Life Lessons From A Storm

By: Carole Hicks

According to Wikipedia, a storm is any disturbed state of a body’s atmosphere that especially affects its surface, and strongly implies that severe weather is happening.

Storms are characterized by strong wind, thunder and lightning, heavy precipitation (even ice) or wind that transports some substance through the air, such as dust, snow or hail.

Storms are created when a “center of low pressure develops, with a system of high pressure surrounding it. This combination of opposing forces can create winds, and result in the formation of clouds.”

Incidentally, those small, localized areas of low pressure can form from hot air rising off the hot ground, resulting in smaller disturbances such as “dust devils and whirlwinds.”

 

Yes … that all sounds mighty familiar. That’s what storms are … even the storms in our lives. Somebody, somewhere, along the way was surely a “meteorologist of the soul,” to recognize the troubles and trials of our lives would be like storms.

 

Some people are really afraid of storms, especially children. Back in the early 1970’s, a series of tornados swept the Southeast and for months and months, every child I knew got scared when a dark cloud rolled in. During that spring of 1974 (I think), I remember the whole family gathering at my aunt’s house because she had a small concrete building for us to take cover. Everyone gathered near that building … except Grandpa. He sat on the porch, rocking and smoking his pipe. Granny pleaded with him to “Stop being stubborn and come down to the building.” But he refused, claiming that “if the Good Lord was going to take him in a storm, that building would not stop Him.”

 

We stood in front of the building watching the sky, and then Grandpa pointed across the field to where we saw a perfectly formed funnel cloud crawling along the horizon. “It’s coming up the river.” Grandpa said. And he was right … the next day we discovered through the news and word of mouth that a tornado had touched down along the Hiwassee and many people lost chicken houses, barns and yes, trailers. The tornado we saw was probably about ten miles away and we could not hear the mighty roar that is usually associated with it. But, the sky was completely black, and the atmosphere did take on an eerie stillness, even in the midst of the wind. We were soon rushed into the building as it started to rain and then hail. Then that storm was over.

 

Because storms are a traumatic, they are memorable. I remember another time when I encountered such a storm. My daughters and I had been to Delano to visit their Grandma Poteet. We had started home because it was blowing up a storm and no sooner had we pulled out on the highway than the sky in my rearview mirror turned black. I saw lightning flash and thunder began to roll, and it was like we were being chased by the storm. I was scared. It was coming a downpour behind me, but in front of me it was cloudy but not threatening. The girls saw the storm too and we were all three frightened by it. I started driving faster, trying to outrun it; and we did. Or at least, we made it home where we could get inside. But only minutes later, the skies around our house turned ominous and I was certain that a tornado would touch down. So the three of us got into a closet in the back part of the house and we held each other until the storm passed.

 

And there was one other incident when I was smack-dab in the middle of a storm. It was my birthday and I was driving to Memphis for a soccer clinic. As I topped Monteagle Mountain, the skies began to gray and the radio stations announced that there was a tornado watch for the middle Tennessee area. It got gloomier and gloomier as I drove into Nashville. Driving around Music City, I remember thinking, “Wonder why tornados never touch down in big cities?”

 

About twenty minutes later, I’m stuck in traffic on the interstate, somewhere near Dickson, because it is raining so hard that no one can see the road. I remember driving under a bridge and thinking, I should pull over right here and wait. But I didn’t. I just kept creeping along until all traffic just stopped. Suddenly, the rain turned to ping-pong ball sized hail and the sky was completely black. I started to panic, thinking I should get out of the car and lie in the ditch. I opened the door of my car, but noticed no one else was getting out of their cars … no one was running toward the ditch. Grandpa had always said that’s what you should do … but then again, he wouldn’t get off the porch to take shelter from the storm. So I sat there, frozen in fear. There was a roar and rumble and I thought the car was shaking but it may have just been my “atmospheric surface.” It probably lasted about two minutes, but it seemed like thirty. Then it was gone. The torrential rains turned back to a spring shower and traffic started moving again.

 

About half-hour later, the radio announcer said that a “tornado had touched down in downtown Nashville.” So what’s the rest of the potential life lessons from a storm?

