Let There Be Life-Light

I found this card in a garden shop, of all places. It features an original photograph by a woman named Teresa Hurley and the simple scripture reference, “Genesis 1:3.”

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (NIV)

I didn't know Teresa Hurley, nor did I have anyone in particular to send the card to, but it sparked something inside of me. So I bought it and propped it up on a table in my office.

That was a couple of weeks ago. Then on Easter Sunday my friend Greg, who leads our praise and worship team Spash! at church, shared parts of this scripture from The Message:

The Word was first,
the Word present to God,
God present to the Word.
The Word was God,
in readiness for God from day one.

Everything was created through him;
nothing—not one thing!—
came into being without him.
What came into existence was Life,
and the Life was Light to live by.
The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness;
the darkness couldn't put it out.

The Life-Light was the real thing:
Every person entering Life
he brings into Light.
He was in the world,
the world was there through him,
and yet the world didn't even notice.
He came to his own people,
but they didn't want him.
But whoever did want him,
who believed he was who he claimed
and would do what he said,
He made to be their true selves,
their child-of-God selves.
These are the God-begotten,
not blood-begotten,
not flesh-begotten,
not sex-begotten.

John 1:1-5, 9-13

We can gain fresh insight from familiar scripture by reading Eugene Peterson’s paraphrasing, and in his notes at the beginning of John, he points out,

"In Genesis, the first book of the Bible, God is presented as speaking the creation into existence. God speaks the word and it happens: Heaven and earth, ocean and stream, trees and grass, birds and fish, animals and humans. Everything, seen and unseen, called into being by God’s spoken word.

“In deliberate parallel to the opening words of Genesis, John presents God as speaking salvation into existence. This time God’s word takes on human form, and enters history in the person of Jesus. Jesus speaks the word and it happens: Forgiveness and judgment, healing and illumination, mercy and grace, joy and love, freedom and resurrection. Everything broken and fallen, sinful and diseased, called into salvation by God’s spoken word.”

CLICK.

I can almost hear the pieces falling into place like the tumblers inside a lock click together with the right combination. God took the original picture and created a whole new masterpiece, solving the puzzle for us because there was no way we could figure it out on our own. The missing piece of the puzzle was Jesus, but the picture is still incomplete until we each add our own puzzle pieces–our hearts, minds, and souls. Then and only then will His portrait of grace be finished.


Celtic Cruciform by artist Andy Mercer. You can see more of his work here.

To Believe

Often things are not as they appear to be. For example, these three girls were looking fine in 1997, but they were nowhere near as grown up as they were pretending to be. Over the years I’ve watched Courtney, Caitlynn, and Hannah all grow into beautiful young women, although they still aren’t quite grown up yet and I doubt they will ever dress like this, even when they are. (Hannah, far right, says she would wear animal print flats, but that's about it.)

The older I become, the more firmly I believe we have to go through Holy Week to get to Easter. We have to put ourselves in the picture with Jesus and His disciples during this Holy Week to understand the magnitude of the gift of Easter. And things certainly were not as they appeared during that week that changed the world forever.

What appeared to be a triumphant march into Jerusalem on the very day Jewish families everywhere chose their perfect Passover lamb was, in reality, a death march. What seemed like a typical Passover meal in an upstairs room turned into a last supper. What masqueraded as a fair trial was actually a thinly disguised plan to placate an angry mob and get Pontius Pilot off of the hook politically. And what seemed like the end of all of His followers' hopes and dreams, with the Christ hanging on a cross between two thugs on a hill at Golgatha, was in truth our saving grace.

Was it any wonder the disciples were confused right up to the very end? Even though Jesus told them everything that would happen well in advance, it was simply unfathomable that He would be crucified. After all, He was God incarnate…the Messiah they had been anxiously awaiting...even though that was not how He appeared to everyone.

And so it’s no surprise that when it was apparently all over, and Jesus was sealed in His tomb, it seemed as if the final chapter had been written. And when then women found that the stone had been rolled away on what we call Easter morning, it certainly seemed as if someone had stolen His body. I can’t imagine their heartbreak in that moment. But then, in the greatest coda ever written in the history of man, the angel proclaimed Jesus’ resurrection, and turned their world (and ours) upside down.

On this Good Friday, I’m reminded of a message I haven’t heard in a long time. Tony Campolo’s signature sermon is titled, “It’s Friday But, Sunday’s Coming,”, and you can listen to it here. It’s a wonderful reminder to anyone who can’t see beyond what entangles them today. No matter how bad things may seem, if you will look beyond the tomb, you’ll see the reality of Easter. I promise you, Sunday’s coming!

To Believe (John 19-23, The Message)

Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Then he showed them his hands and side.

The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: "Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you."

Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. "Receive the Holy Spirit," he said. "If you forgive someone's sins, they're gone for good. If you don't forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?"

