Silent Saturday

In the Gospels very little is said about this day...the day after the crucifixion. Jesus’ body was quietly and quickly tucked away late on Friday afternoon so that the Jewish believers could keep the Sabbath holy. I've often wondered what took place on this "silent Saturday."

There are some things that we can surmise.
This was a day like none other for the followers of Christ. It followed a night when one of them had betrayed Him, and another had denied Him three times. Worse yet they had been present while their teacher, leader, and friend was cruelly put to death.

Reflecting on all that had happened since the day that Jesus had called them to be His disciples who knows what images flashed through their minds? I'm sure they experienced an array of thoughts and emotions.

When something tragic happens the moments surrounding the event seem to be seared into the human memory. There is no way to delete the scenes. They are forever etched in our minds. This most certainly was also true of the disciples. All that happened had to be playing like a movie over and over again.

Their hopes had been crushed. They were appalled at their behavior and the behavior of others. It is possible that they may have been on the run. Their lives were surely in danger. They probably feared they would be killed next. Perhaps it seemed a logical outcome.

This had to be a very dark day. But isn’t it always darkest before the dawn?

How fortunate that God's mind works very different from man's. With Him, when we repent, our sins become deleted scenes. While some of our sins never quite escape our memory He chooses to remember them no more.

Also, with God, there are no alternate endings. There is no need to try to figure out what the outcome of our lives will be. He remains steadfast and true to all that He has promised. Despite dark days the darkness always gives way to His incredible light.

As followers of Jesus, at times, our hearts echo the words of the psalmist in Psalm 143:1-12:

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant."


I can't help but wonder if the disciples did not feel this way on that day. We have to remember that they were unaware of what we know for certain as believers. No matter how the scenes of our individual lives play out there is NO alternate ending. The blood of Jesus secured our destiny and it will NEVER lose its power.

I'm so glad that "silent Saturday" was not the end of the story.

Sunday sealed the deal!

People of the Book tour kick-off featuring Kathi Macias

Today I am featuring an interview with award winning author Kathi Macias. Her latest work, People of the Book, which is the fourth and final book in the Extreme Devotion series, is absolutely phenomenal. Each one of the books in this series set in a different country. I haven't read the first three books in the series but hope the publisher will offer them for the Kindle so I can do so soon. Hint, hint New Hope Publishers.

It is not very often that a Christian fiction book has the power to keep me up at night. People of the Book did more than that. It challenged my commitment to Christ and caused me to question just how far I would be willing to go to hold on to my relationship with Him in the face of trials and or persecution. I am still thinking about many things since reading this book. I'll share some of them as a part of my review in another post. 

Please be sure you don't miss the important contest information tucked within this interview. You'll find out everything you need to know to win all four books in the series in this post. Good luck and enjoy!

Here is more from Kathi:

How is People of the Book different, and who/what inspired you to write this book?

People of the Book was the most difficult of the four Extreme Devotion series books to write, but it is also the strongest when it comes to a call to personal commitment to Christ and to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. With each of the books, I began drafting the manuscripts through Internet research, since I had never lived in any of the four countries and had only visited one of them. After the original draft, I worked with someone who either currently lived in the country or who had recently spent many years there.

People of the Book was the toughest because the Saudi women I connected with via the Internet were understandably apprehensive about associating with me. Most, in fact, were terrified to do so. I was therefore quite pleased to meet a young woman named Dolly Dahdal here in the States who, until just a few years ago, had spent the majority of her life in Saudi Arabia and understood perfectly why I had chosen to write this book. We shared a passion to help expose the fallacy of “honor killings,” a horrific crime perpetrated primarily against women and girls who in some way bring “dishonor” on their Muslim families, and Dolly was a major contributor to the authenticity of this book.

Can you give us a brief synopsis of this story?

Eighteen-year-old Farah, who lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with her family, wants nothing more than to develop a deeper, more meaningful devotion to her Muslim faith. She sees the month of Ramadan as her chance to draw nearer to Allah, and she pursues that goal throughout the holiday. All goes well until the prophet Isa—Jesus—appears to her in a dream and calls her to Himself. At the same time, her only brother, Kareem, who has never liked Farah, actively seeks an opportunity to expose her for the sham he believes she is.

