Hope despite a heavy heart

My heart is heavy as I struggle to understand the gravity of what’s happened in Ferguson. The loss of one young man’s life is tragic, whatever the circumstances might be, and whether the use of force was justified or not. None of us will ever know all the facts and we may never be at peace with what has happened. What I do know is that this issue is so much deeper than police using excessive force. If a black officer killed a black teen, it wouldn’t even be in the news. At the heart of this is a question of justice. MLK Jr said an “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

However, this case isn’t simply about weighing facts and evidence and determining a verdict. It cuts to the core of who we are as people and as a nation--what defines us. The past should not control us, but we must come to grips with it in order to move forward. That our nation not only accepted, but embraced slavery as a means of economic gain at the expense of the rights and freedoms of other human beings, is undeniable. That racism has existed for much of our nation’s history and STILL exists today, is a sad reality.

For a white kid who grew up in a small town in Wyoming, it is tremendously difficult for me to comprehend this seemingly broad racial divide. Yet as someone who longs for community and enjoys rich and meaningful relationships, my heart aches. What hope do we have for reconciliation, for peace, for restoration, for justice? I believe that apart from knowing a God who embodied human form and experienced sorrow, anger, and the entire spectrum of human emotion, there is no hope.

Throughout the history of man, we’ve looked to ourselves, to science, and elsewhere for answers, but to no avail. The results of Communism and Nazism were millions and millions killed. What has science offered us? (Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-science. I’m just saying that it doesn’t completely explain human existence, no matter how hard it may try.) Evolution and the idea of the survival of the fittest… Does that run contrary to racism and man’s inhumanity to man? I dare say that it does not, but my point is that only a God who created us in His image and entered into our story in human form can understand our groanings, our grumblings, our sadness, and can listen and respond to our cries for justice. We are not left to fend for ourselves in some chance, cosmic game. Neither are we robots unable to think for ourselves as if we were part of the movie “The Truman Game.” God created us with minds, hearts, and souls so that we might think, feel, and experience life to the fullest.

This same God, in the form of Jesus Christ, wrote a story for us that includes a joyous ending for all who trust and believe in Him. He is the one true God and a God of justice (Deuteronomy 10:18) who promises to fight for His people (Deut. 1:30) and to wipe away every tear (Rev. 21:4) from their eyes. Wrongs in this life will not go unpunished “for his judgments are true and just” (Rev. 19:4). That’s incredibly encouraging to me, but how then shall I live?

The search for answers continues and God promises wisdom to those who ask if faith (James 1:5-6). That doesn’t mean that we’ll ever fully understand everything, but because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can go directly to God with our fears, anxieties, frustrations, sadness, anger, and anything else we might be feeling. He listens. He acts. He does so because He is good, He is powerful, and because He loves us despite our sins and unfaithfulness. Therefore, we must be willing to talk and listen for God commands us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).

Christians are called to be good listeners and to empathize with those who are in need and those who are hurting. God can and will bring about good through all of these tragic events/circumstances. He most certainly will use people to be part of the healing process and that can start by simply caring enough to reach out to those who may feel marginalized or victimized by (perceived and/or real) systematic injustices. We speak the truth in love and the truth shall set us free.

Luke's TOP TEN+ (South America Highlights)

It's been far too long since my last blog post... but such is life. Today, Luke the Gora uncovers a new leaf by sharing top ten travel moments from a recent monthlong trip to South America. My first trip to the continent was a truly an incredible experience that I will not soon forget. It was difficult to narrow it down to 10ish highlights, but after tallying all the votes, here they are... in chronological order:
1) Sunrise at Machu Picchu (Peru)
2) Paragliding in Lima, Peru
3) Snorkeling with a sea turtle... then getting surprised by a sea lion (Isla Isabel, Galapagos)
4) Scuba diving with hammerhead and reef sharks, a school of rays and garden eels (North Seymour, Galapagos)
5) Meeting the Vice President of Ghana (Natal, Brazil)
6) World Cup (Natal, Brazil): US game-winning goal against Ghana
7) Dune buggy ride (north of Natal, Brazil)
8) World Cup (Manaus, Brazil): US go-ahead goal against Portugal
9) Sugarloaf at sunset (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
10) Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
10.1) Iguazu falls (Brazil side, viewed from helicopter)
10.2) Buenos Aires
Tune in next week for Luke's NOT Top Ten (South America Lowlights)!

