I’m continually humbled how God provides for Renovation Community through his generous people.
“we have proved that it is a very safe thing to trust in the Lord our God.” -Missionary Amy Carmichael
He is faithful.
A Very Safe Thing
Social Media New Year’s Resolution
Christian friends,
May I suggest for you a Social Media New Year’s Resolution?
It’s guaranteed to increase the times you obey Jesus’ teachings, reduce the chances you’ll look like a total JERK, and *might* increase the chance someone starts following the Jesus you say you love. BONUS, it’s straight from the Bible (ish):
Resolve
In 2020, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—type and share about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Post and share nothing online out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Philippians 2:3)
Before typing, remember a soft answer online turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
Clothe your online personality with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
Remember you are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your fingers whenever you type and click “share.” (1 Corinthians 6:19b-20)
Since your time is not your own, make the best use of your time time online, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:16)
Before sharing anything, remember that a false witness who perpetuates lies and hoaxes without first fact-checking will not go unpunished, and the person who spreads lies online will perish. (Proverbs 19:9)
One last thing…
Last, in 2020 follow the Apostle Paul’s example before you type your opinion on controversial subjects: Resolve to know nothing in 2020 except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)
Praying
Renovation Community meets at 4:00pm. So we already knew about the nearby church shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ when our service began. We closed our service in prayer for all involved.
One of our church members lives near that church and knows four people who attend there. She spoke with one of those friends today— the friend said she shook hands with the shooter at the beginning of service.
One of our former church members now attends that church. Thankfully, she wasn’t in attendance today.
I don’t know the pastor of WFCOC, but sent him a text tonight. I offered our building as worship space until they can re-enter theirs and offered our sanctuary for funerals. But I learned they’ll be in their building as soon as tomorrow night.
I also shared contact information for our funeral director, whose funeral home in our building never turns away families because of money.
We texted back and forth a little. But of course, he’s overwhelmed with so much and not currently thinking about logistics.
Tonight I’m praying for the families who lost loved ones and the many more in that sanctuary traumatized by today’s experience.
Hurting Hearts
“My Mommy doesn’t miss me.“
Mondays I help a 1st Grader read at our nearby elementary school. As I entered his classroom, one of his classmates yelled out, “Hi Chris!” That little boy has attended Renovation Community’s summer day camp and feeding program the last two summers. He continues in a loud voice, “I think I’m coming back to your camp next year!” I give a big smile, put my finger over my mouth, and encourage him to focus on his work.
My reading buddy and I leave for the library. It’s “Free Dress Pass” days at the school. As we walked down the hall, I complimented his handsome outfit, a red plaid shirt perfect for the season.
We had another tough session. He obviously didn’t get enough sleep. We took a brain break.
Me: “Did you go to your Dad’s this weekend?“
Him: “No.“
Me: “Don’t you normally stay with Dad on the weekends?”
Him: “He didn’t want me to come because [dad’s girlfriend] kept making him mad.“
Me: “Did someone tell you that?”
Him: “No. I just thought it.”
Me: “How did that make you feel, not seeing your dad?“
Him: “Sad.“
Me: “I bet it made your Daddy sad, too. I’m sure he loves being with you and misses you when he can’t see you.”
Him: “My Mommy doesn’t miss me.”
Me: “Why do you say that?”
Him: “Because she says she can’t wait for me to go to school.”
I took about 10 seconds to compose myself, looking away so he wouldn’t see the tears in my eyes.
Then I defended his mother, a woman I’ve never met, hoping my words were true.
“I’m sure your Mommy didn’t mean that. I’m sure she loves you very much and misses you when you’re gone. You’re a special, special boy. And I’m sure *anyone* would miss you when you’re not around.”
No more
We stopped our session. He was done. I was done. No more.
Hiding behind this little boy’s handsome outfit and sweet demeanor is a hurting heart, repeatedly wounded by those who *should* care most about his wellbeing.
The world his filled with Hurting Hearts. They’re in our nearby schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. Often, those who have hurt the longest end up homeless on our streets, in our shelters, and in our jails.
Find them.
Tell them they are loved. Tell them they are special.
And, if you’re a Christian as I am, tell them about a Jesus who loves them more than they know.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
Maximize the Little Things
I deleted more emails this morning.
As a Non-profit leader, my inbox fills with offers to help ‘increase end-of-year giving.’ I generally believe good and helpful organizations send these.
But, several years ago, I believe I heard God calling me to a different path…I was to serve Him, my family, Renovation Community, and this community (especially the poorest) as faithfully as I knew how. And I was to share where I witness God working.
That was all.
No fundraising, grant-writing, or donor appeals. God might call others to such work, but that would not be my calling.
Often, it seems God has called me to a ministry of “Little Things.”
I spent hours today trimming bushes and then hanging Christmas lights. Our Parsonage is the only single-family house on the street, occupied by the only white family on the street. A “renter’s mentality” can easily set in on such a street. Why take care of a place your landlord doesn’t take care of? Why hang Christmas lights if you won’t be here long?
Lights on the Parsonage become an opportunity to minister in “little things.”
I wave to every passing car. I talk with the neighbor across the street and two kids who pass on bicycles. I smile at the same familiar faces I’ve invited many times to worship services. How must I look to my neighbors as I smile and wave? A little strange? Nerdy?
I think of Dr. King’s “Dream” and carry on. I’m ministering through little waves and smiles…striving for a different reality on my own street. I may be strange and nerdy, but at least they’ll know I’m kind and know I would gladly worship in the same room as them.
I’ll never win Church Growth awards with my strategies. But I keep smiling, waving, inviting, and showing neighbors I love my street.
One of my homeless friends passes. We chat about 15 minutes before he continues on his way. I invite him, again, too.
December comes tomorrow.
My inbox calls me to ‘maximize year-end giving.’ “Church X increased its December donations by X% with our proven strategies!”
But Jesus calls me to maximize my time listening to Him. On my knees at our bushes, Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place audiobook plays in my ears. God miraculously kept a contraband Liquid Vitamin bottle flowing with life-saving drops in a Nazi concentration camp as Corrie and her sister shared God’s love with hurting people. He can handle December, and our finances, much better than me.
Two surprise checks arrived in the mail today from dear family friends.
$500 for my family. $1200 for our church.
He is faithful.