Harriet Tubman

“Then the LORD said to Moses, "Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river and say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” (Exodus 8:20 NIV)

The Lord called Moses to confront the Egyptian ruler about the oppression of His people. The Egyptians had been using the Israelites for hard labor. The slaveholders benefited from the system; the slaves did not. Understandably, those with privilege were loathe to make changes. Many of the Israelites, who had lived in bondage for generations, were also reluctant to leave their familiar turf. They didn’t know any other way to live. Moses had his work cut out for him.

Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and activist, was considered the ‘Moses of her people’. She escaped slavery but then returned to lead other slaves to freedom. She used what she had learned to help others escape bondage. However, she found it difficult to convince some slaves who had never experienced liberty to make the dangerous journey.

I have several friends who lead studies on different topics related to recovery, codependency, boundaries, and ministry. They teach these classes to different groups every few years. Most of us who participate in these classes are unaware of our shackling thoughts and self-sabotaging behavior. We have been in bondage all our lives and don’t know any better. However, our guides, who have traveled this path before, show us the way out of slavery. And we, in turn, become guides to those who come up behind us.

“Each time one of us takes a step forward, we pull the entire group forward.” (Language of Letting Go, Melody Beattie)

Inspirational Living

“Keep your eye on the healthy soul, scrutinize the straight life; there’s a future in strenuous wholeness.” (Psalm 37:37 MSG)

I used to belong to a women’s ministry affiliated with a church. There were Bible studies, retreats, social events, day trips, faith-based conferences, service opportunities, and fundraisers. All of these tasks filled up my calendar but drained my soul. I knew several of my friends thrived in this environment. However, I could sense that my spirit needed something different. Even though it felt selfish to do so, I gradually pulled away from these church-group activities.

Once I got out, I started noticing other women who operated on the outskirts of corporate religion. Like frontier women of old, they led lives of strenuous wholeness. There was no competition, gossip, or showing off. They focused on supporting and encouraging everyone they met. They spoke truth, even when it made them unpopular. They served without publicity. They were brave, kind, and generous at the same time. I was inspired by these healthy souls. I followed their example whenever I could. I learned how to minister to others outside the confines of church groups.

I watched how they dealt with hardships, pushback, and grief. I listened to their insights. They taught me that God was not out there, but within me. They showed me how to go deep--to hack through the weeds and brush that obscured the interior path. And now I pass on these lessons to others who arrive at the frontier, looking to forge their own way in the wilderness.

Busy vs. Productive

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 ESV)

What’s the difference between convex and concave lenses? Magnifying lenses are convex--thicker in the middle than around the edges. When light passes through these lenses, the rays converge into one focal point. Concave lenses are thinner in the middle. When light passes through them, the rays diverge or scatter in different directions.

What’s the difference between being busy and being productive?  Both may look similar at first glance, but they are vastly different. Busywork is like a concave lens that scatters energy. Productivity, on the other hand, is like a convex lens; it focuses energy on what is important. Busy people appear active, but they are seldom effective. They are overcommitted and overextended. These capable multitaskers try to take care of everything and everyone. Not only are their plates full, but they are also juggling several of them at one time. This constant divergence of energy leads to anxiety, burnout, and resentment. Productive people realize early on that they can only do so much, so they learn to prioritize. They are willing to miss out on lots of good opportunities in order to carve out time for what is truly meaningful. At a cursory glance, these deep thinkers may appear less motivated, yet they are clear about their purpose. They efficiently channel their energy to meet their primary goal.  Their daily decisions, actions, and associations converge into an overarching theme that meets at a single point. They remain laser-focused on what is genuinely essential.

Reflecting His Glory

“All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 GWT)

A magnifying glass can be used to start a fire outdoors. The key is to hold the lens at the proper angle to the sun’s rays so that it concentrates the light on the dry tinder. Once you find the right position, you have to hold the magnifying glass steady until the fire gets going.

All of us were created to reflect the glory of the Lord. We are magnifying glasses that are able concentrate God’s light. However, we must allow the Spirit to hold us steadily in the right position in order for this light to stream through us and start a fire. The Lord can use us as a tool to transform humanity into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.

Competition and Divisiveness

“First, I get this report on your divisiveness, competing with and criticizing each other.” (1 Corinthians 11:18 MSG)

Football fans can be fiercely loyal to their favorite teams. A certain amount of good-natured ribbing among fans of opposing teams is to be expected. However, violence among fans is hard to comprehend. Other than the colors of their teams’ jerseys, most football fans probably have much in common.

Divisiveness usually stems from competitiveness. Group identification, while providing a sense of unity and purpose among those who belong, can also lead to enmity and conflict with those who are seen as other. Racism, prejudice, hate crimes, misogyny, nationalism, jingoism, and xenophobia are extreme forms of this disorder. A sense of anxiety or inadequacy can lead members of one group to vilify and attack those whom they see as a threat to their status quo. The desire for status, privilege, wealth, and influence is nothing new. The practice of those in power subjugating the minority has also been practiced in every civilization.

Most of us, in our sober moments, can acknowledge that preying on the powerless is inhumane and uncharitable. As followers of Christ, we believe that God created people of all races, genders, and abilities, and that we are equally loved and accepted. Other than our exteriors, we have much in common. Symbols of hatred and aggression misrepresent Christ.  Thus, let us put aside apparel and behavior that represent territorialism and oppression. Instead, may we choose to clothe ourselves in love, acceptance, and virtue.

Sharing Relief

“Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.” (Luke 15:9 NIV)

Once upon a time, a woman invested in a business venture with one of her family members. She shared in the initial planning and costs, although the business was not in her name. Her intentions were not motivated by a desire for personal profit but to be helpful and supportive. For the first year, the business operated at a loss. She continued to invest in the failing business. It took several years for the business to become profitable. She received a great return for her investment. The best dividend came in the form of shared joy and relief.

When we pray with someone, we invest in their concerns and share their burdens. As we go about our day, our mind frequently goes back to those for whom we pray. Our perspective is colored by their struggles. This level of commitment can be physically and emotionally draining. Thus, prayer partners deserve to know when there is a breakthrough. This is when we get a return on our investment!  We get to share in the subsequent relief and joy. It encourages our faith. Most importantly, it allows us to praise and thank God together.

Prayer-medics

“Some men were bringing a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They were trying to take him into the house and place him in front of Jesus.” (Luke 5:18 ISV)

What do you do when you have an issue that you cannot solve on your own? Some of us pretend everything is fine while others open up their burdens and analyze them. In my circle of friends, we have developed the habit of asking for prayer as soon as a concern pops up. The request is usually sent out in the form of a short text message. Details are unnecessary. We place the whole situation on a mat and carry it to the Lord.  

We are like paramedics who pick up patients and take them to a hospital. We know our role is not to heal the sick but to stabilize and transport them quickly. We are volunteer prayer-medics. As soon as the call comes, we move quickly into action. We stop whatever we are doing. We lift up the concern and take it to Jesus in prayer.  

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

(Lyrics by Charles Converse)