tag:reachntx.com,2005:/blogs/serving-in-suburbiaServing in Suburbia2022-05-18T06:36:20-05:00Reach North Texasfalsetag:reachntx.com,2005:Post/65764862021-03-17T10:31:48-05:002022-05-18T06:36:20-05:00Love is the Vessel of Hope<p>“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.” -- Thomas Merton</p>
<p>We've been posting all month about what it means to be loved and to love those around us. No small task when our lives are so loud, but this is more than a suggestion for those that believe. Christ-followers are challenged to be known for their love (John 13:35). Not known for where we live or what we drive or even by how many people we influence. This idea is a great equalizer... are you known for your love? Loving and serving others should be a natural extension of the new life we have found, an undeniable testament to the change happening in our hearts. Leading others to our loving God should be unavoidable!</p>
<p>It will not come easily though. Obstacles will find a way to disrupt and distract you every day. Fear will haunt our minds, prejudices will silence our sharing, and we will be tempted to convince ourselves that God can use someone else. And while it's true that He will even use the rocks if He has to (Luke 19:40), it's so important to realize that <strong>we are the plan</strong>. The church is God's redemptive plan for the world. God loves us. God saves us. God transforms us. God uses us... it's not about us, but God certainly does all of his work in us and through us and for us. We may not be the main character here, but we are a major part of the story.</p>
<p>Admittedly, an abundant love for others is not necessarily what the world experiences when they encounter the church. Even though the church is supposed to be a gathering of believers, believers are still very human and our world is very fallen. The beauty of the Gospel is that we can bring all of our mistakes and all of our flaws to God and He is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9). And then as His Holy Spirit dwells with us, we are given the power to transform our lives. Walking with Him. Learning from the Word. Renewing our minds. Crucifying our flesh. It's a full-time, life-long job that is difficult yet wildly fulfilling. As our faith grows, we will be more attuned to the character of Christ and patience will complete a perfect work (James 1:4). I'm astonished when I think of the possibilities!</p>
<p>As a society, somewhere along the way, we decided that we could judge another person based entirely upon what we could see or what we could assume. Another living, breathing human was only worth our time or effort if we understood them and their issues. And frankly, we began to believe that people could only be deemed as saved, healed, or "okay" once they received our help, took our advice, and began to live and look like us. Conforming to the standard was the only way you could be accepted, achieve, or arrive.</p>
<p><strong>But I dare to believe that wealth does not determine worth.</strong></p>
<p>Loving our neighbor means we must love everyone. People with lots of money are worthy of love and people with lots of debt are too. In suburbia, poverty often presents itself as insecurity, being one paycheck away from no home, no food, no car, or no phone. You are not loved less when you do not have all the luxury you desire. Even for those who identify with Christ, belief does not equal comfort or give you an escape from hardship. You're not a better Christian because your bills are paid and you are not less of a Christian if you lost your job or your spouse. It's right in the middle of those situations that we want to be found!</p>
<p>When we started Reach North Texas more than 12 years ago, I was ready to give away toys and to host play dates for all of the kids, but I was NOT ready to take on the establishment or to overthrow the status quo. I just wanted to serve literally anyone who needed help. We never had (and still do not have) a list of qualifications you must meet in order to receive help. I never want to stand in judgment as to who deserves our care and attention. It's a balance between goals and grace. We are not disorganized and we are not poor stewards of what we have, but we do judge both our failures and our successes with an unusual measuring stick. It's not a financial measurement, like staying on budget or raising a certain amount of money. It's not about service, like having a certain number of attendees or growing exponentially year-over-year. There's only ever been one measure for our ministry: obedience, especially when it does not make sense.</p>
<p>In this crazy human condition, love is the vessel for hope. Loving everyone is step one. Having something to offer them is step two. Hope. That's much too large of a subject to dive into in my last paragraph, so I'll plan to pick up here in my next entry and leave you with this verse that inspires me daily:</p>
<p>"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; <strong>and hope does not disappoint</strong>, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." -- Romans 5:1-5</p>Reach North Texastag:reachntx.com,2005:Post/65419322021-02-13T19:52:23-06:002021-09-10T14:33:39-05:00Things Are Not Always As They Appear to Be<p>If other people are tempted to keep up with the Joneses, then North Texans must also feel like they have to keep up with the Smiths and the Williamses and the Browns. Everywhere you look, there is affluence and wealth. Even the rich people get caught up in keeping up. I have actually been told by well-meaning individuals that Frisco cannot possibly have a poverty problem; they simply don't see it so it must not exist. But I propose that if you pause for a moment and dare to look deeper, you will see that things are not always as they appear to be. </p>
