TRUTHfully the best monologue ever!

I caught a bit of one of my favourite movies today, and was pleased to come into it at precisely my all-time favourite scene! While overall a good story with some decent acting, the main reason I love it is quite simply for a 2-3 minute scene, towards the end. The movie – “A Few Good Men.” The performance – Jack Nicholson as Col. Jessup, and Tom Cruise as Lt. Kaffee. Nicholson’s performance won him an Academy Award nomination, and while he truly makes this scene memorable, I believe it’s the writing I envy the most. Hats off to Aaron Sorkin for this masterpiece:

Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee (Tom Cruise): I think I'm entitled to them.
Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Jessep: You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a *&$# what you think you're entitled to!
Kaffee: Did you order the code red?
Jessep: (quietly) I did the job you sent me to do.
Kaffee: Did you order the code red?
Jessep: You're *&$# right I did!!

Well done. Well done.

Yummy of the Month

I am woman, hear me... submit?

Submission. Just the idea of that word gets backs up, claws out and defensive knives sharpened. In today’s vocabulary the word “submission” is right up there with the worst of the worst.

Thanks to those who have used and abused that word in order to dominate and take advantage of women, the idea of a wife submitting to her husband is considered a thing of the past. Even in Christian circles, among those who claim to know and understand God’s word, the topic of submission is avoided at all costs. And while, admittedly, the concept of submission has been twisted by those interested only in abusing and demeaning women, I believe it is not submission itself that is wrong, but the way in which we interpret and live out the concept.

I must confess that I am not your average 21^st century woman. While I am strong, confident, independent and outspoken, at 34 years of age I would gladly give up my career to stay home loving and caring for my husband. I am proud to be known as Mrs. Sherman Lau. I consider it not my choice, but rather my duty as Sherman’s wife, to cook, clean, and support him in the adventure God has called him to. I willingly stand behind him in support, not beside him or even in front of him in competition. Many would view this as negative submission. But if that is your view of submission, than I fear you have it all wrong.

Submitting to my husband does not mean losing myself, or allowing him to walk all over me. Submitting to him does not mean I have no voice, or no freedom to do as I wish. Instead, I propose that true submission brings with it a far greater freedom and worth than the feminist movement ever dreamed. As a God-fearing, submissive wife, I consider myself to be happier, more fulfilled and even more confident than those who are fighting so hard not to submit. I believe that true submission – as God intended – is what makes me equal, and in many ways yielding more than power than, my husband.

It is my desire then, to help change the way we view the idea of submission. The longing of God’s heart is NOT that I submit and become a slave to my husband, but that instead I support him, understand him, believe in him, make a home for him, realize my influence on him, and trust him as the leader of our home.

My husband has been called by God to be the head of our home and, to quote a famous line from Spiderman, “with great power comes great responsibility!” In the end when we stand before the Lord, my husband will be held accountable for how he leads his family. With that huge burden on his shoulders, my role as his wife is to support him or lighten the load for him when I can. To believe in him when he struggles to believe in himself. To make a home for him, and ensure it’s a place of refuge for him when he comes home tired from fighting life’s battles. Submission means realizing the influence I have over him, and using that influence to help, not harm, him. And finally I am to trust him. To trust in his wisdom as he follows God’s guidance in leading our family. In submitting in this way, I don’t lose, but rather gain a happy, strong, confident, loving, respectful, and even passionate husband. My willingness to submit as God intended me to, allows my husband to be the man God truly intended him to be. How could a husband, who is living 100% in tune with God’s plan and purpose, bring me anything but full contentment and fulfillment as a woman? What greater responsibility, with the exception of those privileged enough to raise children, is there than the responsibility of a submissive wife?

Support. Understand. Believe. Make a home for. Influence. Trust. I am woman, hear me submit!

“True strength lies in submission which permits one to dedicate his life, through devotion, to something beyond himself.” Henry Miller

Bring It On!

Have you ever felt besieged on all sides? Attacked by an unseen force that seems destined to keep you from accomplishing something? I grew up on the mission field, and have seen the spiritual battle rage in ways that most Christians never do. I’ve looked the enemy in the eye – literally, seen some pretty amazing miraculous things, and have even been ministered to by what I can only describe as “angels in human form,” so I am no stranger to spiritual warfare. But never have I been more certain of an attack, and more aware of the “spiritual forces of evil” than I have been in the last month.

On September 9th, my husband was officially “installed” or “inducted” a pastor, and I can tell you with 100% certainty that we have endured nothing but the fiery darts of the evil one ever since. Our schedules have gone crazy in the last few weeks to point that we never see one another and when we do it’s for short amounts of time when we are both exhausted and have nothing left to give. We are fighting more about silly, trivial things. I’ve struggled with highly intense emotions that seem to come from no where, and my husband has been facing temptations he’s never struggled with before. But out of all these things the attack that’s bothering me the most is the direct attack we’re seeing on our marriage. In 10 years of marriage I have never struggled to love my husband, and vice versa, like I have in this last month.