 

Well, storms happen everywhere … to everyone … and can pop up at anytime, even when you least expect them, or even when you are alert and looking for them. Recognizing the nature of a storm, (a disturbance affecting the surface and situation, but definitely coming from pressure within and without), might help one know what’s actually happening. Being prepared and knowing what to do before the storm and during the storm is also wise.

 

Here’s counsel from FEMA and the National Weather Service:

• When a tornado warning is issued  “take cover” in the lowest part or center of the house.
• IF you live in a mobile home (a portable or unstable dwelling), LEAVE and get to a safe building.
• When you are outside with no shelter available … lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. (hmmm?) But be aware of the potential for flooding. (That was one reason I didn’t want to get out of the car and get in the ditch).
• DO NOT get under an overpass or bridge.
• Never try to outrun a tornado, instead leave the car or truck and seek shelter.
• Oh, and watch for flying debris!

 

 

 

Storms are going to stir up some emotions in your life. They are liable to blow some junk into your thinking, and turn over a few sheds and lawn ornaments. It might be scary and you might not know whether to run and hide or be still and watch it happen. Either way … it’s best not to panic in a storm. Be sober and keep your wits … and whether you are listening to the meteorologists or the Peace Speaker, know where your Strong Shelter is and go there!

 

On a final note, a friend of mine shared this analogy following a storm this week.

 

Having awakened early after a night of storms, she looked out her window to see all the dead limbs that were down in her yard and neighborhood. Taking in the results of the fierce winds, she came to this realization: “It’s in the storms of life where God tears away the dead/ugly/bad parts of our lives.” (Robin Conn)

 

So there is purpose in a storm!

 

 

 

 

Are You Leading … or Just Taking A Walk?

In a sermon today, the pastor said, “A leader with no followers is just someone taking a walk.”

Now, not all of us are leaders in the sense that we have a following.  But sometimes, I think as followers of Christ, our approach is that we may “follow” like He is just taking a walk.  So sad!

And … to be quite honest, as followers of Christ, we are also leaders … as we are commissioned to lead others to follow Him.  And therein lies the rub, and point of this post.

If someone were “following you to Christ” … would it be a straight and narrow path, or would it look more like one of those maze puzzles in the funny papers?  Shame on us if it is the latter because we have no one to blame except ourselves.

Throughout all the scriptures in the New Testament where Jesus was speaking and interacting with people — HE WAS LEADING THEM TO THE FATHER.  He pointed them in that direction, He went that way himself leading by example.  He urges us to do the same.

On the way to church this morning, I saw a church sign that read, “Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, Can you see Christ in me at all.”

Sobering thought, huh? It was for me. Specifically because of the young man sitting in the car with me. It’s not always an easy or coopertive spirit that display with those closest to us.  Jack and I had a bit of heated discussion prior to leaving the house for church.  It’s very frustrating for me and him to have these “exchanges” — but I particularly hate it when it happens on Sunday morning.

Even as we were arguing I thought … “Come on, Carole … just let it go. This is no way to positively influence him or help him prepare for a morning of worship.”

When I got in the car, he was sullen and pouting because we had argued. I felt bad and so did he.  Then I saw that church sign.

Hearing that point in the sermon, led me to the conclusion that sometimes … with the most important person in my life … I’m just taking a walk.  I should be leading … but this little follower may not think I’m going anywhere that he wants to go.  That makes me sad — and I must do better … lead better at home.

I must also lead better in other relationships. God has a way of really bringing a point home … even nagging since I’m so hard headed.  Even on the way home, He would not let me forget His point.  I received a call from someone who wanted to share with me a perspective she gained from church.  As she shared her new-found wisdom regarding “maturity” … not being about age but attitude.  Again, I was convicted of my own immaturity in dealing with my son. Again … not leading — just taking a walk.

So, day two of 2011 —  MY WALK is in the forefront of my mind.  Walking is good exercise, but walking and going nowhere or just wandering around … is fruitless.  I must re-learn to walk with purpose, and influence others to follow (especially this precious and gifted young man that God has blessed my life with).

And, as mentioned in a previous blog … there is a time for everything and season for every activity under heaven … Right now … is the season for me to FOLLOW and LEAD LIKE JESUS … I can take a walk any ol’ time.

