ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO DOGS?

There is a tail flapping profusely on my thigh. The woman sitting next to me smiles at me with the “Isn’t he cute face.” And being the law abiding citizen I am, I smile back with the “Why is your dog on the plane?!” face. 

The four hour flight from Colorado to Orlando took a turn from enjoyable to tolerable.

I have NEVER been a fan of animals. My parents insist that as a child I hated our family dog, Coco. She was hit by a car when I was maybe 7 years old. My parents loved that dog and they were brokenhearted over her death. However, they remember me pumping my fist with a smile, whispering, “Yes!” at the news of Coco’s death.

Even though I know I didn’t like the dog, I can’t imagine rejoicing in the death of anything. But, in a court of law, multiple adult witnesses and testimonies (my grandmother is also in on the scandalously recalled events) would inevitably prove me guilty.

The current reality of a live snout sniffing my arm didn’t allow me the luxury of reminiscing for too long. The space in the window seat, which I typically prefer, is all of sudden stuffy and restricting when there is dog hair grazing my side. I felt trapped.

The removal of my arm from the shared arm rest and my ‘squeezed in’ posture is my sign to the nice lady, “I’d prefer not to sit next to your dog, but I will tolerate him.”

Lucky for me this nice lady could understand sign language, she repositioned her pet. It was as if she’d said, “I’m sorry.” If you are anything like me all guilty people are jerks until that say “I’m sorry.” I’m sorry is an instant admission, “I’m wrong.” The confession made me a little more relaxed. I started to think, “Is this so bad? I mean, that is a cute dog, and he must have been aching to get out that little bag.  Poor thing has been in there for hours.” This woman’s simple gesture to move her pet in response to my body language changed my whole experience in just seconds.

And then it happened, the inspired moment. If I’m honest I have sin in my life that I treat the same way this woman treats her dog. Sometimes I keep in a bag and if I or it needs comfort, I pull it out and pet it, nurse it. There are even times that I’d rather not be bothered by it, but I still tolerate it.

If only I could have the same attitude my parents claim I had about Coco’s death about sin! Ahh!

I do remember seeing Coco in the house and running the opposite way. I would squirm and make ugly faces when she walked by. Fleeing, squirming at the sight, morphing myself into any shape possible to stay away from it should be my reasonable response to anything that doesn’t bring glory and honor to my Savior. And when that thing dies, I should rejoice!

Oh Father, how I long for the things you hate to irritate me continuously! ROAR!

Back to reality, I feel my allergies begin to flare up and I know at that moment, even after the Holy Spirit uses a very “everyday” thing to expose my heart, I know I’m not going to ask the nice lady to put her dog up. And I know I’m not going to move. Instead, I reason with myself and say, “Suck it up self, the flight is only another 45 minutes.” I can’t hold it in any longer, I start sneezing profusely, scratching my noise, clearing my throat, until the nice lady says, “Are you allergic to dogs.”

Finally, I thought, sense knocked on my brain, “Yes!” I exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, I can put him up,” she said.

It was that easy.

Ironically, I can find myself in the same cycle with sin. I do it, it irritates me, I confess it, and then, I pet it, tolerate it. Why not turn to God specifically about the sin? Why not take a fearless stand against it? I don’t know? Maybe because I kind of like my sin. The problem is that I’m not dead in my trespasses anymore, I’m alive in Christ! I’m redeemed, bought back and the Holy Spirit causes me to have somewhat of an allergic reaction sin. Thank You Jesus! According to Ephesians Chapter 1 (and the entire Bible), I have everything I need in Christ to stand against the sin in my life!

My parents insist that I gave no indication that Coco bothered me in any way, until he died. Unbelievable. How could I live so long with something that really irritated me?

I honestly don’t believe the patterns in my life are unique. Here’s my prayer for us.

Father, you are my Lord, my God. Thank you for your Son in whom we are holy and blameless!!!!! That’s crazy and magnificent! Thank you that in you we have redemption and forgiveness of sin. Your grace is rich! Thank you for making your will known to us. Your desire is that we be united with you. Thanks for your Holy Spirit that is a mark of our allegiance to you and promise that you will come back for us. Father, we confess that our lives don’t always line up with this reality. We are often drawn away by our own desires which often lead to sin. Help us practice turning to you, completely honest, trusting you for the completion of our holiness, until you return! Amen!

If you want to know what that really means check this out, click on the ‘Meet God’ tab and holla at me!:) http://darealtruth.com/

$7.50 for a Homeless Shelter?!

      

         I was sitting in my car at a gas station in downtown Memphis when I heard a timid voice through my cracked window, “Ma’am? Ma’am. Can I ask you a question?” I turned my head to find a woman in well worn jeans and a man’s shirt, twice her size. She looked exhausted and desperate. To her surprise, I rolled my window all the way down. Sheepishly, she said, “Thank you. thank you.” She continued by telling me that she needed $7.50 to get into a homeless shelter. I asked her, “Where does a shelter expect homeless people to get $7.50?”

