Hindsight Is 20/20

Two years ago this month, the pandemic became real to me.  Without forewarning, the school district where I was teaching, closed its doors on Friday the 13th of March 2020!  It took weeks to implement an on-line instructional plan and train us to teach virtually.  Our nation then experienced a gradual shut-down of most places:  stores and other businesses, restaurants, schools, offices, and even medical facilities and houses of worship.  Government orders prohibited assembling.  Hindsight is 20/20 and at the time, scientists, medical experts, and politicians had no idea how to handle a new and different virus.

On a boat ride in late summer of 2019, I couldn’t foresee the coming changes in the school year ahead and in our whole way of life!

The church, too, struggled to respond.  In most cases, local and state mandates regulated, mostly banning, in-person gatherings. Later, a Presidential directive declared religious groups as “essential,” thereby allowing some church ministry.  Church leaders quickly rallied calling for Christian courage and I heard more than one pastor reference the sacrificial and heroic courage of 3rd century Christians during a deadly pandemic in Rome.  Eventually however, a trending pandemic mindset took over and churches followed suit.  My own church cancelled in-person services prior to local mandates to do so and months later reopened with stricter protocols than were required.  A year into the pandemic, I watched a nationally known minister state that his congregation would not gather in-person due to continuing local COVID cases.  “We wouldn’t want anyone to die,” he explained.  What a shocking remark as a Christian who lives not for this temporary life on earth, but for the reality of eternity in glory, like Paul wrote of in Philippians 1:23!  Of course, Christians do not recklessly endanger their lives, but we have much to joyfully anticipate, not fear, in eternal life.

In 2020, the church strained under a myriad of pressures, but it is founded on Scripture, which commands us to gather together as Christ followers (Hebrews 10:25).  In fact, the statement takes an unusual negative position:  “Let us not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some.”  According to Christian author and respected preacher Timothy Keller, this ‘gather’ term entails far more than attendance.  It suggests deep connection in community, something built only through personal interaction.

If law and policy collide with Biblical principles, how do Christians respond?  That is a huge question that a blog post can’t tackle but I will point you to Scripture.  The Bible tells us that God ordains government for the good of society (Romans 13:1-2).  It also tells us that God’s law supersedes man’s laws.  Christians obey God, over man, when they conflict (Acts 5:29).

Yes, hindsight is 20/20.  More is known now about the virus, its transmission, and treatments but a lot remains unknown. And all of it remains polarized.  I wonder if hindsight is not as clear as we would hope, in this case.  Will we ever know all the facts of the virus and motives of resultant policies? I think not.  I end with these words that I think explain our lack of clarity:  “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).  Answers await us in eternity.

 

The Lens of Perspective

I estimate that I have spent roughly a 40-hour week in the office of eye doctors over the last ten years.  I have not had eye surgery and I do not have serious eye disease, but regular check-ups and follow-ups have been necessary.  I have visited several eye doctors in two different states now, and the experience is the same: patients stay for a really long time!  If you’ve been to an ophthalmologist lately, you’ve experienced it yourself:  first the typical sign-in and paperwork.  Eventually you’re called back to initial screenings, machine measurements, and the eyeball air puff test.  Later, someone comes and puts drops in your eyes.  There is a long wait after the eye drops go in, sometimes as long as an hour.  You sit in a dimmed waiting room.  I think I memorized the eye disease documentary that the one practice ran continuously on its TVs!  Finally, nearly two hours in, the doctor sees you for the exam which probably lasts less than 15 minutes.

One of my recent eye appointments caught me by surprise.  I thought I was in for a quick contact lens follow-up, which I had scheduled for mid-morning.  I got to the office for my quick check, but things did not go well or as I’d planned.  I waited in the lobby interminably.   I had not brought anything to read, thinking I’d only be there for a few minutes.  When the assistant finally took me back, she put in the eye drops and I knew I was done for!  Sure, I had my phone, which even has the Bible app, but I was in no mood to salvage the unexpected wait!  I went home for a late lunch huffing with frustration over a wasted morning.

