Friday Night with Friends: Prayers for the Potcake by Dr. Christy Lee

Tilla came into my life at the beginning of living and teaching in Nassau, The Bahamas, in October of 2009 after a mugging incident had taken place in my own yard.  I was told that “potcakes” (a Bahamian mix breed named for the crusty cake of rice that forms at the bottom of a pot of rice) were wonderful guard dogs, fiercely loyal to their yards, and exactly what I needed to protect me from further incidents.  Thus, after years of being a “cat” lady I found myself the owner of Tilla - about 10 months old, beautiful, but very unsocialized by “American” standards of pet ownership.

 

Over the next weeks and months this animal and I forged ahead in learning about love and relationships while I continued to learn about the ways and culture of this beautiful island country I was calling home.  She learned to be touched, to take treats from my hand, to sit, lay down, walk on a leash, receive belly rubs, and, after about 8 months, finally set foot inside the house for the first time.  As she learned about being a pet, I learned the amazingness of unconditional love that I had heard about from dog owners all my life.  Her fierce devotion to me and those I loved became apparent as she would dutiful bark her head off at any suspicious cars or people in or around our yard.  She would lie in the driveway in the evenings or night waiting to get me safely inside the house, where she would lick my toes and stretch herself out on the cool tile to snore away until morning.

 

After five years of amazing island life, Tilla and I have journeyed to the USA together this past May via a chartered flight to Ft Lauderdale, a stay at doggie day care in Disney World, a long van ride with Uncle Terry to Mississippi, a summer stay at Granny and Pop’s house in Starkville this summer, a visit to our cousins in Knoxville, TN, and, not quite two weeks ago, to our new home in southwest Virginia.  Tilla has been a champ – civilized, loving and still fiercely protective of any potential threat around me or our family.  

 

Last Monday, Tilla went missing from our yard in Virginia.  I am fairly certain she was stolen out of our yard, as I’m hearing more and more incidents of “dog”napping for ransom money occurring in this region.  I’m convinced this is what has happened.  I’m amazed at the far reaching kindness that has been bestowed upon me this week as friends and strangers are rallying on the search for Tilla.

 

As I guest write for my cousin Leanna, I want to share the biggest lesson I have learned from Tilla and that is the Power of Love.  As she was given the chance, her doggie heart grew and gave huge amounts of Love in the best ways she knew how.  I know God loves the furry people, and I know He places them in our lives to serve as Angels to protect, love, and serve us where so often humans can fail.  Perhaps you, too, have experienced the unconditional love of on of God's most precious creatures and man's best friend. If so, please join me in praying Prayers for this Potcake, that she find her way safely home.  

 

NOTE:  Tilla received her name from the piece of accompanying music performed by C Force (I’m playing piano) and composed by Bahamian colleague Christian Justilien.  It’s written in a style of Bahamian music called “goombay.”  Tilla knows it’s her theme song and it fits her personality perfectly.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs4eCGFXAx8

Back to the Beginning (Bahamian Blogging # 14)

Our arrival in the Bahamas was a little unusual.  I was expecting beaches and palm trees.  Alas, they would have to wait.  My cousin and her friends picked us up at the airport in Freeport, and we immediately went to a health food store, where we shared vegan fudgesicles. Since I am very fond of my own health food store, as well as fudgesicles, this was like being at home, and was a perfect welcome for me.  We had missed lunch, so this was a wonderful treat, as well.

From there, we went to Pinder's Point.  One of the songs on the C-Force CD (the Classical Caribbean music trio of which my cousin is a part) was titled "Pinder's Point" and everyone wanted to see this spot about which they had played.

Pinder's Point was the place Chris Justilien was reared and where he began his musical career, playing the organ in the church his father pastored.  We had the opportunity to explore the small community at Pinder's Point, visit the home in which Chris grew up (above), and meet his sister Arlene. Chris had a happy reunion with some of the people who still lived there.  

This is Chris with his sister Arlene. She is as sweet as she is beautiful. We loved her instantly. 

Since we were taking in the sights, we also visited the Pinder's Point Cemetery, which was adjacent to the beach. It was a rock-strewn beach with a lovely view. 

