This is part 2 of 2, in the series "Mapping Our Journey."  You can read part 1 here.

Sitting around a campfire, watching the flames dance and the sparks rise into the night sky, you find yourself mesmerized by the flickering colors and the glow of the embers.  Whether you're roasting a hotdog on a stick, toasting a marshmallow for s'mores, or just relaxing in the warmth of the burning logs, one or two things are bound to happen at some point.  Either someone will start a song, perhaps with guitar accompaniment, or someone will tell a story.

Growing up, camping as a kid, teenager, and into adulthood, I've come to love these experiences of sitting around a fire at night and basking in the glow.  I've enjoyed playing my guitar or mandolin along with others and singing familiar songs.  I've listened as someone has told a story...maybe a scary story or an account of a childhood memory, or just a story of a hunting trip when they bagged the big one.  Those stories are usually entertaining and captivating. ​

A few years ago, I was taking a long run through the little Arkansas town in which we lived.  I was running a route through a neighborhood I had passed through many times on my runs.  On this particular day, as I listened to my running playlist on my earbuds, pacing my breathing with each stride, I was enjoying the beautiful weather of the day, the sunshine and the light breeze that was blowing.  Just as I passed behind Sequoyah Elementary School, at the intersection of Sequoyah Way and Neptune Drive, I was suddenly inundated with a childhood memory and emotion.  It wasn't something I saw or a sound that I heard.  I wasn't reminiscing about days gone by.  This sudden experience of nostalgia, memory and emotion, came as the result of a smell...yes...a simple odor.  That gentle breeze wafted across my path, brining with it the smell of the pine thicket bordering the street.  I immediately looked to my right, seeing the pine trees, with the ground covered by a brown carpet of fallen pine needles.  In this moment, I was taken back to my elementary school days on the playground behind King Springs Elementary School, in my hometown. I remembered the pine thicket that was a part of that playground and, upon which I had spent many hours playing with my classmates during our daily recess.  It was a powerful moment as that smell triggered such vivid memories and happy emotions about those childhood experiences.

The Power of Olfactory Memory

Olfactory memory is memory that is triggered by smells from past experiences.  It is said to be one of the most powerful of memory triggers.  The reason is easy to explain.  In the brain, the senses of sight, sound, and taste go to the thalamus, which is the relay center of the brain. The thalamus sends these messages to the various centers of the brain, including the amygdala (responsible for processing emotion) and the hippocampus (responsible for memory).  However, when we experience the sense of smell, the signal bypasses the thalamus and goes to the olfactory bulb, which is directly connected to the amygdala and hippocampus.  There is no slow down or filtering by the thalamus.  This explains why smells can trigger very strong memories and associated emotions.  This is why certain aromas at Christmas are so meaningful to us due to being connected with pleasant experiences of our childhood, or, why a widow may sleep with the shirt of her late husband for months after his passing, or a mother becomes nostalgic and wistful when she smells the familiar fragrance of the baby lotion she used when her child was an infant.  Olfactory memory is a powerful influence.

The Power of Christ-like Fragrances

It is no coincident that this is the very imagery that God inspired the Apostle Paul to write about as he described our lives as followers of Christ in the letter to the Corinthian church.

Have you ever considered yourself a perfume?  A fragrant aroma?  As a follower of Christ, that is exactly what you are...or should be.  Think about the significance of these words that describe us as a "Christ-like fragrance."

1. We are captivated by the love of God and redemption of Christ - Like a victorious king returning from battle, and his captives following along behind him in procession, Jesus has redeemed us and rescued us from the kingdom of darkness, giving us new life and eternal reward.  It is as though we are now a part of that triumphal procession of captives who give witness to the wonderful salvation that comes in Him.
2. We become a pleasant aroma of Christ among others in the world - Wherever we go, as those who have been redeemed by the victorious gospel of Christ, we spread the good news of the knowledge of Christ…like a sweet perfume.  Our lives are like a sweet, pleasing aroma that arises to God the Father, much in the same way that the Old Testament speaks of the “pleasing aroma” of the sacrifice that was offered on the alter in worship to Him.  That fragrance pleases God and it impacts those around us.
3. We can’t control how others will perceive our fragrance - The Apostle Paul pointed out that we cannot determine how others will perceive or receive the aroma of Christ upon our lives. All we can do is make sure we are exuding that aroma as purely and profusely as possible.  Some will receive it with gladness as they are receiving the life-giving power of Christ.  Others will be reminded of the dreaded wrath to come, but they will refuse to accept the offered remedy for the pending judgment.  The weight lies upon the individual, our responsibility lies in being an aroma of Christ.
4. We have only to be true to the gospel and the power of God - You may be familiar with the story Jesus told of “The Sower and the Soils” (Matthew 13:1-23).  It speaks of a person who sowed seed with the anticipation that, from it, plants would emerge.  Jesus described four types of soil upon which the seed fell…hard soil, rocky soil, soil containing weeds and fertile soil.  In each of soil contexts, the seed had various levels of productivity.  All, except the fertile soil, failed to produce a successful crop.  It was only the fertile soil that produced the anticipated crop of plants.  Even that soil, as Jesus explained, produced varying harvests…100 times, 60 times or 30 times, what was sown.  There was nothing wrong with the seed…there is nothing wrong with the gospel.  It will always depend upon the heart of the receiver.  It comes down to the openness of the individual to hear, believe and receive.  The power of God’s Spirit works to draw each one to Himself.  We are called to be an aroma of Christ and leave the rest to God.

​Our Purpose and Influence for the Gospel

On this week's Purposed365 Podcast, Jasman Rolle interviews musician, community youth worker and entrepreneur, Ronald Morrell, Jr. (listen here).  Morrell shares about his journey of ministry and purpose through music, church, working with youth and starting and growing a business.  He touches on...

• Blank canvas - look for places and ways to pursue your purpose where it can make the most impact and provide something that a community lacks.  God may open unseen opportunities for His glory in unexpected places.
• How you can impact the next generation - always consider how God can use you to make a difference in the next generation.  Your purpose should leave a legacy that outlives you and extends the power of the gospel for generations to come.
• “God has called me to destroy walls and build bridges…” Ronald Morrell, Jr. - Ask yourself, "How can I fulfill my purpose in ways that break down walls and build bridges?"  Morrell says that doing so will "bring God's will on earth as it is in heaven."
• “Faith and Entrepreneurship” - living one's faith and making a living does not have to be two separate things...it actually shouldn't be.
• The Spirit in us impacts those around us - when the presence of Christ is in us, it will overflow into the lives of those around us, to make a lasting impact.
• Give back to the community…pour into the lives of children/youth - as we pursue our purpose in life, make a living, and build a life, never forget where you came from.  Never forget to pour into the community in which you live.  Always look for ways to invest in others...especially the next generation.
• Open their eyes to the possibilities - point youth to the real possibilities that lie before them.  While many youth, particularly those of color, think that professional sports or illicit drug dealing may be their only ways to be successful, we need to be voices that tell them there are opportunities that they are capable of pursuing, and that they can do whatever is required to make something great of their lives. 
• Success = “Hittin’ on the 1”  - the 1 beat is the most important in a musical composition enabling a band to play together successfully. Hitting on the 1 is how everyone in the band makes sure they are on beat.  If they don't, the song is going to become chaotic and sound terrible.  In life, we want to make sure we are "hittin' on the 1," which means making sure our priority is God's priority.  As Matthew 6:33 tells us, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."

Sniff Test

The question we need to ask ourselves is..."How do I smell?"  We can do a lot to try to smell good...put on lots of cologne, make sure we use deodorant, or just stand downwind from others (haha).  However, those efforts only cover up the real odor, or try to redirect it.  If we are living in purpose that is centered upon a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ...our Redeemer and King...His Spirit within us will produce an aroma that is pleasing to the Father and will waft over those around us.  That aroma will trigger a response that can open the door to their entry into eternal life...making you a fragrant reminder.

It was our first time in Arizona.  My family and I had stayed in Flagstaff the previous night and arose bright and early that morning for the next leg in our journey.  We had packed up the Aerostar and set out across the country, on a journey of discovery and fun.  Our daughter was 11 years old and my mom and stepfather traveled with us as well.  We can recount many memories from that trip in 2000...laughs we had, funny things we teased one another about, seeing landscapes that we had never seen before.  The beauty of New Mexico was amazing.  The heat and barrenness of the Mojave Desert were awe-inspiring.  We have talked of this trip many times over the intervening years with fond memories and laughter.  This particular day, however, stands out in my mind with special significance.

Having left I-40, we were making our way up highway 64 toward our destination.  We passed through the little town of Tusayan.  By area, it is the smallest town in the state of Arizona, with only 144 acres, or .225 square miles.  The town boasts a population, according to the 2010 census (when it was incorporated), of 562.  I mention this little town because it stands in stark contrast to the destination to which we were traveling.

As we rolled into the national park, the foliage and terrain of the area were unique in this high desert Kaibab Plateau.  Our anticipation of our destination made our hearts beat a little faster in our chests and we searched for glimpses.  Traveling along a park road, we caught a slight glimpse, but the full view of this, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, would elude us until we had disembarked from our vehicle and walked the trail among the trees.

Then it appeared.  As we approached the rim of the canyon, the immensity of this vast river gorge overwhelmed me.  My emotions caught in my throat and my eyes scanned the view to try to take it all in.  Frankly, it was difficult to fully grasp what I was seeing.  The Grand Canyon is grand indeed.  That day, as we walked along the rim, stepped out onto an observation point with a clear floor, looked into the vast 6,000+ feet drop from rim to floor, I immediately thought of the greatness of the God who created the earth.  We drove to the east, around the rim of the canyon, until we came to a place where there was an observation tower.  From that vantage point, we watched a thunderstorm, lightning and all, make its way across the canyon in the distance.  It was truly an awesome sight to see.  No words can do justice to what I experienced.  You had to be there...I was...and I worshiped.

Have you ever been in that kind of situation...an experience that was so moving and impactful in your life, but, as you tried to describe it to others, you were at a loss for words?  You have probably said, "You just had to be there."  I think I've had several of those experiences over the years.  I've found myself in experiences that have moved me to turn my eyes to the God of the universe and...worship.

• A summer Sunday evening at a small white church building in East Tennessee...a 9-year-old boy walked forward to the altar and prayed to receive Jesus as his Savior.  The pastor stood me up on the kneeling bench and asked me to tell the congregation what Jesus had just done for me.  You had to be there...I was...and I worshiped.
• Sitting on my bed in my room, as a 17-year-old boy, reading my Bible and realizing, for the first time...how real God is and that this Christian life is a living relationship between me and the Creator and Redeemer God.  You had to be there...I was...and I worshiped.
• Stepping forward in another worship service, at a church in my home town, realizing that God was calling me to a life of service in ministry.  My heart was racing as I made that step, not knowing what that fully meant for my future.  You had to be there...I was...and I worshiped.
• Attending our 1982 denominational convention in Fort Worth, Texas, as a member of a touring music group, I met up with the woman who would become my wife.  In the final worship service of that convention, we both knelt at an altar to pray, asking God whether He was calling us into foreign mission service.  We determined that all He was asking, was that we be willing to go wherever He would lead us.  We nailed down that decision that night.  You had to be there...we were...and we worshiped.
• Friday, February 24, 1989, our daughter had been born that day and I had spent all day and into the night with my wife and daughter at the hospital.  Finally, after mom and baby were asleep, I drove home around midnight.  I stopped at a traffic light and, sitting there waiting for the light to change to green, it suddenly hit me, "I'm a father!"  In that moment, I was both, overcome by gratitude, and shaken by fear of the responsibility.  You had to be there...I was...and I worshiped.
• June 27, 2014, my wife, Cindy, and I had taken the trip we had always dreamed of.  We went to Hawaii to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary (a year late).  While there, we rented a Jeep and spent the day taking a drive around the perimeter of Oahu.  We visited the North Shore, the Dole Plantation, and Waimea Valley and Falls.  The mountains and seascapes were beautiful.  Our vista was breathtaking, to say the least.  As we were cruising along with the top off of the Jeep and the wind blowing through our hair, I happened to glance back over my left shoulder (Cindy usually scolds me for sightseeing while I drive) at what I thought was an interesting shoreline outcropping...however, I wasn't sure what it was.  I quickly whipped the Jeep around and made my way back through this little seaside neighborhood.  As we emerged from the houses and into a little gravel parking lot, we discovered a beautiful rocky coastline that provided a dramatic ocean view with interesting rock formations. Lāʻie Point provided an unexpected experience that caused us to be in awe of our Creator.  You had to be there...we were...we worshiped.

What do you think of when you hear the word, "Worship?"  For many, it may bring images of Sunday gatherings at church, singing in a congregation, or maybe rituals that are meaningful in turning our hearts toward God.  I would challenge you to consider a much broader and, frankly, more biblical view of worship.  The Scriptures teach us that worship begins with a presentation of ourselves to God in service...a daily abandonment of our will to His and a seeking of His will in each of the moments of our day.  The words of Romans 12:1-2 put it succinctly.. 

So...we are taught that the true way of worship is to give ourselves as an offering to God...daily.  As we do so, our "living sacrifice," made holy by the blood and sacrifice of Christ, is received by the Father as worship...the kind that really matters.  It matters because it leads us into the process of transformation...in our actions and our thinking.  It opens our hearts and minds to know and follow the perfect will of God...that which is good and pleasing to Him.  In turn, we explore the journey of His purpose in our lives and that brings great joy to us.  I know because I've been there, and I've worshiped.

So, the next time you find yourself in a place that captures your attention...something about God's creation, a critical turn in life's road, or maybe just a conversation with a friend over coffee...abandon yourself to God in that moment, worship Him, allow Him to work in you and through you to fulfill His "good and pleasing and perfect" purpose.  You will be there...and you will worship.

"Living the dream!"  I don't know if I ever heard him say it quite that way, but in every sense of the phrase, that is what Billy and his wife were doing.  They were living the dream in the unique way they were meant to do so.  But, you may not have recognized it quite that way.

