Enslaved
2 Peter 2:19
Whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
When I came across this verse last night, it stopped me in my tracks.
Now it’s no secret to those closest to me, but I am overcome by things a lot.
Reading this, I had to ask myself – am I enslaved?
The conclusion I came to was yes.
The word enslaved isn’t pretty. It’s an ugly description that we dismiss as overdramatic. We can’t possibly be slaves to those things, can we?
The writer in 2 Peter seems to think so. And I think he’s right.
What overcomes you?
The fear of being unable to pay the bills?
Giving into sexual temptation with your girlfriend or boyfriend?
Those drunken nights downtown with your friends?
What about those raging insecurities of yours? Are they dictating the way you react in situations?
If you aren’t sure what you are chained to, take a look at the state of your life. Proverbs 27:19 states “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” The condition of your life reveals the condition of your heart. What are you chained to?
I know you don’t want to be chained.
You swore the last time was the last time you would let it win. And yet, here you are. Again.
Chaining yourself to the very things you so desperately want to be free from.
But guess what?
There is Good News.
Don’t you know there is freedom?
Freedom from your addictions.
From pornography.
From the illusion of control.
From your pride. Your hate. Your insecurity.
Regardless of how time and time again you have chained yourself up, there is freedom.
Yes, there is Good News.
As much as my controlling nature would love a multi-step program to successfully free myself (and you!) from slavery- a “Breaking Chains 101″ class, if you will- the Good News is not that there is a solution.
No, the Good News is that there is a Savior.
There is a Savior and He came to break your chains so you wouldn’t be enslaved any longer.
He knows how tough they are to break.
He knows you can’t do it on your own.
So He did it for you.
The Good News?
The things that currently enslave you don’t stand a chance if you give them to your Savior.
They don’t even stand a chance. He promises!
He came to give you an abundant life. (John 10:10)
To make you new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
He promises freedom. (John 8:36)
That you are more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
And that He will stop at nothing to finish the good work He started in You. (Philippians 1:6)
Claim your freedom this very instant.
Allow God to flagrantly deal with that which enslaves you and I promise, no matter how old, rusted or permanent those chains may seem, He will break you free from each and every one.
Don’t you know?
It is already finished.
Be free.
Your chains are broken.
Washed by the Water
Those of you who know me know that I was raised in the church and have been a “Christian” practically my entire life. I prayed the “Sinner’s Prayer” when I was 4, went to a private Christian school K-12 and even went to a Christian university. By most appearances, I’ve done things by the book. But here’s a fun fact…
I’ve never been baptized.
I know, I know. Pick your jaws up from the ground and stop staring in disbelief. I can hear the gasps and feel the judgment from here.
…You haven’t what?!
Nope. Never been dunked.
It’s not that I didn’t think I had to – believe me when I tell you I thoroughly understand its importance. I just never got around to it.
I know. You’re thinking aloud again.
…Never got around to it?
The time just never seemed… right. I’ve had few “come to Jesus” moments in my life that would deem a worthy occasion for a “now-is-the-time” baptism. I can’t give you a straight answer. I just never…got around to it.
But as of this Sunday, that all changes.
That’s right. I’m finally going to get baptized.
I could sit here and write for hours the reasons behind me making this decision now as opposed to so many other times before, but here’s the SparkNotes version:
I have tried to control my life for far too long.
I have clung to tangible things for hope and strength one too many times.
My life had become void of the joy that I had in Christ and I realized I was chasing happiness instead.
I claimed His peace, hope and strength yet consistently felt uneasy, weak and desperate.
But not anymore.
I’m tired of it.
Tired of putting my trust in people.
Tired of using my 20 yr old faith as merely a foundation instead of the very breath of my existence.
Tired of attempting to manipulate and control my life… and the lives of others.
I’m ready.
Ready to publicly declare (if not just to myself) that my hope lies in God alone.
In Him alone.
My God has constantly fought for me and been faithful to me throughout every step of my life.
It’s about time I’m faithful to Him.
