Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~ John 14:27 Jesus for us becomes many things in our lives. Our teacher, a source of strength, someone who walks with us, a friend, and often the source of inspiration.
It's not so much that I spend each day asking myself "What Jesus would do," in any given situation, but I do wonder what Jesus might say to me when I encounter different situations throughout my day. One of my favorite scriptures involves Jesus reminding us that peace is essential to our daily living, and that it is peace that He leaves with us. While I struggle to balance a number of things on any given day, I often must remind myself that Jesus is to be the voice that provides clarity. At some point I must move beyond talking about what Jesus is doing in my life, and instead, allow His voice to speak from within me. Instead of seeing the world with my eyes, and before I act, I must learn to let my eyes be His and my actions be His. While it may sound simple, it is no simple task to surrender so much. It is the reminder that eternity has already begun to enter at this moment in history, and it is allowing heaven and earth to meet. In the gospel of John we are reminded that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word became flesh." It is the reminder that God's Word became like us, where heaven and earth seemed to embrace, and where eternity and mortality found common ground. Our need for Jesus' presence is more than just the peace that He offers. It is our ability to surrender and to understand that eternity is being offered with each breath that we take as we journey with the Savior. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018
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And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever. ~ Psalm 23 In my daily life I have a lot of conversations about eternal life. I guess since most of the people I spend time with have a life-limiting illness, eternity is something pressing.
I realize that for most of us, the thought of eternal life begins at the time we take our last breath. For some, though, eternal life began at the moment we were first known in our mother's womb. Since I seem to have a lot of discussions about heaven, for me the "next" chapter of eternal life has clearly entered the present. The reality that God is here and now makes these conversations about eternity much more meaningful. Years ago my daughter made a comment to me, "You know dad, I'm not dying." I guess it's a job hazard, immediately thinking of eternal consequences, when the reality of the here and now is simple. Our eternal life can fill our present life with unknowns. Sometimes the focus isn't so much about living out life eternally, but how do we recognize it's presence. How do we know when kt has begun? For some it has become a preoccupation. So many chapters in the Bible share about life beyond, a mansion with many rooms, the endless chorus of Hallelujah, our no longer needing to rest, while celebrating a place where we all experience perfect peace and joy with no more death or sorrow. The promise of that life seems to have gotten overwhelmed by the struggles of this world. The reminder that there are those who live life not thinking of eternity, but rather today. Who seem to find it necessary to have control, while failing to surrender and discover that life eternal is present now. For me, eternity becomes more real with the passing of each person I journey with. Having listened to their thoughts, dared to walk with them, and asked myself the same questions time and time again. Death is not the end, but the beginning of the next chapter of our life eternally. By embracing that thought, faith suddenly then finds a way to overcome the struggles of this world, and make my abilty to be in relationship with others possible. Welcoming life eternal is a walk we take each day. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 Become kind toward one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:32 One of the hardest things to encounter is when an old hurt suddenly becomes hurtful again in a current situation. We all have these things that we thought we had either worked through, hidden away, or simply thought we had forgotten.
Letting go of old hurts can serve as a stumbling block to overcome, and challenge our ability to practice grace and forgiveness. We all have these encounters where by holding on to such things, it begins to eat away at us, until we become so trapped that the only option is to lash out, or seek revenge. Sometimes our hurt isn't actually even ours. How many times have we made a choice based on someone else's bad experience? Holding people's faults against them often creates a situation that cannot be healed. Paul shares: "For anyone who is in Christ, there is a new creation: the old order is gone and a new being is there to see. It is all God's work." Indeed, we cannot let go of old hurts, but God can. That's what renewal, reconcilliation, and forgiveness is all about. Paul continues: "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not holding anyone's fault against them." It is God's work, but we are instruments of God. We have been challenged by God to minister to one another, and to be "the message of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:19). This message calls us to let go of old hurts in the Name of God. It is the message our world most needs to hear. In many ways, we all need to find a way for the hurts we have exoerienced find a pathway to grace and peace. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged." ~ Deuteronomy 31:8 Years ago I was telling the story of the paralyzed man who was being lowered down through the roof to the footstool of Christ to be healed to a faith community. As I shared about those that had carried him, dug through the roof, then lowered him using ropes, Jesus then declares that, "because of the faith of your friends, take up your mat and walk."
