We are a sports loving household – okay, maybe not the entire household but half – okay, fine, it’s me, just me! In a house full of males, I am the most avid sports fan. I like pretty much any sport in season but my favorite sport of all sports is hockey, which is weird, because I grew up in east Texas in the 60’s and 70’s and the closest I ever got to a hockey game was watching the winter Olympics. Then I met and married my hockey-playing, Minnesota raised husband and he took me to a game in 1993. From that first puck drop, I was hooked and ice replaced turf, sweaters replaced jerseys, periods replaced quarters and now 82 games lead to the best months of the year, April – June and the Stanley Cup playoffs. But what does hockey have to do with living a life wholeheartedly for Christ?

Glad you stayed with me to find out. Like all sports, hockey has a scoreboard and on that scoreboard information is displayed about the game. I look to see who is winning, to see what period we’re in and to see how much time is left to either bite my nails or hold my breath. And in hockey, the scoreboard also displays for all to see, the one who was caught in a wrong and who must now sit out their penalty time in the penalty box, otherwise known as the “sin bin”. That’s the connection. The scoreboard, the “sin bin” and God’s grace.

Sometimes I feel like I am a player in this really fast game called “life”. People are flying in and out, schedules and timelines are sailing by, worldly temptations and problems are coming at me from all sides and when I mess up – there it is, up on the scoreboard. Player Mom to the penalty box – 2 minutes for grumbling and complaining about clothes left on the floor or a 5 minute major for an angry outburst with tongue lashing and eye daggers because a grade fell below a B. After the flurry of the interaction, sitting there alone, it begins to feel like all eyes are on me, with no shortage of unsolicited “helpful coaching” from the crowd in the stands, the entire situation magnifies to me that once again, I got it wrong.

Some days I feel like Paul in his letter to the Romans, not understanding what I am doing, trying to do right, then doing what I hate, back into that “sin bin” and I just can’t seem to stay out of it. But my Mom penalties aren’t all that are on display. No, I can quickly attach my identity (my Proverbs 31 Christian Wife/Mom points if you will) to my husband, and my kids and when they don’t do, act, react, walk, talk, end up, get done, run the play, etc.. like I had it all planned out in my head, I look up at that imaginary scoreboard and I see myself sitting on a big fat “O” while all my friends seem to be scoring in triple digits. I’m losing because obviously I am not playing good enough to be in the Wife/Mom position! Crazy right? But don’t we all keep some kind of scoreboard in our head? No? Well I do, and I had let it become my focus.

The more I thought about this analogy and the more I prayed about my life and scoreboards and comparing myself to others, the more evident it became, I was too busy worrying about the crowd and what they were thinking about me. I had to make a change. I needed to take myself out of the game and sit on the bench so that I could hear the guidance of my One True Coach – to be reminded of His truth and encouragement. I needed His constant reassurance that I am not in this game alone. I had to return to His Word for it is in His Word that He tells me that I am part of a body, a team playing this life game for His kingdom, not me out here alone, playing for my own recognition or crowd admiration. That this body, us, the believers, must work together, encouraging and lifting each other up in order to follow the plan that He has drawn up for us to be effective in winning souls for Him. And best of all, His Word promises me that, when I ask, He forgets those penalties and, if I am willing, He will put me right back in the game. Only He’s sending me in better equipped and with experiences to share that glorify Him.

Oh He’s tough and His discipline after those penalties can be unpleasant but it is only because He wants more than good from me, He wants what He knows is my best. He guides me to be the Wife/Mom that is best for my family and the me that gives my best for Him. He trains me to do my best for my fellow believers and even if I don’t understand why, to do my best for the crowd. To give each day my all, not because I need to earn points to win, but because I am playing for Him. Oh and by the way, He doesn’t keep score. HE DOESN’T KEEP SCORE!! THERE IS NO SCOREBOARD IN HEAVEN!!

Slowly but surely he is helping me to truly believe that His grace is sufficient and He alone helps me to keep my eyes off that imaginary board in my head.

He nudged the fire once more as the blaze caught and began to put off welcome heat. Coaxing flames to life was not something The Leader had to do, He could have just looked at the pile and instantly had a fire large enough to roast an ox. But there was something about coaxing things along that excited Him. Noting the rapidly rising sun it was time to wake her up…

It came so softly The Warrior thought she must have dreamt hearing her name on the wind against her cheek. Half asleep still she hoped she was dreaming because yesterday had been a long day of settling back in at home after long weeks in battles. The Warrior loved every battle and thrilling victory over the Liar but she really hated having to clean the dust off of her furniture, dishes and to wash her filthy things upon return. “Serilda…” it was almost sung and accompanied by a sweet smelling breeze through the shuttered window. Snuggling down a bit further she relaxed even more, the sound of her name and the breeze was so soothing. “S-e-r-i-l-d-a” the breeze had shifted to a sharp wind that blew one side of the shutter open banging it off the wall and leaving no doubt that she was no longer dreaming. Groaning at the sudden light and wind blowing through her room she cracked an eye open to take in the outline of The Leader against the warm light of morning.

