Modern Slavery

For my Senior Capstone I am writing research paper on a topic of my choice that relates to my degree. After weeks of procrastination I have begun working on my 30 page paper focused on the effects of awareness of modern slavery on the business world. How does the knowledge of slavery existing change business men's behavior and/or decisions on how to conduct business around the world? Better still is the question of how does it effect us on an individual basis when we know our products were created by slaves?

As I have taken advantage of googles beautiful search engine, it has become evident that there is plenty of research out there for me to use in my paper. In fact here is just one of the talks on modern day slavery that I've watch/heard given by Kevin Bale during one of TED's talks back in 2010. It lasts about 18 minutes but is definitely worth your time.


2 more weeks until my paper is due, I am sure there will be plenty blog posts from me on this one.

May we always keep in mind the true problem we all face is not economical or physical but rather it is a spiritual one. These people don't need freedom from slavery here on earth, but freedom from their spiritual bondage. Your continued prayers for these men and women to come to know our Lord Jesus Christ will have an eternal effect and should never be taken lightly.

Fighting in world full of darkness with the only power that has and will change everything,
Brandy

Fighting Against Death

On my run this morning, my prayers took a different turn than expected. As my route curved along the dirt road in front of where I live, I was reminded of how important it is to fight for the energy to keep going. Some days it is easy to find motivation to get up and run 3.2 miles, yet other days my flesh longs to stay back and have a lazy morning. For instance it took about 10 minutes this morning to psyche myself up, finally I was off but my mind was playing tricks on me. To complete the 3.2 miles, I have to pass my drive way three times. Each time I found myself coming up with a list of reasons why it would make sense to head in. Each time I thought of something new; (first) laundry needs to be done, (second) dog needs to be brought in, (third) internet guy may show up while I am taking a shower, should probably take a shower earlier. O and each time my favorite one would come to mind… man I really need coffee. J What is that?!?!?!?

As the reality that I needed to become more disciplined in my exercise habits sunk in, I tried to remind myself why I was out there to begin with. Running 3.2 miles doesn’t take that long and I know that it is healthy for me. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that working out is something that our bodies need. In fact, it doesn’t take much more than a simple walk up a flight of stairs to see that our bodies need to be worked in order to work. Ultimately, I ended up asking myself why I fight against what I know is good for me. Well, I have a hunch that it’s because I lack discipline and live in a fallen world. It is natural for our flesh to want what brings death. Sadly, we are sinfully programmed to long for things that are not going to bring life, if we allow our flesh to take over that’s exactly what we will get. After thinking about this all morning, my lack of motivation to be disciplined in exercise can also be true of any discipline in other areas, especially ones that are fighting directly against death.

Since become a Christian it has become common to have others ask me if I am reading God’s word. After 10 years one would assume that this habit would have become consistent; however, there are still days, weeks, and seasons when digging into God’s word is not something that I wake up joyfully willing to do. I have to fight hard to make myself realize that there is ALWAYS time for God’s word. Not to sound harsh, but if I can find time to breath I can find time to spend on mediating and feeding on God’s word. It is humorous that some of the same excuses I come up with while passing my driveway on my exercise journey come to mind when I am sitting down to read my bible. It is so tempting to say that I can read later, knowing full well that more often than not, later never becomes the present.

Yesterday as I read chapter one of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, I was struck by Paul’s confession of wanting to depart and be with Christ because to him it would be far better than here. (Now bare with me as I make the connection to this desire for more discipline in my life and Paul’s desire to be with Jesus in heaven, I swear I can bring all the noodles together. J) 

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” (Philippians 1: 21-26)

In order to long for life after death with Christ, Paul must have a pretty good understanding of what that reward will look like. The very concept of heaven and being in Jesus’ presence seems so foreign to me, that Paul’s desires to depart from here seems odd. I don’t think it’s my lack of desire for Jesus that makes Paul’s statement seem odd, but rather my shallow understanding of just how amazing it will be to be surrounded by all of creation worshiping, admonishing, and bringing ultimate glory to our King.

When I think about the effort and energy it takes to wake up each morning and get out on my journey, I wonder if like Paul I would find it easier to finish the race if I had the end goal in mind. The 5K run up to the Shrine is only a few weeks away and although it is a short-term goal, I want to beat my time from last year. Secondly, I have worked for 2 years to lose weight, in order to continue going in the right direction I must keep up my workout habits. Also, what about the fact that I want to one day run and play with my kids and my grand kids? You see how there are plenty of short and long term goals to keep me motivated towards the finish line.

