I went to Speedway to grab a hot chocolate as I was out for church one morning. I noted that the hot chocolate machine produced plenty of hot water, but essentially zero hot chocolate mix. I poured out the mixture and opted for a coffee instead. When I spoke to the clerk, I mentioned to her that the dispensing machine must be out of chocolate mix since I got a cup of hot water.

She looked up at me with a little surprise and said, “Most people are pretty mean when that happens.” I told her that I thought that she should be aware of the fact, but that I was not upset with her or the machine for that malfunction. She thanked me with a smile and I went on to church.

I later thought about this little interaction, and I was dismayed that courtesy seemed to be in somewhat rare supply these days. I share this not to say that I am such a thoughtful person. What I did was, in my opinion, a normal response to the situation. What concerned me was that this poor clerk had to put up with a number of customers who take out their frustrations upon her. My simple (and expected) courtesy was an exception to this clerk and, evidently, far from the rule from her perception.

Is courtesy a value that has become outdated? Have the simple virtues we once cherished been overtaken by a mean spirited age? I think that social media has produced a large amount of intolerance; or maybe it has just given voice to long held resentments by providing a platform for people to shout their anger to the world.

I am not unaware of the irony that this blog is a social media platform, and that I too am voicing my concerns. My hope is that by ringing a bell for a return to some long held virtues such as courtesy and kindness, the norm may once again be caring about our neighbors- the ones with whom we share the planet.

Today we commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day invasion that ensured the end of the Nazi horrors that beset Europe, and indeed the world. It was June 6^th, 1944, and that day is seared into the memory of so many.

On June 6^th, 1944, most of the soldiers, sailors and airmen who were in the invasion were just hoping to make it through to see June 7th ,1944. It was an intense and bloody day. Very few of those who were involved in that invasion are still here to celebrate the 80^th anniversary. For those who are, and to the families of those valiant soldiers, we thank you for your courage and service.

As Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg Address,

“But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion…

It is my sincere hope that we can continue to celebrate the freedoms secured for us through the sacrifice of these soldiers. We stand at a very difficult time in America- a time when we seem so cavalier and insensitive in our political power struggles, that we lose sight of the noble and precious rights and freedoms we enjoy.  

So, pause today, and pray a prayer of thanks for the things we enjoy as a free people, but also pray for the courage to lay aside petty political posturing, and to rededicate ourselves to the principles that unite us and serve as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.

“Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery.  In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone women like this. What do you say?”  They said this to test him, because they wanted a reason to bring an accusation against him. Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger. They continued to question him, so he stood up and replied, “Whoever hasn’t sinned should throw the first stone.”                                                                                                                                                  John 8:4-7

This is a familiar passage, because it illustrates several points so well. One is the mercy of Jesus toward a person caught in the act of breaking Jewish law. Another point is that it captures the brilliant response Jesus employed to cut through the improper motives of the accusers. Finally, it illustrates the pervasive nature of sin- it is the common human problem which none of us escape.

The woman who was brought to Jesus and accused of adultery had no defense. She was guilty. Yet she was also simply being used as a prop for the crowd. Her partner in the crime for which she was being accused is nowhere to be found. Clearly, justice was not being served here.

Jesus saw through the plan, and he did not just say to them, “You all are sinners too, and this is not right what you are doing!”  They would have reacted defensively and angrily. Jesus carefully and deliberately used a process so that they could see for themselves their own guilt. This is called conviction of the heart, and it was a brilliant strategy.

What he wrote on the ground in the dirt is open to speculation, but whatever he wrote was powerful and convicting. Maybe he named their sins, maybe he wrote their names, or maybe he wrote out another scripture. Whatever he wrote stopped them in their tracks.

Jesus recognized the guilt of the woman. Yet he pardoned her and said essentially, “go and don’t do this sin again”.

The point here is that “casting stones” at others seems like a bad idea- and yes, we all do it figuratively. If we consider our own actions, and the mercy we have received from others, maybe we aren’t so quick to throw stones.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the example you have given us in your son, Jesus. Help us to remember what he taught, Amen.  

 

 

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”        Luke 1:28

I am currently reading a book about charisma, and how that has influenced American political and spiritual leaders throughout the centuries.  The word charisma has at its root the word “charis” meaning gift, grace, favored, or a variant of those concepts. Paul used the word, for example, to describe how Mary was given the gift of being a “God carrier” as she carried Jesus during her pregnancy.