Chris told us stories about fishing for sardines on the beach and taking them home for breakfast, as well as tales of long-ago adventures in the little community. He was full of smiles as he remembered those happy childhood days, and it was evident they had shaped the man he has become. Chris is not only a professional musician, playing multiple instruments, but is a composer, band leader, active community servant, and assistant professor of music at the College of the Bahamas. 

What is most important about Chris, however, is not how well he plays instruments, composes, or speaks.  What is important about Chris is that everything he does is infused with the aroma of his faith in Christ.  The lessons he learned at his father's knee have born fruit in a life that is full of caring, service, and love.  This gentle man may have left the simple community of Pinder's Point, but he carries the truths he learned there deep in his heart, and they exert a gentle influence on him every day.  

When I met Chris, he instantly felt like family.  When I saw him at Pinder's Point, where his musical journey began, I realized he is family.  The journey back to the beginning was important for us to know Chris a little better.  The journey back was just a happy reunion for Chris.  He carries Pinder's Point, his "starting place", with him everywhere he goes.  That's what we should do, too.  

The impact (Bahamian blogging # 13

One of the things I've been pondering lately is the impact one person can have on another. I'm particularly interested in that seemingly casual encounter during which words are spoken that impact and are remembered for decades. 

I've have several such encounters of my own. More than a decade ago, John Livoni talked with me about joining the Physicians Resource Council. He explained the work and committment that would be involved. "You have a full plate," he said.  "You need to decide whether there is room on the plate for this or not." As our discussion continued, the suggestion was made that I put my "plate" at the foot of the cross and see what God decided to do.  My tendency is to fill my life to the brim with activities I enjoy until I'm completely overloaded. Time and time again, I've had to say, "Is there room on my plate for this?"  Time and time again, I've had to take my "plate" to the cross. Years later, that conversation is as fresh as the day we spoke because of the impact it made. 

A few years before, I was busy traveling and speaking in addition to being a mom, running a small farm, and practicing medicine. Brad Beck and I were talking in the hall during a break in a meeting and he asked, "Where is the margin in your life?" Margin, in case you don't know, is the room around the edges of your "have to" that leaves room for God to work. That question stuck with me when I went home, and I found that major changes were needed. Once more, I'm asking myself Brad's question again. 

When Ryan and I were in the Bahamas, we enjoyed several long leisurely meals. The service was much slower than that to which I was accustomed, but the food was lovely when it arrived. The wait allowed time for conversation.  It also forced me to slow down a bit and enjoy my meal. My sweet cousin Christy Lee explained, "We are on Bahamas time". After I returned home and jumped back into my busy schedule, I've longed for Bahamas time. It's caused me to eat slower and converse more. I'm hoping that will also be an impact that lasts. 

Chanel was one of the students in the class to which I spoke at the College of the Bahamas. I don't remember the exact wording, but one of the things she hoped for was that people (especially church people) would recognize her as a trained professional musician. Music is her livelihood. If she doesn't get paid, she won't be able to cover her expenses. She is happy to donate services on occasion, but it's not really fair to expect her do everything for free. She wanted the option to give her services, but not always be expected to do so. She wanted to be respected for her hard work and training. I understand that more than most. I've thought repeatedly about what Chanel said, and it has caused me to see students in a little different light. Respect. Almost everyone appreciates being treated with respect. 

The Legend is very health conscious. He exercises by riding his bike fifty miles several days a week. "What kind of bike do you ride?" I asked. An expensive one, it turned out. "Well that should make it easier," I said. Really, why have a piece of equipment, expensive or not, that doesn't make the job easier? "Easy? It's never easy!" he exclaimed. He's right. Hard jobs are just that. Hard. There may be joy in the journey. There may be fun along the way. It's pretty rare, (if not impossible) though to find a tool that turns manual labor into an easy task. Sometimes the job is just hard. Somehow, the bike riding has stuck in my mind. Lately, I've had some hard tasks that I didn't much enjoy. It helped me stay the course to remember that "hard is just hard" and I need to keep going until I'm done. 

The issue that concerns me most is not the impact others have on my life. The question is what kind of impact am I having? Do my words have such power and truth that they linger for decades? Am I sowing good and not evil into the lives of others with my words? Are you? 