Don’t get me wrong.  I have genuine respect for medical professionals.  The eye particularly amazes me, and I cannot imagine all that goes into learning the physiology and diseases of this intricate organ so vital to the human experience of sight.  And we know that the medical profession, like many other businesses, struggles with worker shortages and extra protocols (although my lengthy ophthalmologist appointments began years before this predicament).

So why am I writing about the inconvenience of long doctor appointments?  My impatience reminds me that I need to keep things in perspective.  While I can complain about waiting, the staffing shortages and wasted time, I remind myself that I have a lot to be thankful for!  I have access to good medical care, as we all do in this country compared to many places in the world.  I have insurance and the means to pay for it.  I am free of serious eye disease:  I have my eyesight!  I have the wherewithal to discuss issues with my doctors and to practice good eye care.  Complaining about a long wait is groundless considering the many undeserved blessings I experience daily.

How do we view things, as half empty or half full?  The doughnut or the hole?  I easily tend toward negativity or griping so God’s words to “be thankful in all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) correct my bad tendency.  Instead, my lens of perspective should focus on all the ways in which God richly provides for us (Ecclesiastes 5:19 and Joel 2:26, for examples).

North Carolina folk artist Vollis Simpson is known for his whirligigs, now displayed throughout the state. (Photo – wilsonwhirligigpark.org)

My Ukrainian Heritage

My heart is heavy for the people of Ukraine.  Although the good hearts of safe and free people always abhor the unprovoked aggression of a despot, the current assault especially touches me, as a person of Ukrainian descent.  My grandparents came to America from Ukraine as young adults. I know little of Ukrainian culture, but born a Kucharsky, its plight is personal.

A few things around remind me of my Slavic heritage.

There are many Christians in Ukraine who are clinging to the promise of Psalm 145:18:  “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

My babushka as a young woman.

 

Valentines Words

Doing crafts and activities with children makes me happy.  I made these Valentine projects with some kids last week.  I wanted to post them for Valentine’s Day and then decided to expand the post with Scriptures on the topic of LOVE.

The Bible speaks often of love, especially of the great love God has for us.  Psalm 62 culminates by expressing it quite clearly:  “One thing God has spoken, … that you, oh God, are loving.”  Old Testament passages frequently say of God that He is “abounding in love” as I read for myself this morning in Nehemiah 9:17 and Psalm 86:5.

A familiar passage in the New Testament defines perfect love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.  Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails” (1 Corinthians13:4-8, 13).

By loving us and defining love, God also demonstrated selfless love for us and asks us to follow His example;  “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8).  And Jesus told us,  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27) and “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

These simple but rich words from the Author of Love provide much for us to ponder on this Valentine’s Day.

Fun crafting with young children.

 

Scripture is the Best Script

Not too long ago, I saw a live dramatized recitation of “Revelation” performed by Marquis Laughlin.  From memory, Laughlin recited the entire Biblical book called Revelation, word for word.  He used no props that I recall, but his inflections and voices, sound effects, physical motions and posturing presented a powerful rendition of God’s Word and only God’s Word!  The theatrical performance of “Revelation” lasted about two hours, in two acts, but it was spellbinding throughout!

Marquis Laughlin delivers a theatrical rendition of Revelation. Learn more at actsoftheword.com

As part of the program, Laughlin shared some of his story and how he got into dramatic recitations of the Bible.  Early in his life and career, Laughlin wanted to be an actor.  He went to California to pursue an acting career.  While in California, a faith in Jesus Christ was born in his life.  He began to grow and mature in his new Christian faith.  He wondered how his beliefs would impact his acting career.  Eventually, Laughlin concluded “Scripture was the best script” and he began his work in theatrical performances of the Bible.  His ministry, for over two decades now, is “Acts of the Word.”

Marquis Laughlin’s story illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel.  Among other things, for him, it meant a shift in his career plans.  As one deepens in true Christian faith, beliefs will permeate all aspects of one’s life.  Social choices, finances, lifestyle, education, health issues and more are surrendered to God.  With Laughlin’s career redirection, it could wrongly be assumed that all Christians must go into some kind of ministry work.   This is not at all what I believe God requires.  Instead, our faith infuses whatever career God leads us to!  That is why there are great Christian chefs, electricians, scientists, artists, medical personnel, you name it!  As my father once wrote in a pamphlet on careers, “Every human activity provides a way for your light to shine.”*

A few years ago, I had my Bible rebound. The result was beautiful; a treasure preserved.

“Scripture is the best script” reiterates the theme and place where I always like to land in “A Writer’s Daughter.”  The Bible is the most useful textbook, manual, or script ever written.  Read the script, study the textbook whenever you can, for every reason.  I have added a new tab to my blog:  “How to Read the Bible,” for those of you who may need direction with Bible reading.

*Kucharsky, David E. (1995)  Where in the World Are You Going? [pamphlet].  Christian Publications, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

 

Cynicism in 2022

A while ago, a friend sent our family an article of my dad’s that he had come across.  It is interesting for me to see glimpses into my father’s writing; I did not read a lot of what he wrote at the time and much of his work was on the editing and publication side.

The scan of my dad’s article doesn’t photograph well, but we appreciate the thoughtfulness of the one who sent it.  My niece recently came upon some of my dad’s work in her graduate research.  It delights us to discover this legacy!

The piece was on the topic of cynicism and was written in 1975 for a Christian magazine**.  Cynicism is a timeless subject; my father noted that cynicism “was everywhere these days.”  His examples of cynical responses included politicians dodging difficult issues, dismay over declining product quality, and sports teams like the Washington Capitals always having losing seasons – it was decades before the Caps won the Stanley Cup!

Dad’s article traced the origins of cynicism to ancient Greece, where a group called Cynics, founded by Diogenes, sought virtue and a life close to nature.  But one member acted rather cynically as we would understand the term, going “about the streets with a lantern in broad daylight, looking for an honest person.”  That search is eerily applicable today!

Cynicism has several close cousins:  sarcasm, skepticism, apathy, despair, and negativity, to name a few.  It can be comic or bitter.  The full title of my father’s article was “The Sport of Cynicism: Is it a game Christians should play?” His advice was to not allow “a sense of caution [to] deteriorate into a sneering manner.”  To do so, he said, was an evil influence.

As we begin this new year of 2022, one could feel very pessimistic.  The on-going pandemic and the continued division over its management are only the tip of the troubles we face.  As believers in God and in His sovereign plan for us, we should not feel hopeless.  My father’s article suggested two responses preferable to cynicism.  The first was gratitude.  I couldn’t agree more.  Genuine thankfulness prevents complaints and discontentment.  The second was patience; patience with difficult people and patience in continuing adversity.  The Lord gives these two perspectives to those who pray and seek Him, submitting themselves to His work in their lives.

And in a conclusion that should be completely familiar to readers of “A Writer’s Daughter,” my dad ended his piece quoting Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.”  (Colossians 3:16)  As God’s wise Word fills our minds and hearts, cynicism and fear cannot take hold.

I am thankful for my heritage.

**We looked into various periodicals that we thought dad’s piece might have been published in, but we were unable to determine that.

Miracles in a Modern Mary and Joseph Story

Friends of ours, Darrell and Cindy*, own a rental property. It’s not hobby real estate; the income it generates represents an important component of their finances.  Keeping the unit rented with reliable tenants is a priority. During one rental turnover, Darrell and Cindy were interviewing interested renters. There were several good prospects including some newlyweds who were acquaintances of the previous renters.

The young couple toured the unit and liked it but felt it was beyond their budget. They told Darrell and Cindy that they were expecting a baby and wanted to get a place on their own, but their income was limited. They also shared that their baby was diagnosed with a medical condition, likely resulting in additional expenses. Doctors were not optimistic.

Darrell and Cindy looked at other good applicants for the rental, but the growing little family stayed on their minds. They decided to pray about it and consider how a discounted rent would impact their income. Darrell admitted that turning the couple away seemed like telling Mary and Joseph there was no room in the inn! They came back to the couple and asked what rent amount would work for them. An agreement was reached, and they signed a lease. What a sweet miracle for the young couple in an exciting but uncertain time.

