Yet To Be

Anyone who knows me understands that I am a sucker for a great movie, especially ones with heart plus a moving soundtrack.  I can be moved to tears over music, even from an animated story.  But then my mind comes alive with well written science fiction as well.  This weekend I have been watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  J R R Tolkien was a genius! 

The movie is full of great quotes like:

“That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.” – Sam

 “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”

 – Galadriel

 “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the Ages of this world alone.”

– Arwen

“A day may come when the courage of men fails… but it is not THIS day.” – Aragorn

Sam: [Both are overcome by exhaustion] Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?
Frodo: No, Sam. I can't recall the taste of food... nor the sound of water... nor the touch of grass. I'm... naked in the dark, with nothing, no veil... between me... and the wheel of fire! I can see him... with my waking eyes!
Sam: Then let us be rid of it... once and for all! Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you... but I can carry you!

Now if you know the movie, you have to admit those are great lines, especially when spoken as the music begins to swell.  Okay, I know I can get carried away, but that isn't a bad thing, is it?!

When I am in one of my melancholy moods, times when I am thinking back over my life, wondering about the future, I tend to watch the movies that inspire me, give me hope.  I have shared several of those with you, and no doubt will continue to fill your mind with all sorts of wonderful music, movies, books.  It's why I write..to encourage and inspire.

My parting thought to you is from the closing of The Lord of the Rings, before Frodo goes off on his last great adventure.  He writes:

“How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand there is no going back. There are some things that time can not mend. Some hurts that go too deep... that have taken hold.”

 

Something I think about quite often. But then I stop to consider the possibilities of new beginnings and the hope of yet to be!  That's something worth considering.


 

The Difference

Yesterday this ole gal mangled herself pretty badly, so I've been resting today as opposed to working as I had planned to do.  Maybe things happen for a reason although the pain isn't too reassuring.  After eating a scrumptious meal of guacamole and chips, I decided to treat myself with a movie on Netflix. 

Finding a movie that is encouraging, fun, family friendly is often difficult, but I selected an animation called "Khumba" about a zebra with only half his body striped.  The music was African, so that was endearing in itself, as I long to be in Africa.  The story was about a young zebra searching for a magic pool of water that would make him like everyone else.  Along the way he learned a lot about himself and other animals he met along the way.  In the end he discovers that he wouldn't change a thing about himself; it is okay to be different.

I think this speaks to many people.  In many ways we long to be someone other than who we are.  We don't like our hair, or our eye color, or being short or chunky.  The world wants to give us dictates of what is acceptable and unacceptable, cool or not, in or out.  Growing up these days kids have more stigmas to overcome, but maybe not. Maybe people are more vocal about what they feel than when I was growing up.  Nonetheless, an outcast is just that, one who is cast out...different...does not fit in.

I'm so glad that God doesn't see things that way.  He calls us to be different, set apart.  Once we find our place in Him, we are set free from the stigma the world gives out.  We are free to be just who He created us to be.  Sometimes even as Christians we struggle with finding a place to belong.  I know for myself I cannot be who others want me to be, or say what they feel I should say, or do what they do.  I am myself, or at least I try to be, and that isn't so bad.  I know God is always with me.  I have been set apart for a special work, and although at times I still wonder what that is, I try to live each moment in anticipation of what He has for me ahead.

Being different often means being alone.  I've been alone most of my life.  You can be surrounded with people and yet be alone.  But it isn't all bad.  I hear better when I am alone. And honestly, although I am alone, I am never alone, because my Best Friend walks beside me, in me, always a part of me. I may not own property or have the things other people have, but I have what is most important in life, the Presence of God.  So really, like Khumba, I really wouldn't want to change a thing!

Conversations with God

I know most people ask God "why?" when trials come.  It's just normal for us to do, right?!  I have been trying to cultivate the habit of not asking God "why?" rather, asking Him, "What do You want me to learn from this, Lord?"  I must admit that sometimes the hits from satan come rather quickly, so at times I resort to the wondering myself. 

