Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

Where Do You Find Rest For Your Soul?

10/30/2020

The challenges of life are many. How do we respond to the call of Christ when He invites us to rest in Him? "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

I have been fortunate for the last twenty years to have easy access to a church or a chapel near or at my place of employment. It has been a great source of peace to just go and sit before the Lord for a few minutes in the midst of a hurried day. I am sad for the many times I have not taken advantage of this wonderful blessing as frequently as I should have.

Whether you have easy access to a church/chapel or not, how do you find rest for your weary soul in the midst of life's struggles?

Be a Faithful Ambassador of Christ Today!

10/29/2020

How will you make your little corner of the world a better place today?

Continue to spread joy and peace to those around you!

Be a person of prayer!

Which Way Is The Wind Blowing Today?

10/28/2020

I have stopped watching TV. Maybe it is time to eliminate social media as well? The big question today, "Whose kids have made the most money because of their dad's connection to the White House? Biden or Trump?" Let's face it folks. The Washington elite on both sides of the aisle are living different lifestyles than the rest of us.

The games being played in Washington unfortunately impact the lives of the citizens. We may not be wealthy, but the decisions our politicians make about taxes, healthcare, and a whole list of other things can impact what little we may have. What are the shenanigans being played today to make the stock market go down so dramatically? We may not have millions invested like the politicians do, but those families with at least a meager savings in 401k's are being negatively impacted when these events happen. Is that all by design?

Ronald Reagan labeled it as the nine most terrifying words. "I'm from the government and I'm here to help." (August 12, 1986) My dear readers, put your faith and trust in the Lord. Be a person of prayer. Be a beacon of Christ's light to the world.

President Lincoln said, "...these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." (Gettysburg Address) It was a great concept while it lasted. The key to not perishing is that we would be a nation "under God". Do we still have time to experience a deep, spiritual conversion in our country before it is too late?

Did You See The Political Ad I Ran Yesterday?

10/27/2020

This is not a black and white photo. That is just the way it is in full living color. Fog blanketed the area and the temperature dropped to -8 degrees this morning as I pulled into the parking lot. This was the result.  What is positive about this? Think about how warm it will feel at the end of the week when the temperature hits 50 degrees.

I want to thank all of you who respond occasionally to my posts either by commenting directly on my blog site, leaving a comment on Twitter or Facebook, emailing me directly, sending a text, or even giving me a phone call. I take your comments seriously and try to learn from your evaluations and comments.

Yesterday's post generated a few more comments than usual. All of the comments were positive and appreciative of my post except for one. So let's focus on that one. (Why do we do that?)

I was called out on Twitter by Rebecca.

"This reads like a Republican Party ad? Most of the time I read what you write to gain inspiration and comfort and to be inspired to live my life in a good Christian way. Wch is the bigger threat? A hard time by people suffering through life or potential death due to virus?"

I went back and read my post probably five times throughout the course of the evening looking for the political overtone. I don't see it. I have watched no TV in two months. Maybe something is going on in the political theater of which I am unaware.

The point I was trying to make had nothing to do with politics. I am concerned about the mental health of our society. In addition to my pastoral and theological studies, I have nearly 90 semester credits of study in the social and behavioral sciences. If a person looks at sociological data through the lens of social isolation, certain behaviors are almost sure to appear on a regular basis. The way we address the virus (masks, social isolation, etc.) needs to take into consideration the ripple effects of these decisions.

How did closing down churches and other social service institutions impact the vulnerable individuals? Did churches and social service agencies attempt to make more mental health counselors available for those who were struggling? How could the spiritual and emotional needs of people in hospitals and nursing homes be met when restrictions were so tight that family members nor clergy were allowed to enter? What responsibility did the local, state, and national government have in addressing these subsequent issues emanating from the virus mandates put in place by these same leaders? What is their responsibility yet today?

The commenter on Twitter asked me, "Which is the bigger threat? A hard time by people suffering through life or potential death due to virus?" The threat is real on both issues. A person that dies by suicide is just as deceased as a person who actually dies from the virus. There are treatments available for the virus. I am simply asking for treatments to be made more readily available for those addressing mental health issues as well. It is my opinion that we have not focused as much attention on this aspect of dealing with the virus.

