Is There Something Hiding Under Your Bed?

"Daddy, did Abba (Eden's name for G-d) make me afraid of the dark?"

Eden was crying when she asked me this late one night. Katie and I had decided to move Avery's bed out of Eden's room and into Ari's in order to help him sleep. Interestingly, the darkness wasn't an issue until she thought she was alone in it. Suddenly, clothes awkwardly hanging in the closet transformed into the Boogeyman. Oddly shaped objects under the bed morphed into creatures from the underworld. Needless to say, Eden was not supportive of the choice. (We did eventually move Avery back the next night!)

I was doing my best to calm Eden's little frightened spirit that night, but her question forced me to pause and ask myself, "How do I know that G-d didn't make us afraid of the dark?" 

Not long after that conversation with Eden I watched a teacher talk about resting. Resting from running from event to event. Resting from worrying. Resting from a life of scurrying about like a chicken with my head cut off. His words were speaking to me on many levels, but when he used a verse out of Genesis, one I had read many times before, as a basis for his point I got the answer to my question, "How do I know Abba didn't make us afraid of the dark?"

Here it is, "G-d called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. So there was evening, and there was morning, one day." 

Would G-d create something and then cause me, Eden, or any of His children to then fear that which He created? How can that be His heart for his children? I knew it was not. I did say something to this effect to Eden on the night she asked me, but I didn't have Genesis 1:5 in mind when I reassured her that G-d would never create anything with the purpose of scaring her. Somehow I felt more empowered in that truth after reading Genesis 1:5. That was cool.

Did you notice what came first in the one day? Light or darkness? Our days never begin with the dawn. Each one begins just after dusk. What's really intriguing to me about this verse is that both Night and Day are capitalized in the Jewish interpretation of this text; they're personified! Can I welcome Night into my house, not as an uninvited thief, but as an ancient Friend coming to visit, bringing comfort and rest? 

Imagine that thought for a minute. 

Rest instead of fear. Gladness instead of mourning. Joy instead of depression. Trust instead of worry. Love instead of control.

Well Hydrated and Strong Muscles

Avery, my middle kid, continues to blow me away with her prayers. G-d's teaching me via my children that prayers look so different. That's truly the beauty of prayer, isn't it? Just like conversations, there are literally millions of ways they can be spoken.

We recently sponsored the rescue of three Indian children from the world of human sex trafficking, and the organization sent us their pictures. Each night as part of our daily routine, we joyfully pray for all the rescued children Life for the Innocent has helped, but particularly the three we "know": Kunshi, Shari, and Tahir. We love it! The girls take turns praying for the children. They are a part of our extended family, and we hope and trust that one day we will meet them face-to-face in heaven.

It's important that we practice as a family listening to G-d speak to us, through our spirits, for each of these little ones. One night Avery, our ever-thoughtful three year old, prayed, "Abba, give Kunshi strong muscles and keep her hydrated. Amen!"

We were blown away by the simple specificity of Avery's prayer (on the surface), and yet there was much to unpack within her petition. Water and weight. Nutrients. Joy. Eternal life. I couldn't help but be reminded of Yeshua's promise of living water, the type that will satisfy eternally, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life" (John 4:13-14).

Avery taught me that sometimes it's not about what we actually say in our prayers but about what we leave unsaid. He knows my heart. He's praying through it. I can trust that as I submit to His Lordship in my life living waters will flow.

Let Your Light Shine, Don't Burn People With It

My daughter showed me that a follower of Yeshua (Jesus) can lovingly share their faith without being a jerk! I know, if you live within the western world of Christianity that may feel a bit oxymoronic. Perhaps it's because you've encountered a misguided religious zealot?

I find there's a disconnect for many people with what it means to share one's faith with someone who doesn't believe as they do. Have some mistranslated the Messiah's great commission? Instead of going out and making disciples, have they instead opted to go out and make converts? I've witnessed first hand this process, and unfortunately have seen many, believers in G-d and non-believers, burnt by a pressure-induced, guilt-laden message. Sadly, at one point in my life I was the one delivering that message, attempting to convince and argue people into Yeshua's Kingdom. I say "sadly" because I realized I was doing more harm than good--for myself included. I came to the realization that my faith journey had evolved into a Boy Scout Religion. Next badge to earn? This is probably why at one point about eight years ago I just stopped. I stopped striving toward the goal of getting people through the doors of a church or to pray a prayer with me. And I attempted to simply be a friend, loving, and leading by example. Just letting my light shine.

