Evidence

...In every season, from where I’m standing 

    I see the evidence of Your goodness

    All over my l life, all over my life

    I see  Your promises in fulfillment...

-Evidence Josh Baldwin

    The other day, the temperature dipped and I found myself wanting to go for a walk, this is rare because in the Memphis heat rarely do I want to go for a walk. But nevertheless, I was halfway around the block, when suddenly this song came on. The lyrics reminded me of God’s goodness throughout my WHOLE life. Although the current season had left many shaken, myself included, I knew that God was and will continue to be present, all I had to do was look. 

    In any good detective case, the evidence is all around. You just have to look for it. This is important because the truth of God’s love may not be as easily uncovered.  God’s hand print has graciously touched every facet of our life. I remember considering moving to Memphis, to be closer to family during this past season and how God’s provision had provided every door to be opened and the perfect work schedule to be obtained. I consider the evidence that a routine examination would uncover a cancerous cyst growing inward, which was rare in itself. I consider the evidence that when I feel alone,the word, his promises, remind me that I am never alone. The evidence is all around us.

    So if you find yourself shaken, not understanding the chaos that might surround you. I encourage you to take a moment. Examine the details and look for the evidence that God has been there all along. This may be done through reflection, meditation, or journaling. But I guarantee you, that if you take a second to reflect, you will find evidence of God’s love all around you. 

5 More Ways to ask your Children "How was your Day"

It is vital that as parents we continue to pastor our children in ways that are sharp with technique and purpose. Did you know that the job title of a youth pastor has only been around since the 1950’s? Before that the original youth and children’s pastors were parents. So parents, we’ve got to perk up and get involved in our children’s lives. One of the best ways to do so is through conversation. Here are 5 MORE ways you can ask your child “How was your day?”

1. Can you teach me something I don’t know? Growing up, I had an uncle who was just always happy. Every time I saw him, he had the glow. He had the ability to light up a room and ask us the best questions. Reflecting on our interactions now I can honestly pinpoint why our interactions were so special. It was because he spoke to us as “little thinkers.” He didn’t be little our opinion but truly waited and listened to our response. This is essential for us as parents. We’ve got to empower our children as problem solvers, that way as they grow up they’ll be able to translate that confidence in every area. Taking this opportunity to learn from your kiddos can absolutely accomplish that!

2. How were you brave today? Yes, the emotion and act of “bravery” is important. It’s that moment where fear strikes the body and we need a little push beyond that to overcome our hurdle. Asking your child how they were brave, will instill the start of looking for this emotion each day. They will start to look for opportunities and become more aware of such emotions. Also the feeling can be fleeting, therefore, if your child doesn’t notice the feeling yet sure enough over time they will surely start. 

3. Rate your day on a scale of 1-10? Asking your child to quantitatively rate their day will allow them a few opportunities. The first being reflection. They will be able to stop and think about this day and how it compares to others. Ofcourse, the rating is subjective but that’s not really the point. It’s about getting your child to think outside the box of each day and will encourage him to think larger than the day at hand. If this doesn’t happen immediately, the reflection will start to encourage some major inventory gathering each day. Also, if one day rates worse than the other, it can open the doors for additional follow up questions such as: What makes today a 7 and yesterday a 5? Or I know today you had a 6 but I wonder what a 9 would look like? Your child communicating their thoughts is the goal here and it’s a joy to hear their little minds dissect their thoughts. 

4. What is something that challenged you? The thought of a challenge is key to progress and growth. I think admitting that something is hard is key to growing up. Too often we internalize these challenges and as a result find ourselves either not celebrating the achievement or not understanding the struggle. Your child can start to acknowledge those difficult moments; therefore letting others know or they can learn to celebrate accordingly. Either way what a win for you and your little one to process through. 

5. If you could switch seats with anyone in class, who would it be? And why? Empathy is absolutely important. With the virtual world all around us, one can forget that there is a breathing life at the other end of internet conversations. Consider how one wouldn’t yell certain comments at people in real life, but somehow on the internet such remarks are only tolerated they are glorified. Teaching your child, empathy and what it would be like to be in another’s seat accomplishes this feat. Asking to pause and consider their life from another’s vantage point will breed understanding about how they might consider other’s emotions and choices. When we can do this as children and have it trickle into adulthood, we will all be better well rounded adults. 