Realizing this for what it is – a desperate attempt by the enemy to discourage and push away from what God has called us to – my husband and I agreed that instead of feeling like we are facing EACH OTHER in battle, we need to “armour up,” get “back to back,” and point our weapons outward in defence of the sanctity of our marriage. We need to bathe it in prayer, and invite others to do the same. And most of all, we need to remember that these attacks are a compliment! After all, if the enemy is working this hard to destroy our ministry and marriage, than we must be doing something right for the Kingdom!

My favourite contemporary Christian artist, Steven Curtis Chapman, has a song that speaks to this, and my husband and I have decided to make it our “battle cry!”

I didn’t come lookin’ for trouble, and I don’t want to fight needlessly, but I’m not gonna hide in a bubble if trouble comes for me. I can feel my heart beating faster; I can tell something’s coming down. But if it’s gonna make me grow stronger then… bring it on! Now, maybe you’re thinkin’ I’m crazy; and maybe I need to explain some things. ‘Cause I know I’ve got an enemy waiting who wants to bring me pain. But what he never seems to remember, [is that] what he means for evil God works for good. So I will not retreat or surrender… bring it on! Now, I don’t want to sound like some hero, ‘cause it’s God alone that my hope is in. But I’m not gonna run from the very things that would drive me closer to Him! So bring it on! Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow... bring it on! Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong. Bring it on!

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground...." Ephesians 6:12-13

Let it Rain!

Yesterday was a miserably raining day, so the thought of having to walk home after a long and tiring day in the office made it seem even more miserable. With no other alternative however, I forced myself out the door, umbrella in hand, to face the elements. But something surprising happened as it trudged along in those first few reluctant steps... I took a deep breath and inhaled some beautiful fresh air. Despite the rain, the clouds were parting in some areas and sun was trying to peak through, and after a few minutes I found that I was actually enjoying being out in the rain. In fact, it was downright invigorating! By the time I got home I was freshed, albeit a little wet, and tempted to ditch the umbrella completely and play around in the puddles. I should have... but I decided to leave the singin' and dancin' to the grand master himself - Gene Kelly. Enjoy.

Shall We Dance?

I heard a song on the radio today that goes so well with my on-going theme to celebrate life. While I'm not terribly familiar with the author (Lee Ann Womack), nor can I say I truly enjoyed listening to her sing it, the words do resonate with me:

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance...

Take time to smell the roses today. Count and thank God for His blessings. And... remember to dance!

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt.
Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth."
~Mark Twain/William Purkey/whomever (there are discrepancies about who actually said this)

It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This!

I really can't think of anything better... the perfect blend of two amazing talents. Enjoy.

Celebrate Life - Part II

It was just a month ago that I started on my campaign to “Celebrate Life.” Throughout August I have shared the burden the Lord put on my heart for this with those around me, and in so doing I have been amazed the response. I have addressed both small groups and larger groups, and in every instance I have been approached by people who have all said the same thing in response: “that was just what I needed to hear.” Are we really that busy, overwhelmed and weighted down?

As my little campaign has developed, and in fact turned into a form of ministry for me, I have concluded that there are four things we must all do to truly celebrate life: 1) cast our cares; 2) savour the moments; 3) learn to laugh; and 4) count our blessings.

Cast Our Cares: We can’t truly learn to live and celebrate life while weighted down with burdens. I Peter 5:7 calls us to “Cast all your anxiety on him (GOD) because he cares for you." Doing so means realizing we can’t control everything, nor can we do anything on our own strength. We must lay our burdens at His feet and rely on Him to carry us through.

Savour the Moments: As I said in my previous blog, we need to learn to savour the big and small moments in life. Take a walk on a warm evening and enjoy the sunset, enjoy sleeping in on a Saturday morning, get down on the floor and be silly with that two-year-old that’s driving you crazy, and take an extra moment to tell someone you love them. Life is short - savour every moment.

Learn to Laugh: Have you ever noticed how contagious laughter can be? Or how people are drawn to laughter? I am convinced that this is a key ingredient missing in many of our churches, but what better place to truly let loose and have some fun! We are people saved by grace, and filled with joy unspeakable! We should be smiling from ear to ear and celebrating life to the fullest, and yet we sit in our pews on Sunday half asleep, and looking more like we are in mourning than in celebration! Can you imagine the impact your church would have if it loosened up and showed the world that it could have some fun?

Count Your Blessings: So often we go to God with our problems, or share our concerns with others, but when was the last time you thanked God for all He’s blessed you with, or told someone what God has done in your life! We have so much to be grateful for, and counting your blessings -- especially in times when life seems to be giving you lemons -- is a great way to lift your spirits and remember that life is good!

A few weeks ago I hosted an evening in our home with the ladies of our church, and I shared with them a verse from Proverbs 31 that describes a woman who has truly learned to celebrate life. Proverbs 31:25 says “Strength and Dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future.” In Hebrew the word “strength” means “a mighty fortress, powerful stronghold.” God is our mighty fortress! He has the strength we lack. “Dignity” refers to God’s beauty and majesty – this is a woman who radiates God’s love and joy! Finally, “smile” in Hebrew literally means to laugh, to celebrate, to enjoy life! This woman is truly casting her cares, savouring the moments, laughing at life and counting her blessings. I want to BE this woman.

