When the Lion Roars: Five Promises Christians Can Claim

Blog posts ideas don't always pop into my head fully formed. Sometimes, I open my computer and stare at the blank page, my brain equally blank because I have no idea what to write.

On those days, I use an unusual story prompt: my photo app. I open the photo file and scroll through until something catches my attention or an idea comes to mind. Today, I decided to try a variation on the story-prompt theme. I opened a free photo site and scrolled through until I saw the photo of the roaring lion. A verse from 1 Peter came to mind and a blog post was born. 

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 nasb 

The lion's roar is a terrifying sound, and can be heard up to five miles away. According to lionalert.org, "lions roar to tell other lions where they are, to show how big they are, and to warn lions from other prides to keep away from their home territory."   

The lion's roar is a loud message that says, in a way, "I'm here and so big you can't get away. Don't tangle with me. Don't invade my space." It's a message of pride that defies other animals to venture into his territory. 

How does that translate to the spiritual realm? 

1) The lion's roar proclaims his size. The evil one roars to proclaim his dominance over us. He would have us believe he's the biggest, baddest lion in the area, but that's a lie. 

"Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) 

If Scripture is true, and it is, Satan is not greater, or more powerful, than our God. 

2) The lion's roar proclaims his proximity. In a way, the roar says, "I'm right on top of you. I have you now." The enemy of our souls would have us believe he's so close we will not be able to resist or flee. Jesus, however, said He and His Father would live in us. 

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him." John 14:23 

No matter what the enemy says, He cannot evict our Father. 

3) The lion's roar proclaims his ownership. When the lion roars to proclaim his territory, he defies other lions to risk entering. As Christians, however, we do not belong to the world or the powers of this world. 

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."  1 Corinthians 6:19,20 nasb

Regardless of what the enemy claims, he does not have authority over us. 

4. The lion's roar proclaims his power. The roaring lion would have other lions believe he is big enough and powerful enough to defend that which is his. In that same way, the evil one would have us believe he is powerful enough to destroy us and that God cannot snatch us from his claws nor deliver us in time of danger and temptation.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common 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." 1 Corinthians 10:13 niv

5. The lion's roar proclaims his victory. A victory in advance of battle is nothing more than a prideful boast. We may experience battle with the evil one, but we have all we need for battle, and we fight a defeated foe.

"Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:13 

God has already given us the defensive weapons to protect ourselves from the onslaught of the evil one. He has also given us the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, which is the only offensive weapon we will ever need. We must know Scripture, however, to use it. We do have power, but we must be prepared before the lion roars. 

Lions roar, because that's how they're made. The evil one also roars with pride and defiance, because that's who he is. Fear and defeat are his objectives, but we can stand firm in the face of his tactics, if we remember the truth God has given. 

The power, authority, and ownership of our souls were bought by Jesus with His precious blood. The enemy's claim on us has been broken. We have been set free, from sin, death, and the roar of the lion. 

Today, let's evaluate the roar of the evil one in our lives. Do we tremble with fear when he threatens? Does fear cause us to run straight into his lair? Let's remember Whose we are and live as those who have been redeemed. 

We have been freed, so let's live free.

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In case you missed yesterday's post, here's the link: When Where You Arrive is Not Where You Meant to Go

Caregiver Chronicles: Love That's More Than Words

I sat at Sam's bedside yesterday and worried about my failure to have an emotional surge of feeling that brought tears to my eyes. I fretted that I didn't love.

This morning, I read through 1 Corinthians 13, and realized an amazing truth today. There's nothing about emotion in that description of love. Nothing. Love isn't a feeling. Love is action we choose because of a commitment we've made.

When God demonstrated His love for us, He didn't do it with words. He did it with the sacrifice of a bloody cross and an empty tomb. 

Love isn't tears or gushing feelings or pounding heartbeats. 

Love is patient, kind, and it never fails. It doesn't act unbecomingly, seek its own good, keep count of wrongs suffered, or rejoice in unrighteousness. Love  doesn't brag and isn't arrogant or easily provoked. 

Love rejoices with truth, bears all things, believes all things, endures all things. 

