Passion or Timidity?

Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom is greater than he.     Matthew 11:11

John the Baptist was an amazing man.  A man most people would have called a little offbeat, strange or downright weird. I don't think he would have made the 'Top 100 People to Follow on Twitter' list.  However, he was a man who had a passion for Jesus.  He spoke with such authority to people from all walks of life about the coming Messiah.  His life demonstrated the power, commitment, and boldness that we should emulate as Christians.  There is no place for timidity in our world.  My husband recently said this: "If you want to join God in the process that He is working out in your life, hang on for an adventure." Do I want that adventure?  You bet I do. 

God doesn't promise that life will be safe or easy.  The people that He wants to touch through us aren't safe or easy either.  However, God wants to use us to make a difference in the lives of others in a way that He's uniquely gifted us to do. Let's walk with a boldness that comes from our love and commitment to Jesus Christ.

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

                                                                                      2 Corinthians 3: 4-6

President George Bush

Former President George W. Bush has been making the rounds this week as he promotes his new book, Decision Points.  I've been captivated as I have examined his responses to the tough questions about his presidency.  As I've listened and pondered his choices, I cannot escape a key truth:  The man is honorable, and his character has nothing to do with any particular political affiliation.  As a leader, it is imperative that you make decisions seeped in integrity.  There is one particular choice that he has made since leaving office that stands out to me as extremely honorable.  He has chosen not to 'diss' other people by becoming a political pundit and critiquing their choices.  I think my admiration would diminish if I heard him make a slanderous remark toward any political figure, even if he was right.  The lone fact that he refuses to conduct any conversation about Obama's choices makes me admire him more.  

He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
                                                                                    Proverbs 21:21 NIV

A Woman's Way

1 John 4: 11-12

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

So many times, I find that I get bogged down in the day to day busyness of life.  I neglect capturing that special moment to giggle with my kids.  I overlook seizing a stolen moment with my husband to remind him how much I love him.  I tend to focus on my never-ending task list instead of my relationships.  Today, I choose to remember the importance of those relationships.  I recognize that I have the ability to breathe love and laughter into my family.  May I never overlook the joy and blessing that God has given me in the form of my family.