Christmas Greeting 2020

Again, this update is a replacement for the traditional Christmas card. As with many of our family and friends we have replaced physical cards with electronic greetings. I trust you and your family are doing well. Our family wishes you blessings in the New Year! This has been the year of the COVID-chaos. All that we had anticipated in 2020 was altered, much like your plans I suspect. We had anticipated this year to be milestone celebrations – 50th wedding anniversary; Golden anniversary of our graduation from college; the graduation from high school of our 1st grandchild; etc. Several special trips were planned. Some events still happened, but looked very different than what we had first envisioned. 

     Our anniversary was celebrated on the shores of Lake Ontario at Sackets Harbor. The Gleason and Reid family met there for several days while living in separate accommodations. But we did get together for an anniversary cake, hiking, swimming, and lots of laughs. 

     Kathryn, our oldest granddaughter, had her graduation at a drive-in movie theater where she had the honor of giving the salutatorian address. It was a more interesting venue than a High School auditorium! Mostly we have had to lay low due to our PA governor’s imaginative mandates. Plan and cancel were the primary activities of the time. We had several brief visits with the Gleasons. It was not as easy to get to Andy’s because of required testing or quarantines. We had mostly driving day trips except for going for about a week to Letchworth State Park in NY. 

     Bob’s position as “Ambassador for Lancaster Bible College/ Capital Seminary and Graduate School.” was significantly altered due to the COVID regulations. He continues to preach, do conferences, mentor students, and interact with pastors and churches. He also writes articles for a local newspaper every five weeks and blogs for Calvary Monument Bible Church. He has been advising a number of churches that are working through issues related to the stress of COVID and serves on the Board of Directors for Calvary Fellowship Homes. He spoke at America’s Keswick for a week in August. It was a rather surreal conference as the Governor of NJ had placed so many restrictions upon the conference’s operation. Nonetheless it was a blessing to minister there and see the Lord work in lives. 

     Doris had planned to retire from officiating lacrosse after this Spring season. I guess you could say she had early retirement as the season was cancelled. She continues to be active with Child Evangelism Fellowship (teaching and board member), volunteering at Calvary Fellowship Homes, and teaching a ladies Bible class at our home church, and interacting with lots of ladies’ fellowships. 

Andy continues to teach in upstate NY. Teaching during this time is challeging. He maintains his sanity during this period by raising steers, chickens, and other farm products. Kristine homeschools Calvin, breeds labs, and maintains the vegetable branch of the farm. The children are involved many other activities making Mom the chauffeur until Kathryn got her license and her own car for transportation.

      Charlotte continues teaching at Carin University, Valley Christian School, and Veritas (online). Jamie continues to work with “Capture” (working with colleges to assist in student recruitment and marketing). Many educational challenges impact them. Their children too are involved many other activities—parents are on the run. All the families are active in their churches and it great to see their children growing in the Lord. 

Keep in touch! Email: bdreid1@verizon.net or Facebook (friend me!). Blog: reidsreflection.blogspot.com

Bad News Good News

In the late 60s and early 70s there was a television program called “Hee Haw.” This comedy show featured country music and humor set in the backdrop of the fictional rural community of "Kornfield Kounty." One of the segments of the program was introduced with a song "Gloom, Despair, and Agony On Me." Four cast members dressed in hillbilly clothes, holding moonshine jugs, and sporting gloomy faces sang, “Gloom, despair, and agony on me-e! Deep dark depression, excessive misery-y! If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all! Gloom, despair, and agony on me-e-e!” Following the chorus one of the hillbillies would state a humorous reason for their current misery and the segment closed by all his associates sobbing in an outlandish fashion.

     Perhaps this chorus ought to be played before every newscast in our current setting. The news that bombards our lives these days comes in waves of desperation as reporters broadcast gloom. One gets the impression that one reporter is trying to outdo a former reporter with an even more desperate scenario. At the end of the broadcast there is a miniscule account of a good news item. Is it a desperate attempt to inject a “news bromide” into the news program to placate the upset the gloomy news has created? Honestly, such reporting has our nation focusing upon all that is wrong in our country without acknowledging any of the many positive things taking place. Yes, there are challenges in the nation, but there are also many blessings bobbing in the flood of desperation that surround us.

     As we come to this Christmas season, we can easily paint the Christmas story as recorded in the Bible with warm fuzzies of wellbeing. However, the original Christmas account is surrounded by bad news. Politically things were less than rosy. It was a time of terrible tyranny. Caesar Augustus ruled the Roman empire (Luke 2:1). After a brutal power struggle, he was named by the Roman senate as Rome’s first emperor. They honored him with the title “Augustus” - meaning “the exalted one.” He wanted to be viewed as god, abolished the republican government, and became the supreme military leader and emperor of Rome. He appointed Herod the Great to rule in Palestine over Judea and Galilee (Matthew 2:1). Herod was brutal. One writer summarized his life this way, “His reign was one succession of monstrous crimes until his death.”

     The news is worse in the Christmas story. Socially it was an awkward time. A young couple, Joseph and Mary are engaged but not married. However, Mary is miraculously expecting a child (Matthew 1:18-21). Joseph as an honorable and gracious man, does not want to shame Mary and begins the process to “put her away secretly.” He is led by divine direction not to do this but to take Mary as his wife. One can be assured his honorable action did not silence the gossip. This was bad news for a young couple.