<p>A big house, a nice car, the most stylish clothes and the most up-to-date technology are just a few of the ways we've learned to measure our worth and our status. What others think of the places we go or of the things we own matters more than it should. When we compare our lives to our neighbors, it's difficult to not feel like we are falling short. Then we take those emotions online where we literally and figuratively follow millions of others, and I think many of us find the weight too much to carry. </p>
<p>On a good day, 52% of this nation was living paycheck to paycheck. Bring Covid into the picture and that number shoots up to 63%. When this pandemic started, insecurity began to snowball. Where will we live next month? Will I still have a job? Will there be enough money for food this week? What will happen to my family if I get sick or if I die? Those are just a few of the questions our friends are faced with daily. Now, almost a year into this pandemic, we thought the uncertainty would be over but we are faced with some challenges that have no end in sight. </p>
<p>So even if you have nice things today, it doesn't mean you'll be able to have them tomorrow. And I can't even get started on the lack of preparation for an emergency. So many of the people we serve are one hospital bill, one past due payment, or one accident away from changing their life forever. </p>
<p>A few years ago, I delivered some necessities to a family living in a fairly expensive house in a very nice neighborhood. When we walked in, I instantly noticed that the home was clean and comfortable, but I could tell something was off. There were mattresses on the floor of a formal dining room. There was bedding on two couches in the living area. Nothing on the walls, no computers, no TVs or other technology. The kitchen had clean counters and a small table for four. The refrigerator was empty and the cabinets were bare. As I talked to the family, I found that the one family I knew of was actually three families working together to make ends meet. They had been plagued by job losses and personal tragedies and all they could afford was rent and the expenses for two cars that several adults shared. On the outside, everything appeared fine. Nice house, new car, clothed children - all the makings of a happy life. And inside, these beautiful people were definitely struggling more than most. </p>
<p>I’ll also never forget the time I met a woman in a Mercedes to give her some clothing and some food. She hid her truth very well. You would’ve never guessed that she was also sleeping in that Mercedes, parking behind a small convenience store to steal a couple of hours of sleep each night. </p>
<p>Or the single dad who had lost both his wife and his mother in one year. After being widowed, his mother was providing him with a home and helping him raise his three boys. When she died suddenly, he was left practically alone. He was able to stay in her home and did his best to provide his boys with routine and structure, but their life just could not be sustained by one paycheck. Adjusting to the daily changes, he was doing his best and just needed some help when it was time to find school clothes and supplies. He needed to pay the electric bill more than he needed to find the perfect backpack. </p>
<p>The stories could go on and on. I have twelve years of doing life with people in the messy and mundane places. Trust me when I say that most people in this world are going through something difficult, but almost all of them don’t feel brave enough to let anyone else in on their story. </p>
<p>My life is dedicated to finding and serving and loving those who cannot afford the same status as their neighbor. The purpose of Reach North Texas is rooted deeply in the belief that a family’s worth is not tied up in what they accomplish or what they wear or what they drive or where they live. By providing things people need and by being in their corner, I pray we are showing everyone that it’s not necessary to live up to unattainable expectations. You’re seen and you’re heard and you’re loved - right where you are, right now. </p>
<p>So to those who have to choose a second job over a full night’s sleep… <br>And to those who have made their family laugh over a meal of only mac and cheese… <br>And to those who have found fashionable ways to wear the pants that are too short or the shirt that’s too tight… <br>And to those who have made the brave decision to do their best… </p>
<p>I just want you to know that someone is here for you. If you need help, you can ask. If you need a cheerleader, let us know. I pray you find the courage to live your life fully, even if it is currently less than you need. </p>
<p>Now for those who have plenty… <br>And for those blessed beyond measure… <br>And for those who have enough… </p>
<p>I just want you to know that there are people who need you and not just your stuff. Don’t get me wrong; donations are always necessary, but the greatest gift you can give is yourself. Your time or your experience, a listening ear and a caring heart. If hurting people need to be seen and heard, then it’s time we start looking and listening.</p>Reach North Texas