Love sees what needs to be done. Love comes from God, because He is love, and it directs our actions in ways that demonstrate His love to a loveless world.

Love may be accompanied by deep emotion, but love persists when there are no sweet feelings. Love continues, even when we don't "feel like it." 

Yesterday, I wanted to sit on the patio with my dogs in my lap, have a cup of tea, and enjoy being home. Instead, I chose to sit at the bedside of a dying man, read Scripture to him, sing hymns, and assure him of my love. It had nothing to do with emotion. It had everything to do with a commitment that would not fail.

Proclamations of love that are not accompanied by action don't mean much. There's an ouch to that, but it's no less true. Love isn't words alone. Actions alone aren't love, either. We can give everything we own to help the poor, but that's not necessarily love. 

Love is tangible evidence of an intangible relationship with the One who is love. 

Over the last few weeks, love has been demonstrated by an outpouring of financial help in covering Sam's time at the Hospice house, countless visits to Sam in my absence, keeping my dogs while I've been gone, feeding my horses and bunnies, mowing my lawn, bush-hogging my pastures. 

Love left a meal in my empty refrigerator just before I returned home, and a bag of snacks and groceries in Sam's room when I didn't have time to go to the grocery store for myself. 

Love has acted, and it's been too beautiful to overlook. It's been accompanied by words, but love hasn't been words alone. It never is. 

Love is a choice, an attitude, an action. 

Today, let's take a close look at the love we say we have. Does our "love" result in words alone or in tangible demonstrations of our relationship with God? Can those around us see the love of God in the way we interact? In the way we serve? If not, what needs to change?

"I'm giving you a new commandment to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." John 13:34 niv

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In case you missed the most recent post, here's the link: When We're Too Busy to Be Still but Rest Isn't Optional

When the Last Trumpet Sounds

My mama was very skeptical about what she called "thinkology." What I'm about to write might border on that dreaded field of study, so don't take this as a prediction of any kind. (This is also not a complete study on the topic. I'm hitting the high points.) 

With that said...

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, is an annual feast that runs from Sept 21 through Sept 22 this year. The trumpet (or Shofar, a trumpet made of ram's horn or kudu horn) is blown to call Israel to gather for a holy convocation. Traditionally, the shofar is blown a total of 100 times during the feast day. 

This Feast of Trumpets is held on the 1st day of the 7th month of the Jewish calendar. (Leviticus 23:23-25) It's a day of rest during which the people are to assemble together, rest, and, in a sense, prepare themselves for the day of atonement by considering the sin for which sacrifice needs to be made. 

The Day of Atonement (or Yom Kippur) comes ten days later (Leviticus 16:30, 23:27-33). It's a holy convocation intended to be a time for humbling oneself before God, presenting sin offerings by fire, and complete rest. Leviticus lists severe consequences for failing to honor the Day of Atonement. 

According to Leviticus 16:30, the day of atonement is "made...to cleanse you..from all your sins..." It's a day for corporate repentance and sacrifice. Repentance is something we, in the church, have far too little of these days.

Hold all this information in your mind, and turn with me to 1 Corinthians 15.

"Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 nasb

There is a school of thought that suggests this verse refers to the Rapture of Believers when Jesus returns. Because Paul wrote it would occur "at the last trumpet," the thinking is that the rapture might occur on Rosh Hashanah  during the last trumpet blast of the day.

Will Jesus call us home on Feast of Trumpets? No one knows, but I always think about that possibility on this annual feast day. 

If, and that's a big if, the trumpet-rapture school of thought is correct, this could be the day we meet our Savior face to face. If so, today, of all days, should be the one we spend considering and repenting of our sin. 

Whether Jesus comes for us today or a thousand years from now, His sacrifice made the atonement for our sin. Ten days from now, there will be no need to make a new sacrifice, because His body, broken for us, was enough. His blood spilled out for us was sufficient.

If, and it is true, that His sacrifice has paid our sin debt, we should live as those who have been redeemed. Grateful. Determined to live as freedmen. Careful to avoid the sin that required such a great cost.

