Because Relationships Matter

A Christmas Story

About 10 days, ago, Jeff & I went browsing for flat screen tv's. We had no idea how God would show up. Sadly, we weren't looking for him, but how we saw God in this has been a wonderful Christmas gift!

We met Meshaun, a salesman. He was ready to deal, bargain, you name it. "Really. It's a great deal. We aren't ready to buy. Thank you."

"I understand. I have a question. Is there anything I can do to get you to make a decision today? We'd like to take you out of the market, and we'll do whatever we can to make that happen." It was so authentic, different than most...we were caving.

"We want to buy it just to buy it from you!" He smiled. He practiced lots of silence. Brilliant. "This is difficult, but no, we're not going to buy it today. Give us your name and number, and if we do buy it, we would like to buy it from you." We made it! Close call.

A few days later, we called the number. We were ready. We exchanged calls and planned our purchase trip. Meshaun was with another customer. He was making a sale, focused as he should be on his customer. We waited. Waited. Grew tired. Waited. "Hey, we'll come back tomorrow and catch you then." He protested some, promised it wouldn't be much longer, but we assured him we'd be back.

We went back the next day at lunch time. We didn't see him. Another salesperson said, "He's here. I'll let him know you're here if I see him." Really? You're not going to go look for him? Nope, he wasn't, and neither did the next person we asked. Simply amazing. So, we called his cell, left a message, waited a few minutes, and left for lunch. We heard from him a couple hours later apologizing that he'd missed us. At this point, we were over our enthusiasm, and considered not purchasing again. He called two more times, so we went again that evening. He sold more than we planned to buy. We bought, and felt happy about our purchase decision. I explained the customer service scenario we faced trying to locate him in the store. He asked if we'd please talk to the manager about our experience. "I really want my customers to have a good experience. 

Christmas Eve morning: There was a last minute decision to purchase a gift. I went to see Meshaun. He greeted me, I made the purchase, and after the sale, Meshaun started talking a bit. I was floored at the story that unfolded. I asked a few clarifying questions, but this is what he said.

"I still have to get my 13 year old daughter a gift. I was sorta grumbling this morning about having to work, but as my roommate was leaving for his dialysis treatement, I got perspective. God's been really good to me. I mean really good to me. I've been blessed in huge ways. I really trust God.

You know, I actually live at the Center for the Homeless. I also work part time in a local factory. I got divorced about five years ago. My daughter lives in Holland, MI, but there's no work there. I went back to Memphis about 3 years ago to care for my mother when she was sick. After she got better, I came back to this area to be closer to my daughter. The Center for the Homeless has a transitional program; I don't have addictions or anything like that. I got an opportunity to buy a car for $100 that was donated. It was a huge blessing for me. It wasn't much but it was great for me.

God's just really been good to me. When I trust God, when I really let go of trying to make things happen, it goes so much better.  When I first got here, I was desperate for transportation, and I bought a bike. I wasn't listening to God. I just had to have that bike, and I made it happen. The bike got stolen. I was ticked. God's my best friend. I try to talk to him and listen a lot. Well, I let him know how I angry I was. Yeah, that's when I got the oppportunity to get the car for $100. I really need to listen to God. I know that I can trust him. 

I've been doing so well. I just got an opportunity to get my dream car. It's a 2001 Honda. I love it. I wasn't sure what to do with my $100 car. I still have it. A guy asked me today if he could borrow it to go visit his daughter for Christmas. I let him borrow it. I'm going to sign the title over to him. I've been blessed. He's gonna be blessed.

I'm really trying to listen to God. You gotta have a personal relationship with God; it's all about really listening. I was thinking that I'm ready to move out into my own place. It's not yet though. They have this weather amnesty program at the homeless center where they let all the people in from the streets. They're sleeping everywhere. I got an opportunity to talk to some guys, encourage them, so I know God still wanted me there for that. I'm sorry. I'm taking all your time. I guess I just needed to talk."

No. I guess I just needed to listen. It was a great Christmas gift!  

How did I get here?

