Monday, April 25, 2011

Failure:Fearlessness

I have a fear: failing. I've often wondered about how I even got this far in life; because, there have been many times that I've desired to quit. Quitting seemed natural - easy - desirous. But, it's nothing that will help me in the long run.

I'm not sure that anyone is as conscious of my failures as myself (with the exception of God). While others may notice the mistakes or the inconsistencies in my life, they don't understand the true depth of my own depravity. They may understand their own lowliness, but not mine. Mine is reserved for me.

And I've wallowed in it.

Not wanting to make a change.

Because change is too hard.

But then I read 1 Corinthians 10:13..."No temptation has overtaken you except what iscommon to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

And I'm reminded that there is no second life to try again. No reincarnation that allows me to make up for past mistakes. In fact, nothing that I can do that will save myself. Nothing to right so many wrongs.

This on the day after Easter - the day after we celebrate the Resurrection. Nothing that I, a sinful man, can do. "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Nothing that I can do.

My failure is a reminder of Christ's salvation, His ability to rid my life of sin. There should be no attempt to hide the wrongs committed over a lifetime; but instead, there should be celebration in His resurrection. He is the King, and my life is just a simple remembrance or offering at His feet. I no longer quake at my inadequacies - I fear leaving His presence.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Silence in the Shadows

Hi Friends,

Many of you already know that I’m writing a book about cross-cultural experiences in the lives of American teenagers. This is a fictional piece that represents two stories that we quite frequently see in ministry: a teen who grows up through the foster care system and a teen who is raised in a gang. If you are already aware of the book, then this might be a repeat; but, I wanted to let everyone know that the new blog is up! Thanks to some beautiful friends here at FPU, I was able to get help with the graphics and coding to adjust the blog. If you would be so kind, please share this with your friends and family to help generate support for, what I consider to be, a great ministry opportunity. Also, if you have a youth pastor or ministry leaders in your church that might benefit from something like this, I would encourage you to share it with them as well. Thank you all SO much and God bless!

Silence in the Shadows
at http://silence-shadows.blogspot.com/