Within the first 2 hours of waking up, this morning, I drank a cup of coffee, read the biblegateway.com verse of the day, looked up the Scriptures on my daily bible reading schedule, proofread a couple of my articles on our website (and found more mistakes - editing is like mowing grass: soon after you finish and rejoice it is done, you find you have to go back & do it again), refilled my coffee cup, read 2 Samuel 19-21 and took notes, checked our online account to see if our stimulus check had been deposited, and reviewed the most recent details of the Virginia governor's "safer at home" policy.
Did I mention I went back for more coffee?
As if I need more stimulants!
What's the difference between concentration and confusion? Between calm and stress, focus and distraction?
MASS MEDIA!
I confess, with a critical eye I used to observe people who were always on their phone. What could they possibly be viewing that is so worthy of their undivided attention?!
Now, I know.
I've become one of them.
I remember, not long after the pandemic reached the United States and our government began to implement policies, one of my friends asked me, "What do we do?" Baffled by the numerous statements, policies & recommendations; and befuddled by increasing opinions, she, like many, just didn't know which way to turn.
Recently, I heard a brother in Christ say something I began to say years ago following my redemption in Christ.
"What do I know to be true today?"
Out of all the things I see, read, hear and know, what applies to me…
...today?
Kind of like taking stock - except, not of stuff but of self.
So, here goes…
I, Melanie, am in Ohio today. As far as I know, we're not going to Virginia today.
I work at home, so I don't have to leave the house.
I get hungry early in the morning, and I'm the one who makes breakfast, so I get to work frying bacon. Since it's my responsibility to clean the kitchen, I clean as I go.
I cook breakfast for JC & me, only, because Jacob is now an adult and serving in the Army in Virginia. Every day, I miss feeding my son.
I am a woman, and I am a wife.
When my husband's breakfast was ready, I took it to him in the garage where he was starting his day working with Jerry. A little while later, when I refilled my large, insulated water cup, I thought again of my husband. He starts his day with a couple of cups of coffee, too; and I figured, like me, he was probably getting thirsty for water. I found JC's water bottle in the bedroom, and discovered it still had water in it. I considered just adding ice and being done with it (by that time of the morning, I'm getting really anxious to get to work on my computer. I usually already have it plugged in & set up in the sunroom. I sense time is running short, and I still have a lot of work I want to do while I'm still in this quiet place of refuge). But, when I removed the lid, I noticed the inside needed to be washed.
(Heavy sigh) The clock is ticking.
What else?
I'm a sheep. I follow the good shepherd.
So, to summarize, I am Melanie; a woman, a wife, a mother and a sheep. But, if I had to simplify, and sum it all up in one word, which one would I choose?
I'll give you a hint: Being a woman isn't so baaahd!
This reminds me of a story in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible.
You've probably heard of Samson. You know, the guy with long hair and a lot of strength. You need only read the first 14 verses of the 13th chapter of Judges to discover what a vital role his mother played in his life, from the womb. It's a great story! https://biblehub.com/nas/judges/13.htm
In the beginning of the chapter, we read that Samson's father was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. In addition, we learn Samson: 'shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.' Verse 24 tells us: the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson; and the child grew up and the Lord blessed him.
What was the name of the woman?
I have no idea.
God didn't tell us the name of Samson's mother.
But, this God described in detail: her purpose.
Ever wonder what your purpose is?
If you don't know, how do you find out?
Often, we feel defined by what we do.
So, if I begin my day watching the news and reading the Holy Bible, will that tell me my purpose?
Having viewed both, I'll say I need to choose one or the other,
for they are in great contrast!
Have you noticed?
The news is reported by people in today's world; and the Holy Bible, which tells us the good news - the gospel of Christ - is from God.
2 Peter 1:16-21 NASB
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales
when we made known to you the power and coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
For when He received honor and glory from God the Father,
such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory,
“This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”
— and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven
when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic word made more sure,
to which you do well to pay attention
as to a lamp shining in a dark place,
until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.
But know this first of all,
that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of
one’s own interpretation,
for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will,
but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
So, when I make breakfast in the morning, not only for myself, but also for my husband, is that my purpose?
Where do I find the answer?
The word of God:
Proverbs 31:15 NASB
She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
When I wash my husband's cup and take it to him, why do I do that?
The word of Yeshua, my Teacher:
Galatians 5:14 NASB
For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word,
in the statement,
"YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
How do I find contentment with staying at home and not going out, into the workplace, to work for money?
The word of our Maker:
Titus 2:3-5 NASB
Older women…to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind…
(I just had an interruption) I got up from the computer to get something, and when I saw JC, I realized we had forgotten to buy bread yesterday at the grocery store. He recently went fishing and caught bass, and this evening he's making fish soup for dinner. It's so yummy, and we always eat it with a French baguette! So, what did my husband say? He said he's really busy, and told me to go to the store. Actually, before that, he mentioned an Italian loaf we already have. Why not eat that? But, I want a firm bread with a crisp crust!
Can you say, "Case In Point" ?
When my husband tells me to do something, should I do as he says?
Titus 2:5 NASB
…workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands…
Why?
Titus 2:5 NASB
…so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
My purpose as a woman can largely be summed up in just a few verses of the book of Titus…
Titus 2:3-5 NASB
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior,
not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine,
teaching what is good,
so that they may encourage the young women
to love their husbands, to love their children,
to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind,
being subject to their own husbands,
so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
In its entirety, the living & active word of God is my instruction. In this, I rejoice, for I now know who I am!
Proverbs 31:25 NASB
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
As for the news and various other media sources, I watch and listen with discerning ears. In the world, women are portrayed in a vast number of ways. Many will say, "But I believe God told me…" We must be very careful. Many years ago, when I was a single mother, one of the shepherds of our congregation counseled me wisely. He said, "Melanie, whenever you believe God is telling you to do something, search the Scriptures. God will never lead you to do anything that contradicts His word."
Hallelujah! Another great reason to read the whole bible!
Recently, my beloved sister Rhonda called to ask me for our address. The airline had fully refunded our tickets to Haiti, and Ken was prepared to give us our money back. Praise the Lord!
During our conversation, I was talking with her about all the plans JC & I made that have been cancelled or postponed. Many are the uncertainties we face in this world, and often, it seems, we have a long wait between each and every little step. I pray our waiting is for the Lord.
Psalm 62:5-6 NASB
My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
During our phone conversation, Rhonda taught me something new to say in Haitian Creole:
'si Bondye vle' (pronounced: see bän-dee-ay vlay)
'if God wills'