     Further, the news is troubling as Caesar Augustus decreed that this couple must make the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be registered for a census. It was an inconvenient time as Mary was near her delivery date. A bad time to make a journey of about 70 miles as the crow flies or likely a walk of 90 miles in a caravan (Luke 2:1-7). This was about a four-day journey likely on the back of an animal. Any woman who has had a child will assure you this is bad news!

     Compounding the difficult situation was the cultural decline because of the religious climate of the day. The religious situation was very divided in their Jewish faith. One party had become secularized as the Greco-Roman culture seeped its way into their faith so that the supernatural was regarded with contempt.  On the other end of the spectrum, an ultra-fundamentalist party marginalized the Scriptures with their religious systems and traditions. The Apostle John summarized the times in which Jesus was born as “darkness” and that Jesus came to shine “light” in that darkness (John 1:5).

     The song sung when Jesus was born was not, “Gloom despair, and agony on me.” The song sung in the presence of humble shepherds was, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). The peace and goodwill were not based upon the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. The peace and goodwill were a result of the message an angelic messenger had announced, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (2:10-11).

     Today we need to focus upon good news in the midst of a gloomy world. God always supplies bright hope in dark times if we are willing to see God’s provision in our troublesome settings.           

Daniel’s Perspective

 As I opened my email today, I rapidly deleted approximately twenty emails that were generated by various political parties announcing reasons that the other party is a disaster and should be avoided at all costs. They usually end their cautionary declaration with the statement something like this, “The future of our nation depends on you voting for us and not them.” I could almost imagine that if there were sound and graphics attached to the email, there would be sirens and flashing lights – anything to draw additional attention to their dire warnings.

     I have not opened any social media today because I am sure there would be a host of messages from “friends” equally concerned about the horrible political state of the nation.  They believe that I must watch an attached video or read a quote from some reliable authority.  This they claim will straighten out my thinking and help me gain clarity—mainly the clarity they have.  Or they will share some snarky witticism about a politician.  After months of this political barrage, I have grown weary of the mean-spirited deluge flooding my life with even more chaos.  The COVID-19 mess does not need reinforcements to unsettle the sanity remaining in a tumultuous world.  Perhaps I have adopted the Peanuts Charlie Brown philosophy, “I’ve developed a new philosophy…I only dread one day at a time.”

     Perhaps Chris Tiegreen gives an accurate summary of politics.  “Much of history is the story of contentious politics.  In today’s age of democracies, we see cycles of debates and disputes over policies and candidates.  Similar debates filled the age of monarchies and empires, not over who would rule, but how well they were ruling.  Some governments have been good, others have been bad, and by no means have any been flawless.”  Such a statement rankles our thinking as we seek perfection—especially in others who impact us.  We often dismiss that expectation of perfection for ourselves.  We muse, “We are only human!  What do you expect?”

     An individual recently posted an article on which he invited people to comment.  The article was written by a popular pastor whose followers hang on his every word.  After reading his declaration on how we should correctly see political candidates, I typed, “Daniel 2:20-21.”  The decision was to not give comments on candidates as this pastor did, but to give a perspective on who really oversees the political world.  Incidentally, the verses say, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.  He controls the course of the world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.”  My decision for these days is to focus upon who is in ultimate control of all things, not on who could or should be in power.  That perspective is both reassuring and insightful.  From a human perspective, politics is messy and confusing.  From a divine perspective, God reveals, “I’ve got this.”

     In the last 50 years one can observe that former generations were saying similar things as are being said today.  “This is the most important election in our nation’s history.”  “Unless so-and-so is elected our nation cannot survive.”  “If so-and-so is elected our world is doomed.”  Such statements are used to seed fear in people’s minds as a tool to influence their votes.  Former President Richard Nixon once said, “People react to fear, not love; they don’t teach that in Sunday School, but it’s true.”  Daniel’s revelation from God counters such fearful prognostications.  God knows the end from the beginning, and He lovingly knows what pathway is required to get us there.

     Is such an outlook fatalism or faith?  This can only be answered by evaluating our philosophical starting point.  If we believe life is guided by chance, then it is fatalism—we suppose whatever will be will be.  If one believes life is guided by divine design, then it is faith—we believe the God who loves us knows how to direct our world and care for us even in unsettled times and political turmoil.  Perspective is powerful in either releasing us from despair or submersing us deeper into despondency.

     Hopefully, you have voted by now.  That is the privilege and right God has given us in our nation.  What now?  Rest in the assurance that the chaos we see and the emotional concerns they generate can be viewed from a perspective like Daniel’s.  God is in control regardless of the political outcome.  Pray for whomever God will use in the coming days in our nation.  This is our duty as Paul indicates in 2 Timothy 2:2 “Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Living in a Cranky Culture

Is it my imagination or have people become increasingly cranky? Maybe I have become hypersensitive in this environment of an extended pandemic, racial injustice, and political nastiness. During this time maybe the cultural veneer of our nation’s character has cracked and the real us is on display. Car horns seem to blow quicker. Irritability is verbally expressed more sharply and more often. Patience – never a strong national attribute – has shortened. Smiles have become more infrequent. People’s greetings are acknowledged even less. Mistakes are magnified while gratitude for kindnesses are minimalized. You get the point. We have become a grumpy society basking in mistakes of others, while becoming emotional bulldozers in interactions with people. We have become a nation of nit pickers – and it shows!

