Today I went to my kids' end of school year awards ceremony. Each class came to the front of the auditorium to be recognized for their achievements and their completion of a rigorous school year. Most of the classes had some sort of speech, Bible verse, pledge or something to recite. And we're talking LONG, difficult stuff. My second grade daughter's class recited the Nicene Creed as the teacher stood in front of them doing small hand motions to help them remember each word. All eyes were glued on her as she directed them. It was beautiful, worshipful. The words resonated clearly.
Another class came forward to do the Lord's Prayer in Latin. Another, a long Bible verse. Another, the Bill of Rights. In each of the last three cases, the teacher was either standing behind them at the podium or off to the side letting them recite on their own. Most of the kids knew their material, but what happened is that one side of the group was faster than the other, and the words were garbled all together.
It was interesting to watch, but the director/producer in me wanted so much to stand up and get them all on the same meter. The class who had the willing director AND who paid attention to her was the only one whose message was clearly heard.
I couldn't help but think about us as believers in the Body of Christ. We have a willing Director. One who never makes mistakes. And when we as the church pay attention to His leading, the message is clearly heard. When we're all going our own speed and making sure our own voice is heard, however...then all who are listening hear a bunch of nothing. "Wah-wah-wah-wah-wah-wah." (Quote stolen from Charlie Brown)
I want to be a part of the bigger picture for Christ--part of His massive choir making a beautiful song for Him. That takes intentional thinking on my part and deliberate obedience when I want to do things my own way.
Nope, I can't go it alone. I need my Director square in front of me and the rest of His flock to the left and the right of me. And together, all eyes focused on His hand motions, we will speak His voice for all the world to hear.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Director, Please
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Mama On My Mind
It would have been my mama's birthday today. May 7th, same as my hubby's birthday too. I find myself wishing that God had called me out to write Mom's story while she was still alive, because she has quite a phenomenal story indeed. Can't seem to get my mama off my mind.
The bottom line is that she was handicapped by a tragic car accident in her adulthood. The damage from it caused her years and years of horrific pain that I'm sure no more than a handful have experienced in their lifetime. Though it's taken me my whole life to learn, I am forever endebted to the example she set for me in the faith.
When I get disgruntled, her memory is there. When I get discontent, her memory is there. When I get insecure, her memory is always there. As Mother's Day approaches, it will be my second without her to call on the phone. I miss her. So happy she is whole in mind and body, but I miss her none the same.
God-in-her is the reason that I am who I am today. And what I am is someone who desperately depends on the Lord to get me through each day. She taught me the secret that so many Christians cannot even fathom. It is found in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NIV):
The photo above is the last picture my sister and I had with my mom before she couldn't sit up for pictures anymore (only six months later).
Two publications have posted my mom's tribute this month, and I am ever so thankful. One is a Christian newspaper in Amarillo, Texas. The other is an online ezine that is viewed all over the world. You can click here if you are interested in reading my mother's incredible story of courage and God-strength: