Son of God {a review} • 4 Comments

Last March, "The Bible" miniseries took The History Channel, and the world, by storm bringing in 14.1 million viewers and breaking all kinds of ratings records. From that phenomenal event was born the Son of God movie which opened in theaters last weekend. (Read the fascinating story of how the movie was born here.)

Of course Son of God has received a myriad of reviews, many of them less than flattering as is often the case with films related to Christianity and the Bible. I tend to wobble on the fence with such movies, torn between dramatic interpretations that are often heavy on "the cheese factor" and the sincere desire to share the most significant story in history.

While Son of God is not entirely without "cheese," those moments are few and far between. And I believe the potential influence of the movie far outweighs its few awkward moments.

Photo courtesy of Fox Studios

First, a word of caution to parents: While I think it is important that our children understand the sacrifice of Christ and all that it involved, and while I believe media can be a valuable tool in doing this, the PG-13 rating on Son of God should be taken seriously. The crucifixion scene is graphic, as it should be. I recommend seeing Son of God without your children first, then determine at what age it is appropriate for your children to see the film.

Photo Courtesy of Fox Studios

WHAT I LIKED...

This is a quality film. Hollywood producers who have already proven their worth in the industry, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey used their skill sets and influence to create a quality production from start to finish. The writing and direction is great. The cinematography and orchestration is superb. And the acting is somewhat impressive (once you get past the fact that they all speak with a British accent.) While some will question their casting choices, costume design, and even the use of hair product, no one can argue with their commitment to quality.

It's a great overview. I imagine it's difficult to tell the story of the Bible in a 10-week miniseries. I imagine it's almost impossible to portray the crux of the story--the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus--in a mere 2.5 hours! But Burnett and Downey did so masterfully. While the video montage of the Old Testament felt slightly like a highlight video of the mini-series, the overall story was beautifully told by the disciple closest to Jesus and the writer of one of the Gospels, John. A perfect choice for a first-hand account of the life and ministry of the Christ.

Photo courtesy of Fox Studios

WHAT I LOVED...

It's purpose. The version I saw had a message from Mark Burnett and Roma Downey at the beginning of the film. In that message, as well as all of the interviews I've seen and read with them, their purpose seems to be genuine: to acquaint the general public with the Bible (through the mini-series) and with the Son of God (through the movie) in order to spread the Gospel. No matter what the critics say, Burnett and Downey can rest knowing they found a way put their great success to work for a greater purpose. And, let's be honest, this movie would probably not have the publicity that it does if it had lesser-known names behind it.

It shows the loving heart of Christ. This film, more than any I recall, seems to focus on the relationships of Jesus...with his disciples, with the crowds, and with His mother. We get to know the disciples, how they respond to Christ and how He interacts with them. Since Jesus is the reflection of God the Father to us (God with us), I like that the general public will see Him as loving and kind. Sadly, I think too often we Christians do a rather poor job of demonstrating that attribute of God.

Photo courtesy of Fox Studios

WHAT I WISH HAD BEEN BETTER...

The character of Jesus. It's hard to create the character of Jesus for stage or screen. It's a difficult task to write what He would do (outside of Scripture), it's hard to cast the person who has to play Him, and it's got to be difficult to be the one to bring Christ to life on the big screen. While I think Son of God does a fair job of this, I wish their version of Jesus had been a little more commanding at times. Yes, He was 100% man, but He was also 100% God. Like I said...it's a hard balance to attain. Someone in our group liked how "relatable" Jesus seemed, so maybe it's more of a personal preference than a flaw in the movie.

Message of Grace. While Son of God is a fantastic, historical narrative that remains true to Scripture, I came away feeling that a major theme had been lost somewhere in the editing process. As a believer, I connected with the stories and the characters. I felt the shame and heartache of one who's received grace as I watched the bloody crucifixion scene. I rejoiced in the Resurrection and triumph over sin and the grave. But I'm not sure someone unfamiliar with Scripture, and with God's story of love and redemption, would have found those deeper themes woven into the narrative.

Photo courtesy of Fox Studios

THE TAKEAWAY

If you are looking for a bigger and better version of Passion of the Christ, this is not it. (Despite Mel Gibson's personal demons, he makes a great movie!) But for a quality, overview of the life and ministry of Christ, Son of God is spot on.

The greatest thing to come from the movie Son of God is, in my opinion, one thing: opportunity. Not since 2004 when Mel Gibson released Passion of the Christ, has the message of the Gospel been more forefront in popular culture. As Christians, this provides us a prime opportunity to discuss our faith with others. We should not sit back and let the movie speak for us, hoping our loved ones will see it and fall with conviction to their knees in their local theater. Call me crazy, I just don't see that happening.

But neither should we, as Christians, needlessly criticize a well-made portrayal of the Gospel for popular culture or "skip it" because we've heard the story before. So, then, what should we do?

We should go see the movie. We should take our friends and family members. We should take anyone who will go. Then we should take them out for coffee and talk about it. Discuss the "cheese" factor. Talk about whether Thomas should have had darker features as a Middle Eastern man. Discuss the merits of the movie and ways it might have fallen short.

Then tell them what Jesus has done for you. Because Son of God is more than just a story. It is THE story. It is HIS story. And you have something no actor, camera crew, or make up artist can replicate...you have a first-hand account...personal experience with the star of the movie. No critic can can argue with that.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15).

Want to read more family-friendly movie reviews?
Epic
The Lost Medallion
Les Miserables

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5 Things to Say to Someone Facing Cancer • 4 Comments

Last week, I was over at Compassion That Compels sharing what not to say to someone who is facing cancer (or any devastating life event, for that matter). I didn't want to simply leave you with what not to do. I want to give you some tips to help you know what to do.

I realize cancer is a delicate subject, and not everyone handles it in the same way. Responses and reactions can change daily, sometimes moment by moment. For those and many more reasons, it can be difficult to know what to say, particularly if you don't know the person well. While each person copes differently, the following tips will help you bring hope and encouragement to the person battling cancer.

1. "You're beautiful"
Even if she looks tired, weak, or weary. Even if she's lost weight or gained weight. Tell her she's beautiful. She's probably self-conscious of her hair loss or weight gain (or loss), and it took a lot of courage for her to face the world today. Let her know that when you look at her, you don't just see the effects of cancer, you see her. (While this is specific to women battling cancer, I assume men would like to be told they are looking good, too...but maybe not "beautiful.")

2. "You're strong"
Cancer and its treatment takes it's toll on a person's body and emotions. When your body is weary, your emotions can run wild. Simple tasks become overwhelming and everyday moments become a constant reminder of your weakness and fragility. Even if she seems strong, there's a good chance she doesn't feel strong. Tell her she is, because she probably needs the reminder right about now.

3. "You can do this." (Better yet, "We can do this.")
Cancer is an overwhelming adversary. At times it seems unbeatable, even in the most treatable cases, and it creates a constant "what if" scenario in the back of one's mind. Your friend or family member needs to know she can do this and that she doesn't have to do it alone. Even if the odds are stacked against her. Even if the prognosis isn't good. Tell her she can do it. With God's help. With your help. She can do this.

4. I'm praying for you.
This is easily my favorite thing to hear from people. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that prayer moves the hand of God, so the more people praying for me, the better. I've had people I don't know stop me to say they're praying for me. I get emails from friends around the country telling me their churches are praying for me. I've even had teachers at my children's school stop to ask me how I'm doing and say they are praying for me. Bring it on. I will take all the prayers I can get!

5. What do you need?
Early in my journey, many people offered help, but I didn't have much need yet. Those same people were still there when my needs did arise. Some drove my kids to and from school and took me to doctor's appointments. Others brought meals and offered to get groceries or run errands. Some simply checked in from time to time asking if I needed anything. Each offer was an answered prayer, meeting whatever we needed at that time. If you don't know what to say to someone, offer to do something for them.