Father God, please forgive me for my shortcomings as a  follower of Your Son, Jesus. Forgive me Lord for my shortcomings as a mother, and an example for my son. Thank you for your gentle but stern reminders today of my first and most important priority on this Earth, and thank you for reminding me of my ministry as a mom, sister, friend … the Salt and Light you have called me to be.  I’m sorry for allowing my own immaturity to displace what I truly want others to see in me.

Thank you for GRACE and MERCY — help me to lead by example … exemplifying those very virtues in my life to others. OH HOW I LOVE YOU … and I want to WALK WITH YOU … FOLLOW YOU … LEAD OTHERS TO YOU.  Remind me every day if you must … so that I’m not just wandering around, wasting time and opportunity to be all that  you have called me to be.

In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Something Radical! After the “but”

Lead like Jesus!

Live like Jesus!

Act like Jesus!

Think like Jesus!

As followers of Christ, those are our goals and objectives!  To emulate Him is what we should be striving toward. In our heart of hearts we know, we will probably fail, but …     That’s it!  It is what comes after the “but” that determines how seriously committed you are to faithfully following your Savior.

I was just sitting here thinking, and observing the various Facebook posts about the pending snowstorm.  Some are praying for it to divert our area; some are advising about potential loss of power and to “stock up” on necessities that don’t require electricity; others are complaining about the cold and looking forward to a fireplace or snuggling up with hot chocolate with the family.  Then I read a post about the homeless guy in New York with the “golden voice.” 

With just a little bit of attention from the Today show, this man’s life has been suddenly transformed. He’s received job offers and even a place to live.  HE gives the glory of this to God because he said that every day he woke up, he prayed and thanked God for another day to live; HE thanked Him for providing for him just one more time.  Sure does tug at your heartstrings!

I’m sitting here now thinking … that we have homeless people all over Cleveland. The Cleveland Emergency Shelter can only house so many (about 20) … what about the rest? 

In thinking about the homeless, Holy Spirit reminded me of what Jesus said about himself …  “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”  Luke 9:52

And automatically, I recalled Jesus’ reference to judgement and the Sheep and the Goats:

The Sheep and the Goats

    ³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

   ³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

   ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

   ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Now … don’t forget what He says to the ones on the left!

   ⁴¹ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

   ⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

   ⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

   ⁴⁶ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Back to the matter of leading, living, acting and thinking like Jesus … how committed are we to following Him? Would you go share your evening meal with a homeless person?  Have your ever used your leadership skills in your church or family to coordinate serving food at the Emergency Shelter?  If some folks are turned away tonight, (and they will be) would you make arrangements for someone to stay in a local motel or better yet, stay in your home? 

As a church … why are our doors not opening up tonight for anyone who needs shelter from the storm?

Is there a “but” that’s keeping you from radically surrendering to the call of our Father and His Son … to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, might and spirit, and to love your neighbor as yourself?

Hmmm?

Years ago, there was a mantra that people “spouted” out as a challenge when making decisions in life. “WWJD — What would Jesus do?”  Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the matter!  “What are followers of Jesus going to do?”

Imagine the impact on this community if we abandoned the “buts” and did something “RADICAL” like “taking up our cross and following Him.”    Better yet, don’t imagine … Experience it for real!!!

The number to the local shelter is 423-478-1458.   They open at 4:30 PM … people must leave at 8 AM.  Where will they go in the snowstorm???

Lord God, forgive me for my ignorance and my arrogance when it comes to following You. Forgive me that I am so self-absorbed in making my own preparations for the storms ahead that I disengage from the world around me.  Forgive me Lord for the times that I’ve driven past someone who needed just the simple necessities of life. Forgive me for the judgement that I have passed … when I have no authority or even a gavel to do that.  Forgive me for not showing the grace and mercy that I have been shown.  Forgive me, Lord, I beg you.

Today, this day … show me how to lead, live, act and think radically like your Son, Jesus.  Help be live out the TRUTH of Who and Whose I claim to be.  Help be not be afraid of “what might happen” or to be thwarted by the “buts” … and not follow your direction in Matthew 25.

God, I’m sorry … I really am sorry for my own lack of follow-through. There is an old saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and Your Word in Matthew confirms this.  Not for my sake though, Lord … instead for YOU and for the person who needs to know that YOU ARE REAL and YOUR LOVE and MERCY are REAL … use me this day! 

