This week I have marveled again at how God delights in showing His strength in weakness. At the forefront of local news this week has been a young man in his early thirties who is an administrator at a small Christian school that many of our friends' children attend. One week ago, while his wife was visiting friends on the East Coast, he fell off a ladder in his garage and, unable to move, laid on the floor for about twenty hours until his father found him and got medical attention for him. While the outlook for his survival was quite bleak earlier this week, his family and friends are rejoicing that he is showing great signs of recovery; in fact, he may be moved to a rehabilitation hospital on Monday. His position as a small school administrator and the extreme trauma of the accident have brought a great deal of local media attention to him and his family. His father and wife have been interviewed on television, and the area newspaper has featured several stories. The family members consistently testify to God's faithfulness and to their dependence on Him, regardless of the eventual outcome. Strength in weakness.
We are, after all, just jars of clay. And our beauty lies in the treasure within us, the ministry of the gospel, and my sweet friend Alicia, at Gavin's Voice, writes beautifully about what she has gained through suffering, as she has loved and cared for her little Gavin through the illness, surgeries, and, at times, life threatening conditions he has faced in his nearly three little years. A jar of clay bursting with the treasure within her.
And yet another dear person, my niece Kristin, has been showing those who know her how beautiful a jar of clay can be. A wonderful wife and mom to two boys, Kristin gave birth to her daughter, Joanna Claire, this week. The problem, though, was that Joanna Claire has been experiencing heart failure since early in Kristin's pregnancy, and at 26 weeks, Joanna went to be with Jesus before she could even be born to this world. And if that weren't trial enough, Joanna joins her older brother, Noah, in heaven. Noah died shortly after his birth in 2006, a victim of a disease that Kristin and her husband were aware of through most of that pregnancy as well. Despite the trial of bearing two children that Kristin would never know in this world, she continues to testify to God's faithfulness and love. A jar of clay bursting with treasure for all to see. You can read about Kristin's pain and her godly response to it here
And in the midst of all this, I have been editing a book by first-time author Gay Hubbard entitled More Than an Aspirin. Gay, a wise and experienced counselor, writes about managing the pain and disappointment in our lives, and the conclusion of her book proves to be an insightful commentary about this life's journey through pain and why it is, as she describes it, a "grimly splendid option," which both Kristin and Alicia already understand. But as jars of clay, Kristin and Alicia would want to point not at themselves and their strength, but at the God who has protected them and kept them strong so that they will never break.
"In this life, the most important thing is not the pain or the joy or the ways in which we manage either. The most important thing is the person we become in progress through the long journey home.
In the end, we discover that one answer to the “why” question is a “who”—the person we can become.
Life, including both our joy and our journey through pain, provides the living space in which we may become family with whom God will be happy to spend eternity (Revelation 21:3–4). We can make vital connection with God through our joy, but the journey through pain provides a grimly splendid option. Uniquely there, we can come to know Christ, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, and, in this knowing, become like Him (Philippians 3:10–11). It is a prospect to strengthen the weariest pilgrim, worn with the worst of pain.
I think at times about my own journey through pain in this way. It was not—and is not—where I would have wished to go. Nevertheless, this unwelcome journey provides for me the option of becoming who I intend to be. By God’s grace I shall arrive home at last. When I join that huge joyous family crowding around our first-born brother, Jesus (Romans 8:29), I intend that everyone present can know simply by looking that I belong to the family because I look so much like Him (1 John 3:2–3). There I will be glad for His forgiving grace and for every part of the journey—for the pain and the grief and the darkness itself. I will be glad for everything that changed me so that I could carry forever His family likeness in my face."
~From More Than an Aspirin by Gay Hubbard, releasing from Discovery House Publishers in October 2009
Showing posts with label Good and Faithful Servants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Good and Faithful Servants. Show all posts
7/31/09
6/29/09
The Cost of Truth
My reading has taken on a theme, without my really planning it. I've just finished a historical fiction novel written in 1979 and based on a true story: Coronation of Glory: The Story of Lady Jane Grey by Deborah Meroff. Lady Jane lived in England from 1537-1554 during a tempestuous period of history. During Edward's reign (the young, sickly son of Henry VIII who succeeded him), Lady Jane was fifth in line to the throne. With the nation sharply divided between Roman Catholics and Protestants, there was great concern over which monarch would guide the nation and which religion would be the legal one.
The story is filled with political intrigue, with the adults surrounding Edward and Jane seemingly more concerned with power than religious integrity. Interestingly, both Jane and Edward had been educated by Reformed tutors and were deeply committed to the faith of the Reformation. When it became clear that Edward was not going to live long, his advisors, seeking political gain, convinced him to make Jane his successor, bypassing his two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. At Edward's death, Jane, fifteen years old and married, became queen for nine days, until Mary--a deeply committed Roman Catholic--was able to summon her forces and capture London and the throne for herself.
Although Jane was arrested, those around her assured her that even though she would be tried, convicted, and sentenced to death, Mary would forgive and the sentence would be forgotten. Mary, though, a fervent Catholic (earning the nickname Bloody Mary because of the number of people she sent to their deaths during her reign), sent her priest and advisor on many occasions to try to convince Jane to recant while she remained imprisoned in the Tower. Jane consistently refused, standing firm for the truths she held dear, and eventually she paid the ultimate price with her life at 16 years old.
I've also been reading a guide to the life and theology of Martin Luther, a Reformer that most are more familiar with. About Luther's legacy, author Stephen Nichols writes, "Imagine a world without Protestantism. If you were a young Augustinian monk in the early decades of the sixteenth century, this is actually not such a difficult situation to imagine. For Luther, reality was a world without Protestantism. His choices were clear: either the Roman Catholic Church or paganism. As a monk, of course, he embraced the former. When Luther died in 1546, however, the world had changed drastically . . . Luther initiated a sea change of reform that would shake the entire world."
A deeply held commitment to Christ and the truth of His Word led these two people in history to take a stand that for one led to execution. The other certainly risked the possibility of death. Neither Lady Jane nor Luther were at all reluctant to distinguish truth from error, to recognize certain doctrines as true and others as false. Such commitment to truth seems rare in these days, when the highest values are tolerance and acceptance of all religions as equally valid.
The doctrine that many stake their claim on is that Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity--in fact, any religion--all have different routes to truth, but they are equally valuable ways that will lead to the same destination. Rather than distinguishing between truth and falsehood, they seek the common ground.
Reformers like Luther and Lady Jane made their sacrifices as they travelled the narrow, unpopular path that asserted that there is only one true gospel communicated clearly in Scripture, and its truths may not be compromised.
The story is filled with political intrigue, with the adults surrounding Edward and Jane seemingly more concerned with power than religious integrity. Interestingly, both Jane and Edward had been educated by Reformed tutors and were deeply committed to the faith of the Reformation. When it became clear that Edward was not going to live long, his advisors, seeking political gain, convinced him to make Jane his successor, bypassing his two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. At Edward's death, Jane, fifteen years old and married, became queen for nine days, until Mary--a deeply committed Roman Catholic--was able to summon her forces and capture London and the throne for herself.
Although Jane was arrested, those around her assured her that even though she would be tried, convicted, and sentenced to death, Mary would forgive and the sentence would be forgotten. Mary, though, a fervent Catholic (earning the nickname Bloody Mary because of the number of people she sent to their deaths during her reign), sent her priest and advisor on many occasions to try to convince Jane to recant while she remained imprisoned in the Tower. Jane consistently refused, standing firm for the truths she held dear, and eventually she paid the ultimate price with her life at 16 years old.