The first time I visited their new home, then still in the final stages of construction, it was a slight challenge to get there.  Making my way north on Highway 7, out of Russellville, Arkansas, I eventually made my way onto a gravel road that snaked along the base of a mountain to the right and looked out over a grassy field to the left.  It was a sunny summer afternoon and the dust rolled up before me, stirred by the vehicle I was following to show me the way to Billy's home.   After a few miles drive on the dusty gravel road, we turned left, down an embankment and into the pasture field that lay between two stretches of the Ozark mountains.  We made our way across the field, coming to a creek of considerable size that flowed along at the base of the mountainside.  Stopping to survey the terrain and determine how to proceed, I decided that my four-wheel-drive SUV was capable of continuing the trek.  Billy and his sons had carefully rearranged and placed river rock in the creek to make for a low water crossing that was sufficient to allow us to ford the creek.  Immediately on the other side of the creek bed, a steep pathway had been cleared of trees, brush and obstacles, wide enough for a vehicle to climb up about a hundred feet to the site of the home that he was building.

Yes.  You heard that right...Billy was building this home.  He designed, plotted and built, with the help of his two adult sons and his wife, this quaint home that was perched there among the trees and overlooking the creek and meadow below.  Billy had not only designed and built the home, he had even utilized an old sawmill to cut the lumber from timber harvested from the area.  He had determined that the home would be an adaptation of the homes of an earlier era in which oil lamp light and woodburning fires provided light and heat to its inhabitants.  The water supply was fed by a spring and a cistern, as such, was used for storage. Plumbing with a gravity system would make possible the modern conveniences of running water in the kitchen and bathroom, complete with shower.  

As I emerged from my vehicle, perched on the incline, I saw the cabin that had been erected there on the side of that mountain.  It was an impressive site to see and to know that it had been produced by the skill and hard work of this man, his wife and sons.  When I would visit them again on later occasions, I saw the beauty that had been integrated into the structure.  Things such as an ornate repurposed front entrance door, stained glass and other furnishings and fixtures, added a rustic, yet artistic ambiance.  I've always considered Billy somewhat of a rennaisance man of sorts.  He is intelligent, a skilled craftsman, musically talented, a writer and an artistic story teller.  He is a man of the earth and yet a man who has traveled outside his culture and country.  He has served as a pastor, a mail carrier, a musician, teacher and a youth worker.  But, no matter what course life has taken him, I would venture to say that he would tell you that he is "living the dream."

Think about your life.  "Living the dream" means so many different things to different people.  I suppose my point in using that phrase, which is flippantly tossed around tongue-in-cheek, is that there is a life for each of us that is the right fit.  There is a pathway and a plan that has purpose and produces good things.

In this installment of the P365 Blog, I have asked travel photographer, Elliott Chau, to share some thoughts about how he has discovered purpose and joy in the unique pathway he has taken.  Watch what he has shared with us in the video below.  Then, we will wrap it all up on the other side with some closing thoughts.

Elliott challenged us to consider the overall question of the purpose of life...Why am I here?  In considering that question, he directed us to the words of Jesus, as he responded to a law expert about the greatest commandment in the Old Testament.  Jesus, without hesitancy, quoted from the Shema (a portion of Deuteronomy 6 that became a part of the daily prayer of Jews), that stated that loving the "Lord your God" is the first and greatest commandment.  He then went on to paraphrase Leviticus 19:18, saying the second greatest commandment is to "love your neighbor as yourself."  As Elliott explained, and Jesus taught, when we redirect ourselves to that overall purpose of loving God and loving others, "everything else lines up."

Brennan Manning, author or The Ragamuffin Gospel, wrote, "My deepest awareness of myself is that I'm deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I've done nothing to earn it or deserve it."  1 John 4:19 states, "We love because he [God] first loved us" (bracket added).  The only way that we can love God and love people, in the powerful way to which we are called, is to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  That is the God who pursues us...who pursues that relationship with you.

This really is the over-riding determiner of living life to the fullest and with blessing...to live a life of love.  Elliott reminded us, just as Jesus taught, loving Him leads us to obey his commands.  Obeying His commands, leads us to love Him and others.  We can't go wrong with that perspective and pursuit.  No matter what direction our unique pathway of life takes...based upon our experiences, opportunities, families, passions and skills...when it is lived within the context of the Great Commandments, it will be lived well...we will be "living the dream."  The beauty of that reality is, whether you're a renaissance man living in the Ozark Mountains, or a travel photographer living in the tropical resorts of Bali, God has a plan that is even better than "living the dream."

An Example of a Mother's Influence

Susanna Annesley was born the youngest of 25 children to a London clergyman.  She was brought up with a strong Christian education in her English home.  When she met Samuel Wesley, it was through the visits of he and his pastor father, among many who came to the Annesley home.  Susanna and Samuel married and she became the wife of a minister as well.  Through many heartaches, challenges of ministry, tragedy of the death of 9 of her children, marital conflict and loss of all material possession through a fire that destroyed the rectory, Susanna was a stalwart wife and mother of strong faith.  She reared her 10 surviving children, educating them in their home, while supporting her husband in ministry and managing household financial affairs.

One may say that Susanna Wesley was a tremendous success, as she worked as a partner to her husband in his ministry.  She even conducted worship services for parishioners in their home, during an extended absence of her husband, that was very popular with the members of the church.  She was resilient, strong-willed, of deep spiritual faith and a meticulous organizer and manager of the household.  However, perhaps author Anne Adams put it best when she wrote of the true success of Susanna Wesley:  ​

Our Family and Our Purpose

The question we consider today is, "How does the role we have in our family inform how we pursue the God-given purpose that we have?"  Does it?  Should it?  I contend, there is really no way to avoid it.

Spousal Role

As a husband or wife, we have made a commitment to that marriage partner that changed our lives the day we said, "I do."  That means that we no longer make decisions with consideration only for our own interests.  Pursuing our purpose as a spouse includes that commitment and the way we integrate our faith with one another.  One of our Purposed 365 community members, Tim Johnson, put it this way, "One of the purposes in my marriage is to be a student of my wife."  I like the way that is stated.  I am fulfilling my purpose as I learn all I can about the person with whom I have committed to journey through this life.  I can't hope to relate to her, understand her and care for her effectively if I don't know the person she really is.

The Scripture instructs husbands and wives, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21), and "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered" (1 Peter 3:7).  Submitting ourselves to one another, understanding and living with one another in a partnership, requires that we know one another.  As P365 community member, Erica Renee Cox McKinney, stated, "I feel more in my purpose when my family life is taken care of...I find it brings order, unity, less stress and chaos."  I couldn't agree more.  When we focus on our spousal role and prioritize that relationship, fulfilling our purpose naturally flows out of that priority.

Parental Role

I believe the best fulfillment of my purpose, in partnership with my wife, was bringing up our daughter in the ways of the Lord.  We are proud of the woman she has become, and the role of wife and mother that she is fulfilling in her own purpose.  In commenting on this topic, she (Emily Simpkins) shared, "...Mothering represents laying down your life for another, which represents the Gospel. WOW! That really caught my attention, what greater purpose can I have than to be a clear representation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? So, I would say being intentional in not only my words and actions, as a mother and wife, but in my thoughts as well. I am striving (and still failing most of the time) to approach motherhood as kingdom work and as one of the most important ways I can fulfill my purpose right now."  Community member, Kimberly Hall described her intention to teach and model what is right as she strives to influence them positively, "As my children age, I feel the purpose to keep them grounded. Hopefully, I have raised them to know right from wrong. I try to always be a positive influence. As your children watch what you do, you are their example and they learn as they look up to their parents." 

