny stories about the Christian school I attended in jr. high.  In addition, I work at a Christian media company.  We have crazy stuff that happens behind the scenes all the time. 

In the end, Blue Like Jazz reveals a redemptive side of the church too.  And that’s the thing.  Even with our quirks, the church is still the best thing going.  I love every church I’ve ever had the privilege of attending.  That doesn’t mean I haven’t come across my share of hypocrites or serious flaws in each one (at times I’ve been the hypocrite and the flaw!). . . it just means that the good FAR outweighs the bad.

I think it’s time the church lightens up and learns to laugh at our own goofiness.  So what if we’re not perfect?  There’s a little “crazy” in all of us.  Do you have a funny church story?

*Blue Like Jazz is pretty intense (a Christian college student leaves his faith and explores other beliefs and lifestyles)—I would say, depending on the maturity, it’s appropriate for ages 15 and up.  I would recommend teens should watch with adults.  It will generate some good discussion.