I've thought a lot about those folks over the years who dared to do the unthinkable and help the man whom they had passed by day after day. Much like those that stand on our interstate corners, asking for help, the paralyzed man was a common scene. While we can easily relate to the paralyzed man, as many of us can point to living illustrations on many of our city's street corners, and for some, understand just how paralyzing the world can be, I think about those who reached out and did the unthinkable. To literally raise the roof so that a man might find healing. I have to ask, "Who would you trust to do what these folks did to help that man?" Trust for many of us is the basis of our faith. Trusting in God to find us, sometimes sitting, paralyzed by what we have experienced, and then finding the hands of God reaching down and pick us up, telling us, take up that which has once held you, and be free. God will never forsake us. Rediscovering our trust in God helps to heal us in all circumstances. I'm so thankful for people who have reinforced that trust, and reminded me that when I have felt completely unable to move beyond a situation, God is still able. Seeking trust in God helps us when it comes to seeking trust in others. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light!" ~ Genesis 3:1 When I think about creation, I realize that light was the very first thing that God called into existence. Light serves many purposes, both literally and figuratively.
Being vulnerable to truth, and our own life narratives can sometimes be a difficult journey, but being able to own our own experiences and life stories in the light, can become powerful. Years ago a man shared with me the struggles he had lived through growing up, and that as he was dying, shared stories of what he had done in the "dark times of his life," as he explained. These stories included the accidental killing of a friend. As he shared of the events of the night that included "several drinks," and then "getting into a car and driving off into the night," he shared how he had driven off the road, hitting a tree, and leaving the scene, knowing his friend was badly hurt. "I just left him in the car and I walked home." Because of the way the car landed and the position of his friend when the accident was discovered, it was hard to determine who the driver had been. When the police questioned him, he had lied and said his friend had dropped him off and "that was it." The man had carried this with him for nearly thirty years. Telling the story, and bringing the events of that night, brought the experience back to life. While he didn't know if the man's parents were still alive he shared that, "they have to know what I did." Because of his condition, I helped him write a letter telling them how sorry he was for not being truthful, and that he didn't do more. Two days later the man died. With the help of a friend who worked with the police department we were able to get the letter to the friend's brother who was still living. I don't know how he reacted to the letter, but I know for the man who owned up to the situation, he was able to experience a sense of peace. Owning our own stories can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from them. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy. These experiences that make us the most vulnerable. It takes courage to talk about our dark times with others, but when we do, it's as if we are hearing the words of God, declaring "let there be light!" In today's world, we seem to know a lot about darkness, and things to fear, but I am reminded that no matter how dark these things may be, the light can never be overcome by the darkness. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of God's light in the world! Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. ~ Isaiah 40:11 One thing I have been struggling with for the past year is to find a place where I am truly being fed. While ministry is important to me, having a place where I can go to find food for my spirit has left me wanting more.
I think we all experience spiritual deserts. In our wanderings we hope to have enough reserves to ensure that we will remain healthy for the journey, but sometimes we can simply encounter times that exhaust our resources. Yesterday while sharing about this experience with a pastor, she related to me, "You need to go where you can be fed." You know how sometimes you suddenly hear something that resonates truth, and then things make sense? I had one of those moments. The need for us to find places where we can experience renewal and enrichment is a necessary journey we all must make if we are to grow. It's easy to wander in the desert, it's allowing our faith to lead that makes it a pilgrimage! We often think that if we just pray harder, or give more of ourselves to something, that it will somehow miraculously change. Sometimes it requires more. Our journey should never be about lowering our expectations. God certainly doesn't desire that for any of us! Our eyes must remain focused, and our heart must listen! Finding a place where we can receive nourishment must be a daily desire. Like manna from heaven for the Hebrew people while they wandered the desert, God has already provided. It is up to us to go out and get it! May we all be fed! Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 Then he fell to the ground in worship and said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." ~ Job 1: 20-21 "So I'm a Baptist and you went to a Presbyterian seminary, we are the same in the eyes of God."
