A WOMAN'S VIEW ~ Lenore Buth

Can we still speak hope when the unthinkable happens?

When a large part of our inner sense of security crumbles--as it did after 9/11, what are we to do? 

Or when a family or relationship problem shakes our personal world to the core?

How do we cope? What do we tell our kids?

We may feel a gaping emptiness inside and long for comfort for ourselves, but feel we have nowhere to turn.    

Even in the day-to-day of life we may have people we care about who regularly (and more so in a crisis) look to us for reassurance and for clues on how to deal with life. 

All the while we may be thinking, I have nothing left to give.  

That's when we do what moms and wives--and dads and husbands--have done since the beginning of time. We give anyway. 

We take our thoughts off what was lost and focus on what is left.

Although we feel drained dry, still we can speak the hope that comes from beyond ourselves. Hope that's based on more than what we see and think and feel. Based on faith in God and the deep-down conviction that when we trust in Jesus as our Savior, "hope" becomes 100 percent guaranteed certainty.

That's because it rests in the One who promised to be with us, no matter what, no matter where and to be our strength, even when we have none left within ourselves.

How do we protect our children in this scary world?

We can't, not really. We can hold their hands so tightly it cuts off their circulation and follow them around like bird dogs, but there's no way to absolutely ensure they will never hurt, never be disappointed.

We watch over them, of course. We hug them and comfort them and speak the love we feel because nobody ever gets too much love and encouragement.

Through it all, good times or not-so-good, every day we commit our loved ones to God's protection, asking Him to watch over them.

How do we model living in faith?

I used to think at some point I would arrive at a more, um, exalted state of being. That I would somehow "graduate," that is, to be always at peace.  

Perhaps you've wished and prayed for that, too. Let's face the (humbling) truth: We are human beings living with never-ending announcements of yet another reason to feel shaky. That's the world we live in, yet we need not cringe in fear. 

My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep.  Psalm 121:2-3  NLT

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.   Jeremiah 29:11

Come to think of it, isn't that more than enough?

Always, there is help available and it's as close as our nearest Bible.

I've found when I'm running on "empty," the best way to recharge and refuel is to spend time in the Word and in prayer.

Sounds good, but where do I start?

Answers may vary--and that's okay, because each of us is an individual. Like many others, I find it helpful to mark Bible verses so I can find them more easily. 

Verses like these, which I've had marked in my Bible for years:

God is my refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea . . . The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.      Psalm 46:1, 11

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.   Psalm 29:11

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

Living in the world

You and I can't stop the evil in the world--and yes, there is evil in the world. Every year the 9/11 remembrances proves the point.  

It didn't stop with 9/11--and it won't. Ever since Eden, the power of Satan--evil--is with us. 

Evil will always keep trying, but it will never win. In Jesus, the battle is already won. 

Our best strategy for survival--for enduring--is to stay planted in the Lord and keep filling our minds with truths from God's written Word. 

Then when our loved ones turn to us, we'll be ready with love and with strength that comes from the Lord, who will never turn away from us.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.   Psalm 121:2  

Whatever the disaster, little or large, in Jesus Christ we find the strength and stability to not only make it through, but also to speak peace and hope to those around us.

All this comes not because of who we are or because of our great internal spiritual resources, but always, only because of the One who lives within us.

Trusting, too,

Lenore

How to shed the fear that keeps crowding in

WATCH OUT! DISASTER IS COMING YOUR WAY!

Variations on that theme run through every talk show and every news report. Whether it's the latest COVID variant or inflation or the weather, it sounds like everything is bad and getting worse.  

Many of us might nod in agreement.

This keeps us running scared and feeling unsettled. We're living out the old  cliché, "Waiting for the other shoe to drop," because no one knows what comes next. 

Or perhaps what troubles you and wakes you with a racing heart has nothing to do with any headline news. It's way deeper, down to your core. Maybe you can't even remember when the haunting started.

This brings the question: Is it possible to maintain a calm center, no matter what comes?

That's our job as grownups, isn't it? Especially if we're Christians.

Sure, but how?

How do we ditch living in fear? Whatever our challenge, it's always wise to begin with the basics: principles that are true, no matter who we are or what the situation. 

