Compassion! Are you Listening?

I sat in the darkness after watching a program about people who had attempted suicide. I listened to their stories and one by one I got a sense that each person felt as though life wasn’t worth living. They had been trying to pursue their dream when suddenly they felt surrounded by loneliness which left them feeling rejected, abandoned and alone. Desperate to relieve the pain on the inside each had taken a step on the outside to end it all.

I am writing this with such passion because I perhaps like some of you have been to the point where mistakes compounded by circumstances caused me to think that perhaps life wasn’t worth the trouble. However before we dismiss people as weak let’s consider this, do we really have any idea of what has been arrayed against them? Personally I count as my friends those that have indeed fallen short by the accounts of others. After all isn’t that what Jesus did? Isn’t that who He hung on the cross for?

Experts say before people commit suicide they leave clues for the people around them. Today let’s look at the people in our lives, I mean really look at them. Then, go one-step further and listen as people share their inner most feelings. Or are you too busy thinking what you will say next? Listening is an art; it is forged with compassion and smothered with the balm of love.

Are you a parent who is too busy to really listen? Are you a husband or a wife who is over committed with less than no time to listen? Perhaps you are in a position of leadership and you use that as a form of power to put others down by criticizing. Could you be a Pastor who feels as though the sheep are too much to bother about? Perhaps you are a business owner who has no loyalty to meet the needs of your employees. You think they should be thankful just to work for you no matter how you treat them.

At the end of the day, and more to the point, at the end of life as we know it, we will be judged individually. My understanding is that we won’t be measured by how much we have accumulated, our position in life or the church, how many sermons we’ve preached, or how many books we’ve written. It will come down to how we treated the people that God brought across our path.

This next statement may come as a shock:

Some of our churches are the loneliest places on earth for anyone who doesn’t measure up to what is expected. It can also be the most critical place when people make mistakes. Instead of using our joy of salvation to lift others up we judge them. In some mistakes are seen as a weakness. Throughout history people who have achieved remarkable things have made countless mistakes along the way. The church on the other hand has little tolerance for mistakes. We talk about forgiveness but do we truly forgive? Or in our forgiveness do we just marginalize people? Have people become disposable? Far too many people enter the doors of our churches each week feeling broken and leave sadly the same way, afraid to share, lest they be judged. The sad part is this has become acceptable and often goes unnoticed week after week. Here’s a thought…

Would you have encouraged the following people to pursue their God given gifts, or would you have rejected them by both your actions and your words? Would you have called them friends or would they simply have failed too many times?

• This woman was told in 1957 by Don Hewitt, who became the Executive Producer of 60 Minutes “to stay out of television.” Barbara Walters
  
  
• His teachers said he was "too stupid to learn anything." He was fired from his first two jobs for being "non-productive." As an inventor, he made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, "How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?" he replied, "I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps." Thomas Edison
  
  
• When the Bell Telephone company was struggling to get started, its owners offered all their rights to Western Union for $100,000. The offer was disdainfully rejected with the pronouncement, "What use could this company make of an electrical toy." Alexander Graham Bell
  
  
• This woman had only seven poems published in her lifetime. Emily Dickinson
  
  
• He is famous for his past home run record, but for decades he also held the record for strikeouts. He hit 714 home runs and struck out 1,330 times in his career (about which he said, "Every strike brings me closer to the next home run."). Babe Ruth
  
  
• The main character of “I love Lucy” was once dismissed from drama school for being too quiet and shy. Lucille Ball
  
  
• In 1954, Jimmy Denny, manager of the Grand Ole Opry, fired this man after one performance. He simply told him, "You ain't goin' nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck." Elvis Presley
  
  
• A Paris art dealer refused this man shelter when he asked if he could bring in his paintings from out of the rain. Pablo Picasso
  
  
• 27 publishers rejected his first book, To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. Dr. Seuss
  
  
• She submitted poems to editors for nearly 20 years before one was finally accepted. See "A rose is a rose." Gertrude Stein
  
  
• Fired by a newspaper editor because "he lacked imagination and had no good ideas." He went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland. In fact, the proposed park was rejected by the city of Anaheim. Walt Disney
  
  
• Decca Records turned down a recording contract with this group with the unprophetic evaluation, "We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on their way out." After Decca rejected them, Columbia records followed suit. The Beatles
  
  
• The author of Little Women was encouraged to find work as a servant by her family. Louisa May Alcott
  
  

Let’s have a heart of compassion for the mistakes of others. If you have never made a mistake in a certain area don’t be prideful and say that you would never do that. Instead be humble enough to understand that you have never been pressured in that arena. We simply don’t know what we would do until push comes to shove. God, on the other hand is not surprised by our mistakes, our missing it or our weaknesses. He already knows where when and how we will miss it and he has already forgiven us. Why then are we so outraged by people’s mistakes?