Heaven Is For Real.
One book has been sitting atop the New York Times Best Sellers List for weeks now. Months, really. Heaven Is For Real is a book written by Todd Burpo, a small town pastor in Nebraska, about his son who, at the age of 3, experienced heaven.
Plenty of people don’t believe the story. Skeptics don’t want to believe that a 3 year old was able to sit on Jesus’ lap and listen to the angels sing. If we’re going to be honest, of course it’s hard to believe.
But for some reason, this book has been flying off the shelves ever since it was published. Why?
Maybe because regardless of who you are or where you’re from, Heaven is something you desire.
Believe in Jesus? Maybe not.
Believe in the afterlife? Plenty don’t.
Long for a place where all is made right and what’s broken is finally fixed? I think we all do.
This past Sunday we launched a new series at our church called “Glimpse: Exploring Heaven, Hell & What’s Next.” To kick off the series, Pastor Pete shared an interview he did with Todd Burpo and his son Colton about his visit to heaven. I thought I’d share it with you today.
Do I care if you believe his story? Not really.
Do I think you’ll start longing for some part of Heaven when you watch it? Absolutely.
Heaven Is For Real from Cross Point Church on Vimeo.
C.S. Lewis once wrote:
“There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven, but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever wanted anything else.”
Have you read the book?
Are you going to?
What if this is true?
Does it matter if it’s not?
Wait
Wait.
It’s a word we’ve been programmed to cringe at the thought of. From childhood to maturity, there has never been a time when someone was told to wait and jubilation followed. “Wait?! Thank the good Lord Almighty! I’m not able to get what I want right this instant! Ahhh I am so grateful for this, instant gratification is so overrated!”
Nope, never heard it.
If you have and it has been from your mouth, then carry along – nothing for you to read here.
But, if you’re like most dysfunctional human beings, the word wait instantly turns you into your two, maybe three, year old version of yourself, arms crossed, face pouted, stomping those tiny feet on the floor in attempt to get someone’s attention. “But I want it NOW!”
Wait.
Your mother used it about the dessert you wanted before dinner.
Your father said it while you constantly attempted to interrupt his important phone call.
Wait.
From parents to teachers, coaches to friends, the word WAIT is typically paired with emotions I know far too well.
Anxiety.
Stress.
Worry.
Tell me to wait? Cue the panic. The doubt. The fear.
Of all the times I’ve been told to wait, the hardest have always come from my Heavenly Father. I’m either the queen of rash decision making or lack a single ounce of patience because God’s answer, for some reason, is almost always “WAIT.”
Cue the anxiety.
The stress.
The, but if I did it on my own…
You’d what? Succeed? Get what you need?
Hardly.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
In his heart, a man can plan his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD.
Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you;
plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Wait.
He knows what He’s doing.
My most recent order to wait came earlier this week. Over the course of three days I was contacted and interviewed (three times) for what is and has always been my “dream” job.
It all happened so quickly my feet were barely touching the ground. Saturday I didn’t even know the opportunity existed. Tuesday I was in my second straight day of interviews and, to be honest, ready to sign a contract. Perfect fit. But instead of sliding a contract across the conference room table for me to sign, they met me with the answer I struggle with most.
They didn’t say no. (Which is a great sign)
They said I was a great fit for them. (Even better sign)
They said they were going to take a little time and… wait.
Hold on. What? Why?! Let the inner tantrum begin.
You’re perfect for me! I’m a perfect fit for you! This whole thing is just plain RIGHT! Let’s move and let’s move NOW!
And yet… I have to wait.
Whoever prayed patience over me is going to pay. It’s the one prayer God loves to answer immediately…
because it requires you to wait.
Those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Renew their strength? That doesn’t sound anxious.
Have you ever seen an eagle soar? There’s nothing stressful in that picture.
It’s funny. The moment we hear “wait” we so quickly lose sight of the One who is telling us to. We panic and assume that wait really means no, and, if we kick and scream and stomp our feet, we might change God’s answer.