Let me ask you this. How long can we keep senior citizens isolated in nursing homes without it being considered elder abuse? Speaking of elder abuse, how much has actual physical abuse and/or neglect increased in nursing homes since family members can't get in to check on their loved ones? Thankfully, I have only seen a couple of horrendous videos depicting staff beating and punching the residents. I truly hope those were isolated incidents.

Overall, how do we protect ourselves from the virus while not jeopardizing other aspects of our health--physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?

It is my intent to use this forum to articulate hope. I want to inspire and comfort you. I want to offer encouragement to you and challenge you to deepen your faith. However, I feel that all of this must be done in the context of our lived reality. What is that lived reality? We are living in tumultuous times with a level of societal dysfunction that is difficult to comprehend.

What are my words of encouragement for today? "Put on the full armor of God." (See Ephesians 6: 10-18) It is going to be a bumpy ride. How do we know this? Jesus told us, "Take up your cross daily, and follow me." (See Luke 9:23) Are we ready for the pilgrimage?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

10/26/2020

It isn't even Halloween yet, but parts of the west look a lot like Christmas today. I am personally not a fan of winter weather, but I try to enjoy the beauty of it at least for a little while. Okay. That's enough.

Here is my preference for winter weather.

Daufuskie Island looking towards Hilton Head Island

The view from Spanish Wells Plantation on Hilton Head Island

The southwest tip of Hilton Head Island

I struggle with winter for a variety of reasons. I don't like cold weather first of all. Secondly, the days are short and the nights are long. It results in less exercise, less time soaking in Vitamin D, and an overall lack of desire to do things. The challenge to just work up the willpower to get out of bed on some mornings can be a real struggle. Is it a physical issue? Is it a mental or emotional issue? Is it a spiritual issue? Do I lack discipline in my life? Am I just lazy? Could it be a combination of all of these things? Let me just answer "yes" to all of the questions so that I have it adequately covered.

I realize that this admission is coming from the guy whose website is titled, "Articulating Hope." I assure you, it's not hypocritical. I personally understand the struggle, and subsequently, I know deep down the real need for maintaining hope. Can you even begin to imagine how difficult it would be to function on a daily basis if you had no faith or hope in God? How does such a person confront illness, death, and all the calamities that enter our lives from time to time? Our hope in Christ does not disappoint.

I have been reading more and more about the mental health struggles that people have been facing during 2020. These challenges have certainly been exacerbated by the pandemic and the social isolation connected to it. (The election isn't helping matters either.) Locking down our churches and other institutions of support made the situation even more dire. Domestic violence, addictions, and suicides, are part of the equation that seem to be getting shoved under the rug. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness can be devastating. I can only imagine the level of heartbreak that our senior citizens in nursing homes have experienced over these last seven months. The loneliness, the isolation, and the lack of human touch has been as awful as the virus in many cases. The psychological, sociological, and spiritual consequences of this human experiment will result in more casualties than the medical charts will ever demonstrate (even with a disproportionate number of deaths being attributed to COVID-19).

The economic impact of shutting down society was evident. Businesses closed. People lost jobs. Financial hardship ensued. These factors are readily visible. We frequently don't see many of the other social ills until they strike close to home. Just because we do not see them does not mean that the problems do not exist.

My dear people of faith, please keep praying and being an ambassador for Christ. The world needs our faithful witness. We are each wounded in our own way. Let us use our pain and our struggle to comfort someone else. Even in our brokenness we can be a beacon of light to someone else. Join me in ARTICULATING HOPE to our world!

Dream Big

10/26/2020

Wherever you are in life, do you still dream big? Is there a burning desire within you to do great things? Do you feel compelled to be a saint?

How is your relationship with God?
Your family?
Your friends?
Your co-workers or classmates?
Yourself?

You are made in the image and likeness of God. That is pretty awesome. Go out today and live like a child of the King of Kings!

Where Do You Find Hope When Times Are Tough?

10/21/2020

There are plenty of things to keep everyone on edge during 2020. However, I also see things that fill me with hope. I do not want to lose sight of the positive aspects of our society. What is one uplifting thing you have witnessed?

My brother is a deacon in the Diocese of Jefferson City, Missouri. This rural area of the Midwest may be considered "flyover country" by many of the elites on the east and west coasts. I am certain of one thing. Never underestimate the power of prayer and the connectedness of small communities.

To the people of Bowling Green, Missouri and surrounding communities, thank you for your faithful witness to Jesus Christ.