Darrell and Cindy prepped the unit and finalized the paperwork. Darrell spoke to the previous renters about returning their deposit. They were a bit surprised to find out about the money, since even as a budget-conscious couple, they had not realized the deposit was still due them. Aware of the situation of the new renters, they told Darrell to keep their security deposit and apply it as the new security deposit! Another unexpected little miracle! The new couple moved in, and their baby boy was born. He is healthy and growing with no immediate health issues, such a great miracle for his young parents.

Darrell and Cindy demonstrate how Christ followers live close to truths of the Bible. Being sensitive to known needs around us and meeting them in practical ways within our capacity is what Jesus told us to do (in many passages such as Luke 3:11). And as Darrell and Cindy would tell you, the blessing is all yours.

This Nativity is on display at the Bible Museum in Washington, DC.

At Christmastime, we see the stable scene creches and sing of the lowly manger birth. On the night of Jesus’ birth, no rooms were available in Bethlehem, forcing Mary and Joseph to lodge outside. Later in His ministry Jesus charged, “you have no room for my word” (John 8:37). It is worth asking:  have you left Jesus out in the cold, or do you make room for Him in your heart and daily life? The best miracle is that He is at the door, knocking and asking to come in (Revelation 3:20).

*names are changed to maintain anonymity

One Christmas, Cindy gave me this book, a found treasure, if you know what I mean. She didn’t know that I had long admired the creche collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although I visited New York city many times at Christmas, I never made it to the Nativity tree exhibit.

Thankful for November’s End

I am thankful for November 30.  The date marks the end of the Atlantic Hurricane season.  In setting up a new life and our home in coastal Carolina, we accomplished a lot.  But hurricane preparation, or even having a “just in case” plan, missed our list of top priorities.  We took a risk, and I am thankful that hurricane season is soon over.  The year 2021 was an active hurricane season for the Atlantic, using all 21 storm names.   None of them swiped our area although a deadly tornado struck south of here in early spring.

A magnificent October beach day!

Talking to neighbors and new acquaintances, I observe a serious respect for storms.  Many folks have stories of damage and devasting loss due to past hurricanes.  In 2018, Hurricane Florence stalled over the area causing unprecedented flooding.  We were looking at property and houses then and we witnessed the piles of debris and blue roof tarps everywhere!  Among some lady friends recently there was disturbing recall of past hurricanes Florence, Floyd, and Fran.  I guess I better beware of storms that begin with the letter F!

Storms pack power: the ocean has fury.  This is God’s hand.  He created the earth, nature, and weather.  Its beauty awes us; its potency demands respect.  Jeremiah 31:35 says, “This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and the stars to shine by night, who stirs the sea so that its waves roar – the LORD Almighty is His name.”  Jesus’ followers also experienced amazement when He “calmed” a raging Sea of Galilee storm, saying, “What kind of man is this?  Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”  (Matthew 8:27)

Blessed with a calm Sea of Galilee sail three years ago.

Recently, I came across this poem that considers the ocean and our worshipful response, https://decisionmagazine.com/ruth-bell-graham-relentless-yearning/.  It was written by Ruth Bell Graham, wife of the Rev. Billy Graham.  Their home was in the mountains of North Carolina.

Now, let’s hope my husband and I work on a generator and flood prevention before June 1, 2022!

What’s your blend of thankfulness?

How Not to Look Old – Part 2

In Part 1 of this series (below), I described how the book How Not to Look Old, by Charla Krupp, presents  make-up, hair and fashion styles that help avoid the ‘old lady’ look, as she calls it.  Krupp gathers tips and information, including specific products, from experts in these areas.  Not too long ago, I referred to the book prior to shopping for some cosmetics.

The chapter on foundation suggested avoiding chalky products with a matte finish, instead opting for a powder with a silky finish.  Am I losing you here?  Krupp explains, “There’s a new generation of powders that are feathery light and completely translucent and that leave you with a luminous sheen.  Look for powders that are light-reflecting or light-diffusing to obscure fine lines or imperfections.”  Many of the recommended products are ‘transparent’ and include a ‘luminizer’ – “a light reflector that adds luminosity.”  I read and reread these explanations and then read and reread the cosmetic counter labels, almost for naught!  What does it all mean?

