"Protesting the Power of the Protest!"

We are in interesting times!  Every day I get more baffled at the state of our world.  As a believer I have watched things I don't agree with, that the bible speaks against- become laws, I have seen companies rise and fall due to differences of beliefs and I have seen people lose jobs, endorsements and more due to the power of a protest.  Many companies have lost money and some employees have lost their jobs due to protest.  Protesting is powerful, sometimes it is petty, but powerful none the less.  The thing that gets me the most is our freedom to do it.  

FREEDOMS

In America we are told that we have freedom, but somehow it seems that freedom is going really far.

"The United States Constitution explicitly provides for 'the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances' in the First Amendment."  No human right grants the absolute right to protest, but it is manifested in the freedom of assembly, the freedom of speech and the right to freedom of association. 

UNNECESSARY PROTESTS

There are many things in this world worth protesting and depending on what you believe, you will find them.  I recall a company that was advertising their product, someone thought they should include more same sex couples in their ads and when the company refused... they protested.  It seems that a company should have the right to choose who they want to represent their products, whether same sex, or opposite sex, whether families or singles.  Protesting it was  unnecessary.

We have seen in our politics the need to vote ahead of time in every race. That is the initial way to voice your opinion for candidates.  If anyone chooses not to vote, then they should have nothing to say about the outcome. Protesting  after the fact is not going to work. Once in office, it will call for a legal solution to remove them.  In certain instances in recent days, we have seen protesters rise to the point that a candidate will remove themselves because of the outcry... that is one reason people keep doing it, it works sometimes.  

ATTEMPT TO INTIMIDATE

Don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything wrong with protesting.  We have that right.  The reason I have issue with some protesting, is the attempt to intimidate. Some people really want everyone to think like they do, act like they do and do what they would do and if they don't... PROTEST!  Make them be what we want them to be, and believe like we want them to believe.  That is when protesting turns to an attempt to intimidate.

When this happens many may consider how their actions can affect their family, job or their money, and they may reconsider, even when we have good reason for their actions.  This is where the rubber meets the road in our daily lives.   Are we willing to take a hit for something we truly believe in?  Or are we only standing when there is no opposition?  They used to say 'if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.'  Regardless to what side you are on, or what you think of his actions, you have to admire Kaepernick.  He chose an action based on his beliefs and went there. Not one time did he back up or give up.  His intentions were misdirected and misunderstood, but he still stood.   He has lost things, he has been blackballed in many ways and yet he stills stands.  (okay, he knelt) 

Psalms 21:4 talks about those who will dwell in God's tent.  It mentions "Those that swear to their own hurt, but change not."  Basically those that stand their ground even when they can be hurt, or lose things.  When they are misunderstood or even isolated; they stand.

A SURPRISE CAMPAIGN

The surprise in Kaepernick's story is Nike.  Who thought that their ad campaign would happen like it did.  Do you know what it takes to make that type of stand?  There is a price to make that kind of stand. The funny thing is that is is assumed that this ad is because they agree with Kaepernick, but we don't know that.  Every marketing group has all kinds of people working there to ensure that the ad works for the bottom line of the company.  There are probably republicans, democrats, liberals, Black, White, Hispanic, Asian.... so HOW ON EARTH did they decide to use him in this campaign?  Their stock has dropped a bit, there are protesters all around and many are destroying their products!  Surely SOMEONE on the team saw this happening and warned them BEFORE the launched.  This is not a new company, they know finicky people.  But maybe that was the issue.....