Meanwhile, Farah’s seventeen-year-old cousin, Nura, has begun to frequent an online chat room where former Muslims gather to discuss their new faith, based on their belief that Isa is much more than a Muslim prophet—He is actually the Son of God. While there, Nura becomes acquainted with an American girl of Muslim ancestry—now a devout Christian named Sara—and a friendship quickly develops. However, Sara has problems of her own due to her fifteen-year-old brother Emir’s involvement with a gang.

The lives of Farah, Nura, and Sara ultimately dovetail until each finds herself at a place where her faith is put to the test. Will they remain faithful to the end? Will God protect and keep them safe in the midst of persecution and treachery? Or will they be required to pay the ultimate price for their faith?

Kathi, how did you get into writing? Has it always been your passion, or is it something you came to later in life?

I’ve always wanted to write, for as long as I can remember. I was an avid reader even before I started kindergarten. I wrote a short story in third grade that the teacher liked so much she showed it to the principal, and they decided to turn it into a play for the entire PTA. I was hooked! One day when I was about 13, I was walking home from school with my then boyfriend (now husband), Al, and I told him I’d be a writer some day. He often reminds me how blessed I am to have been able to do what I dreamed of all my life.

I understand you’re running a special contest that has to do with this book. Can you tell us about it?

Not only are there several opportunities to win a copy of the book on various blog sites included in this tour, but I’m giving away the entire four-book series at the end of the tour to someone who leaves a comment on one of the blogs, so be sure to check them all out and leave comments on each one!

In addition to writing, you are a popular speaker at women’s event, writers’ conferences, and various venues around the country. How can people find out more about you, your writing and speaking, sign up for your weekly devotional newsletter (in English or Spanish), and/or just view your many book videos, etc.?

They can find me at one of my websites (http://www.kathimacias.com/; http://www.thetitus2women.com/) or on my Easy Writer blog at http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/. There is a “contact” button on my Kathi Macias website if they’d like to send me a message. I always respond to all my emails!

I hope that you have enjoyed this interview. Don't forget to visit the various sites involved with this tour and enter to win copies of Kathi's book. You can find out more about the tour on Facebook here and you can also leave a comment on this post to be included in a blog tour drawing for all 4 books in the series.



[I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speaker Services.

A walk in the park

The room was black as night. I awoke alarmed, not by the clock but, because of the chill in the air. Shivering violently I rushed to grab my favorite robe glancing at the time on my way back to bed. It was almost 8:00 a.m. much to my surprise.

The day was here. An adventure about to begin. Pulling back the shade I was greeted by gray skies and billowy clouds. They seemed to threaten to spill torrential rains at any moment. "Go ahead" I said in a way that suggested the clouds might actually hear me. The wind seemed to speak back in a blustery voice. Its chilling reply unnerved me.

What a change in weather we had experienced over night. A sudden drop like this has the ability to stop me dead in my tracks. But there was no way that I would cave to the pain. I'd been waiting for a very long time for this day.

After reading the forecast I got dressed, grabbed my iPod, and layered a jacket over the top of my clothes. I grabbed an umbrella big enough for two wishing, all the while, for a "girlie" baseball cap. On a day like this it might come in handy.

My stomach churned as we headed out the door. What was I thinking? Will I be able to do this? How far can I go? Will it rain? What will the course be like? What if I fall? Am I crazy?

The brisk breeze snapped me out of the stormy thought cycle. After all what was the big deal? This was going to be quite an adventure for me but when I really thought about it, it was literally a "walk in the park" for most people.

But then again, I'm not most people.

That is what made this day so important to me. After 14 years in a cast I was finally out. To celebrate I'd decided to do something I'd only dreamed about. Participate in the MS Walk 2011. Not just because I have friends with MS but because I also have the disease. For weeks I had been excited but the threatening skies and dreary day were dampening my enthusiasm. They were also trying to rob me of my courage.

I prayed quietly to the Lord.

As we drove to Maury County Regional Park I debated about whether I should pursue the one mile or three mile course. I'm typically an all or nothing kind of person. I'd waited almost a decade and a half to do something like this. But the raindrops brought deliberation. Crutches and wet surfaces don't mix. I've already experienced this disastrous combination more times than I care to recall.

"Please Lord they're feeding hundreds of families at the church today. I really want to give MS a kick in the teeth. Stop the rain. Dry things up. Help."