The church leaders of the day crucified Jesus on the cross and then mocked him, does that sound familiar?

I prefer people who are real. They have been downtrodden yet rise again for another day. They have been forgotten yet are making a difference in the shadows of life. They have been rejected but go about encouraging others so that they may never feel that pain. Everyday heroes are people who have been through the worst and yet give the best they have to offer to everyone else.

Our words are powerful. They can push people over the edge or they can lift people up to achieve greatness. Let’s use our words wisely.

Ask yourself: As far as people go, am I in the renovation business or in the demolition business? Am I a person who genuinely builds up or tears down? It is never to late for any of us to change!

Just think right now you could be encouraging the next…

Check more from Diane Broos at her website www.dynamicliving4u.com

Compassion! Who Needs It?

Do you remember the day that you allowed Christ to rule and reign in your life? I do! For me it was an experience I shall never forget. Like most people I was facing challenges that seemed insurmountable. I felt and rightly so that I wasn’t able to face them alone. I had just plain run out of steam and answers. Yes, it had to come to that! After I turned my heart over to Him I remember driving in my car the very next morning. Looking out my window the sky seemed so much bluer and the grass so much greener. As a matter of fact, it was like I was seeing all of it for the very first time.
 
My relationship with Christ began when I was thirty-three years of age. So many Christians, including leaders, seemed to be crowing about the fact that they came from a long and strong Christian heritage. At first I felt deprived, then I noticed something peculiar. It seemed as though some were relying on that heritage to procure a special place or privileges in the body of Christ. My conclusion was simple; while a family’s heritage in Christ is admirable, I learned that nothing could take the place of developing a vibrant personal relationship with Him. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel as though you are less spiritual because you had to start from scratch. Remember, God doesn’t have any grandchildren, only children!
 
A disturbing recent trend in the church is counting the possession of material comfort or wealth as a demonstration of an individual’s spirituality. This is a slippery slope, one that is dangerous on a number of levels. God wants us to prosper, I get that, but He is careful to warn us in, Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” The emphasis is on seeking God first, not material possessions. Let’s check our hearts and see what we really believe. We may fool people but we will never fool God. He sees, hears and knows all. I attempt to remember this each day!

 
Have you ever noticed that when little children want to hide they cover their eyes? Their belief is that if they can’t see you, you can’t see them. Funny, as adults we do the same thing with God! We spend so much time working on our outward appearance, our standing in society, our bank accounts and our special seats in church. All the while who is looking at our hearts? God is looking to see what is written there. Are we more concerned about what others think, or more importantly what our heavenly Father thinks? Selah
 
Following God, really following him, not just in word but also in action will always cost us something. Doesn’t any real relationship? For many years I heard that God had already done, accomplished or provided all that He was going to. If you found yourself in a trial, it was because you had brought it on yourself. Perhaps this is true. Just maybe, you have brought it on so to speak, simply because you refuse to quit in the battle for your destiny. Paddling upstream against the current towards destiny is always a much more difficult task than floating downstream going with the flow.
 
"Mercy saves us from what we deserve; Grace gives us what we did not deserve."
 
What does criticizing others in the midst of their battle accomplish? Internal renovations are not always readily apparent on the outside. Let’s not be counted as someone who jumps on the bandwagon of criticism singing the songs of judgment. I’ve gone through a number of trials in my life. What I’ve noticed is, some people only offer to help as a pretext to finding out the gory details in order to judge and then just walk away feeling superior.
 
Have we been created to be judge and jury of another’s life? How can we possibly judge another person? We can’t possibly know what has been arrayed against them, nor all the details. Could we honestly say that we would have made better choices if we were in their shoes? When we judge others, we find ourselves on the wrong side of God. God is full of mercy, grace and forgiveness. If we fail as the church to walk in compassion, how will we ever be able to reach the world? The world is searching for demonstrated genuine love and can smell a hypocrite a mile away.

The Message translation of Matthew 7:1-5 says it best. “Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.”
C.H. Spurgeon said, “Those who dive in the sea of affliction bring up rare pearls.”
 
When we sit on the sidelines of life, we add nothing to the game. We will never break a sweat. We will never be weary or at odds with the majority. We will never be criticized, ostracized or demoralized. We are neither a threat to the enemy nor an asset to the kingdom. We will simply just exist!
 