May today be a time of contemplation of our lives, the choices we made, the sin in which we indulge. May it be a time of repentance and change. May it be a day for hope and rejoicing because of our coming King. 

"And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:27-28 nasb

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Caregiver Chronicles: One Step at a Time

We spilled out of the bus at the foot of the massive rock on which Masada was built more than 2000 years ago. We could've walked to the cable car that would take us to the top, but we were parked so close to the steps. Climbing the stairs seemed the logical choice, until we were half-way up.

The view was breathtaking, if the steps hadn't already taken your breath. The only way to the top, where the real views were, was to the keep walking. I'd been to Masada before, and I remembered looking over the expanse of the Dead Sea. I remembered marveling at the building expertise of first century architects who had included everything from rainwater-filled cisterns to a sauna, swimming pool, and palaces. It was worth seeing again.

I kept walking because I wanted what was at the end of the trail.

That's how Sam and I are doing this hard end-of-life work. We want the blessings that await us, so we're pressing on, even when it's difficult. We had two good nights this week, when we were only up once during the night. If you count the time from when he went to bed until he's out of bed in the morning, Sam was up four times last night. So was I.

Caregivers know this routine well, as do parents of infants. It's not unusual, but it is hard, because disrupted sleep takes a toll. Sam will nap today and get caught up. I won't, and it's okay. It's just a season, and God wouldn't have entrusted it to us if He didn't expect us to see it through. 

Not all seemingly-interminable climbs in life involve caregiving. Whether it's a difficult employment, a troubled relationship, a rebellious child, or a chronic illness, we all have something that presents a challenge that "feels" insurmountable. If we believe what we say we believe about our God, we know it's not impossible. 

We make our way through our trials the same way I reached the top at Masada. One step at a time. Even when those steps are hard to make.

No matter how difficult our circumstances, we must keep our eyes on the goal, not the path. Press on. Blessings await at the end of the road.

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 niv

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Missing Laila

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Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

Missing Laila

I'm missing Laila today. I didn't know her long, but I loved her, and she loved me.

She was a child when her father was killed in the Six Day War. Her mother died not long afterward of advanced breast cancer. Laila and her siblings were taken in by Christians. They were loved and educated and taught the ways of Jesus. 

Laila became a nurse and, eventually, earned her Masters degree  at Emory in Atlanta. She returned to her homeland to serve as director of nursing (Nursing Matron) for the Baptist Hospital there. 

When she retired as a nurse, she was asked to help supervise operations at the Baptist Conference Center. There was nothing Laila wouldn't do. I watched her wash laundry for the center in an old washing machine that would've been replaced long before for a newer model in this country. I helped her hang sheets on a clothes line behind the building. She supervised everything from cleaning the rooms to emptying the garbage. Nothing was too menial for her. 

She took care of me while I was at the conference center, and I was blessed to spend a day listening to her story. Laila told me she never married because "I had no time for it. If I was married, I wouldn't have been able to serve." 

She chose Jesus and never stopped serving Him. 

She was rushed to the hospital one night while I was there. After a few hours of IV fluids and treatment, she returned to the center and went right back to work. When she told me her symptoms, I felt sick. She didn't have a "stomach bug," she was dying and didn't want anyone to know.

She knew her time was short. "At my age, I've been thinking about the time when I'll have to leave this center. When the Lord wants me to leave, it will be the hardest thing I'll ever have to do." 

We wandered around the conference center together that afternoon. There was an old piano in one of the buildings. I was surprised when Laila sat down and began to play "Just As I Am," then one hymn after another. She stopped playing abruptly and hopped up. "I've wasted too much time with you. I need to get back to work." Laila laughed, hugged me, and planted a kiss on my cheek. "I love you, Leanna." I kissed her cheek, held her tight, and told her I loved her, too. 

In that moment I knew, without a doubt, that Laila would be gone before I returned on my next trip.

Laila had served her entire adult life on the beautiful hill overlooking the Jordan Valley. As it turned out, God never asked her to leave the one place on earth she most loved. She was taken to the hospital with what seemed an acute illness but, in a short time, she quietly left her earthly body and went to live with the Lord she'd served so well. 