“Morning… looks bright out…” Serilda grumbled as she mostly fell unceremoniously from the low bed and stumbled past The Leader to push the shutter closed. She found the shutter wouldn’t budge from the wall despite her pulling with both hands. Huffing from effort and mild frustration she turned again to The Leader who looked quite pleased to have her attention. Smiling He pulled a flagon from behind His back. Uncapping it, the scent that wafted out was the elixir of life to Serilda’s senses – hot, dark morning brew. Stubbing her toe but never noticing, she lunged for the flagon and grabbed it like a desperate animal would lunge for meat. “It’s nice to see I have your full attention now Serilda” The Leader laughed as he sat on one of two wobbling stools. “I have a plan that I need you to work on.” Serilda with the aid of the morning brew and the promise of a new plan to work out sat up with bright eyes. The Leader continued.” It will undoubtedly be messy. Uncomfortable for most of the time I’m sure. I’ve sent so many on similar missions but some got discouraged or simply gave up because of the sheer effort this requires. But we NEED this plan to work. I NEED you and the others I’m asking to join in similar plans to see this through.”

The pained expression on The Leader’s face pulled at The Warrior’s heartstrings and the anticipation of a challenging fight caused The Warrior’s body to tingle. “I’m in, all in, whatever you need. I can go today, I can go now, it even saves me from more cleaning.” as she stood and began stuffing items in her pack. The energy was palpable as Serilda rushed around the room pausing only to wrap her well-worn wrist guard with the Emblem of her Leader around her wrist. “Do you have the details written down? I can travel wherever. You know I’m not afraid of a walk.” Standing The Leader stopped The Warrior as she stuffed food into another pack. “Serilda let me finish before you’re half way into another realm. I love your enthusiasm, as I said before your scrappiness is a quality I love but it’s time to see you become a true Conqueror in war. What I’m asking you to do is the first and most important lesson for a Conqueror but it also challenges the most seasoned Warriors and Conquerors. All of this world and the other worlds we fight for depend on this next series of plans succeeding. This is a different time than any other time in the tales of old men. The Gates to worlds and kingdoms you’ve dreamed of entering are closer to being available for unlocking because of the victories we have achieved but there’s more to gain! The Liar tightens his grip on the world we are in now, but he will NOT have it.” Real fire sprung up from the dirt floor around The Leaders feet and crackled loudly to punctuate the end of His impassioned speech. Serilda The Warrior dropped to her knees. “I’ll do whatever you need. My life is not my own and hasn’t been since I joined your Camp. I’ll go where ever you go, where ever you say, I know if I am sent on your Word I cannot fail.”

Smiling The Leader pulled The Warrior to her feet and walked her outside into her dooryard. The inside of Serilda’s house may always have been dusty and nothing matched, not plates or curtains, but The Warrior’s dooryard was another matter entirely. Vibrant plants and ancient trees whispered “Good Day” to anyone who would pause long enough to be quiet and listen. Color was everywhere with the deepest green imaginable, the common thread tying it all together, displayed in leaves, stems, stalks and moss. The ground oozed life and The Leader closed His eyes to soak in the essence of the garden. “Serilda you hold life, it’s here in what you plant on the land and it will be what you take where I am sending you. Remember that when you want to give up. Remember who you are and what I’ve given you. Now are you ready to hear the next part of the plan?”

The last bit of light clung to the landscape. Soon all would be bathed in the glimmering light of a crescent moon which seemed intent on outshining the sun. A Warrior paused in her stirring on the ground. She knew moments like that; where the sun bade a spectacular farewell and the moon ushered in quiet and peace were not to be wasted.

Mists appeared in the tree line, insulating the land much as a shawl would insulate a person. Shadows grew longer and the Warrior began gathering herself again as a coolness crept across the earth. Looking around, she noted the buzz of activity had faded along with the light. With great effort and determination the Warrior gained her footing. The day had been a long one. She had begun preparation for the battle that day long before the sun had illuminated the field. Much time had been spent with her Leaders in the pre-dawn checking the soundness of the plan, weaponry and reverently dawning the gifts of protection the Leaders had bestowed.

There were many warriors gathering themselves on the same field and shouting rowdy songs of victory. All had made preparations for the battle though no two methods or weaponry was the same. There was only one small mark that every warrior wore that identified for which army they fought. While the mark was the same in design for all, a quill pen piercing a heart, it was never in the same place or affixed by the same method.

