Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 8

A Commentary on The Chosen

If you follow my blog or have read through any of my past posts, you’ll see I’m a big fan of Lori Roeleveld. She has the ability to cut right to the heart of my thoughts without ever picking up the phone or shooting me a text. I value her friendship and lean into her wisdom. One of her latest sub stack post is a commentary on The Chosen.

Check out this post from of Lori Roeleveld and ponder. https://loriroeleveld.substack.com/p/...
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Make sure you subscribe to her posts. You’ll be glad you did.

Oh, and after you finish Lori’s Chosen commentary, take a moment to read the posted comments from others. You may be surprised at a name you find there.

While Lori’s post is excellent, it also offers a strong reminder that our words carry power and travel far.

While Lori’s post is excellent, it also offers a strong reminder that our words carry power and travel far.

What say you?  

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

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To My PA Friends

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My First Fella

There is never a June that comes around when I don’t think of my first fella and favorite Father’s Day memory.

Nothing captivated my attention more as a child than a toy stuffed bird my dad kept in a curio cabinet in his man cave. This feathery splendor was about the size of my palm with wild ostrich feather plumage glued onto it. I imagined stories about why this fragile object was set apart and displayed only for Dad’s eyes to see. Was it a gift from a princess he had rescued from the grips of a ferocious dragon? Was it a piece of treasure he had found while hunting with Indians?

One spring, with my vast five-year-old wisdom, I decided that, since Dad liked it so much, I should give it to him again.

The perfect solution

The Saturday before Father’s Dad I carefully snatched the stuffed bird from the case. Holding it in my tiny hands as if it were precious jewels, I fled with my stolen booty to my bedroom. Hiding my plunder, I left my room to bring back the newspaper and masking tape, certain that Dad would be thrilled with his Father’s Day present.

After dinner on Father’s Day, while Mom and Dad were having their coffee, I stood before him and ceremonially offered my carefully wrapped package. He looked at the crumpled ball of newspaper encircled with bands of masking tape and pulled me up into his lap so I could have the perfect view of the unveiling. As he carefully unwrapped the mound of tape and paper, he revealed the soft, fragile stuffed bird I had taken from his glass cabinet. He smiled his I-love-you-over-the-moon smile.

“I love it,” he said. “Thank you for the perfect present, Peaches. This is such a cute bird. I’ll keep it forever!”

There is never a June that comes around when I don’t think of my first fella and favorite Father’s Day memory.
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He smothered me with hugs and kisses and I erupted in giggles. After taking in his perfect love, I strutted away as if I had just been awarded a national medal for being the most loving and awesome child of the year.

Later that summer, we began preparations to celebrate Dad’s birthday in September. He never wanted much of a fuss, but we enjoyed honoring him the best we could. I had no idea how to out-gift Father’s Day.

Then the answer came to me

When Dad wasn’t watching, I returned to his room, opened the display case, and birdnapped the feathered masterpiece. And as before, I took it to my room and wrapped it with newspaper and masking tape.

When the time came for presents after Dad’s birthday dinner, I made sure I was at the front of the gift-giving pack. Dad, once again, scooped me up along with my ball of newspaper and masking tape and pulled me onto his lap.

When Dad opened his present and saw the plumage and beautiful colors, he never missed a beat. He raved on about how beautiful this present was and how he was so pleased that I knew just what he liked. He never let on that he recognized the bird from the glass case in his room or that he even knew I had taken it. Instead, he made a fuss over me and my re-re-gifted item that had belonged to him since before I could remember. He made me feel like I had offered him the moon and it was the most special gift he ever received.

His love

Dad has been gone for over forty years now, and sadly, sometimes I forget what was so special about him. Then I remember how he was my first fella, revisit my favorite Father’s Day memory … and I smile. I can close my eyes and still see that look of complete love for me on his face. And, that’s a memory of why he was so special to me.

