All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In all cultures throughout history, there are the haves and the have nots.

The best measures of our humanity and civility are found in how we provide for the needs of others truly unable to adequately provide for themselves.

We are indeed our brother’s keepers (Gen 4) and the poor will always be with us (Matt 26.)

But poverty is no badge to be worn or an excuse for laziness. No matter the extent of their lack, they are always able and expected to contribute something in return if not for the common good then for their own sense of belonging in a caring community (Luke 21)

Everyone needs to be remembered and acknowledged whether their contribution is enormous or in comparison just a speck and even then, without such comparison.

Let’s not also forget that as the haves of this world, we should be “eager” in our quest to provide for the have nots, eagerly driven to find meaningful ways we can make a difference for them.

Am I trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Going against the flow has consequences.

But like Paul, so does having a personal encounter with your creator.

The revelation changes your purpose and direction and suddenly you no longer fit the mold or destination of so many in this world.

My email address is dondida180@gmail.com and it was chosen years ago to proclaim to others my own change of heart and direction.

Don did a 180.

The swim against the tide is hard work and exhausting but necessary when God miraculously changes the destination of your life and soul.

I want to know I will someday hear those most pleasing words of all: Well done my good and faithful servant.

Disappointing others along the way in this life is a small price to pay for an eternity. 

The last pick.

I was triggered when my friend turned on the first episode of one of those self-selecting team survival shows when after 15 picks, one person remained alone on the line unselected.

From as early as I can remember, whether among the neighborhood kids or in my schools I was always the last pick.

It does something tragic to the development of a little boy considered a liability when all you want is for someone to believe in you. To choose you. To want you.

This was such a pattern in my developmental history I’m surprised I haven’t shared this story until now.

I’ve never been athletic or gifted with obvious skills and have since counted myself among the freaks and oddities like a misfit toy on Christmas island.

Later in life, to encounter the love and acceptance of a supremely gifted stranger who chose me first to be on His team was literally the answer to my lifelong prayer.

Jesus knew my worth and giftedness and I had finally found a place where I belonged, oddities and all.

We are all MVPs to the God of the universe.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Few things are more frustrating than trying to persuade another who will not see your point of view.

‘Will not’ is worse than ‘cannot’ because while they can still see clearly with their eyes, they choose to remain blind to thinking themselves toward a different conclusion.

20/20 vision doesn’t necessarily result in a 20/20 decision.

To be truly open minded happens only when we opt to continue to reason to the observable conclusions of our five senses and subject our findings to moral and ethical standards. And even then, understanding that our internalized morals and ethics are also largely learned early on from other people’s life and experiences and enlightenment to a spiritual dimension purely by being a creation of God.

It’s complicated for sure. But fortunately, we are only responsible for presenting truths, not for the changes and decisions which may result.

Therefore, becoming frustrated is the wrong response.

Just plant your seeds and pray they take root.

Lately, I’ve been contemplating the widely differing requests made of God by 8 billion people every day and how each one is being answered or resolved

or for some, not at all.

For some, their faith is strengthened by answers they receive, others witness and experience undeniable happy miracles, and then there’s the rest of us,

still praying and asking why—

or worse—why not?

Perhaps like you, mine is again that ever troubling question of faith.

How much is too little?

How much is just not enough to capture the attention of a loving God whose very existence is to demonstrate care for those He loves?

Crazy questions, I know, and not laden with much faith at that.

But a man’s gotta ask what a man’s gotta know.

I’ve prayed in every position and place, with every praiseworthy ounce of my being for a particular answer or a miracle for which Faith itself has been my only consolation.

Whether the size of a mustard seed or the size of the mountains it can move, all faith in God is perfectly and precisely placed for access at His time, for His purposes, and at His will.

If we ever–or never–get the answers or miracles we still seek, our faith grows and endures nonetheless.

Many people will die in regret having believed that their purpose in life was merely to be happy when all along it was to be faithful.