Planning a New Hope

  The Power of a Small Gesture     John 6:1-16 is the story of the feeding of the 5000. With a boy’s gift of five barley loaves and two fish, and the blessing of Jesus, 5000 people ate with food left over. Jesus therefore took the loaves and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated, likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. And when they were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost. And so they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. (New American Standard Bible)               Anne Sullivan known as the Miracle Worker who worked wonders with Helen Keller experienced poverty and cruelty as a child. The writings from the Helen Keller Society talk about two defining experiences in this extraordinary woman’s life. At eight years of age,...

    But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15 (New International Version) Can We Find Freedom in Forgiveness? How? While experiencing the feelings of grief and anger over the loss of lives of children and teachers in yet another mass shooting, I couldn’t escape the reality that a part of moving forward meant included forgiveness. Why is forgiveness so important in God’s eyes? How can we forgive someone who inflicts deep pain into our lives? Some might say, “Well, you just have to forgive.” For me, though, that’s just not enough.   Years ago, I was a student chaplain in an alcoholics’ ward. Totally unprepared for this ministry, I constantly asked the supervising chaplain, “What do we do?” A question constantly ignored. At the end of the course, he said to me, “I didn’t answer you because I thought you were just trying to please me, but I now realize all you wanted was information.” He was right. I am a “how t...

  Soaring with the Eagles After Being Knocked Down But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV After a time of grieving the unspeakable tragedy, the traumatized woman commented, “I don’t know how to get up.” Be it through our own actions or the actions of another, life is tough, so, after being knocked down, how do you get up?             This past Monday morning while praying and trying to make sense of what had happened over the weekend and how to proceed, the following scripture came to mind:             For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11           ...

    Three Thoughts about Finding Hope in 2022 While still in our twenties, a friend said to me, “I thought that one day I’d have all the answers and my problems would be solved.” This was also my belief.             Life’s not a fairy tale where one day you get the girl, or the glass slipper fits and then ride off into eternal happiness. Instead, life’s full of ups, downs, curves and sometimes it’s messy. While grappling with my own ups and downs at the beginning of 2022, three realities about hope and hopelessness became clear to me. Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you Isaiah 41:10 (New American Standard Bible)   It was the beginning of 2022. The changes since my move to a new area of Houston four years before were causing me to feel untethered and adrift with no understanding as to what to do. When prayer...

  When Shouts of Ho, Ho, Ho and Merry Christmas Make You Feel Sad   Have the well wishes of the holidays, the music, and twinkling lights ever made you want to close your eyes and hold your ears? It’s easier, and more socially acceptable to paste a smile on your face while wishing for a sabbatical from life with the ability to return when the holidays are over. I’m not being cynical or sacrilegious, but the reality is that problems can make this time of year difficult. What to do? First, I urge those whose hearts are hurting to realize you’re not alone and to be kind to yourself.             We may need our own space and a break:   Years ago, I was asked to play for a wedding for a couple I had never met. All I knew was that the mother of the bride was flying in and the father was attending with his wife. The night of the rehearsal, the bride’s mother hung out with me. My suspicion was she used this time and spa...

  Daring to Step Out into a New Opportunity   Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you, Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isiah 41:10 (New American Standard Bible)   While sitting on the deck of the ship, I marveled at the awe-inspiring sight of the Greek Isle, Santorini.   While experiencing the breath-taking views, past troubling thoughts about this trip played out in my mind.             During the lunch outing, one friend turned to another and explained that I was getting ready to go on a cruise to Greece and Rome.             “Oh, that’s a trip of a lifetime,” she exclaimed. To which I replied, “But I don’t want to go. I am so scared.” Why wouldn’t anyone not want to avail themselves to such a wonderful opportunity? In...