For the past week, starting with last Wednesday until this one, and even a bit before, I have been "hit" in my finances, my health, my family life, and, as always, my daily working stress.  I must say the latter was the least of my concerns, as it is a growing curve, or so I choose to look at it.  I am learning that I am no longer super woman, and some things have to wait.  Waiting is NOT my strong suit.

Financially I was the victim of fraud, but at this writing all money has been returned to me.  Whew!!  Health wise it seems I have some eye surgery which would make me feel older, but it is a result of head trauma from childhood and earlier adulthood, which makes it a little easier to swallow;  nonetheless surgery is starring me in the face.  No more roller blades OR roller skates. Still.....I may get bold again!  Remember my Peter Pan mentality.  I won't comment further on the events, as I am certain you get the picture...life happens.  I must say that my response to it was not as positive as I hoped.

With me, it takes several things to get me upset.  I can handle crazy, but I like my crazy organized.  I did learn a few things from my experience with the money matters, however.  Never use your debit card at a gas station! Besides that,  I learned that God has all things under control, and I need to be less concerned with how they turn out - I need to "trust".   It really wasn't the money, as God blesses me so much, how can I complain about anything!  But I do like to choose where my "donations" go.  What really got to me was the fact that people steal from others.  I guess I felt betrayed, let down, hurt.  But then, it gave me the opportunity to pray for people who do these types of crimes.  I learned to be grateful for a bank who takes care of its patrons.  Mostly, God reminded me over and over..."trust without borders."  Hopefully, I don't have to repeat the lesson any time soon.  He also told me, "patience does its perfect work." Yep, those were the words!

Another thing that happens to me when I reach the limit of crazy in my life is that I become too honest.  Hopefully, I didn't say anything hurtful, and then again, maybe it was time.  Point is I really need to try to focus on where my life needs to go.  I have been trying to be patient, wait on the Lord for direction, and I will continue to do these things.  But still I have to start getting back to making time to do certain things I need for "me" so I can enjoy the life God has for me at this time in my life.  Seems simple, but somehow simple does not seem to be part of my life.

Sometimes it helps to just talk it out with God.  So this is where I am today.  Hopefully, I am closer to the perfect work.  In the midst of all my emotional turmoil something positive did happen!  I have been praying for a friend, and yesterday she texted me to send her some scriptures quickly.  And I was able to send four that hopefully met the immediate need.  Satan does not like people to gain victory or to be strengthened especially with scripture.  He does not want us praying for each other.  He just wants to continue stealing, killing and destroying.  But we can rejoice, because God has overcome!  The battle is the Lord's!  No weapon formed against us shall prosper! God watches over His word to perform it!  I think you get the idea!  God is in control of EVERYTHING, and I need to learn to TRUST and CHILL.  Good advice from a loving Father, don't you think?

Sharing the Word

Words of King David - Psalm 39 (The Living Bible)

"I said to myself, I'm going to quit complaining! I'll keep quiet, especially when the ungodly are around me. But as I stood there silently the turmoil within me grew to the bursting point. The more I mused, the hotter the fires inside.  Then at last I spoke, and pled with God: Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more. My life is no longer than my hand! My whole lifetime is but a moment to you. Proud man! Frail as breath! A shadow! And all his busy rushing ends in nothing. He heaps up riches for someone else to spend. And so, Lord, my only hope is in you.

Save me from being overpowered by my sins, for even fools will mock me then.

Lord I am speechless before you. I will not open my mouth to speak one word of complaint, for my punishment is from you. Lord, don't hit me anymore - I am exhausted beneath your hand. When you punish a man for his sins, he is destroyed, for he is as fragile as a moth-infested cloth; yes, man is frail as breath.

Hear my prayer, O lord; listen to my cry! Don't sit back, unmindful of my tears. For I am your guest. I am a traveler passing through the earth as all my fathers were.

Spare me, Lord! Let me recover and be filled with happiness again before my death."


My prayer:

Father, I thank You and praise Your wonderful Name. A name above all other names, You alone are the great I Am.