     Emotionally current issues appear to have a major impact upon people. The NPR organization reports that “Nearly a quarter of the people in the United States are experiencing depression… That’s nearly three times the number before the COVID-19 pandemic began.” Why is this crisis causing more trauma than others like September 11^th and Hurricane Katrina? There are likely multiple factors. Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of the School of Public Health in Boston, reasons anxiety exists as people not only fear catching the virus but also the resulting economic implications. They are also seeing the emotional tragedy broadcast on the news 24/7. It seems like there is no place to avoid the layering on of bad news, new news, or questionable news. An irrational impression develops that this mess will never end. It is no wonder that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported in mid-August that “a significant number of American’s reported experiencing mental health symptoms during the pandemic – including depression, anxiety, substance abuse and thoughts of suicide” (www.npr.org). All this is occurring while Psychologist George Everly at John Hopkins University notes that the most effective way to manage stress – social connection within a community – has been neutralized by social distancing and required isolation.

 

   This environment has generated irritability. The American Psychological Association did a survey in July of 3,010 Americans and reported “Among the survey respondents, 40 percent reported feeling frustrated (compared to 30 percent in April and May), while 18 percent said they felt angry (up from 12 percent). Americans are, in other words, getting angrier by the day” (www.nbcnews.com). So, the guy who laid onto the horn the other day may simply be having a hard time dealing with the collection of crises that to him seems to be out of his control, and he is frustrated. The only thing he could control was his horn!

     Must we conclude this is hopeless? Should we just ignore the outbursts of our cranky culture? Do we retaliate and roll down our “emotional windows” and respond with a cranky outburst of our own? Perhaps there are some checks we could make that may neutralize some of the irritability and anger swirling around us. First, do a “self-focused” check. Jesus taught in Matthew 7:1-5 that we need to check on our issues – the plank in our own eye – before we try and correct flaws – the sawdust – we see in others. Too often when we are stressed by life’s circumstances, we bypass our reactions and focus upon how another has acted. These are tough days for more than us. Extend a little more grace to the overwhelmed person you may be encountering.

     Second, do an “other-focused” check. Jesus taught in Matthew 7:12 (NLT), “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” How many times would aggravations either diminish or evaporate if this principle were implemented. I loved seeing a news a report that displayed this attitude. Steffy’s Towing company in Ephrata found $32,000.00 in a car that was totaled. They returned the money to the owner and responded when questioned about their action, “"I would hope that if we ever found ourselves in that position somebody would do the same for us." What a change could occur in a cranky world if people viewed life in this way – “other-focused.”

     Last, do a “Jesus-focused” check. Jesus challenged his disciples right after he had washed their feet in John 13:14-15 (NLT), “Since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” When there is any doubt as to how we should operate in a cranky world, we have an example of how we should treat others. Look for ways to serve and care for them. How many stressed-out, cranky people would be transformed with such treatment.

     Years ago, I taught a children’s Bible club. One chorus the children liked to sing had these words, “Jesus, and others, and you, what a wonderful way to spell joy!” Perhaps when we encounter crankiness in our culture we can keep these words in in mind, “J stands for Jesus for he has first place; O stands for others we meet face to face; Y stands for you in whatever you do; Put yourself last and spell joy.” I have a strong feeling there may be some changes in our cranky culture if this chorus was implemented in real life!  

Macro Vision and Micro Vision

The tragedy occurred December 29, 1972, when the macro view was lost by a focus on the micro view. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 was a scheduled flight from New York JFK to Miami and was on approach to their destination near midnight. The fight had been routine. As they approach their landing and the landing gear was lowered, the cockpit crew noticed the absence of an illuminated green light. This was the identifying light confirming that the nose gear was properly locked in the "down" position.. The experienced cockpit crew began focusing on the indicator light, set the plane on autopilot, and removed the light assembly to examine it. The flight engineer was dispatched to the flight deck below to confirm that the landing gear was indeed down. During the action in the cockpit, the auto pilot was accidently disengaged, and the plane began a slow unnoticeable decent. When it was noticed that the plane had descended from the assigned holding pattern of 2,000 ft., it was too late. Within 10 seconds the plane crashed into the Everglades. There were 101 fatalities, and only 75 passengers and crew survived. Why did this happen? The crew was focused upon a micro issue, the light bulb (which later was discovered to have burned out) and this overshadowed the macro issue – flying the plane! One of the key issues that fight instructors stress in their flight simulator classes is that someone must fly the plane and not focus upon smaller things.

    We live in a culture where it is easy to focus upon the micro view of life – the smaller details of living. The constant barrage of news in our media saturated world causes many to lose sight of the macro view of life – the most essential details of life. A saying is often repeated, “Make the main thing, the main thing.” This is a great thought, but often overlooked by details that vie for our attention. Think of some of the micro details that easily capture our attention: a presidential election, a pandemic, social unrest, racial inequities and tensions, financial tensions, job loss and insecurity, emotional instability, and a hundred other issues. It is not hard to allow these to become the main thing that fills our vision.

     Should we ignore the micro issues of life? No! However, they should never be allowed to distort or overshadow our vision of the macro issues of life – loving God and loving others. These were issues that Jesus declared as being most essential (Mark 12:28-34). These macro issues controlled the micro issues that entered Jesus’ life. Jesus was a man on a mission because he knew his macro goal was to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). In doing this he was loving who the Father loves (John 3:16) and loving people by providing for them an abundant life which God has for lost humanity (John 10:10). The micro issues were done by Jesus – dealing with people’s physical needs, displaying his divine authority, gathering followers, etc. They were, however, always subservient to his macro issues. Jesus said, “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me… for I always do what pleases him” (John 8:28-29).

