A Spring in My Step

Spring is a much anticipated time of the year that I eagerly await – until it gets here. Then I have to face some of the more challenging things about the season.

• The sun doesn’t come up until after 8:00 am and I have a harder time getting out of bed in the dark. Thanks Daylight Savings Time.
• The deck and car is covered in yellow dust and there is a haze of pollen in the air.  I am using more antihistamines, eye drops, and nose sprays just to make it through the day.
• My closet is a jumbled mess. Heavier clothes need to be cleaned and boots packed away.
• Dust bunnies are visible in the late afternoon sun reminding me it’s time for spring cleaning.
• Baby squirrels busily destroy my container garden of pansies and tulips before we discover their nest under our grill cover.

As new life springs up all around, I am also reminded of the enjoyable aspects of this time of year.

• The ornamental fruit trees are dressed in white, pink, and purple blossoms. The red and orange leaves on oak and maple trees gradually fade into green.
• Catalogs arrive with page after page of colorful spring fashions that tempt me to order the latest and greatest.
• My too late bloomer husband agrees to use on sale coupons and take his semi-annual shopping trip for his furnishings.
• Reminders of the Easter season and the new life experienced in Christ are in the stores and even on the History Channel (Jesus: His Life.)
• My thankful heart rejoices in all the challenges and joys that this season of renewal has to offer.

A Season of Change

The place was mostly abandoned and spooky.  Wind whipped up dry leaves that danced around the empty store fronts.  Rows of dealer—not shopper— cars filled the parking lot. We’d hoped to find a place to eat around the mall, but most eateries were closed.  We saw up close the new face of suburban America. 

On March 1 of this year, CNBC online pronounced, “The retail apocalypse is alive and well this week with major chains… announcing massive closures, totaling the death of more than 465 stores over the last 48 hours.” Ten years ago, only a few saw this massive change coming.

Online shopping from the comfort of your own home is replacing the brick and mortar experience.  I do my share online, but still like a retail therapy trip to check out the merchandise. Just as the mall replaced the downtown main street shopping experience during the past fifty years, the future of retail is changing again to meet consumer demands.  The malls that are thriving incorporate experiences, other than shopping, to attack customers.  Indoor put-put golf, bouncy houses, carousels, pottery painting, and live theaters seem to be major attractions.  How do we handle the changing times that are imposed on us by our society?

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.  As a Baptist type of Christian, I usually don’t give up anything for the forty days leading up to Easter. But, I feel it’s an important time to reflect on the meaning of Easter and the Resurrection.

In New Testament times, life was about to change drastically for the twelve men we call disciples and all the other followers of the Teacher, who was called Jesus Christ. He tried in many ways to prepare them for the upheaval that would affect their lives forever.  Following Jesus was new and exciting as the disciples saw Him perform miracles, heal the sick, and drive out demons.  They envisioned a new kind of kingdom that would overthrow the Roman Caesars and restore the power of King David’s empire. They were shocked when Jesus began to predict His death and could not comprehend the possibility of His resurrection.  Things were changing all around the disciples, and they didn’t see it coming.

After Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, life would never be the same.  He would no longer walk with them in the flesh, but in the Spirit. His disciples and followers ever since would be filled with God’s Spirit when accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord.  Lives and society would be transformed by the good news of the Gospel. 

Will there be malls in twenty years, or will all shopping be done online?  I still can’t imagine buying a car online without kicking the tires.  Only time will tell, but the huge change that Jesus brought to this world will still be alive and well in the heart and minds of His followers. Climate change proponents who predict that a weather apocalypse will destroy the earth in twelve years must not be students of the Bible.

God plainly states in the Scriptures that He will have the last word and the future of our planet is in His capable and loving hands. We should open our eyes to the truth of God’s word and embrace each season of change.

