Profound Typos
Hey sisters! Long time, no see. I’m working from the church today to prepare for some teaching Saturday and Tuesday and thought I would take advantage of the wi-fi to visit a bit. Obviously we still don’t have internet at the house but I’ve done some research and have about made a decision on the route we need to go. I really thought we could function without a home connection but it’s hindering working from home in a bad way. Hopefully soon!
So what’s been going on with you? Life is crazy as usual in our neck of the woods. My homegirls just went on our annual retreat at Shocco Springs (Birmingham area) and had a fabulous time of just being together. I love these women like crazy and considering the year we’ve all had around here, we were overdue a couple of uninterrupted days to study and laugh and cry and pray with one another. The Lord must be coming back soon and the danged devil is in overdrive because 2010 like to have killed most of us for one reason or another. The seclusion of the retreat center was a balm to our souls. ( Shocco was a wonderful host and if you are interested in all in using their facility for your next event, I have a 10% off coupon to use toward your registration once you book. Just email me and I’ll send it to you.)
Since blogging hasn’t been much of an option for me lately, I’ve taken to the Twitter more than usual. The thing about my phone is that it likes to auto-correct my words which can be either mortifying or profound. Just this week I was having a terrible time with our old cable company’s customer service and meant to type the phrase, “About to lose my religion with these cable people!” (Notice I didn’t say lose my salvation but no theological debates here, please. If you don’t know me by now, you will never ever ever know me…hoooo ooo ooooo) Instead my phone auto-corrected me and it came out, “About to LIVE my religion with these cable people!” When I read it before I tweeted (because I’ve learned my lesson on that) I was ashamed at myself (because I hadn’t lived it with the customer service agent I had just spoken with) so I just deleted the thing. But that doesn’t mean I stopped thinking about it.
What if, in those moments we are about to lose our religion we live it instead? That we would get to that point of explosion and rather than vomit rage we would be a geyser of grace? That we would lay down our pride and get over ourselves for just a minute? Luke has been preaching a series on revival and it’s eating my lunch. One of the big issues I have faced this year is how to guard against bitterness when my family is maligned by those who have absolutely no clue what they are talking about. My flesh tempts me to respond in kind because I’m so over it. OVER IT. But Jesus has reminded me so many times in my spirit, “Forgive them, for they no not what they do.” I have to remember that the majority of people who lash out are doing it out of their own issues and that those have nothing to do with me at all. Hurt people hurt people. So do I hurt them back? No. I reach out. I entreat. I apologize for any real or perceived offense. If there is no response and they continue their angry tirade? Well, then I love them with the cross in between us. The end.
I don’t know if that means anything to you at all or if you find yourself at a similar crossroads of losing it or living it. I would love to hear what you have to say on the matter.
Have I mentioned I’ve missed talking with you?
I have missed your blogging. Welcome back. I love this blog. It resonates with me as a fellow PW. Thanks for sharing your heart with us.
So happy to have words from Lisa to read!!!!!
Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife Reply:
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:15 pm
I adore you Kaye Penney. I need to see you soon. I got a little something for you that screamed your name when I saw it. :)
Love this post. I was so excited to read a blog from you. I pray that you get your internet issues resolved soon b/c I have missed you.
Thanks girls! Hopefully it won’t be long. I really appreciate your hanging around while I get it worked out. :)
“I have to remember that the majority of people who lash out are doing it out of their own issues and that those have nothing to do with me at all. Hurt people hurt people. So do I hurt them back? No. I reach out. I entreat. I apologize for any real or perceived offense. If there is no response and they continue their angry tirade? Well, then I love them with the cross in between us. The end.”
Excellent perspective Lisa! Thanks so much for the fresh reminder – I needed that.
God bless,
Betsy
You have a very profound phone! What a challenge and reminder, it really struck a chord with me when I read that. Usually the ones we are about to lose it with are the ones that most need to see us live it!
You have such a Smart phone!
I’m actually new to your blog…but I have to say this spoke directly to me…but not from the perspective of outsiders…but with my kids!
OH HOW I NEED to LIVE it in front of them instead of LOSING it WAY too often! Just this afternoon I put myself in time out seeking God on how to keep it in check…then I came and read your blog post!
God is Good!
Hi Lisa,
have missed you around and I agree…. profound phone. Neat. Hugging you.
Wow. I so needed to hear that, like you don’t even know. I may just post this somewhere in my house as a reminder to exhibit the correct response in the midst of my frustrations. Thank you so much for your words and sharing your heart! Your blog and book have helped me more than you know!!! :)
Okay, now you! God has been so in my face on this for the last almost-two-weeks, beginning with the wreck that totaled my van — who knew that a wreck would be such a spiritual journey. And ever since then it seems like He’s been putting me in situations where I have the opportunity to give up my “rights” to be offended and “wronged” and ask Him to love through me.
One thing I DON”T have any trouble loving? Your blog popping up in my reader!
Love ya, friend!
Oh Lisa! You hit home tonight. I need to back up and check for typos so I can live it instead of lose it. ‘Cause I’ve been losing it all too much lately.
I am living this lesson now!! It has been a hard one, with attacks coming at me from all directions, but I am loving them anyway and not taking the bait. I am not going to get into the drama and just love them like Jesus. I think it’s making them madder! But it’s what God wants me to do. Easy? No…but worth it.
Missed hearing from you!
So good to hear from you again Lisa! Can I just say that I love that line, “loving them with the cross in between us”. Such a great visual for dealing with people that are difficult. Good stuff.
Loved that! Several frustrating things this week that I can apply it to. Thanks for the encouragment!!
I soooo needed this today! I’m an elementary school teacher and today was one of those days that has me reflecting on what I could’ve said differently, or done differently with students in my class. Thank you for the reminder to live my religion for my little Twittlebugs!
Lisa, what you have said is so profound to me today! Live it rather than lose it! I will remember that forever. I too struggle with bitterness where my family is concerned. You can do or say what you want to me as I can deal with it, but you better not say anything about my family! I need to heed your words today. I am harboring much bitterness. Thanks girlfriend for always loving my family. I love you!
Great Post!