Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Electrical Tape and Band-Aid
A funny thing happened this afternoon: my five-year-old sandal gave up on me, right in the middle of an uptown skywalk. Nabitas! I dragged my foot three flights of stairs so that the sole won't be detached from the rest of the sandal.
I was able to buy black electrical tape from a hardware store and walked towards the restroom. And right in the middle of the restroom the sole detached completely. All I could say was: hala nabitas! Then using the tape, I was able to attach both pieces together and walked away.
It was like a commercial for Mentos.
As I was looking for a new pair of sandals, God spoke: hey isn't that just like YOUR life?
Abba, give us the faith to let go of the momentary relief the world offers, give us the courage to choose the complete healing only You can give.
Abba, I lift up to You family and friends who are still captives to alcohol, smoking and gambling, those who have built walls around themselves, those who have caged themselves in, those who are under the control of depression and those still deceived by Enemy.
Abba, I place them at the foot of Your cross and I stand in the gap for them.
What do you mean? No response.
What did He mean by that? I had some time to think about it.
Then I saw things clearly. How many times have I neglected things that are truly important? How many times have I ran away? How many times have I avoided heart issues?
Is it only me or do most men do it too? As men, we have been taught that manhood is equal to physical strength and that listening to one's heart is a weakness.
When the heart is sick, we turn to hobbies, alcohol, porn, gambling, money, anything that would fill the emptiness momentarily. Band-aids. That's what I call them. Stick them over the wound and we're ok. Are we really ok?
I have my own band-aids too. And honestly, they provide little comfort. Why do we do this? Why do I do this?
It is often easier to hide than to be real; easier to be aloof than caring; easier not to allow others into our lives than place them in a position to hurt us. It is easier to build walls than ask to be loved and accepted. It is easier to fill our days with activities than be still; easier to put on band-aids than to examine the wounds.
Is examining the wound really worth it? Yes, and the healing process can be so painful. Not that all my wounds have been healed but at least one of them did. And healing that wound allowed me to live better.
Why are some of my wounds not yet healed? I honestly don't know. Probably the wound is deeper than I thought. Probably healing takes more time. Probably being wounded allows me to be more compassionate towards others.
If you think you are not wounded, I was like you once.
If you think you are deeply wounded, you are not alone. But here's the good news: God loves you and wants to heal you if only you let go of the band-aids and let Him heal your wounds.
Abba, thank you for Your promise of healing. Thank You that even in our woundedness You are able to use us for Your purpose.
I was able to buy black electrical tape from a hardware store and walked towards the restroom. And right in the middle of the restroom the sole detached completely. All I could say was: hala nabitas! Then using the tape, I was able to attach both pieces together and walked away.
It was like a commercial for Mentos.
As I was looking for a new pair of sandals, God spoke: hey isn't that just like YOUR life?
Abba, give us the faith to let go of the momentary relief the world offers, give us the courage to choose the complete healing only You can give.
Abba, I lift up to You family and friends who are still captives to alcohol, smoking and gambling, those who have built walls around themselves, those who have caged themselves in, those who are under the control of depression and those still deceived by Enemy.
Abba, I place them at the foot of Your cross and I stand in the gap for them.
What do you mean? No response.
What did He mean by that? I had some time to think about it.
Then I saw things clearly. How many times have I neglected things that are truly important? How many times have I ran away? How many times have I avoided heart issues?
Is it only me or do most men do it too? As men, we have been taught that manhood is equal to physical strength and that listening to one's heart is a weakness.
When the heart is sick, we turn to hobbies, alcohol, porn, gambling, money, anything that would fill the emptiness momentarily. Band-aids. That's what I call them. Stick them over the wound and we're ok. Are we really ok?
I have my own band-aids too. And honestly, they provide little comfort. Why do we do this? Why do I do this?
It is often easier to hide than to be real; easier to be aloof than caring; easier not to allow others into our lives than place them in a position to hurt us. It is easier to build walls than ask to be loved and accepted. It is easier to fill our days with activities than be still; easier to put on band-aids than to examine the wounds.
Is examining the wound really worth it? Yes, and the healing process can be so painful. Not that all my wounds have been healed but at least one of them did. And healing that wound allowed me to live better.
Why are some of my wounds not yet healed? I honestly don't know. Probably the wound is deeper than I thought. Probably healing takes more time. Probably being wounded allows me to be more compassionate towards others.
If you think you are not wounded, I was like you once.
If you think you are deeply wounded, you are not alone. But here's the good news: God loves you and wants to heal you if only you let go of the band-aids and let Him heal your wounds.
Abba, thank you for Your promise of healing. Thank You that even in our woundedness You are able to use us for Your purpose.
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