I come before You today in awe of Your wonderful presence in my life.  I stand amazed as I gaze upon the beauty of this day, this life, this world.  I bow before You in grateful adoration for all You have given me and will provide in days ahead.  I want my life to be a life well lived, one that brings all honor and praise and glory to You alone. I want to trust You in each area of my life and to believe the words You have spoken to my heart. I know Your words are not void, but You fulfill all of Your promises to those who believe and walk in Your peace.

As I sit before You and listen to Your voice, I only ask to bring You joy.  My heart is overflowing with Your great love, Your kindness shown to me.  May I not fail You again, Lord. I am only a sinner saved by grace, Your gift through Jesus Christ, my King.  Today of all days do not allow me to lose sight of the purpose of Your hand upon my life.  I long for the day when I can behold You face to face.  May each of my days be spent listening to Your word, walking in Your path, obeying Your commands.  Today, when opportunities come my way to share the incredible gift of eternal life, may I be found faithful in sharing Your great love.

I pray for those who need Your touch today; who need to know You have a plan and purpose for their lives.  Do not allow them to become discouraged, but lift them up to higher ground above the noise, above the pain, above the lies. May they be set free and find peace and hope, as they take Your hand of mercy and grace. Let them live free and boldly in Your love and in the power of Your Name.

I praise You, because You alone are worthy of praise.

In Jesus Name, I pray,
Amen

The Life I Live is His Alone

Life is meant to be lived.  We make decisions and choices based on the needs of the present, but unfortunately we do not always choose life; we do what we feel honor dictates or our preconditioned mind tells us is right, good, or practical. Sadly we often drift into existing or surviving rather than living life as God intended.  We justify the choice based on what we have learned, and in some cases, selfish ambition or gain.  Seldom do we look within ourselves or ask God what path we are to take on our journey.  The good thing is that it is never too late to begin to live, cherishing each day, relishing the discoveries, and understanding the differences.

I haven't written for the last couple of days as I've not known how to express the feelings that well up within me but are not easily expressed in words.  The emotions I feel are so overwhelming that I don't feel words can do them justice.  They are visionary in many ways, glimpses, and often misunderstood by others.  Sometimes I think my family wonders what nonsense fills my mind, and I know they do not understand, and quite possibly, they don't want to know. People are often afraid of ideas that contradict their lifestyles or their way of seeing things. As I pen the words I often ask myself if what I say, feel, or think is truly inspired by God.

Yesterday my friend and I went to see 'Heaven is for Real'.  Although the movie was wonderfully told I believe there is more that needs to be understood. Colton Burpo, the little four year who visited heaven, said God sent him back, because his daddy prayed.  In the movie, as I am certain in his life, there were many people who finally received peace knowing that yes, there is a heaven, and it is more than we could ever imagine. People were given divine glimpses of their loved ones and peace came to those who had been tormented with doubt, unable to let go and find rest.  I thank God for Colton's message, and I pray that he continues to fulfill the call God has placed on his life through this miraculous encounter with the living God.

The movie also introduces Akiane Kramarik, a young girl who at the age of four had a divine encounter with God, and He gifted her with not only the gift of painting, but of of music and other talents.  She uses her gifts to encourage and bless others, especially children who are in need. Studying her life from the beginning will inspire skeptics, as through this experience she was able to lead her atheist mother to Christ.  She is touching the world through the messages in her art, her music and her life, as is Colton through his life and ministry.  I believe there is a Colton and an Akiane in each of us, and we are never too young, too old, too sick, too unlearned to be used by God to touch our world with His love. 

Here in New Mexico in the area where I live Holy Week is taken very seriously.  While the government tries to take God out of every institution or business established on His principles, my small area of the world remembers and observes, and we watch and we wait in expectation, in awe of His greatness.

Before moving to Velarde I spent many years in Chimayo which is the destination for hundreds of people who make the pilgrimage to the Sanctuario de Chimayo to honor the memory of Jesus' death on the cross . In all the years I've lived here I have yet to make the walk, but I hope to make it before I leave.  I imagine it to be a reflective, spiritual time of soul searching and meeting God on the journey, ending with death to self, laying all at the foot of the cross. Many receive answers to prayer and miracles of physical healing.  If you could only be present to witness the quiet journey along the roads that lead to Chimayo, you would understand and be amazed by numbers of people who flock to this place hidden in the trees.