I had the honor of attending the dedication of Stephanie Johnson's home for her and her 3 kids from Habitat for Humanity. I've never seen anyone happier to sign a mortgage! 

About 7 years ago, her life was in a ditch. Year in a state mental hospital, lost her children, and approved for Social Security as unemployable.

She is steady and rooted as she now works with at-risk teens. She has had her kids back for several years, and is a great mom! She works mulitple jobs and is responsible with what God gives her.

What do you do when you feel like you've tried everything, the experts have tried everything, and your life is still a mess? "God, you're my only hope," was Stephanie's only prayer for over a year.

God did his part. Stephanie did her part. She is not only faithful, but she's intelligent and she's wise. These are her words.

I find myself tempted to think about "steps."
How did I get here from there?

There's always a temptation to hold onto the way, rather than to hold onto Jesus.

Israel was given a way. A way to return to trust and dependence on the One True God.
Isreal, like many religions, and like me, gave into the temptation to rely on themselves and their way. They lost sight of the God who created them. They lost sight of the God who created the way.

The truth is, everyone has a next step towards Christ.
Whatever that step may be, God is faithful.
YHWH meets us in Grand and Miraculous ways.
My desire is to abandon myself to the reality that: All I can do is take one more step.

This is a beautiful story of a life redeemed, but God keeps revealing an ever more beautiful layer. Stephanie writes and delivers the content for our View Point groups. More people will continue to find their way as she points them toward Jesus. I'm grateful for her life and that it's crossed mine!

I got it...

I received this story in an email from a 30 year-old in our church ...

"I had an amazing revelation today.

While giving my dad a ride home from work, I was trying to make conversation. So, I told him about how I am training to run a mini marathon. I am pretty excited about it. I haven't wanted to tell him because I know that he will just 'rain on my parade'. But I gave him the benefit of the doubt and told him. The first thing out of his mouth was, 'You won't be able to do that.'

This is my father. Everyone that I've told has encouraged me, but not my own father. Can I be upset? I knew that he would try to dash my hope, but I told him anyway.

Well, I've been feeling pretty bummed about it. As I've been trying to spend time with God, I felt prompted to write a letter to my Dad. I'm not going to send the letter because my dad has expressed no interest in knowing how I feel, but writing it out was very helpful for me.

When I finished, I looked for scriptures to help me make sense of things, and I really meditated on them. While meditating, I realized that I am worthy, useful, and capable of doing anything. My life is not empty. I have so much. I have done so much. It might not be what my dad would call 'good enough'. But it's not nothing. And I have done most of it without him. In fact, most of it has been in spite of him. I have given my life to Christ. That is big. And I did it without him or his approval. I don't need his approval. I don't need his encouragement either. I have something way better than that. I have the death of Jesus Christ that says that I am worthy. I really wanted to let you know."

And I'm so glad to know! It's hard to tell when or if people will have ''ears to hear or eyes to see" how much they matter to God. This person, like so many others, has taken a lot of steps, in groups, in volunteering, in classes, persistantly, consistently...and we keep wondering. When will they get it? When will they see what's right in front of them?

It's just so cool when they do!

Always On

A man came to GCC for the first time 9 days ago. Check this out...

1. He went to church on Sunday.
2. He volunteered at the Community Center on Tuesday morning.
3. He attended 1st Wednesday service.
4. He bought a Bible, Message translation! (Love that version!)
5. He went to 2nd Saturday to volunteer.
6. He came to a weekend service on Saturday night. At that service, he decided to move from an admiring fan of Jesus to a committed follower! 

A neighbor who he'd only talked to one time, about 6 months ago, invited him. As he told me Saturday night, "This has been quite a week for me!" Yeah - I'd say so! 

Who is watching you?

What are they noticing about you?

When will they remember it?

I received an email about 12 days ago about this same guy. It was from one of our amazing volunteer leaders. He wrote, "I received a phone call this morning from a neighbor, and I'm not sure what to do. I had one 15 minute conversation with him about 6 months ago. He said that he could tell from our prior conversation that I had a strong faith in God and wanted advice in that direction. He said that he didn't know anyone else to turn to. I invited him to come to GCC. The call rattled me a little. The reality hit me this morning after that phone call that people truly are watching us."