Charisma, as we have come to use the term, tends to take on the meaning of likeable, charming (there is that root word charis again), compelling others to follow or be drawn to them. Many political leaders have been described as charismatic, partly due to looks, mannerisms, sense of humor, passion etc.

The bad news is that people with charisma do not always use it for good. There have been leaders who use their charisma for evil or egotistical purposes. We need to be careful to look beyond what appears to be charming and winsome. We need to see consistent character, servant leadership and humility as guide stars for our leaders. Yes, that is a very idealistic benchmark for our elected leaders, right?

Wouldn’t it be nice if such characteristics were expected and demanded?

Prayer: Lord, help us to discern the qualities that make strong and faithful leaders, Amen

Never tire of loyalty and kindness. Hold these virtues tightly. Write them deep within your heart.                                                                                                                                   Proverbs 3:3 (Living Bible)

I’m sure you have done it, or you have been on the receiving end of it. You are at a restaurant, and when it is time for the check, the waitress says, “Your meal has been covered by someone who wishes to remain anonymous. Enjoy the rest of your evening!”

We have enjoyed blessing people that way in the past, and recently, while on vacation, in Mackinaw City Michigan, we were so blessed by a total stranger.  Our suspicion is that it was the woman in a wheelchair who my wife assisted into the restaurant. The woman had struggled at the door, and when my wife saw that, she sprang up to help her.

It was a small gesture, but it seemed to have been very impactful to that woman. She wanted to express her appreciation, and she wanted to do it anonymously.    

It made me think of how gestures of kindness, however small, may be very impactful to others. The kindness of strangers is one of the great joys we can experience, and often it is so easy to do. You never know what the impact will be.

Prayer: Lord, help us to remember that little gestures, performed out of love for others, can change everything, Amen

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand                                                                                                     Isaiah 41:10

When I speak to groups about leadership, I often start off with a story. I talk with the group about the story of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. His father, of course, was the 26^th President of the United States. Roosevelt Jr. has a lengthy back story, but I will mention only this- he was not supposed to be on Utah Beach on June 6, 1944, and he had to fight to get there.

Finally given permission to directly lead his men into battle, Brigadier General Roosevelt was confronted with the chaos and terror of D-Day. He was the highest-ranking officer in the first invasion wave, and he would have it no other way. He would personally lead the way.

In the confusion of the landing, everything went wrong. His landing crafts had drifted far from their designated landing site, the promised air cover had not done the job of clearing the beach and providing craters for cover, and they were under heavy enemy fire. When asked by his lieutenants about orders for what to do, Roosevelt calmly said, “Gentlemen, we’ll start the war from right here!”

I love that. Roosevelt showed calm and clear leadership under extreme pressure. He had fought with his superiors to even be with the troops – Generals no longer were on the front lines with their troops by World War II.

The mental health concept I also love is this- when we are confronted with difficult situations, there is no time for self-pity, blame, and inaction. Roosevelt spoke the obvious truth that, if the troops did not rally and move forward immediately, they would be wiped out. They had to rally together and be united in the effort. They also needed the belief that they could still be effective warriors, and that they could actually do something. They were not defeated just because the odds were so against them.

Roosevelt Jr. gave his men hope, courage, and direction that day. He would be dead just 5 weeks later of a heart attack. That was one of the reasons that his superiors had not wanted him in the front. His health was that poor. Later, Roosevelt would win the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.

I tell that story at times to my clients as a reminder that no situation is hopeless unless we deem it to be so and then quit. When we quit, it is hopeless.

So, whatever you are facing, have the hope and courage to take action Don’t wait for something else to happen- start the war from right here.

Prayer: Thank you Father for examples of hope and courage. Give us that strength right when we need it, Amen

Tomorrow is June 2. This day has been designated as Lou Gehrig Day by Major League Baseball. Lou Gehrig died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, now better known as ALS, but in Gehrig’s day, the dreadful disease took on his name. He had become the face of the then barely know disease.

Gehrig faced this terrible disease with courage and character. On the day that he retired from baseball, knowing that he had a death sentence, he called himself “the luckiest guy on the face of the earth”. People who battle this disease, which progressively robs them of nearly everything, and eventually ends their life, fight it with amazing courage. I have walked through that struggle with one dear friend, and he and his family gave new meaning to courage and the sense of community it created around him.

Lou Gehrig is one of my heroes. All one need do is look at my office, and they will find no less than three pictures of Gehrig on my walls. However, there are many lesser known heroes who battle the disease themselves, or support those who do.