The Apostle Paul wrote to his protégé, Timothy, commending the faith-filled rearing from his mother and grandmother, "I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you" (2 Timothy 1:5).  He knew that it was crucial in Timothy's development, that he have a mother and grandmother who accepted it central to their purpose, to bring him up in the nurture of the Christian faith.  This enabled Timothy to learn and prepare to fulfill his purpose in ministry.

Let me hasten to add, however, a very important point.  The comments of our community members, and the reality of my own experience, remind us that fulfilling our purpose as parents is one of imperfection, requiring grace and constant seeking of the right way to guide our children.  There were times, as our daughter was growing up, that I had to pray for wisdom and work to keep communication open and use teachable moments.  It was a learning experience for us that required a lot of grace and help of the Holy Spirit.  Whether we are bringing up our biological children, step children, or a blended family, keeping our focus on the wisdom that God gives, will enable us to purposefully parent those whom God has commended to us.   Community member, Angie Melson, expressed this challenge, "Being a stepmom to adult children and a child of aging parents feels overwhelming at times. I struggle with finding my 'sweet spot' in parenting adult children. I don’t want to be too hovering to them but I also want them to know I’m here and I love and think of them daily."  It isn't easy, and there's no "one size fits all" approach to the challenges of parenting.  As our children grow older, our parenting relationship changes.  It takes care and wisdom to traverse that phase.  There are two things that should be constant, however.  One is that we continue to love them unconditionally and the second, that we continue to seek God's wisdom to discern how to adapt to change and communicate effectively.  We are reminded in James 1:5, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."

Children of Aging Parents

For many of us, our parenting experience goes through several stages...not necessarily in this particular order.  We start our family with the birth and early development of our children.  They go through adolescence, which can have its unique challenges.  Then, they begin to leave the nest and move into young adulthood...college, career, marriage.  We may become grandparents as our own children grow older and start families of their own.   At some point, then, we begin to transition in our relationship with our own parents as they enter their elder years.  We may find ourselves, in some ways, taking on a parental role to our parents...securing their safety, managing their finances, planning for and providing day-to-day care.  It is new territory for most people and can be very challenging, especially if it comes at a time when you are in the busiest phase of your career,  or while being pulled toward supporting and engaging with your own children and grandchildren.  Again, Angie Melson wrote, "With aging parents, it’s tough to navigate that relationship at times as well, because, like you mentioned, the roles are a bit reversed, but we will always be their children. So...I’m working on finding my purpose in this stage of life I find myself, and looking for ways to experience joy and gratitude for the blessings of having these beautiful family members in my life."  That is a beautiful way of expressing the challenge of the journey.  In the midst of this season, we can know that we have purpose...caring for those we love...supporting them in their declining years...helping them feel safe and valued and loved.  That purpose in itself brings joy...for, what a privilege it is to care for the ones who spent so much of their lives caring for us.  "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12).

The words of Jem Finch echo in my mind, "You sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not."   If I could choose my family, I would choose the very ones I already have.  In each season of my life, whether as a spouse, parent or child, I want to live my purpose as I integrate my faith into each of those relationships.  In the words of Susanna Wesley, "I am content to fill a little space if God be glorified."

​Erwin Wullschleger, Jr. (Mr. W, I'll call him).  You probably don't know him, but hearing the name, it sort of sticks with you.  Speaking of sticking with you, Mr. W continues to stick in my mind even though the last time I saw him was in 1973.

It was a sunny school day in junior high school.  I remember vividly being called out of class that afternoon and asked to take a walk with my English teacher, Mr. W.  I wasn't sure what this was all about, but it was okay with me, because I trusted this teacher.  He proceeded, as we strolled the school grounds, to express his concern that my grades had dropped recently and I didn't seem to be putting forth my usual effort or engagement in class.  All of the teachers had noticed it.  As he shared and asked for my feedback about what I thought was at the heart of the problem, I felt safe and knew that I could be open and honest with Mr. W.  I began to open up and tell him that things were tough at home.  My parents had not been getting along very well and I was upset about how things were going.  I found it hard to concentrate on my homework and classwork because of the sadness and fear that was constantly on my mind.  I wasn't neglected at home and I was provided a safe and supportive environment. Family members knew what was going on and provided support and comfort in ways that they could.  However, the emotional impact of what was happening felt overwhelming.  That day, walking with my junior high English teacher made a difference.  It helped me to know that he and other teachers would be supportive and take measures to help support my functioning at school.  It didn't change what was happening in my life, but it added one more aspect of support to better equip me to cope and keep moving forward.  It is important to note, however, that his gesture was not the beginning of Mr. W's impact upon my life, it was the culmination.  There was a reason that he could have that important conversation with me that day.

Rewind almost two years to the beginning of 7th grade.  Mr. W was a new teacher at our school.  He came to our small southern town from Cleveland, Ohio.  Being from the north, his accent and mannerisms were a little different from that to which I was accustomed.  He was firm with classroom control, but, as I recall, he was creative and liked to provide unique learning opportunities.  Other teachers did this too.  But there was something different about Mr. W.  He was also very open about his interest in impacting kids outside the walls of King Springs School.

It wasn't long into that 7th grade year that Mr. W took notice of me.  He seemed to believe that I had promise beyond the average junior higher.  I'm not sure what he saw in me...and he did not limit this to me...but the way he engaged with me, and the things he told me, sent the message that I had great potential and could achieve significant things in my life.  I won't take the time to detail all of the ways he invested in me, but they were significant and many.  Just let me summarize...he encouraged me to participate in an oratorical competition and coached me two years in a row.  I won district 2nd place and 1st place respectively in that contest.  He asked me to join an effort to create a community service organization we called Group Action Project (GAP) in which we secured an empty house in a poor neighborhood and hosted fun activities, provided snacks and offered tutoring to children of the area each Saturday morning.  He took me to a local youth camp to introduce me to the facility and dream about how it may be used to further the work with the underprivileged youth.  He invited me and a girl from our class to come to his home and have dinner with him and his wife...to help us develop social skills in a more formal setting.  You see, that stroll on the school grounds in 1973 wasn't the first time that Mr. W and I had a serious conversation.  He had spent time intentionally investing in me over months, that had earned him the right to speak into a tough situation.

It has been a long time since I last saw Mr. W as I lost track of him and he has since passed away.  However, because of his intentional investment in a naïve, simple junior high student, his impact and legacy have been lasting.  I'm quite sure he probably had similar influence in many lives over the years.  I can tell you, however, his investment in me yielded good returns.  Since then, others have made investments as well...an aunt and uncle, Rosella and Oscar Huffman, Pastor Tommy Maines, Theater Professor Joe Jones,  Education Professor Dr. Ken Riggs, Music Professor Vernon Whaley and entrepreneur John Saddington.  Each of these, and others whom space does not allow me to mention, have made investments in my life that have reaped great returns.  For their investments, I am deeply indebted.  Perhaps that is why I have taken seriously the opportunities that God has given me to invest in the lives of others. No matter how I have lived out my purpose of making a difference in the lives of others, through sharing the good news of Jesus, it has been most effective when I am engaging in an incarnational ministry relationship with another person.  This may have been with a student, working with a youth or college-aged person through student/campus ministry, counseling in the local church or agency, life coaching, accountability relationships, or doing therapy with foster kids.  It all involves investment.