I won’t pray for you to open a door … I know that all I have to do is walk out my own door and find that the field is WHITE … White today even before the snowstorm cometh. 

As Jabez cried out in 1 Chronicles 4:10, I too cry out … “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me …”

I pray these things in the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen.

Things That Last

By: Carole Hicks (April 2011)

Today I was washing my cast iron skillet, and I was reminded of how long I have had that treasured kitchen utensil.  I use it often … it’s not like it’s been tucked away in the cabinet. As a “girl raised in the south” (GRITS), I’ve fried many a chicken breast, squash, and okra and stirred up some mighty good sausage gravy in this dear old friend.  This cast iron skillet was given to me as a wedding gift about thirty years ago.

This weekend, I also did several loads of laundry and washed a quilt that I also received as a wedding gift.  This old quilt is now tattered and torn. In all honesty, the maker of this quilt did not do the best stitching job and it started to come undone much sooner than expected.  So, after a while, it was too tattered to use and I have kept it packed away in a chest for the better part of those three decades.  While quilts are often considered great treasures, this one does not rank with my skillet … and is nowhere near as useful.

I guess I was waxing a bit melancholic as well as philosophic as I performed these chores this weekend. You see, it has been my birthday weekend. I’m 48 this year … and while that’s not a celebrated milestone, as I refer to it as my “3^rd Sweet 16” — it does cause me to reminisce of times gone by.  AND … due to much promotion about “Earth Day” … as well as “EASTER”  — my thoughts seem to be coming together around things that last or endure … for years … for centuries … for eternity.

Matthew 6:19 says, “”Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” 

The irony in my “waxing” is that those two aforementioned wedding gifts, or treasures, did last much longer than the  marriage for which they were intended to celebrate and support (a disappointment that hurts me to this day).  While cast iron skillets and even tattered quilts can stand the test of time … relationships of any nature tend to be more susceptible to rust, and mold and other things that corrupt.

I have to wonder … is this why we are so prone to “invest” in things rather than people?  We do that in every aspect of our lives (home, work, church, “relationships”) … I am afraid that I do — and for this I am deeply convicted.

I also came upon another tidbit of wisdom (and perspective) these past few days, while reading a book titled, “Last Child In the Woods” by Richard Louv.  Where I stand here today relishing these enduring treasures of the past, I also have a bent toward cutting edge technology that helps me learn and accomplish many new and exciting things in my life.  The perspective is that we don’t have enough balance between the two.  We live in a world of extreme-isms … where it’s all or nothing. Shirk the past, embrace the future  … or get left behind.  The saddest part is that in pressing onward, we are not accepting or acknowledging valuable, (extremely valuable) lessons from days gone by.

Personally, I feel very, convicted about things in my life that should last but don’t — as well as things that do little more than cause clutter without much use.  At the same time, I am conflicted about the “expendables” in life … the things that seem useless, tossed aside or dismissed from lack of perceivable value.  We’re bombarded night and day with advertisements and incentives to embrace the “next big or new thing” to improve our life.  What really bothers me, and the question at hand is, “Does our life really get better … or do we just get more things.”

I think this is a profound reflection of our value system.  In the Western world, (in our homes, our churches, and our businesses), there is “an almost religious zeal” for technology and new gadgets with bells and whistles.  Why who wouldn’t rather have some brand new Paula Dean Cookware over this old cast iron skillet that my Granny gave me.   And I should probably just throw away this old tattered quilt, since in reality it’s not getting much use compared to the comforter I bought last Spring.

All this got me to thinking and wondering … about how much money, time and effort are spent on things that we know from the get-go are not going to last.  We buy for convenience more than longevity. We purchase instant satisfaction, rather than putting any personal effort into an experience. And these ills have filtered over to every aspect of our lives — home, work and church.

In this age of information, we are only a few clicks away for knowing anything and everything about anyone, any place, and any object in the universe.  Remember back in the day when you hated to do book reports and research papers because it required reading and learning —- but NOW … it’s just a matter of copy and paste, and VOILA’ … your paper is basically done. (and you can move on to the next thing to entertain and occupy your mind)

The need to sort all this out, came about when I was confronted by my son’s struggle with trying to figure out “how the world was going to come to an end.”  Evidently, with current events involving disasters around the world, wars and rumors of wars, and various television specials on the Mayans and their 2012 predictions, he is quite anxious about the pending doom.

