October 6: World Cerebral Palsy Day

 

October 6:  World Cerebral Palsy Day

Today is incredibly special for me.  My precious granddaughter, Tori, was born with CP.  She is cognitively sharper than most kids her age, but her one hand makes a permanent fist, unable to hold or grasp anything, and she will forever shuffle along as she runs, dances, and walks quickly.  She remains a shining light in all our lives.

Cerebral Palsy Day began with a small campaign called “Change My World in One Minute.” This project, started by Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Australia, sought for global change by allowing people to share ideas about new technologies and products that people with Cerebral Palsy could use to make their lives easier and better. Now, research teams from all over the world take part in this holiday, allowing new inventions to form and be presented at the CPA’s yearly event.

Today, I want to focus on encouragement.  To my dear son and precious daughter in law, and to all those parents who gladly care for special needs children, I want to remind you of something.  A time is coming when we will never celebrate a World Cerebral Palsy Day again…or a Cancer Research Day, or a Sepsis Awareness Month.  A day is coming when all of that and every stain from the fall will be obliterated, and every tear will be wiped from every eye. (Revelation 21:4)

A day is coming when death will die, and our bodies will be renewed.  “So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) Do you hear that, my dearest Tori?  Just as surely as you were born, that day will come.  Put your trust in the Savior who bled and died so that you might live forever, perfect in every way--both arms, both legs, and everything in between.  You will raise both arms and unfold both hands in praise to the glorious riches of His grace, with reckless abandon and heartfelt gratitude.  To all the Tori’s across the world, live in that hope. Breath in the life-changing breath of God’s Spirit and know that this day is coming.

Until then, we will continue to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day.  We will groan with all creation for the day when our glory will be revealed.  We will wet our cheeks with the tears of those who want nothing more than to run and play and dance like everyone else.  Until then, we will celebrate all the Tori’s we know, but most of all, I will celebrate my lamb, my love, my Tori.

October 5: World Teacher's Day

 

October 5:  World Teacher’s Day 

Education, at least in the US, is in crisis.  Having been a teacher myself, I can attest to the long hours, the low pay, and the underappreciation that we often felt.  But the role of teachers, at every level, has been increasingly taken over by activists and “social justice warriors” who feel obligated to brainwash our children.  From grade school to the university lecture hall, students are repeatedly taught to denigrate America, eschew traditional values, and reject any worldview that embraces God. 

Overstatement?  Obviously, there are exceptions.  The fact remains that this evolution has a long and verifiable history, dating back to the Frankfurt School in Germany, to Columbia University in the US, to the halls of Congress today.  Look it up!

Teachers’ Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of the role played by teachers all over the world. We need to raise “re-awareness” of the relationship of the Kingdom to children, and the uncompromising warning that Jesus sounded to those who would lead children astray.  (Matthew 19:14; Matthew 18:6). 

Our calling as God’s people is to be transformed, and to transform the world around us.  (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6)  It is time to engage in Christ-centered, Kingdom-advancing activism.  Run for your local school board.  Educate yourself.  Write letters to your Senators and representatives.  Organize protests and marches.  Always peaceful, never combative, bathed in prayer and submitted to God’s Spirit, activities like these will potentially spare generations to come from the current evils of our state-run schools.  I urge you to stop wringing your hands and instead clasp them together in prayer.  Stop whining and lamenting the current state of affairs, and boldly proclaim the truth.  Who knows?  In years to come, they may have to rename October 5 as the “Day God’s People Rose Up” Day. 

October 4: Change A Light Day

 

October 4:  Change A Light Day 

Change a Light Day began back in 2005 in the state of Kentucky, when the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy decided to encourage Governor Ernie Fletcher and his wife to proclaim this day as Change a Light Day.

We all know the experience.  We flick the switch, and “pop!”  We scramble to find a fresh bulb, perhaps find a chair or ladder, or just move on, confident that the remaining lights will be adequate.  It’s the latter that represents the most common reaction among God’s people.  Not with actual lights, but with being the light.  That is what needs to change.

