Hallelujah Anyway

Lesson One: “Hallelujah Anyway”

"....for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "

Philippians 4:11-13

Paul tells us we can find joy regardless of the circumstances. We learn thankfulness by holding on to Christ.

Whatever challenges or concerns we may have, if we examine our circumstance we will find related blessings. Use the Hallelujah Anyway chart below to document your blessings.

For example....perhaps you are having problems on the job. Of course, given today's economic turmoil, a related blessing is that you HAVE a job.

Hallelujah Anyway Chart (pdf)

Yes Virginia...People Really Are Homeless

People are discussing the older woman at the President's Florida town hall who spoke of living in her vehicle. CNN reports the Ft. Myers woman, Henrietta Hughes, has received offers of support after publicly disclosing her plight. A website, HenriettaHughes.com -- has been established to coordinate efforts to help her and her son, who reportedly lost his job and their home.

Some Republican pundits and bloggers are accusing her of being a plant, which is funny considering their own use of 'Joe the Plumber.' The really scary thing is there are still people in this country who don't understand the growing problem of homelessness in America. They don't understand that many middle-class Americans are one payday away from living in their car.

They just don't get it.

Witnessing the Unbelievable

The monuments along the National Mall seemed to be bigger and brighter during Inauguration Week. As a matter of fact, everything in D.C. shone brighter. I’ve spent a lot of time in the city over the years – I lived there for a decade and visit often. I’ve also spent untold hours in the mall area at the monuments and the museums. However, I must say…this last week was different…dare I say special!

There was a buzz everywhere—people of all ages and races were excited about our new President—Barack Obama. I first noticed the buzz at Ontario Airport. It followed me to Denver and Newark Airports. It was also with me on a train from Newark to D.C. There was joy on the faces of the many travelers going to D.C. for the Inauguration. Complete strangers spoke of their excitement at witnessing history. And…when my daughter and I arrived at Union Station in D.C., the halls were ablaze with decorations and travelers from all over the country. Walking out of the door and seeing the lit Capitol Dome was a sight I will never forget.

The buzz continued the next few days through parties, presentations, concerts, dances, and the main event itself. Everywhere there was pride, joy, and hope. And, in one of the most surprising statistics I have ever heard….with over two million on the mall on Inauguration Day….there were ZERO arrests!

One of the most precious parts of my journey was traveling with my ten-year-old daughter and being with her as we witnessed history. In addition to the ceremonies, I will never forget our visit to the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. There were three exhibits where my emotions got the best of me and I ‘lost it.’

The first was the slavery exhibit…seeing pictures of black men with lashes brought it home for me. The second was the Nelson Mandela exhibit, and I was glad that he lived to see this after all he endured. Finally, we visited the ‘First Lady Ball Gowns’ section and at the end there are photographs of every first lady. I wasn’t expecting it because this was before the swearing-in day, but the last picture was of Michelle Obama! My tears flowed.

I still can’t believe it! Every time I hear a newscaster stay ‘President Obama' I stop dead in my tracks and thank the Lord. I remember getting caught in the crowds when leaving the swearing-in. We were lodged near a fence and some of the people suggested tearing the fence down…”No!” shouted many of the young people in the crowd. “That’s not Barack’s way!” It’s a new day America.

What a time…what a time…

Andria Hall -- Rest in Peace

It was with great personal sadness that I learned of the passing of Andria Hall. Although Andria and I pursued different paths the past few years, my memories of her are dear and lasting.

We shared many good times and laughed often...and this is what I will remember. And then there is This Far by Faith...the book that was the culmination of our friendship! I could not have written that book with anyone else but her, and I am glad God brought us together for that project and the Circle of Seven Prayer organization which continues.

The one thing I am sure of is...Andria's faith was strong....always has been. I also know she was welcomed with open arms into His kingdom. She was talented, passionate, and creative. She will be remembered....

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Sizemore and Hall families.

The People's Business

I voted for change, and so did most of the people around me. Here in Western Riverside County California, we have been hit hard by the economic crisis – with some of the highest foreclosure and unemployment rates in the country. We want change and we want it now!

Not just change in the office of the Presidency, but also a change in the tone and behavior of our government leaders. We are sick of partisan politics and finger-pointing. We have no use for pundits and politicians—many of whom are totally out-of-touch with everyday Americans—giving us the same old buzz words, labels, and spin.

We want action. We want to move forward. We want a new game plan. We want solutions.

Barack Obama is a smart guy who has a good grasp of our current situation in America. We have given him the ball and we need to let him run with it.

He is doing the people’s business and Congress needs to get on board or get out of the way.

We voted for change.

Sharing the Misery

Recently, a friend of mine...one of the moms from the park...shared her family's wrenching story of trying to make ends meet...."Hard Times Mean Leaner Thanksgiving."

In this online article, my friend Bridget, a mother of four young children, describes the economic toll on her family since her husband lost his job. She told of selling furnishings...including her dining room table...to meet monthly expenses.

Some of the comments on the article have not been kind and she relayed to me her surprise. It seems there are a lot of people who want to judge and throw stones. However, I told her to rest assured...she speaks for many who are in similar financial binds but will not voice it publicly.

This recession (or depression) is hitting the middle class and upper middle class hard. Our area in Riverside County has unemployment around 10% and many empty houses. Some say we are ground zero for the mortgage mess. Our small businesses are suffering and our upscale shopping center is near default. Many in our communities are shell-shocked.

I applaud Bridget for expressing the frustration so many families are feeling, and describing the extreme measures some must undertake to pay the bills.

Someone has to speak the truth.

Abandoned Kids

The state of Nebraska recently amended their law offering safe havens for abandoned kids. It seems the original law, although intended for infants, didn't have age restrictions and parents were leaving older kids and teens.

I say they should have left the law in tact. If a parent is desperate enough to abandon their kid, that child should not be in the home with the parent. I know economically times are tough, and any parent of a teen occasionally thinks of taking them on a long, long ride and dropping them off...however, the majority of parents will not do this. For most parents, if finances leave them eating pet food...their kids are going to be right there with them.

So why would a parent abandon a child...emotional or financial or discipline reasons probably. This signals the parent and the child needs help.

The law should have stayed as it was to identify these children. Now they are lost and at the mercy of parents at the end of their rope.