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24 NASB)

Bahamas blogging #12: Lent

Admittedly, there has never been a worship bulletin with such a wealth of inspiration for my writing as the one from First Baptist Church, Freeport, Grand Bahama of 3/16/2014. I have saved the wonderful letter written by the pastor for our Good Friday topic. 

In the Christian calendar, Lent traditionally goes from Ash Wednesday to Easter Eve. It is a time when believers "give up something" or fast as a means of sacrifice in memory of that much greater sacrifice our Lord Jesus made for us. The forty days of the Lenten season are intended to be a time of personal introspection and corporate worship, but also a time of mourning for sin, both individual sin as well as the corporate sin of mankind. In contrast to Advent, a joyful time of anticipating the birth of our Savior, Lent is a time of anticipating the brutal death of that long-awaited Messiah. 

The agony of the cross is easily overshadowed by the joy of the glorious resurrection we commemorate on Easter. In the midst of our Resurrection celebration, however, we must not lose sight of the price Jesus paid in order to make that empty tomb possible. Beaten, betrayed, humiliated, shamed, crucified, He died a criminal's death. It was what I deserved. It was what you deserved. Yet, because of His great love and mercy, He took our place. Our place. We must not lose sight of that fact. 

He died instead of us, that we might live eternally with Him. It was also His intention that we might live free this side of heaven. He longed for us to be free from the bonds of sin that so easily entangle us. He broke those bonds with His death and resurrection. We can accept freedom. Much to our shame, we can also choose bondage, as well, and often we do. 

The words Rev. Dr. Mitchell wrote are so timely that they bear repeating here. "Lent is that time of preparation when we prepare for our most wretched memory - the betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion of our loving and obedient Lord; but it is also the time of preparation for our most glorious celebration - the resurrection if our victorious Christ!

As always, we must take seriously the cross, with all of it's brutality and ugliness; we must not gloss over it on our way to Easter Sunday. Yet , we must be exuberant in our declaration: He lives! he lives !"

On this Good Friday evening, I invite you to join me in focusing on the price that was paid for our sin, and the agony it involved. I cannot envision loving mankind enough to suffer so greatly, and yet our Lord went willingly for us all. 

Remember, and choose to live as one who has been redeemed.   

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In honor of Silent Saturday, when believers waited while Jesus was entombed, there will be silence on the blog, with no posts until Easter morning. May we be radically changed by the One whose death and resurrection made change and redemption possible. 

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The link for last night's post is here: 

http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/04/blood-red-moon-part-3.html

Bahamian Blogging # 11: Road Work

When we were church hopping on our recent trip to the Bahamas, one of the churches to which we hopped was the First Baptist Church of Freeport. As many churches do these days, they have a three-year theme.

I've seen a fair number of church themes that I thought were pretty iffy, so I wasn't optimistic. If the church is the bride of Christ (and it is) then the theme should have something to do with Jesus. Preferably, it would come from something Jesus said, and not some popular author's book. The Bahamians, however, have done a marvelous job of choosing. Their theme is "Transforming the Jericho Road", and they have the Good Samaritan in mind. If you remember the story, you know that Jesus used it to answer the question, "Who is my neighbor?"  

The road from Jerusalem to Jericho was filled with robbers and extremely dangerous. No one wanted to go that way, and the route was undertaken with great caution. A man made the trip, was attacked by mugger-robbers, stripped naked, beaten to a pulp, and left for dead. They took all his money, too. First a priest and then a Levite passed him on the road. They didn't want to get involved, so they crossed by on the other side of the street. 

Finally, a hated Samaritan came by. He took one look at that jumble of crushed humanity and his heart broke. He scooped the battered man up, treated his wounds, and carried the man to an inn where he could be cared for until he was strong enough to go his way.  

Jesus wanted us to understand that the Samaritan treated the stranger the way He wants us to treat people. The Samaritan did what needed to be done at his own expense, no questions asked, no expectation of repayment. "You go and do likewise," Jesus said. 

