Get Out of the Norm

It seems the problem we have in America is this need for an idol.  Although both black and white communities have picked Obama as a top contender this last week it seemed to be Michael Jackson.  Of course, we heard about race and somehow Michael was more black then white.  He represented the black community bla bla bla.  When are we ever going to become Americans first?!  This argument is stale, old and I for one have had enough.  It was drilled into me by this society that I was not to see color and I have lived my life that way.  I know a lot of other people that have done the same.  To the black community I say it is time to let your color go.  We have much bigger fish to fry and as Americans we must tackle them together.  

I also found out in my 20’s that I am the steward of my destiny.  If I had personal problems and excess baggage, I would have to find the answers myself.  I have spent most of my adult life getting real about who I am and what my issues are.  America could use a come to Jesus meeting for sure.  Translation, look at your own back yard!  I am convicted in my beliefs because I know who I am.  There is no void to be filled because I filled it.   It did not seem to me that Michael Jackson nor President Obama have filled their own voids.  It does seem though that America looks to these men as idols.  No flesh and blood idol can be a savior. Why has America become so needy for one?

I say it is because we have lost self.  We have become lazy and are willing to accept less than.  The black community refuses to set aside color so every single issue has to include that conflict.  Obama refuses to let go of his agenda so we must watch the greatest country in the world be sold out.  The left refuses to let go of its vile hatred for this country and pursues militantly any one that does not go along with their vitrole.  The Fundamental Right clings to judgement even though Christ specifically said do not judge.  The white community tries so hard to be politically correct that we no longer know what we truly think or feel.   All of us have chosen idols to worship over sense of self and rational thought.  We have become an insane population. If you don’t believe me , just turn on the news.  
We must turn off the white noise and look within. We need to get back to basics and understand we are Americans first.  Each one of us is here for a reason and a purpose.  In America we have forgotten the fundamental premise that each individual is responsible for their outcome.  Instead we look to Presidents and Pop stars to fill our own void.  This pattern is worn and tired.   America take a good look do you really like what you see? 

Jesus said we are suppose to forgive 70X7.  That equals 490.  Does this mean the 491st time we can finally walk away?  I have been pondering this for awhile.   Obviously, Christ was using this as a point of reference.  The truth is forgiveness helps the forgiver more then the one needing forgiveness.   If we hold on to hurts and grudges, we only hurt ourselves. 

Having said that, it is hard to continue relationships where they seem more one sided.  This is especially true with family members.   Although I do believe we picked our family members before we came here, while we are here we feel our family was  random.  If you don’t fit in the tribe, the road seems much more bumpy.   If you are always turning the other cheek,  70X7 seems daunting.  

Was Jesus pointing out there is no road that leads to enough?  As Christians are we called to continually rise up higher.  I do know in the end, picking the road less traveled is the harder choice.  Is it the better choice? I know when I surrender and let go of my stewing, I am at peace.  When I chose to reminiscence on the hurts, I am in pain.  

 Joyce Myers says hurting people hurt people.  Most don’t hurt intentionally and don’t even know they are doing it.  This is probably true but there are also cases where the people know they are hurting you and have no regard.   In those cases, are we still asked to come up higher? I guess the karmic principle of what goes around comes around can be applied here.  Although our ego wants to strike back, 70X7 calls us to never say enough.

Blessings, Lenny

“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” Ben Franklin

Happy New Year! 

I went through a burning bush experience several years ago.  It lasted about 2 years and then it stopped.  Since then, God has been quietly present.   Although I was healed of many inner ills, I still needed healings in relationship dynamics.  Over the past couple of years,  God has been showing the way albeit silently.  Lately, God has become audible again.  In the past few months, I have been back in my prayer chair and even went back to church.  

At the ripe age of 47 I am realizing only God can heal all ills, hurts and injustices.  God is doing a work in me to wait, believe and surrender to Him.  Action is often the first road we take because we are upset and want to be heard or validated.  In my experience,  truth always abides in the end.  Patience truly is a virtue and one most of us lack.  We are so bent on being justified that we often move ahead of God’s timing.  Although God has continually done a work on my mouth and emotions, it is the year for even greater depth.   Emotional hurt, especially induced by family,  is often hard to overcome.  With wisdom though we realize that people are fallible and most likely we will be disappointed more often then pleased.  The best we have to offer is Trusting God and letting go of our script.  Surrender is a road that never ends.  It is our greatest hurdle but most needed in our walk with God.  This New Year begs the question what do you need to surrender and are you willing?

Blessings, Lenny