Hard Questions and Obvious Answers

What you hear in church, doesn't have to stay in church. It's the antithesis of Vegas, that way.

Reid had a Keith Haring baby book. He worships like the blue figure.

After a week of sorting through an unpleasant reality I wish hadn't happened and wasn't part of our parenting experience, it was a solace to be in worship.  From our spot in the back row we can raise our hands without a whiff of self-consciousness. Reid was doing the pogo. The lady next me commented she wished she had enough freedom to join him. Attentive the entire service, so were we.

That Sunday I was seeking peace, hoping for direction, desperate to make meaning of the recent incident. Nothing as difficult had happened all school year. What did it mean? How would it change our immediate plans--for travel, summer camp, next fall?  Could we ensure it would not happen again? What is the right parental response of forgiveness and consequences, or is that love and logic? How do I stomach this complex emotional soup? Did this relapse negate the claims I'm making in my book?

Whoosh...it felt good to worship Someone who wasn't shifting with the tide.

In the midst came two thoughts.I love being engrossed in worship then hearing an idea drop into my consciousness.  It's then I am sure it's from Him.  I hadn't been noodling on it enough to think of it myself.

Do you trust Me to run interference?

Are you okay if my purpose for him is to refine someone else?

God's Word--both the printed Word and His rhema word--is a two-edged sword.  It cuts to the quick sharper and faster than the pain registers.  Embedded in the searing questions were the answers I'd been seeking.

I can post this now--albeit in vague references--because the situation has somewhat resolved.  The question is: will I remember it next time I'm thrust into an episode of mother angst?


For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

Hear my prayer, Lord;  listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.  Psalm 86:6-7

It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.  Matthew 4:4

Five Minute Friday: Brave

Taking Lisa Jo Baker's prompt today:

Brave is walking into high school the Monday after the Friday when you made a big mistake that hurt one someone standing in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Brave is walking beside that son able to smile.  Standing tall to face every possible ramification and reaction. Brave is asking for the spirit of forgiveness to go before. Believing the words of his baptism song are true.  Trusting even this can be redeemed for good. Allowing space for others. Banking on promises that I cannot see. Remembering faithfulness that's proven true. Letting God run interference.

Brave is getting out of bed, apologizing, choosing thoughts, binding shame, prioritizing faith, looking for redemption, waiting for perspective, knowing God is the refiner.

You’ll pray to him and he’ll listen;
    he’ll help you do what you’ve promised.
You’ll decide what you want and it will happen;
    your life will be bathed in light.
To those who feel low you’ll say, ‘Chin up! Be brave!’
    and God will save them.
Yes, even the guilty will escape,
    escape through God’s grace in your life.”  Job 22:28-30