Words – Page 3 – A Writer's Daughter

Speak Your Truth, Really? A Crossroads – Part 3

In part 2 of this blog series, I laid out some options for making regular Scripture reading part of your life routine (“Speak Your Truth, Really? A Plan” January 3, 2019). I shared that many types of Bible reading plans exist and they can be adapted to one’s available time and one’s familiarity with Scripture. I also explained that several years ago, I began a Bible reading plan that incorporates different sections of the Bible into a single reading. It is a self-paced plan and I included in that post a photo of the lovely bookmarks my daughter made for me, to keep my four places.

Last summer, as I was following along in this reading routine, I came across specific references to God’s concern for prisoners or “captives” in three of my four passages. This kind of thing has happened before. One passage quotes another that I’ve just read, or a previous event is referenced in a following passage. These are not coincidences; they are proof that God’s Word is a unified message from Him, and that God powerfully works through His Words. As I read the Bible that day trusting it as True, I came to a crossroads. How would I follow-through on God’s concern for the incarcerated?

For years I have known about an organization that provides Bible study materials to prisoners. Volunteers check the lessons and return them to the prisoners with a letter of encouragement. I had always thought it would be a great opportunity. With the clear reminders in Scripture that day, I knew that’s what I must do. I hesitate to share my commitment with you because Jesus said to keep our good works to ourselves since He knows what we’re doing (Matthew 6:1-6). We are told not to boast (Matthew 23:1-12). But as this pertains to how Bible readers must respond, I cautiously tell you this story.

After scoring the Bible lesson, I write a letter. I ended this letter by composing a prayer for both of us.

Crossroads Prison Ministry developed a Bible study program designed specifically for those in prison. It’s a leveled series broken into weekly lessons. Prisoners sign up to become a Bible student and Crossroads Ministry sends them lessons. Students mail the finished lessons back to Crossroads who document completion and pass it on to a mentor like me. Mentors receive one lesson each week. We check the answers with an answer key and then write a letter encouraging them, based on thoughts they share through the lessons. Mentors return the graded lesson and letter to the prisoner in a Crossroads envelope, signing only our first name. Thousands of incarcerated individuals are doing these lessons and Crossroads Ministry needs more mentors. This is why I wanted to tell you my story about obeying Scripture. Crossroads Prison Ministry can be found at http://www.cpministries.org

I can’t leave you with the false impression that I always follow-through fully on everything God challenges me to obey in Scripture. There is much that I neglect or violate. Such is sin and needs correction. You may have heard the expression, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” That’s how it is. Believers trust Jesus to accomplish redemption because we can’t accomplish that on our own. The life of a Christian seeks to walk more fully in God’s ways each day (Colossians 1:10, 2:6).

Speak Your Truth, Really? A Plan – Part 2

My blog post from December 31, 2018 focused on truth, as demonstrated by the life and words of Jesus. I would like to continue briefly on the subject of truth.

Jesus spoke to us about acknowledging Him and the truth He taught. All the Bible contains God’s words to us. In fact, the Bible is commonly referred to as “The Word of God.” In describing the Bible, a simple comparison illustrates its function well. The Bible is like an owner’s manual. God created the world and mankind. He also wrote the guide that explains how it all works. To figure out life, the world, truth and purpose we should read the directions, the Bible.

At New Year’s you may be thinking about trying to read the Bible more. There are many ways to approach Bible reading. Several years ago, I began a method of daily Bible reading that works well for me. On most days I read an Old Testament passage, a Gospel chapter, a New Testament selection plus a Psalm. I certainly miss days, even several days frequently, but it’s my plan. There are two reasons that I like this approach: 1) it is well-rounded, giving me the full flavor of Scripture in a sitting; 2) I don’t worry about getting behind and trying to catch up. My method may be a bit much for you so do something that works for you. Also, if you’re just getting started in Bible reading get a Bible version that is easy to understand such as The New Living Translation or The Message.

Here is a link to some ideas on Bible reading: https://kenboa.org/biblical/bible-reading-guide/. In February my church will start a chronological reading plan covering the whole Bible. I will be happy to share that later with anyone who asks.

For the New Year, Isaiah 55:11 is the Lord’s great promise about His Word. It is below first in the classic King James version and then in the modern Good News Translation:

¹¹So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

¹¹So also will be the word that I speak—
it will not fail to do what I plan for it;
it will do everything I send it to do.

My daughter inscribed bookmarks for me, with hand drawn verses for each section of Scripture.

Speak Your Truth, Really? Part 1

This fall I attended an all-day workshop for teachers. As is often the case, one of the first slides of the PowerPoint displayed the norms for the day. One expectation out of the fairly short list stated “Speak your truth.” That jolted me awake! As educators, I expected a better understanding of the English language!

