Erasing the Pain

This video by Tenth Avenue North is beautiful. Please watch it here. As a Christian I want to dispel the myth that we are out of touch with the pain of the world. Know that, we struggle with the same deep sins rooted in our hearts that you do. We understand why you want to numb pain with alcohol. We get why you are chasing that job promotion so you can finally feel valuable. Mostly we know that deep longing in your heart that just wants to be completely known and loved. That is the same longing every human has. The Lord made that heart. He certainly knows what it is struggling with.

Friends whatever your sin is put it on the board. Let God erase it. Certainly I can relate to some of those words in the video. Please don’t do what I did for so long and define yourself by sin. For years I built my identity on gossip, haughtiness, and exploiting my body. This was who I was. Then I met Jesus, and He showed me that these were the things that I was hiding behind. Let God show you who you truly are. From one sinner to another, I promise through Him “you are more…”

For Christina

On September 11, 2001 Christina Taylor was born. On Saturday January 8th 2011 she was killed by a bullet through her small chest in Arizona. In senseless shootings such as this Columbine, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, and multiple others the same question remains: Who is to blame? Surely, something has set countless murders off. So whose responsibility is it? The makers of our gun laws? The parents who raised the shooter? What about the old man who sells the gun, or the college girl at Walmart who helped him purchase the bullets? Maybe we should all blame the media for their sensational stories that promise some kind of sick glory to anyone who is able to pull the trigger.

All I can say is I know the only person guiltless is God himself. When things like this happen it is not a time to shout blame at God. But, realize how much we need him in this fallen world. Our Jesus is the King of Peace. Even upon his capture to be taken to the cross he tells his disciple who wounds in his defense to put down the sword.

For awhile I have considered whether or not to get my right to carry. After this most recent shooting I’ve decided to not act on that right. This brutality has to stop somewhere. I can’t speak to if it is right as a country to have freedom to carry a fire arm or not. I’m not sure what the long term effects could be if we take away the guns, or if the tragedies will continue to escalate if we keep them. The only thing I can do is put complete trust in my safety to the Lord as long as He has me here, and this means I will never have any need of a gun. By no means am I trying to start a political debate, or tell you what to do. This is just a step in my own life to stop blaming, and start taking responsibility for why parents keep losing their children, and loved ones. The Lord keeps reminding me that there are quite a few Is in responsibility. What are some ways in your own life you can make an impact on our violent culture? My heart breaks for Christina and the other victims’ families. Please join me for praying for everyone involved. Our Lord is a great comforter.

Note: As Christians we will have to make hard, and what some people may consider “dangerous" decisions for the sake of the gospel. This is what living in truth is, lining every part of our lives under Christ. GK Chesterton put it like this: " Jesus promised His disciples three things-that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble." I would love to pray with you or talk to you more about any of these issues. Please feel free to e-mail me at epplebrooke@yahoo.com or comment here on the blog.

Getting Direction

There are a lot of people blessed with a strong sense of orientation. I am not one of them. Knowing this I’ve adjusted to my lack of direction. I leave 15 minutes early when going anywhere new, because it is not a question of if I will get lost, it is when. After, a couple of U-turns and stopping at the local gas station to gain my bearings I arrive.

To me getting lost out on the road is no big deal. I know I will get there eventually. However, I am completely opposite in the journey of life. It makes me anxious to not know exactly what turn to take next. Slowly the Lord is opening my eyes telling me not to be afraid of wrong turns here’s why:

1. You never know who you’ll meet on the journey
2. Where He wants you is where you’ll be
3. They are how we learn the way


Now, instead of being independent and telling the Lord what I am going to do. He is teaching me to be dependent, and ask Him which way is best.

