Jody Along the Path

The word icon has been used freely in the last week by the media in every known form of communication as they wrote about the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. As I researched about icon I read that it was a picture or image that represents another object by its related characteristics or analogy. (www.dictionary.com) The reporters were implying that these people were icons of our culture. A thousand years from now, the image of Farrah in her red swimsuit or Michael in his sequined socks and one glove will appear on a screen and a teen will say, “Yes, that was the 1990’s, all right!” I don’t know whether to be insulted or ashamed! Both probably.

As in the death of anyone, the families and friends of these two individuals are to be comforted and supported as they look for their own answers to difficult questions. Their lives will be analyzed and picked apart in the days and weeks ahead. All mistakes magnified and little said about who they were…really.

And so today, I am considering my icons. Those who represent what is important in my life and who give a picture of the characteristics that I treasure. Look at the covers on two books that I am involved in publishing. There are my icons.

After almost a year of hearing so many people give differing opinions about The Shack by William P. Young, I have finally read the book for myself. I am glad that I did.

I do not read just books that reflect or encourage my personal Christian beliefs. I read some books that challenge me. They make me think and consider the what and why of my beliefs. This is a book that differs from my personal beliefs.

If I were to write about my experience of meeting God face-to-face, what picture would I sketch? Isaiah said that Jesus would not be handsome but would be despised! (Isaiah 53) John tried to describe what God looked like when he met Him but all he could say was he was like something! (Revelation 1) Abraham didn’t recognize God when they met. Thousands met Jesus in His 33 years and did not know Him as God until … later.

I’ve had a child die. I’ve felt that white hot rage. I’ve felt the cold despair. The Great Sadness is a good description of the cloak that covers a person in this situation. I believe that God comes very personally and intimately to you and meets with you in a way that only you, only you, can understand and believe. Mr. Young shared this experience and if God in this book did not fit your beliefs because He did not look or act how you thought He should – then I think you missed the best point of the book. The Point? God will come to meet with you in the midst of your worse moments – because that is how much He loves you!

ISBN-10: 0964729237

ISBN-10: 0743292855

For homestyle, I-want-to-say-I-love-you cooking, no one does it better than Paula Deen. This book does not disappoint with recipes planted throughout the chapters that are a promise away from tasty! This book is Paula’s memoirs of her often tragic but finally victorious life.

However, in recommending this book I would have to place a big WARNING!and point to Paula’s own declaration at the beginning. Her language is past ‘colorful’. She might say she is being true to who she really is but the language takes away from my enjoyment of the book to the point that I stopped reading the chapters and just read the remaining recipes. I was very disappointed in the manuscript while still appreciating Paula’s always superb recipes.

I did not write any comments when the Da Vinci Code came out. I did not read it or see the movie. I may make Guinness’s record book! Now there is a second installment, Angels and Demons. I won’t read it or see that movie either. It isn’t that I am concerned that I will be ‘tainted’ with some heresy or un-Godly rhetoric. I just have no interest in the premise that there is proof that there are holes in what I believe. Well, duh. Isn’t faith by definition a belief or trust in God? God who I cannot see or prove with any of my senses?

In today’s CNN.com, Bart Ehrman, a UNC Chapel Hill religious studies professor, says he is a former fundamentalist who is able to ‘debunk’ the Bible. I imagine he is a popular speaker these days. It is not surprising to me that Mr. Ehrman had a very negative experience with a church leader and a family member. We in the church are going to have much to explain on the day we come face to face with God! In fact I think we would be wise to not try to give an explanation but instead just get on our knees and beg forgiveness!

So if you are a Christian and you plan to go to this movie – do not confuse faith with facts.

As Michael Douglas said in American President, choosing who I vote for as president, senator, county commissioner, or any other elected official has “everything to do with character”.

I voted for George W. Bush in 2000 and 2008 primarily based on my choice of George W. Bush’s character over his opponents. In a msnbc.com article on April 11, 2009, Back in Texas, Bush enjoys a simpler life, President Bush was asked recently by a student at Southern Methodist University about how he made decisions as president. He replied, “You make your decisions based on principles, he said. And you never worry about popularity or polls.”

That reflects a man of principles and integrity. That is a person for whom I can vote and have no regrets doing it nine years later.

