I’m Not Crazy; I’m a Christian
Kat Merrigan
Saved And Suicidal
Here’s a quick promo for my latest vlog titled “Saved And Suicidal”.
https://rumble.com/v1kxfbp-saved-and-suicidal.html
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. I wanted to do my small part to help address this painful subject. In this video, I discuss my own struggles and experiences.
Did you know there are 7 suicides documented in the Bible?
Neither did I!
I challenge the faith-based community, especially Christians, to step up and begin acknowledging that you can be both saved and still struggling.
It’s time to have the difficult conversations and be uncomfortable. We all have way too much to lose when we don’t. I hope this video will be a starting point.
If you or someone you know is thinking of hurting themselves, please call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org today. Please don’t wait. We need you here.
Please feel free to like, share or comment. Would love to connect with you.
Until next time, stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you,
-Kat
May I See Some ID?
Here’s a short video promoting my latest vlog where I did a deep dive based on the first chapter of my recent book “I’m Not Crazy; I’m A Christian”. Who are you? How do you define or identify yourself? Tough questions to answer, but so important to having a healthy self-esteem and successful life. I hope you’ll go check it out. It’s free and has my usual mix of: humor, heart and hope.
https://rumble.com/v1jy105-may-i-see-some-id.html
Until next time, stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you,
-Kat
Why So Serious?
Here’s a quick video promo for my latest vlog. I’m doing another dive into one of the chapters from my book “I’m Not Crazy; I’m A Christian”. This time it’s all about Chapter 3 “Why So Serious?”
Invite you to use the link to see the full video and learn more about how a faith-based life is anything but dull.
https://rumble.com/v1ixs79-why-so-serious.html
Until next time, stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you soon,
-Kat
Religion vs. Relationship
Here’s a quick video from me promoting my third vlog. The topic this week is Religion vs. Relationship.
Who will win?
With everything going on in the world, many of us desire to connect or reconnect with something greater than ourselves, something divine. I stirred up my inner Kat Controversy this time as I discuss the pros and cons of religion and relationship with God. It’s a knockout. Click the link below to see the free full version.
https://rumble.com/v1i2ner-religion-vs-relationship.html
Please like, share or leave a comment. Would love to connect with you.
-Kat
Humor. Heart. Hope.
Lose The Attitude…Unless It’s Gratitude
Attitudes. We all have them. Most of them are not so terrific.
What if we determined to begin each day with a grateful, thankful heart?
Would it make a difference?
My attitude is pure gratitude for all of you!
Due to positive feedback, I decided to create another video version of my blog. Click the link below to check it out:
https://rumble.com/v1h5m37-lose-the-attitude…unless-its-gratitude.html
Please feel free to like, share or leave a comment below.Would love to connect with you.
Until next time, stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you,
-Kat
The Why Of The What
In honor of my 20th consecutive blog post, I decided to do a special video version on the subject of uncovering our heart, mind and motivations behind what we do. The file size was too large for this platform, so please use the link below to visit my Rumble.com channel “Kat Controversy” and check it out.
https://rumble.com/v1ga2wl-the-why-of-the-what.html
Please feel free to like, share or leave comment. I’d love to know if you like the videos and would like me to do more in the future.
Until next time, stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you.
-Kat
Your Lips Are Moving…But Nothing Else Is
I wonder how many songs have been written from the perspective of someone calling out someone else for saying one thing and doing another. Think about the number of times you’ve watched a scene in a movie or TV show where one character is so frustrated because another character didn’t follow through with what they said they were going to do, or their actions didn’t align with their spoken words. Empty promises. Lies. Lip service. Great literature and art is filled with all of it.
And so are our lives.
I’m certain I’m not the only person who has experienced someone promising to do or be something and then not living up to that promise. If I’m being honest, on occasion I too am guilty of saying one thing and doing the opposite.
This article isn’t meant to beat us up. We’re human. We will fail and disappoint each other. It comes with the territory. The reason for this piece is to begin to look at the why of the what. Why do we find ourselves speaking one thing and acting differently? At what point does it go from being a sporadic transgression to a permanent lifestyle?
I don’t know about you, but I want to believe people. I want to take them at their word. If someone says they love me, why wouldn’t I want to believe them? In contrast, if someone says they don’t, I should be able to take that at face value as well.