Blessed with this memory

I realize there are women/girls who don’t have fond memories of their fathers. That’s so terribly sad. Having a loving father helps me to understand–the best a person can, anyway–the love of my Heavenly Father. And that love carries me on, far after my first fella is gone.

Happy Father’s Day.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1

What say you?  

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

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A Blessing or a Curse

Social Media … a blessing or a curse?

I’m old enough to remember a time when the only way to communicate with far away friends and relatives to either call them via long distance phone calls or write them letters. These days, however, I can speak to family and friends, see pictures of them and their children, and continue our bonds of friendship over the miles. That’s the blessing part.

Here’s the curse

Every coin has two sides, and unfortunately we also see the dark side of social media. Unwanted comments are posted to your site. Sometimes vile, and often not wanted. It’s a wonder: why do strangers feel they are invited to share judgement on you?

It’s not only you. Pictures of your kids. Thoughts and opinions. And if you haven’t experienced a Nigerian prince who wants to share his inheritance with you, all you need to do is wait. It’s coming your way.

What should we do?

Do we bail off social media completely? Do we go back to writing letters and phone calls? Not necessarily. Going forward, it may take some effort, but it’s best to learn boundaries. Be careful who we allow into our world.

Protecting our heart is as important as protecting our home. We lock our doors … let’s be cognoscente of who we allow on our sites. If friends don’t respect our boundaries, we have the right to push back.

Not long ago a dear friend began posting items on her site items that I found rather offensive. I could’ve jumped in and offered my opinion, but instead, I just stepped back and stopped following her.

Embrace being different

If we want folks to respect us, They need to respect ourselves. Boundaries don’t have to be set with shouting and foot-stomping. Respecting yourself can be done quietly with a simple, “No thanks. I don’t want to play along.”

Respecting yourself can be done quietly with a simple, “No thanks. I don’t want to play along.”

Don’t be discouraged

Remember the friend I told you about? She asked my why I stopped following her, and because I didn’t make a big fuss about it, I was able to talk with her and explain my actions. I  shared the why’s and what-for’s on how her words hurt me. I shared that I realized she didn’t set out to hurt me–after all, we’re friends–but I needed go step back from her because I was still effected.

Why am I bringing this up?

The reason I bring this up is because political posts are coming on strong. Conservative or liberal used to have great conversation starters. Now, opinions separate us …  smart vs. ignorant … victor or victims.

Here’s the thing: believe what you need to believe. Each of our experiences shape who we are and contribute to our makeup. If I had the same experiences as the friend I described, I might feel the same way she does. Spreading grace goes farther than spreading ugliness.

We have six months for differences to flourish in this election season. It’s my goal to make sure these window of time is limited with disputes and heartache.

Back to social media

Does social media play well with politics? It depends if you respect yourself and others. But it’s easy to let it divide friends. It’s okay if you need to unfriend a few people for a season, but do it quietly. Guard your heart. The damage or caustic social media confrontations isn’t worth what you gain.

Does social media play well with politics? It depends if you respect yourself and others.
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What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

 

 

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Controversial Topics

Have you ever been in a debate conversation when controversial topics came up? Often, trusting friends know they can do this for sport of it. These conversations are not done with malice, but only are focused on stretching of one’s mind or opinion. I overheard such a conversation.

“What is the most powerful passage or verse in the Bible?”

The listening person offered his opinion. “How about Mark 10:46-52, specifically verse 51?”

Huh?

He didn’t say John 3:16. Nor did he say Psalms 23. But he stressed the passage in Mark 10. It didn’t immediately come to me, so I looked it up on my phone. If it doesn’t immediately come to you, here it is in the New International Version (NIV):

Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Afterward

After I got home I pondered my choice of the most powerful verse. I pulled out my study Bible, looked up the passage, and re-read it. This time, with an urgency. What was so special about Mark 10:46-52?