We pulled into the park. There were cars all over the place. Someone was talking on a megaphone. I wasn't concerned that I might be missing something important. But I did pick up my pace because I was in a hurry to see where the starting line began. Crutching over to the pavilion I check in as quickly as possible unfocused on what was going on. My eyes darted back and forth looking for the starting place and the finish line. I found them to be one and the same.

It had been over a decade since we'd visited this park. A beautiful landscape tucked behind a high school it has it's share of small hills and valleys. For most they might go unnoticed but for me they are obvious. On crutches climbing a small hill is like scaling a mountain. The track they had laid out meant three laps around the mountain. It might as well have been Mt. Everest minus the snow.

I stood looking down at my hands. Before leaving I'd taken the time to write the names of those who had supported me with donations. It was my way of taking them with me. They and others were lifting up prayers for me. I'd need them to overcome the obstacles on this course--not to mention the bone chilling air.

We finally got started. There seemed to be a lot of young people walking. I stayed near the front of the pack and off to the side of the track. The rain had stopped which meant the pavement was drying but the grass remained wet. One wrong move could spell disaster for me. I moved along carefully at a quick pace.

As we turned a corner and headed up a hill my left shoe, which fits poorly on my deformed foot, began to twist around. If I slowed down there was a possibility that I wouldn't have the momentum to make it to the top. If I kept going at that pace I might loss my shoe. I found myself mentally telling the shoe good-bye as I increased my speed. There was no way that I was quitting. Shoe or no shoe, I was going forward.

It was a long uphill battle. While struggling I reminded myself that what goes up must come down. For most people that would be a welcome relief. For a person on crutches going downhill is even more dangerous. I prepared myself to throw the metal sticks out further in front of me at the first sensation of decline. It came more quickly then I hoped but I was ready.

Rounding the bend as part of a fairly large group my husband continued to walk behind me to insure my safety. About a dozen people were in front of me. I could see them receiving medals as they crossed the finish line. I remarked to my husband that they most have been the one milers. He asked how I was doing.

The very same question was on my mind. How was I doing? Was a jamming up things or keeping up with other people. He said that I had completed the first mile in about ten minutes. Elation mixed with determination provided enough steam to keep going. Three times across the finish line added up to three miles. For most a walk in the park but for me a marathon. A marathon with a mission to stomp out MS.

I've received a few diplomas over the years. Somewhere there is a trophy collecting dust. In my office an award hangs on the wall. All of these represent significant milestones in my life. Yet I'm not sure any compare with the small medal which I received for completing this course. It might as well have been made out of gold. I cherish it that much.

It was a dream come true.

A walk in the park.

An adventure.

This post is part of the One Word at A Time carnival. For more details on how to join click here.

Embracing the present

As the journey, which I spoke about in my previous post Casting off the past, continued I saw the neurologist occasionally for other issues plaguing me. The subject of MS would come up every now and then. I would always quickly dismiss it. That is until 2005 when I began suffering from frequent blackouts. It was then that a new batch of tests revealed diffused lesions throughout my nervous system. This is one of the classic signs of MS. Of course there are many others. A list of symptoms can be found here.

I was told that I would need to make major lifestyle changes. One of the most important areas to manage would be stress. It’s okay. I laughed, too. It’s easier said than done. I was advised to consider leaving “the ministry” or modifying my involvement.

I chose not to leave ministry but rather to pursue additional education so that, in the future if necessary, I could minister from home. My insurance provided me with a custom wheelchair and scooter. I’ve been told to use them to help prevent pain, fatigue, etc. I loan them out as much as possible (just out of stubbornness, I guess).

Crutches have been my primary means of transportation for nearly 15 years. I’m faster on them than off them. At one time I thought little about the wear and tear that takes place from getting around this way. However, it began to take its toll a few years ago. I’d also grown aware that every day spent in the cast was washing my bones out, not to mention, locking them up. That's never good.

After searching for an alternative, and finding nothing that would accommodate my twisted limb, I decided to take off the cast. I was told this would never be possible. I’d be in a cast “for life.” There was a huge risk involved but my decision was prayerfully made.

It helped that I was in a bi-valved cast, for a change, while recovering from a fractured femur. What can I say? I like climbing on things. A split cast meant that I didn't have to saw the thing off and could put it back on if necessary.

With that in mind, on a hot summer day in 2010, I spent a few hours without the cast. Hours that turned into days, and weeks, and months. The amazing thing is that nearly a year later I remain infection free. That is nothing short of a miracle. I thank God for His healing touch. 