Why Personal Investment in People is a Profitable Strategy

We hear much in the media and marketing about investing for our future...for retirement.  There are many options available for anyone to grow their financial wealth in preparation for those later years.  Whether we consider individual stocks, mutual funds, 401k, Roth IRA, employer retirement plans, or even cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, it can all be rather confusing and sometimes risky.  Perhaps risk is always something to consider...some investment instruments offer more risk than others, as we are always concerned about the Return on Investment (ROI).

When it comes to investment in people, considering a few important benefits makes it clear that the returns are worth any risk that may be involved.

• It is Relational

 This may seem obvious, but it bears emphasizing because it is central to God's design for his creation, and particularly, His plan to redeem fallen humanity.  As I have written in a previous post, God is a relational being.  He is one God in three persons...Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  God is an example of the perfect harmonious work of relationship in accomplishing a perfect plan of purpose.  Someone has written that Father is the planner and initiator, the Son is the provider and mediator and, the Holy Spirit is the prompter who activates.  All of these roles of the members of the Trinity provide us with an emphasis on the relational work of ministry.  When we talk about incarnational ministry in relationships, we are speaking of allowing the work of God in, and through, us, by the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  I don't mean to get overly theological in this. Suffice it to say, however, that investing in the lives of others is a divinely empowered process that impacts lives eternally...at least that is true when the one investing is fulfilling the call of God upon their lives...living their purpose.  Amazingly enough, God has commissioned his followers to take the good news of Jesus Christ to others through relationships.  That is why the Apostle Paul told his son in the faith, Timothy, "I have taught you, now you pass it along to others."  It is the way God has designed it to be done.  To live out our purpose must incorporate this process in some form...whether it is in a "formal" setting such as counseling/coaching/mentoring, or whether it is a parent investing in their child, a grandparent investing in their grandchild or a teacher taking a student under their wing.  It's all about relationships.

• The ROI is Unmatchable

What is the ROI for investing in people?  For me, in junior high school, it was believing I could do things that I would have never dreamed, discovering and developing talents and skills, seeing the needs of others and learning that I could make a difference, and being encouraged and strengthened during a difficult period of life.  My aunt and uncle mentioned earlier were instrumental in my coming to faith in Jesus.  The investment of these people have had lifelong and eternal dividends in my life.  I would say that is a pretty good ROI.  When you are able to have a part in positively guiding the course of someone's life and changing their eternal destiny for good, there is no comparison that even comes close.  The benefits for that person in whom you have invested can't really be measured in any material or physically measurable way.  We could say that our investment may empower that person to pursue a career path that is more financially rewarding than they might otherwise have achieved.  That is valuable.  However, there are deeper and more significant returns than that, which can only be measured in eternal terms...much of which we won't fully see short of heaven.  "...remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins" (James 5:20).

There is also a return for the one who is investing.  Jesus has told us that we can live in such a way that we are making heavenly investments.  "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).  Where we invest ourselves will determine where our hearts lie. When we invest in the eternal welfare of another, we are making deposits in our heavenly retirement account.  The good thing is, it's not the FDIC that guarantees that investment, it is God Himself!

• It is Impactful

Investment in others is powerful in any situation where a life is impacted.  However, it is more far-reaching when it occurs cross-generationally.  Mentoring most often takes that form...an older person investing in a younger person.  This is actually a very biblical concept as we are instructed in Titus 2:2-8.  In this passage, older men are instructed to teach the younger and the elder women, the younger women.  In a culture where the elderly are more marginalized and disrespected than ever, it would behoove us to foster a renewal of valuing the experience and wisdom of those who have traveled the road before us.  Seeking out their wisdom and guidance will enhance our lives.  As older adults, we must never allow ourselves to believe that we have nothing to offer.  Look for ways to fulfill your purpose through investing in those who would benefit from your wisdom.

What is the Next Step?

If you agree that investing in people is not only biblical, but urgently needed in our world, what will you do about it?  What is your purpose? Generally, as a Christ follower, it is to glorify Him and to point others to Him as you love Him supremely and love others as yourself.  Specifically, however, your purpose...the unique context in which you carry out that general purpose...that is where you can focus to determine what investing in others looks like for your.  Is it your children at home because you're in that season of life, or that coworker or supervision report that needs you to take them under your wing?  Maybe it is that youth of a single parent at church, or a college student you know.  Ask God to show you who may need your investment...praying for awareness and guidance often opens our eyes to the people who are right there before us and we may not have noticed before.  A willing heart is the first step. 

Erwin Wullschleger, Jr. may never know what an impact he had on a junior high student in whom he took the time to invest.  I've often wished I had looked him up and shared my appreciation for what he did for me.  Nevertheless, I think he has some idea now, as he has laid up treasures in heaven.

In the summer of 2000, my family and I made a trip from middle Tennessee to Los Angeles, crossing the western states by car.  It was our first time making this trek and we loved seeing the beauty of the terrain, the mountains, the rock formations and the desert.  As we passed through Kingman, Arizona, we approached the stretch of highway that crossed the Mahave Desert.  For all of us, this was our first experience being in the desert environment.  I remember feeling a little nervous about the drive as we stopped to make sure our fuel tank was full and our water supply was sufficient.

The beauty of the landscape was breathtaking.  Even in an area that was so barren and hot (116 degrees F), it was awe-inspiring to see the mountains, cacti, and the colors of the terrain.  We stopped at one point to take a break, pulling off into a small town along the way.  As we stepped out of the vehicle, the heat and warm breeze felt so different from anything I had ever experienced.  As we always say, "It was a dry heat."  There was no humidity in the air that made it feel muggy and sticky, as we were accustomed to in the southeastern part of the country.  Instead, it was dry and arid.  There was almost an eerie feeling of being caught in this oven, where, if your air conditioner failed, you would not survive.  These were not necessarily rational thoughts, but felt real just the same.  It is hard to imagine that flowers could survive in such harsh conditions.  Yet, it is possible...and even natural...for flowering plants to exist there.  It is a beautiful illustration of being able to bloom where you are planted.  Even the same desert place in different years can produce very different vegetation.  When the rainfall varies between 0.2 inches and 4.7 inches, as these two photos show, the same location can look very different (photos from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum).

In this week's podcast, Jasman interviews award-winning contemporary gospel artist, Chesternique, about the seasons of life and how God works through them in our journey (take a listen here).  As she unfolded her journey that has led her currently to the work and ministry of serving as a social worker, I was struck by her sharing of three things she has learned, that can be summed up as "blooming where you are planted."

Humility - Sprout Before You Can Bloom (Contentment)
Every beautiful rose, or towering oak, starts out as a tiny sprout.  Small, easily overlooked, and seemingly insignificant, they break through the soil and poke their heads into the sunshine to start their life of destiny...being the American Beauty or the acorn-producing home of the squirrel family.  But, the beginning is a humble one.

Just as Chesternique spoke of the season of being a background singer and what she learned in that experience, in our journey of fulfilling our purpose, we will likely find ourselves in the background at times.  We may see that our journey is taking us through a season of serving and wondering, "How does this fulfill the purpose to which God is calling me?"  (I wrote about that in a previous post).  In those seasons, if we will find contentment in humbly being our best in that role, we will be able to soak in all of the nutrients and resources that will enable us to thrive and bloom when our time comes.  These seasons are just as important as the others.  We can be just as productive and influential.  But, it is all about our attitude and approach to that time in our life.   Humility and contentment is the key.