I Can Only Imagine

This past weekend we went with friends from church to see the movie “I Can Only Imagine.” The uplifting song with the same title—with 2.5 million copies sold—is the best-selling Christian single of all time. The inspiring words describe what the writer imagines it will be like when he goes to heaven and stands before God.  

Bart Millard wrote the lyrics in 1999 and his band MercyMe recorded it shortly after. The song has been described as a ‘rush of hope’ for people experiencing loss, illness, and other traumatic events. In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many found solace in its lyrics.

Eighteen years later the story behind the song is now in movie theaters. Bart Millard’s story is deeply personal and painful. His abusive childhood destroyed his relationship with his earthly father. Many years later his father found the Lord as he was dying from cancer. The pain of losing his father after he had reconciled with him was Bart’s inspiration for the song. 

So much of life is like that. We live in a pain-filled world. All of us can identify with the need to forgive and the desire for reconciliation with a family member, friend, and with God. The recent school shootings, bombings, and personal tragedies leave us wondering about life and death. Does any of it make any sense? It only does if we can look beyond the pain to a better future.

As we approach Holy Week and the celebration of Easter, I am reminded of the great pain and sacrifice the Son of God made for our salvation. On the last night before Jesus’ crucifixion, he tried to prepare his disciples for the future.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3

A recent online Fox News article reports on a speech from the Vatican in which the Pope spoke about the use of the crucifix as jewelry.

“Pope Francis said that the crucifix is a religious sign to be contemplated and understood, rather than merchandised. He said that the crucifix is a sacred sign not to be "abused" by being treated as an ornament or clothing accessory. The image of Jesus crucified reveals the mystery of the death of the Son as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all times." By Daniel Hammond and Ruth Gledhill, SWNS | Fox News

I can’t agree more. An empty Easter cross makes a much better piece of jewelry because it celebrates resurrection, new life, and hope. It makes it possible for me to sing along with Bart Millard and MercyMe. 

I Can Only Imagine

The Case for Christ

It’s the week before Easter which in many Christian traditions is considered the holiest week of the year.  Yet it’s hard to find Jesus’ resurrection in the middle of all the colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, and new clothes.  Yes, I admit I’ve been out shopping for some new springtime apparel to wear during these glorious and sunny 80 degree days.  I’m also trying to remember and celebrate the “reason for the season” and the greatest gift of God’s grace given to an undeserving mankind.

The Case for Christ made its debut in movie theaters last weekend. It is a very well made and dramatic portrayal of the life of well-known atheist, Lee Strobel, and his investigative journey to debunk the death of Jesus on the cross and the reality of the resurrection. His marriage and career was almost destroyed because of his obsession to prove that the whole Christian narrative was a delusion.  

I had previously read his book with the same title, but seeing the movie brought his journey into clearer focus.  The love and prayers of his wife played a vital role in him finding the truth in the midst of his determination to deny the existence of God and the evidence of Jesus’ empty tomb.  I highly recommend this movie to all my blog readers during this Easter season. 

Our country has a changing religious landscape where most Americans don’t believe the USA is a Christian nation.  This is a belief shared by both Catholics and Protestants alike.  Many feel that those who profess their Christian beliefs have been demonized and, at best, marginalized in recent years.

Those of us who have professed belief in Christ have a wonderful story to share with those around us.  That story can be shared through words, as well as deeds, and prayers offered on behalf of other people.  Lee Strobel found that he couldn’t prove or disprove the good news of Jesus intellectually, but when he realized he didn’t have all the answers, the love of God reached down and found him. 

I found the following quote in the magazine Facts & Trends, written by Alvin Reid and published by LifeWay.

“Don’t buy the negative rhetoric: Our society has not suddenly plunged into an abyss of secularism and atheism, leaving a culture of spiritually walking dead with no interest in the claims of Christ.  You and I live in a mission field.  Life is a mission trip—take it, and start today!”

Happy Easter

Out with the Old

Old winter clothes have to go.