Buenos Aires

Giving thanks in all circumstances...

Yet another Thanksgiving has come and gone. This one was spent in typical American fashion, but sans my dear family. I played football with a group of friends and though the weather was hot compared to nearly all my Thanksgivings gone past, it was quite a fun day. However, after playing two hours of football, there’s no question that my body will be aching in the morning!

From the gridiron we made our way straight to the grub and enjoyed the usual Thanksgiving feast—turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans—about the only things missing were cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. It was quite a spread, but not the same as mom’s home cookin’!

As wonderful as it was to be with such a great group of people, it could never replace being with family. The last Thanksgiving I spent with my family was two years ago under less than desirable conditions. At the time I was in the thick of training here in India, during which I found out that the Lord had called my dear Grandpa home. Fortunately, I was able to return to the US for his funeral and share a very special with my family as we remembered my Grandpa’s wonderful life.

Grandpa could not have been more involved or more interested in our (grandkids & later great-grandkids) lives. This was no small feat considering my family lived in Wyoming and he and my grandmother lived in Illinois. Every couple of summers, we’d go out to northern Illinois or to Minnesota to see our Grandparents, cousins, aunts, and my uncle. It was always fun spending time with our extended family though the 16+ hrs in the car wasn't terribly fun. Twenty questions and “I spy” kept my sisters and I entertained for hours (or maybe it was only minutes?) crossing the Great Plains. When that wore off, big brother would find creative ways to pester his little sisters, though that didn’t always end well (for them or for him!).

At any rate, we were so very blessed by Grandpa (and Grandma) and the way they invested in our lives. Grandpa and Grandma’s love for us was so evident by their commitment to being part of our lives. They were so proud of us (all the grandkids) and made each of us feel special. I really don’t know how they managed to make it to so many of our birthdays, graduations, and other important life events (like my sister’s wedding). Now, I am finding it hard to believe that two years have gone by since Grandpa died. I am so thankful the life he lived, the example he set, and what he taught me about love, humility, laughter, and a servant’s heart.

In addition to memories of Grandpa (and that awesome clown costume he’d wear for our birthdays!), this Thanksgiving has given me pause to reflect on the last year. It has probably been the most challenging year of my life—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It seems like there have been obstacles lurking around nearly every corner. This has created many doubts and anxieties in my mind and heart. From my mother being diagnosed with cancer to landlord troubles to major career decisions to broken relationships, this year has brought more heartache, disappointment, discouragement, and suffering than any other. (Please don’t feel sorry for me or stop reading because I’m depressing you. This will end well, I promise!)

As I look back on what seemed like wave after wave of distressing events, I am thankful for knowing and experiencing calm in the midst of the storm. The truth is that God has allowed and even purposed everything in my life to come to pass the way it has--nothing has taken place apart God's will. I wasn’t unlucky this year, nor did I suffer from bad karma. No, I am confident that just as Joseph told his brothers (who intended to harm him), that God intended it for good (Genesis 50:20) so too, God has shown Himself faithful in similar ways in my life. I can therefore rest secure in the knowledge of God's promise to those who believe in Jesus--all things will work together for good (Romans 8:28). So when things don’t go “my way” or according to “my will,” I am still able to rejoice and “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

So what gives me such an assurance in the midst of tremendous anxiety and grief? Well, it is a result of knowing and experiencing God's intimate knowledge, care, and concern—He knows all my hopes, dreams, desires, disappointments, heartaches... EVERYTHING! More than that, He is continuously engaged in our lives because we are created in His image and His longs for us to experience the fullness of His love for us--a deep, abiding, unconditional, and personal love. He is not a distant, capricious god who caters to my every whim and fancy. No, He is a God who is zealous for me to worship Him because He knows that in so doing, I will find delight by walking in His ways and honoring Him. Only is so doing, can I find true peace, assurance, and hope.

