Men, How Does This Make You Feel?

     They say that one of the greatest tragedy's is when a parent has to bury a child. Sometimes such a child is stillborn. Never breathing a single breath.
     I know first hand how horrible this is. My fiance is in a support group dealing with such loss. I know that despite the fact the child isn't mine he has touched my life in ways I never imagined.
     It hurts. I cry.
     I cry despite being taught that crying makes me a "sissy." In my life crying has been a strength. Crying is like free grief counseling.
     So why did I bring the subject of stillbirth up?
     Because so often the women who go through such loss are deemed imperfect. Often husbands leave.
     Why? I feel in part, that the pressure to carry on the family name.
     When people get married there is a great expectation to have kids. If it doesn't happen try try again.
     Not always a choice.
     We sometimes ask ourselves why do bad or unfit parents get to have kids when so many "deserving" parents never have such a chance? It may suck but we may never know in this life.
      There is the hope that once we get to Heaven all will be revealed.
     Faith is the evidence of things unseen.
       We don't know everything.
      God's ways are far above our ways.
       Guys, when the Bible says that we are to be the head of the household we are being pressed into a role similar to Jesus is to the church. We should be there for our wives. We are to be man and like Jesus who does what he sees His father in Heaven doing.
     Jesus would never abandon anyone.
     We are to love unconditionally.
     Like Jesus we are to be OK with laying down our lives for our wives.
      That may mean letting go of the expectation of producing an heir.
     God's calling is as unique for all of us as there are people on the planet.
     So be a man.
      Take up your cross.
      Be like Simon who helped Jesus carry his cross when he no longer could.
         

"If A Friend…" Messages From The Pulpit

1 Corinthians 8:13
 "Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall."
  OK so maybe eating meat isn't a sin per se but with my fiancé's family always has meatless options for my fiancé and I who are vegetarians.
 As a person who has over 5 years without a drop to drink I always appreciate when
those same people don't drink beer or wine coolers when me and my fiancé are around.
It is so awesome when people close to us are so supportive.
  We are currently in the season of Lent.
For many people this is a time to give up one thing or another as a sign of restraint.
Of course the most well known of these self imposed restrictions is giving up red meat on Fridays. Many people replace Fish for red meat which lead to Friday fish fries.
There are endless things we can fast from at least once a week during Lent. But how much of a sacrifice is it? And would you be willing to give up said indulgence forever?
 Will you really miss it?
I'm giving up candy this year. Everyday for 40 days.
Just two days after Ash Wednesday it hasn't been too hard.
I admit I will miss my favorite candy, Hot Tamales but I know that I can do it.
  No matter what you may give up during Lent (or New Years or any other day for that matter) it is my prayer that you find at least one person to support you.
You may even find that your friend may find that they too can live without….
Giving things up that we love which may not be good for us isn't always easy.
  But remember that Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert for 40 days. Jesus never fell for the temptation Satan threw at him.
Jesus used scripture to counteract Satan's silver tongue.
  And as children of God we have the same arsenal at our hands.
Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us about the spiritual weapons of warfare.
The Whole Armor of God. The Belt of Truth. The Breastplate of Righteousness. Shod our feet with the Readiness of The Gospel of Peace. The Shield of Faith which can quench the fiery arrows of the devil. The Helmet of Salvation. The Sword of The Spirit.
Stand ready. Stand together. Stand with Jesus who overcame sin by dying on The Cross.