First Baptist Church of Freeport has a bold vision. They have decided to tackle the problem of the (figurative) Jericho Road. They plan "to banish fear, to offer hope, to show compassion, to love our neighbors as ourselves, to keep God at center, and to build a beloved community." These visionaries hope to accomplish this in three short years. Now THAT is a theme! THAT is a church that is doing what Jesus wanted. He said, "Do likewise," and they are. 

If you haven't had a Jericho road experience where, when you least expected it, circumstances conspired to knock you down and leave you battered and ruined, you probably will. The great difficulty with Jericho Road experiences is that we cannot rescue ourselves there. It takes someone willing to be the hands and feet of Christ to help us. It takes someone like the members of The First Baptist Church of Freeport. 

I've thought about that church many times since I visited there, and I've wished I worshiped and served with them every week. The amazing thing is that, because we are all part of the Church, the bride of Christ, I am a part of them, and they are a part of me. Isn't that beautiful?  Just so you know, my church is doing road work on the Jericho Roads of life and actively watching for those crushed on the side of the road. We could use some help. Wouldn't you like to come along? 

Bahamian Blogging #10: the Gift of Song

When Ryan and I spoke at College of the Bahamas, we had a wonderful time. The class was filled with sweet, fun-loving students who welcomed us like family, and we fell in love with them all. After we spoke, we asked the students to take turns sharing their music. Someone sang the most beautiful song called "When the Road Seems Rough" and I was so moved that I asked them to sing it again and let me video it. "Sing from your soul and make me cry," I said, and that's exactly what they did. 

This song is written by a Bahamian composer, Clement Bethel. According to my cousin Dr. Christy Lee, "He and his family have a wonderful legacy.  His wife was the first president of the College of the Bahamas.  He studied in the UK and was the first Bahamian to get a PhD in music. His son and daughter are both currently on the faculty at the college."

The song speaks to the importance of persevering through trials and the understanding that all the seemingly insurmountable trouble of today will eventually pass. There is no need for despair.  It is a song filled with hope and endurance. Although God isn't mentioned, it reminds me of this passage from Isaiah. 

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:29, 31 KJV)

When The Road Seems Rough

    By Dr. Clement Bethel

When the road seems rough

When you've borne enough

Don't faint. Don't sigh. 

Don't cry, wonder why. 

Just keep on trying. 

Cease your sighing. 

Look beyond the present way. 

This time will pass. 

Tomorrow's another day. 

I've posted the video to YouTube and here's the link. http://youtu.be/0q50QwQpjpk

Bahamian Blogging #9: The Unusual Trip

Most of the patients I've seen this week somehow knew that I was in the Bahamas last week, and most have asked about my trip. They've wondered about how I liked the beaches and the water, the music and the markets. What they anticipated, however, bore little resemblance to the actual trip. 

We met Arlene, a beautiful smiling woman who lives with her family in a house behind the church her father built when she was a girl. They still worship in that church, where she is part of the worship team. Arlene makes beautiful hand-crafted items using shells she has collected. The shell she gave me is a special treasure in a place of honor on my mantel now. 

We met Gloria, a Grammy winner who is passionate about helping Bahamian youth interested in performing arts to excel and reach their full potential. Over an unhurried lunch, we had the opportunity to hear about the many ways she is investing in her community and the lives of the young people there. 

We met Chris, a music professor at College of the Bahamas, who was equally at home both performing on a concert hall stage and leading worship in an humble island church. We toured the neighborhood where he was reared, learned about his childhood, and walked on the beach where he caught sardines for breakfast as a boy. 

We met The Legend, who, for more than two decades, has brought the biggest names in the music industry to the islands, produced quality recordings, and worked tirelessly while enjoying every minute of it, because he has the enviable gift of seeing his work as play and wrapping it with excellence. 

We met Rashad, the smiling student who sang with all his heart while his father was dying, and did it with a smile because he knows his hope is in The Lord. 

We met talented students who are overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to obtain their education and become professional musicians. 

We did see the beach, the pools, the palm trees. We did eat seafood. We experienced the island nation of the Bahamas, however, in the people we met and the lives with which we intersected. 

