Peace – Let's Get REAL Together

Peace Be With You

November 21, 2024by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

Tis the season when family and friends gather. Food and drinks are shared. And the barrage of questions begin…How are you? What’s new? What’s next? What about…? The list goes on. The intent is meant well, a genuine interest in you. Meanwhile, the answers aren’t always easy and the questions can be uncomfortable.

When you’ve been through something traumatic, you might not want to relive it. Or maybe you’ve improved but aren’t out of the woods yet.

You’re clueless of “what’s next” and the thought scares you to death.

You don’t really have anything “new” going on, but you won’t want to seem ho hum (or worse boring).

The most common response to “how are you” is typically “fine,” which could be short for frustrated, insecure, neurotic, and emotional. Let’s face it—we’ve all faked a smile and said “fine” because it’s easier. Preparing for the holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Maybe nothing necessarily “bad” has happened, it can just all be exhausting…defensively causing your guard to go up.

Am I in a bad place? No. This is simply me thinking ahead and telling myself to read the room. Listen—attentively, giving the person in front of me my ears AND eyes. Sometimes we miss things when there’s background noise vying for our attention. I fondly remember talking with someone who made me feel incredibly special. Even though she was hosting the event, I felt like our conversation was in a beautiful snow globe. Magical—protected from everything else happening around us. Could I tell you what we talked about? No. But I can absolutely fondly remember that peaceful feeling.

So my friends, here’s my prayer for us as we enter “the most wonderful time of the year” (thank you Andy Williams). It comes straight from the Apostle Paul, who reminds us of God’s free and boundless grace. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13 ESV). Kids believe in Santa. Let’s remain steadfast in believing we can not only find but bring peace wherever this season takes us.

Blanket

May 10, 2021May 10, 2021by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

It’s late…or is it early? Can’t tell. Still dark, so it could be either. Heart racing, body drenched in a slick sweat, I throw the covers aside and fumble my way into the bathroom. Trying to erase whatever prompted that trapped feeling, I splash cool water all over my face, attempting to wash away any of the unpleasant remnants, and watch them disappear down the drain.

If only everything were that easy. Remove the obstacle. Find different ground. Cleanse away impurities. Release the remnants. But how does that work when what blankets you isn’t tangible? When you cannot grab hold of the hindrance for the first removal step? Where do you begin when wrestling with an invisible opponent?

Catastrophically covered in doubt is simply suffocating and no way to live. It’s the equivalent of undertaking an ocean swim with cement blocks tied to your ankles. Now to the observer, it’s obvious this is an impossible task. The straightforward remedy would be removing the blocks, which anyone could plainly see–except for the swimmer who’s completely unaware of his cement bound feet.

Ridiculous, you might think. Who in their right mind wouldn’t notice the absurd addition? The swimmer, of course, who’d already been straining against the current, bashed by the waves, and blinded by the salty spray. At that point, one more ball thrown at the already struggling juggler doesn’t matter. Everything had already begun crashing down.

Doubt is the devil’s blanket. Although we cannot see it, we feel the weight crushing us. Doubt can snuff out even the most vibrant dream. When allowed to get a foothold, doubt multiplies and mutates faster than cancer. DOUBT is the devil obliterating uniquely beautiful truths.

We know the devil is evil, plain and simple. 1 Thessalonians 5 :22 tells us to “reject every kind of evil.” However, when the deceiver slips quietly into our thoughts, we often miss the opportunity to refute him before he wields his destruction.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21

Good is God’s Word. Good is God’s Truths. “Very good” is what He calls His beloved, whom He made wonderfully and uniquely in His image.

Maybe you don’t see doubt as evil. That’s too far of a stretch. Ok, let me ask you this: how often has doubt kept you from doing the right thing? Standing up for truth when it wasn’t popular? Pursuing a passion in the midst of naysayers? Stepping into uncharted waters? Believing His Word over the world’s “wisdom?” Doubt is just one tool in the devil’s arsonal. And if the devil’s use of doubt causes you to stumble away from what God purposefully created you to fulfill, then that, my friend, is evil.

