Hey, Darling Things! I am sitting at the gate at the small airport in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, about to take a long way back to Houston. I’ve been at a wedding (I first wrote “weeding.” I reckon a wedding can be a weeding indeed) all weekend and something kinda cool happened that I thought might encourage a soul that’s feeling cynical. The wedding rehearsal took place first thing Saturday morning rather than Friday night perhaps to leave time for several out of town guests involved in the ceremony to arrive. We were told that the breakfast buffet in our hotel was still open after the rehearsal and, typically, I was starving so I headed that direction fully prepared to eat by myself. I don’t mind that. Instead, and as only God could have planned it, five of us from the wedding party wandered in there at the same time, pulled up chairs at the same table, and ended up being almost the only ones in the whole restaurant. Not all of us at the table knew one another personally. We’d come to take part in the wedding ceremony of dear mutual friends.
Dr. Tim and Beverly LaHaye, Dr. Jim Dobson (my friend, Shirley, would join us a bit later), Heather Olford (the late Dr. Stephen Olford’s wife), and I tarried, laughed and mused over scrambled eggs and lukewarm coffee for a delightfully long time. (Dr. LaHaye was officiating over the ceremony and Dr. Dobson and I were each speaking. Heather is considered among those very dearest to the bride.) Our conversations took us to family, church, and the Savior we all have in common. Dr. Dobson (I cannot bring myself to call him “Jim” although I’ve known him for a number of years now. I can live with Doc so that’s how I refer to him when I’m feeling casual) told us a wonderful story about his dad, a traveling evangelist, who was at the pinnacle of an exploding speaking ministry when his wife told him she could use some help with their son who’d begun to give her a few challenges. (That would be Doc.) He dropped what he was doing, cancelled his calendar indefinitely, and headed home. Although he served a local church faithfully the rest of his life, he never recaptured the momentum of the ministry he’d had. He’d sacrificed it, providentially, for his wife and son.
Dr. Dobson later read a letter to us that his dad had written his bride for their wedding day. In it he expressed that, with eyes wide open, he was binding himself to her in covenant before God for the rest of their lives and that, should their marriage ever call for mental anguish, he would remain her faithful husband throughout. He explained that he considered the success of their marriage to be a husband’s responsibility and he would do everything he could to make her happy. And he did. As I listened to Dr. Dobson tell stories about his dad, I thought – No wonder he does what he does.
At that same table, Dr. LaHaye began to talk about end time events and I had to keep my chin from dropping to the floor. I thought, “I’m listening to all this from the prophecy man himself.” I mean, this is the guy that wrote how many books in the Left Behind series with Jerry Jenkins? And here’s the important part: he sat at that table of five and spoke of the signs of the times and the coming King with a twinkle in his eye and, I don’t doubt, a race in his pulse. Not one hint of burn out. Stunning. Girlfriend, you can be Post-trib or No-trib and still appreciate that. I watched Beverly, an author herself who has penned many books on what it means to be a Godly wife and woman, look with such affection on her man and such heightened interest in what he was saying…as if she’d never heard it. He spoke of how he loved her and how he didn’t know what he’d do without her. How she was the administrative one of the two. Several times over breakfast I watched them tenderly reach out and touch each other.
I’d never met Heather Olford before but I’d heard about her for years. She totally captivated me as she shared how we must hold fast to our passion for Jesus Christ, come what may. You could still hear a hint of Irish in her accent, having left her home country for her new husband many years ago. After saying goodbye to her beloved man of 56 years and entering her early eighties, anyone would give her permission to just coast her way home. That’s decidedly not what she’s doing. I found her utterly remarkable. I wondered if maybe she looked and acted 15 years younger than she was because she’d been unwilling to let herself off the seeking and serving hook. She referred to something she’d read in a devotional book and I marveled that this powerful woman of God intended to seek fresh revelation about Christ until the day she saw Him face-to-face. She spoke of Him with such affection that it made me want to run to my hotel room and fall on my face before Jesus and see what new He would show me, too.