It's easy to get confused about what makes a nation, a state, or a town. You see, a nation is not a collection of beaches and trees. It's not the buildings, the businesses, or the infrastructure. A nation is made up of people, and they are its most valuable resource. The trees could be flattened and the sands washed away, yet the essence of the Bahamas would remain as long as the people survived. 

We had a wonderful, and somewhat atypical trip, but we saw the Bahamas as few people will do. Why? We saw the Bahamas in its people, and they were so open that we saw their hearts. We are richer for it, and I wouldn't trade this trip for anything. 

The only problem now is how we are ever going to be as gracious and welcoming to visitors who come our way as they were to us. All those smiling people... Maybe the best place to start is with a smile. After all, that's how they did it in the Bahamas. 

Bahamian Blogging # 8: Legend Pizza

When Ryan was a boy, Friday night was our family night. We always had pizza and orange juice. We always watched a movie (James and the Giant Peach was Ryan's choice for years).  It was one of those fun activities that evolved into tradition. Now, if it's Friday and we are together, we are most likely having pizza. 

The Friday night after we returned from the Bahamas, we planned to have pizza just like always. I prefer a vegetarian pizza but Ryan always wants meat. "Hey, Ryan," I asked. "What do you want on your pizza?" Much to my surprise, he said, "Let's have the double sauce pineapple pizza!" "What?" One of the people we met in the Bahamas (The Legend) had joined us for dinner one evening and ordered a "special" pizza.  Ryan remembered all the ingredients, and wanted to give it a try. 

After a quick trip to the grocery, I started to work. Double thick sauce over the thin crust, then thin-sliced onions, pineapple, black olives, and extra olive oil. No cheese. It looked good, but I added spinach, mushrooms, and preserved lemons to top it off.  I was out of artichokes, but we ended up with all the other ingredients Ryan remembered. Yum. The pizza really was good. We called it Legend Pizza. 

I knew our new friend had a custom pizza, but I was only peripherally aware of the ingredients. Ryan, however, had noticed everything, including the pizza, and opted to try it for himself. The Legend is a kind, humble man, and I'm happy for Ryan to copy his behavior. It's made me wonder, though, about people who watch me. Do they copy what I do?  It's one thing to copy a pizza order, but what about lifestyle choices? What about my attitudes or the way I treat other people? 

Ryan and the pizza have made me much more aware of my time in public and the people who, unbeknownst to me, are not only watching me, but also copying me. It's a sobering thought, isn't it? When I was growing up, I often heard, "Be careful how you act. You may be the only Bible some people ever read." The Legend Pizza reminds me that it was more than just a nice saying. People do notice and they do copy what they see.  The question we all need to answer is, "What do people see when they are watching me?"  I certainly hope that people who notice me see a woman who acts like Jesus all the time. Of course, they don't, but I wish they did, don't you? 

I don't suppose The Legend had any idea that a young man was looking to him for an example that evening. I'm really grateful that the example he set was a good one. You never know who's looking to you. Let's make sure the example we set is one worth copying. 

Bahamian Blogging #7: The Smiling Student

He was funny and cute and full of energy. When the opportunity to perform for us was announced, he was the first one to our makeshift stage (really just a clearing in the front of the room).  He had a beautiful, enormous smile as he began to sing one of my favorite show tunes. "Summertime, and the living is easy..." Indeed, after this very difficult winter we've had, summer does promise a much easier time, and I'm longing to see the new season that will bring a little lighter work load on my farm. My thoughts were all about my own upcoming summertime in rural Mississippi.

I loved his music, enjoyed all the memories associated with the song, and anticipated that new season as he sang. Much as I hate to admit it, I had not one thought about that sweet young man's upcoming summertime. If there was even a hint of trouble or personal concern in his musical delivery, I completely missed it.  His enthusiasm never wavered. 

I had no way of knowing, but that smiling student's father was gravely ill. In less than twenty-four hours, his father would be dead. The summertime he faces is not likely to bring easy living, and is dramatically different than the one I anticipate. 

I wish I'd known, and offered hope and comfort in the same measure he offered smiles and songs. I'm left wondering how many of the big smiles that greet me every day are hiding enormous burdens and overwhelming grief. How much pain do I overlook because I fail to see past the enthusiasm and the toothy grins? How much pain do you overlook?