Doubt and peace cannot coexist in the same place. I long for peace. I’m weary from wrestling with the devil’s doubt. Evil has no place within me if I am wholly His. Lord, forgive me for permitting pockets of doubt to invade me. Protect me from its poison and purge this evil for good. Wash me white as snow, purifying my head and heart so I may fully receive the peace you offer. Cover me completely, tucking in all the sides, enabling me to rest comfortably in your trustworthy promises. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Riding the Waves

March 1, 2021March 2, 2021by 4letsgetrealtogether2 Comments

I remember rolling down the beach, picking up speed as I went barreling towards the ocean. Hard packed sand finding its way into every crevice. Eyes squeezed tightly shut so the salt wouldn’t sting quite so badly. Breath held, seemingly forever, in anticipation of the wave.

Sometimes the waves gently rolled over me. Other times the waves violently crashed into me. But once, the waves greedily grabbed hold, pulling me helplessly out towards the ocean depths.

The feeling of this childhood experience, albeit decades ago, returned over the past few weeks. The splash, in the form of tears, suddenly running down my face. The palpable, crushing collision of finality pummeling my body. Waves of grief swiftly taking over, engulfing me, then quietly receding, leaving only fragmented traces: red eyes, the occasional sniffle, and slacken body accompanying my despondency.

There isn’t a right or wrong way to grieve, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Most don’t even realize there are multiple types of grief, outside of losing a loved one. We each process the heartache of loss differently. The one common constant is it comes in waves, taking on multiple forms. It’s a very real and deeply personal experience.

When that greedy wave threatened to steal me away, oh so many years ago, it was my dad who plucked me from its grips. Hands strong and sure. Arms readily embracing me. I felt safe, excited to get out there again, not realizing what could have transpired, had he not been there.

My father loved the water, as do I. He taught me the importance of looking up to make sure I saw the sun and out to the shore so I could keep my bearings, no matter what the waves brought. I find myself clinging to that wisdom today.

There are times when I think we all need a safety net. A constant, protecting us from the waves of life. Sometimes we may be carefree riding on top, while other times, we might find ourselves buried underneath.

Though it’s cloudy today, I lift my head to the Son, seeing His ever presence in my life. I look out and see my family, my anchor held firmly upon the shore. And I hold tightly to Abba, my Heavenly Father’s hand as I ride the waves today.

These verses have helped me on many occasion, and if you happen to be riding your own waves, I pray they will bring you comfort, my friend. This section starts with “Rejoice in the Lord always.” I must confess to you I’m not there yet. I am thankful my dad is at peace. I am grateful for the pure joy Christ provides through his gift of grace. I am overwhelmed by the assurance that I will see my dad again. But if I’m honest, my heart hurts a little too much to rejoice today. And that’s ok…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:6-9 NIV

My prayer for us is that we truly feel God’s peace in a very real way today. While we may be on different ones, I believe we both are simply doing our best riding the waves. Help me, Lord, keep my eyes fixed upon you so joy will come in the morning.

Unspoken

February 5, 2021February 6, 2021by 4letsgetrealtogether2 Comments

One of the primary reasons I started writing Let’s Get REAL Together was to share scriptural truths. To encourage. To stomp ugly lies that fly about with Biblical truths. But also to share my own battles and anxieties in the hope that you might identify on some level. Then together, we could find comfort in His Word, which brings me to today…

Cancer is a horrible evil. It eats its host as well as the entire family. It feels like a death sentence upon diagnosis, especially when it’s given the added insult of “Stage 4.”

I think it’s safe to say that we have all either known someone who has battled cancer or fought it themselves. You might see chemo posts, or best case scenario, a smile victoriously ringing the bell. But here is what you don’t see…the unspoken.

The vomiting.

The loss of bowels.

The grey skin over shriveling body.

The loss of recognition for loved ones.

The combative, inconsolable confusion accompanying overwhelming pain.

This is the unspoken. This is the omitted part, reserved solely for parents, spouses, or loved ones brave enough to endure the burden of primary care giver. This is the bitter pill that must be choked down before (prayerfully) a glorious homecoming.

No pamphlet or book can prepare you for this. This is a horror show that no one wants to see. And yet, this is the unspoken reality for many…

It’s easy for an outsider to ask “why.” Offer “have you tried” advice. Question decisions. I fall into this category because I don’t understand this disease, which makes me feel helpless. All I see is the shell of a man I once knew. Feel fierce longing for one last bear hug. Desperate for one more impromptu dance. Hear his velvet baritone voice sing my name.

To those who have traveled a similar path, my heart aches for you.

To you reading this today, the next time you see or hear someone asking for prayer, do it. Right then and there. You don’t need the intimate details. Receive the unspoken request. Intercede on their behalf. Lay their burden at His feet. Then ask if you can hug them. They might need to feel His love in a tangible way. Be His hands and feet.

