Faith. Hope. Love: Part One - Singapore

Whether you have been following this non-fiction tale of adventure, faith, hope, and travel, from the beginning...or joining it for the first time, I want to give (anyone who would like) the opportunity to catch it all in one post. Please find below the PDF format of the first ten chapters (Section One: Singapore) which make up the ebook FAITH. HOPE. LOVE.

Faith. Hope. Love: Part 1 - Singapore

Friday Funnies: It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Loses an Eye

I find Twitter to be a fun site to visit with new and old friends and acquaintances. A week or so ago I heard from someone I have known since high school and he shared the following comical story with me:

I work for a sports complex. The complex hosts a lot of championship events. One event is a Christian college championship.  The client has been coming to the complex now for several years. He is a very kind, easy going person and we go out of our way to please him, not just because it is our job but because he is a good person and is universally well liked. He is also a Christian so we are cognizant to watch our P’s and Q’s around him as not to offend him.
 
A few years back the event was going to stream the championship in High-Def. We were setting up the scaffolding for the cameras because this was the first year it was going to be streamed in High-Def. While we were setting it up the client would stop by and check in on us see how we were doing and we would ask if we were setting up the scaffolding to his liking. The client has a good sense of humor so we were joking with him as well along with talking about sports.
 
We had gotten to the point we were unsure of how to set up the scaffolding for the camera operators. We wanted to make sure it did not interfere with High-Def cameras and that the operators felt comfortable on the scaffolding. There were support bars that went across the top that boxed in the top platform that were hanging down because we were not sure which fields they would be used for and which way the operator would access the platform. The client walked by the scaffolding and before we could explain what we had done he said in jest, "You need to be careful someone could lose an eye," and "It is all fun and games till someone loses an eye." To which I jokingly replied, "It still is as long as it is not you." It was at this point he said, "You will find this hilarious then." He lifted his glasses, about two inches, with one hand and then brought his other hand to his face. Using his index finger and thumb in a pinching motion he removed his glass eye and flung it at me (like a child would fling a booger), laughing and joking the whole time. I calmly caught the glass eye, handed it back to him, left the area, and then freaked out.
 
I immediately told my boss who began to chastise me for not noticing the client had a glass eye, asking if I just thought he had a lazy eye or something. I said I never really paid attention to his eye as I do not stare into other men’s eyes. He then kicked me out of the office to where I ran into the client and gave a long sincere apology. The client laughed it off saying it did not offend him and that he had been using the glass eye as a joke for years and I was just his latest victim.

Happy Friday, everyone!

"Be Water, My Friend."

"Now, water can flow or creep, or drip, or crash. Be water, my friend.” - Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee verses Chuck Norris

Bullying: Part Four - Stay True to Your Race, Faith, Culture, etc.

Stay True to Your Race, Faith/Beliefs, Culture, Etc.

I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are Your works;
my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:14. ESV.)

A bully's opinion is NOT an accurate assessment of you! Forgive me but I am going to say that again.

THE OPINION OF A BULLY IS NOT AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF YOU! A good sales person could "sell ice to an Eskimo" (as the saying goes). A bully who is skilled at being calculating, deceitful, crafty, controlling, and forceful will get you to buy into his/her scheme. Do not take it to heart. (This goes back to having a "support system" on whom you can depend to NOT tell you what you want to hear but to give you the Truth especially when you are being deceived.)

Also, EVERYTHING YOU HAVE AND ALL THAT YOU ARE IS YOURS TO GIVE NOT FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE!

God provides. He gives and removes. His blessings upon you, love, your heart, submission, loyalty, service, hospitality, generosity, etc. It is God given to offer, to willingly present. It is not someone else's possession, right, etc. to seize by force. He/she/they are not entitled to it!

You are beautiful. God made you in His image for His glory. Do NOT allow hateful words to take root inside your heart. Tough love, discipline, and Truth are one thing (but they are done in love):

Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)

Bullies destroy, for their own gain. Remember with them there is an "'imbalance of power' that may be social and/or physical". Maintain healthy relationships. Be wise! Do not "enable" a bully to continue unhealthy behavior.