She was in her eighth decade when she moved to her new home in Heaven. I'm confident she heard those words I most want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

Laila loved her Lord more than anything, and her faith never wavered  She gave up most of the things we think are essential to have what no one could take from her. She was more content than most people I know. Laila was never "too old" to serve, but did whatever her hand found to do, and did it with all her might.

We need more Lailas. We need believers willing to stay focused on Christ and serve Him until they take their last breath here and step into heaven. That's who I want to be. Don't you?

The way to be a Laila when we're in our eighties is to be the kind of servant she was no matter what our age. Committed. Persevering. Loving God and others with our whole heart. Serving until the very end. 

Want to be a Laila? Start now. Love God. Love others. Don't stop.

"...Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:23 esv

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Caregiver Chronicles: When Sleep Fled

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Middle East, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

The Caregiver Chronicles: When You See Your Heart As It Is and You Don't Like It

The work of caregiving comes with many blessings, but it's not easy. It's night-and-day, never-stop, very-little-thanks work that sends you to the brink of exhaustion and rips at your soul. 

Fatigue battles with wisdom. It's in that soul-ripping place of exhaustion that God can do a beautiful work, if we'll allow it. (whether we're caregivers or not)

I know, because I'm there. 

Today, I'm scheduled to help with Fellowship of Christian Students at a nearby school. Our topic is Psalm 51, and I need it at least as much as the students.

David wrote these words after the prophet Nathan confronted him about his sin with Bathsheba. The psalm reveals a man who has seen the blackness of his soul and desires cleansing and renewal of a right relationship with God.

This morning, I've seen my own soul and found it blacker than I thought. I'm not as loving, compassionate, or patient as I believed I was. I'm not as surrendered to this work of caregiving as I hoped I would be. 

I thought I could do every act of service with great love, but I've found that my kind of great love flourishes when accompanied by appreciation on the part of the recipient. It's not as strong when the recipient is not grateful or is angry and frustrated because he wants to do what his body can't. It's not as strong when doing the hard, dirty jobs that involve unpleasant odors and bodily excretions.

It's in those moments that my heart rebels and cries, "Too hard, Lord. Too hard." And yet, if I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me, I can do this, as well. (Phil. 4:13) I know that truth, but, in the early hours of this morning, after a too-short and too-often-interrupted night, I doubted it. Resented the work. Wanted to quit. 

The roiling of my emotions threatened to overcome me, but dawn finally arrived. With it has come the joy of confession and surrender. The cleansing of forgiveness and restoration. 

This work I'm doing is for Christ alone. He, who washed the feet of the men who would betray and deny Him, has felt what I feel. Praise God He walked past His emotions to the cross that bought my pardon. Praise God, He can help me walk past my emotions all the way to the victory of a job well done. 

Confession. Surrender. Forgiveness. Restoration. This is the place we should start and end our days. It's the place that washes away the stain of sin, the pain of failure, the remorse of guilt. It makes all things new, including tired bodies and frustrated hearts.

As we begin our day, let's share in David's prayer. "Blot out my rebellion... cleanse me from my sin..." (Psalm 51:1,2 esv) Let's allow our Father to forgive and restore us so that we can do the work of love He has for us today.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When Years of Hard Work and Progress Are Abandoned for Lawlessness

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If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Middle East, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

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When You Want to Be a Ninja Warrior but You Think You Can't

Sam Wiley loves to watch television. It's pure torture to me, but, last night, I agreed to watch the Ninja Warrior competition with him. Sam cheered the competitors on, groaned when they fell, and marveled when they hit the red button.

They were remarkable athletes. No doubt about it. Even the people who slipped and fell were impressive. I appreciated that they competed against the clock and their own abilities, instead of each other. I love it that their fellow competitors cheered them on in a rare kind of camaraderie.

I wondered how much time they had to spend training, how much money they invested in the equipment at home, and whether or not the training and competition took them away from their families. Some of those questions were answered in videos that showed homemade equipment and children alongside parents as they trained. It sounded as if the competitors had full-time jobs in addition to their training.