For those of you following my journey, here's a quick update: A PET scan in January showed the tumors have continued to shrink, so I am taking a break from chemotherapy for the time being (woo-hoo!) I appreciate all your prayers and will continue to keep post updates.

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When The Battle Chooses You • 7 Comments

The age-old advice to "choose your battles" is a great rule of thumb for relationships--friendships, parenting, even marriage. But, in life, sometimes you don't have a choice. Sometimes the battle chooses you. In my case, that battle is cancer.

At first, of course, I was shocked...devastated. I cried...a lot. I prayed...a lot. I hugged my husband and my kids...a lot. Then I had a revelation: I may not have chosen this battle, but I could choose how I fight it. I could wallow in self-pity and depression, dragging down all of those around me.
Or I could lift my head, put my chin up and face this battle head-on. I decided
I was going to do the latter. That meant making some difficult changes and
learning some tough lessons along the way...

Read the rest of this post over at Your Thriving Family where I'm sharing how I am Making the Most of Cancer.

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Compassion That Compels • 13 Comments

A few weeks ago, a package arrived at my door. Since I hadn't recently ordered anything, and Christmas was long gone, I was a bit puzzled. What I found inside amazed me and overwhelmed me:

photo courtesy of Compassion That Compels, used with permission

Someone had blessed me with the following:

Jesus Calling devotional
Notebook
Journal
Pen
Reusable mug
Scripture Teabags
Scripture Candy Soft Mints
Small blanket
Chick-fil-A gift card
Beautiful, durable tote bag

The only note inside was from a sweet woman whom I had never met. Kristianne explained that a friend had requested this gift to encourage me in my battle with cancer. Her hand-written note said she was praying for me; her words were so genuine, I knew she really was.

Thanks to the power of the world wide web, I quickly found Kristianne's organization, Compassion That Compels and learned her story. What began as a simple request from a woman facing cancer has turned into a powerful ministry, offering hope and a "warm hug" to women who are in the fight of their lives.

Kristianne contacted me a few days later and a beautiful friendship began to unfold over the phone and across the miles. She had been following my writing, and when she asked me to consider doing a guest post for her blog, I didn't have to think twice. I was in. So today I would love for you to join me over at Kristianne's where I'm talking about what you should never say to a cancer patient.

And if you know someone who is facing this terrible battle, why not make her day a little more special by requesting a Compassion Bag for her. Or consider helping Kristianne by sponsoring Compassion Bags for those women she lovingly calls cancer overcomers...because, afterall, that is what we are.

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What Love Is…Really • 22 Comments

I was up, showered, dressed...I even had on makeup...all before my kids came down for breakfast. That was an unusual feat for this not-a-morning-person mama. But this wasn't just an ordinary day. This was Mom's Valentine Tea at my son's preschool.

Not only was I excited to wear cute shoes and curl my hair, I had visions of my little guy and myself chatting it up with all his friends and their moms...just as I had done with his sister a couple years before. My visions of our perfect little date were interrupted by my son bounding down the stairs. I could not believe my eyes. There, before me, stood my son in his favorite sweats and Avengers T-shirt.

"Is that what you're wearing to school?" I asked as nonchalantly as I could.

"Yup" he replied matter-of-factly, not even considering that The Incredible Hulk might not be appropriate attire for a Mother-Son Valentine Tea.

If there's one thing I've learned from his older sister, it's to choose my battles wisely, especially when they involve wardrobe choices. My mantra has always been, If it's modest and weather-appropriate, it's not worth the battle. So, I bit my tongue.

Still, there was no hiding my disappointment as I walked back to my bedroom.

"Uh-oh, what's wrong?" my husband asked.

"Have you seen what your son is wearing?" (yes, his son)

No further explanation was needed.

"I'm on it," my husband replied, quickly exiting the room to track down "his" son. He swept our little guy back upstairs, and I heard glimpses of great wisdom being imparted...

"This is a special day..."

"Mommy is going to your school..."

"You want to look nice for Mommy when she comes to your school, right?"

A few minutes later, my son arrived downstairs, looking like this...

I know, your heart just melted a little bit, didn't it? Mine did, too.

