Its Not Up To Me.... or is it ??

Sorry for the delay this week. Internet issues and the holiday weekend combined to keep me behind schedule....

When GM and Chrysler recently decided to close thousands of dealers, I was struck by the impact these closings would have on the local communities. The direct cost of lost jobs and lost taxes were bad enough, but it was the indirect, broader losses that stayed with me. It was all of the youth sports teams and school events; charities and worthy causes that would struggle to carry on without one (or more) of their major sponsors.

This week I chose a song that reminded me of my responsibility to help others in need. The pick, "The Last, The Lost, The Least" by Relient K hit me with its line "where we give our lives, our time, our own... to feed, to clothe those in His image we have left alone." It got me thinking about all those causes and groups struggling to get by with less and about my personal obligation to give. Not the government's or Salvation Army's or United Way's or a car dealership's or corporate america's call to support, but my calling.

The song's title refers to several scripture passages: "The Last", "The Lost #1", "The Lost #2" and "The Least". (I'm sure there are plenty more) Each of these shows God's desire for us to reach out to the less fortunate, the troubled, the needy.

Our churches, charities, missions and shelters provide essential services and support - often to the last, the lost and the least. Its especially difficult because at the exact time we have more of us needing help, the funding for these groups is at a low point. Corporations have fewer dollars to donate. Agencies like United Way have a smaller pool of companies and employee contributors, limiting the financial support they can provide. Our Federal Economic Stimulus package skipped over the not-for-profit segment all together.

For me, that means its time to make an individual difference. To take personal responsibility for helping those in need. I know that there are children and adults, even entire families feeling broken, afraid and alone. Its not enough to drop a few bucks in the collection plate or donate my old cast-off clothing to Goodwill. Even though I face my own economic challenges and life struggles, I can spare some time, some energy and even some money for the last, the lost and the least. I hope that you will, too. Peace, Mark

We Are Not Alone

The first time I heard this weeks song, I knew it was going to be my pick for SOTW. "Hold My Heart" by Tenth Avenue North really captured my attention. I liked the music and the words from the start. It didn't "kind of grow on me" - it truly had instant appeal.

Once again, the lyrics are inspired by the not-quite-cutting edge, but always applicable book of Psalms. (Click to read Psalm 13) I like the reference to God holding onto a breaking heart - protecting it with his power and surrounding it with his gentle, healing love.

How often do we feel alone or insignificant? Will God even hear my prayer, let alone answer it, from all the prayers that are made all over the world? Are my needs more important or urgent than the billions of other needs he is asked to fulfill? What makes my voice loud enough to capture God's attention and action? I've asked myself these questions countless times and I'm sure you have , too.

We are all just one tear in a rainstorm, one voice in a sea of pain asking the maker of the universe to hear the faint sound of our breaking heart. If we hold on to our faith -the unseen promises -we will hear Him call our name. We are children of God. Our father hears us, comforts us, gives us strength and absolutely holds our hearts when we are nearly broken.

The Ups and Downs of Life

Ever have one of those weeks where things just seem to go really well or awfully wrong ? Well, this past week was one of those for me, filled with the highs and lows of life. Nothing extreme, but a real mixed bag of celebrations and let downs, fears and achievements, bonding and conflict.

I was listening to music from my iPod (on random, no less) and a great song came on. Its an older one, but it really helped me handle the ups and downs of the week. So I chose "Your Love Oh Lord" by Third Day as my SOTW. The CD was released in 2000, so its not exactly fresh material, but still relevant. The lyrics are taken from Psalms, click to read the passage. The live version struck me with it's phrase - "We begin with praise to our Father"

There it was. Whether I was at a high point, a low point, or moving along a steady path - start by praising God. When I did, the events of my life felt smoother. The "milestone" birthday celebration was still a celebration - but not an elixir. The argument with my teenager still hurt - but it wasn't my just dessert. A trip to the ER, job success, a funeral and children's laughter were all impactful but not all-powerful. I had the ability to see them for what they really were - simply the ups and downs of Life.

Its Not About Me

I must admit that this week's selection has me a bit confused. I've come accross this song time and time again. I kept just putting it aside, telling myself "one of these weeks it'll be a great fit". Then I'd hear it again...and put it on the back burner again. I looked up the band's web site - "for when I'm ready to use it". While I was there, I listened to the story behind the song. Wow! Powerful stuff. How am I going to add anything to his heartfelt message?

I went to my favorite lyrics site to find the words, again for when the timing was right. As I read the lines, an idea began to sink into my wee brain... "Always" isn't about Jason Roy's struggle with personal tragedy . He's not asking - Why is this happening to Me? or God, Where are you now? He is witnessing God's Love to other's who were suffering and needed encouragement.

"Friend, I don't know where you are and I don't know where you've been... But if you're crying out for mercy, if there's no hope left at all. If you've given everything you've got and you're still about to fall, Well hold on" .... When I read these words, I started to believe that maybe this song kept finding me for a reason. What if its for some of you who are hurting and need to hear its message? My personal challenges weren't important at all. I didn't need to try to match the song-writer's passion.

The SOTW - "Always" by Building 429 - didn't have to be about me... Its about any of us who are facing tragic, unfair, unsettling, faith-shaking situations. Its about believing and remembering that, in Jason's words, God is before us, he will be long after us and he is with us every step of the way - always.