I just love it when I meet new people and we begin sharing about our faith. I especially love it when the person I am meeting has the understanding that the Kingdom of God is made up of many people whom God loves just the same. This centenarian shared that "a long time ago" she discovered that there are just "many types of people," and that, "God likes it like that." She smiled as she shared, and winked when she followed up by saying, "and some are just a real test of God's love." You know, she's right. Wisdom from experience, and someone who has made every effort to love others, serves as a litmus test for each of us. While we enter the world naked, as Job shares, and basically naked is the way we leave this world, all that time in between and how we live demonstrates how we were able to handle this world, but it is not always reflective of what we will be in heaven. For me, I often think that this is where our hope finds its reality and unconditional love for all is simply the way of eternity. What if we all tried to see one another as God sees us? I've often thought the world might become a little kinder and gentler, but then again, if not now, when? For today, I can start with me and realize that God loves us all. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." ~ Psalm 23:6 Sometimes I realize why Jesus had to go off by himself to pray. Our spirits need time alone, otherwise they can become quite restless.
When I talk to couples who are thinking about marriage, I always talk of people as mind, body and soul. Over the years I have learned that each of these areas are important to each of us. Our bodies over time age, and change. Our minds and intellect desire not just enrichment, but recognition. Our souls desire someone to remind us that we are loved, even in times when we struggle to love ourselves. In discussing these things I realize that if a couple has a strong connection in at least two of these three areas, I feel that they have a chance. Especially when the connection involves a strong spiritual connection. Our spirits are the part of us that continues throughout eternity. It is the part of us that reminds us that we belong to something more than this body, and is the force that prompts us to respond when we need to forgive, or to reach out to one another. Having a restless spirit happens to all of us at some point. The overwhelming need for God to step into daily situations, can drive us to feel the need to step away or to disconnect, so that we can get ourselves back on track. Having others in our life who can recognize our need for peace can be a real blessing. Having the ability to provide that space for others can truly be gift. When I find that my soul becomes so restless that it begins to interrupt my rest, my relationships, and simply my life, I try to remember that God is still present. Most importantly, I try to remember that God is trying to catch up to me, and that perhaps I simply need to stop and let God catch up. While I realize that God is never absent, our ability to allow goodness and mercy to exist daily, means that finding time to allow these to be present, will also mean allowing my spirit to rest. It's when our soul seems to be at rest, both our minds and bodies seem to also discover harmony, making life a whole lot better. It's when our spirit finds rest that we realize the words of David, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 Submit to one another out of reverance for Christ. ~ Ephesians 5:21 It's an interesting thing that we do when we begin to compare our life with that of someone else. What's even more interesting is when we begin to create a litmus test to determine whether we are successful or not.
Years ago when I served my first church, I would attend clergy meetings where the topic would often include the question, "So how many people did you have in service on Sunday?" I learned very quickly it was a way to boast about a person's success as a pastor. Within months of serving the small faithful community I had been callled to serve, I learned to respond, "A little less than 500 souls." To that I would then entertain eyebrows being lifted, eyes rolling, and a few, "Your kidding, right?" I learned very quickly that ministry should never be about the number of people sitting in a pew, instead it should be about your own relationship with God and if your voice, whether in the wilderness or under a concrete bridge was bringing a person closer to God. I think several clergy I served with simply "wrote me off," because they quickly learned I wasn't going to play the game, and I wasn't going to base my ability to serve others on whether I could fill seats in a building. I actually got to the point that I felt sorry for those that ended up feeling trapped by a system that created a place where good people who simply loved God could no longer just gather, but insisted that they begin to submit themselves to a broken mold that left them feeling anything but the love that drew them to God in the first place. Today in my ministry I have to admit that I'm often grateful for those who taught me that serving God should never be about human success, instead it should focus on whether my own relationship is where I can be a real servant, and not something God never asked me to be. I miss my grandmother Williams who used to call me each Sunday after preaching and ask me, "So, did you bring them closer to heaven or hell today, and why?" Jesus reminded people that it is "not the well who need a physician." We seem to have forgotten that in the eyes of God, we are all God's children. The person who prides themselves in what they have accomplished might find it interesting to know that the person who sits quietly talking to God will receive the same reward. I seem to spend a lot of time talking to folks on hospice care relating the things they "wish they had done better to serve God." Often I have to ask, "Who told you that you needed to do more," only to discover someone had told them that, often in church, that would suddenly make them feel "less than qualified." (Back to the pastors who once asked me how many folks I had in the pew on Sunday morning.) What a terrible thing to lead someone to think that they are not good enough, or done enough, to receive God's love! Scripture reminds us that at some point we have all fallen short of what we need to do to serve God, but no where does it ever proclaim we have fallen short of God's love. Perhaps today's sharing isn't so much about sharing my thoughts as much as a reminder that God loves you, always, and don't let anyone or anything cause you to not believe that to always be true! Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 "Your kingdom come..."
