Truth

Come as a Child

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At the time Jesus answered and said, “I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes.” Matthew 11: 25 NASB

Our middle grandson was curled up in my lap to read The Donkey’s Day Out by Ann Pilling. A friendship was forged between Fred, an old, tired donkey, and Tarquin, a nervous, moody stallion. Fred missed his mother and cow friends who’d been taken away, and Tarquin longed for his mother who was killed in a horse-box crash. Tarquin wouldn’t compete in races unless Fred was watching nearby. The story progresses to when Fred is ridden in a Palm Sunday play, and he realizes it’s the most important story he’s ever heard. But I never made it to the end.

Midway through, my grandson turned to look me square in the eye and said, “Mima, I love you, and I don’t want you to die.” I swallowed the lump in my throat, his pain and mine, and reassured him that I was healthy; I didn’t think I’d be dying any time soon. I explained that one of my grandmothers had lived till she was a hundred. The question that followed had me laughing through my tears, “Mima, are you one hundred?”

To lighten the moment, I sounded indignant, “No, sweet child! Do I look it?” He then wanted to know how many years till I get to one hundred. I told him that I hope to dance at his wedding and rock his babies in my arms. And that is a long way off! 

Nevertheless, I took the opportunity to remind him that when we die, God promises that we will be reunited with our loved ones who’ve already passed away, his sister, other grandmother, and great grandfathers. God also says there will be no more tears in heaven. He didn’t miss a beat with his piercing gaze, “Mima, there will only be happy tears in heaven!” 

     Our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, reveals truth to children. 

In most of the cities where Jesus did miracles, He wasn’t accepted; His family rejected Him; and people refused to turn from their wicked ways. They saw the lame, blind, and sick healed. They witnessed the unclean outcast brought back to community. And a boy’s lunch fed a crowd. Yet, their hearts were hardened; the wise and intelligent missed what was offered. 

Fred, the donkey, had faithfully stood by his friend so he could compete in races and win. However, it was Fred who was chosen to carry a King; and my grandson who proclaimed hope.  Then again, I leaned in to love.

God remembers the lonely and left behind. 

There is rest for the weary and troubled, quiet and peace for the oppressed and tormented. Come to the Father; take His yoke and learn from Him. He is gentle and humble of heart; He is the answer to all our questions.   

It truly is simple.

Come as a child,

Lily Mae

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Matthew 11: 28: 30

     

 

 

 

 

Mundane Monday

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Mundane Monday

In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “Holy to the Lord.” And the cooking pots in the Lord’s house will be like the bowls before the altar. Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 14: 20, 21 NASB

     Monday’s shadows had greeted me at dawn, the letdown of the mundane after the celebrations, and the preparation, push, and entertainment of the weekend. I was plagued with weariness as I cleared breakfast, and I put our fine china away. And my grandsons seemed to be overcome by the same. The younger child had tripped several times, and the older one had accidentally knocked his trail mix, peanuts, M&M’s, and raisins off the table three times. His gaze had blurred with fatigue while we picked up the castaways and dumped them in the trash. However, I was determined that he would have a snack; and so, we refilled his bowl.

When the forlorn fellow went to add more raisins, and he knocked over the entire box, our eyes locked. Grace won. No words were necessary! In a split second, he awakened with a belly laugh that I hadn’t yet heard that morn. The rattled raisins lifted our countenances. And the mundane became the crescendo!

These are the moments that matter, when we sit cross-legged on the floor and clean the mess. Together! All becomes treasured, the fatigue from our gathering and separating, tipped bowls that clang and clatter, scattered morsels, locked-eyes, smiles, and hands that work in harmony.

Grace permeates our day. . . the start. . . middle. . . and end; but, even more so, our being.

When the Lord returns and reigns on earth, there will be no distinction between holy and secular. Everything will be set apart for the service of the Lord. Everything. Distinguished. Clean. Perfect. Worthy. Purposeful. Even the cooking pots and pans, kitchen utensils, and linens will be sacred.

However, let’s begin now. We can light candles and set out our good dishes and silver for the simple meal, whether we have company or not. The ordinary connection is the festive one; the mundane matters. Besides, each day is an opportunity for sacrifice, an offering of tender devotion and worship of our God.