     An event occurring in the lives of two women who deeply loved Jesus illustrates this principle. He had come to their home (recorded in Luke 10:38-42). One, Martha, had a micro vision of life. She was consumed with the details of making sure their guest was fed an excellent meal and expended herself in that task. Her sister, Mary, had a macro view of life and wanted just to be with Jesus and learn everything he had to say. She was not focused upon the issues that her micro-focused sister was. There the conflict arose. Martha thought Mary was a slacker and that she was bearing the brunt of what “had to be done.” Jesus shared a perspective that Martha needed, “You are upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary discovered it – and I won’t take it away from her” (41-42 NLT). Was Jesus saying eating and nourishing the body were unimportant? No! He was stressing what was most important. Jesus was not about to die of starvation. God the Father’s macro plan for him was to die on a cross. Jesus was therefore not worried about where his next meal was coming from – he after all could create the meal! Jesus wanted to leave behind a well-equipped and informed disciple. Mary’s action was fulfilling that passion. Macro vision must always guide our micro vision.

     It was A. W. Tozer that said, “We are called to an everlasting preoccupation with God.” That is not just a future focus in heaven; it is a present focus while we live on earth. What is our view of life and how is it impacting the way we live life? Are we upset about issues that matter to us because we are micro viewers? Or are we relaxing in the bigger view of life – the macro view of life? May we live all of life for the glory of God and then filter the smaller details of life through that lens.        

Facing a Giant Crisis

What word would you use to describe the state of the world at this point in history? Among the many words that may come to mind, certainly one of the words would be “crisis.” Think of the many challenges that not only our nation but also our world is facing. Topping the list may be the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has generated other crises around the world including financial, social, emotional, political, and a host of others. People appear to be shrouded in a mantel of doom as they stare at a virus that has refused to be corralled and has shaken nations. The world has long lived with the delusion that no matter what humanity faces they can handle it. It had been supposed that given enough time, resources, intellect, and ingenuity that human solutions will save the day. Now that assumption is unraveling as people are facing the reality that quick fixes to a massive crisis may not be so easily available.           

     What is a crisis? Perhaps the Chinese word for “crisis” may illustrate what a crisis is.  Victor H. Mair, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at the University of Pennsylvania notes most Mandarin words consist of two syllables that are written with two separate characters. The word for “crisis” is indeed made up of two characters. One character means “danger,” and the other character (sometimes incorrectly translated “opportunity”) means “incipient moment; crucial point (when something begins or changes).” In other words, a crisis is a dangerous change point. A time when an assumed norm is changed into a dangerous possibility. That pretty much describes the times in which people are now squirming rather uncomfortably.

     At such a time we observe a number of impacts. In the August 3, 2020, issue of Time magazine, there was a focus upon the pandemic’s impact upon children. The writers note, “If COVID-19 is sparing most kids’ bodies, it’s not being so kind to their minds. Nobody is immune to the stress that comes with a pandemic and related quarantining. Children, however, may be at particular risk. Living in a universe that is already out of their control, they can become especially shaken when the verities they count on to give the world order – the rituals in their lives, the very day-to-dayness of living–get blown to bits.” This places added stress upon parents who are already trying to navigate their own pandemic stresses. Parents magazine (07-23-20) indicates, "The majority of children are resilient because we, their trusted parents or caregivers, do something." The article adds, “How we choose to parent during the pandemic will determine if our children come out of this traumatized, or able to sense that they will be OK… Regardless of their age… children look to their parents as a guide.”

     It is true our world is in a crisis, a dangerous change point. How do we respond? Do we hide until the crisis passes by? Do we medicate to numb the anxiety? Do we eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die? Do we obsess and become preoccupied with the giant virus that seems to seek to undo us? Do we see any lessons from history that may give us a hint as to how one can successfully cope in these crisis days?

     I am sure there are many illustrations, but there is a biblical account that offers a positive picture. In 1 Samuel 17 we see how one individual faced down one giant crisis. David faced Israel’s crisis that was overwhelming, discouraging, and paralyzing his nation, and responded confidently and successfully. Goliath stood before the armies of Israel and defied them to do battle with him (17:10). He was suggesting a representative battle where a soldier from each army would battle to determine which nation would be subservient to the other (17:9). To Israel the enemy was too big and the stakes were too high. The result was a crisis that produced a paralysis for 40 days (17:16).

     Along comes a young shepherd boy, smaller in stature than the giant, but larger in faith than all of the nation of Israel. He accepts the challenge. He did so with confidence, not only in the skills God had given him, but also with faith in what God could do (17:34-37). David responds to the crisis standing nine feet tall in front of him saying, “You come at me with the sword and the spear and with javelin, I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts… This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand and I shall strike you down” (17:45-46). The crisis was faced, and the giant was conquered. How? David used what was at his disposal but ultimately trusted in God who overruled in the battle. There is a wonderful picture of how to face a crisis when a dangerous change point looms before us.

     In these days where people are infected with pandemic paranoia, learn a lesson from David – do what we should and trust the Lord to ultimately win the battle.  

