Repeat after me...
I am an instrument of redemption.
I am God's creation.
I am capable of helping others.
I can make a difference.
I can honestly make a difference.
I have an opportunity to love.
I look up to someone.
I am someone's role model.
I have a choice.
I choose myself first.
I fall short.
I do things I shouldn't.
I am unconditionally loved regardless.
I make mistakes.
I am forgiven.
I make mistakes.
I am forgiven.
I make mistakes.
I am forgiven.
I am trusted with God's Kingdom.
I am the manifestation of God's love.
I am the very face of Jesus Christ.
I get my feelings hurt.
I hurt people's feelings.
I have felt alone.
I have felt important.
I leave things unsaid.
I speak my mind.
I get too busy.
I will not be silent.
I will not be quiet anymore.
I have a redeemer in Christ.
I am an instrument of redemption.
--Brimas
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood
I loved the show “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” growing up. Everyday, Mr. Rogers would stroll into his little townhome, put on a pea green sweater, change into a pair comfortable shoes, and cheerfully ask, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” I remember thinking, “This guy looks nice enough. He’s got a nice crib, a stocked fridge, and a stoplight in his living room. Yeah…I can be this guy’s neighbor.”
The reason I mention this is that I lived nowhere near Fred Rogers back in the day. His “townhome” was a probably a soundstage in Los Angeles. The point is Christ never mentions that our neighbors are simply the folks that live within a few blocks of us. In fact, many of our neighbors don’t even have homes. Our true neighbors live beyond street names and bus routes. We might not know their last name or where they were born. And, frankly, we may speak to them once and never again. But we have a chance…a choice…a command to love them. Listen to the words of Christ…
“Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:34-36, 40 RSV)
Who are our neighbors? Our neighbor is the guy that eats lunch by himself. Our neighbor is the new kid at school. Our neighbor is a man named Cliff from Tucson. Our neighbor lives down the street. Our neighbor lives on the street.
--Brimas
The reason I mention this is that I lived nowhere near Fred Rogers back in the day. His “townhome” was a probably a soundstage in Los Angeles. The point is Christ never mentions that our neighbors are simply the folks that live within a few blocks of us. In fact, many of our neighbors don’t even have homes. Our true neighbors live beyond street names and bus routes. We might not know their last name or where they were born. And, frankly, we may speak to them once and never again. But we have a chance…a choice…a command to love them. Listen to the words of Christ…
“Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundations of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:34-36, 40 RSV)
Who are our neighbors? Our neighbor is the guy that eats lunch by himself. Our neighbor is the new kid at school. Our neighbor is a man named Cliff from Tucson. Our neighbor lives down the street. Our neighbor lives on the street.
“You may go out into the street and have nothing to say, but maybe there is a man standing there on the corner and you go to him. Maybe he resents you, but you are there, and that presence is there. You must radiate that presence that is within you, in the way you address that man with love and respect. Why? Because you believe that is Jesus.” –Mother TeresaWho is your neighbor?
--Brimas
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Miquell's Meal
Our God is a God of second chances...and third...and fourth...I think you get the idea. My point is that we have opportunities to engage God at times and in places we least expect it regardless of our past. Whether our past years, months, days, or even hours have been some that we are not particularly proud of, God invites us to share in the glory of His redemption.
I met a guy the other night who was down on his luck. His name was Miquell and he was looking for a bite to eat. We got some food and I was speaking with him and he mentioned how thankful he was for the food and then he recited a couple of verses from the Gospel of Matthew. He said, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink...Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Think about it. Christ is essentially saying that our actions towards others are our actions towards Him. When we embrace others...we embrace Him. When we reject others...we reject Him. When we love others...we love Him.
I don't know if Miquell's meal will change his life in any dramatic fashion. But for those 30 minutes...I met Jesus face to face.
--Brimas
I met a guy the other night who was down on his luck. His name was Miquell and he was looking for a bite to eat. We got some food and I was speaking with him and he mentioned how thankful he was for the food and then he recited a couple of verses from the Gospel of Matthew. He said, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink...Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Think about it. Christ is essentially saying that our actions towards others are our actions towards Him. When we embrace others...we embrace Him. When we reject others...we reject Him. When we love others...we love Him.
I don't know if Miquell's meal will change his life in any dramatic fashion. But for those 30 minutes...I met Jesus face to face.
--Brimas
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