Haunted

I am haunted by his words, “I can’t breathe” and his chilling plea to “Mama”.

If you are unaware of what I speak, check out any news article regarding George Floyd.  

The issue is about race, authority, the lack of mercy, the absence of grace.  Of course, it is about more than that, but as I reflect on Pentecost Sunday it is clear that the world has turned upside down and this must grieve the Father’s heart.

I chose purposely not to preach on this matter on Sunday.  The world has been inundated with comments and opinions about the matter. People are talking about “white privilege”, “racism”, “justice” and the like. I didn’t want to speak about any of that. 

I could tell you about how my heart broke as a mother, hearing a grown man call out “Mama”.

I could tell you about the racism shown to my immigrant parents, in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s (dare I go on?)  right here in Canada.

I could tell you about my own experience of racism as the only Indian girl in her public school and high school.

I could tell you how demeaning people can be because you are not the “right” gender for a particular job, or how offensive it is for others to presume they know you because they once ate in an Indian restaurant.

I don’t want to speak about any of that.

Rather, I want to speak about Jesus.  

I want to speak about how we, as followers of Jesus, are called to be and live.

Here’s the thing. God’s promises are as true today as they have ever been.  In the midst of a pandemic, in the midst of racial bigotry, in the midst of cancer diagnoses, failing marriages and financial upheaval, God was there. And God is still here.

This God, this very present God, is the same God that demonstrated a love so complete and so unconditional that He sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross on our behalf.  Jesus died, rose again and after giving instructions to his followers went to be with the Father.  After 40 days, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples.  In Acts 2:1-4 we read:

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Pentecost is considered the birth of the church.

But beloveds, WE are the church.

We are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, which means that the very life, breath and energy of God lives in each of us. Given that, how does that influence our response to what is happening in the world? 

How does that influence how we respond to our neighbour?

Does it change anything?  Shouldn’t it?

Breathe on me breathe of God.

In the midst of the madness, be the church!

5 Practical Steps to Worry Less!

When I was little I was terrified of sleeping in my own room.  I remember being so afraid that there was something lurking in the shadows or that someone was going to climb through the open window (even though my bedroom was on the second floor and no balcony in sight!).  I would start off in my bed every night and at some point I would end up in the safety of my mom’s bed.  I have no idea how I managed to get across the hallway from my bedroom to hers!  I was so worried that someone or something was going to get me.

Eventually I grew up and got over my irrational fear of shadows in the night... but when I think about it, even today when we begin to worry, isn’t it the same?  Worrying about things that aren’t even there!

Now as an adult there are plenty of things to think about; health , finances, education, jobs, relationships, all of which are important and yet the bible makes it pretty clear that we are not to worry.

This week we are starting a new message series entitled, Less Worry More Joy! We are going to look at a passage from Matthew 6: 26- 27 where Jesus says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Jesus goes on, Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”  Nope, right?  Right.

If you struggle with the issue of worry in your life you are not alone!

So, here are 5 things you can do to help stop worrying:

1. Think differently.  Worrying involves your thought life. What we think about matters.  The apostle Paul gives us a clue on how to think in Phil 4:6-8.  Be sure to read the whole verse but you will recall verse 8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” 

2. Pray:  This might seem simplistic but please don’t underestimate the power of prayer. The Bible tells us to pray instead of worry... so pray and then consider the matter in God’s hands.  You might want to start a prayer journal.  It’s easy, just write down what’s on your mind in the form of a prayer and give those worries to God.

3. Do something constructive. Instead of sitting around and thinking about the topic, go do something. Ride a bike. Read a book. Listen to music. Do that chore you’ve been putting off.  

4. Talk to someone about it. Share your burden with someone you trust. This can get the worry off your chest while having someone else to help you with it.

5. Obey.  Jesus said “do not worry”.  Check out Matthew 6:24-34!  Trusting God to handle our concerns is a faith issue.  You are putting your faith in an amazing and faithful God. 