My husband had recognized something that I, in my disappointment, had missed: a teachable moment. I think he was trying to teach our son about manhood and how a man treats a lady (and he did). But I think the greater lesson was about love itself.

While Valentine's Day is about flowers and cards and candy and hearts, love isn't really about any of those things. Those things express our feelings of love. But love is so. much. more. More than cards. More than flowers. More than a feeling.

Love is about putting someone else before yourself.

Love is sitting through two and a half hours of non-stop singing because your wife wanted to see a movie.

Love is going to the pharmacy for medication when you are sick yourself.

Love is holding a scared child in the night or rising early to make a special breakfast.

Love is wearing a button-up shirt and vest when you really want to wear Iron Man.

But love isn't just the sacrifices we make for those closest to us.

It's also taking a meal to someone recovering from surgery or sickness.

It's stopping in the middle of your day to help someone in need.

It's taking the time to write a note, e-mail, or text to a friend who needs encouragement.

Jesus explained it this way,

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

As you think about love this Valentine's Day, you don't have to jump in front of a bus for someone to show your love. You don't have to take a bullet. You don't even have to have a Valentine. You can show a little love by simply finding a way to put someone else's needs or desires above your own. I think we can all do that.

How has someone shown you love recently?

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Why I Believe in Miracles • 40 Comments

I remember the phone call and the concern in my dad's voice: "Carmen is in labor; they're on the way to the hospital. We'll keep you posted."

I hung up the phone with an odd mix of excitement and anxiety. My sister, Carmen, was expecting their third child, and I was eager to welcome a new niece or nephew into the family. But it was too early. Six weeks too early, in fact.

Doctors rushed Carmen into an emergency C-section. She delivered a tiny boy weighing only 3 lb. 3 oz. The baby was immediately transported to a top-notch Neonatal ICU at a hospital an hour away. My brother-in-law, Jim, went with him; my sister followed as soon as she was able.

Over the next several hours, doctors discovered my new nephew suffered from a rare, often fatal, condition called hydrops fetalis which causes the body to accumulate and retain massive amounts of fluid. The intense swelling wreaked havoc on his little body, and he began to develop other problems. His brain swelled, and he developed a brain bleed. The immense fluid caused his retinas to detach, and he had to be put on a respirator because he was unable to breathe on his own.

Jim and Carmen were told their son would probably not live 24 hours. They named him Zoe (pronounced "zo-AY"), which means "life." The name was so appropriate, because this little guy was now fighting for his.

The first twenty-four hours came and went, and little Zoe continued to hold on. Still, Jim and Carmen were given a very grim picture: There had already been so much damage to Zoe's brain and body that he would likely never breathe on his own. Even if he did, he would live whatever brief life he may have in a vegetative state. He would never walk. He wouldn't be able to talk, see, hear, or eat (without the help of a feeding tube). Zoe had also developed hydrocephalus, or "water on the brain," causing fluid to continue accumulating on his brain without releasing it. The condition is operable, but Zoe's platelet count was too low. He would never survive the operation. The doctor's hands were tied.

Our family did the only thing we knew to do: we prayed. My sister and brother-in-law spent hours at Zoe's beside, praying over him and singing to him. Friends and family members around the country prayed and fasted on his behalf. Congregations who had never met my sister or her family added them to their prayer chains.

Finally, my sister and her husband had to make a choice no parent should ever be faced with: After an MRI revealed more complications, doctors admitted they had done all they knew to do for Zoe. The medical staff encouraged them to take Zoe off the respirator. Jim and Carmen asked if they could take the weekend to pray about it. I flew to Georgia to join my parents in supporting Jim and Carmen in the difficult decision they faced.

Aunt Nanc holding little Zoe in the NICU.

After much prayer and counsel, Jim and Carmen decided to remove Zoe from the respirator and "leave the rest up to God." Doctors had made it very clear that Zoe would not be able to sustain life apart from the machine. Jim and Carmen braced themselves for the possibility of losing the son they had only known for a few days. But they also knew that God is able to step in and bring hope to situations when there seems to be none. All it would take is one word from their Healer God, and their son would be made whole.