Let me challenge you will something [I am speaking to myself, here]:
Wait on the Lord.
He seems to know what He’s doing.
They Will See God
Blessed are they who hold onto faith when everything’s coming undone…
Imagine standing on a foundation, where a house once stood.
You look to the right and to the left.
All you see is destruction.
No houses standing.
Trees uprooted.
Vehicles tossed around like they were Matchbox cars.
I have never experienced the type of devastation I saw in Joplin. The pictures and video of what little remained didn’t prepare me in the slightest for what I encountered while there. Still to this day I just can’t wrap my mind around it.
Since I got back to Nashville I thought about what I should write – if I should tell the devastating stories, share the unbelievable footage or just beg for your support and prayer – and for six days I couldn’t come up with the words. And rightly so. No words can truly describe the condition of Joplin. Nothing I could string together in sentences and paragraphs could accurately depict the heartache and brokenness of that town.
But that’s okay.
Because amidst the devastation, brokenness and confusion I was reminded how incredibly powerful the Gospel is. That in spite of losing it all, there is hope for something more. In the midst of having nowhere to turn, there is a God who promises to never leave. And when everything looks to be falling apart, His promises are true and steadfast.
Sometimes there are no words to describe how you feel. I couldn’t figure out what to say and I didn’t know if I would ever be able to. But then, this past Sunday, while sitting in my seat at church, I was introduced to a song that speaks every word I wanted to say to the people of Joplin.
To the people of Joplin:
There is hope for the hopeless
Rest for the weary
A day when all wrong is made right
There will be light in the darkness
His love is returning
And finally faith will be sight…
You will see God.
I Can Do All Things
Two years ago I walked across a stage in the South Shore of Boston and received my degree. I said goodbye to friends, acquaintances and mentors unsure of the next time I would see any of them. I packed my bags and headed for the next step: grad school in Nashville, Tennessee.
Two days ago I walked across a stage in the heart of Nashville and received my Masters. For the third time in my life, the culmination of all of my hard work was rewarded with a single piece of paper. Although that paper means a great deal, the words written on it will never explain what it truly represents to me. That single piece of paper, declaring me a “Master” in my field, symbolizes every triumph, failure, sleepless night and caffeinated day I encountered since moving here to Tennessee.
I could sit here and tell you how proud I am of my accomplishment, how every hour spent was worthwhile. And while I am proud, rather than patting myself on the back I’d rather reflect on the unbelievable journey these past two years has been and the one truth I was consistently reminded of day after day.
From internships to classes, volleyball teams to training camps, papers to write and books to study, I honestly believe I have done it all. At one point I was working full-time, coaching two volleyball teams, going to class at night, and interning part-time. At the time I never stopped to think about how I was successfully doing all I was doing. Looking back, I have no idea. It’s all a blur, really.
I’m not telling you this to receive praise. Some of you juggle more on a daily basis than I did all year. Trust me, I’m not some wonder woman who has a supernatural ability to keep everything in order – in all reality I am anything but.
More than any lesson I learned in my education, one thing proved true time and time again. It’s a truth that Christian circles tend to overuse and apply to every circumstance.
You may have heard it before:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Now I imagine you are all shocked at this incredible revelation. I can hear you now: Really, Christina? You are just now stumbling upon Philippians 4:13? That’s Sunday School 101.
Yes, I know. I think I had it memorized before I even knew who Christ was. I may have even recited it before a game of four-square or screamed it as I whizzed down the big hill without my training wheels. “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST!”
The truth is Paul was not telling me I could recklessly soar down the hill on my bike when I hadn’t yet learned how to balance. The scars on my knees told me one of two things: I didn’t believe enough… or I was missing the point.
Even in high school, my volleyball team clung to the idea that as long as we believed, we could finally beat our rivals and win a state championship. We might not have said it in so many words, but posters and signs had Philippians 4:13 creatively placed for all to see as if to say “Watch out, we’ve got Jesus on our side!” We’d then go on to lose in the finals and quickly assume that someone on our team just didn’t have enough faith (…or there was one Christian on the other team who could really pray).