God loves you unconditionally, trust God with your worries.

True Perspective by Guest Blogger Shireen Spencer

Living through this pandemic CAN be frightening BUT it doesn't have to be!

Because we have God. Because we can depend on his word.

The Bible tells us to cast our cares on Jesus because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:7) This is very comforting to me.

We are told to be anxious about nothing but in EVERYTHING by PRAYER ...SUPPLICATION... THANKSGIVING...make our REQUESTS to God (Philippians 4:6) So yes, the anxiety will show up, but with our focus on God and his truth it can't stay. We can invite this unwanted visitor to leave!

The word of God can come alive for us during this time in such a fresh way and if we choose to, the Joy of the Lord can and will be our strength. His peace is his gift to us when we choose to come to him.

I love this quote I read from Nelson Mandela! "May your choices reflect your hopes not your fears" I choose Jesus. I choose faith.

There have been moments I begin to feel suffocated. I feel the stress TRYING to rise up in my Spirit and physical body and what do I do? I pause. I breathe in and out slowly. I whisper a prayer. I read scripture. I put on worship music. I think about and declare my gratitude. These choices allow room for peace and joy to take over.

What does God do for me in these moments? He let's me rest. He soothes me. He reminds me that the breath I am taking comes from him. He brings joy to my heart through the words of scripture and songs. And... he practically touches my heart and life in ways I wouldn't trade for anything! He sends my son to give me a kiss or to ask for, most times he just gives, a great big long bear hug and to whisper into my ears three precious words...I love you. Then with a smile and a twinkle in his eye he gazes at me for awhile and we share a moment. That moment is so precious! It is a moment with him and with God. My heart and life becomes so full again!

These are treasures that God is revealing and giving in these times. There are diamonds to be found in these rough mountains we are climbing and valleys we are walking.

Parenting on a good day is a challenge! In these times being a parent, supervising education and working from home all at the same time and in the same confined space is adding another dimension of difficulty. Trying to stay calm and be patient with the noise level or attention demands of little humans who are just being who they are...children adjusting to confinement, takes an extra measure of grace especially when there is a melt down. If I were honest I would have to say I sometimes feel the same way, but because I am a big human I have learned how to deal with my emotions or at least to hide them until I get to my bedroom or bathroom.

But God again speaks to me in these moments and opens my eyes to the good happening in all this. We are having more family time than ever before -Our own immediate family and our extended. The games we have learned to play and my online/technical communication abilities have grown so much and the learning experience has been so much fun! We've learned to be creative on different activities that don't involve spending money unnecessarily! My son has become quite the baker. My waistline is suffering but this kind of suffering is worth it! We have learned the boys can make dinner one night each! Now this is a most amazing gift! Why didn't I implement this before? They are 15 and 12. It is about time! The kids are learning to be more independent and we are learning their strengths and differences in this area. We are getting to know our children more! I'm reading the Bible more, because it's what keeps me uplifted. All these ways that God is gifting me with special jewels are too many to list!

Am I uncomfortable with this pandemic? Of course. But I am not frightened because "My soul finds rest in God alone" (Psalms 62:1). My foundation and salvation is found in him. By choice I am choosing to focus on "whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8 This choice is revealing more of God and more reasons to be thankful. This choice has made this journey through this pandemic, and many other difficult times in life, an experience of adventure with God. There are nervous moments. There are many moments of uncertainty. It makes me think about getting on a roller coaster. I say I hate those rides but I still go on holding my breath and screaming. Opening my eyes and shutting them tightly. Yet I come off laughing and having enjoyed it. God has allowed me to go on this pandemic ride and by keeping my eyes and mind on him I will have the same experience...I may not enjoy all of it but I will have been filled with Joy. God is still on the throne. He is still sovereign. He is still in charge.

Shireen Spencer is an author, speaker, and regular guest preacher at Amberlea.