Author: bonniejeancarr

Many equate blind faith as the most challenging aspect of believing in God and all His promises. Not me. I wonder if binding faith might be overlooked as focus seems automatically given to blind faith.

Blind faith entails holding steadfast belief in Who and what can not be seen. Binding faith encompasses solid union no matter what we see. Is it easier to hold belief in what we hope for but can not see, or to remain firmly attached to our faith when visions surrounding us appear beyond our hope?

For me, the easier is to blindly believe in what I can not see. Not releasing my binding faith that God’s Hand can restore and save all that I see around me is my most challenging creed.

The glue that keeps my faith tightly bound is adhering to Lamentations 3: 21-23 (NIV). “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

In Grammar School, one of my teachers (a devoted lady of God) repeated, over and over again, to my tiny ears entrusted her that the Cross of Jesus was always behind each and every one of us. Her gentle voice encouraged our little lives to remember we could, no matter what, know and believe Jesus was there to lean back on when the world tried to push us down into failure or loss of faith.

Now at seven years old, I was all into learning absolute facts that prevented any chance of my failing — on my report card or in life!!! If Sister Maura said something was true, I memorized it as dogma. However, one First Friday morning that year, my Second Grade, literal mind collided with full blown shock that maybe, just maybe, facts can have more than one meaning and message.

My entire school was kneeling in Church, when my eyes looked to the altar and realized the Cross of Jesus WAS NOT behind me, but rather, in front of me. Even back then, my being did not lack boldness in forging into figuring out what Jesus’s promises really mean. Thus, I did the expected thing for me to do. I climbed over every classmate between me and the Church aisle, then marched my little person back to Sister Maura and, out loud, declared: You told me the Cross of Jesus is always behind me. No, it’s not. With my pointer finger stretching toward the altar, I continued. See, it’s in front of me. How Come???

Many of the older people and children around me started laughing. Sister Maura’s shocked expression was not giggling. Motioning me to join her in her pew, she took my little hand (and heart) and tenderly whispered: At lunchtime, I’ll explain the SECRET of how the Cross of Jesus can be both behind you and in front of you.

You better believe, when lunchtime finally arrived, I didn’t join the rank and file of my peers marching down to the lunch room. Instead, I plunked my tin lunch box down on Sister Maura’s desk and plopped my bottom down in the chair beside her desk. Sister Maura had some explaining to do, and I was all ears to have this SECRET figured out.

Crazy, isn’t it? Sixty-seven years have come and gone since that day, but I still remember it and the wisdom a dedicated teacher/lady of God instilled in me.

Sister Maura explained that God’s desire for me (and all His children) is for my life to travel a path leading to Him in heaven. Everyone’s path is different, so, at times, I would be alone and maybe a little afraid. At one time or another, I might even want to run back to the world behind me, which is the wrong direction from Heaven’s gates. However, the Cross of Jesus would forever stand right behind me. Whenever I looked back and saw the Cross and that Jesus died so my sins would be forgiven and I could enter heaven, I would not only feel brave enough to keep going, but also, realize I was not alone but that Jesus was with me and helping me reach heaven. Jesus would never leave me or abandon me. He always is behind me, supporting, forgiving and loving me — no matter what!!!

Next, Sister Maura shared the SECRET part of the story. In a hushed voice, she asked me if I remembered when she taught me God is EVERYWHERE. My little head shook yes. She went on to explain there would be times when I grew up that things would be difficult and I would want to quit on my road to heaven. I might be tired, sad, mad or, maybe, just confused and want to stop and give up. That is when Jesus (cause He is God) would show me He is everywhere. Jesus could, and would, put His Cross, also, in front of me, so I could see Him telling me not to stop and that He was leading me and would help me to keep going — even if He had to pull me forward.

Did I now understand why, and how, the Cross of Jesus is, IN TRUTH, both behind and in front of me, she asked? Filled with energy and Second Grade enthusiasm, I shouted out: Yes, I really really do!!!

Fast forwarding all these years, my recollect can innumerate many times when that day, way back in early Grammar School, laid the foundation for guiding me over, and my surviving, numerous mountains on my ongoing, personal path to heaven. How much strength and grace I’ve received because one devoted teacher sketched the vision for me that the Cross of Jesus stands behind, before and beside me always. May the sharing of this memory now be your picture of where the Cross of Jesus, truly, is for you, too.