There's another place I dream of going, another walk I want to take called Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.  It was popularized in the movie 'The Way' with Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen.  It is a personal journey thousands of pilgrims make each year, covering a far greater distance, 500 miles from France over the Pyrenees to Galacia.  It is not easy, and the way can become lonely and hazardous, but once traversed the price is worth the journey. There are many reasons people make the journey, but for most, if it doesn't begin as an intensely spiritual quest, it becomes one in the end.  Anyone who sets out to conquer the distance ultimately comes face to face with truth along the way. Any for many it is a place revisited, traveled again and again.

Although these pilgrimages are wonderful experiences not everyone can travel to Europe or even to Chimayo, New Mexico, but we can encounter truth, love, and find peace in our daily walks with the Lord.  We can kneel at the cross each day in our homes, as we drive to and from work, doing errands or otherwise being engaged in our daily activities.  He is always present, always eager to speak to you, desiring to spend time with you, wanting only the best for you. He died for you, for me, so that we may life and life eternal.

Today I chose to spend my Easter alone with God.  There are times I cannot bring myself to leave His presence. Times my heart cannot share with another how much I love Him and desire to serve Him in everything I do, in everything I say or write.  I cannot expect another person to fully understand what I hold in this heart of mine, but each person understands in their own way what I mean.  Each relationship with our Lord is ours alone, and the time we spend at His feet listening, praying, loving is intensely our own.  I challenge you to seek Him today, and to encounter Him personally in your life. You will never be the same again, nor would you want to return to the life you knew before.

Am I Real?

When I first started blogging I did it for myself and shared with one friend I trusted, as I knew she would give me her honest opinion.  Eventually, as I became braver,  I shared with my sister and a couple more friends, then I published the posts.  Initially I was just writing so I could discipline myself to write.  I figured if I was serious about writing I needed to start doing something other than a journal.  I have been keeping journals for many years, but they are mostly things God has spoken to me and my prayers to Him. Posting on Facebook was a fly by the seat of my pants sort of decision, but it worked, so it has become easier.  I actually look forward to writing and sharing my thoughts.  If I miss a day, there's a reason.  So thanks for the support you have shown.  It isn't easy to bare your soul to others.

I like transparency, being real.  I think that's important.  I feel that each person needs to be exactly who they are.  Do  you remember the story of the Velveteen Rabbit?  It's one of my favorite children's books.  I love the part when the Skin Horse talks to the Rabbit.  I briefly mentioned it before in the post about my daddy's funeral, but I want to share it with you.  

"The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nursery longer than any of the others.  He was so old that his brown coat was bald in patches and showed the seams underneath, and most of the hairs in his tail had been pulled out to string bead necklaces .  He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away, and he knew that they were only toys, and would never turn into anything else. For nursery magic is very strange and wonderful, and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin Horse understand all about it.

'What is REAL?' asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. 'Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out-handle?'

'Real isn't how you are made,' said the Skin Horse. 'It's a thing that happens to you.  When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.'

'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit.

'Sometimes,'said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. 'When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.'

'Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,' he asked, 'or bit by bit?'

'It doesn't happen all at once,' said the Skin Horse. 'You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.'

'I suppose you are Real?' said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse might be sensitive. But the Skin Horse only smiled.

'The Boy's uncle made me Real,' he said. 'That was a great many years ago; but once you are real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always.'"

I think the passage speaks volumes about the way we live our lives. Sometimes people don't see us for what or who we truly are. But being "real" is a process where all the pretenses or inhibitions are "rubbed off" and the real character is revealed.  There's no longer any fear, just acceptance and a realization of a life in the purest form. When all that matter is right before you, and it is enough.