Huntington’s disease is in some ways similar to ALS, but is even lesser known. Huntington’s is a neurodegenerative disease every bit as devastating as ALS, but it has a genetic pathway which looms over every family with a history with the disease.

Another major league ballplayer, Joe Smith of the Houston Astros, along with his wife Allie LaForce, have been strong advocates of finding ways to eliminate this terrible disease. They too are heroes in this fight to deal with the devastating effects of the illness.

So, on this Lou Gehrig Day, I ask my readers to consider donating to either or both organizations to help the fight continue. I have included links for contact information. Let’s also pray for these families. They are not alone in the fight…

www.HelpCureHD.org

www.als.org

Prayer: Lord, we lift up those who suffer from grievous illness, no matter what the source. Help us to be your hands to help ease the suffering, Amen

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.                                       II Corinthians 10:5

By Mastroianni and Hart

Thanks to www.johnhartstudios.com

I have been a fan of the B.C. comic strip for decades, not only because of its humor, but because of the life truths it often portrays. The other day, the strip really nailed it on how anxiety works. I have often said that anxiety is that self-defeating part of us that we carry around. It is our “unwanted traveling partner”.

When we can recognize that this situation exists, we can then prepare for it. Expecting that the anxiety will pop up, and it will, we can begin our control plans. We can have our list of “escape strategy” behaviors ready to deal with anxiety.

In the comic, B.C. is expecting the anxiety to kick in, just when he is having a great day. He then invites the anxiety to ruin it, almost heading it off before it sneaks up on him. This is his way of trying to control anxiety before it has a chance to control him.

There is much truth in humor. Knowing that WE are in control of the anxiety stops the anxiety from controlling us!

Prayer: Lord, you have given us tools to handle our emotions. Help us to use them wisely, Amen

We never realize the value of something until it becomes a memory                                                    (Graciousquotes.com)

Maybe it’s rainy days. As I sit to write this blog, it has been raining all day. Actually for me, that makes it easier to write, because if the sun is out, I need to be out too. The rain however puts me into a nostalgic mood. I am listening to old vinyl. My older readers immediately relate, but then again, vinyl is now actually a cool thing. The old records are amazing. I am immediately transported to another time as I listen.

My son helped fix up the speakers so that the sound is actually pretty good. He listened to some of the records with us that we used as background for childhood wrestling matches in the living room, and it recalled great memories. Yes, the records skipped while we wrestled in that old living room with my kids as we shook the floor, but what great memories!

I listened to records from my dad, one of which was the song my daughter and I danced to at her wedding (Daddy’s Little Girl by the Mills Brothers). So rainy days are good for memories and listening to old vinyl.

If you have saved old vinyl records, find a rainy day to play them.

 It is good for the soul.

Prayer: Lord, you give us pleasure in little things. Thank you for such detail in providing for us, Amen

 Lord, who may go and find refuge and shelter in your tabernacle up on your holy hill? Anyone who leads a blameless life and is truly sincere.  Anyone who refuses to slander others, does not listen to gossip, never harms his neighbor,  speaks out against sin, criticizes those committing it, commends the faithful followers of the Lord, keeps a promise even if it ruins him,  does not crush his debtors with high interest rates, and refuses to testify against the innocent despite the bribes offered him—such a man shall stand firm forever.                                                                      Psalm 15 (The Message)

 So, if we say we are his friends but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying.                   I John 1:6 (The Message)

In Psalm 15, David, also known as a “friend of God”, was asking how he could dwell closer to his friend. “How do I live in the tabernacle on the hill with you?” he asks. The answer follows in the rest of the short Psalm. Be sincere, and don’t slander others; don’t gossip; don’t hurt your neighbor; speak out against sin; call out those who do hurt others; keep promises, even if it hurts; do not crush others financially with high interest rates; don’t take bribes.

This is a list of behaviors that indicates how one should treat one’s fellow human being. Basic stuff, really, but it indicates that the way to please God- to be considered his friend and dwell closely with him- is to treat others well.

Many people want to call God their friend. We can cite the verses, sing the songs, and look pious, but if we do not treat others with dignity, respect and honor, God is not interested in having us share close space with him.

I am always amazed that the God of the universe, the first cause, Creator and mighty God, simply asks us to treat our brothers and sisters well, and he will be satisfied. The way to God’s heart is by loving others- even those we don’t really know.  He sent his son to be the sacrificial example of this.

Prayer: Lord, you would have us be close to you. What you ask in return is to have us favor your creation, Amen