Courage For Today

mikeweaver79@gmail.com

Avoid Being the Label Maker

Self-Worth

We live in a Society that loves labels.  By definition, a label provides information, or some clue, as to what is being labeled.  We label our food so that we know the can we are about to purchase is Green Beans and not Black-eyed Peas, or that we’ve purchased Vanilla Wafers and not Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Labels not only contain the name of what you’re possibly buying, but oftentimes contain much needed information such as nutritional facts.  After all, I need to know how many calories are contained in the cookies I am about to enjoy so I know how many extra miles to walk on the treadmill.  Labels even tell us what size clothes are on the rack so that we make sure we buy what fits.  Labels are everywhere we look and we can’t avoid them.

Unfortunately, labels can be deadly weapons in the wrong hands.  We’ve all heard stories about medicines that weren’t labeled correctly or had improper warnings.  We can probably all think of a child we knew in school that was not considered “athletic” or was not considered “cool” and was labeled.  We all know someone who is overweight and is labeled.  We all know someone who is shy and is labeled.  Labels are even assigned to those with a certain accent, as with my Southern accent, usually in a negative manner. You can even be labeled based on your income level or your education level or by the job you have.  Let’s admit it, we tend to look down on the Fast Food employee and look up to the Physician.  We even label others based on the car they drive or how large their home is. I’m sure you can think of many more examples or perhaps have even been a victim of being labeled yourself.

My point is that labels based on fact provide needed information.  Labels based on opinion; incomplete information, bias; or simple differences among people take on a new identity.  At that point, labels become judgemental and are like a sharp knife cutting and slashing anything in it’s path. Facts don’t matter to the labeler.  Reasonableness and Common Sense don’t matter to the labeler. Nothing avoids the wrath of the label in the wrong hands.

As a Christian, I can’t honestly say that I’ve always stayed away from labeling others.  I’ve been guilty of saying harsh things many times and sometimes wish I could take my words back; unfortunately, you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube.  If you’ve been guilty of labeling others, I can tell you that you’ll cause more harm to yourself than to the ones you’re trying to label.  If you’ve been a victim of labeling, never forget that you are a special creation in God’s eyes.  We’ve all  been given a unique set of gifts and talents that God will encourage you to use in a mighty way.  No one of us is better than another in God’s eyes.  The person the World saw as a Shepherd, God saw as a King.  The person the World saw as a carpenter, God saw as a Savior.

God doesn’t have any use for labels and neither should we.  Just because the World may label us or someone else, doesn’t mean we have to join in.

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The Peace in Learning to Enjoy the Journey

Encouragement

My wife and I had a great time this past summer visiting Stone Mountain Park, here in the Atlanta area, with our grandsons.  We had the opportunity to spend the day with them seeing the various sights and attractions and just had a wonderful time.  One thing that my grandsons had really wanted to do that particular day was climb to the top of the mountain.  Stone Mountain isn’t a particularly tall mountain and fortunately has walking trails to the top, but for a 5 and 6 year old, along with grandpa and grandma, it is a formidable task.

Even though our grandsons’ enthusiasm was much greater than mine and my wife’s, we relented and decided to start the slow trek up the mountain.   The beginning part of the trail was slow and gradual.  It seemed like we were taking forever to climb just a short distance, but I had to remind myself that it took 3 of their strides to equal 1 of ours, so I found myself walking ahead of them, then having to stop and let them catch-up, over and over again.

I was tired and sweaty, just wanting to get to the top of the mountain so I could rest and then start my way back.  I learned early on during our hike that this wasn’t going to be the case.  We had to stop and look at every large rock with someone’s name carved in it.  We looked at unusual plant formations.  We examined large trees that were growing crooked and we explored small rock overhangs that reminded the kids of caves. My grandsons viewed the hike as an exciting adventure.  Climbing the mountain was a trial to me and I was simply looking for the hike to be over with quickly before I succumbed to dehydration and heat stroke.  My grandsons were not focused at all on the trial of climbing the mountain; they were simply enjoying the journey of the hike.