I've also been reading a guide to the life and theology of Martin Luther, a Reformer that most are more familiar with. About Luther's legacy, author Stephen Nichols writes, "Imagine a world without Protestantism. If you were a young Augustinian monk in the early decades of the sixteenth century, this is actually not such a difficult situation to imagine. For Luther, reality was a world without Protestantism. His choices were clear: either the Roman Catholic Church or paganism. As a monk, of course, he embraced the former. When Luther died in 1546, however, the world had changed drastically . . . Luther initiated a sea change of reform that would shake the entire world."
A deeply held commitment to Christ and the truth of His Word led these two people in history to take a stand that for one led to execution. The other certainly risked the possibility of death. Neither Lady Jane nor Luther were at all reluctant to distinguish truth from error, to recognize certain doctrines as true and others as false. Such commitment to truth seems rare in these days, when the highest values are tolerance and acceptance of all religions as equally valid.
The doctrine that many stake their claim on is that Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity--in fact, any religion--all have different routes to truth, but they are equally valuable ways that will lead to the same destination. Rather than distinguishing between truth and falsehood, they seek the common ground.
Reformers like Luther and Lady Jane made their sacrifices as they travelled the narrow, unpopular path that asserted that there is only one true gospel communicated clearly in Scripture, and its truths may not be compromised.
2/16/09
Words Aptly Spoken
Katie, Jonathan, and I worshiped at our "old" church yesterday morning. The baby boy of close friends was being baptized, so it was a good opportunity to celebrate with them and see some of the people that we went to church with for so many years. We hadn't been back since last summer, before the wedding.
It was good to see everyone, to talk to and catch up with our friends. It was nice to see some new faces, too--people that had come since we left. As I spoke with my friend K, though, I was struck by how some of our simplest gestures can have an impact far greater than we could imagine. K told me about one of the new members, a young lady who was accompanying the congregation's singing on the piano that morning. The young woman, a college student, just officially had become a member of the church the week before.
The first Sunday she visited, K had noticed her. K told me, "Normally I don't feel comfortable talking to visitors. Others are so much better at it." (And I understand. I have trouble greeting newcomers myself. I'm not shy, but there's some kind of insecurity that makes me reluctant to approach visitors, even though I know I should.) But K started talking with her and found out the young woman was pleased to find a church that still had an organ and piano, that still sang hymns from a hymnal. K connected the young woman with her daughter, who is around the same age, and some of the other girls in that age group. And now, a few months later, the young woman had become a member of the church. When K congratulated her for becoming a member of the church, the young woman told her, "You're the reason I stayed." K's simple gesture of welcome and friendliness had made an eternal impact.
It reminded me of a similar situation a few years ago when I was also looking for a church home. I was a young widow at the time, with two small children. We were just coming away from the loss of a husband and daddy and were reeling from a bitter, ugly church split that had resulted in our beloved pastor's leaving. It was time for us to find a new church as well.
It's a difficult enough thing to go to a new church where you know no one when you're by yourself. But in some ways it's even more difficult with two young children along for the experience. We had visited one congregation for about a month, and I had ruled it out because there were very few children, and most of those were boys. We had spent several months visiting another small congregation, where there were more children, but very few boys Jonathan's age. Finally, a minister friend had suggested we try what was then Beverly United Reformed Church. He thought it might be a good fit for us.
I had only ever attended small churches, and the crowd there in the school gym where the church was meeting while their new building was under construction was a little overwhelming. There were plenty of children, it seemed, and some warm welcomes. I began to think that this was perhaps the place for us, so we kept visiting, kept meeting people. But what finally made me know that this was the place was an elder who came and spoke with me, learning about who we were and what our situation was. As our conversation concluded, he looked at me with complete sincerity and said, "I hope you'll join our church." That did it. Eventually, we did. And that elder continued to be an encouragement through the years at that church, taking a special interest in my fatherless children, talking with them, playfully teasing them at times, showing them the love of a shepherd's heart.
And so I thought about the great significance of being what DHP author Randy Kilgore calls a ten-minute Christian. He's not suggesting a superficial approach, but rather simply acknowledging that sometimes that's all we have to leave an impression of Christ with someone, to show love and hospitality. And we have to make the most of those times, like K and like the elder that showed us so much kindness years ago. James talks about how great a matter a little fire can kindle, in reference to the damage that the tongue can inflict. How much more can the tongue then work for good, as we show hospitality and love for those that we come into contact with?
"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11).
It was good to see everyone, to talk to and catch up with our friends. It was nice to see some new faces, too--people that had come since we left. As I spoke with my friend K, though, I was struck by how some of our simplest gestures can have an impact far greater than we could imagine. K told me about one of the new members, a young lady who was accompanying the congregation's singing on the piano that morning. The young woman, a college student, just officially had become a member of the church the week before.
The first Sunday she visited, K had noticed her. K told me, "Normally I don't feel comfortable talking to visitors. Others are so much better at it." (And I understand. I have trouble greeting newcomers myself. I'm not shy, but there's some kind of insecurity that makes me reluctant to approach visitors, even though I know I should.) But K started talking with her and found out the young woman was pleased to find a church that still had an organ and piano, that still sang hymns from a hymnal. K connected the young woman with her daughter, who is around the same age, and some of the other girls in that age group. And now, a few months later, the young woman had become a member of the church. When K congratulated her for becoming a member of the church, the young woman told her, "You're the reason I stayed." K's simple gesture of welcome and friendliness had made an eternal impact.
It reminded me of a similar situation a few years ago when I was also looking for a church home. I was a young widow at the time, with two small children. We were just coming away from the loss of a husband and daddy and were reeling from a bitter, ugly church split that had resulted in our beloved pastor's leaving. It was time for us to find a new church as well.
It's a difficult enough thing to go to a new church where you know no one when you're by yourself. But in some ways it's even more difficult with two young children along for the experience. We had visited one congregation for about a month, and I had ruled it out because there were very few children, and most of those were boys. We had spent several months visiting another small congregation, where there were more children, but very few boys Jonathan's age. Finally, a minister friend had suggested we try what was then Beverly United Reformed Church. He thought it might be a good fit for us.
I had only ever attended small churches, and the crowd there in the school gym where the church was meeting while their new building was under construction was a little overwhelming. There were plenty of children, it seemed, and some warm welcomes. I began to think that this was perhaps the place for us, so we kept visiting, kept meeting people. But what finally made me know that this was the place was an elder who came and spoke with me, learning about who we were and what our situation was. As our conversation concluded, he looked at me with complete sincerity and said, "I hope you'll join our church." That did it. Eventually, we did. And that elder continued to be an encouragement through the years at that church, taking a special interest in my fatherless children, talking with them, playfully teasing them at times, showing them the love of a shepherd's heart.
And so I thought about the great significance of being what DHP author Randy Kilgore calls a ten-minute Christian. He's not suggesting a superficial approach, but rather simply acknowledging that sometimes that's all we have to leave an impression of Christ with someone, to show love and hospitality. And we have to make the most of those times, like K and like the elder that showed us so much kindness years ago. James talks about how great a matter a little fire can kindle, in reference to the damage that the tongue can inflict. How much more can the tongue then work for good, as we show hospitality and love for those that we come into contact with?