All four of those people are fallible just like we are. None of them needs or wants to be placed on a pedestal but I will tell you where they’re well worthy of our respect. They have maintained Godly passion and spiritual discipline in a long obedience the same direction that has taken each of them on the road to suffering…and persecution. They are real to the bone and what they loved and felt compelled by Christ to give their lives to decades ago, they still love and give their lives to today.
I spoke to a flight attendant on a plane this trip who struck up a conversation with me over a book she saw me reading. She told me that she goes to church but her good friend won’t come with her. Even though her friend professes to love God, she thinks all people in ministry are charlatans. Some of you have undoubtedly been hurt by seeing the weaknesses and failures of people in the Christian world you admired. A scandal can be absolutely devastating and don’t think for a moment Satan isn’t hoping to take down a thousand with the one. When you lose your faith over flesh and blood, the devil has gotten exactly what he schemed. The warfare is inconceivably fierce against those out front and many leaders are caught off guard by it and seduced before they realize what hit them. God help us all. God forgive us all. God restore us all…as many as will let Him do what it really takes. At the same time, I want you, my dear fellow sojourners, to know that so many out there are the real thing. They love Jesus Christ and pray when nobody’s looking and get up in the mornings and open their Bibles for the ten-thousandth time. They weep before Him for lost and hurting souls and rejoice before Him over one touched life. They do a very hard thing for a very long time…and, often, under very harsh criticism.
Oh, Sister, don’t let the enemy get you in the trap of cynicism. Yes, there’s some inauthentic – and flat-out-false stuff in the church and we must go to great lengths not to contribute to it by insisting upon our own authenticity and humility and sound scholarship before God and man. But there is also so much good. So many good. Not perfect I dare say. But good. So many of you are among those. I read your comments and find myself edified and encouraged in Spirit. I pray that maybe these stories build you up a bit this Lord’s Day.
He is so faithful. I love loving Him with you.
hey mama beth:)
thank you for your heart and for sharing the heart of these other sweet souls.
i wouldn’t call it cynicism, but i have had a bout of NUMBNESS in my life for several months due to some “dead” places in my heart. i was in a really scary car wreck this past Thursday involving 2 other cars and a lot of ice. what should have ended with all 3 drivers in the hospital, turned out with all of us walking away without a scratch. God saved every one of us.
when i got home, i all but pounced on my Bible cause i needed those words to calm my shaky spirit. and in that precious book i found a passage in ezekiel 37 that was talking about dry bones being brought back to life. immediately i knew the Lord was telling me to WAKE UP from this state of numbness that i have been in, and felt His promise to me of waking me out of every grave place in my heart that i thought had died a few months back.
He is so stinkin’ good to us. to me. it’s an honor to learn how to love Him better with you.
The part about being cynical really hit home. My church has just finished a capital funds campaign to finance a new church building. I fear there have been some very dear friends fall away. Attrition is to be expected when trying to raise almost $1.5 million dollars, but my heart breaks that Satan is rejoicing over just 1 family leaving over money. So the faith-promises we received are bittersweet. Please pray for us, dear siesta’s.
Dearest Beth,
This, the third Sunday of Advent, is also known as “REJOICE” Sunday because we always read Isaiah 61 and 1 Thes. 15 this day.
Thank you for sharing these sotries of faith that are indeed reason to rejoice. Oh, He is so faithful. Praise the Lord with me.
Together let us praise his name!
Sister Lynn
I was thinking of this blog over the weekend. I thought for so many years I’ve aspired to achieve being the “perfect Christian woman” as if one day I’m going to get there if I try hard enough. I thought, one day I’m going to be one of those woman where godliness exudes 24/7. All my faults and failures wouldn’t be there as much. Then it hit me. There’s nothing for me to “achieve”. Each one of us have our faults and failures. No one is a better christian. Just like the christian woman I look up to, every day, like myself, they have to get up and decide to be obedient. They have pain, I have pain. They have struggles, doubts so do I. And that won’t change. Not in this life. And so I take comfort that here I am, as I am. And God loves me and will use me just as I am. And thank you fellow sisters for showing me we’re all the same, headed all in that one direction together. Amen.