I snapped this picture at the beach on my first day without a cast. How wonderful to feel the sand between my toes.

I continue to seek His guidance while dealing with the crippling affects of being immobilized for so many years. It will require divine intervention and a skilled surgeon to help me. I’m out of a cast but won’t be out of the woods until I can plant both feet flat on the floor and bend both knees. I’d like to do that soon. I’ve got marathons to run and mountains to climb. If you would please say a prayer about this. Thanks.

I must say, I’ve enjoy not having to lug seven pounds of fiberglass around. It has given me some freedom. It has also given me more time to think about MS. Especially since I am experiencing more symptoms as time goes by.

Until a few years ago I remained in denial. Slowly I have been working my way to a place of education and awareness about this devastating disease. Not just for myself but for many of my friends who suffer far more than I do.

Recently I saw a commercial for the 2011 MS Walk. I’ve never considered participating before. Dragging a cast around on crutches for miles never seemed to fit the definition of “walking.” But this year my situation is different.

I’ve shed the cast. I’m in a pair of shoes, although only one foot hits the floor fully, so I am without excuse. Besides I can’t think of a better way to celebrate what God has done and is doing in my life. Not to mention the fact that I'll be walking with my husband.

Together, this Saturday, we’ll be casting off on a three mile walk to raise awareness and funds for continued research for MS. Some of you have very generously given to help my team “Melinda’s Mission” meet the goal of raising $200. I can’t thank you enough. Most of you have never met me but I will carry you close to my heart during this event. Your support is my encouragement. God will be my strength. Please pray that I will crutch to the finish line.

And above all else pray for a cure. People's lives depend upon it.

PS: If you would like to make a donation to my team you can do so here.

Casting off the past

The year was 1999 and I remember it as if it were yesterday. My attending physician, a neurologist, burst into my room and loudly proclaimed “I think you have MS. We’ll need to run some tests to confirm it.”

To be honest, I didn’t know much about MS. Quite frankly, I didn’t care. My focus was on my swollen leg which was a whale of a situation that had brought more than one doctor to their wits end.

The tests for MS were inconclusive at the time and my concentration remained on the treatment plan to try to save my infection riddled leg. It looked like something that belonged on an elephant. Not a 110 pound woman. And yes, it was painful.

It's hard to believe that after hundreds of days in the hospital, several dozen trips to the operating room, along with years of intravenous drugs and physical therapy my leg was in this kind of condition. It was devastating. But God gave me the strength to keep going.

"Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." II Corinthians 2:9 NLT

It had already been three years since this nightmare, which began with two blistered toes, had robbed me of the ability to walk and wear a pair of shoes. Despite being diagnosed and treated, misdiagnosed and mistreated, there seemed to be no end to this illness which wreaked havoc on me and my family. Yet our hope remained locked like a laser on the simple truth that God had a plan to use this situation for the good. And even more certainly, that He was using it to conform me into the image of Christ.
 
"That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son." Romans 8:28-29 The Message
 
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." James 1:4 The Message

I can't say that sixty five days of inpatient therapy always seemed like a sheer gift but it brought with it a wonderful discovery. There was an effective treatment--compression. It was very painful and time consuming but it worked. My leg gradually returned to normal size. One year and six surgeries later both feet were flat on the floor. With a little more time there was every reason to believe that I would be cured. I was excited and never gave MS another thought, at least not for a few years.

My recovery came to a screeching halt, however, when I tripped on the pavement and ruptured my Achilles’ tendon. My foot and leg swelled up with a vengeance. Infection quickly reared its ugly head, too. In and out of the hospitals became almost a way of life. Along with that came additional years of intravenous antibiotics which I administered at home during the “better times.”

PICC line in right arm, cast on left leg

The lymphatic treatments, which had been helpful before, no longer did the trick. It seemed the only way to control the problem was by keeping my leg in a cast. Thus a long leg cast became a part of my regular attire. It eventually allowed me to become infection free.

 But the journey was far from over. For the rest of the story click here.

Sunday Scripture-Hiding

"You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!" Psalm 32:7 Amplified Bible

Sunday Scripture-Wait

"Can the no-gods of the godless nations cause rain?  Can the sky water the earth by itself?

 You're the one, O God, who does this. So you're the one for whom  

 we wait.  You made it all, you do it all." 

Jeremiah 14:22 The Message