A Useful Slice of History

It has been more than a week and her words are still ringing in my ears... "Honestly? Yes. Because I really don't see anything wrong with it."

I had been talking to a young sister in Christ, and I wondered aloud if maybe - just maybe - she would have reconsidered her somewhat 'abbreviated' attire (and party/dance attendance) if she had known for sure that Jesus would come that night. I had asked, "Would you do things exactly the same way?"

Her response was not the one I had anticipated, and I choked up and cried inwardly.

I teared up because I remember being a member of the 'I-don't-see-anything-wrong-with-it' club in years past. A slice of history that ought to remain history... one that existed before the technological age arrived in the Third World. Before the prevalence of social networking sites would subtly encourage the documentation of every error in judgment... and thus place stones of stumbling in the way of more persons than those in your immediate sphere of influence.

But it has been a while since I handed in my membership card.

There came a time when I became convicted that I had been asking all the wrong questions. It really did not matter whether I saw anything wrong with it or not. Neither did it matter if my skirt length was longer than that of the church leader's daughter. What did matter was whether it represented the kingdom of which I professed to be a citizen.

So then, I was forced to ask myself: "What is right about it?" Need I say that the redeeming qualities of many items in my closet were non-existent?

I am forever indebted to my Saviour for the gift of the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth, and to those who prayed for me more than they scolded. And now - keenly aware that we are living on the threshhold of eternity - I envision this young woman's face, and my heart aches.

At times like these, 'historical data' can be useful. Though not documented on Facebook, my beginnings are etched in my memory to remind me...

To spread the love... and share thoughts, where possible.

To keep hope alive. For God is as able to soften, subdue and change hearts now as He was more than a decade ago.

To work and pray earnestly for someone's child, because my child will invariably need someone's prayers.

I did.

We all do.

Stop, Listen... Love

I have found that I like listening to people. I mean really listening... attending to variations in tone, body language and facial expressions. Not just checking to make sure my ears still work.

It is a most 'absorbing' exercise.

I started making the effort deliberately, because I know how it feels to be heard rather than listened to. And I began to think that maybe - just maybe - I could extend a courtesy that is sometimes not accorded me...

And the world could change...

One conversation at a time.

You see, I have been blessed with a strong voice. It is the kind of voice you just cannot help noticing. The kind that arrests your attention although you know for sure that your attention ought to be elsewhere. It is not shrill or coarse, just firm and clear (even in spite of a slight lisp). It gives the impression that I wield more authority than I really do, so I make an attempt to tame it for the sake of those who may not understand... and come to the conclusion that it is contrived rather than inherited.

You have heard that version before.

But sometimes I forget.... and people hear, assign motives and draw conclusions that could have been avoided if they had really been listening.

I learn a lot about people by listening.

If I had to share the most important thing I gleaned, it would be this: The last thing that is said is often the most important. If I bolt (and draw conclusions) at the first sense of discomfort - I could miss many an opportunity to be used by God to minister to deep-seated pain.

I am glad that my Heavenly Father listens intently. He answers before I call because He is intimately acquainted with every fibre of my being. No flicker of the eyelid or quiver of the lip escapes His Divine gaze. No tear falls unnoticed.

He hears. He responds. He loves unconditionally.

Oh, that I could be more like my Father!

Lend a listening ear, today... will you?

Blessings,