Perspective is Everything

Lots of people in our ministry and our community are facing real hardships in their lives, whether they be medical, employment, financial or relationship issues. Many people have asked about how serious my hand surgery was. My first reply was usually something along the lines of: "I define acuity of surgery as anything done on you is minor surgery, while anything done on me is major surgery." While trite, I think as Americans we tend to take that mindset. I am not trying to diminish how deeply affected we all are by our problems, but my Mom shared a quote from a book she is currently reading that I think I will be tackling once she finishes it. (Hurry up Mom!!!)

This is from the book "Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say Yes to God" which is written by Kay Warren, who's husband Rick is the pastor at Saddleback Church in California. He was the host of the forum with John McCain and now President Obama during the election. (While I may not agree with all he stands for, at least he is genuine in standing up for what he believes without disrespecting the position of others. This is a lesson we could all learn.)

Anyway, enough chasing rabbits.....

Here is what Kay has to say:

....if you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the people in this world! If you have any money in the bank and some in your wallet and some spare change in a dish somewhere, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy; 92% have less to live on than you do! If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million other people in the world. If you can attend worship services at church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

What does this have to do with the Music Ministry at Prince of Peace? I hope that you are able to realize the blessings that you have been given through our Resurrected Christ, and are inspired and motivated to share those blessings you have been given with others you encounter.

You each are great blessings to me and to the rest of the community. I hope and pray that you are able to recognize the blessings of God in your life and share with others.

++++quote taken from "Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say Yes to God" by Kay Warren. Published by Zondervan Books. Copyright 2007.