The problem occurs when the words and the actions or behaviors do not comport with each other. If a person tells you they need you but makes little to no effort to be with you, what should you think? If a friend claims to care for you deeply but never seems available when you need them, are you important to them? If an employer constantly praises your work but doesn’t get you the raise or promotion, are you being used?
Why don’t our words and actions always line up with each other?
In my case, sometimes I don’t want to disappoint someone in that moment, so I’ll agree to be there, or call, or whatever. It’s selfish, actually. I’m clearly not doing it to spare their feelings. I’ve just postponed their disappointment to a time that is more convenient for me (preferably when I’m not in their presence and can send a text or leave a message).
It may be that we’re so quick to want to say something we don’t weigh out the consequences of our statements. We’re in such a hurry to respond that we may not understand the full impact of what we’re saying.
We can take some comfort in knowing that we are not the first people to struggle in this area. You know I brought receipts. (Any and all Bible verses, unless otherwise indicated, are from the NIV version at biblegateway.com, emphasis added.)
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. (James 1:19-20)
I can say with complete transparency that I rarely, if ever, am quick to listen and slow to speak. Don’t get me wrong. I believe the term that best describes me is an active listener. When someone is speaking to me, I’m engaged sometimes to a fault. I keep sidetracking their main story with questions and requests for more details. I’m all in on what the person is saying, but I do find myself wanting to have a good reply: an answer to their problem, a sympathetic verbal gesture, something. I can’t just listen and process. Am I the only one?
This can be especially difficult when it’s someone I truly care about. I want to help them, so I get into rescue 911 mode and quickly commit myself. Then I leave the conversation and realize I just said “yes” to help them paint their cathedral ceilinged bedroom on Saturday when it’s going to be a balmy 95 degrees and their air conditioner is on the fritz! I’ve got to get out of it. The lame excuse is eventually formulated and shared. I get out of the obligation that I never should have allowed to happen in the first place. No real harm done…except for my overwhelming guilt and that person being right back where they started from before I got involved.
Actions speak louder than words.
As I mentioned earlier, we’ve probably all engaged in saying one thing and doing another. These are not our finest moments, but I would venture to say that most of us keep these situations to a minimum. But I’m sure we all know someone who is a chronic offender.
This person talks a great game but when it comes time to actually come through, they’re nowhere to be found. If you’re in relationship with a person like this, what happens over time? You begin to realize that you can’t count on them. You don’t trust their word. It becomes something similar to the story of the boy who cried wolf. If you’re not familiar with the tale, a young boy keeps lying about a wolf coming and panicking everyone. Eventually, they just dismiss him. Then the wolf actually shows up.
I remember hearing that story as a child and being taught that we should always be honest. I agree wholeheartedly with that in theory, but it isn’t always easy to practice. Think about it. If my friend asks me to help paint her bedroom, should I answer honestly and say, “No, I can’t. I don’t have anything to do. I just really don’t want to spend a Saturday dripping in paint and sweat.” I could but that would fall under the category of brutal honesty, emphasis on the brutal. There’s a decent likelihood that our friendship could suffer from such an exchange. Is it worth it?
As with most things in life, there are layers to the words vs actions scenario. Sometimes we may say what we think the person wants or needs to hear in the moment. We may be trying to spare them from hurt or pain. Our rationale could be purely innocent, or we could just be a liar who lies.
You know I consider myself a resident expert on absolutely nothing. But I’ve been living this life for over 50 years, and I hope I’ve learned a few things during that time. What I’ve been realizing over the past year or two is how little I know about me.
I openly admit that I overthink just about everything, but until recently I never spent much time diving into my why of the what. Why did I say that? Why didn’t I say that? Why did I do that? My forensic analysis of a conversation’s corpse is typically focused on the other person. Why did they say that? Why did they do that? I realized I’ve taken a passive, reactive role in so many areas of my life. I’m seeing that I’ve spent far too much time waiting for someone else before I begin almost anything. I have a feeling I’m not the only one. Perhaps that’s a topic worth diving into at another time.
Making our words and actions align is a juggling act. We want to be honest, but not to the point of brutality. We want to be helpful, but not to the point of overcommitting ourselves. It can be hard to keep it all together. There will be times when we drop the ball. That’s OK as long as it doesn’t become a habit. And the last thing we want to do is not merely drop the ball but have it thrown dodgeball style at someone else. (Sidebar: why was dodgeball ever an acceptable gym class activity in elementary school? It’s basically sanctioned school bullying and bordering on gang violence. But I digress.)