I tried to explain to him that according to Holy Scriptures, we don’t or can’t know the time, but we can trust in the Lord with all our hearts, minds, strength and soul.  I explained that throughout time there have been disasters and people predicting doom and the end of humanity … and we are still here.  He cited the recent events in Japan and other worldly occurrences, and I told him that there have always been these type of events, it’s just that now technology brings news of it on a daily (even minute by minute) basis.  Still, God wants us to trust Him … to know that He is in control, and if some tragic event takes place, as His children we will spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

Much to my surprise, his reaction revealed to me just how dangerous and devastating this obsession with the “new” and “cutting edge” has become to our society. 

I thought that Heaven would be a comforting aspect for his anxiety … when actually, (while I know he’s just a little boy and must reconcile this for himself), he was concerned about being bored … for an eternity … in Heaven.

My heart sank. My conviction ran deeper.  And I knew then that I absolutely must come back to the basics of life and faith and … experience.  I tried to recall what my perspective of Heaven and eternity was when I was eleven-years old.  I do remember being anxious about the same things that he is now. I had grandparents who loved to sit around and ponder on “the end of times.”  It all seemed quite morbid and frightening to me.   In all honesty, I did not give much thought to eternity or preserving things in my life to last past the sunset.  I could not even begin to imagine what Heaven would be like, and had not a concept of the word eternity.  My only concern was “what will happen to me — physically.”

Some forty years later, I can see that of all the things that do last … my physical aspects are the least of these.  In fact, that old tattered quilt may last longer than my body.  This I understand and I am searching for the grace to embrace it.  I do know, and told Jack as well, that a lot of time can is wasted trying to figure out such things … trying to control such things.  This time is better spent “investing” in the present, and the preserving matters of life that will last for many years … even if we don’t.

If I should die before I wake, the truth is someone will come into my house and find some treasures. They will find a cast iron skillet and a few old tattered quilts. They will find a library of books that are both dusty and worn … and they will find some that are brand new and never been read.  There are gadgets on the counter, computer and cutting edge technologies with cords and gizmos to make them work better, and televisions in each room.  There are fat clothes and skinny clothes and shoes to match them all.

Depending upon who comes in and does the rummaging and packing … most of it will probably go to Goodwill.

The truth is … I don’t need all this stuff.  I’m quite tired of this stuff. What I really need and what I really want is only what will indeed last for an eternity.  AND THIS  … is what I hope my son will find.

Giving Like The Magi

Recently, a friend of mine shared his concept of the “3 Gift Christmas” basing it on the idea that Jesus only received three gifts (and certainly we don’t need/deserve more than Jesus, right?).  In the past few years (well, for that fact, all my life), I have struggled with the “giving of stuff” just for the sake of “giving stuff.”  The most treasured and memorable Christmas gifts have been those that had purpose or meaning and were not likely to be “regifted” or recycled in a yard sale a few months later. (not that I’ve ever done that — I’m more inclined to the “hoarding in case it comes in handy someday” practice)

A few years ago, one of the major network news shows did a man-on-the-street segment, asking passers-by what they got for Christmas “last year.”  Ironically, very few (hardly any) could recall.  It caused me to pause and try to remember my own “Christmas past presents” — and I fell into that group of interviewees with an embarrassed and blank look on my face.   I’m certain they were useful — and most likely, my lack of memory has more to do with the “busy-ness” of life, the season and my overcrowded mind than it does with a lack of appreciation.

As the mother of an 11-year old boy, certainly I am wearied by the growing list of “wants” and/or “needs” (in his opinion), but what I really want to give him in this holiday season is an appreciation for “things that count” and “things that will last” — especially memories — for many years to come.  He looks at me with great chagrin when I mention (he sees it as “threatening”) the Dr. Bill McKibbon philosophy of “Hundred Dollar Holiday.”  (if you haven’t read it — please do.  It’s a cheap book on Amazon. Obviously, not one that is in high demand in our capitalist society) But I do think “more stuff” and spending “more money than necessary” is NOT what our focus should be during these precious holiday times.  Of course, NO ONE would argue that with me.  We all see the detriment that commercialism has caused. We all long for the “traditions” and getting back to the “true meaning of Christmas” … “The Reason for the Season “ as many church signs, bumper stickers and appliqued sweatshirts will attest.