To my warrior friends, please echo my unspoken prayer.

“Also, we can really trust God to help us when we turn to Him. We know that He will hear us. When we ask for anything that He wants us to have, He listens to us.”
1 John 5:14 EASY

Delicate Diligence

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

After my first physical therapy appointment, I’m trying to convince my body and brain that PT is my new favorite. Unfortunately, it’s not working. My quads are crying from the sheer exertion required to attempt standing. My biceps/triceps are exhausted from taking the brunt of the work. My head is pounding from the sensory overload of it all, as well as the determined focus required to coerce connections that once came freely. While PT is not my current favorite, it is the vehicle I must diligently utilize in order to transport myself back to normal.

Normal. That word has certainly taken on a new meaning, hasn’t it? We are living in a time where so many things do not look or feel at all normal. Try envisioning giving birth, grieving a loved one, getting married, graduating, or any other significant life event in this unprecedented time. None of it seems normal, not everyday life nor any special occasion, at least, not what we used to call normal.

However, life either continues on or it doesn’t. I’d like to say the choice is entirely ours but that would be a supremely arrogant statement. Truth is, now more than ever, we are reminded how little we have total control over. Frustrating, isn’t it? You’ve probably heard this at least once before: all you can control is your attitude, effort, and communication. I know this is something often taught to athletes. But I’d like to add one more: your faith.

You see, when things feel anything but normal, our faith (or lack there of) is what will guide our attitude, effort, and communication. Will we seek solace in our faith or lash out with our lack of it? Will we allow His Holy Spirit to fill us with peace or unfruitfully fester from fear? These are choices absolutely within our control and will unequivocally influence our attitude, effort, and communication.

All of these, including our faith, require diligence. It is especially easy to lose focus when there are so many things vying for our attention, the worst of which are rattling around inside our heads. Or maybe that’s just me? Maybe I’m the only one with a mind battle at war, the two sides being the easy way or hard way.

The devil instigates his evil schemes inside our minds. He bends and blurs truth until it is almost unrecognizable. He wants us to take the easy, sometimes sinful, way to lure us into his web of deception. However, Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations, and so can we.

“My dear children, you belong to God. So you have defeated them because God’s Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4 ICB

What settles the score in the easy way versus hard way mind battle is inevitably our faith. What we believe in our core. Whether we will listen to what the world says or heed scripture, which tells us this:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NLT

Jesus tells us point blank we will face “the hard way” on Earth through MANY trials and sorrows. It won’t be one trivial trial or simple single sorrow. Scripture, unfortunately, says “many,” of both (hence the word “and”). The good news, however, is if you’ve read the back of the book, then you know who wins: we do, through the gift of Jesus and all the sacrifices He made on our behalf!

So my friend, while whatever you may be facing might not be your favorite, it may even be painful, it does not hold the power of having the final say. We do, through our faith in Jesus Christ, when we allow Him authority over our lives. It is in this delicate dance of handing ourselves over to Him, following His lead, and allowing His spirit to move us in the right direction that brings us through with the least missteps. Let’s open ourselves to His sweet melody while we sing along in praise, even if sometimes, it requires a little more diligence on our part!

Plan to Wait

July 10, 2020July 10, 2020by 4letsgetrealtogether2 Comments

No one “plans to wait.” We plan to go. We plan to do. We plan to succeed. “Wait” seems to utterly wasteful, counterintuitive to our need for immediacy.

This pandemic has brought many of us into a season of “wait and see.” Will we be able to keep our travel plans this summer? Wait and see. Will we be able to send our kids to school in the fall? Wait and see. Will we be able to return to our former “normal” lives? Wait and see.

“But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”
Romans 8:25

Eagerly wait? Who does that? Those who believe the best is yet to come. Those who seek growth beyond what this Earth can offer. Those who expect He will honor our wait.

“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7

“My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.”
Psalm 62:5

“Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.”
Isaiah 40:31

I want to gain new strength, to rise above, to grow my faith. In order to do so, I must wait. Silently, though my thoughts scream. Expectantly, though my anxiety fights for control. Patiently, though my body is restless.

I must plan to wait…because it allows peace to permeate. His plans are infinitely better than anything I can come up with on my own. And in my plan to wait, I put my trust where it belongs…in His hands.