~ Matthew 6:10a Years ago friends of mine were praying for patience with their children. All 13 children! Their oldest child was about to go off to college, and it was just a very stressful time for this family. My friends had shared that they just seemed to find the need for more patience. I have to admit, I laughed a little as they sharted of some of their experiences, but, I also prayed with them, especially when they found out that they were pregnant once again with number 14! (I will do the proverbial "rest of the story" at the end of my post.) We talked about what praying for patience looked like. When we find ourselves seeking to be more aware of God's timing, or at least the ability to be comfortable in that timing, we suddenly realize the importance of patience. For many, patience is a discipline that is difficult to master. It is not the waiting until something happens over which we have no control; the setting of the sun, an end to a conflict, or the waves finding their way to the shore. Patience is also not about waiting on someone else to make the first move. I have discovered that patience is being involved in every moment of our life. To not wait. To be not just aware of the here and now, but to be present in every breath that we take, and to be available in those moments. Impatience, for me, is when I can't seem to live in that moment, and that by some miracle, behave as if life will simply be lived tomorrow, later, or in some other place. Being patient is trusting that what we seek is already present, and that either we must pray to have our eyes open, or God is simply waiting for us to realize the blessing. And now about the friends who were praying for patience? They had a little girl, child number 14. They named her Patience. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited."
~ 2 Corinthians 6: 3 In chaplaincy, we often would refer to our role as a "non-anxious presence" when it comes to being on the journey with those around us. It also allows for "journeying with," even when it's not exactly easy when the person is very different from my own life or beliefs. It's in those moments that I recognize just how important these relationships really are, even when the moment is one filled with unknowns, while remaining calm, letting the person know that you will remain no matter what. Similarly, it is important for each of us to be a "nonjudgmental presence" for those who have experienced woundedness, or who are different than us. Each of us have been reconciled with God, and because of Christ, each of us are instruments of reconciliation. Additionally, each of us can find a way to be present for one another. Essential to the work of reconciliation is at some point being a nonjudgmental presence. We are not sent into the world to judge, to condemn, to evaluate, to classify, or to label. When we walk around as if we have to make up our mind about people and tell them what is wrong with them and how they should change, we will only create more division. Jesus says it clearly: "Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge; ... do not condemn; ... forgive" (Luke 6:36-37). In a world that constantly requires us to make decisions about others, being a nonjudgmental presence can seem like a daunting task. Being a nonjudgmental presence is truly a blessing to others who long for reconciliation with God and others. It is a reminder to each of us of God's amazing ability to love each of us where we currently are while reminding us to Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 "Where then is my hope, who can see any hope for me?" ~ Job 17:15 Years ago Alfred Tennyson wrote, "Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering 'it will be happier.'"