Well, I also read and reread the Bible.  Just as I was brushing up on make-up tips, I came across the topic of light in God’s Word.  Here’s what God said in my New Testament reading: “You are the light of the world.  Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5: 14 and 16).  Followed immediately were these of God’s Words in the Old Testament: “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light, we see light.”  (Psalm 36:9) A day later I read, “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:6)

How God reaches into my everyday life situations with His Living Word never ceases to amaze me!  It is probably a thrill that cannot be communicated second-hand.  To understand, you must experience it for yourself.  Start somewhere; open your Bible (or the app).  Then His Words will illuminate your world in ways beyond expectation.

Krupp, Charla.  How Not to Look Old. Hachette Book Group, 2008.  pp 64, 67.

I recommend this Bible app. It is sometimes also named You Version.

 

Part 1

How Not to Look Old is the title of one of the stacked books in my blog’s new feature photo.  I updated my original featured photo of journals and calendars, to a random variety of colorful books.  I took the picture around the time of our vacation so some of the books came fresh from my beach bag.  I keep other titles in the stack out for easy accessibility.

I found the book How Not to Look Old at the library a few years ago and liked it enough to buy my own copy.  The author, Charla Krupp, intended to help forty-somethings stay young looking, so I have missed that window of opportunity, but the book gathers many helpful fashion, make-up, hair, and other beauty tips from experts. I’ll take all the help I can get in these areas, though Krupp would categorize me in the “low to medium” maintenance group.  In other words, I am not the type to take extreme or expensive measures to restore my youthfulness.

I ponder aging, my own growing older.  I see and feel it every day, but my age and an awareness of my generation became acutely obvious to me when I returned to my career after being home to raise our kids.  Maybe all fields are like this, but education particularly draws a young crowd.  Many of my colleagues were recent graduates and brand-new teachers.  I recall sitting in work meetings, realizing I was probably the oldest participant at the table.

Teaching has become very collaborative:  lesson planning, classroom procedure and really everything is developed in teams.  As I partnered with so many who were even younger than my own kids, I understood that I needed an honest approach.  I was the ‘mature’ voice at the table.  I did not have all the right answers, but I had decades of experience as a teacher and a parent to contribute.  I leaned into that role as an older faculty member. I welcomed the excitement, creativity, and perspective of the newest educators.  I got a firsthand view of millennial thinking and lifestyle.  I limped behind their technology expertise but gained a few fun fashion tips along the way.  At times, the blend was uncomfortable, but we took it all in stride and we produced strong instruction together.

The Bible talks about being the older generation.  In ancient times, the elderly were revered; their voice at the table, albeit thinning, was respected and heard.  With that kind of platform, God instructed them to tell their stories of God’s faithfulness to the next generation, to share all the remarkable things He had done in their lives and in the generations before them.  Yes, it was an oral history to pass down, but it was also a legacy of personal faith to be shared.  Though outlooks may shift, God’s Word says, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.  They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty.  … They tell of the power of your awesome works. … They celebrate your abundant goodness.”  (Psalm 145: 4-7)  We are called to boast on God this way.  It takes creativity and courage which we have since “He who called you is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Trick or Treat with Good News

On occasion I pen some poetry.  I wrote a ditty for the kids at Halloween.  It has a limerick-like cadence and rhyme pattern to it.  I pass out my poem and candy to Trick or Treaters.  Doesn’t Scripture challenge us to “make the most of every opportunity”  and “be prepared in season?” (Ephesians 5:16, 2 Timothy 4:2)

The Good News comes with good treats.

If you would like to use my poem, please feel free.  I added some additional information on the back of the poem:  names of good local churches, and websites and apps for an explanation of the Gospel.  Depending on how you view my blog (via website, email or Facebook), you may not see the full text of the poem, so here it is:

Prayer on Halloween

Praying for you                                                                                                                         On this Halloween night                                                                                                           That Jesus is with you                                                                                                        And shows you His light,                                                                                                  That God’s ways are your ways,                                                                                    That His praise fills your days,                                                                                      That safe fun for you stays,                                                                                             This Halloween night.                                                                                                           By Brenda Proulx

I would love to hear how you spread the Gospel in your unique situations.

I participated in a neighborhood Trunk or Treat. I staged a fall barn scene in my “trunk.”