He was just living his life as a follower of Jesus. It made a difference.

Every miracle begins with what you can do and ends with what God can do!  

Jim's Cardboard Testimony

In our service this past weekend, a couple dozen people told us who they were before and after Jesus found them. This is Jim. 

His message spoke loudly. Too many people feel the way he did. They are sitting all around us in churches and outside of churches not knowing how much they matter.

Jim has ben taking steps. They lead him to a group of guys who laugh, listen, have some fun, and care.

I'm proud of Jim and really glad that he's learning how much he matters!

 

Better places...

Stories have power. This one marked me. From our teaching this weekend on Dirty Little Secrets, we move into 1st Wednesday services. Jesus invites us to just come. Don't wait until we clean up the mess in our life. Follow me.

I’ve always struggled with loneliness, rejection, abandonment. I know it’s centered around the childhood sexual abuse from my father, and then the various times throughout my life where I was again vulnerable to sexual assault.

 

I have spent a lot of time writing it out, and I thought for years, “I’ve already dealt with that.” I think I’m over it and then I don’t know. I wonder that maybe I haven’t dealt with it. I want to stop hating the emotions. I’ve been ok sharing my story in writing, but the thought of saying it out loud – speaking it to anyone scares me horribly – it makes me sick to my stomach.

 

It’s just so disgusting, you know? Who does that to their child? I have these dark corners of life that I haven’t been able to face. I don’t participate in communion – I just feel too dirty.

 

My uncle, a pastor, told me when I was about 9 that men would always desire me but that I’d never find a man to commit to me. That has dwelled in me, and so to avoid being desired by men, I try do my best to cover up and not draw attention to myself. I continue to hate the thought of people looking at me.

 

My dad used to make me look at porn. I was supposed to study the women in the pictures and emulate the actions. The images still haunt me – it’s how I see myself. I guess that explains why I feel so dirty.

 

My grandma rescued me when I was about 9 years old. She took custody of us and raised us well. I was safe and loved. I consider her ‘my earthly Savior’.

 

About 3 years ago, I made this pact with God that I wouldn’t have sex with anyone again until it was the person that I was going to be committed to in marriage. About a year and half ago, I started dating this guy who was a Christian, and we ended up having sex – the relationship didn’t last. Yeah, I messed up. I can see though that even though I did – it really helped me be stronger. The only man in my life who hasn’t abandoned me or hurt me is Jesus. He became very real to me. I really just want to honor Jesus with my life.

 

I don’t think I’d ever say that I’m grateful for having been abused or anything like that. It is weird though. I can see how God has used it – is using it. I was always so afraid of how I’d be a parent. I never wanted to do to my kids what was done to me. It helped me to see that we have choices. The same way that my dad made a choice to hurt me, I could make a choice to be a great parent.

 

It’s interesting that I recently met another man. He is a Christ follower. I’ve had the courage to talk with him about a lot of stuff over the last couple months. He’s been open to talking about it with me. He understands my commitment to Jesus. He agrees with it. He’s encouraging to me, and I’m encouraging to him. I don’t know what will happen. I trust that Jesus won’t leave me. I just want to keep following him. He’s taking me to better places.  

The Piece that Passes

When I was a little girl at the First Baptist Church in Batavia, IL, I heard about "the piece that passes understanding". I was a child just crazy obsessed with spelling, and I often spelled out things I heard inside my head. I knew that "piece" was a word that one had to be careful to spell correctly, so I locked in on that one when I heard it. Of course, I never had a clue what the phrase meant. 

I recently had the good fortune to call it up (the correct one this time) from my memory archives in the midst of a conversation.

A man told me, "I know I have to keep going and keep doing what I'm doing. I am changing. Before Jesus, I would have bad things happen, and I had no hope. There was one period a few years ago when I tried to commit suicide 5 times in a 2 week period. Now, I have bad days, but I know that it's not going to last. I know that things will get better. I don't know why I feel that way but it's good." 