I can do all things… It sounds nice, doesn’t it? I fear we are so busy clinging to the ability we have to do all things we forget what I believe Paul is really trying to tell us.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
He’s pointing to the source of our strength. We can do all things through Christ…who strengthens us. Not through our education, gumption or sheer perseverance. You can be smart, passionate, good-looking and committed, but you won’t get anywhere on your own strength. Paul had figured it out.
And the past two years have forced me to realize the same thing.
I could sit here and write about the numerous days I didn’t even want to get out of bed and face the day. I can’t count the times I cried on the phone to my parents, suffered from anxiety and panic attacks over the amount of work hanging over my head or was paralyzed by the doubt and fear staring me in the face. Most days I was clinging to the promise that in my weakness, Christ was strong. That He had the plans for me, and I had to just trust and lean on Him.
So let’s be honest with each other: I can not do all things. And neither can you. Without Christ as the source of your strength, you are merely running on fumes. You’re tired, empty and just plain exhausted. Trust me, I know exactly how you feel.
But when I look back on the past two years (or on my entire twenty-three years), I can clearly see the difference in my life when I leaned on Christ’s strength as opposed to my own.
A peace in broken times.
A hope in hopeless situations.
A renewed strength in moments of weakness.
–
So let me ask you: What is your source of strength? Are you trying to do it all on your own or are you willing to admit you can’t?
When Integrity & Sports Collide
Brigham Young University has received plenty of national media attention recently, and for good reason.
The BYU men’s basketball team reached a #3 national ranking last week behind the consistent offensive play of Jimmer Fredette and looked to be a top contender for a national title. With Fredette quickly becoming a household name, people equated BYU with the young star’s offensive prowess. Bandwagon fans knew nothing more of BYU than the kid with a funny name who could shoot lights out for their basketball team.
In a society where winning seems to be of utmost importance, it is assumed that all college sports are cut from the same mold. On Tuesday, March 1, BYU shocked the sports world with a decision that had analysts and basketball fans dazed and confused.
On the eve of March Madness, and in the midst of a dream season that no one could have predicted, BYU announced the dismissal of the Cougars’ starting forward, Brandon Davies.
The reason? Violation of the school’s honor code.
Wait, what?
—
According to the Brigham Young University Honor Code:
…students are required to abstain from the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea; live a chaste and virtuous life, including no involvement with pornographic material, inappropriate sexual activity (sexual relations outside of marriage); use clean language; and adhere to strict dress and grooming standards.
In case you were unaware: Brigham Young is a privately owned university under the direction of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where each student signs and upholds the honor code’s standard of living.
—
Every student knows what they’re “signing up for” when they arrive at BYU, including Brandon Davies. And on Tuesday, March 1, after admitting to engaging in a sexual relationship with his girlfriend, Davies was immediately dismissed from the Cougars.
He didn’t lose his starting position.
He wasn’t suspended for the following year (ahem… Ohio State).
He was dismissed.
Case closed.
Brandon Davies would no longer play basketball at Brigham Young. He might not even remain a student.
Cue the uproar. The judgments. The “crazy Mormon” statements. Haven’t heard them? Read the comments under any ESPN blog, or follow it on Twitter. The sports world just doesn’t get why they would throw it all away. I mean, who really reads those honor code contracts, anyway?
The students of BYU do, and they take it seriously. That’s why when asked, Jimmer Fredette and fellow teammates answered, “Of course we’re not mad. Brandon was honest and admitted to what he did. And there are consequences.”
Consequences.
Does anyone even know what those are?
We have a serious problem.
Brigham Young isn’t the problem.
Brandon Davies sleeping with his girlfriend isn’t the problem, either.
The problem is that we as a culture don’t even know what integrity looks like, and are raging mad when someone has it.
More often than not, we embrace those without it.
Ask Kentucky. Auburn. USC. Or just the NCAA in general.