Time is Valuable - Give Yourself Time to Grow (Development)
I remember learning the "Laws of the Harvest" many years ago.  They are simple truths that are valuable to learn early on in life.  I have found them to be true...both for the positive and negative outcomes they represent.  They are:

1. You always reap what you sow.
2. You always reap more than you sow.
3. You always reap later than you sow.

That third law is the hardest.  I remember the few times that I attempted my hand at gardening, as a kid.  I loved the tilling, preparing and sowing of the seed.  Waiting for the harvest was excruciating to me.  I guess I was a little impatient.  But, when those plants started to break through the soil, or when those plants started to produce blooms that were going to bring fruit, I got excited.

As we pursue our purpose in life, we often expect results and a great harvest right away, not thinking about how much time is involved in growing into that place of abundance.  One of the struggles of many newly married couples is the expectation that they should immediately enjoy the lifestyle and amenities that their parents afforded them at home.  They forget that it took decades for their parents to be in a position to provide the blessings that they enjoyed while they were at home with them.

Give yourself time...time to grow, time to learn, time to develop into the person God intends for you to be.  Waiting doesn't mean being idle, it just means being patient and being willing to work well with all that God has placed within your hands at that moment, making the most of it for His glory.  He will take care of the rest.

Your Gift is Valuable - Value What You Have to Offer (Opportunity)
There are currently approximately 374,000 identified species of plants in the world, with approximately 80% of those being flowering plants.  Can you imagine all of the varying flowers that represents?  When most of us think about flowers, we have maybe 10-12 variations that come to mind, which we plant in our flower garden or use to adorn our patios and homes.  However, if you used all 295,000 flowering plants to decorate your home and garden, you would be overrun with a jungle and no place to sit, eat or sleep!  But, think of how beautiful all of those flowers would be.  Each one unique, exotic and colorful in its own way.

You are a unique creation of God.  He has designed you, gifted and equipped you, with all of the special traits, abilities and characteristics to be the person He has called you to be!  That means your gift is valuable...the gift you have to offer and the gift you are to the world...to His kingdom.  Don't sell yourself short, or underestimate the person He is making you to be, and the great things He wants to do in and through you for His glory.  I've said it before, but it bears repeating...you are a masterpiece.  Just as the Stradivarius has the sweetest sound and the most expensive price because of the master who made it, you will exhibit the most beautiful life with the highest value because of the Master who has made you and who has called you to a special role in His plan...a plan to bring eternal life to the world. Whatever your gift...whatever your role...it is valuable, and God wants to use it in amazing ways.

So, there you have it...bloom where you're planted...whether you are just sprouting, in the growing season, or filling out your life with beautiful flowers for all to enjoy.  It is all a fragrant aroma to the Father who has planted you and continues to nourish your growth for the harvest that He has ordained.  Bloom beautifully, my friends!  Your beauty is needed in our world!

Check out the biography and music of this week's podcast guest, Chesternique at her website: www.chesterniquemusic.com.

What do you get when you cross a cognitive psychologist, a neuroscientist, saxophone player and record producer?  You get Daniel Levitin, a American-Canadian university Dean of Social Sciences and Professor Emeritus.  Levitin has written extensively on the impact and integral thread of music in our lives.  In an interview on NPR's Morning Edition, he talks about how he fed over 500 musical scores into a computer and discovered that musical compositions that spanned centuries actually reflect a rhythm we find in nature.  He says, "You can see it in a snowflake or the leaf of a fern, where the smallest part of an object repeats itself over and over again to create the whole.  Scientists call these patterns fractals, and that kind of pattern is buried in the music's rhythms, whether it's Bach or Chopin."

Think about it.  Rhythms are so imbedded in our experience that we may not give it a lot of thought at first glance.  However, consider how rhythms permeate our daily lives.  There is the cardiogram that assesses the rhythm of our hearts.  Biological rhythms manage and coordinate the functions of our bodies (Circadian Rhythm and REM cycles of sleep), the behavior of animals (bird migration, salmon spawning), and marine life that reacts to the lunar tidal cycles of the oceans. 

We also have the seasonal rhythm of our year.  For those of us in the mid-latitudes of the earth, we experience four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.  Those who are in areas closer to the equator, experience less variation and have the rainy season and dry season.  The latitudes near the poles, generally have colder, less variable seasons that are more discernable by the amount of daylight and darkness they have.  Regardless, however, of where you live on the globe, you can see a rhythm of the seasons that creates a predictable cycle...therefore, a sense of cohesion and continuity.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
            Ecclesiastes 3:1

God inspired King Solomon to write about the seasons of life when he stated, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."  He goes on to talk about all the varying "seasons" that we experience in life.  While he lists a vast array of "opposites" in our life experiences, the purpose is simply to teach us that things change in various seasons of our lives and to assure us that it is natural.  Whatever those varying seasons, God remains the constant through them all.  That gives us peace.  When we see that creation is replete with the rhythms that reflect God's design, that gives us security and a sense of the bigger picture of His Plan.  That is the perfect context in which to pursue our purpose...fitting into God's big plan and depending upon His faithfulness.

Reflecting the Rhythms in Our Daily Lives
God has designed rhythms into His creation.  Doesn't it make sense that developing rhythms in our daily lives, reflecting the rhythms in creation, would create a sense of cohesion and security?  The more in touch with God's plan that we are, the more potential we have for understanding how to live out our purpose.

Life feels more balanced when we develop rhythms that support our wellbeing.  God's rhythms in creation make things operate in concert.  When something gets out of sync, the operation of the system is thrown off.  We all know when our life gets out of sync.  It shows up in a lack of peace, feeling incompetent in fulfilling our purpose and experiencing dissatisfaction in general.  On the other hand, living our purpose is enhanced as we develop certain rhythms, because a balanced life is an effective life.

• ​Rhythm of Worship and Communion

We can't hope to live our purpose...our God-given purpose...if we aren't in connection with the God who has created and called us.  Ultimately, our purpose is to be like Jesus and to bring glory to God.  How can we hope to do that if we don't spend time with Him?

Worship is the act of giving ourselves to the One who has redeemed us through his gift of love, and Who's Spirit lives in us and draws us into relationship with Him.  We thrive as we develop a rhythm of daily personal worship and weekly corporate worship.  In doing so, we maintain our relationship and intimacy with our heavenly Father through His Son...we commune in the quiet place that we set aside for that connection.  Through praise and prayer, we practice the presence of our God.  Starting the day with Him, seeking Him throughout the day and ending the day with Him creates a rhythm that keeps us connected to the One who loves us radically.

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
                             Psalm 143:8

• Rhythm of Growth and Development

John C. Maxwell says, "A leader is a reader."  The key to being a good leader is the attitude of learning and growing.  Learning and development are central to the life of a growing person.  If we aren't growing, we are shrinking.  Just as atrophy sets in for a muscle that we don't use, atrophy of our skills and abilities sets in if we aren't using them and always seeking to increase our competency.  You may not consider yourself a leader, but however you live the purpose of your life, you can always grow in your ability to fulfill that purpose.  This means we have to be a student of God's Word.  Spending time reading and applying God's Word to our lives daily is essential to our growth as a follower of Christ.  We can't hope to know our purpose without it.

