The Cause of the Poor

Proverbs 29:7:  "The righteous considereth the cause of the poor."

I'm sure I am a decently considerate person. Yet there have been times I have felt my heart not responding compassionately in some situations. I know when I'm feeling self-centered and cold-hearted. Thus, many times I've found myself calling on God for a more compassionate heart!

Some years ago, my husband and I were inspired to begin Project Christmas Blessing and have collaborated with Africa Mission and Beyond to distribute to the needy in other countries. This project has been blessed beyond our expectations and we have been encouraged by the response of so many caring people.

We both have been trained in evangelists' homes so Christmas was never a big affair. Though we celebrated, it was always in the spirit of sharing. We didn't receive extravagant gifts. Neither of us have suffered from the way we spent our Christmas Holidays, which was always in a church gathering away from home. We just experienced Christmas joy a different way.

We practiced this mode with our children. I don't think they're lacking either, though I guess you'd have to ask them. You know how Americans joke about us coaxing our children to eat and be grateful because "There are children starving in Africa?" Sure. Whether we should have or not, we did that! It sounds right!

We're still not big Christmas spenders, so we aren't some of those who feel extremely guilty after getting through the Christmas season. This year, I was having a difficult time, as usual, trying to come up with any kind of Christmas list. I literally don't need anything. However, there is one thing that is a tradition for me. My husband has been getting me a certain kind perfume for about 42 years. I use it sparingly, so generally am in need of a new bottle about every other year. This was the year. So, I was relieved that I had something I thought I needed.

This year's Project Christmas Blessing was designated for the African country of Malawi which is one of the poorest parts  for the world. My heart has really been into this project this year for some reason. It is probably because I know the needs are so great there.

As our Pastor and his wife prepared to go distribute blankets and food from the donations, I was touched by them relating how they were trying to keep the trip and distributions from the local people until they could be more sure of the how and when of it all. However, the Malawian people were saying, "But we are hungry now!"

As I was traveling back from town, I couldn't help but reflect on the terrible difference in our circumstances. All I "needed"!!! was a $50 bottle of perfume. All they wanted was some food and warmth!  I began to sob! I told the Lord that I was so sorry and to really let me feel the right kind of compassion for this cause.

I had experienced some changes in my approach to life last week. My prayers for all the needs involved in the project that is presently being realized have been almost desperate! I really felt that I was being gifted with some insight into a better understanding of the "cause" and my prayers were being answered.

However, the last two days have found me struggling with some unwelcome emotions resulting in feelings of restlessness and ingratitude. I was begging for God to deal with me and let something happen to bring me back around to where I needed to be. He's so good. I accessed a video of today's happenings in Malawi and was immediately reminded of my selfishness. I am so ashamed. It has been just over a week since I couldn't see to drive for the tears!

How forgetful I am and how human!  I may be forever redefining "consideration" and "compassion". But I give God full permission to teach me these lessons. I need them and after my tearful session with my Lord today, I hope I don't forget it so quickly. By the way, I asked that the bottle of  "Estee Lauder" be put on hold. I was afraid the wrapping paper might have African childrens' faces on it! 

The Gift of Family

Proverbs 3:27: " Withhold not good from them to whom it is due."

I just received a priceless Christmas gift. It was given to me this past weekend.  Up a winding road, nineteen of us gathered in a big house on a mountaintop in Tennessee:  God's gift of family. We were overdue; this connection we try to keep strong. My husband and I spend a lot of time travelling to three different states to be with our children but its been a year since all of us have been together. Way overdue!  Thanks to all of them who so graciously took time out of their busy lives to come together for three wonderful days. We crammed a lot of memories in those few hours!

We aren't traditional in our Christmas celebrations. We have never made demands from our children on "The Day". As one daughter expressed it this year:  going home is where we gather as a family.

We laughed, and how we all needed it!  Its been a tough year for some of us!  Our sons bring the gift of humor every time! We ate. The daughters are all wonderful cooks! Their gifts of homemade goodies and delicious meals are expected and appreciated!  We sang. The grandchildren gifted me with a CD of their sweet voices blended in harmony. It's a treasure; one that will generate bittersweet tears sprinkled through the long days of winter.We were all in a race to embrace one of the two babykins. Their gifts of hugs were worth more than any wrapped package. The patriarch of this clan, my husband, gifted us with meaningful prayers and the traditional reading of the Christmas Story, also very dramatically acted out by the grands, as it is every year!

Three days was about all we needed of this "goodness". We didn't want to start stepping on each others' toes and we wanted to part still loving each other :) but it was so much goodness that I cried (truth be told, I sobbed :)) when we separated.