Some days I have to force myself to start the day on a positive note. And it's funny when you think about it. With the dawn of each new day comes a new offering. The news headlines, sometimes the dog waking me up before I'm actually ready to get up, or allowing myself to begin the day by filling my brain with lists of things to do can quickly fog over any chance for me to see the hope clearly being offered. Hope, like faith, sometimes has to be intentional. I have often wondered what challenges Jesus faced while walking among humanity, that have only multiplied over time. While I consider the 5,000 that were hungry one day, now the need numbers in the millions. The number of people paralyzed by either situations in the world, or by health issues, has to be an amazing challenge to address, even for God. But somehow I keep being reminded to have hope that it will all be okay. So often I am asked, "How do people make it through a day without having faith and hope?" There is no clear answer, only the reality that this is when we truly need one another. Sometimes it has to be up to us to be not juat the words of hope, but the action of hope. Sometimes it's not about having faith, but being faithful. We are the encounter for humanity, to be the instruments of God's presence and to seek ways to let others know that the God of all creation still has hope for us even today! May that hope be very present to each of us. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
~ Psalm 90:12 I'm always amazed how nature seems to find balance in this world. Balance is the very thing that happens in our own life when we become more aware of our purpose and how God's presence effects that purpose. A leaf begins life like many leaves do. As spring awakens trees following winter, they come forth, providing a canopy that offers shade, and air to those who breath oxygen. The forest provides resources used by many. They weather storms, and rustle in the wind until they find themselves swirling in the wind, or as in the case of this leaf, adrift upon the water and fully relying on the current to take it to the shore. Our reliance on God provides us with not just purpose, but helps us in all stages of our life. Life and death are connected by vulnerability, while both remind us of the preciousness of our lives. Praying we all find the place where God wants us to be. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. ~ Psalm 9:1 - 2 The change of seasons seem to blend together here along the Gulf. While the leaves are still turning and falling at the end of the year, the new year has brought another round of snow.
You might say that the snow has been unexpected. I have lived along the Gulf now for nearly two decades, and it has only snowed four times now in all those years. Not only the weather, but life, can sometimes catch us by surprise as well. Years ago I remember receiving word that a friend of mine had been killed in a serious auto accident. I couldn't seem to find even the words to ask what had happened because I was simply in shock. It was nearly an hour before I could even think of what to say. On the other end of the spectrum, I remember another time when I had been selected for a project at work that I really didn't expect to be given because I didn't feel like I had as much experience as the others who were also applying to lead the project. When it was announced, I was simply in shock for about a day. Unexpected encounters can cause us both pain and joy. Sometimes I think that is how daily life must have been like for Christ. The lives that were being lived, only to unexpectedly change when encountering Christ. Unexpected encounters with Christ hold a deeper meaning when we allow ourselves to embrace the moment. Each day there are a number of moments or encounters just waiting. New encounters that will open new places in our hearts, where we will be able to welcome and celebrate more fully our shared humanity and support for one another. The saying, "Expect the unexpected," works well when it comes to our encounters with Christ, and how each encounter is an opportunity. Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams (c) 2018 I watched as the old hands of time
made their way to midnight, and like two hands folded in prayer lifted high, I said good bye to one year and welcomed the next. I can't say that I felt any remorse as Auld Lang Syne often makes me feel. Somehow above the sounds of rockets exploding, people cheering and laughing, a somber reminder that peace on earth still has a long way to go. I couldn't help but remember the challenges this last year had brought, as well as the hopes and dreams crushed, but somewhere, under leaves that withered and left only a memory, a new leaf emerges, as a new generation does. I suppose I'm still a romantic, filled with hope as those who wish upon stars and cross their hearts. Until the new year proves itself, I might actually hold my breath and pray I don't find myself gasping following some act. Like so many others on this journey, I will raise to heaven, with both heart and lips, one more request. "May God bless all humanity, both living and the dead." For on this day I am but one among nations and city blocks, to proclaim, "May I be healthy and strong. Be surrounded by those I love. May strangers find hospitality, and may I be given the mind to discern Godly answers, when given the choice to answer or be silent." "Teach me to be transparent, even when it seems overwhelmingly vulnerable." "God of this new year, please, may YOU be, present to us always, even when we close our eyes, both when happy and in fear." And with that, I watched as the hands of time, slowly slipped away from one another. In my heart it was clear, I am the one who must now be the vessel that will initiate all these things. Happy New Year, and Stay in God's grip! G. Todd Williams, (c) 2018 |
AuthorRev. G. Todd Williams is the author of the book, "Remember Me When..." and is a former hospice chaplain and pastor. Archives
February 2024
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