gifts – Jesus is for the Wounded

A transition was coming. I did not know that at the time. I longed for a change of some sort yet continued to struggle. And then the Lord moved in a BIG WAY. Did the man the Lord used to help me know the difference he had made?

I was two years into the role of a divorced woman and much of the rough road had become smoother. The Lord provided a cute condo just for me in a nice suburb of Chicago, a “little black race car,” and good job. Physical limitations required me to work 3/4 time yet gratefully my profession of occupational therapy pays well so I could still support myself. It was still a tough time in my life. The stress contributed to a back injury that put me out of work without pay then right when I might default on my mortgage payment I was able to return to work. Amazing. And that is how the Lord provided for me during a total of 3 tough years: just in time, right on time, and only after completely submitting to my Heavenly Husband and Father.

The Thursday night Bible study at the home of Pat and Mary was an important refuge for me during those years. Pat brought to life the books of the Bible with detailed history and applications that made a difference for all of us. He led us in prayer where we lifted each other up before the Father in the name of Jesus Christ; the love was palpable. Members came and went yet were never forgotten. Most of them knew my former spouse from years together in that living room. It didn’t matter later on. I am grateful that Craig led me to the fellowship that would make a difference then and even this past weekend. Here’s why.

His name escapes me of the younger-than me gentleman who was a part of the Bible study who offered to help me with my car. I understood that he was happily married with children and thriving in the IT field. I needed a new battery for my Honda Civic but could not find the money for it. Through Pat within the following week, I learned that the guy whom I barely knew had offered to pay for it! I was grateful and humbled. Life went on and the car worked great however I did not see this man again for many weeks on a Thursday night. I’m sure I sent a thank you note but never got to tell him in person the difference and encouragement that came from his actions.

And then my life changed again: my mother passed away. I was already exhausted from the grievous circumstances surrounding her death and, at the same time, grateful that I got to see her out-of-state the day before she died. Incredible. Then much to the surprise of my brother and I, she had left behind an inheritance that would meet all of my needs in the near future. Whew. Such a paradox! So many mixed emotions. I had no idea; I thought she had squandered her hard-earned income that came from years working as an office manager at Hercules Machine Tool and Die in the Detroit area. There was more leftover. My brother and I had more to focus on than this so we each proceeded as we thought best while dealing with our childhood home, his ultimate need to find another place to live, etc. An extended family member’s role saw to all of that for sure as my Mom’s chosen Executor of her estate. (No, that was not me.)

So I decided to purchase a new car! And then I felt guilty! So I sought the counsel of my Bible study leader who taught me to enjoy the Lord’s financial blessing yet hold it lightly. As a Christian the stuff of life has no eternal value yet we are to be good stewards of the resources bestowed to us. I tithed then proceeded with my purchase, enjoyed my saweet Hyundai Tuscon. Sure was nice having a good vehicle to take me to-and-from my new love interest in Indiana. Things started looking better in some ways, in others there was still a cauldron of confusing emotions.

The gentleman who bought me the new battery for my old Honda Civic showed up sometime later at the Thursday night Bible study. I was at the stage of purchasing the new car and trading in the old one, sharing my incredible mix of events. The look on his face seemed to express “incredulous.” Not sure if he was happy for me or sad. His donation of a new battery was now in the hands of an unknown party. The look on his face stayed with me for the next ELEVEN YEARS. Did he know that his encouragement gave me the courage to go on with my life? To trust in the provision ultimately of my Heavenly Father? I didn’t think so. And I never got an opportunity to thank this man in person; he left shortly after the end of our prayer time that night.

Eleven years later I ran into Pat and Mary at the Memorial Service of a brother in Christ: this past weekend. We laughed, we reminisced, we spoke of our mighty Lord and how He had restored the years the locusts had eaten in my life, twice! (Well, probably more than that actually!) My intended beloved, Steve, and I enjoyed a lovely time of fellowship with Pat and Mary in addition to many others who helped walk me through those important years when I worshiped at Village Bible Church; many were there on Saturday. Before we left I had to ask Pat one more thing: did the gentleman who bought me the new battery ever knew the incredible blessing he gave me? Did he understand that I really needed it at the time? That his actions gave me the courage I would need to move on when a time of financial restoration would follow, albeit quickly? Pat said that he did. He said that it was a blessing for him to help me. Sigh. Really? Oh Lord, I do hope so.