So rather than throw the baby out with the bathwater … I’ve been giving my friend’s “3 Gift Christmas” some serious thought  and after some research, I think, “Giving Like The Magi” has some merit.

What an incredible story is told from the perspective of the “Three Kings.” 

Matthew 2 (NKJV)

 ¹ Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

It doesn’t really say “to whom” they were saying “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”  But they must have created enough stir to get audience with King Herod and tell him about their journey.   (and just as a side-bar — I don’t think enough of us are in search of the Nativity or the King of the Jews to create that kind of stir today — but that’s another blog entry)

Here they were … far from home, (http://youtu.be/n08I6D3VR7w) … most likely worn out from this “weary and long journey.”  And yet, with diligence and enthusiasm (i.e. “JOY”) they continued their pursuit to find the “Christ-child.”  (anybody feel like say, “Hallelujah” yet?)

What I appreciate most about these fellas is their “commitment” as well as their “intrigue.”  It is one thing to “notice” something different that’s going on (a bright star in the sky) … but to be so curious as to follow it to see what it’s all about is a whole other thing.   That must have been a VERY BRIGHT STAR, huh?

¹¹ And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Notice something in that passage:  “they saw the young Child with Mary His mother”.  Now when the shepherds went searching for Jesus, the Bible says that they “found the Babe” lying in a manger.

Luke 2

¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

The Magi are not mentioned in Luke’s version of the Nativity story … and for the sake of the length of this post, I won’t go into the history aspect of the age of Jesus when the Magi arrived.  But suffice it to say, their journey was long and arduous … and their commitment to honor and worship Him is commendable.

So they brought to him “GIFTS” — gold, frankincense and myrrh.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gift of gold from the Magi was a statement of Jesus’ royal status.  It said to the Christ-child, “You will be King.”  Gold was precious and worthy across all cultures.  Were we to follow the tradition of the Magi, most of our “gift-recipients” would not wince at the gift of “gold.”   But while we know it is valuable and that it might be something worth “holding on to” as a treasure, in recent years, this would have to be questioned with all the “WE BUY GOLD” merchants popping up.  Maybe there is a more purposeful, and priceless means of “giving gold,” to a loved one.

Personally, I think giving something that someone will value and treasure, requires considering what stirs the heart and mind of that person.  Sure, there’s a certain level of maturity that is required when it comes to appreciating “the thought that counts.”  Nevertheless, (as I continue to opine) it appears to me that all people are impressed when someone truly pays attention to what “matters” to them.  I personally think such “considerations” are priceless and will not be forgotten, nor pawned or sold at the local “gold” shop.

Every year, I think about this one gift that I received about 15 years ago.  I had a holiday work party to attend … and I wanted to have a date for it.  Of and on, I had been seeing this gentleman that probably could have become very significant, if I had not been so “flighty with my affections.”  In any event, I asked him to escort me to the party and he kindly accepted.  We dressed up, went to the fancy dinner and had a most enjoyable time (probably one of the best times I’ve ever had on a “respectable” date).  He was a perfect gentleman and great company the whole evening.  About a week after the party, he came knocking on my door on a Saturday evening and said, “I wanted to bring you this … for Christmas.” I WAS NOT expecting any sort of gift from him.  But he told me that he really enjoyed our date and really “appreciated” that I thought enough of him to ask him share in that evening.  He handed me a wrapped gift and asked me to open it.

I began un-wrapping the flat, shirt-box present to find a “flannel night shirt” inside.  I was taken back, I admit … at first, it seemed a bit bizarre that he would even buy me a present — but a flannel, night shirt.  

He said, “I hope you don’t mind me giving this to you.  It reminded me of you.”