When the time came time to take Zoe off the respirator, an amazing thing happened. Doctors removed the tube, and Zoe opened his eyes and took a big, full breath on his own!

That tiny baby who wasn't supposed to live more than 24 hours turned 5 years old last August!

Zoe "payin' the bums" in my basement last Christmas.

The boy who wasn't supposed to talk or eat on his own now feeds himself and talks to anyone who will listen!

Doctors were astounded when an additional scan revealed that his retinas had reattached! The child who "would always be blind," now sees just fine.

The baby who suffered "severe brain damage" started kindergarten this year. His teachers say he is cognitively on par with an average 5-year-old. (We know he is way above average!)

The child they said would live out his brief life "in a vegetative state" keeps up with his two brothers and sister in his walker or with his powerful army crawl. (He can stand on his own, and is working on walking on his own, too.)

Zoe's doctors refer to him as the "Miracle Baby." In fact, he's become quite the little celebrity in Savannah, Georgia, where they live. The local newspaper quoted one of Zoe's doctors in the weeks following his birth: "[Zoe] had multisystem failure," said Dr. Linda Sacks, co-director of nurseries at Memorial University Medical Center where Zoe was treated. "Any number of things could have killed him, his heart, his brain, his lungs. Yet he survived."

The issue of "miracles" is a topic that is hotly debated in Christian and non-Christian circles alike. I'm sure it's been discussed at length by those with more knowledge and credentials than I have.

I believe God does miracles because His Word says He does. I know He does them because I've seen it firsthand. (Maybe I should have titled this post, "Why I Know God Does Miracles.")

So when you're in need of your own miracle and a very special five-year-old crawls up to snuggle with you on a wintry afternoon...or asks very clearly if he can play your piano...or leaves you a voicemail to say he "yubs" you...well, it's like God himself is leaning in to whisper, "Yes, I still do miracles. And I can do one for you."

Do you need a miracle? Don't worry, I know Someone who does those. And if you still don't believe in miracles...well, I'd like you to meet my nephew. He's a pretty big deal.

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Intentional Marriage {a review} • 12 Comments

When my husband and I were dating, he was the focus of my every thought. I couldn't concentrate at work, I couldn't sleep, I didn't want to eat. All I could do was replay our last moments together in my mind and count the minutes till I would see him again.

Sappy? Yes, incredibly so. But I didn't care...I was in love.

Fourteen years, two children, two moves, and three jobs later, life has settled in on us. I love my husband even more today than 11 years ago when we said "I do." But if I'm honest, my thoughts these days are more consumed with getting through the day, settling squabbles among the children, figuring out what to make for dinner, and how to avoid that mountain of laundry that's been piling up.

We have a good marriage. I would even say we have a great marriage, but too often, even good (or great) marriages suffer simple neglect. Life takes over and priorities shuffle. We don't mean to do it, but we overlook our spouses for the more "pressing" issues of life. If we don't take time to refocus our energies on our spouses, neglect can begin to chip away at even the greatest of marriages.

Whether you're in a great marriage, a so-so marriage, or barely hanging on to your marriage, there's no better time than the present to focus some time and energy on your husband and your relationship with him.

{The following contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase the book, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review, but I only recommend products on this site that I fully endorse.}

The new e-book Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband, by my friend Crystal Brothers, is a fantastic resource to help you make your marriage and your spouse a priority. Crystal lays out 31 practical ideas for focusing on your husband in a day-by-day format. By focusing on just one simple idea each day, Crystal takes the sometimes overwhelming thought of investing in your marriage relationship and breaks it down into bite-size pieces that are quite manageable.

Knowing life is crazy and time is valuable, Crystal keeps the daily readings short and to the point (most are only 1/2 page in length!). She gives clear-cut and practical ideas in a concise way then lets you get right to it, providing questions to get you thinking and space for your own response and notes. (As an avid note-taker, I LOVED this feature!)

