xoxo

http://www.kidscope.org/kemo.htm

Perhaps you will find this website useful.

When I was a student fielding attacks on the Bible or the logic of Christianity, feeling threatened by the claims of other religions, or merely finding myself alone in the dark night of my own doubt, the discovery of apologetics was like the discovery of a good friend or a warm blanket. It is infinitely comforting to discover a God who can handle tough inquiry. It is more than assuring to realize the truth is not contingent on my making sense of it. And while it is good to discover that we can ask questions and be asked questions without feeling like the tower of faith will come crashing down, apologetics is so much more than a tool for the fearful.

While reading the other day, I happened upon something that alluded to the “Christian arsenal”–those items, ideas, and arguments that help Christians face a hostile world with certainty. Among other things, the author described helpful Christian resources for a world of challenging questions, harsh accusations, and conflicting worldviews. While some of the books in particular were things I, too, had found helpful, hearing them referenced in terms of weaponry seemed a disheartening incongruity. Like a chorus of triumphant debaters singing “Onward Christian Soldiers,” when apologetics becomes something aimed to help us fight, or to help us feel secure, the gospel itself seems somehow lost in the battle. Yet for many, the work of apologetics remains far more about ourselves than our neighbors, far more about the Christian arsenal than the love of God and creation. Subsequently, we do not present the gospel as good news, or even average news. On the contrary, we present the gospel as something that proves: “I am right!”

When the apostle Paul spoke to the Athenians at the Aeropagus, he did not come with a barrage of clever answers, trite comebacks, and confident scriptures. In fact, he didn’t quote scripture at all. He told them the story that changed his life, and he told it not in the language and imagery with which he would have most fluent, but in a language the Athenians themselves would recognize. While those of the Aeropagus kept themselves current with every new and coming school of thought and religious conjecture, they were likely unfamiliar with the Jewish Scriptures, the story of Israel, and the God who chose them–and us. Thus, Paul began at the beginning, but did so in a way that invited them to see he was telling their story, too. “Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands” (Acts 17:23-24). His arguments, reasoning, teaching, and commending were all offered in humility, respect, and love.

Of course, this is not to say the apostle’s words were easily embraced or dimly spoken. Before a council that regularly and eagerly heard new teachings, Paul presented a teaching that would not stand beside others, a Logos who would not remain as one lesson embraced among many. His words were controversial, but they were not hurled in battle. While there is indeed biblical imagery that alludes to the battles we fight and the conflicts that come when we carry the name of Christ, for the sake of the gospel, Paul strives to be “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22). While the call of Christ is indeed a call to put on spiritual armor, renounce what is false, and live counter-culturally, none of this imagery is intended to contradict the image Christ gave us of our neighbors. As Paul explains, “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14). The danger in seeing the Christian life as a battlefield and the work of apologetics as weaponry is that we begin to see enemies instead of neighbors, obstacles that need to be overcome instead of people we are commanded to love.

In his message to the Athenians, Paul not only established a common ground, he grounded their differences in thoughts that included philosophers they respected. He saw them as neighbors. “As even your own poets have noted,” we are “God’s offspring,” and therefore, not distant material byproducts of an unknown maker. God is far nearer than we realize, far closer than handmade idols contend, or obstructive altars permit. Within this crowd of first century Greek philosophers, the unique apologetic challenges were many. But Paul’s presentation was deftly suited to their specific worldviews, pursuits, and ideals. Far from using apologetics as weaponry, Paul spoke to crowd who had invited him to answer their questions. He spoke not to obstacles or enemies, but to men and women made in the image of the very God he stood before them to proclaim.

Jill Carattini is senior associate writer at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hugz Joyful

Hugs ‘N Prayers,
Norma

This is something so necessary for mothers. I am committing myself to make meals for people who are either too poor or just don’t have the energy. We need to concentrate on other illnesses as well. Right now the only support groups at churches or a lot of them seem to be addiction or divorce care which is of cource helpful and needed but I guess the other illnesses such as cancer seem to be hidden and if we can “expose” them by having a support group peope such as yourself can find a place to “be” and finally someone who understands what they are going through.

I know you will do it Heather, I see how committed you are to blogging and what an impact you have made to so many, I just cannot see you not starting a support group.

Praying for you, God bless

It sure sounds to me that the Lord is leading you into the next step of your ministry. What a wonderful group to start and with you there, it will be a double blessing. I sure do love your heart for God and for your family. I pray this week is a wonderful one filled with joy and healthy treatment.

Love you so much, Laurie in Ca. (Boy are we on fire around here, ash is everywhere!)

I remember my oldest sons cross country meets . I had it down to a science so I could be there. I remember thinking how many Moms have to fight there way to be part of their kids lifes..and see this stuff. I remember going to things to get my mind off of what I was feeling. Kids are a blessing and diversion at times. They keep us in the land of the living. Thank God.

I do remember my daughter Becka. becoming the little mom helping and doing things I couldn’t do. She also cried and wondered if I would die as well. Those are tough questions and ones we can answer. I will tell you they adjust . I hate that they had to . as they grow they realize life isn’t perfect. It rarely is and thats okay.

All of them learned the importance of faith and family. They are all in there 20’s now and mothering is at a different point But the still worry and still have things on their mines about my health but we continue to talk about it and as mom’s its important to so they understand whats happening.

I talk to Mom’s of all ages with cancer. I think its a common bond to worry about whats going to happen with our kids and their care as well.

I think its a wonderful Ministry. The best part is your willing to take the call and go for it. Some go through cancer and don’t change a thing. You my dear are very special. You see the need, You speak openly about your life and trial and then are moving on sharing the experiences to help others. I applaud you!!

A lot of my help and support was through Gilda’s Club in Metro Detroit. However I to was in a group for lymphoma it was mix of men and older women. Because I had head and neck lymphoma. this was not where I needed to be. I talk to the founders and they started a Head and Neck Support Group. which took some time to take off. That was in 97 and by 2001 my third time around it took off. And its still going strong. Is it worth it yes. It was hard waiting but I think worth the wait.

So go for it . If I was there I would join you. Young Mom’s need the support but I am willing to bet that many moms with cancer would jump on at the chance to sit and talk to others about this. I know I sure would. If it would help one young mom its worth it.

My thoughts and blessings go with you on this journey. Its an enlightening one thats for sure. I have met and been so blessed by the people I have meet as well.

I am getting the book reading it…then sharing it with a young friend who has brain cancer as well . Thanks for sharing that.

Hugs and Prayers for you journey. Always Hope , Kerry

What a great idea.

I have not yet plugged in to a support group, it is on my list, but it would sure help to talk to other people with children at home.

My two youngest are clueless as to how serious this could be. For now that is okay, my son is not mature enough to handle it, and, with her disability, I doubt my daughter can deal with this before she has to.

I can still hope she won’t have to for a while.