Being a parent is difficult. There are no manuals that come with our children. And for many of us, it’s figuring it all out as we go. We’ll make mistakes that’s certain, but if we can start to initiate some of these questions we can better help each child learn the necessary tools they need to communicate and cope with life as a child and into adulthood.

What's the story?

I'll be honest, i've never been much of a reader. I've loathed over having to read books. As a matter a fact, I remember dropping 10th English honors because I did not want to read the summer reading list. A decision I regret to this day. Despite not being much of a reader, I do enjoy and value a good story.

A prominent leader once said that it takes an average person about 10 years worth of experience to write a book. So the way he figured, if he read 1 book a year, he'd be gaining the experience of 10 years with each book. I recently finished a book, that had a lifetime's worth of experience and wisdom. The Imam's Daughter tells the story of a Pakistani Muslim growing up in late 80's to mid 90's England. It tells the story of her terrible struggle through cultural norms as well as personal hardships, that included sexual abuse and torment. Hannah a pseudonym  for the author and teller of the story eventually found faith as she detailed her slow road to recovery. The key to opening that door was Love.

Here's what I walked away with. Never discredit the impact of the simple act of love. At times we might have to love someone implicitely. A simple smile or door holding might do. However, other times, we might have to show love with big motions and waves of acceptance and an outpouring of love. In those times, we must not be afraid to love lavishly. The way God loves us lavishly. May we take the time to understand and hear each other's stories and may we be ready to LOVE greatly, when the opportunity comes.

All in a walk...

To walk with someone is interesting. Walking is a seamless act that takes certain amount of connectivity to continue. We normally don't walk with people we don't know. We tend to walk with people we do know and  at the same time are more likely to walk with people who have similar destinations. Think about the last time you walked into the mall. Who did you go with? was it your wife, kids, parents... Or we you alone, and happen to walk in with a stranger. Anyhow, walking is something that if done with the right person, reason, and destination can change the trajectory of your life.

Who you walk with, changes who you become.

I think about Enoch in this situation. The Bible mentions Enoch in Genesis 5:24 in quite a simple manner that is beyond powerful. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. What a powerful picture! Enoch walked with God, but he did so FAITHFULLY and because of that his life ended like few in the world since then. He was beamed up with God. Well not necessarily beamed but you know what I mean.

Let's take this into consideration, let's invite God to Walk with us daily, because our every moment depends on it. Because if you walk with God (the right person), with the right reason (His will), and the correct destination (Heaven/His will) in mind, your trajectory will be of the charts!

Divide

It seems like every where we look, divide is prevalent. Where one stands on "this issue" or "that topic" is the main focus.

I've never really understood the need of denominational divide. Don't get me wrong i understand the need for spiritual structure, organization, accountability and community. However, I have never understood the point of divide. Working with real people, People who do not have a sense of Jesus and his amazing grace; never once asked the denominational background and have believed more because of where my allegiance lay. However, I have found the opposite affect. Many torn and jaded because of denominational banter. Here's what I suggest, we celebrate our theology, but do not allow it to define where where practice our theology. Above all, we are called to believe that Jesus is savior and to make disciples. Last time I checked, divide did not help accomplish either of those realities.

Diversity

Did you know that FIBC is made up of many types of nationality. The name "First International Baptist Church" was birthed out of the reality that our church is comprised of people from all corners of the world.

FIBC is all about culture.  We have a heart for the city and it's minority/immigrant/refugee population. Many of the members are first, second and third generation immigrants/refugees. Our ethnic backgrounds include Nepali, Laotian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hmong, Filipino and much more!

Not Just about a Sunday service

FIBC is a church that doesn’t just happen on Sundays. Church happens on coffee dates, conversations over dinner, sharing life with one another. This happens when we purposefully join in community with one another.

Often times, we assume that Sunday Morning is when you "go to church." I feel like you'll be selling yourself and God short, if that's what you assume church is. It's much more than that.