Martin Luther King left us with not only a courageous life example, but as an eloquent speaker, many quotable lines.
This is
one that strongly resonates with me.
What
would that look like in this day we live in? It might look like this.
A Face
Book friend recently posted a video segment of the Ellen DeGeneres show that
made me ROTFL. (roll on the floor laughing). As often is on the internet- it
was new to me but footage from April 15, 2011. It is the taped phone
conversation between 88 year old caller Gladys and Ellen. During the course of
the phone call Gladys said, “…I love Jesus, but I drink a little.” Ellen’s
response was to laugh her head off, as was mine and then I observed a beautiful
thing- a bond of friendship was born between Ellen and Gladys. Ellen is a practicing lesbian who believes
the gay lifestyle is a viable alternative. Gladys is a professing Christian who
‘loves Jesus’ by her own admission. What caused these two women to become fast
friends even though they probably stand in different worldview camps on some
issues? The open and honest transparency
of Gladys, and the fact that Gladys has
lived long enough to know no human is perfect. She has chosen to be refreshingly
honest and look for what is good and right in others.
I like
Gladys.
When a
nonfiction author desires to write for God, I believe the book with the
greatest impact is going to be the one that takes a transparent tact. Honest
struggle comes along side of the reader who is looking for help.
Jena
Morrow in her book, "Hollow: An Unpolished Tale", tracks her battle with anorexia. In it she does
not claim to have received the victory she longs for but what she offers the
fellow struggler is a transparent look into her dependency on a God she
believes walks with her. It is a powerful testimony of hope and God’s keeping
Grace.
Brennan Manning is another author who kept it real but showed us a mighty God. His
words held my hand down many a rough road. Yet by his own admission, he became
an alcoholic after he came to Christ. He openly struggled with the unrealistic
expectations laid on him by the organized church.
As a
fiction author, realistic characters that struggle through tough
times yet lean and rely upon on a God they believe will see them through, can
have a powerful impact. They are the books that leave a lasting impression on
me. And most likely are the books I recommend to others.
Nancy Rue and Steve Arterburn’s books, Healing Stones, Healing Waters, and Healing Sands
are great examples I use often to showcase this. Christa Parrish is another
favorite author of mine that writes fiction that illustrates seeking
individuals in the midst of their struggles. I’m always on the lookout for her
next book to hit the shelves and tell others about them as well.
John 8: 7 challenges us:
But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (NAS)
But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (NAS)
I am not condoning sin here. Please do not misunderstand me. What I am advocating is choosing to be honest, and loving. I am dropping my stones, and allowing God to examine my heart.
When you keep it real, you succeed in touching others lives and provoking them to seek God out. And that is a beautiful mission and a terrific legacy.
6 comments:
Love it. (And love Jena's book.) This is the message I hear whenever I go speak. People need to have their hands taken and be told they can walk down this road of discipleship, and they need us to admit that it's hard, not pretend we know exactly what we're doing. Yes, holiness is the goal, but Jesus chose love to get us there.
Thanks for posting the video and sharing such honest joy. What healing there is in it. Last Sunday a godly man in our Bible study said he battles with profanity. I was surprised to hear him say it, but I was humbled by his honesty. He struggles. We all struggle with something, but the fellowship encourages us.
Thanks Diana for the reminder. When we write from a distance, not sharing our struggles, we merely walk on the path with the reader. But, I feel when we're transparent, we can walk hand in hand with the reader and encourage them along the way. Transparency, humility, and love -- a language that touches the heart.
We all know the adage, "hate the sin, love the sinner." God tells us to love our brothers as we love ourselves. . . there is no, but's added to that. The strength comes in being a Christian with the faith to truly step out and say that. It's not something I condone, but I try my best to be an example and to take the seed God places in my hands, and spread it to those - regardless of who they are - that are in need. Good job Diana. A reminder we all need. Be the hands and feet, the face. . . of Christ.
well said ladies. Thanks for dropping by. And for writing such like minded material.
Thanks for your observations and insight, Diana! Made me think awhile!
Contrast and conflict are always present in our lives---an opportunity for God to shape us. And as best as I can tell, Jesus most always encountered such confrontation. But what an awesome approach he had, and what an amazing example! He took all the guff, yet his response, while direct and authentic, was never critical, condescending or condemning...and scripture never mentions him carrying around a fistful of stones. He simply spoke truth and offered the solution--himself. And today, though he is frank and direct as he deals with us, he does so in love, even as he disciplines. Jesus says, "Come to me." My own struggles, laid at his feet in authenticity, position me on equal ground, shoulder to shoulder, with all men. I am no better; I am no worse. What I am, however, is positioned to love my imperfect self, and so love all others in their imperfection---and unconditionally, as modeled by Jesus himself. This is the reality of God through the actuality of men--through you and through me, through each of us, who have all missed the mark. And this, achieved through the living Christ alone, is true grace realized, forgiveness brought to fruition, the new life lived--
relationships generated in love.
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