"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11).
10/6/08
Joy of the Father
It would seem that one of the many important questions that has emerged from this whole 2008 political campaign is how can and should a woman serve? Can she retain her femininity and be a strong player in the decisions and brokering that go on in the White House or the Senate chambers? Can we appreciate a woman who breaks the barriers and enters the arena of what traditionally, and especially in conservative Christian circles, has been the domain of men? What exactly does God call women to do, and how does He use them in history to accomplish His purposes? Where may they serve, and where may they not?
Two weeks ago, I rediscovered Abigail. I'd heard her story when I was a child and would see her name as I read through the Old Testament in later years, but it isn't one of those "big" Old Testament stories like Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark, David and Goliath, and Daniel and the lion's den, that gets much air time in the Sunday school curriculum. But our pastor, who is preaching through the life of David (and as someone who develops book ideas for a living, I can't help but think there's a great book in this sermon series), explained her role in such a beautiful way, that I've now come to admire her as one of my favorite women--even better than Sarah Palin and right up there with Ruth.
Abigail is one of those great women who affected lives and history--and yes, politics--not by being pushy or fighting for equal pay or even using her looks to get ahead. She rose to the fore by serving, by being wise, and just by being what God called her to be. Quietly tucked away in 1 Samuel 25, Abigail, whose name means "joy of the Father," is married to Nabal, a rich and powerful man whose name means "fool." Samuel has just died, and all Israel mourns his death. David, pursued by Saul, has moved into the Desert of Maon.
In the previous chapter, David had had an opportunity to kill Saul, and yet he spared his life. He's tired of being on the run, cut off from family and from corporate worship, literally fleeing for his life from a madman whose main purpose--despite the fact that he is king--seems to be destroying David. Into this story enters Abigail, who is described as intelligent and beautiful (my favorite feminine combination), and Nabal, who is "surly and mean in his dealings."
In his desperate, emotionally weakened state, David sends some of his men to provide protection for Nabal and his shepherds, hoping that Nabal will then provide a reward. When David's men propose this arrangement, Nabal shows his surliness, insults David and his men, and refuses them food and drink.
David is angry immediately, and he gathers his men and their swords and sets off to have his revenge. Bear in mind that this is the same man, who in the last chapter, has shown great strength in refusing to take revenge against Saul, a man who has made it his life's work to destroy David. Now he is ready to risk his reputation on Nabal, a fool, for simply refusing to meet David's demands for supplies.
From Nabal's servants Abigail learns of what her foolish husband has done. We're told that she loses no time in secretly pulling together a generous amount of food for David and his men. As she travels up the mountain, she meets David coming down, who has sworn not to leave any of Nabal's men alive. Abigail knows the importance of her mission. She believes that David is the Lord's anointed, that he will one day rule over the nation as king. She even makes reference to David's encounter with Goliath, when she reminds David that the lives of his enemies God "will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling." (Note: she's familiar with political and military history. And she's also aware of the Lord's promise to David, and she believes in its eventuality.) She knows that she has just prevented David from doing something foolish and rash, from damaging his reputation. She understands that she is God's instrument as she tells David, "the Lord has kept you from bloodshed and from avenging yourself."
David recognizes Abigail's wisdom. He immediately praises God for her good judgment, that she has kept him from bloodshed and vengeance. This future king understands that this woman has affected his life in a significant way: she has kept him from doing something wrong, something that would call his judgment and reputation into question; as our pastor pointed out, Abigail, in this sense, has become David's savior.
And the story ends well. It's hard to imagine that a smart woman like Abigail could have been happy and fulfilled being married to Nabal, a fool. Abigail bravely tells her husband what she has done, he has a heart attack, and ten days later "the Lord struck Nabal and he died."
And you probably know the rest. The fool's wife, who is anything but a fool and has saved David from becoming one, becomes David's wife. And to those who would claim that women in Old Testament culture were simply insignificant, unimportant, of little regard, would do well to look at how God used a beautiful, intelligent woman to counsel the man after His own heart, to preserve his reputation so that he could become a successful king who would lead his people to prosperity and would be the ancestor of the greatest King of all.
Two weeks ago, I rediscovered Abigail. I'd heard her story when I was a child and would see her name as I read through the Old Testament in later years, but it isn't one of those "big" Old Testament stories like Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark, David and Goliath, and Daniel and the lion's den, that gets much air time in the Sunday school curriculum. But our pastor, who is preaching through the life of David (and as someone who develops book ideas for a living, I can't help but think there's a great book in this sermon series), explained her role in such a beautiful way, that I've now come to admire her as one of my favorite women--even better than Sarah Palin and right up there with Ruth.
Abigail is one of those great women who affected lives and history--and yes, politics--not by being pushy or fighting for equal pay or even using her looks to get ahead. She rose to the fore by serving, by being wise, and just by being what God called her to be. Quietly tucked away in 1 Samuel 25, Abigail, whose name means "joy of the Father," is married to Nabal, a rich and powerful man whose name means "fool." Samuel has just died, and all Israel mourns his death. David, pursued by Saul, has moved into the Desert of Maon.
In the previous chapter, David had had an opportunity to kill Saul, and yet he spared his life. He's tired of being on the run, cut off from family and from corporate worship, literally fleeing for his life from a madman whose main purpose--despite the fact that he is king--seems to be destroying David. Into this story enters Abigail, who is described as intelligent and beautiful (my favorite feminine combination), and Nabal, who is "surly and mean in his dealings."
In his desperate, emotionally weakened state, David sends some of his men to provide protection for Nabal and his shepherds, hoping that Nabal will then provide a reward. When David's men propose this arrangement, Nabal shows his surliness, insults David and his men, and refuses them food and drink.
David is angry immediately, and he gathers his men and their swords and sets off to have his revenge. Bear in mind that this is the same man, who in the last chapter, has shown great strength in refusing to take revenge against Saul, a man who has made it his life's work to destroy David. Now he is ready to risk his reputation on Nabal, a fool, for simply refusing to meet David's demands for supplies.
From Nabal's servants Abigail learns of what her foolish husband has done. We're told that she loses no time in secretly pulling together a generous amount of food for David and his men. As she travels up the mountain, she meets David coming down, who has sworn not to leave any of Nabal's men alive. Abigail knows the importance of her mission. She believes that David is the Lord's anointed, that he will one day rule over the nation as king. She even makes reference to David's encounter with Goliath, when she reminds David that the lives of his enemies God "will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling." (Note: she's familiar with political and military history. And she's also aware of the Lord's promise to David, and she believes in its eventuality.) She knows that she has just prevented David from doing something foolish and rash, from damaging his reputation. She understands that she is God's instrument as she tells David, "the Lord has kept you from bloodshed and from avenging yourself."
David recognizes Abigail's wisdom. He immediately praises God for her good judgment, that she has kept him from bloodshed and vengeance. This future king understands that this woman has affected his life in a significant way: she has kept him from doing something wrong, something that would call his judgment and reputation into question; as our pastor pointed out, Abigail, in this sense, has become David's savior.
And the story ends well. It's hard to imagine that a smart woman like Abigail could have been happy and fulfilled being married to Nabal, a fool. Abigail bravely tells her husband what she has done, he has a heart attack, and ten days later "the Lord struck Nabal and he died."