Oh I Praise Him everlastingly, Mrs. Beth, with you.
I would have loved to be the fly on the centerpeice of that table!!!
Dr. Dobson, co-author of Left Behind, you and not least a faithful still active wise woman of Christ? If I had any money I would pay to see any/all of you in a round-table discusion about any/all that God laid on your hearts.
Aside from my admoration, I want to express more seriously… you edify me …God uses you so often even when I don’t post it. I thank God for you and your courage to stand. I pray over and lift you up to our Lord as often as I remember.
And today I will remember you all right now and later in my private time with the Lord. (I’m at work.)
Loving on you in Christ…
Wow. Great post! Beth, you were a light in the darkness for me back in Aug. 2000 when a friend took me semi kicking and screaming to my first in-depth Bible study (David, A Heart Like His). That first day I saw a passion for Christ and authenticity in you like I had never seen in a woman before. My life has completely changed little by little over the past few years and trust me when I say that God used you more than anyone to bring this about. Thank you!!! Love, joy and peace, Dana <><
Well known by many, known by just a few, we all need to sit around with friends and brag about our Jesus. How wonderful to be able to sit with powerful speakers and hear their humility, their love for their Savior and for each other. Wish I could have been a ‘bug on the wall’!
Beth,
This was refreshing! Today is my birthday and I needed refreshing perspective. I have promised myself I would age gracefully, and I realize perspective is everything, but being one year away from 40 feels daunting. Yet I see everything the LORD has taught me over the last 9 years of true surrender and I think, “It only gets better”. Thank you for sharing snippets of this conversation. You are all standing stones for me that it is true. IN HIM, it only gets better!
Praise His wonderful name. One of our pastor’s wrote a great song about our personal interaction with the LORD and then His glory in us. “Set my heart ablaze so that the world may see that you oh Lord, you are HOLY”!!!
Blessings,
Jina
Thank you for this post but thank you even more for your words at the wedding. Your counsel to stop and pray in the middle of an argument and also to say “I’m sorry” constantly were convicting to me. I’m a single friend of the bride’s and although I won’t face opportunities to practice these in a marriage relationship, your advice is completely transferrable to a all relationships. Thanks once again for allowing yourself to be used of God and ministering to His children…even to guests at a wedding!
Thanks for sharing Beth. So very nice to hear the simple and steadfast authenticity of people who are devoted to and engaged with Jesus through a lifetime.
Love you,
karen :):)
What an uplifting breakfast! Our pastor yesterday spoke of making Christmas purposeful and stressed the point that he believes the Bible to be without error and completely true. (Big ‘Amen’ from my seat inserted here)! Then he went on to say that he had many, many books written by incredible men and women (he named several) and said that while they are incredible people, they will not be elevated any more than that in his life. “They are as big as they are gonna get”. (The message can be heard at http://www.wcbc.us).
Too often we move our affection and devotion and faith to the precious messenger and forget that they are just as prone to fall as we are. Thank you for the reminder to keep our eyes on Him…that when we lift Him up, He will draw others to Himself.
Dear Beth, Your words brought tears to my eyes. I heard the phrase “long obediance” and was cut to the quick as that expresses perfectly a steadfast lifetime walk with Jesus. And I have been convicted for YEARS we need to PRAY,PRAY,PRAY for our leaders. They are huge targets of Satan and we need to be covering them in prayer. Our local spiritual leaders, those in ministry who feed us-such as yourself-and we really need to be diligent in praying for those who govern over us. “To whom much is given much is required.” Thank you for the uplifting testimony of those who grow in their love and service for Jesus. In Jesus’ Love Kathy Knoblock
Beth, that is awesome! We’ve never met, but, I look at you as a “friend”, one of the girls. Because you have such a sweet, comfortable spirit that makes everyone who hears you speak, read your books and attend your conferences feel like they know you personally. And then I read something like this, and it reminds me that you are “famous”. Ha, ha! It was just funny to me, reading this and thinking, “You go, Beth”! You are my “girlfriend” in Christ, yet you had breakfast with some of the most influental people in the ministry!