For those who more than dabble in misalignment between their words and actions, please stop it! This will not end well. But never take my word for it. Check this out:
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37)
You may be able to avoid the consequence here, but a day will come for all of us when we’ve got to face it. That day it’ll be too late to change, so I strongly encourage you to consider doing so now. Just a suggestion.
I want to close with a couple of verses that I believe can help us in our quest to have a healthy union between our words and our actions. May they live long and prosper.
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33-37)
Until next time: stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you,
-Kat
The Spirit Of The Age
Let me begin with a confession. I have never watched a single episode of the hit series Stranger Things. For some reason I tend to not participate in most hit show trends. I only watched one or two episodes of The Walking Dead. Never watched Game Of Thrones or Breaking Bad. Many years ago, however, I did get caught up in the world of True Blood. (I repented for that later on. But I digress.)
I mention Stranger Things because though I’ve never watched it, it’s hard to escape it. There’s always another story excerpt, clip or spoiler online. I particularly enjoy how they’re reviving some of the great music from the 80s (most recently with Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill).
The show deals with supernatural themes and good versus evil. Of course, it’s not the only program to incorporate such concepts. These ideas are often quite popular and garner a decent audience. I think many of us are drawn to movies and TV shows that deal with something beyond our earthly realm and understanding. I’ve been fascinated with life beyond our planet since I first saw William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek with his a-little-too-snug-fitting uniform, black boots, slicked-back hair and tons of attitude. I grew up on the original Star Wars trilogy. (Big crush on Han Solo.) I’ve shared my love for comic books and superheroes with you in previous posts. Ghostbusters is still one of my favorite movies. I watched all 15 seasons of the TV series Supernatural. I find it all very interesting.
But lately I’ve come to learn that truth really is stranger than fiction.
As the topic of UFOs and unexplained phenomena moves from the tin-foil-hat-wearing-crowd to the mainstream, you may find yourself wondering, “When exactly did I walk onto the set of ‘Signs’ and does Joaquin Phoenix still remember how to swing away?” (Some of you got that reference.) These are strange days indeed.
If we take a step back and look over the past 2+ years, we begin to see how different everything seems to be. Just as we used to measure time as B.C. and A.D., it feels like now it’ll be known as pre-Covid and after. (I’m not bold enough to say post-Covid because it seems like that pesky virus is going to keep on keeping on.)
For those of us who have been part of the faith-based community, we’re taught that there is a natural realm and a spiritual one. The natural realm is based on the physical world and everything we experience in it. The realm of the spirit is something different. We don’t live in that world, but we can have access to it and it can have influence on us.
As children many of us are taught that we each have a guardian angel. The angel’s job is to protect us and keep us safe. The angel watches over us. We can’t see this angel, but it’s always there. It’s a comforting story to tell a child who’s afraid of the dark or just had a bad dream. But is there any truth to it?
Perhaps.
The Bible is filled with occasions where humans were visited by angels either in dreams, visions or concrete manifestations. I could give you all the verses, but I think this is a journey you need to take on your own. I will, however, help steer you in the direction of a few classic examples. Mary (Jesus’s mother) was visited by an angel to announce that she would be carrying God’s son. Joseph (her future husband) was visited by an angel to let him know it was safe to marry her. Later on an angel warned him of danger coming to his new family. The three wise men and shepherds in the field were visited by an angel announcing the birth of Jesus.
That’s four or five so far and we’re only talking about the subject of Jesus’s birth and infancy! There are so many others. I encourage you to do a search one day for yourself. What I love is that in most cases these incredible encounters are described as just another day in the life. Many people are initially startled and humbled by these angelic beings, but they’re pretty accepting of their presence. They don’t often flip out or run away. In some cases, they even sit down and offer to share a meal with them! I don’t know that I’d be so cool and casual. But perhaps they were able to be so seemingly nonchalant because in their lifetime the natural and the spiritual were more intimately tied together. The veil between the two realms was thinner.
You know I got the receipts. (Any and all verses, unless otherwise specified are from the NIV version of the Bible from biblegateway.com, emphasis added.)
