Slippery Slope by Susan L.

Every time I have done more training, my eyes and ears are opened to the slippery slope of judgements. It is so ingrained in us and our society, it's a difficult mind set to overcome. Even my well meant post on Facebook yesterday was a judgement. It was about Mr. Rob Ford, the mayor of Toronto, who was videoed smoking crack cocaine. After denying he'd done this for several weeks, he admitted a couple days ago to having smoked it. He said it had taken place in one if his "drunken stupors". Mr. Ford has been slammed by the media. Nightly talk shows have mocked him. Enough is enough! On Facebook, I called us Christians to pray for him, that he'd "get the help he needs". The media's judgemental statements are blatantly obvious. My comment is also terribly judgemental. First of all, I assumed Mr. Ford has a problem with alchohol. I assumed he would need help. I judged him a lesser man if he doesn't do the things I feel "right". I assumed his ability to so his job as mayor is impaired because of his choices. I denied him the right to make those choices. Assumption is the backside of judgement. Yes, I am sad about the situation. Mr. Ford appears to be a deeply troubled man. Who knows what haunts him, what drives him to drink himself into a stupor. Lord, he is Your child. Lead him where you see fit and bless him with the strength to follow. Amen. "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." PS 141:3

Significance by Susan L.

It's a very special day for me. This day in 2004 was the day I came to the Lord. It was a terrible time. A time of madness. Thankfully the Lord had placed people in my life who I could turn to that bleak and desperate day. That morning I found the amazing Something my heart and soul had yearned for my entire life. Houses, cars, work, hobbies, TV, books, the things I'd filled my life with couldn't save me that day. I confess it wasn't an easy choice. The devil spun his bleak and tuneless song: unworthy, guilty, prejudice, shame, ignorance, mistrust, doubt, suspicion...Eventually he ran out of words as the Lord waited patiently for me to accept His Son as my Saviour. I gambled on God. There was nothing left to lose. I had nothing left to enable me to face another day. Rock bottom. But my stumbling prayers of asking forgiveness and invitation to Jesus were honoured. Light swept away the darkness before my eyes. The sorrowful, heartbreaking burden of my ex-husband's infidelity lifted off my shoulders. Tomorrow seemed possible. I know I'd never have made it through the past nine years without Him. Yes, in the days and months swallowed by the depths of depression and suicidal thoughts I often lost sight of Him. The best part? Is knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that He never lost sight of me. I will never be alone again. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide in you forever---the Spirit of truth...for He dwells with you and will be in you."Jn 14:16-17

Discoveries by Susan L.

Every time I attend a PREFER training, it opens my eyes to view things differently. Most of yesterday's group was about resumee writing and cover letters. It opened a door that enabled us to look beyond the lack of "official experience". It showed us how to look into life experience and find the hidden skills and strengths benefitial to a potential employer. I have some homework, beginning my own resume. I just needed to take a few moments to ground myself. There are some feelings of being overwhelmed about writing it. The good thing is I can ask for Help. And I am! "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Eph 3:20

Training and Travel by Susan L.

I'm having a hard time focusing this morning. Never mind some technical difficulties. The next two weeks will involve commuting into the city at rush hour. That's a good thing because it means I will have completed my PREFER training. Blog posts may be sporadic as a result. "Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of wisdom." Prov 23:12

Born Again Virgin by Susan L

Someone asked what that was. Perhaps I can try and explain. It's all Christ's doing. First of all, virginity is far more than a physical state. Although I am sure God in His infinite power could mend that in a flash if need be. Secondly, what does a virgin look like, stereotypes aside? More importantly, what does it feel like to be virginal? This is where the "born again" comes in. In Christ, through His blood and grace, we are washed clean of sin; made pure and holy. He is the great Restorer. It's a question in keeping with the last two posts. For the child who had no say as he or she was introduced to adult experiences far beyond their years. For the youth who carelessly threw away that which is most precious, perhaps as a result of childhood lessons. For the person who is divorced, widowed, alone. This is God's gift to them through His forgiveness and our own ability to then forgive. Born again virginity is being able to capture an innocence which was lost or stolen. It is being able to approach new relationships in Christ without feeling "tainted" by past, worldly experiences. It is about being in the place where we can acknowledge the sanctity of the body, the precious gift of intimacy. It is the place where we can approach relationships in the full knowledge of our worth. It is the place of understanding that the uniting of a man and a woman is acceptable before God. It is a place of utmost high regard for God and our partner. Born again virginity means we have a chance to experience all of this with maturity. We walk unencumbered by our past. It's all in the head, the heart, and our spirit renewed. "By which you have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 1 Pet 1:4

Modestly Speaking by Susan L.

I'm going to add another comment to yesterday's discussion about dress. In some cultures anything less than a Burka is coincidered provocative. Yet again, it places the onus on the woman to be responsible for the reactions of men towards their sexuality. I hear Adam talking to God, "I had to eat the apple...she gave it to me!" Nevertheless, God dressed both of them. Carefully and tenderly He wrapped them in clothes made of animal skin because they were naked and ashamed. Perhaps He had a tear in His eye at the loss of innocence. Therein lies the issue. Our sexuality, our gender, the fundamental foundation of who we are is objectified; sold down the river for a razor promotional. It's everywhere and does not discriminate between men or women or sadly, and increasingly: children. How do we restore the essence of chastity AND chivalry into our society? How do we instill a sense of personal value that empowers us to make healthy choices? The point being in North American society: we are all coincidered disposable. Something that is as easily tossed aside as the packaging around a pound of hamburger. Abuse in any way, shape or form simply confirms that concept and drives that terrible lesson into every fabric of our being. Just as hurting people hurt people, when we believe we're disposable, we treat ourselves and others the same way. We simply don't know anything better until the Lord intervenes and clothes us anew. "Jesus wept." Jn 11:35

Change of Pace by Susan L.

WARNING: THE CONTENTS MAY BE UPSETTING TO SOME READERS. I had written something this morning but had no time to post it. God's divine hand looking after my needs. I need to write or what happened will haunt me all weekend. The big guns were fired this afternoon. A comment was made about a young female trick or treater who was out last night with a group of boys. I gather her costume enhanced her femininity but what was said both shocked and grieved me. "She's just asking to be raped." I am struggling not to judge the speaker, a woman. God help me, please! Those hateful, careless words pierced my heart on behalf of all who have experienced sexual exploitation in any of its hideous forms. The devil's lie absolves abusers of their actions and choices. In fact it is actually a twisted stamp of approval. "Truly, they couldn't help themselves. Look at what she was wearing!" It's easier to blame the victim rather than believe a person could do something so terrible to another. I don't think I've ever heard those hurtful words directed at any of the brave men who have dared to come forward about their own terrible experiences. There are statistics. 99.9% of the time the abusers have themselves been abused.I try not to judge the choices they have made. Hurting people hurt people. It's sometimes that complicatedly simple. "Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven, and whatever blasphemies they may utter." Mk 3:28