I believe this because God has come in human form to this dirty, filthy world--no part of which is untainted by our sin. He did this to redeem mankind and reconcile us to Himself (our Creator) because He alone is the perfect sacrifice. Only by giving Himself can our broken relationships with Him, with each other, and with His creation be restored. Through Jesus, God has poured out His love and grace upon the world, offering us the only real path to salvation. Therefore, in the midst of trials and tribulations, I can rejoice with Job and say, “…the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

In addition to being my Savior and Lord, Jesus is now my advocate. Who could better relate to my sorrows and grief than One who has experienced them, but to a much greater and more painful degree? “He was despised and rejected by mankind,
 a man of suffering, and familiar with pain… he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:3) O what a Savior... O what a Lord... He not only knows my innermost thoughts, but also shares in my deepest sorrows. He is ever waiting, ever longing for us to cast our burdens upon Him, for He cares for us! (1 Peter 5:7)

I'm also thankful that God answers our prayers for physical healing and He has healed my mom of cancer! There have been many times this year when her life appeared to be hanging in the balance (in human terms), yet throughout this ordeal, God has been holding her in the palm of His hand. He has restored her health and answered our prayers. My family is so very blessed and tremendously thankful for God's providential care in our lives regardless of what storms may come.

As I draw this to a close, this Thanksgiving I am acutely aware of my need for God’s grace, His mercy, and His love. I am also thankful for how He heals the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3) and restores and heals broken relationships. While suffering and heartache will continue as long as I walk this earth, I can take solace in the fact that God has proven Himself faithful and He continues to do so. For that I will, today and forever, give thanksgiving and offer up a sacrifice of praise to the great, gracious, and loving King of Kings.

The Love, Character, and Faithfulness of a Grandfather

Today is a day of great significance for me, but not for the reasons you might expect. Yes, it marks a monumental Presidential election that will largely shape the foreseeable future of my beloved country. Sure, it’s an election that could dramatically change the cultural and economic landscapes for my children and grandchildren, but that isn’t what is on my heart this day. To be honest, despite the fact that my job is to protect the very freedoms we enjoy and cherish as Americans, I didn’t even vote this election. Am I apathetic? No, not really. Maybe it’s a combination of laziness coupled with the impossibility of submitting a ballot in time (after all, I do live in India!) to have my vote counted. Yeah, I may be a bit cynical, but in all honesty, my heart is elsewhere… Not just thousands of miles away from the political storm, but light years away, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My heart is burdened.

The righteous who walks in his integrity--blessed are his children (and grandchildren!) after him! Prv. 20:7

Plus, the Bible gives the assurance that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1) and that “kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:28)  No, I’m not trying to justify not casting my vote, but instead affirming the fact that no ruler (president, prime minister, dictator, etc.) holds office apart from the will of God. So… why does this day hold such importance and why is my heart elsewhere?

Well, today marks the four-year anniversary of my dear Grandfather going home to be with the Lord. It’s hard to believe that it has been so long, as I can still fondly recall his voice, his laugh, his smile, his personality, his jokes, his stories, his golf swing, his humility, his love, his character, his relationship with my grandmother, his relationship with my Lord... as if I had seen him only yesterday. I have been blessed with many wonderful memories of the man we called “Grandad.” He truly was grand and every one of his grandchildren would attest to that fact. Grandad loved us with an unconditional and affirming love, but don’t think he didn’t discipline us. It’s true that the Lord disciplines those he loves (Proverbs 3:12 & Hebrews 12:6) and Grandad was not afraid to be an instrument of the Lord in that regard! Of course, his discipline was swift and fair, but most of the time his words were enough to motivate us to good behavior--the pain of disappointing Grandad was usually enough to steer us in the right direction.

