fear & avoidance

I have a very good friend who, at the age of 22,  lost his whole family in one moment.  His wife & son passed on in an auto accident.  Afterward, the church they had been attending, well, shunned him.  Visits?  Calls?  Invitations to be with the other folks?  Nope.

I know this church.  It is not made up of heartless people.  Why did my friend (whom I had not yet met at that time) not get any support?

My best guess is that he was living through everyone's worst nightmare.  Its just too terrible to think about, & those who knew him and could have reached out just didn't want to be reminded of that.


Just this week, I learned that a dear friend of mine has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease.  She's been suffering from some of its symptoms for awhile.  I know I should visit her & on a regular basis, too.  Still, I'm afraid.  I'm afraid to see her suffer and know there's nothing this side of Heaven to help her.  I'm afraid of her embarrassment over her limitations.  I'm afraid of being reminded that there are no guarantees in this life.  I'm afraid of making her feel worse when I'm overcome with sadness at seeing my cheerful, spunky, active friend fading away.

I know this much, I must go visit her & not delay.  Pray for my friend's spirit while her body is under attack.

abundant life

So much of popular religion/tradition revolves around "I'm a worm." When I've read Hook & Ketcherside for awhile & then attend a local sermon, it is painfully clear. 

Do we want our own children to have a constant sense of shame because they can't quite live up to our expectations? Of course not; so why do we think our Heavenly Father wants us to live that way?

I think if you live a life of "I'm so weak, I'm just not good enough, etc.", then you are more than missing the point of grace. I think you are abusing the grace given you. Spiritual growth is a joy - not a labor.


Thanks to RabidFrog blog for the scripture this morning.  

a poem by Mary V. Littrell

A traveler crossed a frozen stream 

In trembling fear one day;

Later a teamster drove across,

And whistled all the way.

Great faith and little faith alike

Were granted safe convoy;

But one had pangs of needless fear,

The other all the joy!

 - from Cecil Hook's Free To Speak