I cannot remember a time (I’m only 63 as of this writing) when the world has been more shrouded in darkness. The words of Isaiah ring as true today as ever:  “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” 

The antidote?  While I hate the word “formula” in connection with walking with Christ, our Lord’s answer is simple:   “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that^[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

You know this.  This is not new.  What needs to become new is your commitment to do it.  Take the basket off some part of your life.  Rather than trying to eat this elephant all at once, start by choosing one area of your life.  Perhaps it is your attitude at work, the way you treat one individual, your eating or drinking habits, how you spend your money…the list is endless.  But determine today, by the power of God’s Spirit that you will let the light of Christ shine like never before in one new area. 

There is one more thing you will need.  Courage.  The desperate need of our day is not simply light, but the courage to let it shine.  You will be labelled and marginalized.  You will incur the wrath of many around you.  The darkness hates the light!  Pray for revelation and wisdom, to know what to do, and then the courage to do it.  Light without courage is simply darkness.  Courage without light is foolishness.  Determine on this change a light day, that that light will be you.

October 3: Techies Day

 

October 3:  Techies Day

Techies Day was originally developed for the purpose of helping high school students become educated about careers in technology. It was first established in 1998 by techies.com with the support of CNET Networks. The world ahead will see ever greater integrations of technology into our day to day lives, and with those innovations will come the need for the truly technologically savvy, those who know their way around this technology driven world and can help those who are perhaps less knowledgeable find their way. 

The Terminator and I, Robot notwithstanding, this world is coming.  The threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may or may not be real, but one thing is certain:  Tech and day to day life will become increasingly intertwined.  What say you believers?

1 Corinthians 7:12-24 gives rather surprising counsel.  As believers, we should remain in the calling in which we find ourselves when saved.  In other words, fight the impulse to become a preacher or missionary or Christian school teacher if that is not what God is clearly calling you to.  It’s an understandable impulse.  When we come to Christ, we are overwhelmed with gratitude.  We are so indebted to the grace of God, we want to pay Him back.  Stop!  That is a losing proposition, and the gateway to an unhealthy “debtor mentality” that has put countless Christians on the performance treadmill.

Instead, humbly and wisely consider, what has God called you to vocationally?  What are your gifts, your passions, your leadership style?  Now more than ever we need believers to enter STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).  God’s people need to reclaim these areas for the glory of God and for Christ-exalting endeavors.  

As we move closer to a new year, stop and consider:  Does God want me to become a techie?  If you have already followed God’s call into another field, do you know someone who exhibits gifts and talents in this area?  Encourage them.  Urge them to consider how God might use them in the STEM fields.  Imagine the impact we could make, the powerful ways we could advance The Kingdom if more and more surrendered believers pursued this calling.  We would indeed help many “find their way.” 

October 2: World Smile Day

 

October 2:  World Smile Day 

The year was 1963, and Harvey Ball was working for an insurance company.  He was commissioned with coming up with a “morale-boosting” icon for the company.  After 10 minutes of work, Harvey was paid $45 for a yellow circle with a few dots and an upturned curve.  He had no idea that he had created one of the most iconic symbols the world had ever seen, and it would quickly come to infect everything from graffiti to modern day emoji’s.  We’re talking of course about the yellow smiley face. 

Since then, October 2 has been set aside as the day to celebrate Harvey Ball and to encourage everyone to smile.  There is one group that I would like to single out today—Christians.  We are, supposedly, the most glad people on earth.  We possess an unshakeable joy and freedom that is enthralling to all who embrace it.  And yet, for all the “joy, joy, joy, joy down in our heart” it rarely seems to make its way to our faces.  

Unfortunately, we have allowed the world to co-opt the term “happy” and now we struggle to relate to any emotions, happiness most of all.  We are taught that happiness is somehow beneath us.  Happiness is tied to situations and circumstances, and “joy” is the only legitimate Christian emotion.  Really?  Where in God’s word is this taught?  Without question, we must resist the temptation to portray life in Christ as nothing but puppies and rainbows.  Life is hard.  In the world, we will have trouble. 

But of all the people on the planet, who should be the quickest to smile?  Friends, don’t let yourself be fooled into thinking that cynicism equals maturity.  It often masquerades as that, but it only reveals a jaded and sick heart that has forgotten how to smile.  Let the world around you see that the content of your heart has affected that curve on your face.  There is joy, in your heart and everywhere else. 

There is a time to mourn.  There is a place for sadness and grief.  But today, quietly consider all that God is for your in Christ Jesus.  Meditate on His promises.  See the glory of God in the face of Jesus.  If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, then perhaps His joy was never there in the first place.  Smile!