It’s that glorious time of year in Georgia when warmer days prompt the trees to burst forth with color. I feel bad for my friends and family up north still stuck with below freezing temps and wrapped up in quilts and heavy sweaters. But I can’t wait to purge my closet of its drab clothes in favor of brighter ones. When I pack up my flannels, corduroys, heavy sweaters, and fleece I declare that winter is in its last gasp and will soon give way to the warmer days of spring and summer. I recently took two days and several trips up and down to the basement closet to make the swap. About the time I started the task, the thermometer took another plunge below freezing just to remind me who’s in charge.

Old eating habits have to go.

Climbing those stairs gave me some much needed exercise and made me realize how out of shape I am. Too many carbs and too many days piled in the recliner wrapped in a quilt have taken a toll on my body. Trying on some of last year’s clothes has been very painful. Well, let’s put in plainly—they don’t fit.  Ugh—I have to lose weight. It’s time to cut way back on the comfort food of winter and lighten up my diet with lots more fruit and veggies. It’s also time to take that daily walk to help burn some calories. How about a walk around the Mall instead looking at all the pretty new clothes?  The only problem is they won’t fit either.

Old ways of thinking have to go.

For the past few weeks our church has focused on the Sermon on the Mount during this Lenten season leading up to Easter. The words of Jesus in the book of Matthew have challenged my way of thinking. The eight Beatitudes or blessings in Matthew 5:1-10 tells the ways I am to live in relationship to God and to others. When I put into practice the challenge of the each Beatitude, I receive a blessing from the hand of God. The lesson of each Beatitude is not to focus on
self, but to focus on those around me. In our self-oriented, me-first society, it is indeed a new way of thinking. As you prepare for Easter Sunday and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, consider His words from the Sermon on the Mount.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Have a Blessed Easter.

No Greater Love

During this month of April, I want to recognize all the heroic families who donate life. Sixteen years ago my sister, Audrey, and I received transplanted livers from unknown donors. We have each been blessed with  additional years to celebrate life with family and friends. Not everyone is so fortunate. I recently joined an international Facebook support group for people with liver disease called “Live, Laugh, and Love Your Liver.” Reading about the triumphs and struggles of others who are so sick pre-transplant and, in many cases, post-transplant I am amazed that we have done so well. 

Heart of Gold Rose
honors donor families

Many ground breaking scientific advances are being made in the field of organ donation. Two recent articles on FoxNews.com caught my attention. There is an increase in living donor transplants where the donor gives a portion of their liver to the recipient. The risk of organ failure for both the donor and the recipient can be very high and long-term complications are possible. For this reason the living donors must go through three days of intensive physical and mental screening before being accepted.  If all goes as planned, a half of the healthy liver replaces the diseased liver. Within four to six weeks the donor’s liver will regenerate to 80 to 90 percent of its original size and the donated half will increase in size and restore liver function in the recipient. Except for some ugly scars and livelong immune suppressing drugs for the recipient, both persons have the potential to live normal lives.

I am also excited to learn that scientists are now transforming human skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells. The skin cells are regenerated, using a specific cocktail of reprogramming genes and chemical compounds. The hope for the future is that these healthy cells can be inserted into livers to grow and crowd out the diseased cells. Perhaps in future generations, scientists can grow fully functioning livers, thus completely eliminating the need for donor transplants. 

Medical science has come a long way in the sixteen years since my transplant. I continue to pray for the family who made my organ donation possible. A Bible verse from John 15:13 sums it up for me. “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (NIV translation)

I am also reminded during this Easter week of an even greater gift—the ultimate life giving gift—when Jesus the Christ lay down His life for our salvation. No greater love!!

My book "Born Three Times: A New Life, A New Liver, A New Love" recounts how I received three amazing gifts and a second chance at life.  It's available from Amazon.com in print and ebook formats.

My book "Born Three Times: A New Life, A New Liver, A New Love" tells how I received three amazing gifts and a second chance at life.  Available at Amazon.com in soft and ebook