I know when I face a trial in life, no matter what it is, I tend to dwell on the problem.  I want the trial to be over with quickly and let life get back to normal.  While I never enjoy being in the midst of a trial, I was reminded by my grandsons that I should always learn to enjoy the journey.  What can I learn during the course of the trial?  How can I grow?  What is God trying to teach me?

At some point, the trial will be over and we’ll be joyous for sure.  But, the real joy should not be that the trial’s over, but in celebrating what I learned during the journey.

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It’s Always About the Encounter

Encouragement

One of my grandsons’ favorite activities is swimming.  I don’t think it would matter if they were swimming in a pool; in a lake; in a stream; or even splashing in a puddle of water.  If they can get wet, they will do it.  When they come visit us at our pool, it’s all out fun and excitement.  They can’t wait to slip on their swim trunks and head off to the pool.

I don’t know about you, but when I actually do get into the water during one of those rare times, it’s slow and easy into the water for me.  It’s just too cold usually.  First, it’s my feet and ankles.  Then up to my knees, and slowly inching my way up until I can go under the water.  I’m not one of those people that immediately jumps in the water.  My grandsons, on the other hand, are jumpers.  As soon as they hit the pool deck, it’s off they go.  Straight into the water.  No shock for them.  They don’t wait for to see if the water is warm enough.  They don’t wait for us to give them detailed swimming instructions.  They don’t wait to see who might be looking at them or observing what they do.  They don’t wait to see if they have all their swimming gear in tact.  They just jump.  And they jump some more.  For them, it’s not about getting all the answers and insight about swimming.  It’s about enjoying the water.

It reminds me so much of a conversation I had with an acquaintance many, many years ago.  This person was struggling with Christianity in general and the Bible, specifically.  He spoke about how the Bible was confusing to him and that he had too many questions that couldn’t be answered.  He cited several examples and I could tell that he really, really wanted to be a believer in Christ, but just couldn’t make himself take that leap of faith until he found all the answers to his questions.  To his surprise, I agreed with him that Christianity and the Bible had many unanswered questions, even in my own mind.  There were many things I didn’t fully understand and wouldn’t ever know the answers to until I reached Heaven one day.  He seemed a little perplexed and confused that I would embrace God, as I do, with so many confusing issues swirling in my head.

I spent the next several minutes explaining that my relationship with Christ was not about answers.  it was about an encounter.  It was about an encounter with an almighty God that changes live.  I explained how God had truly worked in my life and changed me.  How God had worked miracles in my own life and my family’s.  And, I shared how my relationship with Christ was personal and intimate.  I may not understand all HE does and why HE does things, but there was no question that I had the encounter and relationship that forever changed my life.

I went on and shared that I didn’t wait around to see if Christianity was the next “big” thing or popular with others.  I didn’t wait around to see what others were doing with “their” Christianity.  I didn’t’ wait around to get the next greatest Bible translation so I could understand things better.  I just jumped in the water.  I didn’t care about all those other things.  I just wanted Christ and what he brought to my life and I haven’t had one regret.

I’m not quite sure why the Lord brought this particular message to me on this particular day, but I’ve got to believe it’s because someone reading this passage is struggling with this same issue.  If you are, don’t wait for all the answers, because you’ll never find them.  Instead, embrace the encounter and the new relationship that awaits you when you accept Christ.  I promise that you won’t regret your decision.

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God’s Love Letter

Encouragement

My wife and I just recently moved to a new condominium in the Big City.  As you could imagine, moving from a larger home to a smaller condo is quite challenging.  We have lots of items to possible discard or sell and other items we simply just have to store and organize better.  The good news is we’re making good progress and the new place is beginning to look more and more like home.