A Life Well Lived

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, 

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto 

God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: 

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove 

what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:1-2

The books of 1st and 2nd Kings are historical accounts of the life of King David and his godly reign up to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign.  The two books of Chronicles detail the same accounts but from a different perspective.  I must admit that the genealogy is a bit lengthy, but it describes the ancestry of Jesus, so it is well worth the read.  It is also a lesson in raising our children to love the law of the Lord and to train them up in the way they should go.  Even King David, a man after God's own heart had an Achilles's heel.  It was the same sin that finally effected the change in his son, Solomon's life and rule.  In contrasting the two Kingdoms, Judah, composed of two tribes - Judah and Benjamin; and Israel the remaining ten tribes, it is interesting to note that despite the prior rule of a godly king, the children who seceded after their father's death to become king, were evil in the eyes of the Lord.

This really isn't news, as we saw in the book of Samuel the downfall of a priesthood with Eli and hi rebellious sons.  Eli merely turned a blind eye and deaf ear, and his sons carried on abominably for all to see.  The consequence was devastating. It makes me think about how my children feel about the way they were raised.  Did I truly train them up in the way of the Lord?  Was I a godly example?  I have been accused of being overzealous, but isn't that better than not being consistent in my beliefs?  I admit I may have gone overboard in some areas of trying to protect them, but then again, maybe not.  I think children see way too many things which damage their innocence.

As my children matured they each made their own profession of faith in Jesus, so I feel that regardless of how they may stand at the moment, God will be faithful to complete His good work in them.  I do not think a person who is rooted and grounded in Jesus since an early age can escape His great salvation.  I choose to listen to what God says in His word and to my heart on this matter. When I was growing up my school teachers and principal were church leaders, as were my parents and grandparents.  I will always cherish that life, and I pray that my own children will remember my life and how I tried to honor and put God first.

The world is on a downward spiral, as more immoral and ungodly actions are imposed upon the world by our leaders.  If I happen to listen to the news I hear snide remarks made regarding current events and Biblical prophesy.  Yesterday while waiting for my oil to be changed and tires rotated I heard and saw things on the television that make me glad I don't watch tv.  The television was tuned into Insider report which is a celebrity report.  It is so sad to witness the distance a person will travel to be noticed and adored by the public.  Very sad the lengths some go for popularity.  It breaks my heart to see an innocent child in a family friendly movie grow up to throw his or her innocence away just to win an award or gain notoriety.  My constant prayer is that God will preserve them from evil, so they will grow to be examples of righteousness to a sick and dying world.

Just briefly visiting this world of chaos and immorality, just that brief encounter, makes me more determined to reach as many people as I can for the cause of Christ.  God wants none to perish but all to experience life with Him for eternity.  His return is very soon, so we need to occupy until He comes.  The Bible says to be clothed in righteousness.  To be followers of Christ as He lived so shall we by loving, accepting, showing restraint and decency be examples others will want to follow.  Would God treat you any less?  God gave freely, so we need to follow His lead. 

When I die I want my tombstone to read:  "She never lost faith", and I hope standing around will be people whose lives I touched for Jesus.  Doing His will is a life well lived.  I want to be found ready and worthy through Jesus when He returns.                  

Talking Back

God gives good gifts.  Do you believe that?  Scripture says...Every good and perfect gift comes from God.  He creates in us a talent we can develop for His glory if we are called according to His purpose. I truly believe this, and I understand it in my own life. Quite honestly I squander my gifts. Or at least my older son tells me I do, much like him, as he also said.  Funny, I can see the potential in others, help them develop and use it, but when it comes to myself...well, my confidence wanes. But I am here to encourage you, the reader, so I don't want to talk about my own shortcomings, and believe me, there are many.

As we grow older, most give up or give in, but I think a new day can dawn if we dare to brave the challenge.  I am trying to think long and hard about what I want to do with the rest of my life.  I no longer care what I am good at doing, I want to work on the things I want to finish my journey, my lifetime doing.  Always, always I believe we should want to help others, and I always will regardless of what direction my life flows.  My friend commented that she reads about health issues to find solutions, alternatives, new technology.  All good stuff!  The day we stop learning is the day we may as well crawl into our coffins and have someone lower us six feet under.  Active minds keep us alive, because they are pumping new life, new understanding into our minds, bones, organs, tissues and cells.  It is when we sit on the couch sulking in our pain, loss, illness, poverty, and whatever else holds us back, we cease to live, because we cease to be.  As for me, I won't give up or give in, and like Peter Pan, I won't grow up!  Like Robin Hood I will give back!