• Be watchful, yes, but fearful, no
• Focus our attention on facts, not rumors, nor on the endless "what ifs" 
• Do our best to live healthy by eating right and getting plenty of sleep
• "Think health" instead of "thinking sick"
• Speak peace instead of fear, knowing each time we do we reinforce the peace within us    

These simple things make sense 365 days of any year and we have power to carry them out right where we are.

Yes, but ... that doesn't sound like enough

I know. When we're feeling shaky inside and can't get to sleep at night we want something tangible. Authoritative. Something we can hold onto.

The truth is, calm that won't quit never comes from "out there." A government official or an "expert" with a string of degrees or even our trusted long-time doctor saying, "Don't worry," only quiets fear for a few hours. 

That's because we know the truth: Like us, they're only human and they only know what they know ... so far.

We want more. We need more. 

So where does that leave us?

How do we shed this deep-down fear that weighs us down? 

The "more" we seek comes from within. Each of us constantly fills our minds and hearts with something--and we get to choose what it is. This dictates our day-by-day question:

Will we feed the fear or feed the peace?

It takes no effort to stoke uneasiness. All we have to do is look and listen.  

To nurture inner peace costs us something. I'm not talking yoga or meditation or any of those self-help relaxation practices. As useful as they may be, they don't fear-proof our hearts for long.  

(How do I know? Over the years I've tried several of those methods.)

Here's what I learned from dealing with my own "hard stuff"  

First I had to gather up all the tormenting "what ifs" and stuff them into a box in the attic of my mind. (Yes, they kept creeping out but if I persisted, gradually they stayed put. At least most of the time.)

All day, every day I need to remember who I am. I am loved by God, simply because I believe in Jesus as my Savior. Period. That's what the Bible calls "grace."

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  NIV

Did I pray? Of course, and God always, always, always gave me strength and courage to face whatever came.

I drew courage from the Bible, too

For years I have underlined verses that touched my heart and spoke to my spirit. I also jotted down brief references on the blank pages at the back, in case I forget where they are. (These days I also have the Bible on my smartphone and often list my notes there.)  

Bible verses like these:

• The Lord will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.   Psalm 121:7  NIV
  
  
• When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. ...   Psalm 56:3-4  NIV
  
  
• For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-control.   2 Timothy 1:7  NIV
  
  
• (The Lord said to Joshua)  "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9  NIV
  
  
• (Jesus said)  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."   John 14:27  NIV

As time goes by you will discover verses to add to that list

Look for verses that touch your heart because they speak faith and reassurance. Keep them at the ready for whenever you feel fainthearted about your life or about the future.  

Let's be clear about one thing. We Christians do not remember and speak Bible verses as some sort of magic charm. Rather, those times when we quake in fear--whatever the reason(s)--such verses remind us who is really in charge and has the power to help us:

"For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."   Isaiah 41:13  NIV

He is speaking to you, my friend, and to me. In every occasion or dark corner of fear that comes upon us, now or in the future. We are not alone.

What more could we ask?

Thanking God with you,

Lenore

Find calm in the midst of fear and chaos

How do we keep from giving in to fear as our hearts ache for those who live in terror and anguish? Or when we do?

Right now news broadcasts make our hearts drop--and we live thousands of miles away. Sometimes it seems the whole world is in danger of falling apart.  

Does anybody care? Does God care? 

Anytime it seems this world is careening toward destruction a quick glance at this photo quiets my heart. I copied it from the Internet and framed it where I can see it any time.

It comes from the Hubble Telescope gallery of stunning photos. As with many of those photos, the colors have been enhanced, but the shape of an eye is unmistakable. 

NASA itself labeled this nebula "The Eye of God."

I find that fact almost as amazing as the photo.

Of course it's not really a photo of God's eye 

Still, this photo reminds me of what many of us already know: God is watching over me. And you. And our world, even the most remote region of it. 

No matter how alarming or dismal the news, whether it's world news or happenings within our own lives or those of people we love, God never takes a break and gets preoccupied with something else.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.   Proverbs 15:3  ESV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.  Psalm 32:8  ESV

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. ... 1 Peter 3:12   ESV

Remember what makes any of us "righteous" is that Jesus died for us and canceled out all our sin.

Breathe deep and be at peace

Yes, God's eye is on us, but he looks at us with eyes of love. Remember this verse?

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.   Psalm 17:8   ESV

The best antidote to fears that nag at us is to go back to basics and spend some time reading the Bible, God's written word to us.