The Lord sees our gatherings, the collective stories, shared jokes, and hidden undercurrents. He also recalls our loss and suffering, and He is not indifferent. His merciful love heals, restores, and redeems. We are the “apple of His eye,” the most delicate, vulnerable, and useful part. Wanted. Essential. Protected. Therefore, when others harm us, or we harm them, it’s like we’ve damaged the pupil of His eye. He is pained by the infraction. And He will not remain silent.

Take courage. Awaken. Arise.

Do not despise Monday, the day of humble beginnings.

Lily Mae

 

Dwell in Safety

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In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone,
O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.
Psalm 4: 8 (NASB)

 

     What keeps you restless and up at night or wakes you stone-cold, scared, and motionless in the middle? I worry most about disagreements and misunderstandings between friends and family, and I often rehash what went wrong during the day. I consider what I could’ve said or done different. Angry and bitter words maim more than punches that bruise, but I’ve been just as guilty at times as those who’ve lashed out at me. So, I toss and turn as I talk to God, and I pour out my fears, insecurities, and hurts.

My daughter recently shared how my oldest grandson had prayed the previous night. He was thankful for the geese poop around Mima’s pond. When she questioned him about it, he’d assured her that he was indeed grateful for the poop. And I couldn’t help but smile.

That morning was the first that I’d held the hands of both grandsons while we walked side by side. They’re independent, and I often struggle to keep them out of the appealing mud and water. However, we’d joined rank and scared the pesky geese away with our “honk and stomp” noise. And then the oldest had pointed out each fresh dropping as we rounded the cattails. With care and concern, he’d guarded our steps and looked out for his little brother and his tired grandmother. And later in the evening he was grateful. The mess had a purpose.

God hears the prayers of all His children. Nothing is too small or insignificant. Therefore, do not fear the break of dawn, and do not dread the dark gloom and obscurities of night.

God heard David’s call of distress when his enemies closed in with lies, dishonor, and harmful intent. God stretched out His hands with grace and mercy, and He made room. He relieved David of his anguish and then filled him with joy and gladness. David couldn’t earn or purchase his own righteousness; instead, he had to trust in God’s holy provision, strength, and defense. And so, his start and finish were covered with prayer.

Although, David was afraid, he was confident that God would protect and preserve him. Therefore, he chose to be still and meditated on God’s goodness.

God also sees our daily needs and desires, and He is gracious to listen to our cries for help. When the path is a mess, and the rescue seems far off, He reminds us of His presence and Way. And He steadies our feet. Though, we may tremble, we also pray, and  we choose to walk in uprightness. God breaks our chains, and He liberates us from the bondage of man and his wrongful thinking. God has set us apart for His glory, and the light of His beautiful countenance falls on us. We are to reflect Him. Joy also fills our heart. We too shall dwell in safety.

So, from the first light of day till the sun sets, we will lift our gaze heavenward.

May you experience God’s rest and peace today,

Lily Mae

 

 

 

God Knows my Name

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The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken;
For you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.”
Exodus 33: 17 (NASB)

 

I never liked my name. It could be because Martha means “lady” and “mistress of her house.” Both seem too stiff and proper to describe me. Although, I had no natural, athletic ability, I was a tomboy who grew up in a household with three brothers. We often played a boisterous game of basketball, we pushed, pulled, and taunted each other. And we had foul shot competitions. Then I rode my beat-up bike for hours on the dirt roads that were connected to our country lane.

Likewise, my brothers and I frequently explored the fields near our home and climbed a mulberry tree that fed many hungry birds. Our lips, hands, and bare feet wore their ripe evidence.  We also waded in the creek, searched for tadpoles, and built forts in the nearby woods. Times were different and my parents weren’t concerned for our safety.

My siblings and I weren’t allowed to watch much television, and computers, Facebook, and electronics didn’t exist. I spent most days barefoot outdoors, so my name was a contradiction. I was anything but poised. I was a restless runner of the fields.

Perhaps, I disliked my name because it reminded me of the trauma that my mother’s family experienced when her older sister, Martha, and her unborn baby were killed in a head-on collision. I was born several months later, and I carried the heavy loss with my name. I’ve often wondered if Martha was the true lady and mistress of her home; or, was she quiet and shy and a tomboy like me? Did I live up to her memory?  I blamed myself for the sorrow that lingered.