For many a month, my three year old grandson planned on taking me to the zoo. Delighted, I was coming to visit, he began making plans. On the morning of our zoo visit, I was as excited as he to begin our excursion. Mommy and baby sister joined our trip. Our expedition began with giraffes, chimpanzees, and orangutans. My daughter, directly staring me in the eyes, announced REPTILES were next. Under her breath she emphatically declared, “Mom, your fear isn’t your grandson’s. Please, don’t share it.” I not only fully understood, I, also, agreed with her intercession.

Truth is, I am not afraid, but petrified, of snakes. That zoo morning I realized my snake fear results from my personal view, not any dogma — Christian or otherwise. Wrongly, I could force my view on others ( specifically my grandson) and expect all (him) to accept my declaration as absolute dogma; but this is invalid thinking and forcing my view, not dogma, to be held as valid for all. From this perspective is where today’s blog roots.

Our Country is falling apart, being torn from its stability, I believe, because in many ways we are expecting and forcing our views to be received and realized as dogma by others.

First off, let’s define the difference between views and dogma. A view is “my” conclusion on world issues. Dogma is God’s proclamation outlined and defined in His word, the Bible. Views center in personal choice, estimation and judgment. Dogma is rooted in God’s laws, warnings and conclusions, as defined in Scripture. I (or you) author views. God authors dogma.

Society is being torn apart by personal views being screamed at each other. So very often, dogma inspired directions, especially the Ten Commandments, are not the source of our personal proclamations. Instead, personal views, more and more, are the explosive accusations ripping us apart.

Dogma states it is wrong to not recognize and praise God, kill, steal, commit adultery, not honor parents, bear false witness or covet what belongs to others. Upholding and defending these commands we, as Christians, are called to do, and do strongly. However, personal views, on much that is destroying our land, are not meant to divide us or to be forced on others. The Covid Pandemic, I feel, has torn our Country apart on a higher pitch than any of our conflicts over dogma. For example, masks and vaccinations are not dogma but rather views. However, society (including some Christians) acts as if they are highest dogma.

I wonder, is it worth dividing and destroying our Country over that which is our views. Shouldn’t all of our efforts be directed toward preserving God’s dogma? Could it be that the devil might well be using the tactic of letting our views take over any dominance of Biblical dogma?

Jesus clearly instructed, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”. Mark 12:17 (ESV) I suggest a paraphrase might be: what is of Caesar’s is of the world and holds individual value. It’s meaning or direction differs, and is determined, by choice, not dogma. What is of God is dogma and of equal value and sameness for all. Its worth is written in God’s Hand and not to be interpreted by personal view. Why does this matter? Because, the distraction of our views is covering up the relevance and commands of dogma.

Now, before there’s any misconception, this blog is my view. I do not make any pretense of it being dogma. It’s merely a view to mull over, not dogma by which to be sworn!!!

My last few months in North Carolina and my first months in Florida, I have been attending very large churches. For me, one of the greatest teaching points in this has been: whom is a child of God to resemble. Having come from smaller congregational settings, I was used to being surrounded by the majority of worshippers who, mostly, matched me. By placing myself in much larger settings, God has opened my squinting eyes. Bottom line, I’ve come to understand that children of God are not to resemble me. They are called to reflect the image of God. Come beside me as I share one of the diverse images I came to realize deeply reflects our Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

My initial, rather shocking, revelation pivoted around tattoos. My olden “prim and proper” nature automatically assumed all tattoos were a sign of borderline rebellion, at its best, and full blown insurrection at its worst. Never did I put tattoos in the realm of belief in the Resurrection. However, an eye opener stared me down via an on stage music leader. His passion for Christ oozed out of every note he sang. In a matter of seconds, he escalated my emotional worship energy. It was a few weeks before it even dawned on me his outer skin was inked. Up until that moment, all I had witnessed was his love of God inspiring me, and the whole congregation, to join in choruses of Divine praise. Suddenly, I was questioning the short sightedness of my automatic tattoo conclusions.

My eyes began to look around the congregation. The family of God surrounding me was so very large and, quite naturally, was not anywhere close to a 100% clone of the “prim and proper”. However, upon closer observation, I concluded all were to be included in the reflection of God’s children. I witnessed universal hearts loving, and souls praising, God — no matter what outside appearance each portrayed. Wow, was I convicted; and, yes, I felt a big ouch!!! Children of God are to resemble God, not me or any of my preconceived notions.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. All churches, no matter their size, will be overflowing with worshippers. Will you join me in forgetting about where our blind, pigeon hole eyes might guess their belonging — or not belonging? Let’s, instead, look for God (not ourselves) in others. Above all, let us remember, we are not to make our own preconceived conclusions; “for God does not show favoritism”. Romans 2:11 (NLT)

Condemnation and judgment are not a Christians levying duty. Only God’s hands hold this enforcing power. In fact, instead of condescendingly looking down on evil doers, we are instructed to reflect and realize “there, but for the Grace of God, go I”. Simply stated, but for the Grace of God, I (and you) could be under the same fate as any (and every) fallen, unfortunate or persecuted person. Every created human being bears the label sinner. That we have escaped the dire depths of our sinful nature, we must realize is due to the gift of God’s Grace.