Wow, this is so timely! I just spent the weekend “trudging” through some old, deep painful stuff…deep,deep pain from ministry…My parents served many years and the last few were years spent “dodging the enemy’s arrows” I was struggling with understanding my mom’s pain that is still saw raw after 18 months later…..Healing from this type of pain is a loooong process and some days I am cynical and for a split second the thought of walking away hits….I would never! but the thought still hits me everyonce in awhile! So thankful I read this today!
When an incident or sham goes down in the church, I ask myself now:
When all is said and done, Does this match up with who the LORD is?
Of course the answer to the schemes and failures always ends up being no, it is the people. We are sinful people.
( there is a scene in Steel Magnolias where Julia Roberts says, “we are awful, we are all hateful, awful people,” But it’s true with out Jesus.)
This makes it easier for me to go to church when the people there aren’t acting like I think they ought to. I don’t go to church for people, I don’t even go to get something out of it.
I go to give my praise.
But I love to hear of those who are really serving and really seeking, Beth you are one of them for me. When I hear you say things like “I want to fall face down on the floor,” and I KNOW you mean it – I so badly want to be a woman of that substance.
Thank you LORD for those who show us in example the joy and incredible closeness you offer in a realtionship with you and your son.
In Jesus name,
Amen
wow! how cool! To have stumbled upon that group sitting there in that hotel! I would have probably just stood there with my mouth hanging wide open! HA! Sorry, i know that isn’t why you posted this but that is what i kept thinking!!!
Thank You! for your words of Godly wisdom. I needed this !
God Bless,
Susan
Dear Beth – God surely knew that the incident you shared would have one little phrase I needed to hear! The part about Dr. Dobson’s father telling his bride that “should their marriage ever cause him mental anguish, he would remain her faithful husband” – just what I needed. Thanks for so many times encouraging us to do the hard thing for His glory and our own good.
In the name of Him who loved us first –
The list of names at your breakfast sounds like one of those lists that people give in those profiles in the local newspaper … you know … what’s one word to describe you? what’s something no one knows about you? who would you invite to your fantasy meal? I love it!! Thanks for the refreshing word today. Merry Christmas to you and all of LPM!
Wow,
How timely is this post. I have just spent a weekend on the church field where I feel like I have been trying to light a fire with wet wood. A whole lot of smoke and not much fire. So needless to say the grumpies and the why I am I here attitude was rearing its ugly head. Thanks for the encouragement.
Wow, what a timely word- and how right you are. Satan tried really hard to create division within the leadership of our church this past week and I praise God for a pastor who seeks God and obeys when given the answer for our situation. As we all pray and seek Him in these last days and trying times it is so easy to be distracted, to take our focus off of our ministry and calling here, and it is at that moment Satan pounces on us. Thank you Beth for reminding us all that we need to be vigilant and guard our hearts, thoughts, and minds in this present hour.
Thank you for being authentic and real with us.
I pray God’s riches blessings on you and your family during this holiday season.
Julie
Thanks Beth, I needed this as I’ve been so cynical lately about Christmas, all because things will be a little lean financially this year. It’s all about my pride! I need Jesus so much.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee
Amen Mama Siesta!
Thank you for sharing that word of encouragement!
Although I don’t feel cynical (at the moment…I have certainly had my days! :o) this was so refreshing to read! Thank you, Beth, for touching and stirring my spirit and soul once again!
Thanks Beth, for such a nice recap of the weekend you had. I always enjoy reading about what is going on with you and LPM. It is something positive during the day that gives me a boost.
Thanks again,
Oh my … could I cry anymore? My man is here (cry of joy #1), I’m sleep deprived (cry of exhaustion #2), my last paper is about an hour from being done (cry of relief #3), I’ve said ‘goodbye’ to a close circle of godly young women that I have had the privilege of doing life with (cry of grief #4), and I’m about to drive for 38 hours (cry of insanity #5).
