When I was a teen, I was a faithful fan of the syndicated column, "Dear Abby". I was sure when Abby retired I would be contacted to take her place. The phone from the media moguls has never rung . . . Perhaps I've heard why from the Advisor on High . . .
Perhaps there's a need for "Dear Abba". The Greek word "Abba" is "Daddy". It is this name, Abba, with which Christians believe their God has asked them to address Him. For those of you fortunate to have a close, trusting relationship with your own father, it's no doubt the endearment you use even as an adult when you want his loving smile to mirror yours. This is a deep and global desire.
The closest one who does not yet have a divine "Abba" can come to this precious relationship is the lap of the magical benefactor, Santa Claus. Impressive, to be sure, to children under the age of ten; but eventually life demands of us a more frequently available lap and a less materialistic wish list if we hope to grow spiritually and emotionally as well as physically.
To keep growing -- to mature -- declares the ever- reliable Beth Moore requires
"a shift in what impresses me"
Let that permeate your thoughts until it dissolves into your heart . . . even if you are not yet 'spiritual'. If you can accept this, even momentarily, as a fairly solid test of 'maturity', the next question practically asks itself: "So . . . am I 'mature-ing'?"
One could make a strong case that the process of 'mature-ing' reveals itself one decision, one response at a time. This is why pastors strongly encourage their church members to "seek wise counsel" before making decisions that may impact the lives of dozens of others.
Ideally, wise counsel should come from counselors who seek Wisdom. Those of us who have tried (and tried and tried) our own wisdom can share with you the special heartache of that -- in spades. Those of us who have trusted the wisdom of so called "friends", "leaders", "analyzers" and (dare I say it) American Idols can testify to the dreadful futility of that.
For the crisis of conscience we each face day after day, I can only recommend to you Abba --My Wise Daddy. His advice is typically painful to hear and even more difficult to use as prescribed. I assure you that, if taken as directed, it will prevent terminal spiritual, emotional, and even physical disease. I assure you also that, as you lay your challenges before me to ponder, I am swallowing the same bitter pill that I may recommend from Him to you.
Whether you are any sort of "believer" or not, let me lay the heart of Abba's over the decision that keeps you awake at night . . . that leaves you immobilized by guilt or fear . . . that brings turmoil or -- worse -- silent separation to your home.
What have you got to lose? Leave your frustration, your indignation, your "What Should I Do" in the comment box of this blog. Or, if you prefer privacy, email them to me at vkjewell2002@yahoo.com.
Perhaps there's a need for "Dear Abba". The Greek word "Abba" is "Daddy". It is this name, Abba, with which Christians believe their God has asked them to address Him. For those of you fortunate to have a close, trusting relationship with your own father, it's no doubt the endearment you use even as an adult when you want his loving smile to mirror yours. This is a deep and global desire.
The closest one who does not yet have a divine "Abba" can come to this precious relationship is the lap of the magical benefactor, Santa Claus. Impressive, to be sure, to children under the age of ten; but eventually life demands of us a more frequently available lap and a less materialistic wish list if we hope to grow spiritually and emotionally as well as physically.
To keep growing -- to mature -- declares the ever- reliable Beth Moore requires
"a shift in what impresses me"
Let that permeate your thoughts until it dissolves into your heart . . . even if you are not yet 'spiritual'. If you can accept this, even momentarily, as a fairly solid test of 'maturity', the next question practically asks itself: "So . . . am I 'mature-ing'?"
One could make a strong case that the process of 'mature-ing' reveals itself one decision, one response at a time. This is why pastors strongly encourage their church members to "seek wise counsel" before making decisions that may impact the lives of dozens of others.
Ideally, wise counsel should come from counselors who seek Wisdom. Those of us who have tried (and tried and tried) our own wisdom can share with you the special heartache of that -- in spades. Those of us who have trusted the wisdom of so called "friends", "leaders", "analyzers" and (dare I say it) American Idols can testify to the dreadful futility of that.
For the crisis of conscience we each face day after day, I can only recommend to you Abba --My Wise Daddy. His advice is typically painful to hear and even more difficult to use as prescribed. I assure you that, if taken as directed, it will prevent terminal spiritual, emotional, and even physical disease. I assure you also that, as you lay your challenges before me to ponder, I am swallowing the same bitter pill that I may recommend from Him to you.
Whether you are any sort of "believer" or not, let me lay the heart of Abba's over the decision that keeps you awake at night . . . that leaves you immobilized by guilt or fear . . . that brings turmoil or -- worse -- silent separation to your home.
What have you got to lose? Leave your frustration, your indignation, your "What Should I Do" in the comment box of this blog. Or, if you prefer privacy, email them to me at vkjewell2002@yahoo.com.