My name was also a cruel reminder that I’d been taken and I was no longer pure. I had no word for what happened. The window of my childhood shuddered with its dark secrets and tainted perspective. I recall the years lived in terror. I still feel the panic that overcame me as I checked my room each night. I looked in the closet, under the bed, locked the door . . . and then checked again. It was my bedtime routine. My privacy had been violated and my innocence stolen. I was on guard. I held my breath as if I passed through the Chesapeake Tunnel. But it wasn’t a fun competition.

Everything had changed. Sexual abuse left an ugly mark. I lost my safe place, position, and voice. I told no one in my family until I was an adult and I had children of my own. There was no easy manual that explained how to respond, not for the extended family, and not for the victims that began to come forward. But I began to heal as I wrote about my experiences. I released the hurt and anger as I identified and examined each ruin. Then I re-framed the lies of my abuse with God’s Truth. And God led me to freedom as my broken pieces fit together in a mysterious mosaic. Beauty was possible.

Like Moses, God knows our name and He favors us. He has a purpose for the pain we endure. He sees our need and affliction, and He breaks His silence. He rescues us from those who intend harm. We may not like our name and/or our history, or our once marred perspective, but we can praise Jesus for the freedom He now gives. When our identity rests in Him, we become part of His royal family. We no longer have to run in fear and doubt and restlessness. God’s presence is a promise that He goes with us, and He will give us rest. Therefore, we must tell the next generation of our hope. Jesus saves!

God knows you by name. Let Him lead you with His courage and confidence.

Be blessed!

Lily Mae

Upon you I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother’s womb. Be not far from me, for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Many bulls have surrounded me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.  Psalm 22:10-12 (NASB)

 

 

 

 

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Treasures of the Deep

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For I am confident of this very thing,
That He who began a good work in you will
Perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1: 6 NASB

 

 

A curious child matched the gleam in her grandfather’s eyes as she helped to feed his greedy fish. The beauty of their dips and dives and palette mesmerized with wonder and breathless silence.  She’d sit on the steps long after he’d gone and study the iridescent flight of the sea creatures. Words weren’t necessary or possible. How can we fathom or explain the hand of God?

I recently visited an aquarium with my grandsons and felt my passion for the tanks stir again. Treasures of the deep- some memories we keep and others we learn to put in proper perspective. Otherwise, grief and anger and bitterness overtake us, and it all but destroys our body and spirit. For the sake of future generations, I will no longer be silent.

I loved my grandfather. He made me believe that belly laughs were possible with his silly antics. When he shot cooked peas at me over the dining room table- I knew I was a favored grandchild. He rarely missed his target. I too almost gagged on the green pellets and squished them into my napkin to toss out later. So, I covered for both of us. But there was another side to him.

Decades later, I learned that my grandfather had verbally and emotionally abused his family. I’d also been told that he’d physically abused some of his children. Though I’d never been a victim of his wrath, I witnessed his hurtful and offensive barrage at a family reunion. The silence that followed was equally uncomfortable and shameful. No one defended the casualty in the circle.

The leader of our family had insulted, demeaned, and humiliated someone I loved, and no one defended her. I won’t forget the wash of ashen pain that flooded her face before her dark pools dropped. She’d been made to feel stupid much of her life. And no one held him accountable. Although, it has taken me more than 23 years, I must respond.

Verbal and emotional abuse leaves a dent on the soul unlike physical abuse. Cuts and burns and bruises eventually heal, but words are not forgotten. They play like a tape recorder in our mind, again and again; they remind us of our faults and imperfections, inadequacy and unworthiness. And we do not see ourselves correctly. We begin to believe that we are “dumb hammers!”

Abusive relationships are defined by power and control. The offender often dismisses or minimizes his/her actions or blames it on the victim. One person makes all the decisions about what to eat, where to shop, or how to spend their time. And the culprit often uses the children to keep their partner in line. If he/she disobeys, the offender threatens to take them. Isolation and intimidation often separates the victim from family and friends, and he/she may be told they can’t work outside of the home or further their education. Likewise, the one who is a bully in the home often reacts the same way in other settings and vice versa. It’s their way or no way!

Jesus Christ’s submission to His Father’s will and His leadership and ministry with His disciples didn’t suggest that male privilege and a “king of the castle” mentality in the home was all right. Christ never silenced or demeaned or shamed His followers into action. Instead, He draws us with chords of His loving kindness. We sin and fall short of the mark of His glorious perfection. Male and female- both created in God’s image with a plan and purpose; we are prone to wander. We sin and confess and repent, and turn again and again. But still He beckons us.