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. (Hebrews 13:2)
Excuse me? This verse has always gotten me. We’re taught “stranger danger” and this is saying to take care of them because they might be a messenger from the Lord?! It can be a little confusing, I must admit. The key is to always use Godly wisdom. You don’t put yourself in harm’s way. But if God puts it on your heart to give someone in need a helping hand, then you may want to listen and obey. The other key take-away from the verse is once again how common interacting with angelic beings was in those times. This other worldly experience is treated rather matter-of-factly.
What is the spirit of the age?
If you’ve spent time in church you may have heard this phrase or something similar: “the spirit of the world”. But what does it mean? I went to several sources to try and get a solid definition. Once again, the best answer is found in the Bible. Check this out:
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-7 NKJV)
We don’t like to admit this, but we live in a fallen, broken world. Sin, corruption, selfishness, hatred, and every other kind of vice have free rein here. The prince referred to in the verses above is none other than Lucifer or the devil himself. (Yes, we’re going there.)
If you can believe in the possibility of aliens from other planets, or contacting deceased loved ones through mediums or psychics, or any other supernatural idea, why can’t you consider the very real truth that evil exists?
History is filled with stories of great evil and horrific atrocities. Our present times are no better. Is it not possible that just as there is an Author for all things good that there is someone who stirs up the worst, most awful urges in people? The spirit of the age or of the world is that influence. We call him the enemy.
He can be subtle. He starts with turning the focus onto ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, there is value in self-reflection and assessment. But the spirit of the world isn’t interested in individual betterment to help encourage a more peaceful, loving world. On the contrary, this spirit wants you and me to be consumed with a “what’s in it for me?” view. Self-love and self-care give way to selfishness. The priority is me at all times and in every situation.
One thing to realize about this spirit is that it will always seek to undermine and pervert the things of God. It is against Him. It is at war with His Word. The Bible teaches us this:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Philippians 2:3)
How often do you see the value of preferring others over ourselves being espoused? It’s more about getting ahead and not letting anyone or anything stand in our way. Selfish ambition. We get frustrated when someone else gets a promotion or something we thought should have been ours. Could it be pride or vain conceit at work in us? Perhaps.
Here’s a verse that I always find a bit stinging:
He (Jesus) said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. (Luke 16:15)
Wow. I don’t know that I can add anything to that statement. What we praise and value in this world is detestable in His eyes. God is always about our hearts. It’s very important to, as I often say, know the why of the what. Why are you doing what you’re doing? What is your intention and your motivations?
You may be saying to yourself, “I know the world is screwed up, but it’s not all bad. Besides, I’m a good person. I try to do the right thing.” Don’t hate me for this next verse. Take it up with the Lord:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. (1 John 2:15)
I understand that it can be overwhelming. God creates a world that we’re to live in, but He wants us to hate it? That’s not precise. There are aspects of it that we are to enjoy. He gave us nature and beauty, all Creation, our loved ones, family, friends. He gives us all gifts and talents, abilities to be used to be productive. This verse is more about not loving the spirit of the age and succumbing to its enticement.
This world is broken. The spirit of the age wants to keep you and me focused on selfish desires. It wants to take what God has made and twist it, change it, flip it on its head until it’s unrecognizable. (Am I the only one who feels like every cultural norm and core value is going through this type of transformation?) It wants to remove objective truth so that there is no commonly agreed upon standard for right and wrong. It desires chaos. And it will use its influence to try and infect us and cause us to stray from the Truth.
It’s a war: a spiritual battle between good and evil.
So what do we do? Once again, the Bible has the answer:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
How do we renew our minds?
We spend time reading God’s Word. We pray, we seek, we fast, we ask. I mentioned earlier that in Biblical times men and women weren’t always completely shocked when an angel would appear to them. Why? I believe it’s because many spent more time: reading, praying, seeking, fasting, and asking. Our prayer life, our time in the Word, our fasting – these are all ways to connect with the spiritual realm, to thin that veil, if you will, between it and the natural.
I’m not talking about anything New Age like astral projection or consulting a spirit board or tarot cards. These are false flags and misrepresentations of the truly divine. They’re counterfeits. If you want the real thing, get in His presence. It is possible. And if you haven’t yet received His Holy Spirit into your life, pray for that. I can tell you from experience that once He is living on the inside of you, it’s as if you put on a new pair of eyeglasses. Things that seemed unclear or hazy come into focus. You can see what’s coming from a greater distance, and you better understand what’s right in front of you.