ISBN-10: 0310289025

If you haven’t lived in a cave or given up TV as a spiritual fast, you have probably seen at lead one episode of TLC’s Jon and Kate Plus 8 reality show. Some episodes seem very comedic as you watch a day in the life with a family that has eight children under the age of eight. Other episodes are like watching in some weird fascination of daily attempts of these young parents attempting to avoid a train wreck!

This book, however, works much better for me than the reality show. I, too am a mother of twins, and this books provides an interesting, factual account of a family with multiples and shows the foundation of Christ in their life. If you check this book out for nothing more than the last chapter in which Kate and Jon give the six lessons they have learned, your time will have been well spent. Those lessons are gold nuggets worth reading whether you have 16 children or none.

Please take time today to read a commentary by actor, Gary Sinise, “We can’t do enough for our veterans” on cnn.com. Mr. Sinise has made it his ‘ministry’ to encourage our men and women in the military around the world. Going thousands of miles a year, he brings a sincere handshake, some music, and messages of thanksgiving to those who made a choice to serve our country amid a huge personal sacrifice.

I admit, with no apology, to being a weepy patriot! I meet former military in my job and always shake their hand at the end of our interview and thank them for what they have done for my freedom. One of my first trips to Hungary, I was sitting in church and there in front of me was a ‘little grandma’ with a babushka covering her head and Jesus in her heart. She had an expression on her face which could reflect mine when I walk into a bakery! She was where she wanted to be! In my mind’s eye, I could see her as a young woman walking to a pre-dawn or late night service 50 years before. Going under the cover of darkness because she was not allowed to worship her Lord openly under a Communist rule. Now she can come to worship in the sunshine! She brings her children and her grandchildren.

What has that to do with our military? We are the #1 military force in our world. We do struggle to be what President Theordore Roosevelt suggested: “Walk softly and carry a big stick!” Today we have military stationed in dozens of countries that are each fulfilling vital checkpoints to insure our freedom in this country but also encourage and protect the developing freedom for so many people. Mr. Sinise hit the nail on the head!

By: Mark K. Updegrove
ISBN-10: 0312388039

I do not read political books. I have always loved history, however, so this book caught my eye. This is a new perspective for me on these eight presidents. I found the chapter on FDR especially interesting for me at this point of current history. FDR came to office with the major tasks of pulling the country out of the Great Depression and World War II coming like a freight train. Here we are 70+ years later with very similar tasks for President Obama.

This is a wonderful compilation of messages and testimonies from children about their military parents. The insight of these children belay their age. They understand the commitment that they and their parents have made to protect not only this country but the ideals that live on even after their mom or dad have paid the ultimate price.

I recently read an article from oprah.com, “Saying No at Work” by Suzy Welch. It was very interesting as I have held a professional position for 30 years now.

I am at the stage in my life when taking an assessment of my life would be appropriate. It brings to mind choices I have made regarding my career and my personal life. Like most, I suspect, I can deposit weight on both the ‘hit’ and ‘miss’ sides of the scales.

Ms. Welch spoke to three high-level female executives about their choices that brought them to their current life positions. The last one who is a CEO of a consulting firm had this to say:
“To get where I am,” she said, “I have given up so much. My job has inflicted untold brutality on my marriage. Untold brutality on my life. I will not start saying no and take the hit in my career, too. The price I’ve paid is already high enough.”

The price she paid was too high for me. As I considered my own choices I realized that I could identify a defining moment when I chose my family over my career. I was at a point where in order to move up I would have to go back to school for a graduate degree, while I was still working 40+ hours/week. My children were 16,16, and 7. My marriage was already in trouble…the ‘usual’ things when couples spend too much time juggling ’stuff’ and do not prioritize time for each other and God into the equation. I looked at a picture of my family on my desk and made my decision. I would not be going back to school. I do not regret that decision as in less than a year I was divorced and I was in a place to be there for my children. The CEO noted above uses words like “brutality” – twice. Hmmm. I wonder if the success of her career has made a big enough band-aid on her wounds to decrease the pain – yet.

So for all you 20- and 30-something’s out there who are making life choices, I encourage you to read this article and consider what price you are willing to pay for success.