Remembering September 11, 2001

Yesterday, my husband and I were trudging through the almost surreal and certainly horrific events of September 11th, explaining it to our son for the first time.  We realized that the only way we could possibly make even a modicum of sense from it was to frame it through a biblical lens.  And as we pray today for God to comfort those who were personally affected with a loss in their circle of friends or family, I realized that what I also pray for is that we can truly and deeply grasp some biblical truths from this, and return to a pure and whole-hearted devotion to our Creator, as a nation and as individuals.

1.  Evil exists.

My son loves good guy/bad guy scenarios–whether in movies, books, or his own vivid imagination.  He pits good against evil every day with his army guys, matchbox cars or detailed drawings in his sketchbook.  And although, in real life, none of us are “good” of our own accord (Romans 3:23), the underlying principle of a battle being waged in the unseen world in which we are all players, is very real (Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”).  Unfortunately, not only does evil exist in partnership with free will to commit that evil, but not one of us is immune–apart from God, we are a slave to our sin nature which is at work tempting us to all sorts of evil, and September 11th reminds us of that.  It reminds us that we need a Savior.

2.  Death is certain.

This life is but a blip on the screen of eternity.  My heart breaks for those who lost a loved on in the terrorist attacks 10 years ago.  My heart also breaks for those who have lost loved ones by other means.  We all have, or will face that sorrow, unfortunately.  And we all must face death ourselves one day.  Are you certain, without any doubt, that you are going to spend eternity in heaven with God?  If not, do you know how you can be?

3.  What’s the Point?

My family is in the middle of a painful trial right now and I can tell you with certainty that the Lord God is the only thing fully sustaining us.  I also know that I never want to face a single trial without Him.  Furthermore, what’s the point of going through a trial if it doesn’t bring us more to the end of ourselves and fully surrendered at the feet of our Savior?  Self-help books may say, “trials make you stronger,” and maybe in the short-term that could be true, but sooner or later our own resources will run out, and it is only in our weakness that Christ’s strength abounds (2 Corinthians 12:9).  It’s only as we become less central to our lives that He becomes more in us (John 3:30).  I see trials as totally futile unless they bring us to Jesus.  Otherwise, what’s the point?  They would just be terribly difficult things that have no lasting purpose!  September 11th, 2001 brought many to Jesus.  I pray for our nation, and us individually, to turn to Him again, as our Sustainer, Savior, and Friend.

Women of Faith was “Over the Top” in Dallas

Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Those who attended the Women of Faith “Over the Top” conference in Dallas, TX this past weekend understand this promise from the Lord, and saw Him deliver. 

Our time together began with a bang.  Patsy Clairmont took her signature style, including sparkling jacket and bright red shoes, and her quick wit, to the stage and without delay won the audience’s attention and affection. 

“The things that break your heart, God will use for your refinement.”

“We are willful people.  Sometimes we have habits that need to be broken by God because they are not good for us.”

“Sometimes we just want God to fix us while we are resting in the night–instead, we have to take responsibility.”

“Begin your day with ‘Yes, God.’”

She spoke of her past struggle with agoraphobia and how fear made her a prisoner and a slave. 

“Put boundaries on your emotions.  Don’t just make everyone take cover when you come.”

“Your will is stronger than your emotions.  Feelings don’t have brains for a reason–they were not designed to do our thinking!”

“Imagination is a gift when controlled by a holy God.”

She reminded us of 2 Corinthians 10:5 which says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” and also Proverbs 29:11, “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.”   Patsy challenged us to “Refuse.  Replace.  Repeat” when it comes to our toxic thoughts and emotions, and assured us that if she could survive herself, as she called it, we could too.

Later in the weekend, she also shared her heartbreaking family struggle of when her eldest son Marty was in a 21-day coma and nearly died, and he now lives in pain 24 hours a day with no end in sight.  And after all her family has been through recently, her faith shined through when she challenged us to “wake up with a ‘yes’ in your heart for what God wants for you.”  She is truly a gem being used mightily by God.

* * *

Andy Andrews convinced all of us early on that he had missed his morning dose of ADHD medication, but he kept us laughing and on the edge of our seats with his energetic storytelling and ability to connect.  After losing both of his parents at age 19 and becoming homeless for a time, he learned some valuable lessons, which he writes about in his books. 

“Realize that you have choices and many of your choices lead you to good or to bad.” 

“Nobody cares how you feel as much as they care how you act.  We are a culture that cares too much about feelings,” as if we elevate them above all else.