LIFE LESSON FROM NIKE 

Maybe we need to learn  a lesson from Nike instead of protesting the message.  I believe the issue is US.  The lesson is LIFE.  Many times we sell out when faced with difficulties and we let go of fundamental beliefs when it gets hot.  Ask yourself, "What are you waiting to do in your life?"   "What have you given up on because it got difficult?"  "What are you currently scared to try because of how it will affect you?"  Your life consists of many challenges that you will have to deal with, and if you don't get a backbone to do it before the storm comes, you will not make it.  Some of us stopped raising our children with convictions because we are scared of what others think.  Some have lowered our personal standard because we are on a job that has low standards.  Our nation today is fighting a fight that we pick sides just by default of party or association.  Maybe we need to go in our closet for a moment, think about what we believe and get a new determination to stand for it.  The thing is that your determination may be COMPLETELY opposite someone else's,  and hey they just might just protest- they have that right.  But you also have a right to follow your hear and do what others have thought you couldn't do.  So what if they protest and think you are doing too much.  If you believe it, and it is not putting anyone in danger or harm,  you should stand anyway no matter what they do..   You are made for a purpose, to make a mark in your lifetime, there are things you are designed to impact, changes that can be made to better your life, or the lives of others.  

Don't wait for permission, don't fear the protest.....  JUST DO IT!

"Believe in Something Even if It Means Sacrificing Everything"  ~Nike

Embracing All The Parts of Promotion!

I was talking to a friend the other day and the topic was a project that their team was working on.  In our conversation, they mentioned a team player that was experiencing frustration behind having to redo something that they were not very skilled at.  They were promoted to a new position and the things they did well, they did great... but the area that they were struggling with was frustrating to them.  That was when my friend told them "All that is a part of the promotion."  My mind went wild. 

How many times do we pray for promotion, believe for promotion, but don't count the cost for promotion?  Promotion is defined as 'the act of raising someone to a higher position or rank; elevation or advancement.'  It sounds great and many of us want it, but are you willing to pay the price?

THE PRICE OF PROMOTION

The bible tells us in Luke  14:28, to 'count the cost.'  That basically means looking at what you want and making sure you are willing and able to do what is necessary to obtain it.  Sometimes the price is simply more work.  Most of us would understand that and we are willing to do it since we think we work hard already.  But sometimes the price can surprise us;  it may include longer hours, awkward relationships with those who didn't get the promotion, and it can include disrespect, hurt and you might even find you now have to manage people who rebel- just like you used to.  The price of promotion may also reveal an area in your life that was less prepared for this new venture.  Sometimes seeing this can make us back up and believe that the promotion was premature, and we really should pack up and go back to what was more comfortable.  

STAY IN THE GAME 

I would like to encourage you today, whether your promotion is seen in your relationships, at work or even in your personal purpose venture... stay in the game!  A little difficulty should not be enough to make you back away, you are made for this!  Where you are may not be where you will be a year from now, but today take advantage of everything you can learn right here, right now.  Some positions are not your destination, they are merely steps towards knowledge you will need when you reach that place you desire.   Every place you go should teach you something about you, about people and about processes.  If you get too caught up in how it feels or how bad you think you are doing, you may completely miss the lesson... and the lesson alone is always worth it.   If you get too focused on the people and how they receive you, you may forget to follow the process, but if you focus too much on process and forget the people.....  you missed the greatest lesson.  

I encourage you today, know that your promotion has many parts, don't be discouraged by the parts that you didn't plan for.  Elevation means moving higher, going to a new level.  Promotion does not mean we have it all together, but it does mean we have the tools necessary to move up, they just may need a little sharpening.   So encourage yourself, put on your learning hat, count the cost, pray for grace and favor and jump in the game!  This is your time! 

By the way....Congratulations! 

"House Cleaning!" What is Your State?

Have you ever heard it said that the PRIVATE state of your life is reflective of the actual state of your life?   I have found that to be true to some extent.  Many times we are not aware of what we leave to be fixed later because we are so busy doing what we think needs to be done.   It is easy to drop your shoes somewhere, or leave your jacket or backpack sitting in a place where it doesn't  belong.  I have located keys on the top of a refrigerator and other items in weird places, because of being in a rush.  I remember the first time I heard that saying, it had me walking through my house looking at all the things that were out of place and then had me cleaning up!  I figured even if my house was clean to the first eye, what would the second eye see?   

JUST PLAIN NASTY!