Irish Blessing

Although my father's mother, my Granna Settle, was of partial Irish ancestry (her maiden name was Frances Flinn), I'm not a big believer in the "Luck of the Irish." In fact, years ago I intentionally stopped using the word "lucky," substituting "blessed," instead. So here is an old Irish blessing for you on St. Patrick's Day:

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Humble Pie

The definition of “humble” according to Merriam-Webster:
hum•ble: hum-bel (also chiefly Southern: um-bel) adjective
1: not proud or haughty; not arrogant or assertive
2: reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission
3: ranking low in a hierarchy or scale

Recently I was blessed on not one, but two separate occasions to witness humility in action and was, in turn, humbled myself.

Both instances occurred when I was at the gym. (And trust me, I’m not boasting when I say that. If you saw me there, you’d understand.) The first was the day Brett Favre retired. After 17 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, the 38-year-old three-time MVP hung up his cleats in an emotionally-charged press conference that had me riveted as I panted through my 40-minute treadmill workout. Here’s an excerpt of Farve’s retirement speech:

“I've watched hundreds of players retire, and you wonder what that would be like ... you think you're prepared ... but I was telling Deanna on the way over here, God has blessed me with so many great things. Ability, wonderful family. And as I was flying up here today I thought about so many different things and how I wanted to say some of the things that I felt like I need to say, but he gave me an opportunity to use my abilities, and I seized that opportunity ... I thank him for that.

”I'd like to thank the Packers, for giving me the opportunity as well. I hope that every penny ... I hope that every penny that they've spent on me, they know was money well-spent. It was never about the money or fame or records, and I hear people talk about your accomplishments and things ... It was never my accomplishments, it was our accomplishments, the teammates that I've played with, and I can name so many. It was never about me, it was about everybody else. It just so happens the position I played got most of the attention. But the Packers have been, ... it's been a great relationship, and I hope that this organization and the fans appreciate me as much as I appreciate them.”

Frankly, I was blown away by Brett Farve’s humility. It was almost enough to make me a Green Bay fan, but I was raised to pull for the Redskins come hell or high water, and I'm too old to switch allegiances now.

Then, in the very same week, I met a man who has lost over 200 lbs. in 22 months. I knew a little of Darren's story, and when I met him I said, “I don’t much like to use the word ‘proud,’ but you surely have reason to be proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

Do you know what he said to me? He said, “I’m just happy. I’m happy…and humbled. I’m really humbled to be where I am now.” Again, I was blown away. This guy has worked so hard to reach his goals. But he’s not claiming the glory; he’s just thankful. Wow.

According to the Gospel of Luke, here’s what Jesus had to say about being humble:

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." ~ Luke 14:11 (NIV)

Boy, can I attest to that scripture passage. Ironically, whenever you think you’ve got humility covered, that’s when you need to work on it just a little bit more. And whenever I slip up and get even the least bit proud in my heart, God will set me straight.

It may sound silly, but imagine I have a brand new blouse, and I’m loving the way I look in it (plus, it was on SALE). Sure as the world, as soon as I cross the humility line I’ll drip marinara sauce down my front at lunch. It's frustrating, but I always get the message. And when I reflect on it I’m grateful for the lesson, because left to my own devices, I’d have a terminal case of “the big head.” And that’s not a reflection of Jesus.

(P.S. – Even though it’s a full week away from the first day of spring, I heard the peepers tonight when I got home from the gym. Spring is on the way!)

Hope Springs Eternal

As surely as Winter keeps fighting to keep its “Current Season” title this time of year, out of nowhere the crocus will pop up, defying the calendar and coaching Spring, a brash young amateur contender slipping through the ropes to take on the heavyweight titleholder. Winter scoffs at Spring and desperately trys to hold its own, strutting around the ring for a few more rounds and throwing a few good punches. But Spring always rises from the mat before the count of 10, and inevitably, an exhausted and out of shape Winter grudgingly gives over the title belt to a fresh new season...and the fans go wild!

At least, that’s what I imagine began to happen this week. On Tuesday my friend Debbie forwarded these pictures by local photographer Frank Renault, and they were balm for my winter-weary heart. Then, on the heels of this sure sign of spring, the temperature took a dive, it snowed for two days, and my daughter got an unexpected (but much appreciated) vacation from school.

Still, it’s those little signs of spring that keep hope alive this time of year. I cheer on the bulbs braving the elements, but for me it’s the “peepers” that signal the end of winter. When I can stand on my deck on a warm evening in early spring (or late winter) and hear the loud chorus of tiny tree frogs, I know spring has finally arrived.

Another friend heralded the arrival of a robin in her yard last week. But according to one website I visited,

“The American Robin actually spends the winter in much of its breeding range. However, because they spend less time in yards and congregate in large flocks during winter, you're much less likely to see them. The number of robins present in the northern parts of the range varies each year with the local conditions.”

So I’m sticking with my peepers. And depending on a groundhog to predict the end of winter makes far less sense than any of these other signs. So why does Puxatawny Phil get so much press coverage? He must have a great agent. After all, he did land a leading role in that movie with Bill Murray…

But a better question would be, why do we need hope so badly as winter’s end draws near? My faith doesn’t waver during the cold, dark winter months, although I sometimes catch myself wanting to hibernate, rather than venture out to church on Wednesday night, or deliver breakfasts early on Saturday morning. But even though my faith remains strong and I know the seasons are bound to change, every sign of spring is a welcomed visual and tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Young actress Dakota Fanning’s even younger sister Elle Fanning recently made her acting debut in the movie, “Phoebe in Wonderland.” At one point in the film, Fanning’s character asks her therapist, “Are you always supposed to feel hope?”