Last week my soon-to-be five year old, Eden, came up to me and shared that she felt Abba (her name for G-d) was telling her to go and give her Bible to one of our neighbor's kids. I believe I knew where this was going, but I wanted to test the motive and in the process use it as a teaching moment.

"Why do you want to give Sammy your Bible?"

"Because he can read the letters and I can't yet." Ok. My direct question deserved that answer, but I wasn't satisfied. Rephrase.

"How do you know he doesn't already have one to read?"

"Because he told me."

"You mean you asked him?"

"Yeah, he said he doesn't know Abba and doesn't have a Bible?"

Honestly, I was in shock. My four year old was asking a fourth grader about his relationship with G-d?!? How aware. How bold. How...loving.

We went over right after that and she offered her Bible to Sammy, her face lit up with a smile. It was the light within her, shining brightly, just as Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

What was the good deed, though? It wasn't like she was offering to tag team with Sammy in mowing the lawn or help quiz him with his multiplication facts. The good deed was her obedience to what she felt was G-d's voice inside her heart, leading her to offer a gift.

Eden taught me a great lesson that day. I can share my light without burning others. I can lovingly offer the gift of getting to know G-d without shoving my flame in someone's face.

Simple Prayers

We've all had those days when the ups and downs of life get to us. Thursday was that type of day for me, but I had one of those divine moments with my eldest daughter that brought me back to the joy of G-d's Spirit within. I asked her to pray for me. If you've never had a four year old pray for you I highly recommend it.

It went something like this, "Abba, help Daddy feel better. And help him to have a better day. Amen."

That's it? Yeah, that's it!

No grandiose petition. No verbose litany. No pre-packaged words. Just her heart for her daddy.

I think Abba loves that same level of prayer from His creation. I can imagine Him listening to the long-winded incantations and thinking, "Just talk with me!"

Eden taught me that radical, Spirit-centered joy can be rediscovered through the simplest, shortest, most honest prayers. To-the-point prayers. Loving prayers. Prayers centered on others' well-being. I think those are the types of conversations our heavenly Dad is just waiting to have with us.

Because You're Daddy

Thirty-two years. That's how long I went before I had to get stitches. Not a bad run, I say. But when you forget you're thirty-two and go diving for a loose basketball, stitches are bound to happen.

I wasn't crazy about the idea of having a small sharp object threaded through my upper lip, but I also didn't want to miss an opportunity to show my girls how one can be brave and at the same time a bit worried when going to get shots and stitches at the doctor. The convo with my second daughter went something like this:

Me: You know, Avers, Daddy's a little afraid about going to the doctor for a shot.

Avery: You can't be afraid.

Me (she had my attention): Oh, why's that?

Avery: Because you're Daddy. (Said with a very matter-of-fact tone.)

I think my heart actually melted in my chest that very moment.

How often have I wanted to say those very same words to my heavenly Daddy but balked in doubt? Not Avery. She said it assuredly. She said it with more faith than I feel I'll ever be able to muster.

I am reminded of the promise of G-d, "...as sure as the sunshine." Can I be that confident in Him? He says I can. Can I trust that He will be my rock when times are rough and fear crouches at the door of my heart? Can I bring my prayers and requests to Him with the same childlike faith that Avery showed me or will I let the circumstances of life dictate my response?

Can I rest on, "Because you're Abba-Daddy"?

What Do Riddles, Dunk Contests, and Cerebral Palsy Have in Common?

My children and I love to play guessing games, and "Solve My Riddle" is one of our favorites. It's a fun game that gets our minds stirred up. Typically, we choose things like animals and give each other three clues in which to guess the answer. "Solve my riddle...what has stripes, looks like a horse, and lions like to eat it?" You get the idea.

