Don't Tell Me...

July 13, 2013
Wednesday

Dear Lord,

You and I had some business to attend to this morning didn't we? I shut my eyes and imagined You sitting at the right hand of your Dad and the Holy Spirit. That was enough to marvel at and know I was pleading my case before the right folks.

It's a hot day here in N Central Texas. When I go outside, it almost takes my breath away and I start sweating and my heart tends to beat faster. Whoa, makes me sure not want to go to hell and live in the fires of evil. I just know that when I get to see You in person, I will feel such joy that I won't be able to contain myself. I can talk to a door knob but I bet I will be speechless just walking through those pearly gates. The weather is going to be just perfect!! Big puffy clouds ... Miss Dottie planting flowers... I can only imagine!

You know Lord, we live in times of social unrest and evil. The media makes sure their coverage is "sensational" (I almost used the word "sinsational" because that would be more like it) and makes us upset and ready to do battle. The gorrier their photos and words, their ratings go up. Most times they don't cover the whole story and we jump to conclusions. Hmmm. Human nature, I guess. Depends on what they want us to feel.

You are a God of Truth. Your Word is truth and it's there in black and white sprinkled with some red depending on which Bible I read. The Ten Commandments are pretty simple but good grief, we sure can make them complicated making sure they fit with our own ideals and moral compass. No wonder the Left wants to take them down. They're a reminder of what is wrong with our country and our lives.

I've always wondered why people are afraid of hearing truth. There are some that say, "Don't tell me, I only want to hear good." Others take someone else's words as gospel. As far back as I can remember I could deal with truth even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear ~ it's the dishonesty that makes my dander smolder. You know, I've kept prayer journals for years so I could remember the reality of that day because so often we tend to remember things with rose colored glasses.

For so long, I had huge blanks of days, weeks, months, years in my life. It took me months of childhood trauma counseling to remember even a few things. I simply wanted to know. My counselor told me there was a reason I couldn't remember and that as I could accept truth, God would reveal it. Photographs have helped me ~ asking friends and family to fill in blanks helped me ~ writing with my non-dominant hand helped me.  I now know that in times of stress I am prone to panic attacks that resemble heart attacks. Today, I know the triggers and tend to move myself to a safe place rather than go where my heart is threatened.

Yes, tell me, Lord. I want to be teachable; I want to be walking in the light; I want to listen and truly "hear" what you have to say; and, most of all, I want to be a living example that others could see You through me. 

Today at Walmart the police were busy. Two young men were in handcuffs ~ one was pulled out of a car and another was being led out of Walmart towards the same car. This feeling of sadness came over me and I wondered what they had done. You know, don't you?? Were they hungry? Were they needing money to support their families? Did they have a habit they couldn't afford? Whatever they had done, they need you, Jesus.

As Dallas buries five fallen officers, I ask that You sustain those left behind that are in shock and mourning. We must remember this Father ... we must spread the word of how Dallas responded to a tragedy. The police have a job to do in putting together the pieces. Police Chief David Brown needs prayers of strength and wisdom to lead his officers in spite of this horrific tragedy.  Even the tone of the protesters has changed. Help us to keep this sense of unity going bringing peace to our state.

Some people call Texas "God's Country." Others say they live in the Bible Belt of Conservatism. All I know is that You put me here and this has become my home. I love the sweet sound of love, laughter, and camaraderie that spills over as we greet one another as well as strangers. Hi y'all is music to my ears. I've even gotten used to being called honey, sweetie, and darlin' by complete strangers.

And, might I add:
quick to justify evil people

Well, I told you I could ramble on and on about this and that. What I really want to ask is that You pour out wisdom and discernment on our state and nation. We've got some nasty lying thieves in Washington who have (and still are) lined their pockets at the expense of the citizens of this country. In your infinite majesty clean house exposing the evil. Even more than that, let's stop this business of "don't tell me." Protect those who have been threatened with their lives, jobs, and harm to their families. Let us hear from bold men and women who are willing to come forth. Oh dear, You say we won't believe them? Well, if enough tell the truth, we will.

I know many of my Readers would probably rather I write about decorating, gardening, or the Sensational Six but You've put these things on my heart. I've always prayed to be an instrument as I write and that keeps me humble. You are my rock, my teacher, my redeemer. You took a frightened lost woman and gave her a voice that has echoed out to places I've never heard of. You took a quiet woman who felt unworthy and gave her a sense of being your royal daughter.

Thank You for listening and I can hardly wait to see and hear what You're going to do in our nation. Amen!!

Miss Dottie

PS  My dear Readers,

As I was praying today James 2:14-17 came to mind. "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Please join me in being aware of our brothers and sisters needs. To simply say, "I will pray for you" doesn't fill an empty belly, comfort a broken heart, or clothe a naked body. Reach out and touch a life ~ be a blessing not a curse.

Always remember that you, my Readers, are loved and prayed for. It's time to get off our beloved assurances and know the real story we are being fed. You will NEVER regret it!