As you anticipate the coming week, join me in praying for this smiling student and his family during their time of grief and loss. Join me, too, in making an effort to look past the smiles for the hurt and pain hidden deep inside. Perhaps, by seeing a little more clearly, we can offer the Balm of Gilead to those who need it most and show it the least. 

Bahamian Blogging # 6: Sister Zina and the Blood Song

At FBC Nassau, the schedule was set and recorded in the worship booklet. When two of the C-Force musicians were invited to play for the special music time, I wondered if Sister Zina would be unhappy that she was "bumped" by the appearance of professional musicians. I had assumed her selection would be shifted to another week, but I'm so glad it wasn't.

Sister Zina Robins was an incredible singer who sang what I still think of as a "blood song", but was in fact an old Andre Crouch song, "The Blood Will Never Lose it's Power."  She added a bit to the song, and one of the phrases she added was, "The blood that covers me, the blood that covers my children, will never lose it's power."  I glanced at my son sitting next to me, and started to cry. The blood that covers that wonderful young man, the one human I love more than any other, can be trusted. It will never lose it's power to cleanse or to save.

When Ryan was a little boy, we used to sing the old hymn "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus". I'd sing, "What can wash away my sin?" and Ryan would sing, "Nothing but the blood of Jesus!" "What can make me whole again?" He would sing his reply, "Nothing but the blood of Jesus!"

Sister Zina reminded me of those sweet days, but her powerful delivery did more than that. It reminded me once again of the faithful, never failing power of the Blood of the Lamb. 

As we continue through this Lenten season, keep the power of the Blood in the forefront of your mind. Never forget that it is by His blood we are cleansed, by His stripes we are healed. That blood will never, never ever, lose its power. 

Bahamamian Blogging #5: the theme

Most of the churches I have attended here in the US have a printed worship program that is handed out at the entrance to the sanctuary. First Baptist Church of Freeport, Grand Bahamas was no different. They offered a 12-page booklet that was chocked full of information and encouragement. (It was also full of writing inspiration, and you can expect to hear more about it!)

The front page had the usual contact information, date, pastor's name, and photo, as well as a hearty welcome. There were two things, however, that seemed a little different in a bold and challenging way. The first might be called the "mission statement" but it was a description of the kind of Church FBC Freeport hopes to be. It would be a good mission statement for our own lives as well. The booklet read "A church where the Gospel is not prostituted, the Faith is not compromised, nor integrity pawned in the store of convenience." Whether anyone likes it or not, whether it is easy or not, convenient or not, they plan to do things God's way. 

The next section on that worship booklet made me smile, because it is so very God-like. In Scripture, when God pronounced a judgement, he always left a window for mercy. The "no compromise" statement is a bold stand to which adherence cannot help but be hard. It was quickly followed by a verse filled with such grace and mercy that I wanted to shout at the wisdom of the pairing. 

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3 KJV)

Early in his ministry, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 61 and proclaimed it as fulfilled. This verse is a part of that section. It's beautiful, isn't it? It's filled with promises and purpose for those who mourn. Our Lord offers a wonderful exchange plan:

Our ashes for His beauty

Our mourning for His joy

Our spirit of heaviness for His garment of praise

That's a great deal right there, but there's more! The exchange plan has a two fold purpose. When we give Him our ashes, mourning, and spirit of heaviness, He not only gives us His beauty, joy, and praise, He also gives us roots so that we can be called trees of righteousness, anchored in  The Lord. The result of all of this giving to us is that He will be glorified. 

There will be times of grief and mourning, whether because of a death or a calamity, in all our lives. The good news is that the sadness and sorrow are not the endpoint of our mourning. Becoming an oak of righteousness and glorifying God is the endpoint for which we should aim, and, it appears, it's the aim of this sweet island church. 

No compromise and glorifying God. It's an "island lesson" we all need to learn. May we and our loved ones embrace this truth in a way that leaves no doubt where we stand or whose we are. 

Bahamas blogging #4: Pregnant with Music

Ryan and I had the wonderful opportunity  to visit with one of the classes at College of the Bahamas yesterday. We had a marvelous time getting to know the students. I was enraptured by these funny, talented, joyful young people and encouraged them to share their music with us. Gifted performers, they were enthusiastic about the chance.