This particular Warrior’s marking was burned into the worn leather of her wrist guard. She looked down taking stock of all the new places the guard had been marred by the many arrows she’d released that day. Despite the wear to the wrist guard the mark remained perfectly crisp and intact. Sighing she picked up her bow that was in two pieces held together by the string which when taut had hummed in victory with every arrow loosed earlier in the day.

Holding her side, hunched and unsteady she made her way to the middle of the field. All along the way there were dark patches on the ground where the enemy had fallen and become piles of ash. While there were a great number of piles, she wished there had been more. Until there could be no more enemy to fight, she always wished there were more piles. The Leaders were making an enormous bonfire of the weapons of the enemy there in the middle of the field. The entire army seemed to be singing or dancing, all except that Warrior who sank to a log close to the fire. Grateful for the warmth she hung her head in fatigue and with a feeling of failure at how the battle had gone for her that day.

The morning had started so well. The Warrior had been safely ensconced in a stand of sturdy, ancient trees on a great branch with wide view of the field. When the battle cries were loosed and the fighting began her arrows found their mark with unerring accuracy, the thrum of battle in her veins left no room for fear or doubt of their victory. For what felt like days, waves of the enemy fell due to the preparation of her and her fellow warriors. As afternoon light began to fade the mounds of ash where once the enemy had stood became even more apparent and encouraged all who fought for The Leaders. The Warrior had a seemingly endless supply of arrows and victory seemed imminent, surely not a single enemy could have been left. It was with that last thought that the Warrior felt herself falling to the ground. The attack had been unseen and from one she had thought an ally. With the wind knocked out of her and the Traitor upon her the Warrior struggled fiercely but felt every brutal blow of the club wielded mercilessly by the Traitor. Blow after blow fell and the Warrior could not understand how she had been fooled. Blows fell faster and the Warrior was now in a defensive position worn down by her thoughts and the seemingly increased energy of the Traitor. Fear and Uncertainty paralyzed her when her last attempt to reach a knife in her boot failed. During her attempt to reach her boot the Traitor landed a particularly vicious blow to an old wound. It had been almost as if the Traitor knew that was her most vulnerable spot and that blow was the reason she held her side as she sat in shame by the fire, her chest felt shattered.

One of The Leaders approached the Warrior. So much comfort emanated from this Leader that warriors felt they could touch it. The Warrior tried to reject the comfort, not feeling worthy of the attention. Lifting her head she told herself she would see pity or disappointment.  As always she was surprised to see pride and a fierceness glittering in the eyes of her Leader. The Leader said nothing but sat beside the Warrior on the log. Around them the loud and rowdy band of warriors swapped stories of the days victories, the joy was undeniable. However, with every story the Warrior’s head sunk lower and her wounds throbbed harder. Failure and defeat seemed all she had to share, no one else seemed to have been ambushed. The Leader placed a hand on her sinking head and with a tone that brooked no argument told the Warrior to lift her eyes and that shame would never be allowed in His camp. Confused by the love she saw in His gaze the Warrior blurted out as fast as she could all the ways she had failed Him and the others that day. She spared no detail and with a heart heavy as stone told the Leader she knew her many failings disqualified her as a warrior.

In the instant the Warrior disqualified herself something hot and mildly uncomfortable sizzled in the air causing the Warrior to stop her account. Stunned into silence the Warrior sat as The Leader wrapped her favorite green cloak around her and laid an arm across her shoulders. The Warrior picked up where she left off, saying she should have seen the attack coming, should have been better prepared, should never have let it go so far. The Leader interrupted and spoke so softly the Warrior had to sit very still and listen very closely to hear. He began by saying that He knew every detail of the event and had been only a breath away when she fell. He knew too, the very moment Fear and Uncertainty had ambushed her. He had indeed seen her valiantly engage on her own with the Traitor and had felt pride at her gusto but had yearned to hear her call to Him. She had never been out of His sight. While she had waged her own battle intent to go it alone He had been holding back other Assassins sent to finish her swiftly. Tears fell from both the Warrior and The Leader as they remembered together the moment she had been on the ground; reaching for the knife in her boot, failing, but then drawing as much air into her aching chest as she could for what she thought was her last act – a desperate cry to her Leader for help. Ever a paradox the Leader smiled at the recollection of hearing her determined cry for His help while she saw it as a sign of defeat.