       I had to ask more questions. I even called some homeless shelters I knew of and asked if they'd ever heard of the place about which this woman spoke.  After entertaining my judgments for a few moments she said, “I don’t wanna be rude, but if you are not going to help me, I have to find some money or else I will be on the street in the dark.” I replied, “I can just take you to the shelter.” At that point, she started shaking her head frantically, stepping away and waving her hands saying, “I don’t take rides no more…. I been through too much.” I could tell this woman was petrified; she explained that she had been beaten repeatedly at night. This helped explain the missing eye at which I'd been subconsciously starring.  That's when I realized sleeping over in random alleys was no slumber party. She turned quickly and started to walk away. I knew I had a 20 dollar bill easily accessible. I hopped out of my car, stopped her and placed it in her hand. Recognizing that it was not a dollar bill, she immediately began to rejoice, “Mercy! My God! Praise Your Name Lord! Thank you so much sweetheart.” 

        When I drove away, I turned my music completely off because there was no room think about anything else; my brain was crowded with questions! “What if she just played me? What if she is on drugs or an alcoholic? What if my initial skepticism was warranted?” Then, all at once the Holy Spirit calmed me with the thought, “It does not matter.” I am not and will never be responsible for how a person uses or misuses what I give them. But, I will be held accountable to Christ in loving, “the least of these.” We have the opportunity to help people understand and truly know our Savior when we love and give freely.

        Micah 6:8 paints a beautiful portrait of this. The question is asked, "With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high?” Would you believe the answer is not, “My tithes and offerings,” or even “my faithful service,” but rather “He has told you what is good. What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and love mercy and walk humbly with your God?” The word justice means, what is right or fitting. I heard one of our times acclaimed theologians, Tim Keller say, "When we look at someone society deems poor it should be like starring in a mirror; because, without Christ, that is exactly how we look and smell." (Or, something to that effect) In his love and mercy, Christ considered it “right” to give Himself for us! The hearts of millions in on this Earth quake to feel something, anything. What if they felt Christ's amazing grace! I hope sharing my honest judgments of this woman will serve as encouragement to all of God's children through Christ to  live out our faith by doing justice and loving mercy.

"God of mercy and justice, help me, by the power Your Holy Spirit to walk humbly with You, freely extending your mercy and justice as you provide the opportunities. Amen."

“In Christ God was reconciling us to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20

Call me Big Grizz!

Sports. I have never dedicated to engaging in playing, watching or even caring about them. However, it is absolutely impossible to be a TRUE Memphian and not become overjoyed by the reality of the Grizzlies in the playoffs and the prospect of them going all the way. Memphis is aching for positive publicity and the way the city has rallied behind this team is tremendous. For the past 8 years, I’ve lived in foreign lands (foreign lands: outside of Memphis, yet on American soil) where I’ve been mocked for unashamedly claiming my home sweet home. Apparently the world believes only small things and people come out Memphis. I’ve been called names like lil’ North North and lil’ First 48. I’ve been accused of lying about my origins because I don’t have gold teeth and/or a jheri curl. I even met someone from DETROIT, of all places, who was afraid to come to Memphis. I’m not even sure that birds feel safe enough to fly in Detroit. I’m joking, but really, Memphis is not ‘the gutter’ as many would like to call it. There are great people in this city, cool things to do if you’re willing to find them, a ton of finger licking, leg shaking good places to gain weight (or, eat), and now, the relentless Memphis Grizzlies are becoming the al la mode to this city.

These games have had me all in! Maybe too much. I now see why some people have fasted from sports. While watching Game 3, I developed a pulsating headache when the Grizzlies lost hold of their 18 point lead over the Thunder. The gap made me calm. But, when the Thunder got just a one point lead a vein in my neck began to twitch. It continued if the Grizz did something silly. In contrast, when they did something fantastic, I leaped up and yelled, making this uncontrollable hardcore gansta-like sound, “Uugh,” followed by the words “Yea boi! Or a “That’s what I’m talkin’ bout baby!” These are definitely not normal responses for me. I was on an emotional rollercoaster and in the words of Vivian Green, “loving [the game] ain’t nothin’ healthy.”

However, in those moments of irrepressible reaction, I discovered the “big deal about Sports” that I have never understood. If you’re really serious, the team you hope to win is actually ‘your team.’ I have never understood why people who can’t run half a mile would include themselves in speaking about a sports team, they’d say, “We are going all the way.” In fact, it used to anger me. I’d say to myself, “Shut up FOOL, you ain’t on no team!” Intense inner monologue, I know. But now, I get it. I am a proud Memphian, which makes me a Grizzlie. I’m telling the world, “Never call me lil First 48 again! Call me Big Grizz!” Not really, please, no one do that. But I do enjoy this game and will be watching every last one of them. I will be using my new sports alter ego. And WE are going all the way! Go Grizzlies.

Spiritually Senile

"Hello," My grandfather (pictured) says feebly on the other end of the phone.

