Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:13 (Living Bible)

I recently met with a couple who have had some struggles in their marriage. Some of those hurts went far back into their lengthy marriage, and there is still some hurt evident, though healing is happening very nicely at this point. We discussed the value of intentional forgiveness- that is, making a decision to forgive, even when there is no feeling of forgiveness. In other words, there is a decision and a desire to forgive, but hurt feelings, sadness, and fear of further hurts still linger.

I suggested that when we decide to forgive a party who offends us, we have made the first and most important step- we have taken a step of obedience that God requires of us. When we meet God at this place of obedience, he then can take over and change our hearts and feelings. That is work that God can do if we let him. Choosing to forgive, which is an action after God’s own heart, is the step that frees God to act in our life.

Just because we do not feel like making a decision to forgive is understandable. Deciding to forgive because God tells us to forgive is the first step in relational healing.

Prayer: Lord, help us to follow your plan of forgiving others, Amen

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:40-43

Most people are familiar with the account of the crucifixion of Jesus. He was executed in this vicious Roman type of torture along with two criminals. Public executions were considered to be a deterrent to breaking Roman law. It was a way to exert power, and to instill fear into anyone inclined to rebel against Roman authority.  

During this gruesome time on the cross, one of the criminals turned toward Jesus, his fellow sufferer, and asked Jesus to remember him when he entered into his kingdom. One of the criminals was jeering Jesus, and the other asked to follow Jesus into his kingdom.

In times of desperation, we are tested in our character. I think that the criminal who turned to Jesus was revealing something deep in his character when he recognized his own plight, and confessed his need for Jesus. We don’t know his crime, and indeed, his “crime” may simply have been dissent about Roman authority. What we do know is that he turned to Jesus, and Jesus secured his future.

 How simple it can be to ask Jesus to secure our future. We only need the humility to ask.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your provision for us through Jesus, Amen

Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”                                                                                              John 8:12 (The Message)

Light is a reality. Darkness is the absence of that reality. Light is a positive force. Darkness is not a force or a presence or a quantity of any kind. It appears only when light disappears. Light is not dependent upon darkness, but darkness is totally dependent upon light.                                                                              John W. Sloat

I am not an expert on neurobiology, but it is an interest of mine. I have written in the past about the effects of light on our mood, and that connection seems to be corroborated by brain research regarding the release of dopamine and serotonin when we are exposed to sunlight. This time of year here in the northern hemisphere, that sunlight is abundant and delightful. There is a wealth of sunshine as the days continue to get just a little longer. Yesterday, we experienced the summer solstice, the day when we max out on hours of daylight.

A morning walk in moderate to warm temperatures is good for both body and soul. I can just feel my mood elevate as the sun illuminates the world around me. I do believe that light is used in the Bible as the healing and saving metaphor. No coincidence there. I think that our desire for light is natural and healthy.

So, soak up the light while you can, and enjoy the benefits of living in the light!

Prayer: What a gift we have in light of all types, Amen

By yourself you’re unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (The Message)

I was recently talking with some dear friends, and we talked about how guilt can be crippling. I said that guilt and anxiety are both crippling to our spirit, but only when those emotions become out of control.

Guilt, for example, can be useful to the extent that it prompts us to see our failures and sins and then to seek remedy for wrongs we have done. The feeling of guilt can be useful if it gets us to the place of restoration. The problem is that guilt is not always rational. It, like anxiety, can become a self-defeating emotion that robs us of joy and energy. There are times when we feel guilt, but we have not really done anything to warrant it.

Anxiety too can be useful to the extent that it keeps us alert and vigilant to dangers. The problem with anxiety is that the “dangers” it warns us about are often non-existent, or greatly exaggerated.

Analyzing those conditions- the states of guilt and anxiety- is important. In order for us to get calibration, another trusted person can journey with us to explore these things so that we can get good, caring feedback. This is not to just get affirmation of those feelings, but to get honest feedback about ourselves. Left to our own devices at times, we cannot see clearly to determine if that guilt or that anxiety is rational or irrational. Sometimes we need the help of a friend or a counselor to sort those things out.

