Our Own Worst Enemy?

As I read my Bible-in-a-year chapters the other day, I was struck by a couple of verses in Psalm 69. With online Easter worship still fresh in my mind, the verses reminded me of the power of Christ’s love, sacrifice and resurrection.

We’ve been living through strange and frightening times with this pandemic. As we shelter in place, it’s easy to feel besieged — by loneliness, boredom, fear, viruses. Our fears loom large after yet another sleepless night.

“Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause, those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore what I did not steal.”
Ps 69:4

Yet when we feel overwhelmed by it all, we remember the love that led One to “restore what He did did not steal.” We can loosen our grip, even if it’s just a little at first. As my 12-step program teaches, we can surrender to our higher power “just for today.”

“Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.” Ps 69:15

But can’t our own thoughts behave like enemies? We worry about loved ones, opinions of others, even the next Presidential election. I know that when I’m tired or overwhelmed, my own thoughts seem to “engulf me” or “swallow me up.” Can you relate?

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

Whether a threat is external or internal, God’s grace and peace never change. We are the ones who come and go, who hold tightly to our fears. But the more we seek knowledge of God, the more we can recognize God’s grace and peace.

Grateful for the One who paid what He did not owe, restored what He did not steal.

I hope this post finds you well!

He Has Set My Feet in a Spacious Place

Call it what you will: “shelter in place,” “lockdown,” “stay at home,” “self-quarantine.” Our individual worlds have become smaller due to a microscopic but deadly enemy. Shopping trips have dwindled to nervous visits to the grocery store, complete with face masks and social distancing. Hugs between friends are forbidden. Even medical appointments are postponed as hospitals and clinics are overwhelmed with COVID-19 concerns. We wonder, is there any way out?

I’ve been participating in a Bible-in-a-year study this year, and was struck by one of today’s readings, Psalm 31. At first, the Psalm impressed me as a fine example of King David’s laments. But I didn’t really identify with it on a personal level, since I am not persecuted or running for my life. 

Or am I? After reading the Psalm several times, one verse jumped out:

“You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.” Psalm 31:8 (NIV) 

I took another look at the word “enemy,” and thought of the coronavirus. But then I looked looked inward. Aren’t there enemies that attack us from within? Fear, boredom, resentment and greed can devour us from the inside out. Don’t we need God to deliver us from these enemies, too? 

“A spacious place.” Now more than ever, we crave space to travel freely. We’d love to browse through our favorite bookstore or eat in our favorite restaurant. Yet there’s also too much space between us, as visits with friends and colleagues are relegated to FaceTime and Zoom. But God can draw hearts closer in spite of social distancing, and give us a broader perspective while we’re sheltering in place.

I love this translation, too:

“You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.” (NLT)

Whether it’s more space or less space, we look to God for a safe place — a place that transcends circumstances. We feel less isolated and resentful. We begin to notice opportunities for compassion for others as well as ourselves. 

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6 (ESV)

There’s no getting around it: we still dream of get-togethers with loved ones, birthday parties for kids. We long for the day when we won’t have to say, “stay safe!” In the meantime, however, God enlarges our vision and reworks our plans. Knowing that we can rely on God’s goodness and mercy, we find respite in that safe and spacious place within. 

Earth Day 2020: Digitally Taking Care of the Garden

Tomorrow, April 22, 2020, marks the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day! And what a difference 50 years makes — namely, this year brings the first all-digital Earth Day. Social distancing is a must during the coronavirus pandemic, but environmental issues need addressing now more than ever.

It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been 50 years since the first Earth Day in 1970. Every year since then, people have marked Earth Day with protests and other events highlighting environmental issues. Topics have ranged from smog to acid rain to recycling. This year, the first all-digital Earth Day will focus on climate change and will include a variety of activities:

• Citizen Science
• Advocacy and Volunteering
• Arts and Education
• And much more!

Since human activity has dramatically decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all seen the images of stunning improvements in environmental quality. People in India can see the Himalayas for the first time in decades. The smog over Los Angeles is dissipating, and marine life can be seen in the clearing waters of the Venice canals.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15

If these improvements have happened unintentionally in a matter of weeks, what could intentional, sustained effort could accomplish? What if we were faithful to our call to “take care of the garden?”

The current pandemic has brought fear and suffering. But it has also given us opportunities to act with compassion and concern for our neighbors. The young activist Greta Thunberg said it well, when commenting on the healing of the earth during the coronavirus pandemic: 

“The coronavirus is a terrible event…But it also shows one thing: That once we are in a crisis, we can act to do something quickly, act fast. Though it must be in a different way to how we have acted in this case, we can act fast and change our habits and treat a crisis like a crisis."