One of the girls laughed and commented about a fellow student, "He's pregnant with music. He's gonna pop it out in a minute."  We all had a big laugh, but that comment has stayed in my mind. Pregnant with music. It conjures up images of the seeds of music being placed inside, nurtured until it grows to fruition, and emerging as a living thing, part of them yet somehow with a life of its own. 

What emerged from those students yesterday was, indeed, an incredible birth of song that spanned two very different cultures and touched my heart. I can still see their faces as they sang. They were breathtakingly beautiful as they reveled in the gift inside of them. 

I wept. 

I loved them all.  

Being pregnant with music was a lovely sight to observe, but I'm wondering today about being pregnant with the Spirit, not as the Virgin Mary, but as believers with the love of God filling our hearts. 

Oh, what a difference we could make in this world if we allowed the Spirit of God to develop and grow in our hearts like a kind of pregnancy, spilling out the love of God to those around us! Now that would be beautiful, indeed! 

The verses that comes to mind today are from Paul's letter to the Ephesians:

"...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;" (Ephesians 5:18-20 NASB)

My prayer for you today is that you would be so filled with the Spirit that it becomes a kind of pregnant filling, infusing every fiber of your being, and emerging from you to touch the lives of those around you with the love and hope of Christ. 

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Bahama Blogging #3:The legend

The man is a rock and roll legend. It's apparent from the albums he has engineered and produced. He may not be a household name in my neck of the woods (Northeast Mississippi), but in the world of musicians, he is. You need to know that from the beginning of my tale. 

It happened like this... 

I'm not one for vacations. I like what I do. I like everything I do, so it rarely ever feels like work. If you never actually "work", why do you need a vacation?  This seemed like the time, though, so I booked my reservations. No one was more surprised than me. 

I announced at the Board of Aldermen meeting that I was going to the Bahamas with Ryan for spring break, and again there was considerable surprise. Afterwards, Jan (our city clerk), asked about the trip. I explained that my cousin is a music professor at the College of the Bahamas and she and two other professors were doing a concert. "No way!" she said. "I had a cousin who was a musician in the Bahamas.  She had cancer and died, but she and her husband were both musicians there."  I had visions of a reggae band. Silly me!  She told me her cousin's first name, but that meant nothing to me. 

Over the next few days, my cousin and I corresponded. She talked about her album and the upcoming concert. Her fellow professors and their producer would all be there. As she told me about each person, I thought, "How odd! This producer's wife who died has the same name as Jan's cousin!" Yes. In one of those very crazy divine orchestrations masquerading as a coincidence, they were one and the same. 

Jan told me about him. She had met him once. "He's the nicest, kindest man.  He took great care of my cousin when she was sick."  Somehow, Jan's description didn't seem to fit my idea of a rock and roll record producer. Like any internet-savvy writer, I turned to Google. Yep. Legend and Icon. Here's what's really unexpected. Jan didn't know. Her cousin was married to this amazingly talented and successful man, yet her family saw only his kindness. What a wonderful recommendation!

I was leery when my cousin emailed to say that she and her buddies were picking us up at the airport. When they pulled up, Mr. Legend was driving. I was shocked. You may well imagine what I expected, but immediately it was apparent that my expectations were totally off the mark. Hugs were exchanged all around and I began to see the most humble, kind man I've ever known. There was no errand too menial for him to run. There was no help he was unwilling to offer. I, who love music but am no performer, was treated as one of the crowd. Now, you might expect that treatment, since I was the family of a performer, but he treated everyone we saw in exactly the same way. 

Every time I've spoken with him, the word that comes to mind is HUMILITY. He might be shocked, but the other word that comes to mind is MOSES. How crazy that sounds, I know, but Moses was the most humble man on the face of the earth. This overwhelming humility makes me want to be just like him. I want that extreme kindness born of true humility that I see in him. It has driven me to Scripture, and I've found a few verses that speak to this humility in a way I never could. 