The warriors were experts at running, jumping, swinging, and climbing. I can understand the allure, but not even for a second did I imagine myself grabbing a propeller, swinging over to a red rope, hanging on, and flying through the air so I could hop onto a landing pad. 

What I pondered, instead, as I watched the athletes compete, was whether it was possible to be a Ninja Warrior of Faith. Could we train so that we could be experts in faith matters? 

Yes, we can, no matter our age or physical condition. You're never too old to be a Ninja of Faith. 

The required skills are trust, obey, love, and forgive. If you think that sounds easy, think again. 

Ninja Trust is not simple trust. It requires taking leaps of faith to follow God anywhere, even when friends and family think you may have lost your mind. 

Ninja Obedience means doing the hardest thing imaginable, simply because God asked you to do it. 

Ninja Love means loving the most unlovable person you know, in the same way you love yourself. 

Ninja Forgiveness means forgiving the one who has not only wounded you, but wounded the one you love more than anything...the one who has taken away the one you love the most.

Can we be Ninjas of Faith? Yes. It's possible, but it's hard. There's never a day off. It requires extreme sacrifice and extreme effort. It requires the kind of more-than-human strength only God can provide. 

The reward, however, is much more fulfilling that hitting a red button. The reward is the joy of seeing lives changed, hearts healed, families restored. When we obey God like a ninja, it impacts our loved ones and our world in ways that are astounding. 

Today, consider the possibility of training as a Christian Ninja Faith Warrior. Wouldn't you like to be the one who obeys the most? The one who takes the biggest risks for God? The one who impacts the world for Christ? 

Dwight L. Moody was a shoe salesman when he heard Henry Varley say these words: "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him." 

Moody resolved to be so fully surrendered that the world would see what God could do. He became one of the greatest evangelists of the 19th century, wrote several books, founded a publishing house, and started a Bible college. 

We serve the same God Moody served. We, too, can surrender as he surrendered and see God do beautiful works through us. 

First, though, we must accept the work of obedience and faith and press on, even when it's hard. I'm willing to accept the challenge. Who's with me? 

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 nasb

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If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Middle East, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

When You Give Up Techniques So You Can Pray Powerful Prayers

I've read a mountain of books on prayer over the last twenty years. I know all the formulas for "powerful prayer" and I've used most of them. My prayer "technique," however, has become increasingly simple. In a way, it's been refined down to three key phrases.

"Abba, I love you so much because ..."

"I repent and surrender..."

"You know what's best in... so please do it..."

I know my "technique" looks nothing like the currently-famous prayer warriors, but this works for me. I don't have anything against techniques, but they don't fit me well. I prefer simple, honest, humble prayer. (I'm not saying I'm good at it, just that I believe it's best.) 

Sometimes I talk with my Father about all the things He's done that make me laugh, or smile, or stand in awe. 

The things I'm concerned about pale in comparison to Him, so, when I focus on Him, my worries seem a lot less pressing. it's not uncommon for me to say, "Here's the problem. What do you want to do about it?" or "I don't have any suggestions for you. Do whatever you think is best."

With that said, I still know about the authority Jesus has given to us and I still pray with that authority in mind, but not with the same bossiness I used to use.  

Last night, I left my study Bible at my desk. This morning, I was too tired to walk downstairs again, (Sam and I were up a lot last night) so I opened my Message paraphrase. I don't study from this book, but I like the simplicity of the words, especially those in Matthew 6. I read this passage today, and it was such confirmation for me that I've reproduced it here so you can soak up these simple truths: 

"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All those people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom? Do you think God sits in a box seat?

"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply..." Matthew 6:1-8 the Message

Today, let's find a quiet place, be still, and talk to God as simply and honestly as we can, then be still some more and wait to see how He responds.

That's what I call powerful prayer. Simple. Honest. Listening. Waiting.

* * *

The Whisper Gathering is three weeks away. We're not sharing techniques or formulas for fancy prayers. We're planning to help those who attend get real before God and each other, and let Him have His way with us. Simple. Honest. Listening. Waiting. 

He speaks with a still, small Whisper, and that's what we most want to hear.