And you probably know the rest. The fool's wife, who is anything but a fool and has saved David from becoming one, becomes David's wife. And to those who would claim that women in Old Testament culture were simply insignificant, unimportant, of little regard, would do well to look at how God used a beautiful, intelligent woman to counsel the man after His own heart, to preserve his reputation so that he could become a successful king who would lead his people to prosperity and would be the ancestor of the greatest King of all.
9/15/08
All the Days
You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well . . . All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ~Psalm 139:13, 16
One of the issues that has come to the forefront since Sarah Palin's nomination is the huge percentage of Down syndrome children that are aborted. I read today the heartbreaking statistic that 90 percent are aborted. Of course Baby Trig Palin has shown the world how beautiful he is and how much his family--and all of us--would have missed had his parents made that awful choice.
But before Trig, I knew how beautiful Down syndrome children are because of Gavin. He was born with Down syndrome and serious heart defects. Since birth, he has had five surgeries, numerous hospitalizations for months at a time, and a stroke that has made his future development a big question mark for his family. His parents did not know before he was born that Gavin had Down syndrome, and I know that they are faithful Christians who would never have considered ending Gavin's life, but they have galliantly risen to this surprising challenge and cared for and loved him with faith in and thankfulness to God. They see Gavin as a blessing, in spite of the difficulties they have all faced in his little life.
Our church family has cheered as Gavin first simply lived. And from there we have rejoiced as the seizures that once frequently troubled him have stopped. He hasn't been hospitalized in nearly a year. And he has learned to smile. What a gift from God!
Gavin is two today, a birthday celebration his family hasn't always known they would be able to celebrate. So celebrate life; the unique way God creates each one of us; the ways He uses to teach us gratitude and love for one another; brave parents like Gavin's mom and dad and the Palins, who hold tightly to their little ones with one hand while clinging to God with the other; and celebrate Gavin and his smiles and the way God shows us His strength in our weakness. Happy birthday, Gavin!
And if you want to see just how cute Gavin is, and just how much progress he has made, check out his mom's photo show here.
One of the issues that has come to the forefront since Sarah Palin's nomination is the huge percentage of Down syndrome children that are aborted. I read today the heartbreaking statistic that 90 percent are aborted. Of course Baby Trig Palin has shown the world how beautiful he is and how much his family--and all of us--would have missed had his parents made that awful choice.
But before Trig, I knew how beautiful Down syndrome children are because of Gavin. He was born with Down syndrome and serious heart defects. Since birth, he has had five surgeries, numerous hospitalizations for months at a time, and a stroke that has made his future development a big question mark for his family. His parents did not know before he was born that Gavin had Down syndrome, and I know that they are faithful Christians who would never have considered ending Gavin's life, but they have galliantly risen to this surprising challenge and cared for and loved him with faith in and thankfulness to God. They see Gavin as a blessing, in spite of the difficulties they have all faced in his little life.
Our church family has cheered as Gavin first simply lived. And from there we have rejoiced as the seizures that once frequently troubled him have stopped. He hasn't been hospitalized in nearly a year. And he has learned to smile. What a gift from God!
Gavin is two today, a birthday celebration his family hasn't always known they would be able to celebrate. So celebrate life; the unique way God creates each one of us; the ways He uses to teach us gratitude and love for one another; brave parents like Gavin's mom and dad and the Palins, who hold tightly to their little ones with one hand while clinging to God with the other; and celebrate Gavin and his smiles and the way God shows us His strength in our weakness. Happy birthday, Gavin!
And if you want to see just how cute Gavin is, and just how much progress he has made, check out his mom's photo show here.
2/18/08
Gavin's Voice
I've added a new blog to my list of "other interesting sites": Gavin's Voice. Gavin's mom is the blogger, and her site is just a marvel of inspiration and information. Gavin's family goes to our church, and the journey they have all been travelling the past year and a half is an amazing one.
Gavin was born in September 2006, the fourth boy in his family. Unlike his three older brothers, however, Gavin suffered complications and was diagnosed with Down syndrome. He had all kinds of health problems (heart defects, at one point a stroke), and spent most of the first year of his life in the hospital both in Ann Arbor and here in Grand Rapids. It's not clear how much Gavin will be able to develop; he's continued to suffer seizures for sometime, but thankfully has enjoyed some respite from them the last few weeks. And yet, he's taught all of us who have followed his story so much about faith in God, courage, perseverance, and how God continues to care for His people in the storms of life.
Actually, we've learned a lot from Gavin's mom, Alicia, and his dad, Joel, too. And his three older brothers make us smile from time to time with their boy mischief and humor. If you're looking for some inspiration, some insight into what it's like for a family with a special needs child like Gavin, and some adorable photography, check out Gavin's Voice. He and his family are among my favorite super heroes!
Gavin was born in September 2006, the fourth boy in his family. Unlike his three older brothers, however, Gavin suffered complications and was diagnosed with Down syndrome. He had all kinds of health problems (heart defects, at one point a stroke), and spent most of the first year of his life in the hospital both in Ann Arbor and here in Grand Rapids. It's not clear how much Gavin will be able to develop; he's continued to suffer seizures for sometime, but thankfully has enjoyed some respite from them the last few weeks. And yet, he's taught all of us who have followed his story so much about faith in God, courage, perseverance, and how God continues to care for His people in the storms of life.
Actually, we've learned a lot from Gavin's mom, Alicia, and his dad, Joel, too. And his three older brothers make us smile from time to time with their boy mischief and humor. If you're looking for some inspiration, some insight into what it's like for a family with a special needs child like Gavin, and some adorable photography, check out Gavin's Voice. He and his family are among my favorite super heroes!
12/26/07
Happy Birthday, Henry!
Unbelievable--the new man in my life not only has one of those dreaded, close-to-Christmas birthdays, it is the day after my dad's. And I will spend the rest of my life making sure that it isn't forgotten in the Christmas rush. Henry's birthday is definitely a day of celebration. And so here it is--my first birthday tribute to my fiance. (I really love typing that!)
1. His passion for God. One of the first things I knew was true of Henry was his love for God and his faithfulness to Him. We've had great theology conversations, and we've also had very down-to-earth talks about what it has meant for us to live out our faith in our lives. I'm still lobbying to come to his men's- only Bible study on Romans, but I don't think he's going to cave on that one.
2. He's a gentleman. Move over, Mr. Darcy! I have Henry, who, in all of our time together so far, has never failed to open a door for me, who brings me flowers (usually roses) every week, and helps me with my coat. He has always treated me like a lady, which makes me want to always behave like one (a good thing).
3. His musical ability. Early on when Henry and I were dating, a mutual friend told me that Henry had a great tenor voice, and while I knew from our conversations that he loved singing, I never really had an opportunity to hear him sing until last spring when we attended a conference together. I heard this amazing tenor voice during the congregational singing, and I kept turning my head to see if I could figure out where it was coming from. And then I realized--it was coming from Henry, right next to me. And I look forward to a future of singing with him at home, in church, and in choirs. I love it that we share this.
4. His love for simple pleasures. Going for a walk, looking at the moon, sitting by the lake watching ducks, and insects--Henry finds all of God's creation genuinely exciting and fascinating, which makes it exciting and fascinating to be with him.
5. His sense of romance. You'll just have to take my word on this one.
6. His love for Katie and Jonathan. He talks art with Katie, and I think he's using The Dangerous Book for Boys as an outline to bring Jonathan up to speed in "guy activities." He really understands and enjoys kids, and my two have learned this and know that he's a special person.