So, take a look at those emotions that can be crippling, and get the help you need so that they do not cripple you..

Prayer: Lord, thank you for those who journey with us as we explore ourselves, Amen

The ethics of my profession follow those of most of the healthcare organizations. I was reminded of the first practical application of the ethical code- Do no harm– as I prepared a note to a couple with whom I have been working. I asked them directly if the course of treatment we were pursuing was causing them harm. I asked because the case is very complicated, and fraught with numerous obstacles.

I am reminded again that ethics in healthcare always boils down to humility. That is, I must have the humility to ask if my approach is working, if it is appropriate to their need, and does it have potential to be effective. Essentially one could ask the simple question, “for whose benefit is this treatment”? It must be for the patient’s benefit and well-being.

So, the next time you visit your doctor, remember that she/he is dedicated to your well-being. You may not always agree with them. You may even have had disagreements or conflicts with them- that happens. Remember they are human too, but they have pledged to put your well-being as a high value- one that costs them in many ways.

As you look over these words from Hippocrates, remember the reason we are here. We are here for those whom we serve. What a high calling that mirrors the call of Jesus.

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and 

therapeutic nihilism

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.

I will not be ashamed to say “I know not”, nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life and save life wherever possible within reason; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling, and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

Prayer: Lord we lift up those men and women who provide care for us, Amen

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.  You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.                   Acts 10:34-36

Today is June 19^th. It is the new American national holiday, Juneteenth, which celebrates the date in 1865 when thousands of African-American slaves in Texas found that they had finally been set free. Many of my international readers may not be aware of this event, and indeed, until somewhat recently, a fair number of Americans probably were not well aware of it either.

It was not taught in the schools I attended, and I was about 21 years old when I learned about the significance of that event. My work partner was an African-American woman who explained to me this date, this celebration, as a part of Black culture.

American slavery is not a subject that White America wanted to discuss or make efforts to remember. In fact, the less it was discussed, the less guilty we felt. However, I think it is important to remember the past, not to simply feel guilty, but to understand ourselves and our country in context and in fact. If we love America, we look with clear eyes about her past. We recognize her many great accomplishments, and her failures as well. We learn from both.

We need to remember that African-Americans, and the indigenous peoples of America suffered greatly as the North American continent was slowly absorbed into an American culture that favored certain ethnic and racial groups over the years. Yes, America was known as the “Great Melting Pot”, but that was a nice concept that often did not really ring true. Certain groups were favored over the years, and certain people groups were systematically excluded. That is the simple truth.

So, as Christians, we celebrate the value of people in God’s eyes- that he loves everyone, and he is no discerner of people. We are human and we fail in this concept, reverting to our tribal mentality which unfortunately can triumph over total acceptance of others, especially if they do not look like us.

Let us celebrate the beauty of diversity, and use holidays like Juneteenth to do that very thing every year.

Prayer: Lord, you have made us different, but equally important to you- you love us without distinction, Amen

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.  You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.                   Acts 10:34-36

Today is June 19^th. It is the new American national holiday, Juneteenth, which celebrates the date in 1865 when thousands of African-American slaves in Texas found that they had finally been set free. Many of my international readers may not be aware of this event, and indeed, until somewhat recently, a fair number of Americans probably were not well aware of it either.

It was not taught in the schools I attended, and I was about 21 years old when I learned about the significance of that event. My work partner was an African-American woman who explained to me this date, this celebration, as a part of Black culture.

American slavery is not a subject that White America wanted to discuss or make efforts to remember. In fact, the less it was discussed, the less guilty we felt. However, I think it is important to remember the past, not to simply feel guilty, but to understand ourselves and our country in context and in fact. If we love America, we look with clear eyes about her past. We recognize her many great accomplishments, and her failures as well. We learn from both.

We need to remember that African-Americans, and the indigenous peoples of America suffered greatly as the North American continent was slowly absorbed into an American culture that favored certain ethnic and racial groups over the years. Yes, America was known as the “Great Melting Pot”, but that was a nice concept that often did not really ring true. Certain groups were favored over the years, and certain people groups were systematically excluded. That is the simple truth.