As I was unpacking, there was one particular box that caught my attention.  In this box, I had packed a lifetimes worth of letters; cards; and gifts from others.  You know what I’m referring to.  The Father’s Day cards your daughter and son wrote to you in kindergarten.  The love notes from your wife that make me to this day wonder what she sees in me, even though I’m eternally grateful.  The report cards from your children showing their good grades (must be heredity) and the random note telling you what a great dad you’ve been or how you’re special to them.  These are items that are priceless and just really take me down memory lane remembering the fun, the trials, the adventures, and all the seasons in life that make it so wonderful.

There was one particular letter, however, that made me stop.  It was a letter my mom had written to me in 1985.  I had forgotten that she had even written the letter, but it became especially meaningful now since she passed away in 2006.  It was almost like she was there talking to me.  It was like she had never left and this letter was a small legacy of her influence on my life.

In the letter, she was telling me how thankful she was for my Dad and what a blessing he had been for her and how that I was so much like him.  She went on to thank God for sending my wife to me and how she knew my wife was definitely God-sent and a perfect help mate to me.  She closed the letter by telling my how much she loved me and how proud she was of me.  Wow!!  How much did I need to read that today!!

Even though she’s been gone now for 4 years, that letter from 1985 was a lasting tribute from her to me that will always be with me.  I’m sure she didn’t realize it at the time, but the words in that letter “live” in my heart today as I read them, some 25 years later.

As Christians, we have a similar letter written to us.  It’s called The Bible.  It’s sad to me that so many today feel the Bible is outdated or irrelevant.  In reality, it couldn’t be more up-to-date.  Even though God’s word was written thousands of years ago, it’s message filled with love and hope and encouragement mean as much today as it did all those years ago when Christ walked on this Earth.

Is it time for you to have a new love affair with God’s Word?  Maybe you need to dust off the cover and begin reading HIS Word again.  Just like when I read my mom’s letter to me all those years ago, her letter had as much, if not more, meaning to me now in my life than it did when the letter was written.  A mom’s love has a way of knowing what to say and when to say it.  A mom’s love has a way of praising and encouraging, but balancing that with the right amount of discipline and focus and instruction.

God’s Word is no different.  I would encourage you to fall in love with God’s Word again and allow HIS words of guidance and encouragement to reach the inner-most depths of your being so that your Christian Walk will be stronger and be a lasting testimony to others.

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A Beautiful Masterpiece of Scribble

Self-Worth

I have thoroughly enjoyed having my Daughter, Son-in-Law, and three Grand-children live with us temporarily.  Since their arrival from China, they’ll be staying with us for a few months until they can get their own place.  It’s been many years since I’ve come home every night from work and had children to welcome me after a long day, but you just can’t beat the Grandkids world of video games and toys to remind you of your true priorities.

There is no way to put a price on learning to love the Grandkids personalities and interests and see the excitement in their eyes watching the latest episode of Sponge-Bob Square Pants.  My youngest Grandson is especially artistic and creative.  He loves to draw and color.  Almost everyday, he will spend time coloring a new page in his coloring book.  Of course, at five years old, the colors don’t always match and he doesn’t always color between all the lines, but he is so proud of his masterpiece.  He smiles from ear to ear when he finishes his artwork and can’t wait to show it to me and everyone that will look.  To the casual observer, it wouldn’t even be noticed, but to me, it’s as beautiful as the greatest Picasso.  My grandson is an extension of me and I couldn’t be more proud, no matter how his artwork looks.  He isn’t worried about how the artwork will be judged.  He isn’t worried what others will think.  He’s just drawing and coloring to the best of his abilities.  In fact, he’s so proud of his handy work that he has taped pictures that he’s colored to his bedroom walls. Most people hang framed pictures and posters; he hangs pages from a coloring book.  It would never be part of Better Homes and Garden decor, but it’s beautiful to me.