The gentleman’s name is Rich. Lord, please bless Rich and his family, work, and life this day. Let him know the generosity and goodness that you brought to me so many years ago and lead Him in your ways always. I pray that he continues to seek you and bless others with what gifts you have given him as he did for me. May our Lord be glorified in all this goodness that comes to any of us amidst the trials of this life. Your fingerprint is here for me, for Rich, and for you too, Gentle Reader. In due time for those who believe in the name and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we shall be lifted up and made new one day, sharing in the glory beyond our wildest dreams. Tis a decision worth making, a journey worth taking. Thank you Jesus for Pat and Mary too. I pray that you bless them as well for their faithful teaching and living every day for You.

1 Peter 4:8-10 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Beep! Beep! :J

Hyundai, Tuscon, German shepherd, garden, light pole, garden bed, Dodge Magnum, paddling gear, front driveway, holding things lightly, Christian man — A few of my favorite things in 2010 including Steve, Elle, and the blue Hyundai Tucson!

Recently a gal came into my life who has a major vocal talent. I love the full alto robustness of her singing voice and the special emphasis she can put just about anywhere in a song to make a verse, an ending phrase come alive. Very few musicians can go way beyond the sheet music and take you with them every note of the way . . . as if you are sharing in all of the emotion and beauty pouring out of the Creator’s expression manifest before you. I love moments like this. I love listening to her sing. Her music gives me goose bumps now and always has done so.

I had the privilege of performing and competing in the top choir at my high school for all of my three years there. Our teacher, Mr. Herr, was an accomplished tenor and pianist who occasionally shared his talent with us when singing the male solos; this included part of Handel’s Messiah one particular Christmas. Before the concert he took a bus load of us teenagers to an old Catholic cathedral in downtown Detroit to sing the choral sections of the work from the balcony as the giant pipe organ accompanied us at full volume. I will never forget that sound! Our voices lifted high as if to touch the vaulted ceilings painted with Biblical scenes that I would not really understand for another decade. My tender frame shook with the majesty, the magnificence of the moment when all the harmonies blended together in perfection. The entire church swelled with the sound of music. What a great experience to carry us through our concert at school shortly thereafter. Well done Mr. Herr!

A fellow choir student told me early in my senior year that the only reason that I made the Chorale was my ability to sight-read written music. The comment was a slam for sure. So my talent wasn’t good enough but somehow my ability to read music made up the difference? I didn’t understand but still was crushed. Regardless, I made every early morning rehearsal, class session, and concert throughout the school year. My mom sewed my blue maxi skirt and plaid outfit herself that all of the girls had to have made for the concerts. And she did make it to the concerts, thankfully. She made a point of telling me, however, that I could do better if I would just open my mouth more when I was singing. Geez. It’s a wonder I made it through my senior year of Chorale after all of that nonsense.

My interest in singing changed as I went off to college with my 3/4-sized classical guitar alongside me. My experience got me two “easy A’s” in beginner piano and guitar classes for creative arts requirements but little else. Playing popular songs and sing-a-longs diminished from gatherings at the beach with girlfriends (who didn’t mind when the music always seemed to bring the guys around with a harmonica or their curiosity!) to sing-a-longs with groups of patients at various psychiatric hospitals in which I worked as an occupational therapist years later. Within a decade I had practically stopped everything altogether and my skills, even my voice, eroded. More recently the serious illness I have been battling has changed my breath volume and vocal cords such that my voice crackles when singing worship songs “in church.” Although I will still crank the stereo and give it a go occasionally when the Barbara Streisand CD just happens to get turned up really loudly when my hubby is away! No, no, ain’t gonna rain on my pa–rade!

So I do have a bit of an ear for quality and musicianship which brings me to the point of this discussion: when a person DOES have a major talent I believe it is a gift from the Lord to be shared openly for His glory. It really bugs me that my new friend has received “pukey” comments from non-talented, envious people around her. I hope she can let them go. We come to faith in Christ and are given spiritual gifts to be used for the Lord’s glory, often showcasing talents or even growing abilities already present in the life of the believer. Whether we use our giftedness directly in ministry or just to inspire others as unto the Lord, I believe that we are to let that goodness shine!

Matthew 5:14-16New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Especially today for all of us who have a creative ability that stands out from the crowd, my prayer would be that we would stand up, finish the performance out in front of the spaces we are given and win glory for the One Who has entrusted it to our care. Delight in-and-develop our talent, have fun with it, and don’t let the pukeys, the naysayers get us down. Going forth with boldness and confidence may just bring each of us the desires of our hearts which is a good thingy, eh? The Lord may have placed those dreams there, waiting for us to take the next steps He will lead us to and through. Oh how He loves us so . . . which reminds me of a song . . .