Words can change the world

Have you ever posted something online that could be degrading to someone?  Something that could be seen as funny to one person, but to someone else hurtful?  Words are a powerful thing, they can be used to build someone up, or bring someone down. During work today, I received the following video from a agency in Canada that works with those that are experiencing homelessness. While I work for an agency that provides to those that are lacking connections to resources, I also have the heart to help people see that the homeless are people just like you and I.  They want the same things that we want.  

They want a place to lay the head at night.  A warm place to shower.  When sick or in pain, a place to safely rest.  They want friendship.  They want a place to make a meal and sit at a table.  They have simple needs, like being among others.  Instead of seeing someone that is experiencing homelessness instantly as someone that is a danger, or do not care about themselves, take a moment to realize that they might be just like you.  While there are some that are dangerous or do not want to better their eyes in your way, they most likely have dreams and goals just like you.  Instead of looking down upon them, lift them up.  Lift them up through prayer, volunteering at a local homeless shelter or food pantry.  Lift them up by simply saying "hi".  

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me", have you heard that before?  It is something that we often teach young children, so that they overcome what people speak about them.  But in reverse, are we teaching young people that speaking bad about someone is okay because it will not hurt them?  Our words should be uplifting and speaking positive about someone!  Especially when posting online, please watch this video: Words are powerful!

Next time, before posting online, stop and THINK!

T - is it True?

H - is it Helpful?

I - is it Inspiring?

N - is it Necessary?

K - is it Kind?

Dear Heavenly Father, Holy week is upon us and you are coming again soon.  You have set an example for us to serve the least of these, because by that we are serving and caring for you.  Serving the least of these is something that is very challenging.  Be with all agencies that work with those that are lacking resources and struggle to know where to turn when in trouble.  All your children have simple needs, help us all to see just that!  In Jesus name, Amen.

A different kind of King

Everyone has traditions for the different holidays! 

Today may not be a holiday that is marked on the calendar or noted in the general society, but today is Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday. We commemorate today has being the day that our Savior came into Jerusalem by donkey. While he may be a king, he was also simply a human.  Riding in not on a fancy horse or in a chariot, but instead on a stupid 'ole donkey. Today we begin the start of Holy Week.  The week that our Savior Jesus Christ died an excruciating death at the hands of those who neither understood his message nor understood the true meaning of justice.  

O Christ, what can it mean for us to claim you as our king?

What royal face have you revealed whose praise the church would sing?

Aspiring not to glory's height, to power, wealth and fame, 

you walked a different lowly way, another's will your aim.

You came, the image of our God, to heal and to forgive, 

to shed your blood for sinners'  sake that we might rise and live.

To break the law of death you came, the law of love to bring:

a different rule of righteousness, a different kind of king. 

Though some would make their greatness felt and lord it over all, 

you said the first must be last and service to our call.

O Christ, in workplace, church, and home, let none to power cling;

for still, through us, you come to serve, a different kind of king. 

You chose a humble human form and shunned the world's renown;

you died for us upon a cross with thorns your only crown.

But still, beyond the span of years, our glad hosannas ring, 

for now at God's right hand you reign, a different kind of king!

-ELW hymn 431

Why did Jesus have to die?  Because he came to the earth in human form.  Born unto Mary, raised in a family, went to church, taught in church and interacted with people of the community.  He took care of the sick and lonely, those in prison or those hurting, the thirsty and the hungry.  He set an example for each of us.  Today we are given the opportunity to be the face of Jesus Christ and to be reminded that Jesus died for us!

Palm Sunday is a holiday with a tradition for me and for my church family.  As long as I can remember we have joined together on the afternoon of Palm Sunday and hiked Hibriten mountain.  To some the mountain may just be another mountain of creation, but this mountain is a special part of Lenoir.  During Advent, there is a star up on Hibriten Mountain.  During Lent, there is a cross up on Hibriten Mountain. 

Our Savior Jesus Christ, set the example for us, to give to those in need, to care for our creation and to be a child of God.  His creation is an absolute beauty that we can compare nothing to.  There is nothing more beautiful than the creation that God has provided for us and how much God loves us!  It is simply breathtaking! 

Take a moment from your crazy life (and I know it is!) to do something that is breathtaking, that requires you to stop and observe your surroundings and to remember the beauties that God provides to us! Take time to be outside, to see the creation that we live in!  

Hey God, it is because of you and you dying on the cross that I am able to be here today to serve you!  Without you, I am nothing.  Your creation of land, water, and air is absolutely beautiful, and I am sorry when I do not care for it like I should. I love you Lord Jesus!  Thank you for loving me like I am and helping me see that I am loved by you.  Prayers for those that do not know you, and those that do!  In Jesus holy name, Amen.