What's so special about Mark 10:46-52?
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That’s when I saw what had been referred to earlier. As I read these verses with a hungry heart, I saw:

A broken person seeking God for answersWhen Jesus was near, his shouting became intenseAlthough he was told to quiet down, his ache for Jesus grewJesus heard his plea and called him closeEven blind, he jumped and went to JesusJesus asked for this man’s need and the beggar answeredThe man gained his sight, then followed Jesus.My eyes were opened, too

How amazing scripture can be when we read it through our brokenness. That’s the beginning of our journey. And even in our blindness, we can run to Him for what we need. While our needs may be many, the first and greatest need we have is to be able to see Him and our need for what He can heal us from.

Here’s a thought

After pondering their conversation, I saw the wisdom. First, these two appreciated and respected one another to risk being different. That’s huge. Additionally, they recognized the power in brokenness is unmeasurable. That’s huge as well.

How amazing scripture can be when we read it through our brokenness.

If embracing controversial topics are challenging, don’t shy away from them. You may be surprised where they take you.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

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It’s Beyond Terrible

Human tracking. We hear these words in the news. Pictures flash across the television screens about this. We know it’s beyond terrible and feel awful for the victims. Yet we feel safe knowing we live in a nice area of the country where trafficking never happens.

Then, we go on with our day.

Pause with me for a moment

If the term “Human Trafficking” doesn’t make you shiver, it should. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality (from https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking).

If you think it could never happen where you live, think again. It’s everywhere, from urban to rural areas all over the country.

My brave and beautiful friend, BJ Garrett, tells in her book, Unwanted No More, (Redemption Press) of her nightmarish life because of being trafficked as a child. The story takes the reader on a journey from them beginning of her nightmare to how she found redemption. No matter how I see life, I’ve been blessed to watching how God’s hand can move with his grace. I know, without a doubt, that my friendship with BJ has made me a better person.

That’s why she’s the perfect fit

God’s been readying her for this purpose … Executive Director to Selah Life Choices.  This organization was founded to serve women at risk of human trafficking by offering emergency stabilization for healing .

Here’s BJ talking about Selah Life Choices:

BJ owns her purpose

BJ stopped years ago dwelling on the fact that she was sold for a bag of groceries. Now she focuses her energy to being the person  God redeemed her to be. She embraces the responsibility God set before her–to love and empower others–and se leans on scripture for this. [God] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:4-5

[God] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:4-5

What’s my takeaway?

Actions never happen in a vacuum and it’s beyond horrible to suffer from the sins around us. But even then redemption, peace,  and healing is available to us all. That’s how big God is.

Are you in the middle of an abusive and manipulative  situation you never thought you’d be in?

When you look in the mirror, do you see the person you want to be?

Do you fear all is lost?

Oh friend, remember God loves you … right now … where you are.

Actions never happen in a vacuum and it’s beyond horrible to suffer from the sins around us. Is there healing after human trafficking?
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What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post It’s Beyond Terrible appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Wisdom or Knowledge

There’s much talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) these days.  Is it good? Bad? Is AI the end of civilization … or the beginning of enlightenment? Does it offer wisdom or knowledge? These are lofty questions that I have no answer.

This is what I know

The book of Proverbs instructs us to seek wisdom in all we do. That goes for understanding AI as well. I’ll be the first to tell you there’s more about artificial intelligence that I don’t know than what I do. But I do know that seeking wisdom is different than seeking knowledge. As a writer, I’m always looking for wisdom and trusted sites. Check out what Author Media has to say on the subject.

Is AI the end of civilization … or the beginning of enlightenment?

Tools work best when used for their intended purpose, but purposes are often highjacked. Dynamite, for example, was created was to help people in building and mining, but it was soon used to make bombs and rockets for war.

These are the questions I have

When Shakespeare gave us Hamlet and the thought-provoking statement, “For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”, do you think he would have had AI in mind? Is AI–neither good or bad but thinking it makes it so–a tool or the beginning of the end?