I know you wish I would send you a Garmin that told you the exact route to meeting your spouse, success, or happiness. We both know it won’t happen:)

Those things while blessings in life are not our destination. The kingdom is. Who knows the way better than our great Creator? Humble yourselves friends. Ask for direction. He is always happy to help. Forge ahead in faith and enjoy the ride <3

The Race

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

In high school I was all about running track. So it comes as no surprise that the Lord is teaching me through this well noted verse. After reading it, I kept turning over the words “set before us.” Last night I came to the realization that I have been running a lot of races that the Lord has not put in front of me. Meaning I have been competing for prizes that are not the crown of righteousness. Here are a few examples:

-Having the best career

-Most fashionable

-Being the most creative

-Having more friends

-Needing the least amount of help

As silly as they are I’m sad to say the list goes on. These pick-up races are things that take our eyes of the goal. They are like a treadmill, keeping you busy, but always in the same spot. Think about it. Are you mentally exhausted all the time? Do you want to shut everything out? Are constantly frustrated that you are not good enough? Maybe you too are competing in these made up competitions.

Here is my encouragement: Drop out. I’m not saying don’t try your best in whatever the Lord puts in front of you. What I am saying is stop comparing, and being competitive with your brothers and sisters. There is no need, and no gain. When you put all of your energy into finishing the race that God has set before you, life has a lot more peace. You are able to have real community instead of scheming on how to outdo your neighbor. All in all you are content.

Thank the Lord, Christ has won the only victory that matters. Remembering this I am turning around and running the way I should have been going the whole time, towards Him. Ready…set…

Exciting Times

If you have been within five feet of me in the last three days you have heard me talk about the song "The Dog Days are Over" by Florence and the Machine. A good friend of mine posted a blog inspired by the band earlier this month. Needless to say I have fallen in love with them too. (Thanks Jaz).

Here are the lyrics:
The dog days are over.The dog days are done.
The horses are coming so you better run
Run fast for your mother
Run fast for your father
Run for your children and your sisters and brothers
Leave all your love and your loving behind you
Can’t carry it with you if you want to survive

What's so great about this? It makes me excited for what is to come. As a Christian we are often told " Live each day as if the Lord is coming." We don't. It's hard to to wrap our minds around a prospective God when the daily grind is so monotonous. The chorus of Florence's song takes me out of the now, and makes me think about the blessed day we are all waiting for.

Here is a glimpse of what comes to mind: Running so fast it hurts. The pain is numbed by the great thing that is driving you. You scream and you yell in sheer joy on the way to tell your parents, siblings, friends, even strangers that we are going home. " It's over! He's come back for us! We are not alone! He's here!" The smile on your face can no longer be taken. All has been put right. The sound of rejoicing and clapping fills the air. The King has come for His church. Can you see it?

There is my interpretation of the song. I have no clue what the thing is really about. All I know is God is using it to encourage me that there is still time to share the truth before His arrival. The time is near. How exciting it is!

All I want ...

We all want something. Isn’t that why Christmas is so appealing? Once a year we finally have a legitimate excuse to voice our desires. If we are honest we know our requests aren’t truly about the stuff. They are about hope. Somewhere in our heart we believe that a dress will make us beautiful, this car will raise our status or a ring will mean love. We hope for something better. All we want is that one thing that will make it happen. Why do we hide behind our lists of demands instead of asking the Lord outright for love, acceptance, or comfort? The things He longs to give us.

Everyone whether they believe it or not knows that the Christmas holiday started with Jesus. What is so special about His story? Well, imagine if you always put others above yourself. Being content in the place you are in. You didn’t have to fight to get ahead. Pride wasn’t an armor you had to wear. What if you never had anything to hide? Admitting weakness was O.K. You never had to lie. There wasn’t ever a question if there would be enough to sustain you. Popularity was just a passing fad. And at the end of everyday you slept well knowing that there was hope. That there really was a God who loved you more than you could ever deserve. If this was reality, what could you ever want? You wouldn’t need stuff to lead a life of happiness; you would be fully satisfied in the Lord, as we were made to be.

This is the impossibly perfect life that Jesus lived. Today I am remember that He lived a life of hope. A life we can't live without Him. Realizing this, I am once again coming to the understanding that I don't just want Jesus in my life I NEED Him. What we all need is a savior, and hallelujah, are Great Lord has provided. In 2011 my prayer for you is to stop living for your wants and recognize your greatest need. The love of Christ.

Jesus conquered this life, and redeemed it for us all. Through His death we can live our lives in the same way. What a gift.