Quite honestly, it had been so long (so very long) since I had received any kind of gift from a man … my heart was pounding.   But as I looked at that flannel gown, I said to myself, “This fellow kinda “gets” me.”  Truly, I’m not a lacy, frilly, kind of gal.  I’m not even a jewelry kind of gal.  But I am a flannel night shirt kind of gal — and he understood that.  It had no strings attached … just from one friend to another and I’ve never forgotten that gift.  I don’t have the night shirt anymore, and this friend has moved on.  But I’m still impressed that ‘once upon a time’ — it really was the “thought that counted.”

Now frankincense (as it is known to the western world) is a resin called “olibanum”  derived from the Arabic “al-lub” (the milk), a reference to the milky sap that comes from the Boswellia tree.  Frankincense is known for its medicinal and soothing properties, and many herbalists say it has calming, restorative, clarifying and meditative effects. In ancient times, it was used to treat depression and they burned it believing the “incense” carried their prayers to heaven.  As a gift from the Magi, it signifies Jesus role as our Priest … our connection … to God and everlasting life.

My goodness, I read that and can’t help but think of all the people who suffer from depression during the holiday season.  Certainly, we could all use a little “soothing … some calm and some restoration … clarity and prayer.”   Too many people (self- included) embark upon this season with a sense of dread and anxiety.  Too many people (self-included) feel disconnected and dysfunctional.  Frankincense may not be a practical gift, but there is nothing more practical that “connecting” with others.  When the world is saying “hurry here and hurry there” — “catch this sale” or “come here for your last minute shopping,” — remember “FRANKINCENSE” and how valuable some “calm, restorative, and authentic fellowship” would be to those you love and even a friend or co-worker who needs the “sweet essence of community.”

Myrrh is perhaps the most mysterious of the Magi gifts. Myrrh is an Arabic word for bitter, and it is considered a wound healer because of its strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The Chinese used it for centuries to treat wounds, bruises and bleeding and to relieve painful swelling. Another use for myrrh is for preservation. It was used as an embalming agent for Egyptian mummies and as a gift from the Magi to Jesus, it signifies that He would “die for our sins.” In fact, myrrh, was one of the oils/spices taken by the women to the tomb to treat Jesus body.

 I don’t know about you and your family, but mine could definitely use a little (or a LOT) myrrh.

“WOUND HEALER!”  

 “STRONG ANTISEPTIC!” 

“ANTI-INFLAMMATORY!”

“PRESERVATIVE!” 

Sounds like an ideal prescription for family dysfunction.  What better gift for your family than to “HEAL” rather than allow those wounds to continue to fester and set up infection for generations to come.

The problem is … going to Walgreen’s and purchasing enough myrrh to “rub down” the whole family is not practical.  But don’t be mistaken, you can buy myrrh … in all kinds of forms … just GOOGLE it.  In my research, I did find one rather “ironic” use for myrrh in present times.  It is used in some “mouthwash.”  Discovering this little tidbit, I thought, “Well … that’s just like God.”

Most family dysfunction is a result of poor or bad communication — THE TONGUE!  Things are said that should not have been said, creating wounds that never get that “much needed antiseptic” of an apology or forgiveness.  How ironic (and GOD-LIKE) indeed that “myrrh” would be used in an antiseptic mouthwash. We need to wash out our mouth  —- rid it of all criticisms, back-biting, hateful exchanges, untruths and insults to injury.  Rather than allowing further inflammation to our hearts and souls, we need some “myrrh ointment” to treat those wounds and allow healing to take place.

Is it that simple?  No, it’s not.  On paper … the logic just flows right out, but we all know that family dynamics and the “peopleness of people” will certainly make “giving like the Magi” a virtual impossibility.  Except —- Jesus, Himself, has another Word for us!

Matthew 19

²⁶ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

And in Mark 11, He says,
²⁵ “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him,  that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

So … if we (especially “me”) were to embrace this “giving” in the tradition of the Magi, considering the significance of gold, frankincense and myrrh, truly there would be less “trinkets” under the tree. Furthermore, I suspect there would be no more “Black Friday Madness” or “Last Minute Shopping” either.  As the Magi took an incredible and long journey to deliver their gifts to a family and child they did not know —- and we remember their gifts to Him more than we remember our own gifts to and from our family —- why would we not embark upon the same journey to honor our own families with “gifts” they will surely treasure for generations to come?

Matthew 6

¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 Merry Christmas … and Happy Holidays forever!