I have been to houses that are filthy.  In the early 80's I visited a home that literally had roaches dropping from the ceiling in the kitchen.  I was not hungry that day and politely excused myself from eating.  The bathroom had a ring around the collar of water... that was dark and FILTHY.  The carpet in the rooms could not be seen at all - due to the clothing, paper and food trash.   After getting home, I took a serious shower with WAY too much soap, and devised a plan to never have to go there again.  Hoarders are not the only ones who live like this.

 DIRTY BUT MANAGEABLE 

Then there is the house that is dirty, but not gross.  It needs attention because it is on the verge of getting nasty; but every so often the owner takes time to clean up and put things away, usually before guest show up or on days when they are fed up with the mess.  By taking some time to clean and organize some of it, that makes it manageable... for awhile or until the next cleaning. 

MESSY BUT NOT DIRTY

I always believe there is a place for everything and everything should be put in place.  Some households are messy but not dirty.  Meaning due to moving and doing so much, things get left out of place.  A few dishes left in the sink that will be cleaned as soon as time allows and clothes that are clean but need to be folded and put away. Beds get kind of made, or at least the sheets get covered by the comforter. This house  has a clean bathroom- it gets cleaned as they go, but needs a little time to really clean the places that take more time.  They may often have a set time to do those chores so they don't get overlooked, but it is still not always company ready.

CLEAN AND MAINTAINED

Then there is the house that is cleaned regularly, always ready for guest and thing are seldom out of place.  This house is fresh, smells good and is welcoming to anyone almost anytime!  Their floors are swept, bathrooms smell fresh and even the outside reflects what is on the inside. This house is great, but like all the others, it still requires maintenance or it can fall. This is the house we want, but  we have to work to get. (or get a maid)

TOO CLEAN TO LIVE IN

Believe it or not, there are some houses that are really uncomfortable to be invited to.  The owners are so particular that you are not sure if you can stand, sit, sneeze or move.  You are scared to use their restroom and feel completely convicted every time you go there knowing your house is not nearly as clean and orderly as theirs.  In this house, there is an appreciation for the freedom from bondage that you have at your house and you may leave there appreciating your own little mess  simply because this house takes too much to maintain!  You would rather live with a little dirt than to not be free to live at all.

APPLICATION TO US!

As you can see, no matter what state you are in, we all need help!   If we are in a filthy state, we may just need help getting it together.  If we are messy, we may need to clean up and make habits that help us avoid being messy.  If we are cleaned and maintained, we need to continue to maintain it!  Just a day or two without paying reasonable attention can throw us into a messy moment.  We can recover easily from a messy moment, but don't allow messy to be a habit.  For those too clean to live in, we call that "Self Righteousness."  Every house has areas that need cleaning and everyone should be comfortable around genuineness; trying too hard make us difficult to entertain guest or make it difficult for others to be around us, especially if we judge their every move.  We are what the bible calls 'temples of the Holy Spirit".  We should care about the parts of our life that no one else may see unless we invite them in.  After all, as believers, we have invited the Holy Spirit to live within us.  The Holy Spirit acts often as a live in maid, an honored guest that cares about how we look to others and is ready always to work in us to present us to God the Father. 

HOUSE CLEANING

Like I am doing now, I encourage you to take some time to examine your physical house, but then examine your spiritual house.  Understand that just because it needs cleaning does not mean God has rejected you.  He is the one who is encouraging us to be ready at all times.  Some of the ways we 'clean' our house is through prayer, forgiveness, attending church, reading and studying the word, time with God and worship.  No matter what state you are in today, there is always room for improvement.  Yield to the Holy Spirit, He is willing and able to help us in the areas we need it most.

So if you are anything like me, take a tour of your house and see what is out of place, and take some time  to clean up, fill it up with God's presence and plan for better! 

"Predator Priests?"

Because of my personality, I tend to notice things that don't belong together, or things that match without even trying to.  So while driving, I may see something in a license plate that makes me remember it; at church I have been drawn to people who are dressed alike without really thinking about it.  I also tend to notice words that should not be used in the same sentence,  like 'homeless vets', 'abused queens' or now 'Predator Priests'.  