Reading after others, studying in groups, taking courses, whatever fits your lifestyle and circumstance, incorporate growth rhythms in your life.  In our information-saturated age, take advantage of the myriad options to read, learn and grow.  Do it regularly.  

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path...I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
                  Psalm 119:105, 147-148

• ​Rhythm of Rest and Self-Care

If you don't fuel yourself, you will have no resources from which to give to others.   A rhythm of taking care of yourself is essential to prevent burnout and to guard against increased vulnerability to temptation from the flesh or the enemy.  If you know anything about addiction or dealing with temptation to sin, you may have heard the H.A.L.T. acronym, when describing the times we are most vulnerable to failure.

H - hungry
A - angry
L - lonely
T - tired

All of these signs of vulnerability to temptation are addressed through self care.  Whether it is the rhythm of getting enough rest daily, or taking a break to rejuvenate weekly, or a "sabbatical" of vacation annually (or semi-annually), rest and recharging is essential to healthy living, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Give yourself permission to rest!  Don't buy into the lie that the successful and fruitful life is the one that is lived non-stop.  If you crash from fatigue or from a failure in sin, your ability to live your purpose will be limited or damaged.

Take care of yourself...your family will appreciate you, your Father will affirm you, and your future self will thank you.

And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the LORD, who had set them apart to be holy.
                                         Ezekiel 20:12

And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
                                   Mark 2:27

What are the rhythms you have developed in your life?  How have rhythms of worship, growth or self care made a difference in your life?  What rhythms do you want to create?  Share your thoughts in the comments...our community is eager to engage!

I stood at the end of a road that used to lead to one of the most popular resort areas on Mindanao, Philippines.  This road was well traveled because it led to the mountain resorts that Filipinos and international tourists would flock to in search of relaxation, leisure and escape from the heat, in the mountains near New Bataan.  But, this day, the road was not traveled by tourists and people on holiday.  Instead, it was a dead end, as the roadway literally disappeared into a sea of boulders (some the size of an automobile), tree trunks, mud and debris.  There was an earie quiet as people stood, or slowly milled around among the scattered items that had been left in the aftermath of the raging avalanche of water that had devastated this region just a month earlier.

On December 4, 2012, Typhoon Bopha, nicknamed "Pablo" made its way across the southern Philippines island of Mindanao and left a path of destruction that wiped out coastal villages, flattened banana plantations and destroyed the homes of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos.  After the storm had passed, and days of search and rescue, and weeks of recovery efforts were made, this category 5 storm had killed over 1,000 people and displaced more than 400,000.  Standing there in disbelief at the destruction I was viewing, trying to imagine this massive river of water, a mile wide, that had swept boulders, trees, structures and people from the mountains into the valley, two filipino men walked up to talk with our team (I was with a Christian humanitarian aid team from the U.S.) and share their stories.  With them was an older man, who was blind, being led by his grandson, a young man in his twenties.  As they told the story, they described the impact of the storm, the chaos of its violent force as 160 mph winds ripped through their house and uprooted trees.  They talked about loved ones who were swept away and never found.  The elderly gentleman, who spoke no English, shared with us through a translator, how he had been swept from his home and family and carried by the flood waters for miles before being rescued, along with his grandson.  They were the only two surviving members of his family.  As we stood in awestruck silence, listening to their stories, we were astonished at their survival.  Because we were obviously not Filipinos, they knew we were there as a part of recovery and support efforts and they thanked us for our work.  In a bit of a spontaneous response, we stopped to pray aloud for the victims and their families in the aftermath of this catastrophic experience.  When we uttered the final "amen," one of the young men picked up a small smooth stone and handed it to me.  "Take this with you to remind you of the people of New Bataan," he said.  I smiled and assured him I would do so, and to continue to pray for their healing and recovery.  We shook hands as he smiled and thanked me once again.

They're called "the smiling Asians," I'm told...Filipinos.  Typhoon season is an annual experience in southeast Asia, and especially among the Philippine islands.  Every year they brace themselves for the storm systems that make their way through this region of the world.  It is a part of life in this country that ranges from remote primitive villages to sprawling, modern cities.  If there is one word I would use to describe the Filipino people, it would be resilient.  My job as part of the humanitarian team was to do crisis counseling with the people who came through our mobile  clinic.  After receiving medical care, they would meet with me and (usually through a translator) I would explore their support network, provide mental and emotional processing for grounding and spiritual counseling of hope and the gospel.  I always offered to pray with them, and I don't recall anyone refusing.  But, one thing struck me through all the hundreds and hundreds of people I met over those days of ministry...it was the HOPE that they held in spite of immense odds against them.  The experience taught me what hope looks like and, because many of them found their hope in Jehovah Jireh (The God who Provides), that lasting hope comes from the One who has us in His hands.  It was a beautiful intersection of purpose...I was living out my purpose in serving the needs of the Filipino people, and they were living out their purpose in demonstrating the powerful hope of the Savior in the midst of trials!  What a lesson in God's sovereignty!

Though this storm was the most powerful to hit the Southeast Asian islands to date, they had no idea that, just a few months later, on November 3-11, 2013, super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) would strike further north in the islands of the Philippines bringing destruction.  Haiyan resulted in over 7,300 casualties and over 28,000 injured.  Yet, the faith and hope of the Filipino people remained strong.  Take a moment to watch the video below and note the hope that is expressed by those who were in the midst of suffering!  I'll wrap this up on the others side.

Without hope, all is lost.  It is hope that has kept people strong and resilient through the most difficult of circumstances.  Prisoners of war survived their captivity because of hope of rescue.  Cancer survivors have persevered because they had hope of healing and recovery.  The greatest obstacles we face in life can be overcome because of hope.  This is no surprise to those who have experienced the redemption of Christ.  The good news of Jesus Christ...Messiah...is a story and message of hope.

You see...God has made a promise and, as the scriptures tell us, He cannot lie.  In Him...that is in Jesus Christ, we find refuge, hope and access to the Father, therefore, His eternal life.  That is the hope that anchors our souls.  Perhaps a quick acrostic will help to drive it home for us.

We have hope, no matter our circumstances, because...

Honesty Opens the Door to Hope

In the video clip above, and in my experience in talking with the Filipinos I met in 2013, I realized, if anything, they were brutally honest with themselves and with God.  They didn't sugar coat their situation, or try to explain it away, or live in denial.  They faced their situation head on and were honest enough to say, "This is how it is."  But, those who followed God (or at least acknowledged Him) were also honest enough to look to Him rather than blame Him.  That's a huge lesson for us...when tough times come, honesty with ourselves and God is the first step to seeing our situation through eyes of hope.

Openness to God's Plan

God is always working out His plan in our world.  He desires that all people come to Him and receive the salvation Jesus purchased (2 Peter 3:9).  God is also working out His plan in and through you as His follower.  Our hope is predicated upon the reality that we are in His hands and we are a part of HIs plan.  Knowing that He is in control and is working all things for our good, provides hope in the bleakest of times.