     
     Got to go now! Where did I put that hand sanitizer? Thank you, Lord, that I can trust you in my crisis!      

An Unusual Graduation

It is interesting each year to scan the internet and read portions of some of the speeches that are given by graduation speakers in high schools and colleges. Some of them are significant and others are silly if not senseless. This year one could assume it would be different due to the “coronavirus chaos.” Many institutions either cancelled graduation, postponed them, or arranged to do virtual celebrations. This year I did not check out many of the graduation speakers. Perhaps I was more interested in one graduation more than others. Our oldest granddaughter, Kathryn, was graduating from high school.

     A month ago, I was informed that she would be the Salutatorian speaker at her high school graduation in rural north country New York in the foothills of the Adirondacks. I wondered weeks before the graduation if it would occur. Finally, it was confirmed that there would be an actual ceremony. The school district made creative arrangements with a local drive-in movie theater near the campus of South Lewis High School to hold the graduation there. Graduates met at the high school, boarded decorated buses, and were brought “socially distanced” to the drive-in. There they were greeted by cars filled with family and friends with reserved tickets. Cars honked their greetings as waving hands protruded from bus windows. As cars tuned to the frequency of the drive-in broadcast, thirteen buses circled the drive-in. The buses stopped and individually discharged graduates to walk across the large, portable, covered stage to sing, give speeches, and receive their diplomas. It was different, impressive, and reflected the school’s forethought, effort, and genuine concern for the graduating students. The graduates were masked, but one could well imagine the smiles veiled behind their custom designed graduation masks! 

     Kathryn was one of the first speakers. In her opening remarks she said, “Someday we’ll tell stories about the time the entire world shut down because we were all scared of the coronavirus.” She said the virus was not the only thing that challenged the graduates during their years of education. She added, “Some of these challenges were relatively small personal challenges. Some were challenges we faced as a team, some we faced as a class. Whatever the obstacle was, we overcame it and as a result, have made it here today.” It was encouraging to hear a positive comment during a time which was being painted by many in our culture with the pessimistic colors of doom and gloom.

     A prophet in the Old Testament, Habakkuk, also lived in difficult times. Things were so bad he even wondered if God was listening to his cry for intervention. He describes his days as a time of violence, injustice, wickedness, perversion, and the demise of the righteous (Habakkuk 1:1-4). The prophet was burdened, distraught, and confused. Into this cauldron of crisis God simply reminds the prophet, “But the just shall live by his faith” (2:4). Habakkuk was not given all the answers he thought he needed. He was given the operational principle that would carry him through these difficult times as well as all of life.

     Habakkuk responds not with frustration to God’s response. In fact the encounter in the Bible records his prayer that ends with a beautiful hymn of faith, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights” (3:17-19). The prophet adjusted his focus from the tough times to the God he could trust in those times. He realized this focus allows a person to walk through life surefooted and not stumbling around.

     Kathryn’s speech had a rather realistic view of life. She said, “Life will not stop giving us challenges. We all will continue to have bumps in our lives.” She encouraged underclassmen not to become discouraged and quit but instead to keep entering this adventure called life. She said, “My advice to underclassmen is to use this time to explore. You have the opportunity right now to try new things with people who are willing to help you, and you may not get an opportunity like this again. Don’t worry about what people will say about you. The only person whose opinion about you matters is you.”

     The comments she made ended with advice from one on her teachers. “Don’t be stupid. Don’t do things you will regret. Don’t regret the things you do.” Good advice for more than graduates! Maybe I would add one more for my granddaughter, “Don’t let people and circumstances around you distort your focus. Rejoice in the Lord!” Congratulations 2020 graduates!               

Embedded Inhumanity in Humanity

Perhaps you have heard the words, “Man’s inhumanity to man.” It seems that during every social crisis someone will repeat or rephrase these words. The phrase is first documented in Scotsman Robert Burns poem, “Man Was Made to Mourn: A Dirge” in 1784. He wrote, “Man's inhumanity to man Makes countless thousands mourn!” When Burns wrote the poem, rural Scotland where he was reared was still in feudalism. He grew up in poverty, hardship, and hard manual labor. This poem depicts life at the time, “Where hundreds labour to support, A haughty lordling's pride.” His tenant-farmer father could only offer his large family an impoverished life of humiliating poverty and debt. With that heritage it is not surprising that he wrote many poems of “deep personal despondency and social rebellion.” His life was marinated in a world where humans displayed, “Man’s inhumanity to man.”

     The inhumanity of 18^th century Scotland may be comparable with our world in the 21^st century. Why such embedded inhumanity in humanity? The events of recent days, not only in our nation but in the nations of our world, beg the question. Is the cause political? One political regime using their power to suppress the aspirations and viewpoints of others assumes their agenda is the cure for society’s ills. Is there perhaps a religious cause? The dominate religion of a nation chooses to eliminate any competitive religious belief systems by persecution rather than by persuasion or demonstration of their merit. Might racial or socioeconomic factors be the cause of inhuman conduct? It is assumed that if racial or economic issues were corrected by some sort of human design or legislation, then tensions would be eliminated, and peaceful harmony would prevail. In a period of deep worldwide hurt, anger, and pain all sorts of explanations are proposed that deal with the inhumanity to humanity we see.