Check its purpose

I’m of the mind, for now anyway, that a tool is just a tool. It’s how the tool is used that brings on confusion and angst. To seek knowledge, look to a reputable source to find that knowledge. We should always seek to learn. It can broaden our minds and give us the ability to reason. But don’t for a second mistake knowledge with wisdom. Wisdom should never be set aside for anything.

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Matthew 16:26

Is AI scary?

Does artificial intelligence scare me? Maybe a little. But I think that’s because I don’t have the knowledge of what it can do. My responsibility is to seek wisdom regarding it.

Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11

Whether we like it or not, AI is here to stay. We need to find our way with it. But don’t think for a moment that wisdom will be found in algorithms and other data studies. Wisdom is freely available to anyone who seeks it, but don’t take that gift lightly. And never-ever misconstrue wisdom and knowledge. That wouldn’t be very smart.

When Shakespeare gave us, 'For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so', do you think he would have had AI in mind?
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Share your opinion–and wisdom.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Wisdom or Knowledge appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Everyone Needs to Feel Safe

There is so much anger around us these days. Political divides. Religious divides. It’s even evident when driving on the freeway. We see all sorts of ugly and angry around us. Heaven knows we all need to feel safe in our worlds.

So what do you do?

Let’s keep our focus on where the payoff comes from. Jesus said, “… By this [the new command he gave the apostles] everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

It isn’t always easy, but you don’t go wrong following God’s word.

What does that kind of love look like?

It can be as simple as opening a door for someone, or as challenging as taking time to listen to someone’s view when it differs from yours. Everyone feels their perspective is best. Truly, they wouldn’t hold their opinion unless they thought it was correct.

Consider this … if we listened to what they listened to, read what they read, or experienced what they experienced, maybe we would feel the way they feel. That’s why it’s important to have opinions grounded in unchangeable truths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalms 25:5

Opinions

People say opinions are like belly buttons… everybody has one. Can we honor those around us who support a different viewpoint than ours? Let’s be strong enough in our beliefs so as not to be threatened by theirs. Consider how Jesus–this man-God–dealt with people. He loved them, even though their thoughts were faulty. He saved his ire for the pompous Pharisees, the folks who thought they knew everything. We read throughout the gospels how he changed lives through his actions.

Actions That Make Others Feel Safe

No one has ever been won over by an argument, they just give in to stop the fight.
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No one has ever been won over by an argument, they just give in to stop the fight. Instead, consider giving them the space to feel and think what they want. No name-calling, no falsehoods, and no gaslighting. Jesus never used any of those tactics. If our convictions don’t stand on their own, nothing we can say will win anyone over.

This is what God wants. When you do right, you stop foolish men from saying bad things.
1 Peter 2:15

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is this: pray for those who differ from us (Mattew 5:44), honor them with truth (Luke 6:27-28), and then trust God. If he needs to change their heart he can. But don’t play God. He loved those who set out to destroy him. Remember, everyone needs to feel safe. The least we can do is love those who see things differently than we do.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Everyone Needs to Feel Safe appeared first on Robin Luftig.

The Shack: A Re-visit

I recently rewatched the movie, The Shack. Ironically days later, I came across my post, of March 2, 2017, The Shack—What It Is and Isn’t. If you’ve seen the movie, is your opinion the same? Here’s an edited repost of that post. I’d love to read your thoughts on it in the comments below.

I‘ve seen several rumblings over the newly released movie, The Shack. I’ve read posts from those who sobbed because of the brilliance in addressing forgiveness after staggering intense pain and I’ve seen comments about how these slices of information are wrapped in the devil’s web.

How can a movie affect people so differently?

Movies made over the years have attempted to communicate scripture. I laugh even now remembering the scene from 1962’s epic film, Sodom and Gomorrah when Lot left the city with his family. The movie shows hundreds of people fleeing the city with Lot (played by Stewart Granger) running along the procession, saying, “Don’t look back! Don’t look back!” Scripture tells a different story, indeed.

