"You're Crazy!"

This is a phrase I hear on a regular basis and I'm fairly certain that it is meant in a good way most of the time when people say it although I guess it would depend on who said it, how they said it, and the circumstance in which they said it...

For example:

If I were to tell someone I wanted to jump off a bridge and someone said, "You're crazy!" in an excited sounding tone they probably were meaning to say something more like "That's stupid!" or maybe even "Awesome! Count me in!" though the latter is not likely for most people I know. But what about sarcasm??

Hold everything.

Sarcasm? What even is sarcasm? The dictionary defines it as: 1. harsh or bitter derision or irony. 2. a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark.

Oh...I know that when I call someone crazy (or any other seemingly rude adjectives) I am most often being sarcastic...but is that ok?

The Bible commands us to tell the truth. "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." - Proverbs 12:18 and after all, "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment." - Proverbs 12:19

Probably the worst part about sarcasm is that you are telling the truth but pretending it's only a joke. At least that's how my sarcasm works and therefore how I read other people's sarcasm. 

It's bad because I say something that is hurtful and then try to downplay it and basically try to convince the person that I was "just kidding" like "jk guys" and hope that they don't take the harsh words to heart.

I can't ever take back what I say, so why am I so quick to speak? Scripture says, "let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak..." - James 1:19 

May the Holy Spirit work within me to help me to stop being sarcastic. I want to be known as someone who speaks the truth in love or keeps her mouth shut.

I may be crazy, and in a lot of different ways too! But I want to be the good kind of crazy. Someone who is crazy because she is full of joy and seeks to bless others. Someone God would smile upon.

Family

- noun
"a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not" and/or "a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together" (dictionary.com)

Family is so much more to me than what the dictionary says about it.

I was reminded today about how important family is and I realize that I am not thankful enough for how God has blessed me with and through my family.

First, I have a fantastic father. I call him daddy, papa, dad, and sometimes other embarrassing names that I am lucky he tolerated well :). I cannot say enough good things about my father, I have no doubt that he loves me and I would not trade him for any other father in the world. He's mine. Even though I may joke about being adopted sometimes, I (and many other people) know that I am my daddy's daughter. Though he has a great sense of humour and a pleasing personality, the best thing about my dad is the fact that he is a godly leader who loves Jesus. He knows his role as the head of our household and he takes it seriously. My dad has always worked hard to provide for his family but his reliance on the strength of the Lord, he will tell you, is the reason he is able to do so. When I look at my dad I see self-sacrifice, patience, perseverance, but mostly love. True love. Jesus love.

As my dad and mom are a team, I must acknowledge my mother next. She is truly marvelous. I can't think of many people who serve more than my mom does. I have watched and experienced her constant giving of herself for others. For example, every morning my mom gets up before everyone else and makes sure that we all have what we need for the day. She makes lunches for those who need it, gets dad his coffee, and makes sure that details are taken care of before the day begins. My mom also volunteers her time out to help with school events, encourage friends, and serve at church. Those who see my mom surely see an amazing, beautiful, woman and marvel at her fear of the Lord. She is the perfect team mate for my dad and I am truly blessed to have her as my mother.

I also have four younger siblings who are all unique and special in their own ways as God has designed them. All have servant's hearts and I am privileged to watch them as they learn how to love God through serving others. They provide me with opportunities to learn and grow as I seek how to best love and serve them as their older sister.

I will admit that the biological family does present challenges, but all are minimal compared to the support and love that far outweigh the struggles. I wouldn't trade my family for the world and I want to someday (Lord willing) raise a family similar to the one my parents have raised.

Ephesians 5:22-6:4, Proverbs 23:22; 23:25; 29:15; 30:17

My second family is the body of Christ. The brothers and sisters that God has brought into my life who also have faith in Jesus. I cannot talk about how many ways that the family of God has encouraged and shown me love in my life. One recent example of this love was demonstrated by a girlfriend/sister of mine who gave me $100 when I was really feeling the need for a break. With this money I was able to bless another friend of mine when she came to visit for part of the week. I could also talk about how we serve one another as a big family both at and outside our Sunday morning church services. It brings me great joy to see so many people putting themselves aside for the sake of others and enjoying doing so because Christ has filled them with love and compassion for those in need. The many kids programs, men's and women's caregroups, friendship club for the disabled, youth group, and many other ministries are jam packed with volunteers fueled by the love of Jesus. I am never without a family member who will encourage me, challenge me, pray for me, and just love me as I am.

2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 6:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

More than anything I want to share what God has given me with this broken world.

All around me families are broken. Divorce. Loneliness. Abuse. Hatred. Mistrust. Disrespect. Those are but few of the words which describe and contribute to broken families. Why must we let sin destroy what could be?

I beg that God would mend the brokenness. That this world would soon be made new. All pain and suffering will end someday and I pray that that day comes soon. But until then may the power of Jesus continue to lighten the darkness of this world and may families thrive in his name for his glory!

"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation." - Psalm 68:5