7. His kindness. Earlier in our relationship, I invited Henry over one Sunday evening. He couldn't come because he was having tea with an older lady in his church. And a couple of weeks ago when church was cancelled on a Sunday morning, he had quite a time helping an elderly lady get a prescription she needed. He can frequently be found visiting his sick friends from church, and he calls to check on them. He changes my light bulbs, shovels my walks, and is probably the nicest person I have ever known.
8. His great sense of humor and his appreciation of sarcasm. It's an essential at our house--sarcasm is just part of the fabric of our home. And here Henry fits right in. And it makes me feel good to know I've said something he finds funny and he laughs. It's a great laugh.
9. His integrity. Every word and action is carefully thought through, so that every word and action is meaningful and can be trusted.
10. He loves me and has asked me to marry him and has given me the most gorgeous engagement ring in the world (see December 24 post).
I am so blessed to have this wonderful man in my life! Happy birthday!
1. His passion for God. One of the first things I knew was true of Henry was his love for God and his faithfulness to Him. We've had great theology conversations, and we've also had very down-to-earth talks about what it has meant for us to live out our faith in our lives. I'm still lobbying to come to his men's- only Bible study on Romans, but I don't think he's going to cave on that one.
2. He's a gentleman. Move over, Mr. Darcy! I have Henry, who, in all of our time together so far, has never failed to open a door for me, who brings me flowers (usually roses) every week, and helps me with my coat. He has always treated me like a lady, which makes me want to always behave like one (a good thing).
3. His musical ability. Early on when Henry and I were dating, a mutual friend told me that Henry had a great tenor voice, and while I knew from our conversations that he loved singing, I never really had an opportunity to hear him sing until last spring when we attended a conference together. I heard this amazing tenor voice during the congregational singing, and I kept turning my head to see if I could figure out where it was coming from. And then I realized--it was coming from Henry, right next to me. And I look forward to a future of singing with him at home, in church, and in choirs. I love it that we share this.
4. His love for simple pleasures. Going for a walk, looking at the moon, sitting by the lake watching ducks, and insects--Henry finds all of God's creation genuinely exciting and fascinating, which makes it exciting and fascinating to be with him.
5. His sense of romance. You'll just have to take my word on this one.
6. His love for Katie and Jonathan. He talks art with Katie, and I think he's using The Dangerous Book for Boys as an outline to bring Jonathan up to speed in "guy activities." He really understands and enjoys kids, and my two have learned this and know that he's a special person.
7. His kindness. Earlier in our relationship, I invited Henry over one Sunday evening. He couldn't come because he was having tea with an older lady in his church. And a couple of weeks ago when church was cancelled on a Sunday morning, he had quite a time helping an elderly lady get a prescription she needed. He can frequently be found visiting his sick friends from church, and he calls to check on them. He changes my light bulbs, shovels my walks, and is probably the nicest person I have ever known.
8. His great sense of humor and his appreciation of sarcasm. It's an essential at our house--sarcasm is just part of the fabric of our home. And here Henry fits right in. And it makes me feel good to know I've said something he finds funny and he laughs. It's a great laugh.
9. His integrity. Every word and action is carefully thought through, so that every word and action is meaningful and can be trusted.
10. He loves me and has asked me to marry him and has given me the most gorgeous engagement ring in the world (see December 24 post).
I am so blessed to have this wonderful man in my life! Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday, Dad!
My dad's birthday comes at what, unfortunately, is a time when it can easily slide through the cracks: December 22. We did actually celebrate his birthday on his birthday this year with dinner at LongHorn Restaurant, but with a poinsettia decorating his birthday cake, it was impossible not to think of that other big day that would soon be coming up. And so, here it is, December 26, and I just now have the opportunity to write his birthday blog posting. So here it is--the things I love most about my dad.
1. His love for and faithfulness to God. In word and deed, my dad has taught his children and grandchildren the importance of obedience to God. He taught us that it is important to understand what the Bible teaches and what we believe. It was from my dad that I first learned the doctrines of TULIP, setting me on the path of a Calvinistic faith from an early age.
2. His love for music. My dad loves to sing, so when his children showed an interest in music as well, he did all he could to support us. He taught me to be a good accompanist on the piano, and he made sure that I had excellent piano instruction all through high school. He would come home from working all day, pick me up, and then drive me to Bowling Green, Ohio, about a 45-minute drive one way, so that I could take lessons from instructors in Bowling Green State University's School of Music. And I still love playing the piano and singing today.
3. His thoughtfulness and kind treatment of others. My dad lives out his faith. He is always available to help someone in need, whether it's a struggling family member, a friend from church, or my kids and me. He may be replacing my furnace filter, driving an ill friend to an appointment, or making a color-coded schedule of Jonathan's classes for him to tape into his notebook. If there is something he can do, he will.
4. His good sense of humor and the way he makes us laugh (and takes it well). He teases Katie, spills food on his shirt at dinner, or plays his Taco Bell Taco Maker game, always making us laugh.
5. His strength. In a time of difficulty, there is something reassuring about having my dad around. In the brief time of my little sister's consciousness after her car accident, she was confused, in pain, and agitated at times. That was when we would call my dad in to calm her down, and it always worked.
He can also calm Jonathan like no one else. It's comforting to have someone with his strength around.
6. His sense of honesty and integrity. He has always set a great example of being truthful and fair with others.
7. His dedication and commitment to his family. After God, family comes next with my dad. He and my mom moved from the town where he had always lived in Ohio to Grand Rapids to be a support system for me, Katie, and Jonathan. And he's stepped up to be dad and grandpa at times for my kids. I love the special bond he and Jonathan, especially, share. And I love it that when Katie wants someone to teach her to drive, she turns to grandpa. He's definitely NOT the same man who taught me to drive.
8. He makes the best homemade ice cream in the world. Ice cream parties used to be a more common occurrence when I was a child, but I have many fond memories of family get-togethers where my dad supplied the big treat: homemade vanilla ice cream.
9. His emphasis on excellence. I'll never forget a conversation I had with my dad back in high school, on one of those long trips back from piano lessons. We were talking about my future, and at the time I was thinking of majoring in music. He told me that Christians truly had something to make music about, and that they should be the best that they could be in their service to God. It's stuck with me all these years.
10. He can fix anything. Or if he can't, he at least knows what is wrong and what to do about it.
Happy birthday to my excellent dad!
1. His love for and faithfulness to God. In word and deed, my dad has taught his children and grandchildren the importance of obedience to God. He taught us that it is important to understand what the Bible teaches and what we believe. It was from my dad that I first learned the doctrines of TULIP, setting me on the path of a Calvinistic faith from an early age.
2. His love for music. My dad loves to sing, so when his children showed an interest in music as well, he did all he could to support us. He taught me to be a good accompanist on the piano, and he made sure that I had excellent piano instruction all through high school. He would come home from working all day, pick me up, and then drive me to Bowling Green, Ohio, about a 45-minute drive one way, so that I could take lessons from instructors in Bowling Green State University's School of Music. And I still love playing the piano and singing today.
3. His thoughtfulness and kind treatment of others. My dad lives out his faith. He is always available to help someone in need, whether it's a struggling family member, a friend from church, or my kids and me. He may be replacing my furnace filter, driving an ill friend to an appointment, or making a color-coded schedule of Jonathan's classes for him to tape into his notebook. If there is something he can do, he will.