In addition to the 31 days of practical tips, Crystal also gives you some great resources like date night ideas, conversation starters, and 101 ways to bless your husband. The 52-page book retails for $4.99, but it's on sale for $2.99 until January 31. Plus, Crystal is giving away a free copy to one There Is Grace reader! Enter the giveaway below.

(Giveaway ends Sunday night, Feb. 2, at midnight. The winner will be notified by e-mail and announced on the There Is Grace Facebook page Monday morning.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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When You Wonder Where God Went • 9 Comments

If I'm brutally honest (and let's face it...I usually am here), I didn't feel like writing today. OK, as long as we're being honest...I wanted to write, but I just didn't know what to say today.

So, being the disciplined writer that I am (ahem), I searched high and low for inspiration (meaning I read through some things I'd written long ago hoping I'd find something usable). That's when I stumbled onto this little nugget from a couple years back when my now-independent-kindergartner was a mere preschooler (sniff).

Turns out...I really needed to read it again. I thought if I needed to be reminded of this truth, you might need to be, too?

From the archives...January 2012

When I dropped my Little Man off at preschool this morning, a rare thing happened. Instead of giving his usual good-bye kiss and smile, he clung to me and wailed, "I don't want to go, Mommy! I don't want to go!"

My Mommy Reflex kicked in and told me to hold him tightly and cry, "You don't have to! You don't have to!"

If this had been his first day of preschool (or he had been my firstborn), chances are that's what would have gone down. But this wasn't his first day. It wasn't even his first year! He has been coming to this preschool (at our church, mind you) for two years! Most days he hops out of the van with a smile on his face and returns at the end of the day excited about the things he learned, the songs he sang, and the friends he played with.

For some reason, that didn't happen today. And by now we were holding up the car line.

So I gathered up every Super Mommy power I could muster, kissed his head, and hugged him tightly. I assured him I'd be back at the end of the day, and I handed him over to the loving arms of his teacher. As I climbed back into the driver's seat, I watched his teacher carry him off as he reached for me screaming, "No, Mommy! Don't go!"

Summoning the rest of my Super Mommy powers, I drove away...around the corner, out of sight...and cried.

Driving away from my screaming child went against every fiber of my being. The rational side of me recognized I had done the right thing (even if the emotional, Mommy part of me argued profusely!)

He would only be there a couple of hours, and he was in a loving environment with people who care deeply for him. Experience told me he would calm down and go on to enjoy his day.

I had to be strong and look at the bigger picture.

That's when I realized how often I feel just like my Little Man. When life gets uncomfortable or circumstances don't turn out the way I want, I look at God and scream, "What are you doing?! How could you just leave me here?! I don't want to be here! Don't leave me!"

The truth is, He doesn't leave us. Ever. He has promised not to. Even when we feel alone. Even when we feel abandoned. He is right there...holding us, weeping with us, loving us through every moment. All the while, seeing the bigger picture. Seeing the other side. Knowing we will come through it stronger, more mature, and more dependent on Him.

Even though I physically drove away from my Little Man today, you better believe I called and texted his teachers until I was convinced he had calmed down and returned to his happy, easy-going self (which he did shortly after I left).

You see, as a mom my children are not "out of sight, out of mind." If I...an imperfect, human parent...am that consumed with my child's safety, his well-being, and his happiness, how much more our perfect Heavenly Father!

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9,10

What are you going through today that makes you feel alone? God has not forgotten you. He has not abandoned you. He is with you. Hold tightly to Him.

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When Faith Meets Fear • 23 Comments

I answered the phone. "This is Susan, from Dr. So-and-so's office," said the voice on the other end. "I have the results of your PET scan."

I've grown accustomed to calls from the doctor's office, but I am not always braced for what they have to say. Susan continued...

"...Confirmed your tumors continue to shrink." Phew! Good news.

"...Suspicious lesion around your pancreas...come in for a CT scan to follow-up." There it was. The bad news.

I had been on chemotherapy for two months already. The words "suspicious lesion" were not what I wanted to hear.