I thought that was an excellent question, seeing as there ere are days when I’m not sure I “feel” anything at all. But thank God it’s not about what we feel, or even what we see.

It seems far too often these days that I’m writing about friends who’ve died, and I lost another one in a tragic accident this past Valentine’s Day. I worked with Jeff Owen for 17 years, and he was one of the kindest, most humble men I’ve ever known. He loved nature, his family, and the Lord, and when I approached his casket, my heart was warmed to see his Bible opened to the book of Hebrews, with this verse marked, “favorite verse”…

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” ~ Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

I remember Jeff sharing that very verse with me years ago, and I know his faith has been realized now, his hope finally revealed so that he can see what he could only imagine before.

So I have faith that spring will follow winter, and summer after that. And even if the seasons cease, I have faith in God, and trust that He has faith in me.


Frank Renault, who also took this photograph of a dog in Italy, tells me there will be a photography exhibit at the Bristol Library in March, a joint exhibit of the Highlands Camera Club of Abingdon between and the Kingsport Senior Center Photo Group and Highlands Camera Club of Abingdon. “Border to Border — In Focus,” on display through March 28, will feature nearly 40 photographs taken by members from both clubs. There is no cost to view the exhibit, and there will be an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. this Sunday, March 2. For more information, visit: http://www.gotricities.com/content/article.dna?idNumber=5322

Double Vision

In my last post I introduced Kevin (L) and Kolton, my favorite twins. The other day their dad shared this more current photo with me...my how they've grown. But they haven't just grown taller. Here are a few comments from their parents' perspective:

"Kevin and Kolton are a product of the Pleasant View Church family. They are full of compassion for others, they love going to church, and they ask spiritual questions almost everyday as they seek to know more about who they are. As the twins that they are, they learned to share and be patient much earlier than most. They also learned to comfort and to cry when their brother was hurt. That is what the church is and should be. I learn something new from them everyday. Today...is their 7th birthday. God bless you and PVUMC! We love and miss you guys!"

Well said. The New Testament also has some direction for us regarding brotherly love:

"Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other."
~ 1 Thessalonians 4:9 (NIV)

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." ~ 1 Peter 1:19 (NIV)

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
~ 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

Happy Birthday Kevin & Kolton. May your lives always be filled with brotherly love!

Amazing Grace = Equality

From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
from His dwelling place He watches
all who live on earth-
He who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.
~ Psalm 133:13-15 (NIV)

I know all men are created equal in God’s eyes, but are identical twins more equal than others? I don’t know, but I do know I still can’t tell these boys apart anymore than I could when they were newborns.

Kevin and Kolton are sweet boys, but make no mistake – they’re ALL boy. It has been a joy to watch them grow, first as babies and then as toddlers and young boys, and I miss them. Their parents are our former Youth Pastor and his wife, Matt and Terri, and they live in middle Tennessee now. Still, we get to see them every now and then because one set of grandparents lives in this area. My daughter Hannah used to babysit for Kevin and Kolton occasionally (when Matt and Terri needed a sanity break), and she is graced with big bear hugs when we do get to visit with them.

One of the unique challenges I recall their parents having to address as they grew was the need to treat them as individuals, rather than as a “matched set.” Terri told me she took Kevin out for an adventure without his brother one day, and he looked at her and said with great wonder, “Mommy, Kolton’s not with us!”

Eventually we all have to find our own way…our own identity in this world. And what a boring world it would be if we were all alike! But wouldn’t it be wonderful if, at the same time, we could both appreciate our differences and celebrate our similarities? What if we could look at the people who, on the surface, are so vastly different from ourselves–whether because of skin color, gender, social position, financial standing, or even because they live half a world away–and and still see them as God’s children, no different from ourselves?

The older I get, the less patience I have for people who think they’re better than anyone else. I think they’re in for a rude awakening, if not in this life, then in the afterlife. I realize that in this imperfect world it’s easy to say, “It is what it is.” But I think the trick is to put ourselves in others’ shoes. In my experience, the fit may not be perfect…in fact, it will probably be a little tight and uncomfortable. But as the saying goes, "There, but for the grace of God, go I.”

Yesterday I watched the movie Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce’s tireless fight to end slave trade in the British Empire during the 18th century. Wilberforce, a member of Parliament, eventually succeeded in his quest, and went on to fight and win many other humanitarian battles. A friend and encourager of his, former slave trader John Newton, wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace," which was originally called “Faith’s Review and Expectation,” and was based on David’s prayer in I Chronicles 17:16-17:

“Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, ‘Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant. You have looked on me as though I were the most exalted of men, O LORD God.’”

The truth of the matter is, we are all created equal in God’s eyes, and we could all ask the question, “Who am I, O LORD God?” If it wasn’t so, Jesus’ death on the cross would have been meaningless. Think about that the next time you look at someone and think how different you are…

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779)