It is upright to proclaim God’s Grace is to be praised as our escape from the devastating situations many deserve or endure. However, too often, relief (not praise) becomes our sigh upon recognition of “there, but for the Grace of God, go I. I can’t help but wonder if this is the full, God intended, voice meant to flow from this idiom. I don’t believe so.

Man’s purpose is to praise God. Relief that we escaped a negative scenario somehow seems to lack praise. “Dodging a bullet” relief hardly exudes joyful praise. So maybe, the phrase “but for the Grace of God” has an overlooked flip side that we Christians need to embrace. Possibly, if we were to do so, the result would be to expand our praise for God and deflate our self glorification.

Let’s explore a flip side of “there, but for the Grace of God, go I”. I purpose we ponder “there, BECAUSE of the Grace of God, go I”. Application could apply to all of our accomplishments, gifts and blessings (both earned and unmerited). Might this bring home to us gratitude and praise laid at God’s feet, over self pride and over estimating our own worth?

Are any of us capable of producing success without God’s Grace — anymore than we can escape failure without God’s Grace? I don’t think so. However, I also believe that only by contemplating God’s Grace as the agent for all we positively receive, will God be praised as the source for all we are blessed to achieve or be given.

This week marks the beginning of celebrating the greatest gift we have ever been given, and one we totally have not earned — Jesus Christ’s Death and Resurrection so that we could be forgiven and redeemed. What better time is there to proclaim both sides of this idiom?

There, BUT FOR the Grace of God, go I — Good Friday: Jesus took on my sins (and yours) and died in place of me.

There, BECAUSE OF the Grace of God, go I — Easter Sunday: Jesus rose from death so I (and you) can walk through the gates of Heaven.

After sighs of relief on Good Friday for God’s saving Grace, let us praise God on Easter Sunday for His greatest gift of Grace.

“But by the Grace of God I am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)

     The mighty little warrior capturing my vision is a ten year old lad.   As I sit calmly on the shoreline, he and his surfboard are conquering humongous waves.   His Uncle is standing watch and hand gestures him in a little closer, but this tyke only has his sight set on the next big wave.   Not chilling fear, but thrilling confidence runs through his miniature muscles.

     For near an hour, I’ve been mesmerized by this little boy defying ocean power, riding all the waves regardless of their might and celebrating every time he comes to a halt on the sand.   My heart, too, rejoices in his victories and delights in his, from top of his head to tip of his toes, exuberant joy.   Children are meant to be filled with the freedom of pretending to be a super hero and thoroughly occupied with having fun.

     Suddenly, I felt a nudge to allow not solely my eyes, but also my soul, to capture the scene before me.   It was then that I noticed this lad was donning bright blue swim trunks and was riding a brilliant yellow surfboard – Ukraine’s colors.   My heart ached as it awakened to the contrast of one little American boy’s dream-filled day versus a multitude of Ukrainian youngsters’ war-filled nights.   These little children might be oceans away, but they were created by God, just like the little boy surfing and on-looker me.

     It’s ok for me to be an on-looker to another’s dream; but as a child of God, am I not called to be an active participant, at least through prayer, when nightmares overtake even distant little souls created by God?   Shouldn’t the suffering of any, and all, youngsters hit home – including my and your abode?

     Sadly, it seems many Americans have become so focused on scurrying around to find “what we want” despite disrupted supply chains that we overlook there are others who, without a life line, are in hiding with “nothing they need” to even survive.  

     Strange how a little boy surfing the ocean helped me dive beneath the surface and into the waves of war.   Granted, I’m unable to do much, but I can do more – deeper prayer can led me, and you, to unite at God’s feet and beg His hands to cradle the innocent youth caught up in our war torn world.   Above all, are we not called to pray for these tormented souls as family, not as distant foreigners?

     As my thoughts began wondering if there is any Hope for the young lives enduring the plaque of war, God sent His assurance.   The little surfer captivating my gaze, suddenly, met a monster of a wave which conquered him.   Both the lad and the board toppled over and were momentarily submerged under the wave.   Upon the two of them re-surfacing, the board was upside down.   Never will I forget the little man dragging his “bottom up” board back onto the beach.   For you see, the bottom of his surfboard was neon green – the color of HOPE.