Many of us do not have the luxury of traveling all over the world, but we can all go the library, use a computer, or otherwise gain a perspective of discovering new places, new things, people.  I call it mental travel, but even so, it can ignite a place in your mind or heart, and dreams can become reality.  So keep reading, continue to learn, and grow in faith and courage to accomplish the dreams that now lie dormant within the recesses of your unconscious mind. 

Music also unlocks the soul, expounds on knowledge, and stirs up the creative mind.  Trust in what inspires your soul, as music can also relay an opposite message, as can wrong movies, literature, or the people with whom we encounter.  If you are honoring God, seeking first His kingdom, then...all other things will be given unto you.  Be careful what you ask for!

Susan Boyle stunned the world, but it became too overwhelming to her at one point.  Still she is an example of realizing her dream.  I love her music.  I studied voice once upon a time, because I too longed to sing.  My first church solo was "Via Dolorosa", and the impact on my life was amazing.  After my divorce something died within me, and I never felt like I was good enough to sing Christian songs for others, but I am now finding that the desire is coming back.  So who knows!  I say go for your dream!  Live your passion!  Do not let anything, and more precisely, anyone, hold you back!  There is always a way.  God is rather impressive when it comes to creation, wouldn't you say?!

- Dedicated to my friend IF. Thanks for believing in me! 


 

Crawl Inside My Mind

Remember my Day 15 Mind Games?  Well after all this time, here is my explanation:
 

We begin life in childhood, eventually we grow up and enter parenthood, where we live in neighborhoods.  Eventually as we mature, putting aside our selfish pursuits of happiness or accumulating wealth, trying to fulfill expectations that have been placed on us by others or ourselves …we either become oblivious, critical, non-caring, OR we become reconnected with our sense of community and neighborhood, and become modern day Robin Hoods taking back all the injustice, lies, self-gaining avarice. Reaching out we develop concern and rebuilding neighborhood.  We accept the true parenthood of God the Father and enter into the kingdom, once more embracing childhood which is trust in a parent who is trustworthy.

We are born into families or "kin" and thus kinship results and as we grow up we develop friendships and relationships.  The best relationship is making Jesus Lord of our life with respect to Lordship.  Because we become en-grafted into the vine as believers of Christ we develop a kinship to God, the Father; Jesus, the Son, and Holy Spirit. We develop our relationship as part of the Body of Christ and the greater and closer the relationship, the friendship becomes.

As we live in the world we view things from a subjective view when it relates to us personally, our opinions, our development.  Life should be considered on the whole with more objectivity as it relates to all people.  Many of life's circumstances are closely related to each other, especially as we become closer to Jesus' return, so things are viewed with relativity as they play out in the end time scheme of things.  My use of serendipity does not really "fit" the rhyme and reason, yet I use it, because we cannot become so absorbed in what is, or what may be, or what will come; we need to always look for the serendipitous moments in life.  According to my study of the definition of this word, it means "a fortuitous happenstance" or "pleasant surprise".  Now wouldn't you rather walk through life pleasantly surprised as opposed to always looking over your shoulder or wondering when disaster will fall? Gives the phrase "occupy til He comes" more relativity, don't you think?!

To continue my above thought...we live in a world where the bureaucracy chokes the life out of society with the hypocrisy of the promises the bureaucrats make.  We see this not just in the political realm, but sadly even in our churches where religiosity supersedes the simple truth of the gospel. People feel insignificant, unworthy, not measuring up to the expectations, so the sheep scatter, the shepherd of the flock is too absorbed in his endeavors to miss the cripple, lame, and lonely sheep who drift away, unnoticed until they end up on the evening news. So, we see mediocrity becomes the norm where the world's response is inadequate or mediocre.

So, as followers of Christ what is to be our response?  We can follow the path of kindness and goodness in our selfless concern for the needs of others, offering forgiveness to all who fail, as God gave forgiveness to all through Jesus.  Or we can choose to live our lives mischievously involved in the affairs of others, devious in our pursuits, and grievous to the heart of God.

Make sense?  Maybe.