How Teddy Roosevelt Teaches Us About Relationships

Teddy Roosevelt once said in his famous speech, "Citizenship in a Republic",

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

I used to think that he was referring to the realm of politics with this quote, because that's where I first heard it.  I used to envision two men, probably political candidates, entering a boxing ring; their fists up, ready to spar for the course of the campaign.  I was once one of those 'men' because I, too entered the ring of candidacy.  Unfortunately, the voting populous didn't think that I was the person for the job, and a few of my friends shared this quote with me.  I used it as a salve for my wounds and it helped me to realize that I had been brave to step into the ring, no matter what the outcome.

However, I got to thinking today that I could have been wrong about that assumption.  Let me explain why I think that I'm wrong.  I think that this not only could be applicable to the political world.  No, I think it refers to relationships that we find ourselves in; husband and wife, mother and son, friendships, etc.  The list goes on.

I think when Mr. Roosevelt refers to 'daring greatly', I imagine he's referring to vulnerability.  I think that to be open and to actually try to make relationships work, we do have to remove our masks and show ourselves as we are, no mater how difficult or painful it could be.  We all risk rejection everyday when we share our hearts with our loved ones.  For that reason alone, we can all agree that relationships are messy.

I know some of those who don't dare at all, and even though being open and vulnerable hurts sometimes, I imagine that not trying at all would cause an ache inside that's far worse.  If you aren't susceptible, you'll never know how good the relationship could have been.  So, I pray that you're not the critic; that no matter how bloody you get, that you're the one in the ring daring greatly.

There Is Power in Surrender

 What do these three photos have in common? Arms extended, maybe eyes closed.  To me, these pictures depict a form of surrender.  That feeling that comes when you lay down your worries or problems at the feet of God.  Surrender is a wonderful place to be.  That means that your trust in the Lord is in full effect and nothing anyone says to you or does to you can hurt you.  Surrender is not a lack of care, don't misunderstand. 





The word surrender as defined by Merriam Webster is this: the action of

yielding one's person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another.  Hopefully, for you, that power is Jesus.  There is a scripture verse that has become one of my favorites and I think it describes how wonderfully blessed we are as Christians to be able to have such an amazing relationship with the one true God.  It's found in Hebrews 4:14-16 and it says,

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

This one scripture verse sums up the relationship between God and man.  Because God sent his only son wrapped in flesh, he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.  I also love the fact that it reminds us that Jesus was tempted in every way, BUT WAS WITHOUT SIN.  You could use these words as something to solidify your faith in Jesus, knowing how concrete and steadfast He is; how perfect He is.  I know I do.  

One other thing that brings me peace is when it says. "let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence..."  because it reminds me that God is on my side.  I hope that this has helped remind you of the power of surrender, even though it's actually a very vulnerable place to be, too.  Wrapped in the arms of a loving Savior, surrender is strength.  Put your faith and trust in Jesus, my friend.  You can't go wrong.

Consider It Pure Joy

The eyes of a child on Christmas morning as they gaze on the loot under their tree.  A newborn baby, swaddled in a blanket while sleeping peacefully.  A new bride as she gazes into her new husband's face while they share their first dance.  What do these things have in common?  All of them could be considered pure joy.

If you notice the title, the Bible verse referenced here has something different in mind.  This scripture is found in the book of James1:2-4 and it tells us that we should, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Doesn't exactly give you the warm fuzzies, does it?  Nobody said that being obedient to God was easy, but that's what we're called to do.  Facing trials is part of life, and just when it seems you have climbed out of one valley, you descend into another one.  That's when the testing comes, my friends.  That's why it's called a 'sacrifice of praise', because it DOES take effort to praise the Lord when you're not feeling quite like doing so.

The good news is that we serve a loving and merciful God who, "...does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities." Psalm 103:10  So, whatever trial you may be facing today, remember that, "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."  While you're at it, consider it pure joy.

No, Illinois, Abortion is Not Healthcare

Abortion is not healthcare.  Say it with me, abortion is not healthcare.  Abortion will never be healthcare.  Ever.

It should not come as a surprise to you, though, that the Illinois state legislature would disagree on that point, as it has passed The Reproductive Health Act.  This law, provides greater access to pregnancy care, contraception, abortion procedures and other related benefits for all people and all genders.

Democratic lawmakers aren't satisfied, and they won't be until their efforts to repeal the Illinois Parental Notification of Abortion Act that was signed into law in 1995.  This particular law requires that when a girl under the age of 18 desires an abortion that her guardian(s) be notified two days before the procedure takes place.

The issue of abortion as healthcare is a moral issue because as Christians, we are called by the Bible to choose life.  The most basic of commands is in fact the sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill."   If you look in the book of Deuteronomy, you'll find another life affirming quote, "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Now, choose life, so that you and your children may live."-Deuteronomy 30:19  Yet another scripture that we're all too familiar with is the one about being knit together in your mother's womb, Psalm 139:"For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb."   All of these scriptures point to a God who is life affirming, and he calls those who follow him to be like Him.

The issue of abortion as healthcare in the context of this law is also a parental rights issue.  This law, as it is written would violate parental rights of the parents of these teens in crisis.  Parental rights are not something to be toyed with.  So many times in recent history they've been undermined by various circuit courts and CPS case workers and the like.  Fortunately, there is a group focused on protecting parental rights called, you guessed it, Parental Rights.org.  Their mission is to protect parental rights through an amendment to the United States Constitution.  They also believe that parental rights are fundamental.  From their website,  

"Parents play an irreplaceable role in the lives of their children. This vital relationship positively impacts a child's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The right of parents to maintain a strong involvement in their children's lives has been continually upheld by Supreme Court doctrine. It is deeply valued by millions of American families" 

The issue of abortion as healthcare is also a fiscal issue in the eyes of the secretary of  Health and Human Services, Alex Azar.  He made a statement recently in regards to the Trump administration's effort to prevent groups receiving federal funds, under the Title X from using funds to 'perform, promote, refer to, or support abortion as a method of family planning.'   "Congress has said that you cannot support abortion as a method of family planning.  We're just finally enforcing it."  

So, you see, as so many other legislative efforts that have been put forth by so many other state houses and even Congress, this law will most assuredly end up in the court system to be determined by a judge.  However, we as citizens and Christians must remain vigilant and remember, "The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."  And all of God's children say, "Amen!"