Ladies, I hope you'll join us. Space is limited but there are still a few spots available. Prayer like this is hard and exhausting and life-changing, so I hope those who can't attend will pray for those who do. We'll need your prayers more than ever.

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Caregiver Chronicles: When Endurance is the Only Choice You Have 

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If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Middle East, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.
#prayer 

Caregiver Chronicles: How Pro-Life Are We?

How pro-life am I? That's the question I've asked myself a lot lately.

Sam's been in my house for almost two weeks now. A hospital bed, oxygen compressor, and recliner now stand where my dining room was. 

Instead of supper club with food served on my grandmother's silver and china, I serve Boost Plus and soft or pureed food.

Instead of festive tablecloths and napkins, there's a roll of toilet paper tied on the arm of a potty chair with kitchen twine.

Live has changed at Greenbriar Farm. 

Twenty-two months ago, Sam's wife died and I became his caregiver. Almost overnight, I became his housekeeper, bookkeeper, cook, and errand girl. It was overwhelming, to say the least.

We've had amazing support from the body of Christ. People have done everything from mow my grass to feed Sam strawberry shortcake by hand. I couldn't have done it without them.

There've been a few people who've asked why I don't put Sam in a nursing home. "He's not family," they've reminded me. "This is just about too big a job for you." They're right, but...

I'm not opposed to long-term care.  I'm in awe of the way they care for their residents and their efforts to maintain quality of life. They do a very good job of caring for our elders.

The main reason I have Sam in my home is that, if Sam were elsewhere, it would be harder for me to discipline myself to go see him. If I continued my daily routine and added a daily visit at an out-of-the-way facility, it would be more than I could do. 

I know me. 

It wouldn't be my routine that would suffer. It would be Sam. I'd be full of good intentions and, before long, full of excuses, but I wouldn't see Sam every day.

Sam, however, needs daily visits from the people he loves. He's a people-person and he loves a crowd. 

His need matters.

I believe life begins at conception. I'm pro-life and I believe all life is precious.  I believe every life is of inestimable value.

One of the things I'm learning as I care for Sam is that, for me to be truly pro-life, I must be fully pro-life at every stage of life. If the life of the baby in the womb is precious, so is the life of the one who's at the end of days. 

Sam's life is precious...even when he has incontinent accidents, gooey false teeth, can't hear me speak, and it takes all I can do to haul the wheelchair down front in church (without losing it like a runaway train) because he wants to hear the speaker better. 

If I care about an unborn child, I must care equally about an elderly person whose bodily functions are declining, and who can do no more for himself or herself than a newborn babe.  (Sam's not there yet, but we will all be there one day.)

I must care about life from conception until the very end, the last heartbeat, the last breath. 

In this work of caregiving, I'm seeing, in a much deeper way, that we, the church, must move from pre-born pro-life to all-life pro-life, and I'm not sure we're there yet. 

If we were, we'd make a concerted effort to celebrate life at both extremes of age, not just in the womb. 

We'd be more intentional about visiting shut-ins, sending cards and letters to those in long-term care facilities, taking the time to visit, to sit and listen. We'd go out of our way to include our elderly brothers and sisters in Christ on outings, to make sure they can come to worship services as long as possible. 

We'd take the opportunity to learn from those who've experienced so much more of life than we have.

We'd remember our senior adults are family, and we'd treat them as such.

Are we pro-life or not? 

If we are pro-pre-born-life, we must also be pro-end-of-life. I don't mean to imply that we must attempt to prolong life with heroic measures that add nothing to the value or length of life. Instead, we must honor the end of life with time, concern, care, comfort, and presence. 

The question for us today is how pro-life are we? Do we value every season of life? Every age? 

The challenge for today is to line our values up with God's values and take action. 

Does He value gray-haired senior adults? Yes, He does. We, then, should also value them and show that value with our actions. Make a visit. Send a note. Include someone in an outing or a family or church event. 

None of us can do everything, but we can all do something. Let's do our part.

"Do not case me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails." Psalm 71:9 nasb

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Guest Blogger Walter Aiken: The Myth-Understanding

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