There are two worlds: the natural and the spiritual. We live in one but should operate out of knowledge and wisdom given from the other. Before we accepted Jesus we were on the losing side, but now we are “more than conquerors”. Doubt me? Good. I’ll leave you with this:
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)
Final word of advice: pray before you slay.
Until next time: stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you,
-Kat
You Were Meant For More
Charles Dickens is arguably most remembered for creating the character of Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge, as we all know if we’ve seen any version of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol over the years, is a man of great wealth, power and prestige. He is also a horrible person with little to no redeeming qualities. His heart is bitter and filled with hatred. It is only after one special night where he is visited by three spirits (the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future) that he realizes the error of his ways.
But we’re not here to discuss old bah humbug Scrooge today. Perhaps we’ll save his story for a December post.
Dickens was a prolific writer and one of my all-time favorites. He created another memorable character in Oliver Twist. Oliver’s story, like Scrooge’s, has been told many times throughout the years. The orphan boy’s story is one of tragedy and triumph. (No spoilers here. Encourage you to read it for yourselves sometime. But be prepared: there are some dark, sad moments in it.)
As I was thinking about this week’s post and the concept of more, I was reminded of a scene from the 1968 musical adaptation Oliver! Our hero is living in squalor with many other children. It’s mealtime and they’re about to get another bowl of gruel. (The name says it all. Gruel. Ick. But I digress.) The children are fed just barely enough to stay alive. Oliver is still hungry after eating his meager portion of watery goop. He courageously steps forward and says, “Please sir, I want some more.” This does not go over well. “More?! You want more?!” Poor Oliver is further screamed at and, basically, assaulted. (I warned you there are some dark parts to this story.)
What do Oliver and his watery porridge have to do with anything?
Thanks for asking. I believe sometimes we’re like our intrepid hero. We’ve been swallowing the gruel three times a day for a while. But one day the hunger pangs we’ve been suppressing and ignoring become so loud and painful that we must do something. We can no longer fight the longing. We want more.
I’ve noticed the world is pretty accepting of someone wanting more of certain things: money, power, success, control, pleasure. But it doesn’t necessarily encourage us to seek more: integrity, character, maturity, real love. Sorry, but I believe if you don’t first crave more of those traits, you may live compromised.
Think about it. I’m sure you know someone either in your own life or someone famous who achieved great success and then fell apart. They had all the stuff: money to burn, men or women flocking around them, houses, cars, trips, boats, etc. Yet they were still unsatisfied. So they turn to drugs or alcohol to try and fill that void. Perhaps they didn’t succumb to those vices, but their medicine cabinet is filled with little prescription bottles to keep them level and functioning. Maybe they managed to avoid substance use or abuse, but they’re still not happy. How come? They got their more. What went wrong?
I may ruffle a few feathers with this part, but my nickname isn’t Kat Controversy for nothing. There are some who would say that it was because of the money and then quote scripture, “money is the root of all evil”. But that is not precise.
Money is NOT the root of all evil.
You know I always bring receipts. (Any and all Bible verses, unless otherwise indicated are from the NIV version at biblegateway.com, emphasis added.)
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Money can be used for great good or great evil. The same $1,000 can be used to help or to harm. It is the intent behind its use that matters.
Here’s where I will probably push some buttons. I believe the church has really missed it when it comes to money, success, etc. They seem to vacillate between two extremes: the poverty mindset and the prosperity message. Allow me to elaborate:
The Poverty Mindset
I think this belief system may have started out of a misunderstanding of the verse above. Money is evil, so to truly serve God I must do without. Huh? That’s not a balanced approach. Don’t get me wrong. I believe that sometimes doing without – fasting or giving up something – can be very healthy for your spiritual life. If you’re taking a break from an aggressive pursuit of money that’s been creating a wedge or distance between you and God, then I’m the first to encourage you to go for it. What I’ve noticed, however, is that it seems to be promoted as a more permanent lifestyle situation. They see virtue in their self-imposed impoverished state. They look down upon those who have money as somehow being less spiritual or less enlightened. Let me be clear, I am not speaking against those who make a personal vow to live a certain way in service to God (for example: Mother Teresa). I’m speaking more of a mindset that says, “If God wants me to have more, He’ll do it.” Yes, He will. But have you done your part?
