Sunday, February 15, 2015

A2G: Never Give Up!

Who is Wilma Rudolph?  Most folks would not easily recognize the name and would have to look it up to learn who she is.  Wilma was born in 1941 as the 20th of 22 siblings.  She was born premature and would go on to be diagnosed with polio affecting her right leg to the point she would have to wear a special brace and shoe through the age of 9 years old.  What makes her special is her determination never to settle and never give up.  Despite her handicap, she fought to walk and use her right leg despite the leg brace and special shoe she wore.  Her parents though poor did all they could to help her stay determined and encouraged.  Wilma would go on to develop her leg to the point of being able to walk and run without the need of a brace,  She would go on to become a high school basketball star and go on to win medals in two olympics.  Her "never give up" attitude reflects the perspective we all need to take when presented with an obstacle in life seemingly impossible to overcome.

Christ teaches  us that all things are possible for those who love the Lord; that greater is He that is in us, then he that is in the world; and that we abide in Him and His word abides in us, we can ask for the desires of our heart and He will provide them.  If we are abiding by His word, we will be in the right state of mind to know that nothing is impossible for our heavenly father and thus we will Never Give Up!  Just a little advice to go!

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Be Vulnerable in Christ!

Christ proclaims that the truth will set us free in John 8:32, yet for many believers the truth is kept buried in our hearts.  We fear the truth because it means being vulnerable.  Researcher Brene Brown defines vulnerability as "being honest with how we feel, about our fears, about what we need, and, asking for what we need. Vulnerability is a glue that holds intimate relationships together."
What more intimate relationship than the one we have with Christ.  Yes, Christ is all knowing but this doesn't preclude our being vulnerable with him.  Practicing vulnerability with him will ensure our communication is an open one and we are both asking the right questions and carefully listening for His responses.

Vulnerability in Christ starts with Him and then continues with those we love.  For many parents, children, husbands, and wives vulnerability is exactly what is lacking.  The ability to speak openly from the heart admitting our weaknesses, hurts, and pains is critical for those whom we love to understand why we behave the way we do and why those behaviors are often hampered by the pains of the past.  We often feel a sense of shame which prevents us from being open and honest; for many of us this type of vulnerability is a sign of weakness.  However the opposite is true.  When we have the courage in Christ to admit our mistakes and confront our hurts, we grow in strength and confidence.  We begin to overcome the pains of the past and recognize Christ provides a way for overcoming them.  Confessing those pains, understanding how they impact our behavior, and owning our mistakes are critical if healing is to take place.  It all starts with the truth; owning it, being vulnerable about it, and knowing Christ will help you through it.  Just a little advice to go!

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown