31August2015 Scuffles

It happened in a flash.  Two boys, they looked to be 12 to 14 years-old, began shoving one another and it quickly went to def-con 5, with haymakers, roundhouses, karate kicks and anything else they could do to inflict damage upon one another. The larger of the two quickly gained the upper hand and rained down blows on other, suppressing him into submission.  A small crowd of locals watched the scuffle.  One old man sat just feet from the altercation.  He watched indifferently.  No one was surprised or bothered by the fight. No one came to the aid of the defeated.  This is a normal part of life in a refugee community.

Another small crowd was watching this transpire as well.  Six volunteers, newly arrived from America, were sitting in the back of our van.  I glanced in the rear view and every one of them was transfixed, eyes wide-open, mouths agape.  They were surprised.  Stunned even.  We were stopped at a traffic light, ten yards from the scuffle.  Locked in an air-conditioned van.  Buffered from the harsh reality by 1/4 inch of laminated glass.  Separated.  

I'm not certain which bothered me more, the fact that the fight happened or the fact that no one did anything to stop it.  In our silence we were all accomplices to the scuffle.

Violence is a integral part of this Syrian crisis.  It was birthed in violence, it planted and continues to plant seeds of violence and the fruits of violence are being borne and will continue to be borne for generations to come.  For me, it's a constant struggle to know how to response.  What can one do in the face of brutality and savagery?  Blessed are the peacemakers, right!?  We're told to be salt and light in this world but it sure seems like an impossible directive.  I recently read that peacemakers or Eirenopoios  of Matthew 5 would, "be better rendered 'peace-workers,' implying not merely making peace between those who are at variance, but working peace as that which is the will of the God of peace for men. So maybe that should be our focus.  Not arbitrators between warring factions but ambassadors of the Father.  Upon His return, complete peace will be the standard.  Until that day we can focus on the words below and keep praying for peace...even in the midst of scuffles.

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Rom.12:18

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." 2 Cor 13:11

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."  Heb.12:14

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Gal.5:2

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:17

27August2016 Quickshot: Pouring forth Speech

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard."  Psalm19:1-3

25August2015 Quickthought: Back to School

It's a difficult thing to process.  As our own children start back to school (see Instagram for photos), our Syrian neighbors aren't given that opportunity. A majority, over 80% in some places, are not engaged in any form education. Instead of celebrating the first day of middle school they head back to work in coffee shops, olive orchards or manufacturing plants.  Those without jobs can be found begging for handouts at intersections, in the marketplace or on our doorstep.  

How can we reconcile this? Honestly we struggle with it and rightfully so.  God forbid we ever reach the point that our hearts are not broken due to the suffering around us.  Neither let us not be discouraged to the point of giving up and doing nothing.  Instead let us "not grow weary in doing good" and let's keep praying for the vulnerable.

22August2015 AND THEY'RE OFF

And they're off!  What's the one thing worse than going back to school after a long, summer break?  Starting school on after a long, summer break...on a SATURDAY MORNING!  Yuck!  Of course the kids had a great attitude and were excited even to get back at it.  Appreciate your prayers for #10littlefeet as they get back into the swing of things.

14August2015 Funky Faith

As we gingerly delve into uncharted territory, being parents of teenagers, we’ve made an unpleasant discovery.  Big boys have a different, er how do I phrase this delicately, aroma than little boys.  Now, I’m not talking about stench here.  That would be too easy you see.  Shin guards left to ferment in a bookbag for two months, in Middle Eastern heat is not what we’re focusing on here.  And, I’m staying away from the odorous metamorphosis that occurs when a bowl of hummus and a dozen falafel make their way through your man-child’s digestive tract.  Nope, not going there. 

I’d like to focus on something much more vile, repulsive even.  That’s Axe spray.  You see no matter how many days one has gone without showering, wearing those shoes without socks or how many games of pickup basketball or hours of soccer scrimmage engaged in, the pubescent male believes that applying liberal amounts of Axe on his slimy body will cover the stench.  This is the very reason we have attempted to ban this appalling substance from our home.  It’s nasty!

Of the five senses, smell may be the most underrated but boy is it powerful. One whiff can instantly take you back to a wonderful childhood memory while another can may you want to go hide under your bed.  For example, we have a neighbor that wears the most wonderful aftershave.  Each morning, when he leaves for the office, the hall, elevator and stairs smell of Clubman Pinaud, taking me straight back to the old barbershop my father used to take me to as a child.  Smell is powerful.

Our Creator is well aware of this.  Of course He is, He made us this way.  Smell plays an integral part in Scripture.  From the fragrant offerings of the tabernacle in Exodus to the sweet perfume of the knowledge of Christ we read about in 2 Corinthians.   

One particular story, found in Matt.26 John 12,  Mark 14 and Luke 7, illustrates this perfectly.  Jesus is dining in the house of a Pharisee.  While everyone’s reclining around the table, a woman, well known for her sinful life, shows up.  She heads straight for Jesus, through the crowd, breaks open an alabaster jar of perfume and begins washing the Master’s feet with her kisses and tears, anointing His head with perfume and “…the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”  I love this woman.  In spite of the judgment-filled stares, tongue clucking and SMH’s, she basically humiliated herself because of her profound gratitude to Jesus for liberating her from the bondage of sin.  Naysayers were indignant but they could not argue with the lovely scent emanating throughout the house.  Her actions smelled good!

What do my actions smell like?  Is my worship a pleasing aroma or disgusting funk?  Does the glorious odor of the Gospel of Christ draw others to saving grace or do I repel them by my callousness, lack of grace or failure to love?    O’ that my life will be a “fragrance of perfume” and a beautiful thing” in His sight.

13August2015 Thirteen

Homemade ice-cream cake, plenty of swag including American snacks (read "poptarts adn cheese-its") and a trip to PF Changs (yes, PF Changs).  Welcome to your teenage years, Z! We're grateful for you and pray these words from Psalm 13 for the next twelve month of your life:  

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing the Lord’s praise,
    for he has been good to me. (vs 5&6)

12August2015 Quickshot: Cool of the Day

On hot, summer days, folks stay inside until the cool of the evening.  Then parks and outside spaces are crowded with people, like the ladies above, hanging out and enjoying time together.  

2August2015 Quickshot: Haboob

HABOOB noun ha·boob \hə-ˈbüb\  :  a violent dust storm or sandstorm. 

Late 19th century: from Arabic habūb 'blowing furiously'.