Or what about movies such as Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, and The Greatest Story Ever Told? Scriptural accuracy isn’t necessarily the main movie maker’s concern. Their main objective: tell a good story. So if those who view The Shack do it through the same lens—seeing a good story—where is there a problem?

Could it Be

Could it be that we now want quick fixes of scripture spoon-fed to us without putting effort into it? Are we so entrenched in the “I-Want-It-Now” lifestyle that we choose not to take any responsibility for what we read or watch? Who can say.

In all the reviews I read, I never saw one that promoted William P. Young as offering a God-inspired work. Instead, I see interpretations of the opinion of William P. Young. He did not write scripture. He never said he wrote scripture. Don’t you think tagging him with the burden of defending a dream he had a bit intense?

When we seek to understand God—know who He is and embrace what he wants to be to each of us—wouldn’t it be better to seek him where he lives rather than watch a movie about a person’s opinion? Listen to God’s conversation with Moses as shared in Exodus 3:14 (God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”).

When we seek to understand God, wouldn’t it be better to seek him where he lives rather than watch a movie about someone else’s opinion?

People often get hurt when truth blurs with opinions, especially surrounding the topic of Scripture. Instead of talking, let’s listen. Bashing those who enjoy a movie (that offers opinions) doesn’t help build up the kingdom of God. Instead, let’s rejoice when conversations about God happen. Hurting people are receptive to Truth when they know they’re not being judged.

Hurting people are receptive to Truth when they know they're not being judged.
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How About This

When people ask questions regarding The Shack’s underlining questions, like where is God in a world filled with unspeakable pain … how can God be an African-American woman … could Jesus really be a jean-wearing hippie… accept the open door as an invitation to share Truth to coincide with the opinion they just witnessed. However, if you are looking for a scripture-satisfying experience while munching popcorn and slurping a soda instead, you may want to consider another movie.

Give yourself permission to enjoy the movie, The Shack. I’d love to hear your review.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post The Shack: A Re-visit appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Voices in Your Head

The voices in your head. They can be all-encompassing. They can motivate you to keep going or freeze you in your tracks. They can make you cry out in pain or speak in a whisper. They can own you or arouse the need for freedom, deep within your soul.

How Powerful Are They?

Don’t let the voices in your head decide how you view life. Fear is real. We all deal with it, so don’t run from it. Instead, dig deep into it. Find out where it’s coming from.

What are You Truly Afraid Of?

The voices in your head. They can be all-encompassing. Either motivating you to keep going or freeze you in your tracks.

They can make you cry out or quiet your voice to a whisper.

They can own you or arouse the need for freedom, deep within your soul.

Stop the Cycle

Don’t let the voices in your head decide how you view life. If you experience fear, know it is real. Don’t run from it deal with it. Dig deep into it. Find out where it’s coming from. What are you truly afraid of?

Are you afraid of failure—or the pressure of success?

Are you afraid of dying—or the sense of missing out?

Are you afraid of being alone—or opening yourself up to the vulnerability of being in a relationship?

Take a Breath

Sit back, take a breath, and face today’s fears. Speak Truth aloud to them if you need. The negative power tends to shrink and flee when challenged. Fear tends to shrivel when faced with spoken truth:

“God will never leave me nor forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

“God has a plan for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

“My God cries when a sparrow falls, yet he loves me even more.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

Sit back, take a breath, and face today’s fears. Their power tends to shrink and flee when challenged.

Today

The only fear you need to face is today’s. The tools you need for tomorrow’s fears will present themselves when you need them. Be confident. Depression or fear may come again tomorrow, too, but you can be ready.

Don't let the negative voices in your head rule you when Truth is available.
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Be Ready

In John 14:1, Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”

Remember God. Remember Jesus. Remember the sparrow.

Dedicated to my father, who on a lonely morning in the fall of 1979, forgot to remember.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Voices in Your Head appeared first on Robin Luftig.