In the news today they are talking about over 300 priests who have been accused of abusing children while in their churches.  Some abuses were reported, some not, hardly any were acted upon- leaving the children to suffer in silence.  This is not something that should be named in the world, much less in the church.  Lives have been broken and emotional connections ruined because of something very natural being used in an unnatural way.  This is not the only instance that we have heard of this behavior; there are youth pastors, counselors and many who accepted the call of God on their life, who have walked in a way that God's word would never condone.

As a Christian, I understand that people are people.  I understand that in every profession (including the church) there are those that are good, and those that are horrid.  We have seen this with lawyers, CEO's, we've seen it in politics and unfortunately we have seen it in the church.  The problem with seeing it in the church is that it goes against everything that we teach. Yes, it goes against God, but honestly it goes against  being human.  

REPUTATIONS

The hardest thing for us as Christians to do is to live down the discrepancies, injustices and outright sin that each other does.  Our reputation as believers is connected whether we want it to be or not. I know this to be true of myself as well as those I have come in contact with, none of us is exempt from leaving a good or bad impression on someone else. 

People get an automatic reference when you tell them you are a Christian, and it comes from people they have met, heard about, read about or consider a Christian. So what we post, say, do, how we handle our debts, treat others or even how we look and live becomes part of the reputation that others believe for all of us.  Then there are countless people who consider themselves to be Christians, but do not adhere to or even try to live out what the bible says- all of these become part of the reputation you and I carry without our consent.  So when we add ministers, pastors, or priests who are accused of actions that go the opposite of the word of God or common decency, what do unbelievers think when we reach out to them with the "Love of God"?  

I REPENT! 

Before I can really look at others and what they have done, I have to bring the mirror of the word to myself, knowing that I too have given the church a bad reputation in one way or another.

I can't speak for anyone other than myself to say 'I repent'.  I repent of all the times I knowingly or unknowingly confused someone about God, His word His people, and His love for all mankind.  I repent for any time that my words, actions or opinions made people feel or think that God is not real or they do not matter.   It is easy to say, but repenting is more than feeling remorseful or sorry, it also includes turning.  Turning away from the behaviors and habits that you say you are sorry for and replacing them with behaviors and habits that are good.  That means trying harder to do what is acceptable first to God, and beneficial for people. 

LET'S TRY HARDER

On behalf of all of those who think that Christians are racist, hypocrites, judgmental liars or predators... we have to do better.  We can't change how the world sees us, but we can change it in our own individual worlds.  That means literally treating others the way we want to be treated, considering everyone no matter their race, lifestyle or belief as important to God.  Being able to talk to people who you disagree with but still love them and trying to win the person, not the argument.  We have a long way to go to get our reputation back on track, and honestly it may never get there.  In the last days the bible says things will get worst and people will be lovers of themselves instead of lovers of God.  If we genuinely love God, we should also love those that He loves, those He died for which basically is.... well everyone; and that love should not include violating, abusing or taking advantage of  any of them.   

The church has so many great things that we do, helping and feeding people, ministering, counseling, establishing foundations to bless communities and building hospitals and homes to assist those in need.  We do so much that is good but in an instance, the actions of a few can destroy or hinder the work of many.  My commitment is to work to build the reputation of Jesus Christ in my personal world, to be aware of the reputation that I leave you with when I encounter anyone and to help build the body of Christ, not to tear it down.  Selah.

Which Side Are You On?

There is a battle going on in this world of sin,

A battle if good and evil, and everyone’s in.

From the richest family to the poorest man,

From the seas to the mountains, all over the land.

The captains are satan, and God’s Only Son.

And we are the warriors, WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

This battle is raging from our mouths to our minds,

It’s a constant battle from which many are blind.

Many people are trying to play in between,

But there is no middle, only one boundary is seen.

So you’re either for satan or God’s Only Son,

There is no middle, SO, WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

Jesus is saying, “All for Me on this side.”

But people are wrapped up in ignorance and pride.

They think by not choosing they sneak in at the end.

But only winning soldiers, the true soldiers get in.

The loser is satan, the winner, God’s Son.

Are you winning or losing? WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

The battle cry has been made, He’ll be here with a shout.

