Jean's Blog

Pin It

Bridges are very important in our journey, but what should we do when the bridge is washed out.

All of us have value to offer the world, and as such, one thing that resonates more clearly to me today than ever before is that we can’t change people, we can only love them. Offer what we know to be truth as we have come to know it. But it is up to God and that person to receive the experience.

Leaders often have a mindset that everyone should simply take hold of what they say and believe that it is so. A fault that not only hurts themselves, but others they are imparting their “truth” too. The result can end up that our personal mission is stalled–suddenly we are facing a bridge that has been washed out.

We cannot stop there or try and cross it while the waters rage, or we face the danger of ending up in the rapid waters below. We could drown in the after effect of such a risky venture.

When we come to the bridge, we should watch, listen and endure the affliction while seeking a safe pathway across the stormy seas. God can speak to us in the storm and bring peace. He will light the pathway through His word to help us across the bridge to safety.

When my end comes, I want it to be said of me: “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith… Not simply that I fought.

Keep your eye on the prize and don’t let the bridge that is temporarily washed out thwart your mission in life and steal your joy.

~see you ’round the path

America and the real Superpower

Life in America post 9/11 has brought about for most folks an acute awareness of real dangers lurking outside our doors. Before 9/11, living in America the “superpower” was, well – safe. Albeit headlines cried daily of slayings, dirty deeds and mayhem, it didn’t seem to touch us as much; mostly because it didn’t fall on our own front step. Events like the David Karesh tragedy, random milita killings, Oklahoma City bombing, Columbine, gang violence, missing/abducted children and other similar occurences shook us for a season, then, it was life back to normal.

When media  and other moguls were arrested and sentenced to prison for “white collar” crimes they became a hotbed of intrigue, and once released were often elevated to the same, if not a loftier place than they once held in our publics eye. Is it a wonder that we as a nation were caught unawares when one of the most devestating plots against humankind was being contrived under our very noses.

With all the normalcy surrounding our current state of affairs, our past denial or indifference to slavery, the Holocaust and other crimes against humankind, could it be we are now facing yet another statagem designed as a “wag the dog” scenerio to confuse the public at large and tie our hands while quieting our voices.

We seek peace, but cannot find it. It is promised by those who lead us, just after this war or that war. Just over the next hill, next financial breakdown, rally. Just after we get our strength back – our troops back – our finances back, just after…

The Bible tells us that men’s hearts will fail them for fear (Luke 21:26), when speaking about the coming of the Son of man – Jesus Christ, Lord of all, of whom we have also denied as a nation. He promises peace, and His peace no man can give.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  John 14:27 (KJV)

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind isenmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  Romans 8:6-9 (KJV)

We have allowed every theory and religion known to be taught and promoted in our schools, communities, government centers and halls, yet in order to be politically correct, we have forsaken the foundation this great nation was set on. We deny our very cornerstone, both in the natural and spiritual.

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph 2:20-22 (KJV)

There are dangers outside our doors – let us not be caught unawares denying the power of God – the true “Superpower”

NOTE: I have re-posted this- -I wrote it last April and today events have occurred that led me to feel it necessary to visit it again. I know, I know – not Google happy!

~see you around the path!

Life is made up of moments, but few are defining. Defining, in that we are struck with an epiphany, or so moved by the event, it changes something about our lives.

One of my defining moments was on the Guadalupe River while white water rafting. Thrown from the raft into a raging double current and dragged under; hitting a huge limestone rock, it seemed I was going to drown. While holding my breath and taking hold of the large rock, I looked up to assess if escaping this fate was possible. The undercurrent was about to sweep me away.

To my amazement, the raft was above me and I couldn’t push it away. At that moment, in the green colored swirling waters; I released myself to the unknown. Peace washed over me as thoughts of my life to that point seemed summed up, and were good. Things went black.

I did not know when it was that I felt the hand lifting me; pushing me into the raft. As I gasped for breath and bearings it became apparent my friend had rescued me and took to the rapids alone. After what seemed like endless moments, he appeared from underneath the water, in the calm of the river.

During those moments between life and death–for each of us–I considered my purpose. Unable to delineate it at the time, I knew it was for something great.

Each of us is destined for greatness. We have a specific purpose and plan for our lives. Identifying it can be tricky. It takes looking inward, searching for our passion. Our passion will lead us to purpose.

It does not always take a near-death experience to have a defining moment leading you to find your purpose. Life is made up of defining moments; whether from the birth of a child to a birds amazing song. When the moments strike, release yourself to the unknown or insensible. It’s at that time you can reach for that hand waiting to lift you and push you forward to calm waters–the place where you can consider your purpose.

~see you around the path