There’s a lesson here for me, and maybe for you as well.  Even though he doesn’t even realize it, my Grandson is already using his God-given gifts.  He’s learning that the important thing in life is not necessarily the depth of his preparation, but the willingness to be obedient in starting the work.  I can’t tell you how many times that I’ve felt God speaking to me or tugging at my heart to do something, only to talk myself out of following HIS direction.  I was too worried about being perfect or not being good enough or having everything just right or just simply being afraid of getting out of my comfort zone.  I wanted to make sure I had everything in place so I wouldn’t fail, only to fail because I wouldn’t step out on faith. God has begun a good work in each of us, even when we don’t see it.  HE is proud of us even when we don’t think our gifts and talents are as good as someone else.

Are you feeling less important in life?  Are you at a stage where you don’t feel you’re measuring up to others?  Always remember that what matters most is that you’re obedient.  I can promise you that if you are obedient, your Heavenly Father will be as excited and proud for you as I am for my Grandson, no matter what the World may think.

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Darkness Doesn’t Mean Absence From God

Strength

I learned the hard way as a teenager that I didn’t like small, closed places.  I don’t know if I am officially claustrophobic, but I will definitely stick to wide open spaces when given the choice.  I was thinking about a youth trip I took with my Church when I was a young high-schooler.  Our Youth Leader decided that it would be fun to go exploring caves.  The way he described it sounded pretty exciting to me.  We were going to enter this particular cave, climb down the winding corridors twisting and turning our way seemingly to the earth’s center.  I couldn’t wait.

Finally, the day came and it was off to the cave.  After what seemed like an eternity of driving, we arrived at the cave’s entrance.  We met our guide who spent several minutes explaining the do’s and don’ts and describing what we might expect.  I remember that he warned us about the darkness and the cold and the possibility of encountering bats and insects.  He also warned us about small, tight places where we might have to crawl on our bellies inching our way through narrow passage ways.  Suddenly, cave exploring no longer seemed so glamorous to me.  Several of the older adult chaperones decided to stay back at the Church Van.  They would be there waiting for us when we returned.  Unfortunately, there was no way I was going to back out.  After all, I had my teenage macho image to protect.

At first, the journey didn’t seem so bad.  The entrance was large and cavern-like and there was plenty of light.  That soon changed.  The more we walked, the darker and smaller the cave became.  Our flashlights that seemed like floodlights at the beginning, now seemed no brighter than the light of a firefly.  I was becoming frightened.  It’s funny now, but not only do I remember the darkness, but I also remember the deafening quietness of the cave.  The noises of the outside world were non existent.  There was no traffic noise.  No animal noise.  Nothing.  Nothing except the occasional breathing sounds of my friends or someone kicking rocks with their shoes.  The darkness and the silence were terribly depressing and defeating.  I distinctly remember the feeling of hopelessness and helplessness even though I knew that all we had to do was head to the exit and we would soon see the light of day and our chaperones would be there waiting for us.  All we had to do was keep marching and endure the helplessness a little longer and we would welcome the sounds of the birds chirping and the trees rustling in the wind.  It was the anticipation of knowing without a doubt that we would soon be rejoined with our friends and be back to the real world that kept me focused. There was something about knowing that our journey was only temporary and also knowing that we weren’t really alone that made things easier.  Even though I couldn’t hear or see my adult chaperones, I knew they were there if I needed them.

Many, many times in my Christian life I have journeyed down paths that seemingly had no end.  I’ve journeyed down paths that were dark and silent where it seemed like I was all alone.  The overwhelming feeling of loneliness or feeling overwhelmed and defeated have almost been victorious in my life at times.  During those times, without fail, God has shown HIMself in a miraculous, mighty way.  At those darkest points, HE would show me a glimpse of HIS light. HE would speak to my heart in a clear voice that left no doubt of the next step I should take.

I learned over time that just because I couldn’t “see” God in a particular situation, or “hear” God speaking to me like I felt like HE should at the time, HE was still there.  HIS timing doesn’t  always meet my timing, but in the end HE has always been there waiting for me with open arms showing me HIS light.

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