     God’s message to me was clear.   HOPE can surface even after being toppled by all waves, and wars, in life.   Nothing is beyond God’s power to bring us up from the depths of drowning fear and persecution.   Will you join me in praying for God’s HOPE to carry the children of Ukraine (and all their countrymen) out of war’s nightmare and into the peace and freedom of SONshine?   In unison, may we fervently pray for all God’s creations as family, not foreigners.   “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

     Yesterday, March 23^rd, my heart knew it was time.   Tater Tot, our beloved 14 year old Yorkie, was ready to romp the fields of heaven.   An appointment was made for the following afternoon to release her from her earthly suffering.   At that moment, I wrongfully thought I was going to “put her down”.   God’s love and compassion changed my understanding from “putting down” to “lifting up and letting go” — resting Tater Tot in God’s presence where she could be completely restored.   It is the truth of this perception, not my personal heartbreak, my soul yearns to share.

     Each morn before my feet even hit the floor, I reach for my Daily Devotional, JESUS CALLING.   Today, March 24^th, the very day Tater Tot is crossing the Rainbow Bridge, these are the words my tear-filled eyes read:

        March 24 – THIS IS A TIME  

       “THIS IS A TIME in your life when you must learn to let go of loved ones, of possessions, of control.  In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My presence, where you are complete.  Take time to bask in the light of My Love.  As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My care.  (JESUS CALLING, by Sarah Young.)

     Immediately following reading these words, I heard God telling me I WAS NOT “putting Tater Tot down”, as the world declares.   Rather, I was “lifting up and letting go” of Tater Tot so His Healing Hands could restore her health, entrust her to family already in heaven and allow Tater Tot the well earned blessing of romping happily in heaven while waiting for me to someday rejoin her.   

     No, most definitely, Tater Tot was not going in a downward direction as we said “I’ll see you later”.   She was being uplifted to the reward her life on earth merited.   The world is wrong to pin the phrase “putting down” on our four legged family’s journey to heaven.   How many of our human hearts are crushed by these words?   “Putting down” or “lifting up and letting go” will, both, break our hearts; but “lifting up and letting go” does not crush our hearts.   On the contrary, it supports and allows our souls to cradle what is broken and, in time and faith, cements the pieces of our hearts into a renewed forever love.   Simply stated, God can, and will, heal all that are broken if we “lift up, let go” and, in trust, collapse into His Hands.

       “Putting down” is a catastrophic end.   “Lifting up and letting go” into God’s Hands is an eternal life beginning.   Forever, I praise God for the GOD INCIDENCE daily devotional He sent me this morning.   Yes, my tears still fall, but the sad are intermingled with the grateful for a deeply cherished companion and the joyful that our little canine cherub now barks in Heaven’s choir.

     Fourteen women of prayer, in circular formation, wondering how to lead wayward children of God from unbiblical paths to salvation.   All ascertained that digging their heels in and preaching is only heard as screeching.   Looking up for inspiration, they implored, “What are we called to do?  God we need direction!”   Our Lord answered right away.   “Look down!” I heard Him say.

     Fourteen pairs of shoes were the foundation of this circle.   Each pair was distinct from all others.   No two were the same.   Neither are God’s children.   Think about this.   My journey is mine.   Yours is yours.   Each of our voyages to eternal life is unique – like none other.   By design, God created each of us unlike any other.   He did not manufacture, use a duplicate template or clone us.   Each of us was created not as a possession to be mass molded but an original treasure to be unfolded.  

     Not molded but unfolded – herein might rest God’s message hidden amongst 14 pairs of shoes.   Could it be, every child of God’s journey travels their own path; and ours is not the power to choose or change their trail?   In other words, our shoes don’t fit another’s feet.   Might, also, be that God is not expecting us to force others to walk in our shoes.

     So what are we supposed to do?   Not care about others; give up; don’t even try in the first place?   No, not at all, we are called to share the one pathway God duplicated in each of us – our hearts.  

     Lest we overestimate our ability and underestimate God’s power, let us confirm, and reaffirm, God is the only force strong enough to change one’s condemning ways.   Our calling is to show and share God’s love.    Then, leave to God the path that can lead His wayward children from straying and into the direction of seeing and feeling His goodness – over being bombarded by their badness.   

