I just don't get it . . .

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is it that life just stinks sometimes? Why do my plans all seem for naught, or my life doesn't seem to work out the way I planned? I understand we are supposed to have faith. I realize that God promises that "all things work together for good..." (Romans 8:28). I know that God said, "my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways..." (Isaiah 55:8), but understanding that in my head doesn't always translate to understanding that in my heart.

I am sharing my doubts and fears today because I know that I am not alone in those feelings. There are so many people who go through periods of doubt, but are afraid to voice them. If they speak up, a well meaning brother or sister might give them a spiritual placebo. You just need to have a stronger faith! You need to pray more, or study more, or . . .

I am not discounting the importance of spiritual disciplines in our lives, but as Christians we need to feel safe in telling others about our doubts and fears. I fear at times that my example may have sent the wrong message to my children. I fear that my faith is weak and I haven't always grown in my Christian virtues. I openly wonder at times why God allows me to experience some the things I experience.

But doesn't being a Christian mean that we should trust in God, understand that he has a plan, know that HE is faithful.  Yes, but I still don't understand it all at times. Job, had a similar problem. God said, "There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (Job 1:8). Here is a man of pretty strong faith, but he questioned God; he struggled with the circumstances of his life - WHY would God let this happen to me?

At times I feel like a puppet in the hands of an angry God. Some of you may say, "Trent, how can you say that?"  It isn't about God being unfair, or unjust - it represents my challenge with the flesh. Whatever your interpretation of the events at the cross, I can still hear the voice of my Savior as he too cries out, "My God, My God, why has thou forskaen me" (Matthew 27:46).

So let us be understanding when our brethren struggle with their faith. Let us encourage them as they seek answers to the paintful questions of life. Let us remind them that they are not alone in their doubts and fears. Some of the greatest men and women of faith have also struggled.  At times I don't understand, but I strive to persevere.  May God bless your journey to its victorious conclusion.

Dealing with mean people.

I read a great blog from a friend entitled, "I quit." In it, he discusses all the foolishness and thoughtless that ministers face. As I have contemplated his post a few thoughts came to mind. So bear with me while I share my thoughts about dealing with mean people.

• It only takes a couple of jerks to make your life miserable. Most of the  headaches, criticisms and complaints come from a small majority of people. Jesus even warned us, "beware when all men speak well of you..." (Luke 6:26). We have to work hard not to let mean people ruin our day.
• Don't put up with foolishness! When you allow people to behave badly, it empowers them. You are not the only person they treat that way. I am tired of hearing people say, I have to be more diplomatic in my job, or if I say something it might be perceived wrong. Too often we disguise weakness as diplomacy.
• Stand up for someone else. If you see a co-worker being treated badly, stand up for them. If your preacher is being skewered for a courageous sermon, speak out in support. Enough of this wimpy, mealy-mouth Christianity that so many would have us embrace.
• Stop whining and act! "Life is so hard, people treat me badly, I want to give up." Wallowing in our own self-pity doesn't do anything but enable bullies and tyrants. If you are not willing to stand up for yourself or on principle then don't expect others to stand up for you.

I have found two approaches to mean people that seems to work: 1) To my critics who have little influence or ability to hurt me I simply laugh or pity them; 2) To those with intent to malign my character, hurt my family or damage my influence I choose to stand up, speak up and if possible have them shut up.

To the rest of you who make up my wonderful circle of friends (about 98% of you out there), thank you. You have been my rock and my strength when I have struggled. You have picked me up when I was fallen and you prayed for me and cared for me when I was weak. I will never allow the other 2% to diminish the good you have brought to my life.

The Best and the Worst

With all of the devastation that hit Nashville this weekend, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the loss of life and property. Major sections of our city remain underwater, people are displaced from their homes and it will take months, maybe years to restore some of the historic centers of our great city.

However, this weekend's storm reminds me of why I came to Nashville (the quality of the people who live here). There are two stories that are going relatively unreported: 1) With all the damage, people abandoning homes and property - the city is getting almost no reports of looting the stricken areas (compare that to New Orleans); 2) There have been a few reports of heroism in saving the lives of children and the elderly, but as one commentator put it, for every story we hear, there are hundreds of others who are  helping their neighbors, rescuing those stranded and giving back to their city.

I recently heard Mike Huckabee discuss why morals impact our economy and our society. He was absolutely right. In Nashville (a pretty good place to live), good people are already making a difference, changing the lives of others and pursuing the common good. Churches are opening their doors as shelters and communities are coming together to help those who were hardest hit. It is refreshing to see the best of people demonstrated in the worst of time.