     In the story of Joseph in the Bible we see a young man treated by his brothers with inhumanity (Genesis 37). Joseph was a child of privilege – for his father loved him more than his brothers (37:3). The result was that he was hated by his brothers because of his preferential status and special treatment and gift (37:4). The hatred grew so intense that murderous intentions developed in his brother’s hearts (37:18). Ultimately Joseph is thrown into a cistern and finally sold into slavery (37:27). Their inhumanity was obvious as they confessed, “We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen” (42:21). In Joseph we see unmerited privilege can be a huge liability and even be transformed from a blessing into a bane in a corrupt world. However, God in His grace took what was evil and turned it to good (50:20). We observe how God sovereignly superintends even in the inhumanity we encounter in life.  

     The root cause for the evil in Joseph’s bothers was ungodliness – they hated Joseph for who he was, not for what he had done. He had done them no wrong. But embedded in their hearts was a disposition to do evil. That evil was expressed toward Joseph with the inhumane treatment they dispensed. So often we look at the fruits of humanity’s inhumane conduct rather than consider the roots that gave birth to an unconscionable action. In an earlier biblical record of a human’s inhumane treatment of another human, we read, “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Gen. 4:6-7). Cain neglected the Lord’s warning, refused to control his sinful impulse, and ended up killing his brother Able (4:8).

     It has been my experience oftentimes to excuse my sinful actions by placing the blame on others, or my circumstances, or even on God – “That’s the way you made me!” I must resolve to ask God to help me address the sinful attitude in my own heart rather than transferring the blame to someone or something else. I cannot fix, nor am I responsible to fix, other people. I am responsible to treat other people humanely and lovingly. This creates an atmosphere where God can heal the brokenhearted who have been treated inhumanely in this wounded world.

     The problem with inhumanity is that it breads even more inhumanity. Therefore, we need to seek to live in this world as Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:7-9). May God help us face the world’s inhumanity with Christlike character and conduct.             

Got the Problem of Job

Coming from a family of Irish immigrants was at times a bit frustrating to me and at the same time a great fascination to my friends. The traditions from the old country were as deeply ingrained in my parent’s daily practices as was their Irish brogue. As an elementary child, I would come home from school with my buddies and always be greeted by my Mom bedecked with an apron worn over her dress. She may have been pulling weeds in the garden or scrubbing the floor, but her outfit was always the same – a dress and an apron. She would come towards us and give us the usual greeting, “Bless you, good to have you home.” She then proceeded to hug me and each of my buddies and finish off saying, “Let me get the kettle on for a spot of tea and slice you some good Irish scone.” In the house she went and never waited for a reply. I would explain to any new buddy what she said and other friends would assure the newbie, “It’s great!” We followed her into the house and found the tea kettle heating on the stove and her setting out china cups and saucers beside a knife for butter and jam and a spoon for our tea. Once the kettle whistled, we were instructed, “Wash your wee hands and sit down and we will chew the fat.” I translated for any unknowing friend with a startled look on his face that we were not really going to eat fat – we were going to talk about the day.    

Mom had many Irish expressions that needed to be interpreted by me. One thing she did not need to have interpreted was her love and concern for my friends. She made all the “wee lads” around the kitchen table not only feel at home but ready to talk about their day. I was often amazed that she found out more about their day than I knew about them, and I was in their class! There were times when one of the guys would share something that was hard about the day. She would respond, “You certainly had the problems of Job today.” I am not sure how many of them knew who Job was, but they got the idea that he had a hard life just like them. She would end the conversation by saying, “I hope your day ends up like Job’s life eventually did.” Sometimes that took a bit of explanation to a buddy not versed in the Bible stories.

     The story of Job has taught me lots of lessons about life over the years. The older I become the more I discover. As circumstances change in my life, new lessons surface. This year as I read the Book of Job I endured along with the rest of the world the Conid-19 pandemic. I heard the faint whisper of my Mom, “You certainly had the problems of Job today.” What lessons from Job came to mind in this season of life? First, I concluded that all I have can be quickly lost. Job lost his wealth, family, position and health in short order. It impresses me, however, he did not lose his perspective saying, “the Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it way. Praise the name of the Lord! In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming the Lord” (Job 121-22). In these days, I sometimes feel my perspective is too easily altered by my circumstances and I become cross with God about being house bound and ripped from normality.

     Second, I rediscovered that well-meaning family and friends can do more harm than good. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die (2:9). His friends morphed from comforters to accusers and charged Job with all sorts of shortcomings. Job finally says, “What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop your flow of foolish words?” (16:2-3). The blogs, emails, media, and advice that flow freely these days become wearisome rather than enlightening. So many espouse their perceptions of what is true and give advice as to what needs to be done. This only adds to my confusion rather than supplying clarification.

     Third, I observed that it is easy to lash out at God and cry out unjust criticisms regarding what is going on in our world. “God, aren’t you in control?” “God, where is the justice in all of this?” “God, where are you?” Job summarized his feelings this way, “If only I knew where to find God” (23:3). In our distresses, disappointments, discouragement, and despair it is easy to lay the blame at the feet of the Leader of the Universe. “Things are out of control,” we cry in our pains, “Do something.”

     Last, I realize again in the time of desperation it is often the best time to make meaningful and lasting discoveries about God and ourselves. Job says, “I had heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes” (42:5).  C. S. Lewis observed, “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” In this time of a painful pandemic, has God’s megaphone shouted any messages to our lives? Are we listening to what he may be saying to our deaf ears? I am thankful that my Mom repeatedly reminded me that sometimes we have the problems of Job and that is OK.