Verbal and emotional abuse should never be ignored, dismissed, or handled with tolerance. When we ignore the warning signs, the cycle continues and future generations are impacted. Girls learn they have no say or choice in the home, and boys grow up to be disrespectful bullies. And this wasn’t what God had in mind when he created the sanctity of marriage.

Misfits and rebels, waifs and scoundrels- we’re all broken and in need of a Rescuer, a Deliverer and Healer and Redeemer. Jesus, in a sea of second chances, shows us how to live by grace. Humility was seen when He knelt and washed His disciples’ feet and served them breakfast. Also, when Jesus healed the adulterous and unclean women, and restored the lame and blind beggars and outcast lepers, He addressed their truth and met their needs without disgracing them.

Husbands love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.
Ephesians 5: 27, 28 (NASB)

How did Christ love His church? He laid down His life for His bride and made her blameless. Jesus’ submission required the utmost form of sacrifice. Husbands are also called to lead their home with great concern and provision- to love and protect and be willing to lay down their life. The cost of their submission is great as they put their wife’s needs and desires before their own. The husband loves and cherishes her as he would his own body.

. . . And the wife must see to it that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5: 33 (NASB)

My mother is the most beautiful and compassionate woman I know. She has a lilt in her laugh that lights up a room and puts others at ease. She lives simply and thrives in dark and lonesome places. She hides her heart ache and has used her loss and suffering to minister to her church and community. And she models how to care for and serve my family. She trusts in God and is wise. When she couldn’t finish high school, she took courses to become an LPN and worked. She obtained her GED years after she’d raised her children. My father stood by her side with pride, and she also honored him. Their relationship was founded on love, respect, and mutual submission.

I loved my grandfather and hold fast to my fond memories of our shared passion for the deep. But I won’t sweep the family history of hurt and shame and betrayal under the rug anymore. My mother has given me the courage to finally shout my story from the roof tops. And this is a start!

Lily Mae

 

Black and White

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I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.
My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
Revive me, O Lord, according your Your ordinances.
Psalm 119: 147-149 (NASB)

My husband and I were told that we were a bit overweight, and I sheepishly smirked. I wasn’t surprised. We had packed a family of four snowmen in our suitcase, along with a bag of sea shells and my favorite grapefruit butter. Our return trip home often generates a dilemma. What do we need to dump out?  This flight it was dried fruit and nuts and a beach towel and suntan lotion we wouldn’t need for a year.

I recalled how my grandson had awakened from a nap the previous week, and when I’d asked him about his sly grin, he’d replied, “Mima, I dreamed you were a cow.” I laughed because I hadn’t worked out in months, and I felt slow and cumbersome. Curious of the spin on his thoughts, I asked him about the color, and he didn’t miss a beat as he said, “Black and white.” From the mouth of a small child to a few airline workers came a reminder to unload the needless baggage and to chew on Truth.

While my grandson and I would imitate the sounds of the animals in the books we read, he didn’t know that I’d just contemplated that the meditation of God’s Word is much like a cow that chews his cud. The cow grinds the hay down and swallows, and then regurgitates and chews it again. The healthiest cows usually lie down and chew on their cud for hours at a time. Rest and relaxation is essential!

So, maybe it was okay to embrace my need to slow down and meditate on God’s timely Word and heal. I’d become discontented and disheartened during the past few months. I was hungry for intimacy with God, but He was silent and appeared distant and unmoved. I’d waited in expectation for I’d learned to trust Him. And through the sleepless nights and early morning prayers and reflections, God proved His faithfulness. He had been with me all the while.

A thankful heart is tethered to the Father.  I stood unshaken against the contrary wind and boarded the plane a little lighter. And that alone was a small miracle since I used to step up with sweat-clenched hands. I’d be hungry for my tossed snack later, but God produces fruit that endures- love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is His timely work. With humility I bow to whatever God sets before me. He will lead me and fulfill His promises.

Consider what God is calling you to let go of and meditate on His life-preserving Truth. He is sufficient. He is the creator of the heavenly places, and there is beauty and rest and strength in His Holy presence.

Trusting in God and His intentions,

Lily Mae

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23NKJV