The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out. Prv. 20:5

Some of my fondest memories of him were the hours we spent playing golf together during the summer in Colorado. Most of the time it was just Grandad, me, and some of his old buddies. Wow, what a pleasure for a young, adolescent boy to get to rub shoulders with a unique group of old guys who told the best stories and jokes you ever heard (I still wonder how they can remember them because I never could!). Usually, I was the only “kid” who played with them, though occasionally my sister or a cousin would join us. It truly was a privilege to walk down (or ride as was more often the case in the later years) the fairways with that group of men--Moe, Curly, Bill, Bob, and many others who were from all walks of life (spiritually, financially, and otherwise). More than anything, I was grateful to my Grandad for allowing me to be a part of that special group, even though on occasion, my errant shots prevented me from fully enjoying/embracing the experience! (NOTE: For those who haven’t played golf or don’t love the game, you need to understand that it is a microcosm of life--golf can bring out both the best and the worst in a person!)

An excellent wife who can find? (ANSWER: Grandad!) Prv. 31:10

Above and beyond all the special times we shared together on the golf course and our discourses on a variety of subjects--God, faith, love, women, politics, sports, and many other things--one of the things I most admired about my Grandad was his rich love for my grandma (Nonny). They were married for over 65 years and anyone who spent even a moment with them saw the great depth of their love for God, one another, their family, friends, and even strangers. It was a real blessing for me to get to see their relationship up close. I was able to observe how their love for each other grew deeper and deeper over the years despite many physical limitations. Near the end of his life, my Grandad had to live with Parkinson’s for quite a number of years. Apart from the grace of God and Nonny’s love, devotion, and care (as well as my Aunt Susan's), Grandad would not have lived such a full, rich, and long life. Even after sharing over 30 years with Grandad and Nonny, I couldn’t even begin to scratch the surface of their love for one another. When I read about love in the Bible and learn about how couples are to show it to one another, I know that Grandad and Nonny exemplify that incarnational (Christlike) love. They have set the expectation bar awfully high for this guy!

No couple in the world could be more lovable!

One thing about Grandad and Nonny is that they really knew the sacrifices and commitment that love required, even though they were married at 19!! As a teenager, could you imagine making a vow to spend the rest of your life with someone?! Then a few short years later, being separated because of WWII?! That is the story of my dear grandparents whose promises to each other were backed up by their will and actions. You see, Grandad was stationed in India for over a year and my mom was born during that difficult period of separation. They survived that tremendous obstacle and many others over the many years, but continued to grow in their love for the Lord and for each other. Grandad and Nonny made many costly sacrifices for their children and grandchildren to enjoy a better tomorrow. (Hmm... I wonder if our generation and maybe even the current leaders of our country could learn something from them?)

Oh, the memories of Grandad and that golf cart

Over the decades and generations (kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids), God blessed my grandparents so very richly and through them blessed our family. They stayed faithful to their wedding vows, through sickness and health, richer and poorer, and didn't waver through any of the storms of life. I really envy them and what they shared as a couple. Few couples today could even hold a candle to the richness of their relationship with God and with each other. What an incredible legacy they have left for their children, grandchildren (ME!) and great-grandchildren. I’m so thankful that Nonny continues to be such a huge encouragement to me in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances, even though I know she misses Grandad even more than I do.

Grandad and his brothers; an adoring Nonny looks on...

On this day of thanksgiving, reflection, and remembrance, I thank God for His faithful promises that are as real now, as they were when Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, and Christ walked this earth. I can therefore look forward to being reunited with Grandad one day in glory when God will make all things new again. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…” (Revelation 21:4) It will be wonderful to see my grandfather again with a perfect body. Then we can rejoice at being able to fully taste and see that the Lord is good.

I thank God for the wonderful gift of Junius Myrl Penny, one of the godliest men I will ever known. He has shown me by his faithful life, that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) I will never forget my last moments with Grandad and how he held my hand so very, very tightly and would not let go… it reminds me of how God holds us in the palm of His hand--so tightly that not even death can separate us from His love.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Wearing bowties in Grandad's honor

God is faithful to all generations (Ps. 100:5)

Blessed are the poor...

Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:20

Living in India affords many opportunities to serve and minister to the poor, needy, and outcast. Upon arriving in the country, one is nearly overwhelmed by the tremendous needs of such a populous country. It can be really intimidating because you can't even figure out where to begin...

That is part of what makes Mother Teresa's work so remarkable. She devoted her life to serving the poor and was able to make tremendous contributions to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of so many people.  She is quoted as saying, “By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus.” So what was her motivation to give up a comfortable life? Well, Mother Teresa was driven to serve the poor, outcast, sick, and dying because she was a committed disciple of Jesus. She followed in Her Lord's footsteps for Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) The calling of Mother Teresa was to live for Christ (Philippians 1:21) by being his faithful disciple, which is what all followers of Christ are to be.

For those believers who read my blog, but are not involved or engaged in serving the needs of others (in particular the poor, sick, elderly, etc.) you need to take this calling seriously. Please don’t think that I’m speaking from a position of judgment or condemnation because I'm nowhere close to being the next Mother Teresa (let alone Christ), nor am I any more gifted at serving than anyone else. I am not. I have lived in India for over two years and have not been nearly as involved in mercy ministry as I should be. Is it because my heart has become calloused or ignorant or uncaring? I hope not, but it certainly can become easy to make excuses when you're confronted every day with waves and waves of people who have more needs than you could ever imagine. Making excuses is not the mark of a disciple...

If we are truly Christ’s disciples, we cannot and should not look the other way when we see suffering or ignore the cries of the innocent. If God “loves righteousness and justice,” (Psalm 33:5) should not the disciples of Christ also? Absolutely, God commands it: He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
 And what does the Lord require of you?
 To act justly and to love mercy
 and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Today, I had the privilege of going to a poor area on the outskirts of my city to see and be a part of how God is working. After navigating our way through the city traffic, we were met by two brothers whom God has used to build a small sewing ministry for women. We followed these guys on their bike (aka motorcycle), as they turned off the main road onto a nearly hidden and unprepared road. A nearby sign marked the land as government property, consisting mostly of green fields with shrubbery and trees intermingled with boulder outcroppings. After driving about 2-3kms, we turned onto a rocky, dirt (hiking?) trail. I hesitated at first because my little compact car is hardly ideal for off-roading, but we were able to manage it for a small stretch. We parked in a green fern plant (something like what's called a creeper) and then continued up the dirt pathway on foot.

On either side of the pathway were stone/brick homes without any running water or electricity. Ladies were out washing pots and pans, children running around, and various animals (mostly goats) eating or sunning themselves on the rocks. Of course, all eyes were on us as we passed by because there probably aren't too many goras randomly wandering through this stretch of God's creation. After a short walk up the small, rocky hill, we reached the hut where the sewing ladies were gathered. We took off our shoes/sandals and stooped to enter the tiny room. At head/face level, a ceiling fan was whirring dangerously (fortunately we had been forewarned!).

Inside the hut, three chairs were set up for us on the left side of the room opposite the ladies and children. They all smiled as we walked into the room, offering us a warm welcome. We took our seats and were then told a little bit about this ministry that offers 6-month sewing training to 10 ladies at a time because only 3 sewing machines are available. These women come to the city from nearby villages to earn money for their families, so after completing the sewing training they go on to get jobs elsewhere.

We were showed (lecture?) notes written in Telugu, though some of them are actually  of the Banjara tribe. Nearly all were Hindu. Each of them proudly showed us little samples of their sewing. Apparently they start small (slightly larger than Ken or Barbie size!) and then progress to “big people” clothing. Sitting across from them, I was struck by how fortunate I am… By blood and citizenship, an American. By faith, a Christian. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus. Only by God’s grace am I any of those things!!

What a privilege and honor it was to share a small part of my day with a kind, humble, and gracious group of people. I know that my Jesus would have poured out His love so abundantly upon them, if He were there… and that’s exactly what He does through us! As He says in 

Matthew 25:35-40, "'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

And conversely in 25:45, “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”