The word of God has a lot to say about oppression. It is NOT pleasing to God! Look at Cain, Pharaoh, Nabal (husband of Abigail), King Saul (when he tried to bully David), Haman, and Herod (to name a few)! The scriptures are also very encouraging when it comes to renewing your mind and soul against bullying. Dive in and let the love of Christ wash over you!

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26, 27 ESV)

Bullying: Part Three - Fight the Good Fight

Fighting the Good Fight

Spiritual warfare, in my opinion, takes place on many different levels. I feel this includes battling against the wickedness of oppression in whatever form it takes.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV)

Knowledge is Power

I have been posting about bullying and thus far have done a bully breakdown and have covered not returning evil for evil.

I first knew I wanted to be a fighter, in middle school, when I read the horrific book DEATH BY CHILD ABUSE AND NO ONE HEARD by Eve Krupinski and Dana Weikel. The desire stirred so greatly within me to rescue that little girl. But I couldn't. She had died at the hands of her abusers...her bullies. As an adult I became a volunteer court appointed child advocate and began my education of those who use manipulation, coercion, control, and physical violence to take what they want. (Bullies come in all different shapes and sizes.)

It has been nine years but I feel I am finally getting a grip on that type of behavior and have useful tools to battle against it. Currently, I am furthering my study and have started training in self defense. But ultimately, it is the Word of God that has taught and continues to teach me the most regarding this issue.

Put on the Armor

Before I could even begin to combat this sin I first had to put on the full armor of God.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV)

Coming soon...Bullying: Part Four - Stay True to Your Race, Faith/Beliefs, Culture, Etc.

Bullying: Part Two - Do Not Return Evil For Evil

The Sin is in the Secrecy

Yesterday I posted a breakdown of bullying and a first step in fighting against it which is confiding in friends (you trust the most) for support and assistance. Each of these can look very different on a case by case basis. I do not believe there is any one piece of advice or encouragement that covers every situation. They are as varying as fingerprints and snowflakes. The thing to watch out for here, though, is gossiping! I feel only a small number (3-5) of confidants should be made aware of the circumstances and only for helping you and for prayer...not for feeding the rumor mill or building your case against the other individual---so choose wisely!

Do Not Return Evil for Evil

Just because oppression or harassment may not always be punished (or punishable) by law, does not make it okay. It is, in my opinion, very unhealthy and destructive. So, do NOT try to give a bully a taste of his/her own medicine. Firstly, because the word of God says so. Secondly, I just do not think it would be a wise idea...mess with a bull and you are going to get the horns! Further, ask God to guard your heart so you do not begin to do to others what a bully is doing to you. Do not repeat the behavior.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19 ESV)

Answer not a fool according to his folly,
lest you be like him yourself. (Proverbs 26:4 ESV)

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 ESV)

Knowledge is Power

Instead, educate yourself (and others) regarding this matter. To keep your body fit you learn about nutrition, good eating habits, and proper exercise. To have a healthy mind one should likewise study up on emotional, mental, and behavioral topics.

But, I will get into that a little bit more tomorrow. For now, I leave you with this.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10 ESV)

Be safe.

The Celestial City

The "Pilgrim's Progress Virtual Journey" was a "blog hop" (if you will), I was doing each Thursday, based on John Bunyan's THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. Each of my posts (at the start of the "hop") contained a "place" and "characters" from the literature. Today I am going to wrap things up with our final destination The Celestial City. I hope you have enjoyed the 32 blogs I included and were encouraged along the way!

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26. ESV.)

The Celestial City
 
1st Stop - The City of Destruction and Slough of Despond
2nd Stop - House of the Interpreter
3rd Stop - The Cross, Sepulchre, Hill Difficulty, and House Beautiful
4th Stop - Valley of the Shadow of Death
5th Stop - Vanity Fair
Final Stop - The Delectable Mountains

Bullying: Part One - The Bully Breakdown

The Bully Breakdown

I. Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behavior is habitual and involves an imbalance of power.