Perseverance Through the Tough Times

Perseverance is both learned and enabled.  Unfortunately, I'm afraid that we do our children a disservice by "rescuing" them from every tough moment that comes their way.  When the going gets tough, parents sometimes step in and remove the struggle or remove the child from the struggle.  That is the worst possible thing to do in those moments.  Our children need to learn to persevere through hard things and to learn to wait, push through, figure it out, and ultimately, trust God in those circumstances.  Paul recognized this value when he wrote the message Jesus gave him about persevering, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Hope enables us to persevere, and perseverance sustains our hope.

Entrance is Made Possible by Jesus Christ

The writer of Hebrews 6 (above) informs us that when Christ died for us, He tore the curtain that separated the Holy Place, from the Holy of Holies, in the temple.  That area (Holy of Holies) was the most sacred place in the temple.  It contained the Ark of the Covenant, atop of which was the Mercy Seat.  This was the place where God exhibited his presence and where, twice a year, the High Priest would go in to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice to atone for (seek forgiveness) the sins of the people.  This most holy place was so sacred that the priest would wear a bell on his garment so that those outside would know that he is still alive, and would have a rope tied around his ankle so that, if he went in without having been cleansed from his sin through repentance, he would die and they would have to pull him out with the rope.  Suffice it to say, going into the presence of the Most High God was a serious matter.

However, when Jesus paid the final sacrifice, doing away with the animal sacrifices that had only pointed forward to His ultimate provision, that curtain that separated all people from the presence of God, was torn down.  He made it possible for all of us, through His redemptive work, to have access directly to the Father.  We no long have to have another man go to God for us.  This Hope we have in Jesus has delivered us directly into the presence of our heavenly Father and we can communicate with Him directly.  So, in life...through all of our ups and downs...no matter the situation...we can go to God with our needs and our hurts and our failures...we have hope because we have access to the One who gives abundant life through Jesus Christ.  That is a hope that endures...the anchor for our souls!

If you haven't done so, hop over to our podcast and listen to the latest episode as Christian Hip-Hop artist, Kyren Monteiro, shares his story of "Hope for the Broken."

"Please, please, please!"  The voices rang out as the kids were begging their parents, "Please let us spend the night!"  It was such a common occurrence when the cousins got together.  So much so, that I remember my mom giving instructions to my sister and I on one occasion, "Now when we get ready to go, I don't want to hear you all begging to spend the night!"

It was that way with us cousins.  We loved being together and my cousins were some of my best friends growing up.  On my mom's side, my cousin, Ron, was closest to my age and his sister, Karen, was closest to my sister's age.  So, we were a perfect match to play and have fun together.  Our adventures were filled with fun and mischief alike.  Whether it was paper routes, softball games, Barbie dolls and G.I. Joes or bicycle rides and trail bike adventures, tree houses and camp outs...we loved spending time with our cousins...there may have even been a few adventures involving eggs and a roll of toilet paper (I apologize for our few mischievous escapades).  Our cousins on both sides were our friends and we grew up cherishing those times, and still cherish the memories we made as kids together.

Did you have those kinds of experiences with your cousins?  Sometimes cousins can be as close as siblings.  They play a special role in our lives and have a special place in our hearts.

There is another couple of cousins that I've thought about recently as I've been reading through the Gospel of John.  Jesus and John the Baptist were second cousins.  Their mothers were cousins: Mary and Elizabeth.  They had a unique connection, however.  Unlike the closeness I experienced with my cousins, John the Baptist said of Jesus, "I myself did not know him..." (John 1:31).  The cousins lived apart from one another growing up, Jesus in Nazareth (northern Israel) and John, in Judea (southern Israel).  So, it is not surprising that John didn't grow up knowing Jesus personally.  However, John apparently grew up being taught something very important about the relationship between he and his cousin from the north.  John had a calling...a purpose for his life.  As a matter of fact, an angel appeared to his father, Zechariah the priest, to foretell the miraculous birth of his son and the purpose he would fulfill.  The account of this is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1.  Among other things that the angel Gabriel said to Zechariah, was that his son would prepare the way for Jesus to come onto the scene.

Fast-forward 30 years and we find John in the wilderness outside of Jerusalem, preaching and baptizing people who came to hear his message.  He was fulfilling the purpose for which he had been created as he proclaimed, "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ”  When Jesus showed up, John went on to declare, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:19-42)  Then the most interesting thing happened.  John's followers left him and started following Jesus!  John was successful in fulfilling his purpose and it meant losing all of his followers to someone else!  But, then, that was the idea, right!?  Exactly!

Consider what we can learn from John's example of fulfilling his purpose

• He Found His Purpose Through Surrender

John's parents had received the prophecy from the angel, prior to his birth.  No doubt, they spent their lives teaching and preparing John to live out his purpose.  And what a purpose it was!  He was to prepare the way for Messiah to begin his ministry of revealing the redemptive plan of the Father to the world...to come as the sacrifice for all sin.  There is every reason to believe that John enthusiastically embraced his purpose and knew the gravity of doing so, as it would impact the world eternally.  Could it be that your purpose has the potential of impacting the world...even one person...eternally?  Not only is it possible, it is definite...a God-given purpose always fulfills God's plan of reaching the world with his salvation.

• He Didn't Make It About Himself

How many times do leaders get stars in their eyes and lose sight of what they were originally intended to accomplish?  Large crowds were coming out of Jerusalem to hear John's messages.  He was the hottest thing going in the religious world there in Israel's capital city.  He was garnering so much attention, as a matter of fact, that the religious leaders (Pharisees) sent representatives out to question who he was and what he was doing!  Talk about front page news!  Had there been a talk show circuit, he would have been on it.  Yet, in all of the fanfare and public recognition, never once did John make it about himself.  At every question and at every opportunity, he declared, "I am only a voice crying in the wilderness...this is about Messiah."  He pointed people to Jesus.  When we live our purpose boldly, it will always point people to Jesus.  He will be on display in our lives as we give witness to His work in and through us.

• He Didn't Compare His Purpose to Someone Else's

Jealousy sometimes gets in the way of our ability to see and live our purpose.  There is so much temptation for us to compare ourselves to one another.  Whether it is seeing someone in the "limelight," or that person who has the ideal situation, or the one who appears to be having so much "success" in making an impact, we can lose sight of our unique and powerful purpose as we get lost in obsessing about what someone else is doing.  John didn't let himself get lost in such trails of thought.  He saw that Jesus was Messiah and was the one who was rightfully taking the spotlight.  John was satisfied and honored to be the one who would introduce Him to the world.  There is no greater satisfaction than knowing we are fulfilling our unique reason for being.

• He Knew His Purpose Was Part of a Bigger Purpose

When we see the big picture, it is easier to understand how important and how integral our part is to the mission in which we are engaged.  In mental health therapy, it is often helpful to guide the client in exploring their big picture...past experiences, future goals, relationships and their worldview...in order to put their present circumstances into perspective.  It tends to help give clarity.  That is not much different than understanding our purpose more clearly.  When we consider the bigger picture of what God is doing to bring hope, healing and life to a hurting world in darkness, it brings our lens into focus.  John knew that it was all about Jesus...it was all about His mission.  That made John's purpose all the more important.  When John's disciples left him to follow Jesus, that was not failure.  That was confirmation that John's purpose was being fulfilled just as it was intended.  Your purpose is no different.  Sure, you're not introducing Jesus' public ministry to the Jewish world and ultimately to the greater world.  By fulfilling your purpose, you ARE introducing Jesus to the world.  That is the bigger picture!