Showing Christ To Those In Need

Matthew 5:16,
"... let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father!!!"

I write today about two examples on how to bring Christ into people's lives.

This past week, while the world was consumed by the passing of singer Whitney Houston, there was another celebrity who was called home last week. Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter, who played 19 seasons, mainly with the Montreal Expos and New York Mets, lost his 8 month battle with brain cancer. He was only 57 years old. 

I sat in front of the TV Thursday night watching clips of Gary playing baseball, the fond memories of how he led the Mets to their second world championship in 1986. Every clip showed his smiling and enjoying life. In every interview of former teammates of Gary's, each one mentioned his rock solid faith in Jesus Christ. If you know the history of the Mets' ball club in the '80's, they weren't exactly clean living. A lot of them struggled with demons- drugs, alcohol, and more. Yet Gary showed them love despite their faults. He let God shine through him on and off the field. He loved on them as Christ loves on us each and every day, even with our demons and faults. Some of those players eventually came around and cleaned up their acts, even gave their lives to Christ. Gary received a lot of that credit, but I'm sure he would have said it was all God.

I saw that very example of loving on those that are struggling this Saturday, when I decided to volunteer with the Atlanta Dream Center for their weekly Adopt A Block mission. Each Saturday, the group goes out to the Old Fourth Ward area of Northeast Atlanta and knocked on doors of those that are struggling- either financially, or with drugs. I can't begin to describe the conditions these people were living in. The smell of crack permeated throughout the apartment complex. Dimes bags on the ground. Yet, Pastor Paul Palmer, the head of the Dream Center, loved on each one of them. Each person we encountered, including drug dealers, showed such love and respect for Pastor Paul and the volunteers that day. They were grateful for our visit. We prayed with  families. We met little kids that came running to us and hugged us. We loved on them as much as we could. Pastor Paul encouraged young boys who are on the cusp of heading in the wrong direction to get on track, be leaders in their family and set an example of living with Christ in their hearts.

These are just two examples of what it means to bring Christ to all the world. One was in the spotlight, the other isn't. But both men shine the light of Christ to a world in need. I pray that I, too, can let Christ shine through me in a world in need.

Thoughts while walking behind the red lawn mower

It's amazing where your brain can go on a nice day as you guide your mower over a lawn crying out for a little time and attention. ( No MP3 players or even a radio!)


I finally got to the yard after work last night and found myself thinking about a variety of things- from the mundane (I wonder if we have anything in the house for dinner) to the legacy I'll leave after I die and make my home in Heaven.


Let's focus on the legacy part shall we? Back in November of 2007, I made some handwritten notes about things I wanted to have included as part of my memorial / celebration service. I reasoned since I wouldn't be here, now would actually be the ideal time to share some things I feel strongly about. Things I want to emphasize.


From time to time in the past four years I'd run across this note--- see the words "My funeral" at the top...and just keep on working.


About a year and a half ago, a friend (under 60) died of cancer. I had talked very directly with Kent about how his life perspective had been radically altered with his diagnosis. Susie and I attended his funeral.


There's something about losing someone who is close to your age to get your attention. Still, it took me another 18 months to actually carve out the time and type up the notes on my funeral service.


So what did I address? Things like Bible verses, a note to my wife and kids. Who I'd like to have speak. Some song suggestions. Stuff like that. And I have to tell you, when I finished, I found myself feeling a fresh wave of gratitude- for my wife, kids, work, experiences, life and health.
I am a blessed man.


Ok, so, how does this apply to you? I hope in a couple of specific ways. First- PLEASE be sure you know Jesus--- That way everything before us is better than we can possibly imagine. Second- Be sure you have a WILL. Help the folks who will be left behind you know what you want done with your earthly resources. Thirdly- I hope you will find yourself grateful- like I did- for God's daily and abundant blessings.


I enjoyed getting the yard cut- it always looks so much better! There is still trimming to do- I look forward to another chance to think- and count my blessings.