College sports has become a corrupt system that throws out any sense of integrity as long as winning and money are involved. It’s corrupt from the top to the bottom, so much so that we just assume players are being paid, coaches illegally recruit, and student-athletes cheat their way through school. And we’re okay with it.
What’s worse is that those who are caught aren’t punished, especially if it will cost the team a chance at a national title or jeopardize the “competitive balance” of the sport. Take Ohio State football for example. When five players were found to have broken NCAA violations before their appearance in this year’s Sugar Bowl, the NCAA postponed their suspension to next year’s season. The Buckeyes won the Sugar Bowl. Surprise, surprise.
BYU could have easily swept this issue under the rug. Think about it. Brigham Young was almost a shoe-in for the Final Four, and built a strong resume to be a national contender. Fredette’s favorite inside target was Davies, who led the team in rebounds and was third in scoring. Who really cares if he slept with his girlfriend? Isn’t that what everyone does nowadays? The watching world had no idea what BYU stood for and to be honest, I doubt they cared.
But BYU cared. They understand that basketball is a game, regardless of how many TV deals are signed, brackets are created, and March Madness t-shirts sold, it is just a game. And what happens when integrity collides with a wavering, typically dishonest sports world?
Diane Sawyer talks about you on ABC World News. SportsCenter runs a featured story on you, day after day. You become a #trending #topic on Twitter. “BYU Honor Code” is googled thousands of times. But most importantly? You become a household name for more than just winning.
Congratulations, BYU. Although you’re no longer my pick for the Final Four, I commend you on your stance for something more. The sports world might not understand, but last time I checked, their moral compass usually has trouble finding north.
Renewed Strength
Sometimes change is needed.
I decided it was a good time to switch from my original blog over to WordPress. I have been “Living Resolutely” for almost two years now and feel it is a great time for change.
So why “Renewed Strength”?
Just like in your life, my story has had several periods that have drained me, tested my family, and challenged me in more ways than I thought possible. Isaiah 40:31 has been a foundation in not only my life but in the lives of my family since I was very young. My strength has been tested. I know what it is like to be weary. I’ve grown tired. I run myself ragged. There are days my life seems empty, drained, and tiresome.
But God promises me something more.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength;
They will mount up with wings as eagles,
They will run and not grow weary,
They will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Renewed Strength.
Yes, I wanted a witty title. I wanted something catchy. But what I decided on instead was the most intimate truth I know – that God has always been and will continue to be faithful. When I’m tired, He gives me energy. When I’m down, He’ll lift me up. Weak? He makes me strong.
Day in and day out I literally live on a renewed strength that only comes from the Lord.
Without it I could nothing.
With it, anything is possible.
But Moses’ Hands Got Tired
Exodus 17:12, The Message
If you don’t know this particular story in the Bible, let me give you a brief overview:
The Israelites went out to fight the Amalekites and, as long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning the battle. As soon as he lowered his hands, the Amalekites began to win. (see Exodus 17:9-11)
That’s where we picked up the story. Aaron and Hur, who were with Moses, realized this and did everything in their power to assist Moses. They knew Moses could not do it alone. So they did it with him.
–
Let’s rewind in my life about fourteen years to a time in my life maybe only a handful of you have ever heard about. I was raised in a Christian home, a loving family, and was surrounded by people of faith on a constant basis. Being as young as I was, I loved God mainly because the people around me did. To most people we were the perfect family: loving parents, two kids, and an unbelievable extended family that all lived next door.
On the inside, we were stuck in an extremely dark, confusing time.
My mom had just been taken to the state hospital, where she was undergoing treatment for “chronic mental depression due to uncontrollable chemical imbalances.”
At the time, I knew mom was sick and couldn’t live with us.
The truth? She, completely outside of her control, sank into a depression that drove her into a state of confusion, sadness, and suicidal tendencies. She literally had lost her mind.
And it all happened out of nowhere. Mom had a great business, had just completed a playground project for my school, and was there every afternoon to pick us up from school.