A. Can include verbal harassment, physical assault or coercion.

B. May be directed repeatedly towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexuality, or ability.

C. The "imbalance of power" may be social power and/or physical power.

D. Bullying can occur in any context in which human beings interact with each other including school, church, family, the workplace, home, and neighborhoods.

II. Research indicates adults who bully have personalities that are authoritarian, combined with a strong need to control or dominate.

A. A prejudicial view of subordinates can be a particularly strong risk factor.

B. Some doctors have argued that a bully reflects the environment of his home, repeating the model he learned from his parents.

C. Envy and resentment may be motives for bullying.

D. Some bullies are arrogant and narcissistic, others can use bullying as a tool to conceal shame or anxiety or to boost self esteem: by demeaning others, the abuser him/herself feels empowered.

E. Other risk factors include depression and personality disorders, as well as quickness to anger and use of force, addiction to aggressive behaviors, mistaking others' actions as hostile, concern with preserving self image, and engaging in obsessive or rigid actions.

1. In one recent study of youth, a combination of antisocial traits and depression was found to be the best predictor of youth violence.

2. video game violence and television violence exposure were not predictive of these behaviors.

F. It is often suggested that bullying behavior has its origin in childhood. (Wikipedia)

Now that we've identified what we are up against, what is one to do about it?

Have a Support System

Coming from a believer's standpoint, I can say from experience the body of Christ is a tremendous blessing when it comes to needing a support group. In the face of bullying, standing alone (in my opinion) is not only NOT going to work it is also unhealthy.

When I was young, I was bullied at school for a period of time. An older student picked me out as a "target" and did not inflict physical harm but rather manipulated me in a very sly manner to get me to pay her money. She played on my sense of compassion with a story of how a man was threatening to harm her if she did not come up with the cash. Being so young a gullible, I was certainly an easy mark. And, I did give her money. Thankfully though, I had confided in a couple friends about what was going on, they spoke to our teacher, and she notified the principal. The principal nipped it in the bud and fortunately for me the bully went quietly and never bothered me again. In this case it was my "support system" that blew the whistle.

On another occasion when I figured out I was being bullied, my closest and most trust worthy sisters-in-Christ acted as more of a sounding board and assisted me in breaking everything down to identify manipulation, deceit, coercion, and control tactics. Their continued willingness to do this with me also helped in keeping me sane and not allowing the bully's "opinion" of me to become my reality. These are two examples of why I feel the body of Christ is so very important!

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.... And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14-18 ESV)

The Purpose of the Lord Will Stand

When God says, "Clean the Closet."

A bible study leader once gave me this illustration:

Sometimes God tells us to clean the closet. But instead, maybe we work hard on the kitchen getting it all organized, dusted, swept, mopped, and sanitized. Then God returns to us and says, "Thank you so much for all you have done in the kitchen, but I told you to 'clean the closet'."

This has been me lately. I have been so focused, busting my butt on other projects I have neglected the ones my sovereign God assigned to me. It was not until the Lord let my heart know, though I gave something my best and it was good, it was not what I was supposed to be doing. And, to be honest, I cried...out of frustration, because of pride, out of sadness, because there was no one to turn to for comfort (I should have looked to the Good Shepherd.), because my heart hurt...the lesson was difficult. The Holy Spirit within me was burning for weeks (and I felt restless) so I cannot claim I was oblivious. God designated a, b, and c to me but instead I did x, y, and z. The bottom line is, I did not listen to my King and follow His instructions.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)

I get it, Lord. I hear You loud and clear. It is You who makes all things come about, You who provides, You who grants favor and gives grace, You who was and is and is to come! You put me where I need to be when it is time for me to be there...not a moment too soon or a second too late.

"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!"

"Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:8 & 11 ESV)

Can You Stand Against an Angry Law?

"What will you do when the law comes in terror? When the trumpet of the Archangel shall tear you from your grave and the eyes of God shall burn their way into your guilty soul; when the book shall be opened and all your sin and shame shall be punished. Can you stand against an angry law in that day?" - Charles Spurgeon

Hebrews 12:18-29

For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned." Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear." But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:18-29 ESV)