So, as Christians, we celebrate the value of people in God’s eyes- that he loves everyone, and he is no discerner of people. We are human and we fail in this concept, reverting to our tribal mentality which unfortunately can triumph over total acceptance of others, especially if they do not look like us.

Let us celebrate the beauty of diversity, and use holidays like Juneteenth to do that very thing every year.

Prayer: Lord, you have made us different, but equally important to you- you love us without distinction, Amen

As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
 for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust                                                                                                               Psalm 103:13-15

I was recently interviewed by church staff for a Father’s Day video piece for our upcoming Sunday service. The idea that came to my mind was the concept of being a husband. Yes, not all husbands are fathers, but the concept holds true.

The word husband is defined as “a married man considered in relation to his wife”. The other meaning, the word husbandry, is more general. That one says “using resources wisely, economically”. Similar words used to describe “husband” are: conserve, preserve, save, safeguard, etc.”

I think that a father is one who sets an atmosphere of safety. He provides protection, and an opportunity for safe growth for his children. He becomes the “greenhouse” for protected growth for the young plants (children) under his care.

I like the idea of being that safe and nurturing place for my children. Yes, they are now mature adults themselves and are now launching their own children. However, fathers are always fathers, and they care for their children now matter how old they are.

I concluded the video with the thought, “If my kids are happy, I’m happy”.

Yep, that about sums it up.  

Prayer: Lord, what a blessing you have given to me of being a father! Amen

As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
 for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust                                                                                                              Psalm 103:13-15

I was recently interviewed by church staff for a Father’s Day video piece for our upcoming Sunday service. The idea that came to my mind was the concept of being a husband. Yes, not all husbands are fathers, but the concept holds true.

The word husband is defined as “a married man considered in relation to his wife”. The other meaning, the word husbandry, is more general. That one says “using resources wisely, economically”. Similar words used to describe “husband” are: conserve, preserve, save, safeguard, etc.”

I think that a father is one who sets an atmosphere of safety. He provides protection, and an opportunity for safe growth for his children. He becomes the “greenhouse” for protected growth for the young plants (children) under his care.

I like the idea of being that safe and nurturing place for my children. Yes, they are now mature adults themselves and are now launching their own children. However, fathers are always fathers, and they care for their children now matter how old they are.

I concluded the video with the thought, “If my kids are happy, I’m happy”.

Yep, that about sums it up.  

Prayer: Lord, what a blessing you have given to me of being a father! Amen

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come                                                                  Psalm 71:18

I am writing today about elders. No, not the elderly, but elders. Elderly is a term I avoid since I became, well, elderly. So, I will use the term elder, as a nod to my former pastor, Mike Slaughter, who told those of us of a certain age that we had become “tribal elders”. I like that, so I am sticking to it. I am an elder. Indeed, this is also a term for certain church leaders, but I am not a clergy person, so I am an elder with a small “e”.

That being said, here is a quiz to determine if you might be an elder:

Question 1. Have you ever had a meaningful conversation with someone who went to school in the 19^th century?

Question 2. Have you ever picked up a rotary phone and heard neighborhood women talking on the party line? If you ask “what is a party line?”, you likely are not an elder.

Question 3. Do you remember watching Edward R. Murrow do an interview on CBS television?

Question 4. Can you remember watching Little Richard playing the piano like his hair was on fire?    

Question 5. Did you have your tonsils removed in a hospital, and then stay overnight?

These are just a few of hundreds of questions that may, if you answered any in the affirmative, qualify you as an elder.  

Yes, just having fun with age, of course, but being an elder means that you must enter that life period with a sense of humor. Getting older, as they say, is not for the faint of heart.  While we are losing some physical and even mental functions, we have gained wisdom and perspective.

So, my friends, if you qualify as an elder, wear it proudly, and grow old with grace and wisdom to be shared with those behind us.

Prayer: Lord, you have given to many of us the gift of extended life. Help us to use it to your glory, and the benefit of those whom we serve, Amen