     Simply stated, our commission is to bring others (both those found and lost) to God.   Then God, not us, will re-chart their course and bring them home to heaven.   Too often, we amplify and over initiate our ability and calling.   The miracle of salvation is not ours, but God’s.   Our mission is to open our hearts to all (even before they have been showered in baptismal cleansing), reflect God’s all-embracing love, confirm God’s grace is given all who need and ask, then walk beside and lead to the foot of the cross.   Once we’ve shared this leg with another’s journey, God’s arms solely (and “soul”y) carry the transformation from being lost to finally found.

     Neither the weight of our evil world nor the weight of actually saving others rest upon our shoulders.   Though each weighs on our hearts, and as a Christian rightfully so, our capability is only to lead others to our Father, Son and Holy Ghost – knowing our Triune God’s ability, alone, can convict, cleanse and change one’s journey from on the road to hell to destined for heaven.

                                            Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

                                            Praise Him, all creatures here below;

                                            Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

                                            Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

                                            Praise God the Father who’s the sower;

                                           Praise God the Son who’s the course;

                                           Praise God the Spirit who’s the flow;

                                           Praise God, our portion here below!

                                                                         (By Rev. Thomas Ken)

     Reality is most every American adult (also, the majority of our teens and too many of our tweens) are unsettled by both the closeness of city crime and the far reach of Eastern European countries at war.   While it is understandable that mankind fears these physical threats, as children of God we are called to, are able to and must rest confidently in God’s promise – “…I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palm of My hands…”  Isaiah 49: 15-16 (NIV)

     Do you remember when as a child you faced attack by a peer?   Bet you turned the battle over to the strongest person you knew – your daddy.   You knew he’d right all wrongs and be your safeguard, didn’t you?   I certainly did.    Well, God in heaven, also, longs to be our “Father Shelter” defending and protecting us from every one of our fears, enemies and hostilities.   “So do not fear, for I am with you; and do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41: 10 (NIV)

     Have you felt yourself trembling when you hear about devastating weapons striking – and lurking to be unleashed upon – innocent citizens who are no different than you, me and ours?   I have.   How, you wonder, can one not be paralyzed in fright?   Our panic screams can best be silenced by listening to God’s Word, the Bible.   “Now I know: The Lord gives victory to His anointed.   He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.   They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”  Psalm 20: 6-8 (NIV)

     We trust God; but, yes, in today’s tumultuous world we waver and quiver over the atrocities taking place on our planet, Earth.   They seem too close to home not to feel the reverberations.   We can’t help but glare at their reality.   This leaves us shell shocked.   Sadly, our trust is frozen and our sight locked onto, and into, trepidation.   However, God calls His children, you and me included, to a different focus.   “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the rock eternal.”  Isaiah 26 3-4 (NIV)

     Bottom line, and top priority, is “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid.”  Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)

     This past week, I asked God where we have gone so wrong with rearing the youth of today.   Is Covid, bullying and lack of family the sole causes of so many wayward young people?   God led me to a totally new perspective.   It was an awakening!!!

     Youth of today are absorbed in the worldly ladder of horizontal success.   They are judged by being the best athlete, the smartest student, the most beautiful body, etc., etc., etc.   Sadly, not only do they constantly hear this from their peers, but also, from their parents, teachers and coaches.   Standard way of the young’s thinking (and believing) is if they aren’t the best, they are sub adequate.   Those who do attain the top rung are indoctrinated that they are only valuable (and validated) if they remain above all competition.   But is this God’s doctrine?   I don’t think so, or at least that was what I heard God whispering to me.

     Truth be told, I can’t find even one place in God’s word where He speaks that any human being is perfect, without fault, and towers above all other creatures; or that this is the direction in which mankind is to strive.   However, multiple times God reveals, though we all are sinners, the gift of His grace carries us beyond the lowliness of our shortcomings and into the highest glory – the reward of being called a child of God capable of (and destined to) reach beyond the limelight of the stars and merit the heavens.

     The greatest tragedy, today, is not that our youth are obsessed with their self-worth being tied to worldly status.   It is that we, their parents, teachers and coaches, have helped their identity be tied to successes instead of instilling in them that, like us grown-ups, they are sinners, not created to be measured by perfection, but grace covered in our imperfections.   Honestly, our adult conversations concerning the individual youth in our family, more than not, would, most likely, convict us all in this regard.   Ouch!!! 

     Maybe, young people need to know they are not adored because of what they achieve.   Quite possibly, what the young need to receive is our unconditional love, not solely doled out when they stand perfect above all others, but forever theirs, even when they fall down and “soul”y need God’s gift of grace to crawl across their finish line.

     Wonder what the world would reflect if we, adults, set out to help our young identify with being a grace gifted sinner instead of the reflection of a flawless, better than the rest, human being?