4. His good sense of humor and the way he makes us laugh (and takes it well). He teases Katie, spills food on his shirt at dinner, or plays his Taco Bell Taco Maker game, always making us laugh.
5. His strength. In a time of difficulty, there is something reassuring about having my dad around. In the brief time of my little sister's consciousness after her car accident, she was confused, in pain, and agitated at times. That was when we would call my dad in to calm her down, and it always worked.
He can also calm Jonathan like no one else. It's comforting to have someone with his strength around.
6. His sense of honesty and integrity. He has always set a great example of being truthful and fair with others.
7. His dedication and commitment to his family. After God, family comes next with my dad. He and my mom moved from the town where he had always lived in Ohio to Grand Rapids to be a support system for me, Katie, and Jonathan. And he's stepped up to be dad and grandpa at times for my kids. I love the special bond he and Jonathan, especially, share. And I love it that when Katie wants someone to teach her to drive, she turns to grandpa. He's definitely NOT the same man who taught me to drive.
8. He makes the best homemade ice cream in the world. Ice cream parties used to be a more common occurrence when I was a child, but I have many fond memories of family get-togethers where my dad supplied the big treat: homemade vanilla ice cream.
9. His emphasis on excellence. I'll never forget a conversation I had with my dad back in high school, on one of those long trips back from piano lessons. We were talking about my future, and at the time I was thinking of majoring in music. He told me that Christians truly had something to make music about, and that they should be the best that they could be in their service to God. It's stuck with me all these years.
10. He can fix anything. Or if he can't, he at least knows what is wrong and what to do about it.
Happy birthday to my excellent dad!
12/15/07
An Unexpected Journey
It has almost become a new genre in Christian biography--"telling my story." Young writers like Lauren Winner (Girl Meets God) and Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz) have made huge entries in the Christian book market (Miller especially) with their sometimes interesting, somewhat stream-of-consciousness, reflections and personal insights on becoming a Christian and their own experiences living the Christian life. The reader comes away with a pretty good understanding of who Lauren Winner and Donald Miller are.
In the last couple of months, I've had an opportunity to read two books that would land in the Christian biography category that have conveyed personal experience in a profound, insightful way that directs the reader back to God. One of those books was Things We Couldn't Say by Diet Eman, a woman who worked in the Dutch Resistance during World War II and spent time in prison for her efforts. It's an amazing story of courage and love, and I would encourage young women, especially, to read it and find another great heroine.
But another book that has left a wonderful impression is by W. Robert Godfrey, president of Westminster Seminary in Escondido, California. The book, An Unexpected Journey: Discovering Reformed Christianity, is a warm, personal look at his experience of embracing Calvinism and the Reformed faith. As a person who grew up in the Baptist church, finding the Reformed faith in my twenties, I connected immediately with the author's experience. It also helped that I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Godfrey this fall at Reformed Fellowship's annual meeting and heard him lecture about his passion, John Calvin. I was struck by Dr. Godfrey's genuineness, and while it is immediately clear that he is incredibly learned and intelligent, it doesn't prevent him from communicating on a very down-to-earth, personable level.
It is an interesting experience, coming from the "outside" to the Reformed faith, especially the Reformed faith of the Dutch variety. Dr. Godfrey grew up in California, and his parents were Methodists who only occasionally attended church. As a junior in high school, Dr. Godfrey met his "first Calvinist," a co-member of the high school swim team whose family were members of the local Christian Reformed Church. Reflecting on his preliminary reading, the author explains: "I believe that one particular part of Calvin's message appealed to me. It was the teaching of a great and sovereign God who was truly in charge of all things." God used these early encounters with a Reformed family and a Reformed church to form Dr. Godfrey into a man who now is a great scholar, educator, and minister in the United Reformed Churches.
And yet this book is not a high-minded, intellectual exposition on Calvinism. Godfrey sets out to give a personal account of what it is to be Reformed: "For too many, Calvinism has seemed either an intellectual exercise in theology or an inherited and often unexamined religious commitment. But as I have experienced it, Reformed Christianity is not simply an inherited tradition or an expression of intellectual theology. I believe that Reformed Christianity is the best, fullest form of biblical religion." This introductory claim is developed throughout the rest of the book as Godfrey explores different aspects of the historic Reformed faith, such as congregational life, Christian disciplines, and worship.
It would seem that the intended audience for this book would be those who want to understand what the Reformed faith is and what it means to be a Calvinist. But I thought as I read how helpful and encouraging it was to be a committed, Reformed Christian reading this book, being reminded of just how precious that faith is.
Michael Horton's endorsement on the back cover of the book sums it up well: "Although written in autobiographical form, this book is really about God. Regardless of one's theological background, any believer can read with great edification this hymn to God's grace in Christ."
And that is the significant difference in this contribution to Christian biography: Dr. Godfrey drives the reader back to God, His Word, and His truth and how blessed we are to live in the comfort of that truth. What a great gift to the church both Dr. Godfrey and this book are.
In the last couple of months, I've had an opportunity to read two books that would land in the Christian biography category that have conveyed personal experience in a profound, insightful way that directs the reader back to God. One of those books was Things We Couldn't Say by Diet Eman, a woman who worked in the Dutch Resistance during World War II and spent time in prison for her efforts. It's an amazing story of courage and love, and I would encourage young women, especially, to read it and find another great heroine.
But another book that has left a wonderful impression is by W. Robert Godfrey, president of Westminster Seminary in Escondido, California. The book, An Unexpected Journey: Discovering Reformed Christianity, is a warm, personal look at his experience of embracing Calvinism and the Reformed faith. As a person who grew up in the Baptist church, finding the Reformed faith in my twenties, I connected immediately with the author's experience. It also helped that I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Godfrey this fall at Reformed Fellowship's annual meeting and heard him lecture about his passion, John Calvin. I was struck by Dr. Godfrey's genuineness, and while it is immediately clear that he is incredibly learned and intelligent, it doesn't prevent him from communicating on a very down-to-earth, personable level.
It is an interesting experience, coming from the "outside" to the Reformed faith, especially the Reformed faith of the Dutch variety. Dr. Godfrey grew up in California, and his parents were Methodists who only occasionally attended church. As a junior in high school, Dr. Godfrey met his "first Calvinist," a co-member of the high school swim team whose family were members of the local Christian Reformed Church. Reflecting on his preliminary reading, the author explains: "I believe that one particular part of Calvin's message appealed to me. It was the teaching of a great and sovereign God who was truly in charge of all things." God used these early encounters with a Reformed family and a Reformed church to form Dr. Godfrey into a man who now is a great scholar, educator, and minister in the United Reformed Churches.
And yet this book is not a high-minded, intellectual exposition on Calvinism. Godfrey sets out to give a personal account of what it is to be Reformed: "For too many, Calvinism has seemed either an intellectual exercise in theology or an inherited and often unexamined religious commitment. But as I have experienced it, Reformed Christianity is not simply an inherited tradition or an expression of intellectual theology. I believe that Reformed Christianity is the best, fullest form of biblical religion." This introductory claim is developed throughout the rest of the book as Godfrey explores different aspects of the historic Reformed faith, such as congregational life, Christian disciplines, and worship.
It would seem that the intended audience for this book would be those who want to understand what the Reformed faith is and what it means to be a Calvinist. But I thought as I read how helpful and encouraging it was to be a committed, Reformed Christian reading this book, being reminded of just how precious that faith is.