He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way. (Psalms 25:9 NASB)

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11 NASB)

When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2 NASB)

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4 NASB)

I have been in the presence of greatness, and it has nothing at all to do with rock and roll, engineering, or record producing. This greatness is born of God and planted deep in the heart of a man I may never see again. I'm stunned by the appearance of this untiring humility. I didn't know it looked like this. I want it for myself. Scripture makes it clear that you can choose humility. I must. You must. We must. We could change the world if we saw it through these humble eyes. When we finally do, we will. 

Teach us, Lord Jesus. Plant it deep in our hearts. Let humility take root and blossom in us and in our loved ones in such an extravagant bouquet that all who see will recognize Your humility in us. 

Bahamian Blogging #2: The Pastoral Prayer

We island-hopped yesterday, traveling from Nassau to Freeport. Today, we church-hopped. To clarify right off the bat, we were "hopping" with musicians who were guests at two different churches during the same service, so we traveled between them. I thought it might not be much like worship to swap around in the midst of the service, but the blessings were somehow magnified exponentially. 

At the First Baptist Church of Freeport, meeting in a lovely older (but beautifully cared for) structure, we arrived just in time for the pastoral prayer. Never have I wanted a voice recorder more! Never have I taken notes during a prayer before! 

There were three things the pastor prayed that resounded in my heart. I hope they mean as much to you.

1) "Almighty God, we ask you to come and see about us today." 

It's a beautiful term, isn't it? "Come and see about us" invites our Lord for a personal, intimate visit with us and offers no barriers to His inspection. What a wonderful cleansing His seeing about us can bring!  Come and see about us, indeed, Lord, and respond to what you see in us!

2) "Thank you for protecting us from dangers seen and unseen." 

How often we grumble about the trouble that comes our way, yet how seldom we consider that which does not come our way. One day, perhaps, we will see all that we were spared. For now, however, be assured that what we experience in life, be it sorrow or trouble or danger, is not all that we could encounter. Indeed, Lord, we do thank you for all you have spared us!

3) "Your love penetrates all the obstacles that stand between us and You."

As the words were spoken, I envisioned an industrial laser boring a hole through solid rock to reach a core of uncharted fear and confusion with its powerful light. It is, without a doubt, a penetrating Love-Light  that goes to our core, removes all the obstacles to grace, and floods our souls with light and love. In the presence of such love, all fear and all confusion are vanquished and we are brought face to face with the Lover of our Soul. 

Come, Lord of Love, and penetrate all those obstacles that keep us from You.  Come and set us free with your Love.  

Bahamian Blogging #1: Learning to follow

My cousin and her friends picked us up from the airport and announced we were taking a field trip. It had been a short night followed by a much longer day already. What I wanted most was to sit still a bit under a palm tree with a book. How silly! It turned out to be a wonderful field trip!

Our first stop was the health food store. Frankly, I was surprised. A trip to the health food store was not what I expected on this trip to the Bahamas, but what it turned out to be a blessing in disguise! One of my new-found friends bought vegan fudge bars and handed them out. What better way to start an island vacation than with ice cream? I began to relax. Maybe this field trip business wasn't so bad after all!

The store was just like those at home except for one thing. Neatly stacked on the check out counter were scraps of paper with carefully printed words of wisdom. I was intrigued and wanted all of them, but asked the lady behind the counter if I could have just one. She smiled broadly and assured me that I could. It was obviously her plan all along. The one that caught my eye said:

"You must always remember that to lead, one must first learn to follow, and you must obey the rules and regulations by which your conduct is to be governed."

Knowing the rules and following them is the reason behind why we study Scripture, but, of course, you already know that. It's the first part that caught my eye. To be a leader, you must be a follower. Correction, to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower. The trick in following is knowing who to follow, isn't it?  

There are plenty of verses about following Jesus. The first that comes to mind directs us to take up our cross and follow Him, but the one that draws me to follow is this one:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; (John 10:27 NASB)

Following the Shepherd whose voice I know sounds like the sweetest kind of following of all. On this beautiful Sunday morning in this island paradise, I am pausing to consider the quality of my following.  If I must lead, and it seems unavoidable, then my following must be of the highest quality. 

Today, join me in evaluating your own following and pray that we, and our loved ones, would not only follow our Shepherd's voice but keep close to the One on whose tender care we depend.