October 1: Older People's Day

 

October 1:  Older People’s Day

With people living and working longer, it’s increasingly important that we recognize the importance of supporting senior citizens and OAPs within our society. Older Peoples Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the long-term contribution and dedication of older people, and to ensure that we’re doing our best to give something back to older people. 

It is a day that is long overdue.  At a time when every group is supposedly “marginalized” and every person is a victim of one sort or another, there is no question that the elderly have been pushed to the edges of our society.  We are the poorer for it.  The elderly are perhaps the greatest untapped resource we have.  They are regularly passed over for the sake of “the young,” and our commitment to them has devolved into nursing homes or retirement villages in Florida. 

This needs to change.  In the first place, the elderly are a storehouse of wisdom.  Older men and women are encouraged to teach younger people.  (Titus 2:3-5; 1 Timothy 5:1; Leviticus 19:32).  Imagine the benefit if younger men and women submitted to the teaching and instruction of older members of the household of faith?  It just makes sense to learn from those who have greater exposure to God’s word to God Himself, and to life in general. 

Second, we need to care for the elderly, ourselves.  The proliferation of nursing homes and assisted living facilities has deadened our commitment to our parents and grandparents.  Some of the sternest warnings in scripture are reserved for those who fail to care for family.  (1 Timothy 5:8).  I am not suggesting that there is no place for nursing homes, but the general lack of commitment to the elderly is appalling.  This past year (2019), my wife and I moved my parents from North Carolina to our home in Michigan.  Both 87, they are neither feeble nor infirmed.  But they are older.  They live on the main floor to avoid the stairs, while my wife and I live very comfortably downstairs.  Like never before they are participating in family gatherings and time with grandkids and great-grandchildren. It has not been without challenges.  But the overall benefit has been immeasurable to them and to our family. 

Finally, a challenge to the elderly themselves.  Please, do not retire in the traditional sense.  Having been born and raised in Florida, I know how compelling the warmer weather and ocean breezes can be.  But we need you!  God’s Kingdom needs you!  The Church needs you!  Please, insert yourself if needed, but do no “retire” from serving and leading in the Church.  On this day, let’s all rethink our commitment to the elderly.  And for those with “silver strands among the gold,” share your wisdom and insight with us.  We need it now more than ever.

September 30: Ask A Stupid Question Day

 

September 30:  Ask A Stupid Question Day

During the 1980’s a group of teachers realized that their students weren’t asking questions for fear of sounding stupid. They created a day dedicated to letting students ask the questions they were most ashamed of. Ever since then Ask a Stupid Question Day has been an annual tradition celebrated by American Schools everywhere including schools in Britain and India. 

God’s word is riddled with stories of those who asked questions, most often of God.  In that sense, I suppose we could classify those as “stupid.”  It smacks of impertinence and even arrogance.  Who are we to question God? 

Therein lies the mystery of God’s self-revelation.  He wants us to ask Him questions!  He invites us to bring our doubts and our fears to Him, risking even asking stupid questions of the One Person who know the end from the beginning.  More specifically, I think of the many Psalms in which the psalmist quizzes God with the kinds of questions that we all ask.

“God, how long will I have to endure this hard time?” (Psalm 6:3).  “God, why do you seem so far away when I need you the most?” (Psalm 10:1) “God, why do the wicked seem to prosper and the righteous are beat down?” (Psalm 73).  What place should questions like these take in our lives? 

It would seem that if God intended us to simply grin and bear it, He would not have included the Psalms in a book specifically designed to show us God and how to relate to Him.  Apparently, asking questions of God is appropriate, even necessary.  Our walk of faith is not blind, as some suggest.  It is rooted in wrestling with God, asking questions, facing our doubts, and bringing all these to the very Person whom we suspect is behind it all.

On this day, answer this question: “If I had the opportunity to ask God just one question, what would it be?”  After you take some time to prayerfully consider that, then go to God’s Word.  Would it surprise you to know that you are not the first person to ask that?  You will almost certainly find examples of questions like that in His word, along with answers.  While the answers may not be completely satisfying, remember that God is.  More than the answers, He wants to offer you Himself as the greatest reward to every search.  So go ahead!  Ask away!  Remember, when it comes to our Heavenly Father, there are no stupid questions.