“It’s Erin granddaddy.”

“Erin? You say you my granddaughter?”

“Yes, your son Chauncey’s daughter, in Memphis.”

“You say, Chancey? In Memphis?”

“Yes, you remember, your oldest son. Granddaddy, It’s me, Erin!!”

Getting someone who should know you to remember you is a workout! If I find this frustrating with my slightly senile grandfather who has the excuse of 92 years  on his side, how much more frustrating was it for God when He constantly reminded Israel, His chosen people, who he was? I am not the final authority on this study, but I counted more than 180 instances in scripture where the Lord is almost explaining Himself, like an introduction to the one group of people who should know Him personally, the Israelites. He uses phrases like, “I am the Lord, your God” or “I, the Lord God of Israel.”

I think I would be annoyed if someone I know, I knew, constantly reminded me who they are, where we met, and what good friends we are, every time we talked. Imagine that, “Hey such and such, this is me, blank and blank, we met at the bus stop where we became great friends after I saved your life and pulled you out of oncoming traffic.” What?!

One of my favorite places we see this in scripture is in Isaiah 43. Take some time to read it because this blog will not suffice as a quiet time. But, essentially this is what God says to His people, in my own words, pay close attention to all the descriptive language:

“I God, your Creator, the one that formed you and redeemed you, have called you by name and you are mine. I will be with you when you go through deep and hard things and because I am with you, you will not be overtaken by deep and hard things. Do not be afraid because I, the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, who brought you out of slavery and give cities in exchange for you, love you, you are precious to me.”

These are extremely personal words for one who has to explain who He is. I confess, I often forget who scripture clearly tells us God is and even who He has proven to be in my personal life. When I get in a mess or when my will seems ignored, as it is often, I easily forget the love of Christ and the sovereignty of His plan. But reading Isaiah 43 is a sobering reminder of how God, in His grace, made a practice of reminding those He loved how much He loved them.

 Would it not grieve your heart to have to tell those you sincerely love how much you love them, every single time you talk to them? Would you not wonder when will they stop doubting me? How much do I have to do for them to see?  

Here’s the deal, God loves the world deeply, so much so that He allowed the wrath that each of us deserved to be poured out on His son. Through Jesus, He has given us the opportunity of an eternity, knowing God personally! If you know God personally, I challenge you remember who is and His pure love for you, moment by moment. Allow your life to be a constant response to that reality. Man, that’s a process! If you do not know God personally, but want to, check out this link http://darealtruth.com/, and click on Meet God.

Thunderous Giving

“If your life doesn’t resound with the thunder of generosity, you haven’t been struck with the lightening of grace.” Randy Alcorn

Living in American culture almost makes us instant consumers. We are captivated by gossip, drama, and disaster. We call it News which implies that it encompasses new information that we need to know. The news moves from one story to the next, making no conclusion and calling forth little to no response. So, what is the difference between CNN and Jersey Shores? Reality? Entertainment? There is little difference.

I watched horrifying photos of the devastation in Japan after being shaken by a tsunami, earthquake, and the scare of a potential nuclear meltdown. To top it off Japan just came out of two decades of economic instability; Zimbabwe is the only other country with more debt than Japan. Recovery will be another challenge for this fragile nation.  Talk about kicking you while you’re down.

The newscast then moved from Japan to Libya where people are still experiencing violent political unrest.

Then to the US where Wisconsin union workers protest their rights singing with a live band, the Foo Fighters, “solidarity forever.” Farmers dressed as cows and rode their tractors through Madison undoubtedly serious, but with the freedom to have some fun, evidenced in the signpost pictured right. This is a stark contrast to those protesting against the real Mubarak and for rights and injustices in Libya, Yemen, Algeria, and Egypt.  http://opinionrepublic.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/riots-spreading-to-libya-algeria-egypt-yemen/

Instead of answering the question ‘how can we (regular, everyday people) help these countries like Libya, Japan, etc’ our news is answering the question, will the nuclear damage in Japan reach the U.S?”

The answer: “that is highly unlikely because the two countries are so far from each other.”

What in the world? Since we are literally far removed from disaster, are we invincible?  

We, as Americans are obese with awareness on the issues that exist across the globe but yet anemic in action.

I’m filled with fear for our country when I think of the quote by Randy Alcorn, “If your life doesn’t resound with the thunder of generosity, you haven’t been struck with the lightening of grace.” What will it take our nation to give thunderously?

I don’t desire bad things to happen in America, but it’s amazing how calamity, disaster, and being utterly helpless opens the heart to experience the fullness of grace. Japan, Middle Eastern countries in riot, and Haiti still need our prayers, our help, our hands and feet, if possible. Let us resolve to be gracious by definition, not waiting on the opportunity to get something in return. Let us do and give wildly in their time of need, especially since they have nothing or very little to give back to us.

Check out this link for ways you can help today. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/11/how-to-help-japan-earthquake-relief_n_834484.html, 

http://www.epm.org/