Keep It Simple Sister

As we near the end of July, I realize it’s been almost 60 days since I blogged on Jillian’s birthday. I’ve had a very full summer. The launch of Friends Radio Morning Show (Lee Ann, Katie and Suzie - what wonderful sisters you are!), Christian turned 7 on July 16th, two weeks of swimming lessons, developing a new business venture with my husband and sister, producing and training ladies to step out and try “radio” (way to go Jocelyn and Beth!), taking the Harley Davidson Riders Edge course and getting my motorcycle endorsement - my sister LeeAnne Martin (photographybyleeanne.com) scored 100% on her test - way to go Leon!! : ) Watching loved ones transition through life adjustment, mainly grief and moving forward. Life is an adventure. The good, the bad, the ugly.

I guess perhaps I’m a tad more pensive - and I don’t like to live life in a frenzy. So often I read other’s blogs and think, “I guess I’m pretty boring”. Sometimes reading blogs is like watching an episode of ER where the paddles are being used in every scene. I mean, there are days when I am sad, I am frustrated, and I am asking God to speak and He’s not very chatty. I didn’t say He’s not near, but there’s nothing wrong with holy silence if we’re always running down the “hallway of life”. Perhaps the echo of our own footsteps will become so loud that we’ll finally realize that long empty echo is really the emptiness in our souls that we’re trying to escape. I’m all about looking at the glass as half full rather than half empty - we have a hope, an eternal hope, if we know Jesus Christ as Savior. Even in death there’s an upside for the Christ-follower.

But the reality is we do live in a fallen world and this planet is not my home. Sometimes I’d like to say to those in the Body of Christ who seem like they are trying to display some sort of 21st Century “Ozzie and Harriet” lifestyle, to take off the mask. I wish the folks that email my radio show could “live in this bloggers world”. Sad thing is, some of the bloggers share the same hurts, habits and hang-ups that the show callers do - but don’t seem too eager to show that side of things. Guess it’s easier to write about “fun” stuff.

I was recently reminded of John 11. The powerful miracle that Jesus performed when He, the Son of God, raised Lazarus from the dead. Pastor Craig from LIFECHURCH.TV gave some powerful messages in a series called MIRACLES. You can watch the sermons at their website. There was a familar line that my friend Beth says to me about “seeing dead people”. It actually comes from the film “The Sixth Sense” starring Bruce Willis. Jesus sees us dead in our sins. That’s why He came to live, die and be raised from the dead. By His Spirit, He does “show us dead people”. Those whose hearts are broken. Dead in fear, delay, doubt. We all need a miracle.

I guess I say all of that to say this…….life is short, so don’t fake it. We need to admit that we’re all “dead” sometimes. Let’s not be so intent on “looking good on the blog” that we try to fool the folks Jesus has called to help us “take off the grave clothes”. When we let other’s see the mess, they get to be part of God’s “Miracle Cleaning Crew”.

Sometimes Jesus waits, and let’s something die before He brings it back to life. Death is unknown and scary - but in the life and the death of hopes, dreams and relationships God never leaves us and He never foresakes us. If we deny something’s dead, then Jesus will just have to wait longer to bring it back to life. Remember, resurrection is for God’s glory…and He will share His glory with no one.

(Your name here), come forth!!! - Love, Jesus

It’s time to really live. I love you. Your are important to God. Never forget that.

Thanks to my dear, dear friends who unwrapped my grave clothes after Jesus gave me life. Peace.