neighbors | Ezerwoman's Blog

Posts Tagged ‘neighbors’

Home Town

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Faith & Practice, Relationships, tagged anxiety, body language, emotions, environment, fear, feelings, God's Word, hope, Jesus Christ, mentor, mentoring, message, neighbors, presentation, Titus 2 for Life, women's ministry on June 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

This week I will be speaking twice. In my home town.

I am nervous. Unable to focus. Doubtful. It isn’t that I doubt the mentoring ministry I represent. Nearly every day I see evidence that our culture has lost its way. That we’ve forgotten (or never been told) how to live as men and women. The Word of God compels me more today than it did when I was first nudged from my comfort zone to begin Titus 2 for Life.

But, I’m a person affected by environment. I’ve been known to take a candle along with me on a trip just in case the hotel room is cold and unwelcoming. I’m also affected by other people. It matters to me that relationships are built, not destroyed. I’m acutely aware of body language. Once, while speaking about a controversial issue, I heard a scribbling noise. To my side, a woman was pressing her pencil hard on a page in her study guide. Head bent down, whole body engaged, she blackened the paper with great sweeping motions. Was she angry… or hurting? Whichever, she had my attention: How should I respond?

So, what happens when speaking in my own home town? To the people with whom I live? I’m extra sensitive to my closest neighbors and tender relationships. Differing perspectives. Maturity and immaturity. A sense — or lack — of humor. Personal history. Agreement. Disagreement. Defenses down… or up. Do I only imagine it, or does the room close in? Confuse my thoughts? Leave me a bumbling fool? What words can I utter that will be right for everyone? These people with real lives… my closest neighbors?

His Words. Not mine. His Truth. Not my opinion.

Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words . . . (Proverbs 30:5).”

I covet your prayer: His Truth from my mouth. For the sake of my neighbors.

Maybe I will take a candle.

Read Full Post »

Questions to Help Us Think

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Citizenship, Culture Shifts, Faith & Practice, Life issues, Relationships, tagged children, civil unions, family, Jesus Christ, neighbors, same-sex marriage, society, teachable moment on April 4, 2011| 6 Comments »

Two days have passed since my hometown newspaper ran a page one story of a young man’s “marriage” to another young man. If the headline, “Mr. & Mr,” didn’t capture people’s attention, the photos of the men kissing and signing their “marriage” license did.

Today, several members of my congregation made a request and a promise. If I would write a letter-to-the-editor, they would gladly sign it. As members of our community, we agree that every home, classroom and newspaper mentors children and encourages them in one direction… or another. As Christians, we agree that we are compelled on behalf of our neighbors (young or old) and for the benefit of society to speak whatever the Word of God speaks.

Pondering appropriate words, I’m aware that some of my neighbors will claim that it’s the personal right of those men to marry (especially in light of Iowa’s same sex “marriage” law) and that everyone should just leave them alone. But…

Do we all have the right to do whatever we want?
When does my perceived “right” place my neighbor in harm’s way?
Does a newspaper have the right to print any photo or article that gets attention, even that of a curious child?
When two people do whatever “feels right” to them and one or both contracts an STD or HIV, do I have the right to insist that my personal tax dollars not fund their medical bills?

My hometown newspaper chose to highlight the “marriage” of two young men, ages 19 and 21. What was the message of the lead-in paragraph: “There wasn’t any music. No flowers or photographer. But something else was there Wednesday that’s present at most weddings — the look in the couple’s eyes.” Why was the reporter at the “wedding”? Obviously, photos were taken, but for what purpose?

I am concerned for these two young men. I am concerned about their spiritual welfare. Are they (like so many young people today) confused about their “sexuality?” Were they enticed by momentary feelings, flattered by attention, or empowered by a trendy social experiment? Did the newspaper paint a bulls-eye on these young men? If either of the young men experience emotional stress or depression, will the newspaper and community offer themselves as care-givers? What happens if these men want to be fathers?

What lesson… what value… what hope for the future of families and children is being taught when behavior is celebrated that flies in the face of the Creator of man, woman, and marriage?

Jesus said,

Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” (Luke 17:1-2).

Read Full Post »

Living in Babylon?

Posted in Biblical manhood & womanhood, Citizenship, Culture Shifts, Faith & Practice, Identity, Relationships, Vocation, tagged church, civilization, Daniel, encouragement, example, helper, home, ideas, neighbors, pagan culture, patience, practices, The Life, The Truth, The Way on December 7, 2010| 1 Comment »

Remember when God’s people were taken captive by the Babylonians? Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, took seige of Jerusalem and moved the people of God to live in his land. These days, I feel as if people of the Word have been taken captive, too, but didn’t have to leave their homes, schools, churches, or places of employment.

The question is, how do we live in Babylon? Some, intimidated into thinking “we can’t mix church and state,” are paralyzed into silence. Some, feeling overwhelmed by powerful forces, pull back into the crevices of the familiar and safe. A great many, believing themselves to have progressed out of God’s Word, have become like the Babylonians.

There are others, however, who are affecting a pagan culture — one heart and soul at a time.

We live where we live. Here’s the question for me: How do I, as an ezerwoman (helper), make the greatest difference where I am and with what I have? How do I affect a pagan culture — one heart and soul at a time?

Babylon, like America today, was a mighty civilization that tolerated opposing religions, thoughts and practices. But, many Babylonians were good neighbors, friends and co-workers. God placed me where I am and, although it may feel like I’m living in a strange and foreign land, I think I’ll better affect good neighbors, friends and family whenever I remember who I am and live accordingly.

I am, first and foremost, a creation of God and a treasure for whom Christ gave all He had. That is my identity. It does not change with the circumstances of my life. Trusting this identity, any semblance of racism melts away. Trusting this identity, every human life — from conception to natural death — is valuable and worthy of respect. Trusting this identity, I am free to be the “helper” God made me to be.

Do you know that the term for “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 (Hebrew: ezer) also applies to God in Psalm 70:5? Jesus said to His followers, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:15-17). That Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Greek for “helper” (parakletos) means “comforter” or someone who appears on another’s behalf (“advocate”). Do you understand why I find no insult in being a woman? In being a “helper” or “helpmate?” As a helper, I’m in good company!

As an ezerwoman, I can help, encourage, comfort, and be an advocate for my husband, sons, grandsons, father, brothers, uncles, nephews, pastor, and every male with whom I work or fellowship. I can help by choosing to build up the struggling men in my life rather than tear them down with disrespect or cutting words. I can help by practicing patience when my husband needs a little more time to get his arms around a new idea (1 Peter 3:1-2). I can help by speaking, dressing, and behaving in such a way that encourages men and boys to act chivalrous and godly (1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:4). I can help by using the model of Titus 2:1-5 with younger women. I can help by contrasting “silly myths” (1 Timothy 4:7-10) with the “Way, the Truth, and the Light” (John 14:6).

Daniel found himself captive in Babylon. He was educated in Babylon. He was called to serve the king of Babylon. But, he remained faithful to God in all things. Daniel acknowledged that he was of no use to the wicked (Daniel 12:10). That’s true for me (and you), too. But as an ezerwoman who remembers her identity and clings to God’s Word for Life, I am encouraged to encourage, joyful to share joy, and strengthened even in a strange and foreign land with faith, hope, and patience.

You know, when I think about it, I’m happiest when I’m helping. I’m more content when I’m encouraging others. Perhaps God is showing me the best way to live out my days in Babylon.

Read Full Post »