"What you're describing is what the Bible talks about when it refers to the peace of God. It's the peace that goes beyond our understanding." 

Here's Philippians 4:7 from both the NIV and The Message: 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. (MSG) 

  

"It's a good time to be me."

I met Stephanie three years ago. The mental health system wrote her off years ago. The government had deemed her unemployable. She told me, "I figured if the government says 'You're crazy, you must be crazy.'" Jesus was her only hope; she knew it then, and she knows it now. She is now a great mom to her 3 kids, works 2 jobs to be financially responsible, and is returning to college next month! When I think of someone being transformed by the renewing of their mind, I think of her. I love her!

As she told me on more than a few occasions, "I just really believe Mark Beeson. He said, 'Hold onto Jesus. I know you're tired. Hold on. Don't let go. Keep following Jesus.'" She has not only held tightly to Jesus, but she is hungry. You can't keep her from Jesus!

I'm incredibly grateful for what God is doing in me and in my life. I'm amazed that, little by little, I'm seeing signs of this completely new person. I am at a point right now, where, so much of what I had been hoping for, praying for, working for, searching for, holding on for...is coming together. I don't feel empty any more. I don't feel lost and alone any more. Difficulties and set backs do not seem insurmountable. Just waking up every day to the reality of God's presence and love and knowing that it's more than I could have ever asked for, more than I could have ever imagined if I had gotten everything I ever thought would "fix" it. It overwhelms me. It's a good time to be me.

We're in the midst of lots of change. Stories of changed lives keep us focused on the purpose of it all. Stephanie has moved from living her agenda to living out God's agenda. Obey, give, serve, love...she inspires me. I see God more fully through her. I love her!

God's perfect timing

How does God weave our lives together so intricately? Here's just one example of 2 stories that I've watched God's hand bring together.

Story 1: May, 2006, I met a women at the Women's Retreat. I thought, "She would be a great facilitator at Turning Point." I didn't move forward to invite her as I was told that she guarded her time closely. I saw her several times since then, and always thought of her gentle spirit.

Story 2: December, 2007, a server stopped me at a local restaurant. She recognized me from GCC, and expressed her desire to talk sometime. We did. I encouraged her to attend Turning Point in January, 2008. She signed up but didn't show up. She later told me, "I'm not ready." I saw her several times since then and was encouraged as she continued her journey.

Story 1: May, 2008, the woman from 2 years ago approached me at the Women's Retreat. "I don't know if you remember me." I replied, "Yes, of course, I do!" "I can't really explain it, but I think I'm supposed to get involved. I have a story, and I think it's time to use it more fully to help others." I said, "Done! I would love to have you serve at Turning Point. We launch in 2 weeks. You'll be a great facilitator, and I wanted to ask you two years ago. I'm thrilled!"

Stories 1 & 2 converge: May 13, 2008, Turning Point launch. The Story 1 facilitator arrives, we chat, and she goes to her table waiting to welcome those who will come. Story 2 lady walks in to register. I greet her with surprise, "I'm so glad you're here!" She told me, "Yeah, I think I'm ready to give it a try." "Great! You know what? I have a facilitator who has a story that is very similar to yours. She's been where you've been. Would you like me to introduce you?" She nodded. I've seen them together many times since - it's beautiful.

Until that moment on May 13, 2008, the similarities in their stories never crossed my mind. Obviously, they never left God's mind. He timed their meeting so perfectly, I couldn't miss it!

Thanks God for giving me eyes to see what you're up to! You're really good, and you really love all of us! Thank you! 

"Give me a week" guy + his wife!

On May 2, 2007, I told Mark Waltz, "We gotta tell this story!" The only problem was that the guy had just met Jesus about 12 hours earlier. That segment of the story alone would have been enough to celebrate, but we thought we'd wait to see how the other chapters might read.

Last September, I couldn't wait any longer and wrote this post about the story up to that point.

God is a great writer!!! It just keeps getting better and better and better! We're telling the story in all five services this weekend. I know God's always writing, but it's time! 

See you there!