Cry #6 – the ringing truth of your post. I love Him so much I do not know what to do with myself…Other than invest in a box of kleenex
Thank you Beth for sharing such special thoughts and times.
I’m refreshed and encouraged.
Beth, Thanks so much for that information. At work I’m really trying to be God’s light and need that help every now and again. I love going to church and being fed the word of God. I also love more spending time with GOD myself. It’s so awesome. I’ve learned so much. It’s awesome. I love ya’ll. Have a great and blessed day. Mary Anne
Amen Siesta Mama I so needed to hear this. God bless and keep you as you enjoy that wonderful group of people you love so much this Christmas.
Thank You,
Celeste
I needed this so badly today! I want to serve Him every day of my life. I have just recently taken on leading our new women’s ministry at our little plant church. I am so afraid, so afraid of what people might think of me or how they might judge me. It makes my blood run cold. And yet I know that Jesus has put me here for this purpose at this time and being obedient to Him is exactly what I am supposed to be doing. It is so refreshing to hear of these great leaders of our time who have so profoundly impacted the kingdom. I pray for just a shred of their devotion and commitment…that God will be just as pleased with how I use the gifts He has given me to impact His kingdom. There just are not enough words.
WOW!! Did you say who was getting married? What a lucky (blessed) gal or guy to have that many heavyweights attending (inc. lil ole YOU). Thanks for letting us peep into this sweet, spontaneous moment of time. How good to know of so many notable believers running the marathon race with genuine faith/love intact. You just KNOW it can’t be due to human effort, alone…
Just wanted you to know that my husband and I just finished a 8 month study of Living Beyond Ourselves. We are national park volunteers and don’t always get to go to church, but I must tell you that God has used this study mightily to refine us and to minister to others. We’ve been Christians for more than 35 years, but we’re always learning of HIS love and lovingkindness.
Beth, I know people tell you this all the time, but I still want to anyway – thank you for loving Jesus as you do and being obedient and for sharing your heart with a hurting world. You and your ministry do make a difference.
Thank you for sharing again something so real and relevant. I’ve been a Christian for over 40 years and have been on both sides of ministry. Thank you for the warning about becoming cynical…so easy to do. What’s amazing is that you don’t always recognize it when you are with someone who isn’t the “real deal” but boy you can’t miss it when you are with someone totally authentic and it blesses the socks off you. I’m so blessed to know that these ones you spoke of so well known… are real and truly the love the God they serve. Thanks, Beth. Blessings!
Debbie
Thank you for sharing your life with us. It’s amazing how God touches my heart through your words and experiences.
It’s ALL for Jesus! I pray we will remember that this Christmas like never before. Waking up on Christmas morning with songs of praise and a heart full of joy because of the GIFT we have that compares to NOTHING!
All my love to you my dear sister!
Beth,
My heart is close to bursting open after reading your words. This world brings so much discouragement, but we know that God is still in charge and there are those who are sincere in their love of Christ and their willingness to share Him with us. Thanks for the refreshment. love you much.
Amen sister. Amen.
Thanks for letting us eaves drop on that wonderful conversation. I felt as though I had pulled up a chair and was drinking coffee right along with all you. What a blessing.
Jill S
“God restore us all…as many as will let Him do what it really takes.”
Amen, sweet Beth! And that is by far the hardest thing, but the most rewarding if we are willing to do what it takes. Thanks for sharing your exciting weekend with us. I love loving Jesus with you, too!
Love you!
Lindsee
My goodness Beth. When you and I are in heaven together, I’ll explain all the in’s and out’s of the circumstances of this day, but until then, take my word for it, you were the exact and I do mean EXACT encouragement specifically to a situation I have been praying and fasting about today. This very day.
(and I just giggled over the Dr. Dobson comment. Secretly, I refer to him as “Uncle Jim”- in my head only… and because I too, have a child that could stump him good!!)
