Through The Eyes Of A Father

About a week ago I met a father of ten children. He was tired, afraid, and searching. But in the midst of this chaos.... He said God knows what he is doing.

Back story, this father is a refugee from Somalia. His sister was shot to death for handing out Bibles. This father lived in a country where being a Christian is not safe,but in many ways a death wish. He was also a pastor of an underground church in Somalia. But once his sister was shot, his and his family lives were in jeopardy.

They moved to Kenya to escape the danger. But were soon sent to San Antonio, Texas. They now live in a apartment only equipped for maybe five, but ten live there. As I sat with my mission pastor, he was explaining his next obstacle. He had just landed a job, serving as a translator. He was also receiving funds from nearby churches.

But he sat down he explained his situation and how he felt that more could be done. He looked tired, beat, but he was able to muster a smile. Since, he's been in San Antonio other Somali's have arrived, because of the unrest in Somalia.

He has used this as an opportunity to present the Gospel to the Muslims of Somalia in San Antonio. With his efforts, he has been excluded and fears some might do more. With all these around him, he still remained at peace to let Jesus work.

We left the cramped apartment. I was taken back, in many ways I heard a story of a man who knows his God delivers. Yet, many of us who are much more fortune, always find room to not let God take control. We feel uneasy about not knowing.

That one day I met this father I saw God work through a extraordinary human being, a father. His example spoke to me.

I wrestled with this notion that night. Why do I fear not knowing? Many of us love to have a game plan for our life or future. But the reality is with God he wants full control. Many times the people in dire needs seek this reckless abandon attitude. This attitude that God has a plan.

God knows the desires of my heart. Although, I try to get in the way. I must realize He alone is good.

Through the eyes of a father......

Do not fear the unknown, for God knows what is in store.

The Art Of Tough Love

Tough love is an art, that I believe we all try to master. Some of us, are good and others, well have good intentions, but bad execution. Needless, to say we all require, that someone give us tough love.

However, tough love is an art. There is a time a place for it. Tough love can take on, several different shapes. For example, tough love maybe letting some hitting the bottom. Or getting very serious and intervening for some, standing the gap. Tough love is different for each person, based on their experience. Regardless, its what allows a friendship to become much more richer. To me, tough love is the difference between a shallow friendship, to one that is built on being completely real.

At times, its hard to hear. Many times its talked about, but never put into action. That is the key, to take the initiative and display tough love.

Are you taking action?
Or are you sitting around, not wanting to dig any deeper? No doubt, it can be a messy proposition, but if done properly, it could change your life.

The Angry Kid Inside Us

During the summer I was a school age teacher at my church's daycare. The kids varied from kinder - 5th grade. For the most part the kids were a enjoy to be around. However, some were particularly hard to manage.

For example, I had a kid in my class who had a huge temper. Anything could set him off, into his rage. Well, it happened and he was going off on other kids. So I had to grab him and call for help. I took him to another room, gave him one of those soft balls that can't hurt no one. He started to throw it, against the wall. Then he started to grab the books and threw them around.

As he kept throwing stuff, he yelled out why am I so, mad? He broke down and started to cry. I sat there, not knowing what to do. But this kid was not a bad kid. He was a great kid, one of my favorites. He knew all the answers, he was a really sharp kid.

He went to the corner he was ashamed of what he had done.

It got me thinking, don't we have angry kid moments? When we get mad and lash out at people we love. What about, getting angry at God and taking it out on him?

Are we any different than the kids who act up and lose their temper? We have our moments, right?

I couldn't help, but see the angry kid as a angry person wailing on someone. I think, at times we find someone, something to blame. But we reach a point of brokenness, a realization of what we are doing, cannot continue.



So..... are you angry kid right now? Are you blaming, wailing on others for things they have nothing to do with?

We have our moments..... what's the response?