God can bless your finances in an instant. I can say that with confidence because my life is filled with such experiences. The check came just in time or someone blessed me just because God put me on their heart to bless. This happens. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do all that we can do ourselves. We should be productive.
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8)
God doesn’t want us to be in debt!
And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:18)
As I stated earlier, it is the love of money that becomes the problem. We are to do the work He calls us to do. He does the rest.
If you’re a parent you know how happy you are to see your children doing well. If your son or daughter gets a job they love and they’re able to provide for themselves and their families, you’re thrilled. Why wouldn’t our heavenly Father want the same for us? If your child needs a little help, a down payment, a loan, and you can give it to them, wouldn’t you? God wants us to do well in this life. You doubt me? Good. Check out this verse:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 1:2)
In contrast, if you’re a parent and your child is squandering their money or spends all their time trying to get more of it, you’ll be rightly concerned. They’re out of balance. If your child is wasting their abilities, not contributing or being productive, that should trouble you too. You’re less likely to give them that help, down payment or loan. You want to see them succeed but they need to do their part first and keep balanced. God feels similarly toward us.
The Prosperity Message
Now we come to the other side of the spectrum. Many churches have been built around this system. They’ll use that verse I quoted from Deuteronomy 8 as a cornerstone for their doctrine. They too are on a bit of dangerous ground. Jesus said it himself:
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Luke 16:13, ESV)
This is definitely one of my top 5 favorite verses. It just makes the point so perfectly. Many churches preach about serving God or the devil. But the Lord made it plain: you can serve Him or money. The devil will use your love of money and devotion to it to get you to compromise and be corrupt. But you’re still serving money. You are a slave to it not the devil. He’s just manipulating you and taking advantage of you with it.
I’m clearly not against achievement and success. More importantly, neither is God. The concern for both me and the Lord is what happens when you get there. When you work hard and get the job or the gig or the whatever, now what?
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 5:10, ESV)
And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
There are so many other verses I could have included. These are just a few designed to highlight the matter. I encourage you to do your own research. My point in tackling this potentially touchy subject is two-fold:
God wants you to do well and have a full life.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
Like any loving parent, He doesn’t want to see any of His children in need. He is gracious, merciful and kind. He wants to partner with us to live out our best life here while storing up eternal treasures for ourselves in heaven. Doubt me? Good. Go look it up. (I can’t give you every verse. Where’s the fun in that?)
Stay balanced as you reach for and achieve your goals.
The only way to stay balanced and not become a lover of money is to stay close to God. You cannot change my mind. I’ve seen too many lose their way because they took their eyes off of Him. I mean people that love God and wanted to and did use their resources to help others. I’m not talking about those who lived only for themselves and their own hedonistic desires. God made it clear: in this life you can’t serve Him and money. You’ll reach a point where you have to decide which matters more.
This should be an easy decision because God is greater than anything and everything, but we struggle. I get it. I’ve done it. When the bills are piling up, you have to hold onto your faith, do your part, and trust that God will take care of you. When you’re doing very well, you have to hold onto your faith, don’t get caught up, forget about God’s blessings and get greedy. “Greed is right. Greed works.” No, Mr. Gordon Gekko (aka Michael Douglas’s character in the 80s film Wall Street) you are wrong, sir.
I’ll leave you with the following verse. It encourages and inspires me to be content and satisfied no matter what my bank account or portfolio is telling me. I pray it’ll help you too. You can have more. Just make sure you seek more of Him and His righteousness first. Trust me, God’s provision and blessings are 100% gruel-free.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Until next time: stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you,
-Kat
Humor. Heart. Hope.
In the famous 1996 movie Jerry Maguire the lead character played by Tom Cruise drafts a mission statement concerning his high-ranking position as an agent for professional athletes. He challenges the status quo by advocating for a more personal, intimate approach between client and agent. He rocks the boat. It’s not spoiling anything to state that after sharing this revelation to others in his industry, things do not go well for him. He’s a disruptor to their world, and many do their best to ruin him.