I've found it makes a big difference if I read with a "How does this apply to me?" attitude.

God's creation all around us speaks to us and quiets us, too. Sometimes I just need to look out the window with eyes that see.

When I do, when I take a moment to focus on the trees or distant hills or look up into the endless sky, I hear this verse in my mind:

Be still and know that I am God ... Psalm 46:10 NIV

David, writer of Psalms, never doubted God's loving, watchful eye 

For many years he lived in danger and counted on God's protection. He wrote these beautiful words: 

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.   Psalm 17:8 NIV  

He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber ... The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.   Psalm 121:3, 5a, 7-8  NIV

God speaks to us through the Word. Reading the Bible is a bit like resetting our internal compass to true north and we get back a right perspective on life. 

It reminds us it's not our goodness that's a ticket to Heaven, but Jesus' death and resurrection alone. Knowing that turns our anxiety to peace.

We remember again how small we are in the scheme of things and who God is

So why do we let the TV newscasts and talking heads raise our blood pressure?     

History is full of strife and struggles--and wars, whether "declared" or not. Elections come and elections go, always to the accompaniment of boos and cheers. Economies rise and fall, over and over. Medical problems inevitably come with being human. That's life.

Yet this little planet we live on keeps spinning. Every morning the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

The One who was there before the beginning and will be there after the end remains in charge. 

For you and me, if we trust in him it is safe to let go of fear. God's got it all covered, so we can live in peace and calm.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!  Psalm 118:1  ESV

He never takes his eye off us, so let us relax and rejoice!

Blessings,

Lenore         

How to stay calm, even in times of fear

Has it ever seemed to you that every talking head is infected with the same "virus"?

I'm not talking COVID or Omicron here. This one seems confined to the mouth because every other word the speakers utter proclaims new reasons to live in fear.

Even news from halfway around the world affects us. Then come the disquieting reports that hit us where we live. Another warning, another shutdown, another loss of something or someone we thought we could count on. Over and over and over.

Even if we think our life probably won't be affected, an inner fear takes residence inside us. What if that happens to me? Or someone I love?

Logic asks, why should any of us imagine we're exempt? We do, after all, live in the same troubled world.

Christians, too, are susceptible to fear and questioning

Some of know what it's like to be shaken to the core and certainly, none of us is bulletproof. Over time we may begin to doubt even the foundation of faith we've rested on all our lives.

In quiet moments we may ask ourselves questions like these: 

• Is God really watching over me and those I love?
• Have I lived a good enough life to know my salvation in Jesus Christ is truly certain?

If today you're feeling weighed down by uncertainty, it's a good time to go back to what the Bible tells us.

God promises to protect us

His words are sure--and timeless. Take Psalm 121, especially verses 5-8, here from the ESV:

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right side. The sun shall not strike you by night, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forevermore. 

Boil it down to its essence and it's this: God is faithful and HE watches out for us, 24/7. Whatever comes. For all our days. 

That's nice--for those who qualify. But what about me?

Start at the starting place: God is love. He loved us enough to make a way for you and me to be his children.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.   John 3:16  ESV

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.     Romans 5:8  ESV

We call that "grace," God's forgiveness, kindness and mercy to us as believers in Jesus. We do not--cannot--do anything to "be good enough."  

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.    Ephesians 2:8-9  ESV 

It's God's love and mercy. Period.

Our Christian faith is no wispy theory that dissolves under pressure

We can stay calm, no matter what life dishes out--when we count on Jesus and his strength within us rather than our own.

I like the way The Message paraphrases 1 Corinthians 10:13:

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

"He will never let you be pushed past your limit." HE never turns away from us.

Truths to help us keep going:

Our loving Father will never let us down

He will never let us be pushed past our individual limits. He made us so he--and only he--knows our precise limits.

He will always be there to help us come through whatever trial or temptation we may face. 

Knowing this deep-down equips us for whatever may come. It's as the Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:31:

If God is for us, who [or what] can be against us?   

Worrisome newscasts and scary news reports will continue. Scary tests and dreaded medical diagnoses will come into our lives just because we're human beings who live in an imperfect world.

In the midst of "whatever," we can be at peace  

Instead of giving in to fear, let's do a mindset makeover, reminding ourselves that HE is the one Source of security that never fails. 