If you’re straddling the fence then you’ll be left out.

You’re either on your way to heaven or on your way to hell.

You’re either for Him or you’re not, only you can tell.

It’s satan or Jesus, God’s Only Son.

But the choice is still yours, WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15

Excerpt from Jacqui's book: "Goudeau Gumbo for The Soul"

Available at www.wisdomspeakstoday.com 

God's Treasure Chest!

Poetry by Jacqui Hill Goudeau 

I openly display my treasures, 
The things that are precious to me.
I don't put them behind concrete walls,
Bound by lock and key.
I display them with grace and with pleasure,
So the whole wide world can see,
The treasures I have in this vessel,
Are the gifts that God has given to me.


We shouldn't seek for earthly treasures, 
The things that can rip and break.
Things that are eaten with moth or rust,
Or thieves can break in and take. 
We should earnestly seek for the treasures,
So priceless no money can buy.
These treasures are gifts of the spirit,
They can't be purchased, though many may try.


If you want to have precious treasures, 
You must invest your life wisely.
You must lay up treasures in heaven,
Where Jesus is the door, faith the key.
Your life must be lived for His glory,
You must seek always to give Him your best,
Then you will find your life precious and valuable,
And find YOU are in God's treasure chest!

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 

that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."  

2 Corinthians 4:7

Excerpt from Jacqui's book: "Goudeau Gumbo for The Soul"

Available at www.wisdomspeakstoday.com 

"Broken Body Parts"

Is there any part of your body that is not currently working?  

This is a question I asked someone recently.   See, just looking at each other, we may not consider ailments unless they are open and obvious.    If  I was missing a leg or arm, you would take note; or if my eye was missing, surely you would notice.  But for the most part, our physical bodies won't show the result of other hidden parts that are not doing their job, except when the other parts of the body have to kick in for it. When the rest of the body has to do dual duty to offset the part that is not working properly, it puts a toil on the whole body and now it affects the total body.

For example, if your arm is not working well, your other arm or shoulder, maybe even your chin has to kick in to lift and do various tasks.  Which means that they are no longer covering their responsibilities completely and are subject to getting tired, cramps, or aches and bruising; and this is just to help cover the deficit, this does not include their normal tasks. If this is true in our physical bodies, what do you think happens in the Body of Christ?

"Is there anyone in the Body of Christ who is not working?"  

The bible tells us that we are all parts of the body, each one of us has been given a task and all of us are necessary.  But because we all assemble in one place then leave to go home or to other places, we forget that we are still connected.  

If we looked at our churches today, how many believers who attend each week, are working and serving in their church?  See working on a regular job, or owning your own business is extra!  Those things are purposeful, they allow us to take care of our families, and allow us to feel great at the end of a day when we own our business and work it.  All of that is necessary and in the will of God for our lives.  But think for a moment, do you believe God expects us to build those things and leave His house in ruins? 

As believers we have heard about seeking first the kingdom of God, but we forget part of seeking Him is serving Him, in His house.  Each of us has been given talents, time, and treasure and each of those can be used in the Body of Christ.  If we think we are too busy, we figure we will just lend our treasure, but God needs us to touch one another, to serve, to reach, to teach, to visit, to call and to care.  It is more than your money, it is YOU and all your many talents!   

So if you are part of a local church and you are not involved in some form of ministry service, talk to someone.  Let them know what you are good at and see how it fits in the body and start serving! If your particular skill set does not seem to fit, find a place to work where your heart leans.  Honestly many of us do not think we fit because we think it requires a lifestyle that is perfect.  But God often uses serving sometimes to perfect us.  Kind of like the lepers in the bible looking for healing....  as we 'go' He heals us. As we serve He meets our needs.  As we sow, we reap.  See the issue is not really that the parts of the body are broken, they may just be inactive.  And ask anyone who understands our body and how it functions, inactivity or lack of exercise is a breeding ground to  other ailments.  Our bodies can learn to not participate, to not function properly.  So know that you are needed, wanted and missed when you are not active.  Make it a point for the remainder of this year and beyond, to be a working part of the body of Christ.!