L-O-V-E-D

May 9, 2020by 4letsgetrealtogether3 Comments

Another In The Fire

Take Heart

YOUR NAME IS POWER

God Is Love

Graves into Gardens

JOY INVINCIBLE

Keep Me in the Moment

No One Ever Cared for Me like Jesus

Above was the “random” playlist during my worship time this morning while I ran 2.23 miles. There are many emotions as I type this, but I will start with my initial purpose: to run for a cause. Nowadays, there is so much focus on race, injustice, fear, conspiracy, and the overwhelming desire to be HEARD! There seems to be only two camps: right and wrong. The desire to practically SCREAM our opinions at each other must be further fueled by the restrictions that have been imposed upon us during this pandemic. That’s the only thing I can come up with…because the insatiable need to WIN, to be RIGHT, to be HEARD has apparently completely overridden our “directive” for kindness or decency.

So, I embarked on my run with purpose. I was running for a cause. I was running for freedom. I was running for someone who’s life was needlessly taken and no longer had the opportunity to walk (let alone run) on this Earth. I was engulfed in gratitude with each stride, reflecting on where I was one year ago and what a blessing it was running on my own two feet. Coupled with the fact that I haven’t run in awhile, truthfully, I was not sure my legs or lungs would make it through running the entire 2.23 miles, but I went about it with purpose, and my God sustained me!

As I ran, I tried to imagine what it would be like to survive in a state where I constantly looked over my shoulder. Where the color of my skin caused others to treat me differently. Where fear (in myself and others) created such visceral hatred. I simply couldn’t…couldn’t imagine it. And as the worship songs continued to play in my ears, I had a revelation.

Our society is so ridiculously focused on the concept of WINNING and being RIGHT that we have become oblivious to the “WIN” noose that has been slipped over our necks in the process. “WIN,” in this instance, stands for Wrestling In Negativity. We’ve been blinded with such self-centeredness and self justification that we cannot possibly process anything that isn’t on our “side.” Therefore, our “win” our “rightness” becomes absolutely vital because if it doesn’t look like us, doesn’t act like us, doesn’t believe like us…then it simply must not be good for us! Anything “different” is seen as a negative and a threat.

For whatever reason I think in acronyms and correlations…that’s simply how my brain works. The “WIN” acronym made my mind move onto this next car train. In my head, I counted out these letters in the following words: B-L-A-C-K, five. W-H-I-T-E, five. Five on one hand and five on the other. While neither word shares any of the same consonants or vowels, they are both equal in the number of letters. Why can’t we, as a society, accept that we are ALL different–and it has NOTHING to do with the color of our skin?

“I found out everybody’s different – the same kind of different as me. We’re all just regular folks walkin down the road God done set in front of us. The truth about it is, whether we is rich or poor or something in between, this earth ain’t no final restin place. So in a way, we is all homeless – just workin our way toward home”
― Denver Moore, Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together

Everybody is different. The same kind of different as me. Imagine the wonderful possibilities this simple shift in thinking would create and how it would revolutionize our world? I am different. YOU are different. WE are different, but we are the SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT.

I round the corner, exhausted. My heart yearns for people to stop the ravenous need to win. My legs are tired. Sweat rolls into my eyes and tears threaten to break free. I don’t think I can keep running…then I see a man at the end of the street. He’s smiling and waving. Once I pause my music, I hear “Great job! I saw you running ’round the corner. Keep it up! You’ve got this…”

I’ve never seen this man before in my life. He doesn’t know me. And certainly, there’s no way he knew I was on the verge of giving up.

“Thank you,” I manage to say, as I rounded the next corner on the way towards home. I am revitalized. I am intent on completing. I look down at my tracker, only .5 miles left…what shocked me even more than this stranger’s impeccable timing for a pick-me-up was the lyrics to the next song.

“I’ve been thinking ’bout time and where does it go
How can I stop my life from passing me by, I don’t know
I’ve been thinking ’bout family and how it’s going so fast
Will I wake up one morning just wishing that I could go back?
I’ve been thinking ’bout lately, maybe
I can make a change and let you change me
So, with all of my heart this is my prayer
Singing oh Lord, keep me in the moment
Help me live with my eyes wide open
‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what you have for me”
-Jeremy Camp, “Keep Me in the Moment”

The Hoover Dam couldn’t have held back the tears (sweat or no sweat). My God, thank you! Thank you for keeping me in the moment. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I want to give up. Help me, Lord, to live with my eyes wide open. Abba, you are such a good father, and I don’t wanna miss ANYTHING you have for me. I will push through. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

I pass my house because the tracker says I have not quite reached my goal of 2.23 miles, my initial purpose. The last song on my trek? Steffany Gretzinger’s “No One Ever Cared for Me like Jesus.” KID. YOU. NOT.

