better stuff

facebook feels predictable to me these days: outrage. conflict. preening. it's too much.

so I'm turning it off and concentrating on better stuff.

today I listened to yesterday's Dr. Ury sermon: "An Indwelling Justice". such a good message and important for these days of cultural upheaval. I wonder how we can impact the culture if we're not actively deciding to love people - choosing to use whatever gifts and time we have to be "all in" vs. hiding away somewhere in our piety and privilege, talking endlessly of ideas more than we're making a difference. I was so struck by the words he shared from Catherine Booth about what sharing the gospel takes: "Here is the principle laid down, that you are to adapt your measures to the necessity of the people to whom you minister; you are to take the Gospel to them in such modes and habitudes of thought and expression and circumstances, as will gain for it from them a hearing."

what a woman of impact she was! I need to learn a lot more about her, I've decided:) of course I looked up the quote and read some more on her, including this: 

"four qualifications of a consistent witness for Jesus:

– The witness must be good – someone whose character matches their words.
– The witness must be faithful – someone who personally knows the truth and is willing to tell the whole truth; the convicting and healing truth of the gospel.
– The witness must be reliable – someone who is willing personally to go to those who need to hear the message; someone who accepts personal responsibility rather than merely sponsoring others to go.
– The witness must be courageous – like Daniel who was not ashamed or afraid of the consequences for his devotion to the Lord. A good witness must be willing to speak out for God whatever the cost."

being a worthy witness: so much to ponder! so I pondered some on a walk this evening:)  Louisiana is not known for Fall colors, but these lovely fall evenings are good for the soul. Being able to enjoy these timed right walks is a blessing of these unsettled days for me....

we can always be part of the solution in our culture, however small our roles may seem. But we have to actively engage! we can look at others with love, not distain. we can look at ourselves honestly, with grace. we can walk out of whatever closed background, place of hurt our stories include and allow our forgiven hearts to be restored - to see and be seen in the real world. Lord, make it so.