The Leader wiped the tears from the Warrior’s face as He explained that her cry had not been one of failure but was actually her finding her greatest strength. He held her gaze so his next words could not be missed. He told her again, she had never been alone, never would be and that her trust in Him had been her greatest moment in the battle. Her skillfully loosed arrows did much to destroy the enemy and He took great pride in her and the skill she consistently honed. But it was in the split second, even surrounded by pain, when she took the chance to trust He would come through for her – that was her greatest victory. As He spoke the Warrior sat a little straighter and the pain began to fade. The Leader said how proud He was of every new strategy she learned, even if it was because of a messy battle and left a scar. Scars were just reminders of the battles they’d won together. A battle that only moments before she had considered herself a casualty of in the blink of an eye He had made her shining moment. Heat spread through her body, more intense than the roaring bonfire. No pain or wounding could withstand that cauterizing heat. Joy bubbled up from a place the Warrior never knew existed and she heard herself say she was ready fight with Him the next day! The Leader laughed low and told her she still had much to learn to be the Conqueror He had in mind. He told her He loved her scrappy spirit and as long as she remembered fighting with Him was her greatest strength not even a grave could separate them. Though there were many lessons to be learned yet, the Warrior knew she had found a priceless weapon in the midst of the rubble that day.

I am sure you have heard this saying: “It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know.”  Most of the time when we hear that saying we think of what someone has pulled off or somehow managed to do that is usually much harder to accomplish. Something that most are not allowed, or something they got at a great discount.  We see that knowing certain people gives you certain advantages in life.    And it is true… but do we really realize WHO we know? 

When we think of the situations we deal with in life, do we understand that GOD is the one we KNOW?!?    HE is on our side. HE is the one who gives us the advantages in life.

Do we believe that?  I mean really?  Do we rest in that?           

When life throws us a curve ball do we immediately turn to Him, KNOWING that HE is our Go-To guy?   Or do we worry and fret, turn to the things of this world for comfort, assurance, hope and remedies for our problems?  

I know there are things we must do and rely on to function in this world.   But even in all that, GOD is or should be our go-to guy in all things.   

I personally find that there are times that un-expected things happen, making it hard to keep focused on the fact that GOD is on our side.  And HIS plans are to give us hope. 

According to Jeremiah 29:11-12:   “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.   Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”

So in the midst of “life” happening to us, do we remember that HE is for us?    And do we remember to rejoice in that fact.  

Philippians 4:4:  “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” 

I am so glad HE is on our side, I am sure you will agree.

After all if HE is for us, who can be against us?

I remember uttering the words, “I have no use for these people!”  I was angry about the foreign men lined up on the street waiting for work.  Can you imagine the arrogance?   I don’t even remember why this so infuriated me, but I do remember that as the words left my mouth, the Holy Spirit spoke back to me and said, “I do.”

In that moment, though I wasn’t ready to admit it, the Holy Spirit began to renew my mind and give life to my hardened heart.

I had my reasons for feeling the way I did.  After all, they come here and take our jobs! They come for all the free medical services and unemployment and the easy life. They are lazy! They are dirty! They don’t speak English! They are criminals escaping justice in their own country and coming here to prey on us!  I heard most of this on “Christian radio” so it must be true!

As a young conservative in California, I believed all of these things about illegal aliens. Never mind that my own grandparents came here from Mexico back when there were few border controls and moving to the USA from Mexico was as simple as a few forms. I had no love for these people whose culture was really completely foreign to me. I was embarrassed for them and by them whose seeming lack of value for education left me irked with them for being associated with me.

As a Christian, I first cited all the usual scriptures used by those who want to keep out the foreigners. I quoted the ones about upholding the laws of the nation and respecting those in authority because God put them in office. I found all the ones that conveniently fit my perspective. At the time I didn’t really know a lot of scripture references, but those were the ones I had heard used in this context, so I used them too.  

Eventually, as I started to read my Bible regularly, I started to see God’s heart in the matter.

• You must not oppress foreigners. You know what it’s like to be a foreigner, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9
• The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you.” Exodus 12:49
• “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:34).

Then the real killer:

• “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

Dang! These were hard for me to swallow. I wanted to find a loophole or say that it was only meant for Israel, or for that time not now, but my heart knew that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Over the years I got serious about studying my Bible. It was no longer a convenient resource for helpful quotations to support my own ideals. I began to see that I either needed to change my opinions to agree with God or acknowledge that, in my heart, I believed that I was right and God was wrong.

Years and years have gone by.  This morning the Lord brought to mind the parable of the good Samaritan and related it to those year of my life when my ideas about this topic did not match up with His heart.  If you don’t know the story check out Luke 10:25-37.  This is what He said to me about it:

• In regard to the priest: “It’s not about your social status, it’s all about your heart.”
• In regard to the Levite; “It’s not about following the law, it’s all about your heart.“
• In regard to the despised Samaritan, “It’s not about the opinions of the crowd, it’s all about your heart.”

 He whispered to me, “It’s all about your heart.”