Beth, how I wish so much for this kind of faith and love. I prayed for many years for God to take an addiction out of my life, to take away the temptation and here I am today facing alot of trouble. How do you do it? I’ve tried so hard, reading God’s word, doing Bible Studies, praying everyday for God to take the temptation away and it didn’t happen. Reading this blog is encouraging, but I doubt myself.
Beth,
Your posts are always such an encouragement. Thanks so much.
God’s blessings and Merry Christmas to all of you,
Patti Hayes
Lutz, FL
Thank you Beth, this is just what I needed to hear today. I was doing the dishes this morning when I felt the Lord speak to my heart about a root of bitterness I was allowing to grow over another believer. I’ve prayed about this today, and then this evening decided to check in and see what was new on the Blog. So here I am…thank you for this reminder.
What a treat to get a glimpse inside your world and sit at a table with such distinguished Christian authors (present “company” definitely included!). What a blessed bride and groom to have you all there.
Your words reminded us all to pray for our Christian leaders and those in the limelight. Thank you for that reminder.
A wonderful example of a person who leads an examplary life in the limelight is Rev. Billy Graham. I highly recommend his book “Just as I Am” to those who have not yet read it.
When I went back to church years ago people who were visiting were asked to stand and the pastor asked others to introduce themselves at the end of the service. There was a beautiful, very well dressed family near myself and kids. Naturally, everyone made a bee-line to the beautiful family and no one came up to us.
“See, church people really are so shallow and hypocritical”, I thought. I planned to use that for my excuse to not return. However, I met the pastor that day and he told me about a class for “unequally yoked women” and took my name and number. I figured that nothing would come from it, but that day the Sunday School teacher called and invited me to join them the next Sunday.
God really shook me that day. He showed me that people are imperfect and to NOT JUDGE HIM by the acts of people. I am in church to worship HIM.
Interestingly, in the years that I belonged to that church there was never another service where visitors were asked to stand. I believe that was for me, that He wanted to show me my prejudices and being much too quick to judge.
And isn’t wonderful that God meets and loves us just as we are? I thank Him for His mercy that is new every morning and for His grace to show me what I need to learn. I thank you Beth as you are so often instrumental in those lessons of His.
Love,
Kathy
Dearest Beth,
I guess the enemy must be doing the same thing with many of us, because I’ve been battling cynicism like crazy lately. He is a LIAR!
On the flip side – how fun for you to be sitting with such a neat group of people. Bet the conversation was fascinating. I’ve been praying for you quite a bit lately — especially that the Lord would ease your isolation as a result of your position. Shouldn’t be surprised that He’s answering, but boy, when He does something, He does it big, doesn’t He? 🙂
Love you, sister!
Gretchen in Thousand Oaks, CA
I almost heard a little “Ellie May at the Met” come out in your story but Ms. Bethie is so worthy of our respect and them some! Always edified by you.
HG, Charlotte NC
Beth, thank you!! Yes, these stories really encouraged me. The enemy is working hard against me. I am a PW’s and I feel burned out to the core at times. Right now is one of those times. I just started your Esther study last week (I am offering at church next month but I also do a sneak peek prior). The study is AWESOME. It is the spiritual food I need right now. I think this study is one of your best. I can not tell you how your story about your ‘dark night’ made me cry. You described exactly what I have been feeling. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for being one of the “real” ones. I pray for you often and I will continue to do so. I love you and look forward to meeting you in heaven. 🙂
Thank you for your post!! I read it with tears running down my cheeks. I am most cynical!! I work in a church. My son works part-time in the same church and most of the people don’t like what he is there doing. They aren’t afraid to say things that are degrading or mean with me right there! Our family is struggling with whether or not to stay in the church that we have been a part of for the last 30 years. I needed to be reminded that there are real, sincere believers out there! Thank you!
OH I NEEDED THAT!!! 🙂
LOL at the weeding. This brings back memories, of when I’ve heard you say to us single gals that we need to deal with our stuff before we walk down the isle. Sooo. you are right about weeding. 😀
Thank you for that post. I got down right bitter over someones actions on Sunday night on the way to church mind you.