My husband asked me, when I was trying to hide my tears in his embrace,  " Did you get enough to keep you through the winter?" Probably not, but I am filled with "goodness" and satisfaction.  I am so grateful my family gave me this precious gift.  I am grateful because it could be different! My family isn't a perfect one. We are normal, having been through some very difficult times collectively and individually. We have not been without tears and disagreements. We don't always understand each other; and could have, more than once,  disbanded or embraced hurts to separate us.

We haven't and I hope we never do! I pray our choice will always be to forgive, to lay down our differences and to love unconditionally. Its a good thing to strengthen the bonds of the connection in this precious unit of love that so deserves it.  I believe that family is God's gift to us. Giving our best to keep the family unit together is our gift to each other.

I realize family unity isn't always one individual's choice.  But I want to encourage everyone to invest in healing and forgiveness and give whatever good gifts you can this Christmas. Be the first to wrap up a spoken "please forgive me" or pick up the phone and dial that "I'm sorry".  Pass out a needed hug.  Get beyond your hurt and say "I love you." Patch up a breach with grace and tears. Preserve your family with gifts of longsuffering and patience.  Do whatever you can to bring your family together or reinforce the bond you have.   A close family is the heart and soul of all that matters. It's due; don't withhold it if it is within your power to make a difference.

Blessings and Goodness for you and your family this Christmas!

Discipline

Proverbs 8:20a, 21a: "I lead in the ways of righteousness.....that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance."

As December approaches. it is important that we analyze our attitudes about this most popular time of the year.  I have recently read a Facebook post several times that challenges us to consider that the Holidays aren't always happy times for people.  There are countless reasons for this.

The above reference suggests that we righteously learn how to build "substance" into our lives so we can pass it on.  I believe this kind of substance refers to "the most important part of an idea" or " that which is real or practical in quality or character".

I've been reflecting on the importance of discipline in our lives. If we are disciplined, we will naturally have substance in our lives. It is so easy to live with the absence of reality or practicality and live instead in fantasy.

I watch the anticipation of Christmas build. Each year, we want to start earlier to celebrate it. Now, I love the warmth of the Christmas season if it is experienced in a proper way. It's kind of an introduction to cold weather, thus the warmth of hot drinks, pretty candles and the glow of a fire are inviting. I love soups, family gatherings, and fireside stories.

All this coupled with a celebration of Christ's birth make December a month to remember! Just those factors all combined give me a reason to love this time of year.

However, there are a hundred other factors added into the picture. Our culture invites us to be a part of financial, physical , emotional and spiritual stress during December. Just like we want to get rich overnight,  lose 30 pounds in two weeks, pass a test by cramming an hour before test time, or get ourselves in a mess and expect God to work a miracle, we expect December to be the last chance of the year to experience fulfillment and happiness!  This is very unrealistic!

I ask you, how in the world does this happen when we have a schedule so packed with parties and festivities that we are tired and irritated most of the time?  What happens to the budget when we buy impractical, expensive gifts for each other? We are angry at the ten extra pounds that shows up for every New Year's resolution. The emotions are raw. We feel unfulfilled after Christmas Day gifts are opened. Our spiritual life has suffered drastically over these December weeks.  We want it all to end and things to get back to normal. By the time the last bit of gift wrap is trashed and the pile of Christmas dishes are put away, we have forgotten whatever anticipation we felt on December 1.

I am part of the generation that wanted it all and wanted it now! That didn't work so we are now pursuing "simplicity" and " healthy lifestyles" in the same manner!  This is breeding a new culture who are expensively and enthusiastically pursuing everything that makes them feel  good.  It has introduced personal trainers to help you lose weight, yoga studios to help you spiritually connect with your inner self,  and myriads of whole food markets to let you choose all things natural to eat.  All this can be incorporated into the Christmas celebration and still be an unrealistic approach.

I'm a believer in old fashioned, pure and simple discipline.  If we only do things that feel good, we develop into selfish indulgent people or selfish simplistic people. Neither glorifies the Christ who we are honoring at this time of the year.

There is a spiritual, satisfying way to experience December.  Here's my suggestion: try combining simplicity and giving to produce satisfaction this year. Keep decorating simple and warm and Christ centered. Surround yourself with healthier food choices; try some new recipes.  Purpose to curb your indulgences. Try a year of giving gifts to those who  really need it.  Initiate a project for family participation. If you choose to do gift exchange with family or friends, only give affordable and needful gifts.  Pursue a humanitarian effort with your family for a different kind of fulfillment( children's or senior homes, soup kitchens, etc.) Then read faith building Christmas stories each evening.

This will require discipline and planning but will result in some worthy substance in your Christmas Season. You will feel so much more fulfilled when you get through the month. It will chase depression and help keep the budget on target. You will be much more energized physically. And I promise that you will feel much stronger emotionally and spiritually. And it can have a phenomenal effect on your loved ones!

Happy December!