Total Depravity

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23

I was robbed this week.  Someone let himself into my Durango in the middle of a parking lot at 9:00 on a sunny morning.  He took my purse (and for a brief while my ability to contain a few choice words).  In my hurry to report this crime I ran full speed into a locked glass door.  I spent the morning filling out a police report and canceling cards and making phone calls from other people's phones.  I cried as only an angry woman can.  And then I sent a text to my stolen phone.  

"The purse you stole this morning has some very sentimental items in it and I want it back.  Just take it to the police station and leave it there."

I got my purse back that evening (minus the phone and wallet).  He hadn't taken it to the police station.  He let himself into the back door of an elderly woman's house and left it there.  Coward.  She called the police.  

Yesterday, the man who stole from me (and many others) was arrested.  I got back my grocery store discount card and a gift card I received for Christmas.  No phone.  No wallet.  But there's still hope that they may "turn up".  

I'm heartsick this morning.  Still.  After two days.  As law-abiding, middle class people we tend to sit in our houses condemning "those people" who choose to ignore what is right and good and decent.  We watch the news and read the papers in horror and shock at the evil in the world and two blocks over.  Or we stand in the check out line in the grocery store and say, "Never gonna happen here."

And yet.  And yet it does.  Because of the truth of Romans 3:23, because of the sin-nature of man, all man, it does happen here.  And there.  And down the street.  And in my town.  "For by grace you are saved through faith, and not of yourselves: it is a gift from God." - Ephesians 2:8  We forget that it is only by the grace of God we were born to parents who not only taught us the difference between right and wrong, but they taught us to care that there is a difference.  We should be thankful that we were taught to love others as ourselves and work hard for what we need and want when so many parents in this world don't have the time or desire to do so.  

I believe my Father used this week as a much needed teachable moment for me.  "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" and that "He that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done." - Colossians 3:2, 25

A True Holiday Spirit

While I was out shopping today, I wound up in line behind an older (but not elderly) couple.  There were two or three people in line ahead of us, and during the wait I couldn't help but overhear part of their conversation.  Now, while I don't consider myself an eavesdropper, my ears did perk up when I heard bits of what they were saying.  After a couple of minutes it became clear to me that they were debating whether or not they had enough money for supper and the gas to get them back home.  They wound up deciding they could only afford the gas back home, and even at that, they might not have enough money to fill the car up enough to get the entire way back.  They both were wearing well-worn clothes and the man looked as if he had suffered a stroke at some point in time.  After reaching their decision, he stayed in line with the few necessities they could afford, and she went off to gather her young grandson and his very pregnant mother.  As I left, they were all sitting in a very small car that looked as if it might not even make it out of the parking lot.  Our time in North Carolina taught me that unless people are out asking for money or food, they may not want you to give them any, so I offered up a quick prayer and went on my way instead.  

"For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat:  I was thirsty and ye gave me drink:  I was a stranger and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me:  I was sick, and ye visited me:  I was in prison, and ye came to me...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me [Christ]."  Matthew 25:35-36, 40 KJV

Do I believe in the power of prayer?  Absolutely.  Do I doubt my decision to not try to do more to help this family?  Do I wish I could go back and and make a different choice?  Yes.  And yet, despite my guilt (and if we're really going to be honest here, that's what it is) that opportunity has passed me by.  Does that mean I can't do something now for someone else?  Nope.  As we head into this year's Christmas season, I implore you to consider it's origins.  As beautiful and enchanting as the lights and tinsel and brightly wrapped gifts are, Christ entered this world meekly in order to teach us how to live, how to love, and ultimately, to die for our sins.  He lived and loved with a servant heart, and so should we.  As you sit in your snug homes contemplating what gifts to give this year, I would ask that you take into consideration those who do not have the means to provide the comfort you and I enjoy.  Does your child need all three of those new, expensive toys that they will only play with for a few weeks, or could you get them just one, and in doing so, teach them the valuable lesson of loving others by donating the rest of the money you would have spent?  There are many charities and organizations this time of year asking for your money and compassion.  You don't have to donate to all of them, but please do find one or two you could support.  I know what it's like to have things be a little tight towards the end of the month, and if you're like my family, you do, too.  And yet, the cupboards at my house always have plenty of food, my closet is well-stocked with nice clothes that don't need mending, and my thermostat set at a pleasant temperature.  There are many adults and children alike who cannot say the same.  The face of poverty in this country is changing, and your friends and neighbors may not be as well-off as you think.  So, please, take time to think about the down-trodden, the hungry, the cold, the elderly, the sick, and the unemployed this year.  And during that pause, consider your blessings and how you can use them to bless others this CHRISTmas season.  You may find yourself pleasantly surprised at the surplus you find to share with others and the joy you receive from doing so.