The Dreaded "C" Word

When you hear the phrase, the dreaded “C” word, what comes to mind? For many, it is the word “cancer”. That silent disease that unbeknownst to us can lie lurking, with the potential to overtake and destroy cells, organs and bodies. Once active it begins a quiet assault against good, strong and healthy cells leaving in its wake a mass of diseased tissue. Left unnoticed and unattended, over time it brings bodily breakdown, pain and can ultimately lead to death.

I am thinking these days of another “C” word that when left unchecked within the body of Christ can be just as subtle, just as destructive and deadly. It has the ability, power and potential to divide; to bring pain; and it will harm and hinder the health, vitality and functionality of the body. The “C” word I am referring to is very simply “confusion”. At first glance you might question why I would suggest this, but let me explain.

The more I am involved in other people’s stories and the longer I am a participant in the body of Christ, I see a theme emerging that clearly points to the destructive and negative nature of confusion. It is so often the root cause of relational discord, misunderstanding and can lead to division and isolation. It can so easily take us off the track of truth and skew authentic and original meaning. It can easily send up a smoke screen to blur our vision and our path and keep us from knowing how to navigate forward, immobilizing us in the end. It can fog and distort our thoughts, perceptions and emotions which may entice us to build a case against another, all out of inaccurate information, far and very different from the true purpose or meaning. Confusion can over time subtly destroy healthy environments, strong teams, and intimate relationships, leaving chaos in its wake.

How many relational problems begin as a result of something being said or done that causes the other person to walk away in a cloud of confusion. That in and of itself isn’t the issue – we are all prone to not explain ourselves effectively or doing things that can come across inaccurately. The problem begins though when we walk away and don’t address our confusion. This opens the door for our minds to twist and skew what has just taken place.  Over time if the confusion isn’t clarified it will build until it is impossible to see clearly and accurately any longer.

I have a friend who is diligent in this regard. Many times after I have interacted with them I will receive a call later on. A quick, but intentional conversation to clarify something one of us may have said. It has been sobering to realize how many times one of us was reading something in that was not reality at all. How freeing to know that in the end we are both on the same page and we never have to question or doubt or wonder any longer. We stop confusion in its track so that we can go forward unhindered and unencumbered.

In closing, here are a couple of thoughts…

• The opposite of confusion is ‘understanding’ and Psalm 119:130 says, “The unfolding of your Words give light; it gives understanding to the simple.” The first place to begin if we are confused is to seek Jesus and scripture, to ask for His counsel to sift and sort through the confusion in order to gain truth.
• Anytime confusion exists, especially relationally, it is both our right and responsibility to ask for, and seek clarity. A simple question or request for explanation can eliminate confusion before any misunderstanding sets in.
• Don’t let too much time go by before confronting confusion. Like cancer, early detection and elimination is critical. If not dealt with in a timely manner it has the ability to create chaos that will take intense time and energy to unravel.

Father, give us the ability to communicate clearly with others. Give us courage to do our part to eradicate confusion. Thank you Jesus that as we draw close to you and seek understanding, you are faithful to provide. Help us to live together in unity, clarity and understanding. Amen

Prayer for Mercy

By St. Maria Faustina

As people who are in constant need of mercy we pray,

Help us Jesus, that we ask of You - we will give to others - Mercy, both in deed and word

Help us, O Lord, that our eyes may be merciful, so that we may never suspect or judge others, but always look for what is beautiful and good in my neighbor

Help us, that our ears may be merciful, so that we may give heed to others' needs and not be indifferent to their pain

Help us, O Lord, that our tongue may be merciful, so that we will never speak wrongly of others, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all

 Help us, O Lord, that our hands may be merciful and fulled with good deeds so that we may do only good to others and try to take upon the more difficult and toilsome tasks

Amen

Getting Perspective

“Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”  Psalm 16:5 & 6

Thursday morning I was reading this Psalm and as read that line “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” my immediate thought was “Wish I could say that.” The Psalmist David seems to be saying his life has gone well, he’s had it pretty good. Some people seem to have all the luck; its always up and the right for them. Others seem to barely get by. You can guess which camp my mind was in Thursday morning.

As I pondered on my life I thought about dreams I’ve had to let go of, people I’ve lost, wounds I’ve received, and how I seem to never really get ahead. My boundary lines don’t seem to have fallen in pleasant places…at least in my opinion.

 Right in the middle of this “poor me” pout I began to think about literal boundaries. I thought about the border of Canada and the U.S. that I’ve crossed many times. As I viewed a mental map of Canada and the U.S in my head the Holy Spirit began to whisper to me as he revealed where my boundaries have fallen, starting with my geographic boundaries. I live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I have seen sites that people travel around the world to experience. I’ve had the privilege to live in complete freedom in the U.S. and now Canada.

The Holy Spirit began to zoom me in to the boundaries of the states and province I’ve lived in: Oregon, Colorado, and Alberta. Each a mind blowing example of beauty in creation. I zoomed in tighter to the boundaries of the counties and cities I lived in. In Oregon I was an hour away from the Pacific Ocean, two from world class skiing and hiking. I could be on a river fly fishing in 60 minutes and deep in thought riding through a forest on my motorcycle in 20.

You’re starting to get the idea right? So was I. So I spent the rest of my time with God and Holy Spirit asking them to show me closer and closer close ups of my boundaries. The people I’ve been able to meet, the activities I’ve been able to participate in, the family I’ve been allowed to love, the house I get to live in, the wife and kids I’ve been blessed with. It was a good exercise for me and it changed my perception.

I wonder if a similar exercise would be helpful for you. Find a time and space to reflect on this Psalm and ask God to show you your boundaries. Start with a big picture (Earth or the hemisphere, the continent, your country) and slowly allow the Holy Spirit to zoom you in closer and closer, from continent, to country, to province, to county, to city, to block, to house, to room, right to the point of where you are sitting and praying. Ask for God for insights and the significance of each of these boundary snap shots.

An exercise like this is good for perspective. It allowed me to take a big step back and remember how good I’ve got it. Truly the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.