How can we know that's true? 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.    Isaiah 41:10   ESV

The One who was here before the beginning of the world and who will be here after the end is with us, every minute of every day.

Trusting, too,

Lenore

 

Ongoing Lessons from 9/11

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 occurs this year, 2021. 

That day changed the way we Americans think and introduced all of us to a new kind of fear, an underlying anxiety. 

Even now, television replays and photos of that day shock us and remind us of the ongoing horror and the sorrowful days that followed.

Some ask what good does it do to remember because no one can rewrite one second of that day?

Yet we must remember, if only to recall to our minds that 9/11 changed life as we knew it and ushered in extensive safety and security restrictions as "normal" in our daily lives. 

Perhaps we need the annual reminder that life is fragile and each one of us is vulnerable at any moment of any day.

It could have been any of us that happened to be in the World Trade Center at that exact moment  

Less than two months before 9/11, a friend and I sat in the the glass-walled Observation Tower on the top floor of one of those Twin Towers.

It was my first time in Manhattan and I loved it.

My husband and I lived in Washington state and I sang with a community choral group. In July of 2001 our Chorus traveled across the country to give a few concerts. New York City was to be our second stop.

First we sang for a large national church conference group in Washington, D.C.

Our performances ended mid-afternoon. That gave most of our chorus members ample time to head on over to the U.S. Capitol. We all knew from watching past Independence Day celebrations on TV that's what was scheduled for the evening of July 4th.  

Now we--with no prior arrangements whatsoever--wanted to watch it up close and personal, so we decided to chance it whether we could find a place among the mass of attendees. After all, the hotel clerk said, "Just walk on over and find a place to sit."

A carefree July 4 in DC  

About sunset a group of us singers/sightseers found empty spots where we could perch on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. 

Not a barrier in sight. No fenced-off areas. All around us people were strolling about freely.  

It seemed like a photo-shoot of America. The grounds were filled with folks of all ages and every color, many conversing in unfamiliar (to us) languages. Some people spread their blankets and picnics on the Capitol lawn. Some put out lawn chairs brought from home and positioned themselves to get the best view of the stage show and fireworks to come. Kids did what kids do, playing tag and running around between blankets and chairs.

We all mingled peaceably and it seemed every face wore a smile.

Those in our group talked of how amazing and wonderful it was that such large crowds could gather so close to the Nation's Capitol building. One said, "It all reminds you what it means to live in a free country, doesn't it?"

Not one of us imagined this would be the last time crowds assembled for Independence Day--or any day--would enjoy such freedom of access.  

Next day we were off to New York City to give another performance 

We had some personal time earlier in the day. My friend had been there many times and insisted we must go to the Twin Towers, because "Everyone needs to go up on top and just look out at least one time in their lives."

We took the elevator to the top, the Observation floor, which featured glass walls that stretched around most of that floor. We found empty seats in the front row and sat for perhaps 20 minutes with our knees pressed against the glass.  

Then I walked all around the roomy space, awed by the evidence of God's creative hand in the beauty of land and sea and sky on all sides. That grandeur touched my heart way more than the works of man, the impressive skyscrapers that dwarfed the Empire State Building. 

A couple of smiling security guards watched as we came in and when we left, simply observing the people who were there. Nothing more.

Nothing more was needed.  

That night our Chorus performed at a concert hall, complete with orchestra.  (I kept pinching myself.) Once again, no complex security requirements. Audience members needed only a ticket. We performers simply walked in the Stage Entrance. One Security guard, casually keeping watch. No hassle, just walk in.

My heart brimmed over on that trip and on our flight home, thanking God that I was able to be included in that "dream" trip.

And so blessed to live in these United States of America.

Who could have known these would be "before" freedoms?

On 9/11, life changed. For all of us. Never again would we take it for granted that we were safe, simply because we lived in the United States of America.

Ever since, there's been an underlying sense of fear and watchfulness, as if collectively, we were waiting for "next time." 

Since 9/11, nobody without proper credentials strolls aimlessly through the U.S. Capitol grounds--or anywhere else in public buildings or grounds of Washington, D.C. Or in most other Government buildings, whether national or state.  

How have we come safely through these past years? We may credit this Administration or that Administration. We may reel off a long list of agencies and personnel and give credit where, yes absolutely, credit is due.