Until one day, she didn’t.
All I remember is Mom crying. A lot.
Dad slept in the doorway of their bedroom. Too often Mom would try to get up at night and “end the pain.” So there he slept…
I just remember him being tired. Always tired.
Women from the church started staying at our house.
And then Mom closed her bakery.
Fast forward three months.
Mom’s gone.
In the state hospital.
We had to walk those white walled halls and go through multiple locked doors just to see her.
I remember wondering who she was. She looked like my mom, but it wasn’t her. My mom was never sad. My mom didn’t cry. My mom laughed, a lot. I get my personality from her… she was always the light in a room. But she just sat there, wanting to hold my hand, and always spoke of how she was going to miss me when she was gone. I was nine, I didn’t understand what she meant.
For months I ate homemade meals from church families, stayed with friends after school, and visited Mom in the place with white walls.
I can only imagine how tired Dad was.
Our house was covered with Bible verses, two in particular. He always told my brother and I to cling to them. Little did I know how desperately he was clinging to them himself.
(Isaiah 40:31)
And we know all things work together for good for those that love God…
(Romans 8:28)
Dad was tired.
Knowing what I know now, tired doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Dad was weary, weak, and in need of strength.
We went to church every Sunday with Dad, and, although I couldn’t tell you a single thing that was preached from the pulpit during these times, one Sunday is permanently etched into my memory.
I was watching my Dad as he worshiped, and he raised his hands. Halfway through the song, Ronnie, our Evangelism pastor, came up behind him and helped hold his hands up. I remember wondering what Ronnie was doing, then later my dad told me the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur. It was like God was saying, “You can’t do this alone. Let me help. I know that you’re weak. But you don’t have to be.”
The image is still alive in my mind.
And it came flooding back at church yesterday when Pete revisited this story.
I have no idea how many times Dad wanted to give up. Personally? I never heard him say it once. But maybe he was ready to give up. Maybe his will, energy, and strength were all but gone.
But on that day, God confronted my dad and wouldn’t let him.
Community was in the form of Ronnie, helping him hold his hands up.
–
Most of this I learned to understand later, due to several relapses my mom had throughout my childhood. Medically, I understood why Mom wasn’t around each time a relapse occurred. Spiritually, all I knew was that we weren’t alone.
All because of one moment.
My dad, too tired to hold up his hands.
And Ronnie, helping him hold them up.
One Word
One word.
It really can’t do much, right?
In a culture where verbose resolutions are made to be broken, maybe one word is all we need.
In case you haven’t heard, several people have ditched their pattern of broken resolutions and picked up something simple. One word.
You can read about where it all began below.
Over the past couple of days I’ve tossed several words around trying to decide on what would not only fit what needs to be changed in my life, but what would also stretch and challenge me in ways I don’t yet know.
Then, about five minutes ago, I realized none of those words completely encompassed all that I hope for and fear when I think about 2011. My word is an unknown secret to most and a lifelong quest for all.
My word?
Purpose.
Defined both as a noun and a verb indicates not only a static, tangible thing but also a dynamic, moving action.
the reason for which something exists
the subject in hand; the point at issue
Verb:
to resolve (to do something)
on purpose: by design; intentionally
to the purpose: relevant; to the point
Purpose and I have a history.
It’s taunted me in my failings.
Covered its face in my searching.
Shown me glimpses of its shadow in the light.
But purpose still doesn’t have a name.
To be honest, the word terrifies me. The definition alone screams my past failings and whispers my unknown future. To live the definition requires something beyond myself. Actually, it requires getting rid of myself completely. It requires me to live as I was intended to, resolutely and determined, and find the thing for which I was created.
No pressure, Christina.
And isn’t it ironic my personal verse for 2011 falls into the exact same category.
Ephesians 4:1
Live a life worthy of your calling.
Talk about a new year’s resolution.
So here’s to 2011, a year in which I will resolve to do nothing but find my purpose, live with a purpose, and have a purpose in all I do.
Who knew one word could change so much.
