08/15/2023
A Little Forgiveness Goes a Long Way
I thought this week I'd just share, once again, what I used for the benediction in Sunday's worship. I had several requests for the quote that is included within it.
Here it is…
There is a tendency, a kind of parody of psycho-therapy, to blame our parents for everything we don't like about ourselves. I would be a much better person if I'd only had better parents. I'd be a much healthier person if I'd gotten better genes. I've fallen prey to it myself at times, and can easily devolve into a lifelong pity-party. There is a strange comfort in in being a victim of a dysfunctional family.
I found a quote that puts it all in perspective and I want to send you out with it this morning.
"It's not your place to hold your parents responsible for your failings, they are as imperfect as you are.
"It is your place to recognize that their sacrifices have allowed you the opportunity to be in this world long enough to work on and overcome those failings."
Funny how imperfect parents often end up with imperfect children (but perfect grandchildren). But as followers of Jesus, we know that not one of us is perfect, and yet because of His amazing grace, we most certainly are forgiven. And many times, that's all it takes.
Archived Posts
Such A Rich Passage (Luke 19:1-10)
I reflected a lot on the passage about Zacchaeus because it has been written off as “been there, read that, little guy in a tree.” But it is so rich in getting to the heart of what it means to be saved by grace through faith—to live our lives out of gratitude rather than obligation.
The Power of Presence
This last Sunday I had so much more to share than time to share it. The last Emotional Management Technique was to stay present in the process. Just as Jesus stayed with the woman who was judged and found guilty by the angry crowd, we stay by our children and our friends, especially when they need us the most. Here a couple of examples...
What’s In A Benediction?
Last Sunday I used one of my favorite benedictions.
It was inspired by a saying from about ten years ago:
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
There are several powerful and evocative artworks that depict the scene from Mark 9:14–29, where Jesus heals a boy possessed by an unclean spirit... Some of the following have internet links, the others are worth googling. Enjoy!
The Gift of Ourselves As A Gift of Love
The more the giving of myself costs me something, the greater the power of the gift. You know I love quotes, so after a little research, let me share a few of my favorites on this very subject:
The Loss of a Great Christian Leader
The death today of Pope Francis was particularly poignant, falling as it did on the day after Easter. As Protestant Christians we have a once removed interest in the leader of the Roman Catholic church. Yet the pope is the authoritative leader of 1.4 billion women and men around the world. It is worth our time to pause and consider what kind of man and what kind of legacy Pope Francis left behind.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Judas Iscariot
(Drawn from online sources)