"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand." Emily Kimbrough
 
My grandfather introduced me to boxing when I was four years old and it has always served as an analogy of life for me. I learned that life was not a popularity contest. Perhaps that is why I have always fought for the underdog. I was raised this way and have raised my children to defend the weak and less fortunate. As a mother what I am the most proud of in my children is not who they know, where they live, where they went to school or even how beautiful they are. I am most proud of the fact that they have compassion resonating on the inside of them and  it freely flows out to others.  What a wonderful and priceless gift!
 
Abraham Lincoln said,  "I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice."
 
Let us dare to walk in compassion with others. Some take advantage of those that do,  others, see this as a sign of weakness. Isn’t life more than “Me, myself and I?” Try  living a compassionate, caring and loving life. Lets imitate our heavenly Father.
 
Warning: This lifestyle is not for the faint of heart.
 
My Prayer:
"Dear Lord: As in this world I toil and through this world I flit, I pray make me a drop of oil and not a piece of grit."-Anonymous

Check more from Diane Broos at her website www.dynamicliving4u.com

Self-Catraz 1

The Poem: “Self-Catraz” – Your Personal Prison

I am reduced to a number
My home is made of stone and steel
I stand alone in my misery
Alone
My heart aches
Alone
No choices to make

Afraid
Of what might be
Afraid
What will happen to me?
Dreams vanquished

Plans undone
My hearts song
Left unsung
Prison
What it’s done to me

Diane Broos

The Article: Self-catraz - Escaping Your Personal Prison
By Diane Broos

Do you feel as though you are dying on the vine of life? Let me encourage you; it’s never too late! Don’t spend another day in Self-catraz being constrained from living the life of your dreams. Act today; think different, do different and be different.

Has the key to my cell been thrown away? Is it too late for me?

Not many of us have been incarcerated in a formal prison. Yet many are self-imprisoned in Self-catraz, living non-authentic lives. This past summer I became a grandmother at the age of fifty-two. As I held Liam in my arms, I realized that his whole life lies before him as a clean slate. We have all tasted that freedom at one point or another and yet today many may feel incarcerated by past choices and current circumstances, living lives we neither imagined nor wanted. I’m here to say that that very same freedom is still ours for the taking.

Your journey may well take you down one of the roughest roads you’ll ever walk, but the result will be worth any price paid. There is a price for freedom and the price is the courage and determination to change. As a child I remember playing many games of Monopoly. I always felt fortunate when I picked up the “Get out of Jail Free” card. Life promises us no such card. Living free, authentic lives will always cost you something.

“There is no failure except in no longer trying. There is no defeat except from within, no insurmountable barrier except our own inherent weakness of purpose.”
Elbert Hubbard

To fear or not to fear that is the question:

Yielding to fear will hold us back from the life we have imagined. Thank God for the many courageous men and women who have stepped out from behind the veil of fear and moved forward. Where would we be, had Christopher Columbus not had the courage to act on his belief that the world was round?

It’s a given fact that everyday, thoughts of doubt and unbelief will assault our senses and attempt to immobilize us. Winning the battle will require us to incarcerate the negative thoughts rather than being incarcerated by them. Brace yourself; this is one battle that we will continue to fight all our lives.

Don’t let fear keep you from acting on new choices; it’s the only way to your new life. What I have discovered is that as you begin to move forward fear dissipates and is replaced by a new sense of confidence and self-esteem.

“I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.”
Walt Disney

To be continued - this is just the beginning of the series, stayed tuned...

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Life Lessons Learned From Liam

Yes, it’s true! It’s possible to learn what’s really important in life as seen and shared by a 2-½ year old boy named Liam. Of course I’m rather partial, he is after all my grandson and “Grandma’s Little Man”.

Come along with me on one of our little adventures…

Liam and I like to go for a walks. It seems I always have a purpose in mind and Liam just simply enjoys the journey. While I’m focused on getting there, he has other ideas in mind. It becomes very clear Liam has yet to hear the phrase, “Walk with a purpose!” Not yet anyway, and you can be sure he will never hear it from me!

First of all we stop longer than we ever walk. We sit on the sidewalk (yes, it’s cold and yes I remember what our mothers told us about sitting on cold sidewalks) nevertheless I am the Grandma after all. Part of my job description is doing what ever my grandchildren enjoy. (Of course when he gets much older and wants to sky dive I will have to break my own rule and decline.)

After we have sat on the sidewalk for a while picking up stones, twigs, grass and yes, some unknown objects, then and only then we move on. A few short steps later and we’re picking up maple keys and throwing them up in the air. At first I just want to watch him as he squeals with joy. Liam on the other hand will have none of that! He insists we both throw them up into the breeze together. As I toss mine I am reminded of my childhood and how much fun this really is. Liam laughs spontaneously with a belly laugh so deep it would cause even the most solemn person to crack a smile.