Plus, there was that odd pain I'd noticed in my right side. Since high school anatomy was two decades ago, I Googled "pancreas" and found out it's located on the right side...in the exact location of my ache. Now it was officially time to worry.

How could the cancer spread while it is shrinking the other tumors? one part of my brain rationalized. Cancer is a mystery; anything is possible the other side argued.

It was a week before Thanksgiving, and to be honest, I was ticked that I had to wrestle through fear and emotions again when I should have been focused on family and thankfulness.

Wasn't it enough that I had staked my faith in what I know to be true? Did I have to do this all over again? Wasn't a one-time victory over fear enough?

Honestly, no...once is not enough. Fear is an emotion, and we all know emotions come and go like the wind (more frequently for some of us than for others).

Fear is a normal, and natural, reaction to the unknown. I'm not the first to experience it. And I won't be the last. Even the disciples experienced fear. As a matter of fact, it almost got the best of one of them.

So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind,he was afraid. (Matthew 14:29, 30).

Peter wasn't the type who was prone to fear. He was bold. He was brash. He was the one who challenged Jesus, "If it's really you, tell me to get out of this boat...right here in the middle of the lake." A typically-fearful person wouldn't do that.

Peter wasn't all talk either. He actually got out of the boat. He walked on top of the water...without a flotation device.

He was bold. He took a step of faith. Then he felt the wind pick up. He saw the clouds roll in. He heard the thunder in the distance.

And his faith melted away into fear. It happens to the best of us.

We step out in faith, believing God is going to come through. We're going to get the job. The relationship will be mended. The scans will come back clear.

Then the winds pick up and the clouds roll in. They hire someone else. The relationship becomes more strained. The scans reveal a "suspicious lesion."

Our faith melts and we begin to sink into a sea of fear. So, what do we do then?

If we're smart, we do what Peter did.

And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” (verse 30).

Peter took his eyes off of his circumstances--off of the howling wind and rolling waves--and fixed them again on Jesus. He recognized his fear for what it was...a fickle emotion rooted in his circumstances.

Fear is a natural response; it focuses on our changing circumstances and loses heart. Faith is a supernatural response; it clings tightly to the One who never changes. Peter didn't rely on his ability to swim back to the boat, He put his faith in the One who controls the winds and the waves.

And what happened next?

Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him" (verse 31).

When we cry out to God, He will not let us drown in our fear. He will rescue us. Every time.

We may have to wrestle fear again...and again, but we don't have to be overwhelmed by it. Like Peter, we can learn that faith is not dependent on our feelings, but on the faithfulness of the One who calls us to step out of the boat.

So, whatever happened with that "suspicious lesion"? The CT scan showed it was just my normal, boring ol' pancreas. So, see...no need for fear in the first place.
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Follow my whole cancer story here.

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The Time I Learned (Again) about God’s Grace • 4 Comments

Having grown up in church, I was sure I had this thing called "grace" all figured out. I could spout the "Christian" definition: God's unmerited favor. I could explain the difference between mercy and grace: Mercy is not getting what you deserve; Grace is getting what you don't deserve.
I heard sermons about grace. I sang songs about grace. In fact, my name, Nancy, means "full of grace." So, I was pretty sure I knew all there was to know about it: God's grace is what brings us to salvation. Because of our sin, we deserve death. But God in His grace offers us salvation through His Son.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

Then, a few years ago, I experienced God's grace at a whole new level. I was quite familiar with God's saving grace, but my life, at the time, was quite a mess. Not a drug-and-alcohol-type of mess. Or my-husband-ran-off-with-someone-else type of mess. But an I've-got-two-kids-under-5-and-I-might-just-lose-my-mind kind of mess.

I was drowning in a sea of sippy cups and fruity puffs and living on 3.26 hours of sleep a night. And I was sure it would never end. I was a mess.

Then God in His grace reached out and got my attention. Through a sermon series, a recommended book, and a handful of other tiny moments, God began to unravel, and then reconstruct, my view of His grace...

Read the rest over at Happy and Blessed Home where I am honored today to share some Encouraging Words for Moms on Grace.

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