It was probably while watching Finding Nemo over the weekend, my subconscious started thinking about all of this. I realized that sometimes it is important to just tell ourselves that we must keep swimming, no matter how much the current wants to pull us back. We can’t give up the fight to live because, like Paul, our eternal reward is waiting and as I enter into His throne room I want to know that I spent every breath on earth bringing Him glory. Just thinking in light of eternity helps me to understand more fully Paul’s desire to be in Christ’s presence hearing the angels sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy!!!!!”

It is my prayer that you too would hear God’s voice calling you to discipline on whatever journey you find yourself running today. Don’t give up the fight to seeing Him glorified through your life because it would be my pleasure to have you standing next to me singing to our most high King.

Philippians 3:12-14

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. “ 

Brandy 

Present at my own funeral

If you know me at all, you know that I have tons of dreams, goals, and ideas for my life. You have probably heard me recant one of these in such a way as to try and even convince the Queen of England that I was beyond a shadow of a doubt convince it was my life calling (regardless of how unrealistic it really was). Now you're probably thinking that this post is another one of those moments and that I have some how managed to trick myself into believing that it would be remotely possible to be present at your own funeral. Come on, I'm fully aware of my ridiculousness but even that's over the top.

So why such a morbid title? Well, I picked up a new read and the first chapter asked this question, "What would you want your spouse to say about you at your funeral?" The very concept seemed so far fetched for me to think about, considering I am not married. But as I kept reading the chapter the author convinced me of the worthiness of asking yourself this question. Just think about what it would be like to stand in the back of rows and rows of chairs full of people coming to pay their respect to this awesome, amazing, brilliant women.... listening to them recant all the wonderful ways that you encouraged them, loved them, and gave of your time and money for their benefit. You truly had achieved being like Jesus... okay so I mentioned that I am ridiculous, right? :)

As your standing there listening to these stories, what exactly would you want to hear? As your spouse stands up, takes the mic and begins to describe your marriage, your relationship with others, and how you loved those around you, would you be honored or ashamed? Better yet, would Christ be gloried? You see this question was posed to encourage women in their marriages to stop nagging and discouraging their husband and living each moment on purpose, to edify their husbands, to bring Christ glory and reflect His true purpose of marriage. However, being single I found tremendous benefit from asking myself this question and applying it where I am at. 

When my "brother" Brian died a little of a year and half ago, I remember being surrounded by hundreds of people celebrating his life and sharing so many amazing stories of how friendly and giving he was. As the balloons were released into the air, one of the biker guys revved his motorcycle resulting in 5 minutes of loud shouts of admiration and expressions of mourning. What was it about this man that everyone seemed to love so much? This is not an easy blog to write because it has forced me to come face to face with the reality of what I believe.

The past week I had my students memorize Ephesians 2:13

"But now in Jesus Christ you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." 

I too memorized it and as I've thought about it over and over again a heart of gratefulness and reassurance has sprung up within me. Romans 3:25 talks about our need for a savior and how Jesus' death and blood is the solution to our eternal problem. Without believing in Him as my savior I have no hope of being brought into the resurrection. Jesus clearly states this is John,

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." John 3:5

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:16-17

 These are just two of the passages that speak directly to our condition and need for a Savior and if I truly believe this I must conclude that Brian did not live his life as one that believed. In Luke we find an even more direct statement,

"Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead on the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'" Luke 24:45-47

I can not be certain if God opened Brian's mind and heart to understand the Scriptures, only God can judge a mans heart, but scripture is also clear that the way a man lives his life is a testimony of what he believes. The fruit that is born from his actions, thoughts, and belief will be that of the Holy Spirits rather than envy, malice, or corruption (Galatians 5:16-26) and sadly I didn't see that in his life.

Yes, it was a tragedy that Brian died; however, it is more of a tragedy that at the end of his life those that he loved were left wondering where he was at in regards to belief in the only true Savior. And honestly as I listened to the shouts and wallowing from all of his friends and family, my mourning came from not having the opportunity to see true fruit from his life and a solid understanding of his love for my Savior. My prayer is that he did believe and that God had mercy on his soul, but more it is now that I would have the boldness to declare that we all need a Savior. We all need to turn from our selfishness and realize that our true purpose for being on this earth is to bring Christ glory by believing in Him, trusting Him, and having complete assurance in His offer of salvation. We are His inheritance and I want it to be said of me on my funeral that I lived my life in such a way as to make my Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." Ephesian 1:18)

May you be encouraged today to lay aside everything that distracts you from dedicating your life to being a saint that makes their Heavenly Father proud of the inheritance He is giving to His Son Jesus.

Grateful for His grace,
Brandy