What's Your Security Blanket?

Think back to the time when you were a child and the thunder rolled outside your house. Flashes of lightning lit up your bedroom even though it was night, the binds were shut, and the curtains were drawn. What was your reaction? Who did you run to? What did you clutch on to? In other words, what was your “security blanket”? I did not have a blanket like the Peanuts character Linus. I had a “security bunny.” It was a bunny that I would drag down the steps at night to the landing in our three-story house. There I would fall asleep night after night comforted by my security bunny and the muffled voices of my parents in the living room. I didn’t need a thunderstorm to drive me to seek security. Childhood insecurities I already had made my “security bunny” my inseparable sidekick. I do not remember when I released my emotional grip on that bunny or why I set that gold-colored friend aside. It just gradually happened I suppose. Sometime ago, I walked into my granddaughters’ room in upstate New York, and there spied my old friend slumped to one side on an upper shelf in her room. Long time, many decades, no see!

     I look upon that “security bunny” with amusement now. At the time, however, the bunny was serious business. When I went away to stay at someone’s house, bunny went with me. Vacation required a place in the suitcase for bunny. Even in early grade school, bunny was placed on my pillow after the bed was made. However, when my buddies came to the house, bunny was quickly sequestered to the shelf in my closet! I did not need to supply ammunition for teasing. Gradually bunny stayed in the closet until one occasion in my later grade school years. Both of my parents were hospitalized at the same time and I had to live with my Aunt for several weeks. Somehow, I reasoned that I needed that bunny. He was squashed into my little cardboard suitcase. Each evening bunny came out for a comforting hug before I went to sleep. He was now a secret bunny – only brought out for an emergency.  

     One could reason that I had insecurities. I would agree. However, I wonder how many others have similar insecurities. In these perilous days, what “security blankets” are people holding on to? I wonder has our security blanket been reduced to rolls of toilet paper? I recently read an article quoting Dr. Thea Gallagher, director of the Outpatient Clinic at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania. She suggests there is psychological reason for the behavior of people buying massive amounts of toilet paper. She concludes, “I think that people feel like there’s not much that they can control right now," she told TODAY. "There’s a lot of uncertainty, a lot of information going around, a lot of impending doom, and so I think part of [hoarding toilet paper] helps people to feel like they have a

little bit of control over what’s happening to them in their lives.” She added, “It’s an absolute illusion because this whole thing is rolling out and there’s very little we can do… "Yeah, we can wash our hands and have some control, but that’s not ultimate control and I think it’s an illusion of control. I think that’s what people are trying to hold onto right now.”

     People want ultimate control and when it is missing, they panic. They become irrational. They lose a sense of peace. King David in the Old Testament lived a life that was many times out of control. He faced attacking beasts, King Saul who was bent on his destruction, life on the run in the wilderness from attacking forces, national rebellion led by his beloved son, and many other hardships that would create insecurities in any human. What was his response? He created a theme song that is recorded in 2 Samuel 22 (worth reading the entire chapter). This song later became part of the Old Testament hymn book, Psalm 18. He looks at his life and he reflects on how the Lord has worked in the out of control times he faced. Most impressive is the way he sings about what he has learned about God. He starts his theme song singing, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, and my refuge, my savior, you save me from violence.” He then gives a glorious statement of resolve singing, “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies.” David’s life has shaken him. David’s God has comforted him.

     We need more than a security blanket in an uncertain world. We need a rock of stability. David discovered that security. May his discovery be one that we make. Our God is better than a blanket, or a bunny, or any material item we can embrace. I am glad, “My God lightens the darkness” (22:29).             

Contaminating Communication of Complaining

Did you ever view an episode on Discovery Channel “Dirty Jobs” with host Mike Rowe? I have never seen an entire show because I was usually too grossed out by some of the difficult and disgusting things he had to do. The purpose of the program was to show by firsthand experience some of the everyday tasks employees had to endure to do their job. He did this by assisting in the very things these workers had to do in a typical workday. Most of these jobs took him into physically repulsive settings to carry out necessary tasks. Honestly, my stomach churned when I learned of the dirty jobs some people must endure.

   

  I wonder if Mike ever had to work alongside an employee in the Customer Relations Department of a major company. I am pretty sure a person in this department faced plenty of “dirt” in an eight-hour day listening to complaints. Maybe the department would be better named the “Complaint Department.” After all, how many people call Customer Relations just to say, “Man, everything I got from your company was just great! The service was exceptional, and the product exceeded my expectations!” If an employee in this department received such a call, they would probably need a coworker to get them smelling salts to revive them or to place a call to 911 to report a heart attack! People are free with complaints and rather stingy with compliments.

     It was Dale Carnegie who said, “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain, and most do.” It seems like complaining is part of the DNA of humanity. Chris Tiegreen observes that people generally “speak the language of criticism and complaint far too fluently.” He adds that as a result humans have the “ability to criticize and harp on the faults seen in those around them, blame their own circumstances on the decisions of others, and vilify those who don’t agree with them.” How often the scourge of complaining spreads its damaging effects upon relationships and produces a toxic environment of discontent.

     One of the Old Testament characters I appreciate is Moses. He spent one third of his life in the “Customer Relations Department” for the nation of Israel. He was appointed leader by God to deliver the nation from bondage and take them to the promised land described by God in the most glowing of terms – “a land filled with milk and honey.” Repeatedly the national response was complaining, criticism, and threat. Every time life looked tough, or was tough, their response was complaint.