Michael Horton's endorsement on the back cover of the book sums it up well: "Although written in autobiographical form, this book is really about God. Regardless of one's theological background, any believer can read with great edification this hymn to God's grace in Christ."
And that is the significant difference in this contribution to Christian biography: Dr. Godfrey drives the reader back to God, His Word, and His truth and how blessed we are to live in the comfort of that truth. What a great gift to the church both Dr. Godfrey and this book are.
10/25/07
California Fire Update
As things seem to be more under control with the California fires, I am thankful to report that Pastor Hyde and his family and the families in his congregation made it through without loss, as did Westminster Seminary. However, among the many Californians who lost their homes were two URC families, one in Escondido and one in Santee. Also, one of the brave fire fighters who served well is a member of the Oceanside URC congregation. For more detailed and accurate information about these families, click on the Oceanside URC blog at the right and go to Dr. Scott Clark's Heidelblog. He even includes information for those who would like to provide financial assistance for the two families, who have lost all of their possessions.
7/2/07
Doulos
Today at RBC Ministries we were treated to a special chapel with Michael Card. Although Michael is not an official member of RBC Ministries, he has been in several Day of Discovery programs, has produced a CD with Discovery House Music, and has published one book with Discovery House Publishers (which I edited) and has two more scheduled for publication (and I'm editing at least the first one). Last night he sang at Grand Haven, so he made his way to RBC today for our chapel.
These days Michael prefers to be known as a teacher rather than a musician, but I don't think his fans will ever let him forget his music. He had only a half hour today, so he accompanied us accoustically on some familiar hymns and then talked about one of his favorite current themes, being a slave.
Michael is always so insightful and explains the truths of Scripture in such a winsome way, and today, in just a few minutes, he talked about the blessings of being a slave of Jesus Christ. He pointed out that the question is not whether a person wants to be a slave; the question is who will we be a slave to. We will be a slave to Christ, or we will be a slave to sin, and it is only in being a slave to Christ that there is true freedom. He explained that the Greek word doulos is the word usually translated "servant," and the KJV translators tried to avoid the word "slave" because it really wasn't something anyone wanted to be. And yet Mary, who says she is the Lord's handmaiden in her Magnificat, is really saying that she is the Lord's slave.
And all of this tied in with the project I've been working on--the persecuted church book. I've been astounded at just how much is asked of Jesus' slaves in other countries and what a trust has been placed in those who have been found worthy to die for Him. And while I'm very thankful that in the United States we have the freedom to worship, to publish and distribute Bibles and Christian literature, to boldly declare our faith without legal repercussions, it makes me wonder about our ability to persevere--our lives are so easy here.
I've also been impressed with the hatred others have for Christ and His people. In story after story, I am amazed at the lengths the haters of God will go to in their attempts to destroy His gospel and prevent it from being spread. It isn't enough that Christian ministers and heads of organizations are illegally imprisoned; they are thrown into the worst prisons after being brutally tortured and given the longest possible sentences. It isn't enough that Christians are murdered; they are tortured to death and dismembered in hideous ways.
The story so far that has most touched my heart is an incident that occurred in Turkey in April. A young pastor, Necati Aydin, operated a publishing house that distributed Bibles and Christian literature. He, Tilmann Geske, a German translator, and Ugur, a co-worker were brutally martyred in April of this year by a group of five young (19-20 years) Muslims who had posed as "seekers" for several months, winning these Christian men's trust. These young men tortured the Christians for three hours one morning before being discovered and then killing their victims. The wives of these men and the church in Turkey have responded in such a Christ-honoring way. Please go to this link and read the letter that the Turkish church has written to the "global church" about this incident: http://www.persecution.com/news/index.cfm?action=fullstory&newsID=511
It is tragic and beautiful at the same time; disheartening that humans could treat other humans in such a way, yet encouraging to see how God preserves His people and His church--to see that no matter how hard the darkness tries to put out the light of truth, it cannot. And it's another look at just what is required of some who are slaves of Jesus Christ.
These days Michael prefers to be known as a teacher rather than a musician, but I don't think his fans will ever let him forget his music. He had only a half hour today, so he accompanied us accoustically on some familiar hymns and then talked about one of his favorite current themes, being a slave.
Michael is always so insightful and explains the truths of Scripture in such a winsome way, and today, in just a few minutes, he talked about the blessings of being a slave of Jesus Christ. He pointed out that the question is not whether a person wants to be a slave; the question is who will we be a slave to. We will be a slave to Christ, or we will be a slave to sin, and it is only in being a slave to Christ that there is true freedom. He explained that the Greek word doulos is the word usually translated "servant," and the KJV translators tried to avoid the word "slave" because it really wasn't something anyone wanted to be. And yet Mary, who says she is the Lord's handmaiden in her Magnificat, is really saying that she is the Lord's slave.
And all of this tied in with the project I've been working on--the persecuted church book. I've been astounded at just how much is asked of Jesus' slaves in other countries and what a trust has been placed in those who have been found worthy to die for Him. And while I'm very thankful that in the United States we have the freedom to worship, to publish and distribute Bibles and Christian literature, to boldly declare our faith without legal repercussions, it makes me wonder about our ability to persevere--our lives are so easy here.
I've also been impressed with the hatred others have for Christ and His people. In story after story, I am amazed at the lengths the haters of God will go to in their attempts to destroy His gospel and prevent it from being spread. It isn't enough that Christian ministers and heads of organizations are illegally imprisoned; they are thrown into the worst prisons after being brutally tortured and given the longest possible sentences. It isn't enough that Christians are murdered; they are tortured to death and dismembered in hideous ways.
The story so far that has most touched my heart is an incident that occurred in Turkey in April. A young pastor, Necati Aydin, operated a publishing house that distributed Bibles and Christian literature. He, Tilmann Geske, a German translator, and Ugur, a co-worker were brutally martyred in April of this year by a group of five young (19-20 years) Muslims who had posed as "seekers" for several months, winning these Christian men's trust. These young men tortured the Christians for three hours one morning before being discovered and then killing their victims. The wives of these men and the church in Turkey have responded in such a Christ-honoring way. Please go to this link and read the letter that the Turkish church has written to the "global church" about this incident: http://www.persecution.com/news/index.cfm?action=fullstory&newsID=511
It is tragic and beautiful at the same time; disheartening that humans could treat other humans in such a way, yet encouraging to see how God preserves His people and His church--to see that no matter how hard the darkness tries to put out the light of truth, it cannot. And it's another look at just what is required of some who are slaves of Jesus Christ.
2/26/07
Vision for God
It's the final few days of February, it's Monday, I'm tired, it's still snowing, and I still have to help Jonathan study for an American history test . . . So it would appear that all of you, dear readers, are in for another "good book" posting.
Yes, there are other books out there besides those published by Discovery House, but this is my world, and I have come to know many of these books like a good friend. One of the books I am pleased to have had a (small) part in is Vision for God by Dr. Margaret Brand and her son-in-law, James Jost.