“There is an answer for what to do when you don’t know what to do–do something!”

Andy encouraged us to take responsibility for our lives and pursue God’s will as He shows us His plan.

* * *

Friday evening we were brought back in time as Lisa Whelchel reminded us of the 1980’s when life was simpler and Blair from “The Facts of Life” was learning life’s lessons and building friendships.  She shared her own struggle with trying to make friends in her 40’s and warned of the dangers of isolation. 

                “There is a difference between being transparent and vulnerable.”

                “I invited people into my home but not into my heart”

We all have a desire to know and be known, she said, and while no one is perfect, we need each other, and building deep friendships, no matter what age we are, is valuable and rewarding.

* * *

Mandisa, from American Idol fame, who has now built quite a name for herself in the Christian music world, brought emotion and vulnerability through her songs “Stronger,” “Lifeline,” and “A Broken Hallelujah,” reminding us of the power of praising and worshiping God in the midst of any and every trial.  She also asked us to consider, “What if we were real,” instead of “hiding what’s going on inside.”  She had energy and heart, and was clearly a favorite with the crowd.

* * *

The newest member to the Women of Faith team is Brenda Warner, and although she is known as Kurt Warner’s wife in some circles, or “mother of 7!”, to those of us listening to her story and experiencing her warm heart, we now know she has quite the testimony even apart from her famous husband.  After marrying young and experiencing the pain of infidelity and divorce, she also had to face the devastating news that her baby boy, Zach, at 4 months old, had a terrible accident, became legally blind, and would be “lucky to ever sit up again.”  If this wasn’t enough to break her heart, both of her parents died in a tornado that killed 7 in an Arkansas town.  Realizing that she could either choose to rise above and over her circumstances, or be buried by them, she chose to go to school and become a nurse as a single mom.  She met a football player named Kurt Warner who immediately came to love and accept her and her children.

“My circumstances did not determine God’s love for me!  Your circumstances don’t determine who you are–God does!”

Zach is now 22 and doing well (and is cute as a button!).  Brenda Warner is making an impact with her story–those terrible circumstances no one should have to go through–because of her faith in the Lord.

* * *

Sandi Patty, a Women of Faith alum, shared her struggles with always wanting and striving to be “good enough.”  How many times do we say, “If only I had been good enough. . .” this or that wouldn’t have happened?  But Sandi reminds us that God says, over and over again to our broken hearts, “My child, you are enough for Me, and I am enough for you.”

* * *

Katharine Everett, Baylor University graduate and actress, performed three inspiring and encouraging dramas throughout the weekend, written by Women of Faith favorite Nicole Johnson, and moved the audience to tears.  One sketch in particular spoke to me personally, as a mother.  Some days we can feel invisible, as if what we are building in our children and our families is not being noticed, appreciated, or showing the results for which we hope.  Katharine reminded me that “my invisibility is the cure to my self-centeredness . . . the antidote to pride.”  Our prayers should be, “O Lord, help me to be more invisible.”  And just as the builders of the greatest cathedrals all over the world are often not known by name, Katharine reminded us through her skit that they have built something long-lasting and grand even while being “invisible.”

* * *

For those of us like myself who grew up with Amy Grant in our boom boxes and walkmans, Saturday afternoon was a real treat.  She took the stage for nearly an hour (and I’m fairly certain she was barefoot–her signature) and sang favorites old and new, such as “My Father’s Eyes,” “Lead Me On,” and “Better Than a Hallelujah,” to name a few.

* * *

Another Women of Faith alum, Marilyn Meberg, gave unarguably the most life-changing message of all.  She presented the gospel in clear and compelling detail, saying that each one of us has a craving for more in our life and until that “more” is filled with Jesus, we will still be left wanting.  I pray that those who felt the Lord tugging on their hearts as Marilyn spoke will answer Him and receive Jesus to fill their want.

* * *

The talented Women of Faith Worship Team led us in a weekend of contemporary worship music and helped to prepare our hearts for life-changing messages. 

For the woman needing hope, I pray that she found Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

For the woman needing rest, I pray that she met the One who takes our weary souls and renews our strength; who makes us “soar on wings like eagles” and “walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

For the woman needing faith, I pray that she encountered the most trustworthy and faithful Servant of all.

For the woman needing a big hug, I pray that she fell into the arms of the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

For the woman needing something powerful to happen in her life, I pray that she experienced the omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient Creator of the universe.

