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A Morning View By the Wood Stove

"Never criticize a man until you've walked a mile in his moccasins." 
-American Indian Proverb

The longer I hear the stories of those whom I sit with and talk to in ministry, the more I realize this proverb to be true. This is true for all of humanity. We see the outside surface issues of peoples lives for 2-3 hours during church services and events. Sometimes they may share more deeply their passion in corporate worship or small groups. But we really do not know. We think we know people, their situations and their hearts. We give them great answers on how to FIX everything.

Have you ever had someone tell you, "If you would just do this, this and this it will be fine?" Better yet, how about the great advice, "Just give it to the Lord and it will be fine."

Now do not get me wrong, I believe we need to surrender to God. We need to allow the Spirit of God to guide us. We need to truly give it to the Lord. But how? Advice without Jesus in skin with it may just become words. "I will pray for you" can become a great catch phrase without action. I always wondered when I prayed why it wouldn't go away and have everything just be hunky dory? It takes time and support on our journey.

It is vital and important for each of us to find a safe place and person or persons to walk in our moccasins with us. It is okay to talk to trained professionals and it is important to have a go to person. My friends, we need each other. Living in the beginning quote becomes vital to truly help each other develop our relationship with God and each other. The goal is not to point out what is wrong with each other, but to nurture one another, support and understand each other. We need each other!

What size moccasin do you wear? What size moccasin does your friend wear?

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."   - Proverbs 27:17

Peace,
PB

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