You can be part of the 50th anniversary by visiting Earth Day Live. We may be miles apart this year, but we can still join together to help the planet heal!

Tarnished Silver Lining?

I had big plans for the COVID-19 stay-at-home period. I would stay positive and savor the renewed sense of fellowship and caring I was witnessing in our community. Neighbors ran errands (and still do!) for their at-risk neighbors. Stores offered cure-side delivery and set aside shopping hours for elderly and high-risk customers. Brightly colored, encouraging chalk art appeared on local sidewalks. 

In short, we counted our blessings and noted how staying apart was drawing us closer. It was easy to find a silver lining to this dangerous time. 

But now, that silver lining has tarnished. Terror seeps in as the death toll continues to rise. On the news, we see field hospitals in New York’s Central Park. We hear reports of thousands of deaths in nursing homes — more than we previously realized. We worry obsessively about vulnerable loved ones. We miss seeing friends at the coffee shop, church or the gym. We carry out the surreal tasks of making protective masks, rationing toilet paper and wondering if the grocery shelves will be stocked today. In fact, it’s been weeks since I’ve set foot in a store.

How do I “stay positive” when each day looks less and less like the life I took for granted? The truth is, I can’t. None of us can, and we don’t have to because we can’t hold it together indefinitely.

We’re in good company, in fact. Even faith heroes of the Bible had moments when all they could do was wring their hands and sit with their pain. King David said it well, many times:

“My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass;

I even forget to eat my bread.” Psalm 102:4

“I am worn out from my groaning.

All night long I flood my bed with weeping

and drench my couch with tears.” Psalm 6:6

Then we are reminded that we are not alone:

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“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

Sometimes all we can do is lean on the One who can carry all our burdens. We still can’t see beyond the next report of confirmed COVID-19 cases. We still don’t know when we’ll be able to browse in a bookstore or celebrate a friend’s birthday in person. 

All we can do is take God’s word for it — that we are loved with a love that is bigger than we can comprehend. Somehow that love keeps us hanging on,  giving us eyes to see our present day sacrifices as acts of love. 

So we get out of bed another day, still bewildered by the statistics and warnings that bombard us. Who wouldn’t be? 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I’ve often relied on this verse when my soul needs rest and refreshment. But today, I am struck by the words, “learn from me.” During a time of sheltering in place and social distancing, I certainly have the time and space to sit at His feet and listen, as did Martha’s sister Mary:

“She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.” Luke 10:39

For now, I will take Jesus up on His offer, not just to find rest, but to learn from Him. Maybe the lessons will come during prayer, or quiet moments in the garden, or even in the midst of worry. 

“I will give you rest.”

We sure need it.

Every Green Herb: Dandelion — Herb of the Year

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.” Genesis 1:29-30 (KJV)

Now and then, it’s a good idea to take a fresh look at old ideas. Our ideas about life have certainly been turned upside down by COVID-19. Maybe this is a good time to take another look at gifts hidden in plain sight. In fact, there’s a whole bunch of them in backyards, vacant lots and roadsides everywhere. I’m talking about one of the greatest blessings of God’s creation, the dandelion (Taxicum officinale).

Now calm down. Did you know that in the 17th century, colonists planted dandelions for food and medicine? This often reviled plant is a rich source of nutrients, including iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin A, B1, B2 and C. For centuries, herbalists have treasured the entire dandelion plant, from flower to leaves to roots. And the leaves are delicious raw in a salad, or cooked and drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.

Herbalists study a wide range of “helping plants,” but many will advise you to pay special attention to a particular herb each year. Dandelion is my “green ally” for 2020 — the herb that I will focus on, sit with and pay special attention to this year. I’ll write a series of posts about dandelions this year, on topics ranging from recipes to medicinal properties* and folklore.

Take heart when you observe the dandelion. The object of disdain and scorn from many directions, repeatedly poisoned, dandelion is as indestructible as we are foolish. Bright and confident, she graciously offers her healing gifts to friend and foe. Could it be that we can’t “get rid” of her because she knows that she was created with a purpose?

This afternoon, I picked a few very young dandelion greens from our yard and ate them raw. The youngest greens have the mildest taste and are best for a salad. The larger, mature greens have a more bitter flavor that becomes milder when cooked. To get started on our journey with dandelion, here’s a recipe for tasty dandelion greens:

Tasty Cooked Dandelion Greens

(Adapted from  Allrecipes)

2 tsp salt

1 pound dandelion leaves, torn into 4-inch pieces

2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 onion, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and black pepper to taste

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Directions

Place dandelion greens and 1 tsp salt in bowl of cold water. Soak for 10 minutes and drain.

Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tsp salt. Bring water to boil and add the greens. Lower the heat to simmer and cook the greens until tender, 3or 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Increase heat to medium high and add dandelion greens. Cook and stir until liquid evaporates, about 3 or 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and sprinkle with lemon juice. 

Be well and be blessed!

__________ 

*This post is for information only, and does not provide medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying medicinal herbs.

12 Step Journey: Step 2 — Reason for Hope

Recovery is a process that is unique for each individual. My 12-step journey has centered around wanting to control people and situations. I sometimes wrongly put my hope in “fixing” loved ones and making everything turn out “right” (i.e., my way).  At my 12-step meeting today, the topic was DETACH — Don’t Even Think About Changing Him/Her. To my mind, this acronym fits perfectly with my own healing journey and with Step Two, February’s step of the month.

Step Two

Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Right away, the words “came to believe” lets us know that Step Two is a process, not a destination or achievement. Our idea of a Higher Power will likely evolve. We find hope knowing that we’re not expected to have it all figured out at once. And we find hope when we first entertain the thought— however fleeting — that we can rely on a greater power.  

The word “could” reminds us that recovery does not happen on its own. We can’t continue our old, destructive behaviors and expect change. For example, if I am struggling with the need to control, I can put DETACH into practice. I have to remind myself that my Higher Power — God —  is in control.. Nagging, pleading and losing sleep are not going to convince a loved one to eat the “right” foods or have a positive attitude. 

Which brings us to that troubling last phrase — ”restore us to sanity.” Are we really talking about insanity here? Well, there is that famous quotation often attributed to Albert Einstein: 

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing 

over and over again, but expecting different results.”

Whether or not Einstein really said it, that quotation explains the last part of Step Two. We go around in circles, desperately holding on to a behavior that nearly always makes matters worse. We resist letting go and dig in our heels. My need for control, for example, wears me out and likely annoys my loved ones. Yet my first instinct is usually to swoop in an take control.

So where is Hope? Hope is in knowing that healing is a process that can only get better. Hope is  the knowledge that only God is in control, and that I don’t have to figure it all out on my own. When I remember that only a greater Power has infinite wisdom, I trust God for my loved ones and for myself. 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

When we DETACH in love, we make room for that greater power to mend relationships and heal broken spirits. 

In other words, to restore us to sanity!

On Returning to the Doctor’s Office

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)

Neither my 82-year-old mom nor I wanted to be at the wound clinic this morning. More than a year ago, my mom began treatments at the clinic for a stubborn wound on her ankle — a wound that still hasn’t healed. The doctors and nurses tried a variety of treatments, from simple to experimental. I learned how to change dressings. Sometimes the dressing changes were painful and nearly broke my heart. Hope alternated with self-doubt and even shame. After all, it had been over a year. Surely we must be doing something wrong?

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Lord, where are you in this?

This past October — tired and stressed from many months of treatments and disappointment — my mom decided to take a break from the clinic visits. The clinic staff were very understanding and told us they would be there if we needed them. At home, I continued to change the bandages. At times the wound appeared to improve, while other times it grew larger. Finally, my husband John wisely urged us to make an appointment at the wound clinic. 

“Hello, ladies!” my mom and I heard as we walked up to the check-in desk at the clinic this morning. “How have you been?” What a difference a kind word and smile can make! I felt my blood pressure decrease about 30 points as we chatted with the receptionist. But in the waiting room, we still nervously expected to be scolded for taking so long to make an appointment.

“Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;

may your love and faithfulness always protect me.” Psalm 40:11 (NIV)

Lord, give us strength and be with us.

“Judith?” A smiling medical assistant held the door open and waited as my mom stood up at her walker and got her bearings. “It’s so good to see you!”

Nurses lovingly attended to my mom’s ankle. They gently joked with her. And reassured me.

“Don’t worry. We totally understand how tiring all those appointments got to be.”

The doctor came in and explained that non-healing wounds are common and that there was no reason to feel that we had failed. He explained various choices in treatments, from aggressive to minimal maintenance. We’ll decide and let him know next week.

“There’s no wrong answer,” the doctor said. “And you can always change your mind.”

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” — Mother Teresa

“She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Mark 5:26-28

Later that afternoon, I peeked in my mom’s room as she took a nap. She looked more relaxed than she had in years. 

True, the venous ulcer my mom’s ankle has not healed. But I know that Jesus healed my mom’s wounded spirit when she reached out for help. 

We often hear of people being the “hands and feet” of Jesus. Many times this happens as we go about our everyday lives and jobs. “The kindness and love of God our Savior” had indeed “appeared” at the clinic this morning.  And it made all the difference.