Don’t Hope, Decide!!

By Michael D. Hargrove and

Bottom Line Underwriters, Inc.

"While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life-changing experiences that you hear other people talk about — the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. This one occurred a mere two feet away from me.

Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.

First he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other’s face, I heard the father say, “It’s so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!” His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, “Me, too, Dad!”  Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son’s face in his hands said, “You’re already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!” They too hugged a most loving, tender hug.

While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) was squirming excitedly in her mother’s arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, “Hi, baby girl!” as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment.

After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, “I’ve saved the best for last!” and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed. “I love you so much!” They stared at each other’s eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands.

For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn’t possibly be. I puzzled about it for a moment then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm’s length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I was invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, “Wow! How long have you two been married?

“Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those.” he replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife’s face. “Well then, how long have you been away?” I asked. The man finally turned and looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile. “Two whole days!”

Two days? I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he’d been gone for at least several weeks – if not months. I know my expression betrayed me.  I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), “I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!”

The man suddenly stopped smiling.  He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me; my friend, “Don’t hope, decide!” Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, “God bless!”"

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

 

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, committed to becoming and making disciples".

"Might, Power and Strength?"

Do you have an intense workout regimen? vein-ripped muscles? Do you have a financial portfolio Warren Buffet would approve? Is your position; at your job, so esteemed people bow or stand when you enter a room?

Most of us only dream of answering “yes” to these questions.  Hence we probably long for some sort of “might, power, or strength”! And more than likely have been unsuccessful because of our perception of might, power and strength.

From where or whom, does might, power and strength come?

We tend to associate money, position and prestige with might, power and strength. Over the years, I have discovered pursuit of these perceived trophies is completely meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2b). Think about the energy and effort you've expended or witnessed others expending, only to discover a remaining void. However; everyone can attain might, power and strength but not through yeses to the above questions. Quite paradoxically we can all become powerful beyond our dreaming if we are willing to become weak.

Strength, Power and Might = Weakness?

Power is not present when I am raising my voice at someone; when expressing a curt word of rebuke; or conveying dominance toward someone with whom I disagree. Conversely, power bursts forth when I am kneeling with full attention on my kindergartner - gently listening to his explanation of the intricacies and focus required for he and his brother to build a thingmajig in the Legos universe. The radiance of his eyes and the confidence in his voice imbue unfettered joy – Now that’s Power!

My strength is not measured by the amount of weights I can lift or the number of Zumba classes I complete. However, I am Army Strong when my family is happy and contented. As I care for my family; cook our family meals; or clean the house – giving my wife opportunity to relax and have some her time – I am strengthened because I recognize she is joyful and worry free. Have you ever seen a stressed out and over worked person have a moment to themselves? The phrase Priceless resonates as I witness the Strength (of Family Love).

I am mighty and important not because I am able to meet with dignitaries and other people held in high esteem. But might and importance flow through me:

as I serve those who are despised;

as I speak to and recognize the humanity of the outcast; 

as I share physical nourishment; hope; and the love of Jesus with people                         on the margins

How mighty we are when doing what Jesus commanded! In these moments we discover what Jesus meant, and even greater works will you do. Following Jesus unveils our true Might!

Our might, strength nor power stems from our definitions or perceptions! We discover these attributes in surrender and submission to God, not of ourselves but of our Godselves. Listening, caring, serving and sharing normally associated with weakness are gateways to strength, power and might.

God through Jeremiah invites the Israelites and each of us to realize our faulty perceptions and definitions of might, power and strength. These reminders help us to reassess our choices and practices, enabling us to redirect our actions: 

“This is what the Lord says:

“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,

or the powerful boast in their power,

or the rich boast in their riches.

But those who wish to boast

should boast in this alone;

that they truly know me and understand that 

I am the Lord

who demonstrates unfailing love

and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,

and that I delight in these things, I the Lord, have spoken!””

(Jeremiah 9:23–24)

May we delight in the things of God; not our own power, strength and might!

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus,

                    committed to becoming and making disciples".

G

The Center is the Way

If you witnessed me playing little league football, you “too” would have believed I was destined for the League or at least a starter and impact player in high school. I say “too” because I believed; I was on my way to becoming the next star NFL running back, like Tony Dorsett; or a punishing defender, like safety Ronnie Lott. I loved football and had the skills of a game changer whether on offense or defense (this is my story, ha!).

I had a passion for and a good understanding of the game. And I felt the positions I played were the most pivotal.  However; while running backs are important in the offensive scheme, success for the offensive unit depends upon the less glamorous position of center.

Everything begins with the center. 

In our faith journey; we can become distracted by our position sometimes thinking too highly of ourselves; and conversely, too often devaluing our position as believers. In Romans 12:3, Paul reminds us of our need for balance:

“Because of the grace allotted to me, I can respectfully tell you not to think of yourselves

as being more important than you are; devote your minds to sound judgment

 since God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith”.

In our pursuit of becoming game changers for the kingdom of God; we are to avoid the "greatness" glamour trap; of which, the disciples succumbed: “Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them” (Luke 22:24). Rather, making our goal to become more like a center; focused on our assignment with sound judgment, recognizing the importance of fulfilling our roles.

Thinking about the position name center; by it we know its nature, location and significance. When we hear the word center, we know where to look and where to focus. Going to the huddle or toward the line of scrimmage, the center often yells:  On Me, or Line Up on Me!

Everything begins with the center.  

The huddle where the quarterback gives instruction for the play revolves around the center. As the players go to the line of scrimmage, the players line up on the center. To begin a play, the center must release the ball to the quarterback.

When we are centered, we have singular focus and know where we are going. Taking our cues from the center offers valuable lessons to guide and ground us in our relationship with Jesus and others.  Consider the following three attributes of a center:

1. Alignment – the center ensures that everyone; particular himself is properly aligned. Meaning he is in the correct position and everyone else can trust his judgment. This is important because his teammates rely on him being in the right place enabling them to be correctly positioned. As believers; our goal is to live a life in alignment with the teachings of Jesus; so that, others can know and trust the truth of the Gospel.
2. Always Releases the Ball – the center recognizes the quarterback’s job is to get the ball to the right player; whether to a running back, a receiver or himself.  The center doesn't keep the ball just because he can hold onto it. He releases it to the quarterback to execute the play. As believers; we too, are to always release the ball (our challenges, dreams, hopes, our troubles, etc.) to Jesus our quarterback, because only He can make the right and best decisions for us.
3. Forward-Focused – the center looks forward focusing on the mission-field in front of him.  Although there are challenges and threats before him the center remains undeterred. The center is determined to utilize his skills and strengths to accomplish the best results. As believers; we face challenges and threats, and our goal is to remain forward-focused to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus (making disciples of all nations-people).

Practicing ways of a center; we become effective believers/followers of Jesus, as we embrace that “God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith”.

In full disclosure, I never made it to the League nor did I become an impact player in high school. But I am striving and learning to become a center; with the realization, it is the most critical position for an effective offense and for a follower of Jesus.

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus,

                    committed to becoming and making disciples".