Joseph: Ready to Be Humbled [Advent]
In this Advent series, we’ve been looking at some characters in the Nativity who demonstrated they were ready to speak – something my organization is on mission to help instill in the next generation. We’ve looked at the shepherds, Simeon and Anna, and (of course) Mary. But today, I want to look at Joseph. Joseph is a bit of a surprise in the Nativity story. He doesn’t usually get much attention in Advent sermons or devotionals – at least not as much as the others clustered around the manger. In the first chapter of Matthew, we get a glimpse into Joseph’s character as he takes in the news…
The Shepherds: Ready and Attentive [Advent]
Advent is one of my favorite times of year. As a storyteller who coaches storytellers, I love that there’s a whole month of the year where we spend time reflecting on the greatest story ever told. The story of Christ’s birth is worth telling – and telling again. My organization’s mission is to help others get ready to speak – and THIS is what we’re called to speak about. In chapter 2 of Luke, we read about the angels’ proclamation of the Messiah’s birth to the shepherds in Bethlehem. Their reaction to the news – and that phenomenal experience – is such a wonderful example of why we all need…
CQ: Loving and Leading Like Jesus
“What’s wrong with her?” That was the question on my mind as I entered the room to find that Jessica hadn’t done what I asked her to. As her Internship Director, I thought she would have at least made an effort. Or asked questions. Or something. I thought: “I could not have been more clear.” I learned later that Jessica had tried. But my instructions did not mean to her what was so obvious to me. In our ensuing discussion, I realized my communication was clear…to me. But not to Jessica – a Southeast Asia citizen serving in the U.S. I want to tell you this was an isolated incident.…
[Esther] Before You Are Ready To Speak – Are You Ready to Listen?
Last week, I mentioned Moses as an excellent example of what it means to be ready – able and available – to speak. Another great case study is Esther. Like Moses, Esther knew her people were oppressed and in danger. A decree had been passed to kill all the Jewish people in the land. She had to speak up to save them. In fact, as you read the book of Esther in the Old Testament (it’s only ten short chapters – and a fascinating read!), the fact that she needed to speak was clear. The message she had been asked to deliver was also clear. However, before…
[Moses] Before We are Ready to Speak, We Have to be Available
Let’s say you’ve got a GIGANTIC problem. And – lucky you – I happen to be the world’s foremost expert in solving that problem. And you’ve got my personal phone number. As the meltdown begins, you rush to your phone and call me. I’m the only one you know who knows how to fix it, and I am 100% capable of helping you do just that. Except I don’t answer your call. You hear that pleasant little voicemail recording: “The person at the number you dialed is unavailable right now.” I may have all the answers, but that’s absolutely unhelpful to you if I’m not available. That’s…
Nourish to Flourish
Years ago our family was visiting friends. As we were preparing to leave, my friend gifted me with a plant. While sliding into the backseat of our car, my then-8-year-old proclaimed, “She doesn’t know you very well, does she, mommy?” Even at their young ages, my children knew I wasn’t very good with plants. My husband, however, had a green thumb. That’s an American phrase meaning “good at gardening.” I hope I can keep his roses alive now that he’s moved to heaven. Under his care, the rose gardens didn’t just survive, they thrived. I – on the other hand – have always been especially talented at placing plants in…
Advent: Joy in the Darkness
Depression. Anxiety. Crime. Suicide. Darkness. If you’ve watched the news at all during the past 3 years… if you have teenagers…. if your teens have friends…. There’s not a lot of talk about joy. But there’s a whole lot of talk about how hard life is. So how do we talk about joy at Christmas? I’ve recently asked myself that very question. My husband of 36 years this month is gone. He’s never coming back here. I know he’s out of pain. I know he’s in a better place. But where does that leave me? Mental health professionals tell us the holidays are the hardest time of year for many…
Advent: Reminders of Love for All
If you have attended church for any amount of time, you are familiar with John 3:16. It reminds us that God loved us so much that he sent Jesus. Not to condemn us. To save us. From sin, darkness, death, and evil. I find that tremendously reassuring this Christmas season. I especially appreciate this passage in The Message: “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely…