Truth is something that is veritable in all situations. Truth is not dependent on circumstances or personality. Truth stays the same; is absolute. I am not a grammar expert but putting the possessive pronoun “your” before “truth” is an oxymoron, a faux pas or just plain poor writing. Pairing “your” with “truth” suggests that a colleague’s truth could be different than my truth. If that is the case, that there are multiple versions of truth, then the topic is no longer truth but experiences, feelings or opinions.

Sadly, the presenters didn’t miscommunicate their intentions. They, like many, believe that truth is relative and that kindness, respect and peace are best achieved by accepting all ideas equally. Nothing in the workshop was particularly controversial. Conflict was unlikely during the training but expecting tolerance is admirable and may be necessary in this day and age, especially in a region that is extremely diverse. Of course every participant’s contributions are valued! Unfortunately, the presenters missed the point by misusing the term ‘truth.’

As we come to the end of the Christmas season and look ahead to the New Year, we can reflect on Jesus’ words about his own coming to Earth. To his interrogator Pilate Jesus said, “In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” (John 18:37) Jesus was born as a baby, leaving behind His heavenly privilege, so we could experience truth. Jesus spoke the truth and He talked about true things and unchanging principles. He even called Himself truth when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)

Christmas cards artfully portray Jesus and His various names. Christmas carols include His names too. He is called Prince of Peace, Light of the World, and Lamb of God, to list just a few. Each of these names and His many others represent something true about Jesus the Savior, the Son of God. May you be greatly encouraged that Jesus’ birth and purpose are true and real; may you not fall prey to believing that there is any other Truth.

There is a funny story about this photo. I saw this nativity scene in a nursing home, while visiting a family member. On our first visit, the manger was empty with no baby Jesus. I joked with someone that possibly one of the residents had picked up the baby Jesus; some of them like to carry doll babies and often mistakenly take things. It turns out that the Catholic tradition is to leave the manger empty until Christmas Day. Happily, baby Jesus arrived on Christmas!

Speak Your Truth, Really?

A Teacher and a Cop Say Thanks

On an early morning this fall, I had to return some almost overdue library books. I was avoiding the fines by returning my checkouts before the library opened. The parking lot was empty and I am always a little wary of isolated areas. I was relieved to see ahead of me an officer of the law also making his book returns. Though he was plain-clothed, I knew by the guns and handcuffs on his belt that he was in some kind of law enforcement.

As I approached the book deposit slot, the guy noticed my large stack of books and he turned back to hold the box door open for me. I thanked him and as we both walked away, finished with our library errands, I offered a simple, “Thank you for what you do.” This has, after all, been a tough year for policemen.

He smiled and in a thick Long Island accent returned with, “Thank you for what YOU do.” I was happy to tell him that I teach at the local elementary school. He told me that his three children had attended there. By then, we were both nearing our cars and we parted ways. As I drove on to work, I felt cheered by both acknowledging his contribution to the community, and by the validation that my work also contributed positively to the neighborhood.

We choose our words. Words of thankfulness and gratitude hearten both the speaker and the recipient. In his book The Law of Happiness,* Dr. Henry Cloud describes 12 behaviors proven to benefit mental health; giving thanks is one of them. So cheer yourself and someone else: say “thank you.” In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

*In addition to The Law of Happiness, I recommend Radical Gratitude by my childhood friend, Ellen Vaughn.

Once, Twice, Three Times an Angel

I have been called an angel at least three times in my life. The first occasion was at a parent-teacher conference. A classroom teacher and I were talking with the father of one of my English language learners. The father was soft-spoken and respectful, expressing his deep gratitude for our work with his child. Then he said, “We have a word for you in the Korean language: you are like a god or an angel.” We were stunned with this description but felt truly honored by his tremendous, genuine compliment.

Another time I had introduced myself and offered some help to a woman sitting near me in church. She appeared to be alone and I wondered if she had any family. After a brief conversation, I gave her my phone number and email address. About two weeks later, I received an email from her. The subject line was: “my angel.” The woman had been looking and praying for direction in her life. My availability in friendship and practical support, and the timing of it, seemed miraculous to her. There’s much more to that story but that will be another blog post later.

Lastly, a friend gave me a mug with the quote, “Friends are angels following you through life.” This one is a bit of a stretch, yet I keep that mug at work and those words have often encouraged me and reminded me of my good friend and her amazing life.

Words hold immense power. They can hurt or heal; build up or crush. Encouraging words don’t come naturally to me but many times I have been blessed by the kind and edifying words of others. So it is that “Gentle words are a tree of life” and “Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the bones.” (Proverbs 15:4 and Proverbs 16:24) “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)