I was thinking about this game tonight after reading an article about an ordained minister in Hurst, Texas, Susan Slade, who has cerebral palsy. Ironically, I read the article right after watching the NBA dunk contest. Here are dozens of grown men living it up at All Star Weekend in Houston, dunking basketballs with ease while jumping over random objects and people. All the while, thousands of fans watch from the stands, in awe of not just the physical talents of some of America's best athletes but also of the privileged lifestyles many of them get to lead. At the same time, not more than four hours north of Houston, lies (literally) Susan Slade on a bed in the home of her great grandmother. She types out sermon notes and encouraging e-mails with the only two moving parts on her entire body--the thumb and forefinger on her right hand. The ironic juxtaposition couldn't be ignored.

Whether you're LeBron James or Susan Slade, every person lives their short earthly lives with a burning question. It's birthed as a whisper. As we get older, if we don't find an answer to this question, it will perpetually pull at the corner of our minds. Eventually, it builds into a steady drone. And finally, the closer we come to death, the more it crescendos into a cacophony, until those who have left it unanswered can no longer do so. What is the purpose of your life?

The beautifully-written Susan Slade article went on to illustrate that despite her condition, Susan has found a deep purpose in living her life focused on others. Her godly eternal perspective (i.e. faith) is what fuels her whole existence. And then I thought of a great riddle...

What can never be taken by force or ever forced on another person?

Susan Slade has the answers to both my riddle and this burning question we all share. It resides deep within her heart and is released every day as she blesses others through her unselfishness, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and love.

Here's the article link if you're interested: http://www.arcamax.com/religionandspirituality/religiousnews/s-1265164

And here's a link to a not-as-impressive-but-still-jaw-dropping list of best dunk contest dunks (according to Sports Illustrated): http://nba.si.com/2013/02/14/michael-jordan-nba-slam-dunk-contest-best-vince-carter-dwight-howard/#

Jesus' Greatest Miracle (Mystery)

"Eden, what do you think Jesus' greatest miracle was?" I threw out this random question last week, but my sharp-minded, ever-surprising 4 year old was ready for it. At this point, I'm thinking she'd bust out one of the favorite Gospel stories she was forever requesting at bedtime. Which Jesus would she bring into her answer: Water-walking Jesus? Maybe food-multiplying Jesus? Or surely she'd answer with the gentle healer Jesus!

Her response hit me square in the soul and blew away any answer I had previously formulated in my mind: "Daddy, you know Jesus' greatest miracle was when He was raised from the dead."

Little did she realize that wrapped up in her poignantly simple response is the greatest Mystery of our known universe, and the greatest stumbling block to faith in the G-d we call Abba, Son, and Spirit.

Now, I don't believe my daughter is necessarily some theological prodigy. She's not enrolled in the local Kindergarten Seminary for Bible Geniuses. She's just...a child.

In Matthew 18 Jesus was asked how one is to enter the Kingdom of G-d, and when His answer came I have a feeling those questioning Him had a very similar reaction as the one I had to Eden's statement--surprise mixed with a bit of embarrassment. He said we must change and be like children. I can see why.

Recently, I became like a child as it relates to the mystery of Jesus. I have been struggling for the past 7 years to wrap my mind around who Jesus is. I have been questioning all of the theology I was spoon fed as a Christian my whole life, including all of what I was taught on the way to earning my degree in theology. I toiled in the mire of my limited human-minded analyzation. I finally arrived at the conclusion...if I continue to wait for it all to "make sense," I'll never be able to "become like a child".

I felt like Peter when Jesus said to him, "You didn't get this answer on your own, Peter. My Father gave it to you" (Matthew 16:17).

Salvation is a gift. Coming to a place of accepting the role and nature of who Jesus is is a wonderfully mysterious present given to us by the Father. Accepting without fully understanding. I can't "figure it out on my own".

New questions began to arise within me, "How did G-d break off a piece of Himself, deposit it on earth in the shell of human form, kill it, revive it, reunite it to Himself, and then break off another piece of Himself in the form of a Spirit, separate from the Jesus piece, and then commission the Spirit piece to stay on earth? Furthermore, how did all three of those pieces reside and work together at the start of our human history to breathe life into a dry, dusty, dirt-y clay skeleton called 'Adam' (which means 'man')?" Huh? Can you run that back one more time?

Honestly, I don't know the answer. I'm actually chuckling as I write this because I'm ok with not knowing the answer after 7 years of striving so hard to know the answer. Ironically, all I had to do was ask a 4 year old.

I should have known what her answer would be...

"Daddy, you know it's magic!" (Translation: Mystery)