This morning’s run was an experience like none other. I had set out with one purpose: I was running for a cause. God had another purpose.

I cannot fathom what Ahmaud Arbery’s family is going through, especially today, but I pray they feel loved. Loved by countless people running across the globe today, whom they will probably never see, in memory of their son. Loved by God in such a palpable way that transcends any pain. Loved by a man, they never met, who also died…so they could one day be reunited with their son in a perfect world.

Thank you, Lord, for revealing yourself to me today. I am in awe of your greatness! Yahweh, please place your hand on our world. We are a broken people. Help us move into your fold, so we might stop seeing ourselves as different at all…only loved. In your son’s most holy and precious name I pray, Amen.

The Subtle Sin

November 6, 2019by 4letsgetrealtogether2 Comments

November 5, 2019

When contemplating the gravity of God’s Ten Commandments, we tend to give more “weight” to numbers 6, 7, and 8 (thou shalt not murder, commit adultery, steal). If we abstain from these “big three,” then we foolishly believe we are obedient in following His commands. While this is partially true, we are obeying three of His commandments, the recognition that there are SEVEN additional and equally important commands gets bypassed, lost in translation, much less applied.

Today, I submit to you that I regularly and unconsciously break the tenth commandment. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17 NIV, emphasis added). No, I do not covet in a lustful way, which is how I believe most perceive this commandment to indicate…as if an extension to committing adultery. Breaking this commandment is something I call the subtle sin. Sin we frequently commit without realizing it. Sin that doesn’t hurt others (or does it?). Sin that appears harmless until it’s cleverly hidden thorns wound you, deteriorate your ability to live in wholeness, and rob you of contentment. Please allow me to explain…

You shall not covet…Covet (defined by vocabulary.com) is a verb: “wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person).”

To not covet, is to not compare. To not be jealous of another. To be content with yourself, your situation, your surroundings. The tenth commandment looks a little different now, doesn’t it?

We compare ALL the time, at least that’s what I catch myself doing! Ourselves to another. Our current self to one of five, ten, fifteen years ago. Our stuff to our neighbor’s stuff. Our talents to someone else’s talents. We covet when we compare. Period. This is a difficult concept to swallow, especially because it’s something we all do.

We live in a fallen world, where we wrestle and are restless.

We are ravaged by a hunger for more.

We constantly crave others’ things.

We complain. We compare. We covet. We live a live life of discontentment.

Imagine this with me. A well educated man of means, living fat off of lies, wielding justice as he saw fit. A man both feared and respected. A man who was suddenly struck blind, dramatically altering life as he knew it. Now, this same man, suddenly redeemed, had his blinders literally removed, and began experiencing a significantly different and difficult life . While living out his new-found God-given purpose, he spent years imprisoned, yet continued joyfully praising His redeemer. Doesn’t seem plausible, much less desirable, does it? However, this is exactly how the apostle Paul learned how to live in obedience of God’s Tenth Commandment.

Paul writes, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). These words written from a jail cell.

“How is this possible?” you may ask. Why is Paul so content? What enables him to move past wanting, longing, and craving his former “comfortable” life? The answer is found in the next scripture verse.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NRSV).

Paul experienced lives in extreme polar opposite circumstances, yet he actively chose contentment, gratitude and praise in the arduous–not through his own strength, but through Christ.

Can you fathom this type of peace? A life without coveting, craving, or comparing? An abundant life, glorifying Him, whatever the circumstances?

“Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NRSV).

My desire, in a world where coveting and comparing are commonplace, is contentment. Urban Dictionary states, “Contentment is true peace of mind and has absolutely nothing to do with any external pleasure or condition, but rather your attitude.” I want to live in this kind of joyful obedience. I yearn for this all encompassing peace. Will you join me, leaning into contentment and turning away from the subtle sin?

I’m Sorry

October 18, 2019by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

I corrected myself. “I’m actually not sorry. I have no reason to apologize.”

Increasingly often, I find myself saying “sorry,” and I’m not sure why. Why do I feel the need to apologize on someone else’s behalf? Why do I feel the need to apologize when I’ve done nothing wrong? Why do I feel the need to apologize when I’m the one hurting, crying, frustrated, or upset? Why am I sorry?