It was a weekend of “over the top” talent and heart from very gifted speakers and musicians, and “over the top” love from a God who created us in His image, loves us beyond human understanding, and wants a personal relationship with each and every one of us. 

For more information on how to attend a Women of Faith conference in your area, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Days and Counting!

 

Couldn’t you use a weekend away with your friends, your mom, your sister, your grandmother, and a few thousand of your neighbors?  The stock market is volatile, relationships are hurting, people are suffering and lost, and the heat throughout much of the nation is unbearable.  The perfect answer to what ails you could very well be found at this year’s “Over the Top” Women of Faith conference!  I have no doubt that it is God’s desire to meet you there, where you are, and show you His infinite, perfect, unfailing, “over the top” love for you and His plan for your life.  He’s met me there before and as the Spirit moves in that stadium full of spiritual seekers, lifelong faith warriors, and every woman in between, whether you are flying high in life or battle-weary, you will be changed.  Count on it, because God loves showing us His strength in our weakness, and when I listen to the speakers at Women of Faith tell their stories, I see women being used by God in powerful and dramatic ways, and it all began for them when they were weakest. 

Check out this preview video of Women of Faith and consider attending a conference near you!  For details, go here.

Countdown to Women of Faith

 

It began for me in 2008–my first Women of Faith conference.  I laughed and I cried.  I relaxed and I was challenged.  And when Anita Renfroe took the stage with her clean and yet still hilarious comedy, I nearly peed my pants!

Over the next month, I will be showcasing a few of my favorite moments from the Women of Faith conferences I’ve attended–moments I will not soon forget.  Whether it was personal stories and testimonies from any of the great speakers–Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Luci Swindoll, or Sheila Walsh–or drama by Nicole Johnson–or worship with Natalie Grant, Mandisa, Amy Grant, or the Women of Faith worship team who are outstanding–my life has been touched by Women of Faith. 

I look forward to this year’s “Over the Top” tour.  The theme this year, as stated on the Women of Faith website, is “God loves us more than we know. He gives us more than we can ask or dream. He’s unrestrained… excessive… outrageous… Over the Top.”

Check out this comedy by Anita Renfroe, enjoy your Monday, and consider attending a Women of Faith conference!  For details, go here. 

 

Casey Anthony Not Guilty

Much of the world is stunned today.  In the court of public opinion, Casey Anthony was guilty, no doubt, but in a court of law, she was found not guilty.  I’m speechless, and as much as I’m tempted to say the jury must have been in the sun too much over there in Florida to render this verdict, I have to respect our judicial system.

In the middle of my yelling at the television, which I then had to explain to my son who observed me, a spiritual truth hit me. 

The same rage, disbelief, and disgust that many of us feel as we watch someone we believe to have gotten away with murder. . .

The same injustice we feel has been done as little Caylee suffered and died and no one will pay. . .

The same judgment we feel towards Casey as we watched her party and dance on her daughter’s grave, so to speak. . .

Isn’t this the same rage, disbelief, disgust, injustice, and judgment we should feel towards ourselves as sinners condemned to die, but whom Jesus declares NOT GUILTY?!

Casey received GRACE.

Casey received MERCY perhaps.

And in no way do I mean to imply that she is innocent (I personally do not believe that for a second), nor that she shouldn’t have had to pay for her crimes if she committed them (and I personally believe she did).  I’m simply illustrating a spiritual truth by way of a real life example. 

The Bible says that “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  We all have sin in us, and as repulsive as the alleged sin of Casey Anthony is, God sees all sin as the same, and I am just as separated from a holy God for any number of my sins as a murderer (or “worse”) would be. 

Not only that, but the Bible also says that we are all capable of murder.  “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.  Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jeremiah 17:9)  If 1 John 3:15 is to be taken literally, and I believe that it is, “anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer.”  Did we catch that?  I am a murderer (and here, “brother or sister” is generic for anyone).   

But we have been offered grace and mercy by Jesus dying on the cross for us, bearing the weight of all our sin, so that we might be presented to God, “holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault” (Colossians 1:22).

GRACE

MERCY

Casey Anthony was offered a “Not Guilty” verdict, and it angers many of us, but she would by crazy if she refused it.

We know we are guilty of sin.  We are offered a “Not Guilty” verdict.  Will we refuse it, and instead, point fingers at other’s sin while rotting inside with our own?

To be declared “Not Guilty,” click here.

« Previous Page — Next Page »