Yet every expert in every field tells us the best efforts by the best people remain insufficient. No agency, no amount of armed guards, no amount of money spent for the latest defense equipment, can guarantee the safety of this Nation--nor of us as individuals.

Evil is real. Evil exists all around us, just as it has since Eden. To consider Evil an outdated concept is akin to burying one's head in the sand.

The ongoing lesson is this: Only one sure Defense exists 

By now we all know very well that people and programs are not enough to keep us safe. We need Help that will never fail us. Where can we turn?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.   Psalm 46:1  ESV

Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.    Proverbs 30:5  ESV 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.   Deuteronomy 31:6  NIV

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?   Romans 8:31  ESV

As a Nation, as individuals, we could not be in better hands--on this day or any day of any year.  

May God bless America, indeed, and keep us safe, both now and in the future!

And, Gentle Reader, may you know His peace in your heart and in your life, the peace that passes all human understanding.  

Trusting and praying, too,

Lenore

Here's help for when life falls apart

For a moment or two, let your mind wander and picture this . . . 

You finally managed to buy your longtime dream, a home deep in beautiful, wooded mountain country in California.                         

Tranquil lakes and streams. Towering evergreens up close or on the next hill. Room to breathe. Peaceful, blessed quiet, except for the calming sounds of Nature all around. 

However you spend your days, whether hiking one of the many trails that thread through the forest or just sitting in your front-porch rocker, you're at peace.    

Several times a day you think, All those years I (or we) worked hard to get here and it was so, so worth it!

At night, looking into the deep blue sky and counting stars or watching the logs in your fireplace ebb down into embers, you say, "Life couldn't be better. What a blessing!" 

And then comes the horror

For some, it came late at night, for others, in broad daylight. 

Engrossed in what you were doing--or perhaps sleeping soundly--you're roused by someone pounding on your front door.

There stands a frantic smoke-blackened firefighter. He yells, "You must leave! NOW! You only have minutes! You have no time to grab any belongings. Just go!  

"Get your family members and RUN!"

For any of us, life as we know it can fall apart in an instant

All it takes is a phone call. A bad fall. A car accident with devastating injuries. Biopsy or lab test results we prayed never to hear. Someone we love hit by disease or a heart attack. Or a devastating injury. Or death that claims the earthly life of one we thought we couldn't live without. 

Or it may be "impersonal," such as a business closing--and with it, the end of a job or career that enabled us to pay the bills. Job changes that call for retraining--or starting over. A landlord that sells the home we live in, leaving us with nowhere to go that we can afford.

Whatever the cause, many of us have lived it, sometimes more than once.  Or we know someone who has. In times like that, tragedy can overwhelm our spirits and snuff out hope.

How do we go on? 

Whatever comes, we cling to Truth that outlasts any trial, any catastrophe

When we're in pain because our world is falling apart, it feels natural to lapse into anxiety and fear. We're tempted to pull our pain around us like a warm quilt. Why not? Everyone would understand.  

Here's the question each of us must answer for ourselves: Is that really how we want to live?

Most of us would answer "No."

Still, how do we hold it together? How do we find strength to go on?

Answer: We do the hard thing: We fight for it. 

We deliberately--as if we were changing channels on a TV--fill our minds with reminders from the Bible that our kind and merciful God has not turned his back on us.

We repeat the verse or verses aloud if that's the only way to drown out the fear. We whisper them at night when we cannot go to sleep, sometimes over and over until sleep comes. 

Start with reassuring Bible verses like these

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.   --Psalm 46:1-2

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.    --Deuteronomy 31:8

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.    --John 16:33

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.    --Isaiah 41:10

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.     --John 14:27

Make these verses--and others like them--the refrain of your life

Promise yourself you will stop saying--and thinking, "I don't know how I will get through this."

Say instead, "With God's help, I will get through this. Moment by moment. Day by day."

When fear intrudes--and it will, mentally shout "Stop!" and emphatically turn your thoughts to the One who loved us enough to die on the cross so that we can be at peace with God. 

He is the One who told his followers--and us: "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." --Matthew 28:20. 

We do not walk alone.

We do not face our troubles on our own.

Whatever comes into our lives, God will give us the strength to get through whatever comes.

In every situation, we depend on Him, not on ourselves. And so we survive--and get through--whatever comes.  

Hanging on tight,

Lenore