If I’m honest with you, I will confess that a majority of my “sorry’s” are not actually heartfelt towards the receiver. “I’m sorry you have to put down your phone and come to the table.” “I’m sorry you have to help me.” I’m sorry you have to put away the clothes I’ve washed, dried, and folded.” These “I’m sorry’s” are covered in sarcasm and drenched in exasperation. They are not sincere nor do they seek forgiveness. They are knives hurled at the other person in a retribution effort for whatever “crime” I feel they have committed.

Does this make me mean? Probably…

Does this make me feel better? Briefly…

Does this help the situation? Not really.

These types of “I’m sorry’s” are not only unhelpful, they are unwholesome. And yet, they come out of our mouths more frequently than do genuine requests for forgiveness. They are used in attempts to make us feel better while intentionally jabbing the other. They are not kind, and simply put, they meant as malice, masking our true feelings.

No wonder we are so skeptical of everyone and everything! When what comes out of our mouths are not rooted in kindness, truth, and love, we become hardened, because we suspect everyone is doing the same. We build walls around ourselves and our hearts in protection. We hide behind carefully crafted facades so that we might feel safe and “in control,” when those very barriers do nothing other than keep us separated from the people we want acceptance from. Marinade in that one for a minute…

We must temper and soften our “sorry’s” back to their original place of an apology, or appeal for forgiveness. We must eradicate the ever popular “sorry not sorry” phrase from our vernacular. We must stop passive aggressively seeking to put ourselves above one another. We must remove our cloaks as well as our daggers. We must admit when we are wrong, even and especially when we feel we’ve been slighted in the process.

Wrong in our motives. Wrong in our words. Wrong in our behavior.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9 NIV).

I am sorry for my contribution to this spiteful act.

I will focus on the intention behind the words I speak.

I do ask for a transformation of my heart today, to more closely resemble that with which is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy…and put these into practice, so that I may feel His peaceful presence (see Philippians 4:8-9 NIV).

Organized Chaos

October 16, 2019by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

October 16, 2019

Does this picture remind you of your life? It certainly does mine of late! Organized chaos. I even have a t-shirt that touts the phrase “Chaos Coordinator.”

Macmillan Dictionary defines chaos as “a situation in which everything is confused and a mess.”

I think, most of us, operate in this state of being, the majority of our adult lives. We try to cram more than is humanly possible into our over-scheduled days. We constantly fill our spaces with noise, whether it be the TV in the background, the radio blaring in our cars, or audio books spoken directly into our ears through AirPods.

When we attempt to multitask the multitude of things we’ve piled onto our plates, in addition to all the noise we are inundated with, we cannot possibly, rationally believe we can master any single one of them. We simply exist in a constant state of chaos: a messy and confused situation of being. A life remiss of peace.

Jesus told His disciples, “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid” (John 14:27 CEV).

The world, and all its things, does not offer peace. It may come “packaged” in a wrapper that would make you believe peace is within; however, true peace is one without worry or fear. Worry of disappointment. Fear of failure. Worry of worth. Fear of disapproval. Worry of capability. Fear of the unknown.

Worry and fear are never present within peace.

Instead of hiding our cluttered mess by closing our doors, instead of celebrating chaos as a celebrity status, instead of attempting feigned organization of our current situation…my dear friend, willingly hand over that with which we desperately clutch, in order to “save face,” because all we are doing in actuality is building more layers for peace to permeate.

The more layers, the more time it takes to feel its presence. Peace is a fruit of the spirit He wishes us to feast upon. Peace brings about lasting change. Peace disperses like the warmth of a fuzzy blanket sitting near the fire. Only His peace breaks through the cancer called chaos in our lives, freeing us from its cyclical chains of bondage.

Chaos is the complete opposite of peace. Why do we keep holding onto the very thing that causes us such strife? Why not dump our drawer full of deception and start anew? Refreshed in His preciously peaceful presence each and every morning until THIS becomes our new state of being! Peace can exist within: ourselves, our family, our home, our community…a place free of stress, worry, fear and chaos.

This is my desire. Will you join me in daily pursuit of His peace? I don’t want the world’s chaos. Just give me Jesus! Through the power of His Holy Spirit, may we invite Him into any places in our lives where we have tried organizing our chaos instead of handing it over.