Wont’ you join me in my quest to be more intentional about celebrating life?

Cast your cares on Him! Savour the moments this month! Learn to laugh at yourself. Count your blessings… and as you do, you will celebrate life!

P.S. In August I used the "odd holidays" on the calendar to remind me to celebrate life and savour the moments each day. I invite you to join me as I continue to do this through the month of September. You can find a list of the holidays online at: http://www.holidaysinsights.com/moreholidays/september.

Celebrate Life!

I’ve been thinking a lot about the brevity of life lately, due in large part to two very recent and tragic deaths that have affected some friends and their families. It’s often easy to let life breeze by without truly taking the time to savour each moment. Unexpected deaths have a way of jolting us back to reality, forcing us to see how short life really is, and prompting us to refocus and reprioritize so that we can truly take pleasure in every moment.

Well-known pastor and radio personality Chuck Swindoll (Insight for Living) tells his listeners of a family tradition that I have been considering implementing in my own family. It’s called the “Red Plate.” His family has one red plate that is used at family meals in the Swindoll home to recognize the big and small achievements in life. For birthdays, accomplishments in school or work, or simply to say “we think your special,” the red plate is pulled out to honour someone in the Swindoll family. What a wonderful tradition, and a powerful way of celebrating the joys in life that often go unnoticed!

This idea, along with a tradition that a friend of mine has to celebrate National Cheesecake Day (July 30th) each year with his family, prompted me to consider how I can help those around me celebrate life. And so, on August 1st, I introduced my “Celebrate Life” campaign both at home and at work, with a pledge to help us all celebrate the “odd holidays” along with the traditional ones that we so often take for granted.

Want to join in and celebrate life? Here’s a look at the “odd” holidays that came up on the Internet for the month of August:

August 1 is Friendship Day and National Raspberry Cream Pie Day

August 2 is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

August 3 is National Watermelon Day

August 4 is Twins Day Festival

August 5 is National Mustard Day

August 6 is Wiggle Your Toes Day

August 7 is Sea Serpent Day

August 8 is National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Night

August 9 is National Polka Festival

August 10 is S'mores Day

August 11 is Presidential Joke Day

August 12 is Middle Child's Day

August 13 is Blame Someone Else Day

August 14 is National Creamsicle Day

August 15 is National Relaxation Day and National Failures Day

August 16 is Bratwurst Festival

August 17 is National Thriftshop Day

August 18 is Bad Poetry Day

August 19 is Potato Day

August 20 is National Radio Day

August 21 is National Spumoni Day

August 22 is Be An Angel Day

August 23 is National Spongecake Day

August 24 is Knife Day

August 25 is Kiss-And-Make-Up Day

August 26 is National Cherry Popsicle Day

August 27 is Just Because Day

August 28 is World Sauntering Day

August 29 is More Herbs, Less Salt Day

August 30 is National Toasted Marshmallow Day

August 31 is National Trail Mix Day

I will be your witness...

I accomplished something today which was incredibly hard for me. I killed a spider -- and not just any spider mind you.... a HUGE spider (well, I thought it was huge). I was cleaning, and as I made my rounds in the living room I picked up a pillow and was immediately surprised by a spider that had been perfectly content hiding in the comforts of a chair. He ran, and so did I...

As the spider took off for a place of refuge, the couch being the closest hiding place, I screamed and did a dance in the opposite direction. But as I made a dash towards the kitchen it occurred to me that I was the only one home, and that if I didn't do something about this unwelcome visitor he was going to hide in my couch. Suddenly the thought of spending the evening cozied up on the couch didn't sound very appealing!

And so with determination, I gathered up all my courage -- and about 50 of the closest tissues -- and headed for the spider. I grabbed, and he swerved; I screamed and I swear he mocked me. And then, just seconds before he dove under my couch... I squished him! Victorious! I did it! I was pleased.

But as I disposed of the spider, along with the hoard of tissues used to kill him, I was surprised to find myself feeling sad. No one had been there to witness my victory. No one had been there to cheer me on and congratulate me on accomplishing something that I wouldn't normally dare to do. While it wasn't a life altering event by any means, it was important to me none-the-less, and I had no one to share it with at that moment.

I was then reminded of the movie, "Shall We Dance?," and the moving speech Susan Sarandon's character gives about marriage. I love the way she describes what a marriage is: "There's a billion people on the planet, I mean what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything...the good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mondane things...all of it, all the time, every day. You're saying... 'Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed, because I will be your witness.'" What a beautiful description of the marriage relationship and the joys of having someone to share in the little and big things that happen to you!

With that reminder in my mind, I headed for the phone and called the one person I knew would be eager to share my victory. He is my witness, and he was -- as I knew he would be -- thrilled with my accomplishment. He rejoices with me in the little things, and together we are a witness to each other's lives. Whether it be spiders or sermons, dishes washed or graduations, I have a witness and I am a witness. I can think of nothing sweeter.