I invite you to click on the link to read this uplifting article and view the many photos of this wonderful event in Pike County, Missouri.

www.catholicmissourianonline.com/stories/catholics-share-faith-appreciation-for-the-transcendent-through-monthly-rosary-processions-in,2902

Love Grows Here

10/19/2020

Do you work for a company or an organization where the environment is a positive place to grow and bloom? If so, congratulations! If not, what can you do to help it be a place like that?

Life presents many challenges in and of itself. I prefer not to create extra drama just to have more aggravation on a regular basis. The sign (pictured above) sits on a window sill that I pass multiple times a day in my office building. I stop and ponder once in a while, "Am I doing my part to be sure that love grows here?"

Each one of us is responsible for own joy. Life may deal us some difficult cards, but it is up to us how we play those cards. Do we want to throw in the cards and fold, or do we draw from the deck and keep striving for better days? Believe me, I know that it is easier said than done. I have had my share of struggles with remaining positive and strong during the course of some extreme personal battles. That is why I have dedicated part of my ministry to repeatedly "ARTICULATING HOPE."

I invite my readers to join with me today in praying for all those who are struggling. It does not matter what the struggle is--let's pray for healing. If you are hurting, please know that I (and all three of my readers on this blog) are praying for you. Seriously, there are consistent readers of these pages in five different states. The prayers of these people are powerful. I hope you feel lifted up today as my readers pray for you.

Blessings and peace!

The Opportunity To Grow Old

10/16/2020

This was my 1982 basketball publicity photo for Northeast Missouri State University. It is sometimes difficult to comprehend that a mere four years after this photo was taken I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and fighting for my life.

There have been many challenges in life, but 1986 was probably the most difficult. Surgery and months of chemotherapy resulted in numerous complications, infections, and obstacles I never anticipated. There were many days and nights (52) in the hospital where I thought twenty five years would be the sum of my days.

I went fifteen years with relatively good health. I was then diagnosed with cancer a second time. October 16, 2001 was the date of a complex and delicate surgery for removing a tumor wrapped around my duodenum. Now, nineteen years later, I am still kicking. A tip of the hat today to Dr. E. David Crawford at University Hospital in Denver for his skillful work nineteen years ago.

Competitive sports were finished for me upon the completion of college. The diagnosis of cancer and the after-affects of chemotherapy curtailed many casual sporting activities as well. As a young man, I frequently felt quite bitter about losing some physical abilities in the prime of my life. However, in a spirit of gratitude, I have tried to remind myself that not everyone gets to play sports at the collegiate level. I had the privilege of playing both basketball and baseball at a Division II school in the NCAA. Cancer did not take away the memories.

As I celebrate nineteen years of survival on this anniversary of the surgery to address my second diagnosis of cancer, I am appreciative of the six decades of life granted to me. (Over half of my life has been as a cancer survivor--34 years.) Not everyone has been as fortunate.

I never want to take the gift of life for granted. I worked with a support group called "Make Today Count" for more than ten years back in the late 80's and early 90's. It was a fantastic group. Someone handed out pins at one of the meetings that simply said, "Expect a Miracle!" Not everyone received a miraculous cure, but I believe we all received the miracle of grace. I saw healing even when someone was not cured.

I want to encourage you to take a few moments to express gratitude to God for the blessings in your life. Give thanks for a minimum of three particular blessings.

I know that more than a few of my readers are going through some tough times right now. Please know that I am praying for you. Stay strong! Expect a Miracle!

Northern Colorado Cowboy Church

10/15/2020

People who travel the world speak about the interesting cultural experiences they have witnessed. Although my international travel has been limited to Canada and the Caribbean, I can agree that it is fascinating to learn about other cultures first-hand while visiting the country. On the other hand, we have quite the diversity right here in our own country.

The Northern Colorado Cowboy Church sits just outside of Greeley, Colorado. I grew up in Missouri--the "Show Me" state. If someone had told me as a child that there was a "cowboy church," I would have probably wanted them to "show me." Now I have seen it with my own eyes.

We each see things through our own lens based upon our upbringing, education, and life experiences. Here are a few reflection questions for your pondering time today:

How has your life been impacted by family relationships?
What role has the Church played in shaping who you are?
What role has suffering played in your life?
How has education impacted your life decisions?
How has your culture, race, ethnicity, and religious affiliation affected you?

Have a blessed day!