A few more steps and Liam feels it’s necessary to bend down and touch all of the driveways as we cross over them. My job as I see it, is to point out whether they are made of asphalt or concrete. This becomes too much fun for him and we must repeat these actions over and over and over again. I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun touching driveways, have you? It’s at this point that I am reminded that I had indeed promised myself to begin an exercise routine. Something that seems to skip my mind when I am not with him put pops up over and over again as Liam and I go on our adventures!

I now think I’ve forgotten what our destination was to begin with. I’m so wrapped up in watching the planes fly overhead and laughing with Liam at what tricks the birds seem to be up to. Everything is simply fascinating! After walking for about 35 minutes to a destination that could have easily taken 8, we finally arrive. Yes, that’s right, we are at Liam’s neighbourhood park.

While he is busy climbing up the jungle gym and then sliding down the slide I’m busy catching him and making a huge fuss over how great I think he is. Of course, I never need an excuse to sing his praises, that’s for sure. After countless repetitions we now embark on a much bigger project. In case you’ve tried to guess what our next task is, forget about it. You could never guess in a million years. Liam has decided that we need to cover a huge rock with as many dried leaves as we can find in the park. I have to admit it was actually fun. This is what they must do in the army known as camouflage. Liam is wise beyond his years! Why should the other kids that come to the park and find this rock so easily? He must believe he’s making it more fun for the other kids or why would he do this?

When it’s time to leave the park I illogically assume the trip home with be quick without any stops. How wrong could one Grandma be? After all, on the way to the park all the things we did were so much fun how could we not do them all over again and again. Of course this time with a detour into a muddy forest. Oh well, so much for my shoes. Liam was smart enough to wear his boots ☺

Lesson Learned:
Now I don’t focus on the destination or I will miss the fun along the way! When I’m out with Liam I do what he taught me to do, I enjoy new things. I make sure I look up and all around. I never realized how much I was missing until now.

P.S. Always check out what your grandchildren are wearing on their feet. This perhaps may give you a hint as to what you’re about to step into.

Check more from Diane Broos at her website www.dynamicliving4u.com

Just Keep Shaking It Off!

Sometimes in life you find yourself in a pit so deep that it seems as if there is no way out. Remember, “It’s your life and you call the shots, it’s not over until you say it’s over, no matter what!

This is the story of the mule that fell into a deep dark pit one day. He was in there wondering what to do. Some time later the farmer heard a sound that he was unfamiliar with. As any good farmer would do he walked his land in the direction of this unbearable noise. When the farmer looked down into the pit, (which by the way, he almost fell into himself) he saw that it was his prize mule. Not only was the farmer shocked and concerned for his animal but also for his own ability to get the mule out.

The cry of the mule became unbearable and the farmer ran for help. Soon the word was out and many of the farmers in his neck of the woods offered their help. Try as they might to get the mule out they came up short each time. Finally they came to the consensus that the best way to put the mule out of his misery was to bury him alive. Each got a shovel and in sequence they began to throw dirt on him.

After several hours and hundreds of shovels full of dirt being dumped on the mule he simply walked out of the pit. How could this have happened?

Each time the farmers threw dirt on the mule he simply shook it off, packed it down under his feet and stepped up higher. One characteristic of a mule is that they are known to be self-preservationists and self-thinkers. These traits also contribute to the "stubborn as a mule" cliché. A mule thinks for himself and decides that a particular situation may hurt him. In this instance, the mule’s stubbornness and persistence paid off and saved his life!

Life and people have the power to either bless you or bury you. When you find yourself in a pit some will heap on shovels and shovels of condemnation, rejection, and criticism. A wise person would help those who fall; a person full of pride on the other hand would have a tendency to think they are exempt from such a thing. Personally I have found that people who are risk adverse are the nastiest of all. They console themselves with the fact that they would certainly never find themselves in the same situation.

What I have come to find out by experience is that the reason they don’t is simply because they never take chances. How could you ever fail if you never live outside of your comfort zone?

Take all that gets thrown at you in life and just keep shaking it off, packing it down and stepping up higher. I have four words for you, “ Just shake it off!” Take what was meant to bury you and use it for your escape. Use it to make you stronger and more resilient to the adversities of life.

When we stand before God some will be surprised to find they were solely responsible for their own life and actions. They will finally understand they were not put on this earth to critique the lives of others. Don’t we all have enough to contend with in our own lives?

Remember, in the end, only one opinion will count. God’s opinion of you is the beginning and the end!

In the meantime,

“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”
John Wesley
English religious leader (1703 - 1791)

BTW, in researching mules, I came across a most interesting story entitled: MULE KILLS MOUNTAIN LION - Photos "Stubborn as a mule" has some benefits :)