I was reminded of this great film as I was selecting my topic for this week’s blog post. A couple of years ago, as I began feeling it was time for me to pursue writing as a full-time gig rather than the dabbling I’ve done for decades, I thought about what my mission statement would be. I’d worked in marketing for various corporations for over 20 years, so I understood the significance of having one. It’s designed to create the foundation for the business or venture. It encompasses the ideals and principles that are being strived for in the new undertaking. Future strategies and business plans should be developed with the mission statement always in mind.
I spent time in prayer and contemplation. I knew there would be times where my writing would be strictly for enjoyment. But I wanted to have a purpose, a why to the what for the pieces I craft. I’ve said that sometimes when I’m writing it feels as if I’m taking dictation. I say a quick prayer and ask for guidance. The next thing I know I’ve typed several pages of content. It’s really quite exciting. I often do not know what to expect. It’s a way God uses to still surprise and shake up my overthinking-trying-to-figure-it-all-out-by-myself-all-the-time-brain.
Once my website was ready to launch, I decided I wanted to have a tagline underneath the URL whenever I posted. It had to be something catchy, memorable, but also relevant. (The advertiser in me came out in full force.) It came to me:
Humor. Heart. Hope.
The 3h’s as I call it. I liked it right away, but I wasn’t sure exactly what it meant. As I prayed about it, God showed me that it’s an abridged version of my mission statement. Allow me to elaborate.
Humor.
I believe you should try and find the funny in life. It isn’t always easy to do, but it is so important for your sanity and well-being. It’s not just me that believes this. You know I brought receipts. (Any and all Bible verses, unless otherwise indicated, are from the NIV version at biblegateway.com, emphasis added.)
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:2)
Laughter is seen as a symbol of God’s faithfulness. I love to laugh. Don’t you? It’s such a simple, healthy, stress-relieving measure. And is there anything more pure and wonderful than the sound of a child’s laugh?
Heart.
I will admit that my humor tends to be sarcastic and self-deprecating by nature. That’s why it’s vital that I never lose sight of the heart in everything I write. I don’t want to laugh at someone. I’d much rather laugh with someone. Wouldn’t you? (Or we could both just laugh at me, I’m fine with that too.) What can happen when we treat someone’s heart with kindness and give them a dose of laughter? Check this out:
A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 NKJV)
Wait a minute. This verse says that a happy or cheerful heart has healing properties like medicine. In contrast, a broken spirit or heart can be quite destructive not only to our emotional and mental health, but to our physical bodies as well. We’ve probably all heard the phrase, “Stress kills.” I encourage you to do your own research on its effects on the body. (This isn’t science class after all.) I do feel confident, however, that we can all agree when our heart is happy, we feel better.
So far we’ve covered 2 of the 3 h’s of my mission statement. I want to lead with humor to make you smile and relax a bit. Once you’re feeling the funny, then it’s time to get to the heart of the matter. This is where I share whatever God has been showing me and speaking to my heart. I’m not foolish or prideful enough to believe that His Words and life lessons are solely for me. They are for anyone who is willing to take the time to listen and, perhaps, learn from them.
Now we come to the final h:
Hope.
My one niece always says I need a happy ending to every story or movie. She’s correct. (Perhaps that’s why I like Jerry Maguire so much.) My philosophy is that the world is filled with disappointments, rejections, and sad or bad endings. If I’m paying good money to watch something, I want to leave happy or at least with a glimmer of hope.
This is my goal with everything I write. After we’ve shared a few laughs, gone deep and gotten to the heart of the matter, I want to finish off with a touch of hope. No, I’m not a peddler of hopium with its warped sense of reality and false promises. Everything may not be OK. Things may not work out the way you want. But God is for you, so even when it seems sideways and twisted, He can turn it right-side up and make it straight again. It may not look like how you pictured it, but it can still be beautiful.
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)
Now you know my mission statement.
I have a good friend who has known me for over 20 years. She often says that I am a disruptor. I challenge the status quo concerning faith and religion. My goal is never to start trouble. It’s simply to get back to basics:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
It doesn’t get more basic and to the heart of the matter than that.
I may not be able to show you the money or be your ambassador of quan, but if you enjoy real talk with: humor, heart, and hope, you should keep coming back.
Until next time: stay happy, stay healthy, stay in the know.
Look forward to hearing from you,
-Kat
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