Dr. Margaret and her husband, Dr. Paul Brand, author of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, are best known for their pioneering work in the treatment of Hansen's disease, first in India and then in Carville, Louisiana. This book was born when Dr. Margaret's family decided they wanted to record her stories of the family's history and their adventures in medical missions. Eventually it turned into a manuscript of sorts, which Discovery House's managing editor pared down to about half its original size into the book I am now holding in my hands. (You can hold it in your hands by clicking on the link for DHP and placing your order!) I actually got to meet Dr. Margaret shortly after I began working at Discovery House when she and her daughter and son-in-law came to visit our offices. Even in her late eighties, Dr. Margaret's eyes twinkle and her British accent drew us in as she shared stories of her work in India and her genuine desire to serve God. I think this book is even more meaningful to me for having met her in person.
Dr. Margaret grew up in South Africa, was educated in boarding schools, and went to medical school during World War II in London. There's enough material in her pre-marriage life for an exciting book, but the story continues. She met Paul Brand when they were both in medical school, and the two of them eventually got married and went to India to work as medical missionaries. They worked there for eighteen years, raising six children along the way, and then, after establishing themselves as experts in treating Hansen's disease (leprosy), they worked in Carville, Louisiana for twenty-two years at the U.S.'s National Hansen's Disease Center.
More on the book itself:
Philip Yancey's foreword to this fascinating memoir sums it up best: "It would be difficult to invent a life more full of adventure than Margaret Brand's." This colorful and delightful memoir tells the story of Dr. Margaret Brand, a medical pioneer in the treatment of leprosy ophthalmology. From her childhood in South Africa to her World War II medical training in London to her world-renowned work with victims of Hansen's disease (leprosy) in both India and Carville, Louisiana, Dr. Brand's biography is a "can't put it down" story that demonstrates that truth can be even more amazing than fiction. "Dr. Margaret" is a skilled storyteller, and her surgeon son-in-law, James Jost, has done us all a great service by coauthoring her story and bringing it to print. Dr. Margaret's service to God, her family, and those around her suffering from a once mysterious and debilitating disease will inspire readers.
This is not your (let's be honest) "ho-hum" missionary story, complete with slide presentation, snakes, lizards, nasty-looking food, and people scantily clothed in their native garb. Dr. Margaret and her family did encounter wild animals, sickness, injury, danger, and just downright exciting adventure wherever they went. With humor, poignancy, and humility, Dr. Margaret tells her story of lifetime service and Christian faith.
Yes, there are other books out there besides those published by Discovery House, but this is my world, and I have come to know many of these books like a good friend. One of the books I am pleased to have had a (small) part in is Vision for God by Dr. Margaret Brand and her son-in-law, James Jost.
Dr. Margaret and her husband, Dr. Paul Brand, author of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, are best known for their pioneering work in the treatment of Hansen's disease, first in India and then in Carville, Louisiana. This book was born when Dr. Margaret's family decided they wanted to record her stories of the family's history and their adventures in medical missions. Eventually it turned into a manuscript of sorts, which Discovery House's managing editor pared down to about half its original size into the book I am now holding in my hands. (You can hold it in your hands by clicking on the link for DHP and placing your order!) I actually got to meet Dr. Margaret shortly after I began working at Discovery House when she and her daughter and son-in-law came to visit our offices. Even in her late eighties, Dr. Margaret's eyes twinkle and her British accent drew us in as she shared stories of her work in India and her genuine desire to serve God. I think this book is even more meaningful to me for having met her in person.
Dr. Margaret grew up in South Africa, was educated in boarding schools, and went to medical school during World War II in London. There's enough material in her pre-marriage life for an exciting book, but the story continues. She met Paul Brand when they were both in medical school, and the two of them eventually got married and went to India to work as medical missionaries. They worked there for eighteen years, raising six children along the way, and then, after establishing themselves as experts in treating Hansen's disease (leprosy), they worked in Carville, Louisiana for twenty-two years at the U.S.'s National Hansen's Disease Center.
More on the book itself:
Philip Yancey's foreword to this fascinating memoir sums it up best: "It would be difficult to invent a life more full of adventure than Margaret Brand's." This colorful and delightful memoir tells the story of Dr. Margaret Brand, a medical pioneer in the treatment of leprosy ophthalmology. From her childhood in South Africa to her World War II medical training in London to her world-renowned work with victims of Hansen's disease (leprosy) in both India and Carville, Louisiana, Dr. Brand's biography is a "can't put it down" story that demonstrates that truth can be even more amazing than fiction. "Dr. Margaret" is a skilled storyteller, and her surgeon son-in-law, James Jost, has done us all a great service by coauthoring her story and bringing it to print. Dr. Margaret's service to God, her family, and those around her suffering from a once mysterious and debilitating disease will inspire readers.
This is not your (let's be honest) "ho-hum" missionary story, complete with slide presentation, snakes, lizards, nasty-looking food, and people scantily clothed in their native garb. Dr. Margaret and her family did encounter wild animals, sickness, injury, danger, and just downright exciting adventure wherever they went. With humor, poignancy, and humility, Dr. Margaret tells her story of lifetime service and Christian faith.
1/30/07
Gavin
At four-and-a-half months old, Gavin knows far more of hospitals and doctors than some of us will ever know. He was born with Down's Syndrome and serious heart defects. Right now he is living in the children's hospital in Ann Arbor, where he had heart surgery in early January. His mom stays with him there, and his dad and three older brothers remain at home and visit on the weekends. Pictures of Gavin reveal an adorable baby boy who has a loving family, but some of the pictures look like lots and lots of tubes and medical equipment, with a teeny baby attached. But for such a little person, Gavin has assumed a large presence in our home and obviously in the homes of his other family members and friends.
Gavin and his family are members of the same church our family attends. Every day I check his mom's CarePages blog to see how Gavin is, and when I come home from work, my children want a report about Gavin. We pray for him, his family, and his doctors and nurses each night during family devotions. After what looked to be a promising surgery and some slow but steady progress, the last two days have been discouraging as Gavin's condition has worsened. Understandably, Gavin's mom wants to take him home so she can take care of him and the rest of her family too.
Gavin may have experienced far too much pain and sickness for such a small boy, but he also knows an amazing love that, sadly for them, some children will never know. That's another thing that pictures of him and his family show. I am always moved when our pastor prays for Gavin each week; he often refers to Gavin as "the weakest among us." But it's okay that he's the weakest among us; even the strongest among us is weak. We all need that power that is made perfect in weakness, that only comfort (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). It is good to know that even the weakest among us is protected by the strongest Strength possible, and in that, even the weakest among us is strong.
Please pray for Gavin and his family if they come to mind, that God will renew their strength as they persevere through this time of sickness and trial.
Gavin and his family are members of the same church our family attends. Every day I check his mom's CarePages blog to see how Gavin is, and when I come home from work, my children want a report about Gavin. We pray for him, his family, and his doctors and nurses each night during family devotions. After what looked to be a promising surgery and some slow but steady progress, the last two days have been discouraging as Gavin's condition has worsened. Understandably, Gavin's mom wants to take him home so she can take care of him and the rest of her family too.
Gavin may have experienced far too much pain and sickness for such a small boy, but he also knows an amazing love that, sadly for them, some children will never know. That's another thing that pictures of him and his family show. I am always moved when our pastor prays for Gavin each week; he often refers to Gavin as "the weakest among us." But it's okay that he's the weakest among us; even the strongest among us is weak. We all need that power that is made perfect in weakness, that only comfort (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). It is good to know that even the weakest among us is protected by the strongest Strength possible, and in that, even the weakest among us is strong.
Please pray for Gavin and his family if they come to mind, that God will renew their strength as they persevere through this time of sickness and trial.
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