     The books of Exodus and Numbers preserves a catalog of complaints the nation brings against God and his appointed leader, Moses. Here is a sampling of the occasions when complaints were expressed and spread through the nation: Complained when they felt trapped (Exodus 14:10-12); Grumbled when they were thirsty (15:22-24); Whined when they were hungry (16:1-3); Grumbled when there was not enough variety with the food God did provide (Numbers 11:4-34); Griped about the difficulties ahead entering the promised land which was indeed filled with milk and honey (14:1-4). All their muttering and moaning was an aggravation to God as He heard their ingratitude and saw their forgetfulness of God’s work on their behalf. God evaluates their complaining and concludes this is evidence that the people despised, disbelieved, and disregarded what He had done for them (14:11). Not only is a complaining spirit annoying to people around us, it is annoying to God.

     Sometimes I hear fellow pastors complain about the complainers in their congregations. The very thing that bothers them they practice by their own complaining! It is amazing how Moses responded to all the complaints launched toward him.  Moses did two commendable things. First, he took his complaint to God in prayer instead of spreading the contagion among the people he led. Second, he pleaded with God to display mercy and grace to these chronic complainers. That is a good example for all of us regardless of our station in life. All of us “speak the language of criticism and complaint far too fluently.”

     The best antidote to the contaminating communication of complaining is to “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:6). Paul adds this admonition, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”

     What practical action can we take to stop the spread of complaining. Be careful of what and how you text or post! I have often wondered, “How much would remain on social media and social networking, if complaints were removed?” When the spirit of complaining arises in our emotions, perhaps it would be helpful to reflect on the observation of William A. Ward, “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts the sail.” There are more constructive responses to life than complaining!           

Don't Just Stand There... Or Should I?

     Often in the face of a crisis we have heard a person cry out in frustration, “Don’t just stand there do something!” The thought expressed is that one’s inaction is an indication that another is distracted, disengaged, or dispassionate about the plight the person is facing. The person in panic is grasping at the hope that any action is better than nothing.

     Psychiatrists tell us that when a person is in peril or enduring some type of trauma they most often respond by fight, flight, or freeze. With the fight response the individual determines to resist the danger before them and in doing so will be able to defeat the peril by their own resources or strength. In the flight mode they assume that if they can change their circumstances by getting away from them then they may be able to muster other resources. Then they will be able to deal with the dilemma at hand or at least find a way of escaping the situation. The frozen reaction finds the person cowering from the danger hoping that in doing so they will be overlooked or ignored. They are hoping that by staying in this state the danger will pass.

     There are occasions when a situation elicits all three responses. The person’s first response is to fight until they realize their resources do not match the foe they face. Then they determine to run away from the peril hoping to avoid such a powerful force. Finally, they conclude that the force is not escapable, thus they collapse in despair, and pull the proverbial emotional blanket over their head until the crisis is over. They falsely conclude, if they do not acknowledge the danger, maybe it will go away. During this entire process adrenalin pulses through their body, emotions explode in their pounding heart, and their reason dissolves in a mind that is overcome by the perilous situation they face.

     Many times, when we do this, things only become worse. It is paradoxical that the same person who yells, “Don’t just stand there do something!” is the same person who will scream when an action is taken, “Stop it! You’re only making matters worse!” The person is frankly admitting that they do not know what needs to be done. It is sort of like the person who gets tangled up in the string of Christmas lights that are being taken down. They yell for help, but when help is provided, they are frustrated with both the solution and the slow pace in which the escape is occurring.

     Perhaps that is how the children of Israel felt in Exodus 14 after God had delivered them from the bondage they had endured in Egypt for over 400 years. They were freed but their captors where in hot pursuit. The Bible record says, “The people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly” (14:10). Then they responded in two ways – one good and one bad. They cried out to the Lord. That’s good. Then they complained to God’s leader, Moses. That’s bad. They were in a sense saying, “Don’t just stand there do something!” Look at how Moses responded, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today” (14:13). How hard it must have been for them to just stand still and wait for God to work. The natural tendencies of fight, flight, or freeze all had to become subservient to faith. They had to have faith in the God who had miraculously delivered them out of Egypt by standing and waiting to see Him work on their behalf once again. How many were thinking, “We’ve got to do something!?” God called upon them by faith to rely upon a faithful God who had demonstrated His almighty power. They were to stand firm and not engage in fruitless activities.

     There have been numerous occasions in life when I should have waited on God to act instead of me acting impulsively and unwisely only to make a mess of things. Instead of facing and fixing a crisis, I only knotted up my life with more problems. Even then I found God mercifully gracious as He managed the messes I made. V.R Edman, former president of Wheaton College advises in The Disciplines of Life, “Remember that with thoughtless and impatient hands we tangle the plans the Lord has wrought, and when we cry in pain He says, ‘Be quiet, dearest, while I untie the knot.’”

     The children of Israel listened, obeyed, and saw again the Lord deliver them just as He promised. God is like that. He is bigger than our problems and He knows exactly how He plans to “untie the knots” we have made. So what problems are you facing that look impossible? A relationship that is collapsing? A financial situation that is overwhelming? An emotional state that is leaving you anxious? A medical prognosis that has you fearful? Maybe this is just the moment you need to stand firm by faith and “see the salvation of the Lord.”