Christmas Shopping!

Untangling the Injustice of Sex Trafficking

I was asked to contribute as a guest blogger to The Redeeming Things.

http://theredeemingthings.com/untangling-the-injustice-of-sex-trafficking/

Sunshine in the Rain

Today was my catch up - read emails, accomplish lots - day.  When I sit at my desk, I look out over the road that leads to the bridge leading to the other side of the river in Kiev.  It's a great vantage point.  And, it's beautiful as I watch big storm clouds roll through and the streams of sunlight and break in the clouds that bring relief from the rain and the storms.  The 15th floor gives an interesting perspective.

Today is also the 3rd anniversary of the home going of my mother.  In many ways it seems like yesterday - and yet at times it feels like much longer.  It's always a struggle to explain tangibly what it feels like to lose someone close to you.  Earlier this week a friend died and also late last night another friend entered heaven as well.  Since I've moved to Kyiv 2 1/2 years ago, numerous friends and family members have died.  This is perhaps one of the hardest things for me to deal with so far away.  I have found that there is not great closure because I don't attend visitations or funerals because of the distance and I am saddened that I cannot help people during their time of grief as so many graciously did for me and my family three years ago when my mom passed away.

It was a crazy weather day here.  The rain and sun were switching places about every 20 minutes.  It served as a powerful, tangible reminder that just like the sunlight continues to break through the clouds, we have the hope of heaven and the power of the resurrection.  So, today as I watched the numerous rain showers move through and welcomed the rays of sunshine, I couldn't help but think that it was God's way of reminding me that amidst our tears and the ache of missing those we love, we cling to the hope of heaven.  It's hard to see that hope when you are in the middle of the storm, but from the 15th floor, you see the sun coming.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  "Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Pink Shoes and A Party Dress

While on the Metro this week, there was a little girl sitting across from me in a beautiful dress and coat with beautiful pink patten shoes.  During the ride she was enthralled with the young men sitting next to her watching some video on a little screen that they held and shared between them.  She was chattering with her mother along the way.  We played a little game of peek aboo around passengers standing between us.

As the car was screeching to a halt before my stop, I leaned down and told her I liked her pretty pink shoes.  She beamed with excitement and talked more with her mother.  To my surprise they exited the metro the same stop I did and as I watched them walk away the little girl seemed to be dancing while walking with her mother.

It's fun to make someone happy, whether they are 2 or 82.  As you are doing life today, look for one person that you can have an impact on.  A simple compliment, a warm smile, whatever...

Perspective

Today I was running a few errands and it dawned on me that when I was with a group of English speakers, everyone here assumed I couldn't speak or understand Russian.  Today, by myself, I was reminded that I am expected to know and understand Russian... or Ukrainian... ;)

Going to the Post Office here is not my favorite place to go.  I needed to pick up a letter which of course I went to the wrong office for - I always choose the wrong place.  Apparently the letters are on the backside of the building.  At least today I didn't bother them during their lunch break.  That makes them particularly grumpy.

It feels good to be settling in again.  Even the struggle with language is familiar enough to feel like home.

Jesus' Friends

I just read the story of Lazarus again yesterday.  There were several things that impacted me.  First, these were Jesus' friends.  It's one thing to think about the disciples.  They were following him, watching him, learning from his every step.  Then, you think about Jesus' friends.  John 11:5 says, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus."  Lazarus had been dead for 4 days when Jesus arrives.  Martha says, "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask".  She affirms that she believes that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Living God, and calls for Mary to join them.  When Jesus sees Mary weeping, we learn that Jesus wept.  Jesus prays to His Father and has the stone moved from the grave and says, "Lazarus, Come out!"  He is bound by his grave clothes, but he comes out of the grave, alive!

So, going back to his friends.  They know the sting and pain of losing someone they love.  They also know the joy of resurrection!  Do they remember this today?  The day after Jesus is crucified?  Do they expect His resurrection?  These are the people Jesus hung out with when he needed some 'down time' or when he wanted to relax and have fun.  Would I remember Lazarus coming out of the tomb the day after I saw my friend, and my Savior crucified?  Did they remember the power?  Or, did they think He was completely defeated?

The rest of the Story...

I posted this note on Facebook:  But, what does it mean to linger at the cross?  Can I ever understand even a small, even tiny glimpse of the suffering Jesus endured by taking on the sin of the World?  We, (Westerners), don't like to be uncomfortable.  Does this make me uncomfortable?  Why do I jump so quickly to Sunday?

  ...the rest of the story:  I've been thinking this Easter Week about how difficult it is for us to linger at the cross.  Our humanity wants to jump to the end of the story.  After all, we know who wins!  And, while I think it's great to celebrate that, I'm learning how important it is to understand Jesus' suffering so that I can fully understand and appreciate His triumph.

Part of it is being in a different culture as well.  In Ukraine, you never wish anyone a happy birthday until the actual day.  And, of course, you never greet anyone with "He is Risen!"  until Easter Sunday morning, or the day after.  (still a holiday)

So, my challenge to myself and to others this year is to stay at the foot of the cross until Sunday morning.  Let the suffering sink in.  And, use this time to pray for those who suffer around the world.  I've been praying for those suffering in modern slavery this week.  Jesus suffered greatly.  He understands their pain and suffering.  And, praise the Lord, He meets us all exactly where we are at.  This week and always...