Surviving "success" to achieve "SUCCESS"

Three weeks from today, on June 4, 2008, I will be speaking at a men's group breakfast at a church in The Woodlands about "going deeper" in relationship with God, as men try to take that relationship into their work and business lives in their efforts to be more "successful" in their lives. Some there will be trying to "achieve" success in a religiously and societally acceptable manner; others will be there trying desperately to "maintain" and "protect" their current success and status while not risking their beliefs, principles, values (and, in the end, salvation); others (and the number will be very few, I would suspect, and these are my "target audience") will be there to die to any need for "success," other than His (which becomes ours if we let it). I told them I will not be preparing myself for this visit or presenting to them in any way, or doing anything that looks like some form of "success" that would warrant me being there (vs. any one of them or anyone else), but that He will surely be preparing me, and preparing me He is, it seems, as He walked me out into my own journal archives again, back to the exact same date 4 years ago, June 4, 2004, to re-discover this little piece of timely wisdom, which helped me remember my total "SUCCESS" in His eyes, when I am kneeling before Him and paying attention.

Surviving "success" to achieve "SUCCESS" (June 4, 2004)

"The tragic downfall of many so-called 'geniuses,' after they've been 'discovered' and celebrated by the public, illustrates that there is 'success', and then there is 'SUCCESS'. The former frequently jeopardizes life in sneaky, insidious ways, especially if the person becomes very famous, powerful, and wealthy, while the latter enhances and truly enriches it. True SUCCESS enlivens and supports the spirit; it has nothing to do with highly celebrated, albeit fleeting physical achievements, but instead relates to being truly accomplished as a whole person, in the small everyday choices of life, and attaining a lifestyle that benefits not only the individual but everyone else around them. Truly SUCCESSful people's lives are empowered by the full 'context' of their accomplishments. Contrast that with what the tabloid world calls success, which often erodes the 'successful' person's health and relationships - spiritual collapse in the midst of excess is commonplace in the lives of the rich and famous. This kind of success is merely worldly 'celebrity', and the capacity of celebrity to destroy life is documented daily: Famous, 'successful' people constantly succumb to addiction, alcoholism, cut-throat cruelty, stress-related diseases of all kinds, failed marriages and family disintegration, naked self-centeredness, wild extremes of vanity, public downfall amidst scandal, even suicide or other untimely demises. It isn't just that such people have acquired too much wealth, fame, or attention; it's that these influences have been allowed to distort their egos and reinforce what might be called the 'small self' instead of the 'BIG SELF'. The small self is the part of us that's vulnerable to flattery and over-inflation, coming from total insecurity; the BIG SELF is an aspect of our higher, more spiritual nature, which is aware of itself and its place in life, while needing nothing more than it has, humble and grateful for its SUCCESS, knowing that it has all come through 'the grace' of 'the Source' rather than through 'the efforts' of 'the self'."

-- David Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D.

"True success is not measured by one's external appearances in life, but by one's internal attitude toward it and the way that attitude affects others' lives."

-- Yours Truly

I can state unequivocally that I barely survived the worldly "success" of my 20's and early 30's, and I thank God every day that I am still standing and able to talk about that, and I humbly appreciate the "SUCCESS" that came from my complete and ego-shattering downfall (in my late 30's) and continues to come when I have the courage and the surrendered willingness to just "stay down" (my ongoing battle throughout my 40's and into my early 50's).

Worldy "success" is highly overrated and - in many ways unknowable - very deadly to the soul. Spiritual "SUCCESS" - which can't be earned, but only surrendered to and received - is very undervalued, because it can't be earned and is too damn "elemental" (a word a friend used once in exasperation when he noticed that what I was saying was not complicated at all, just impossible for him to execute in his current life, while addicted to the world). We love things to be difficult and challenging, and we love to complain about the difficulty, and then win. Receiving His love, resting in His wisdom, running on His power, where's the fun and glory and victory in that? Well, with enough of the death and destruction we quite naturally bring about by our own hand, we become more ready to receive His glory and not worry about ours; we become ready to surrender to complete ego defeat and the full spiritual victory.

There was a man who worked with Mother Teresa for 30 years of her ministry, a man who kept trying to bring her organization, process, structure, and "success" through the life of a ministry that God was growing through her. At the end of her life, when the mission had grown quite large and unwieldy, and as she tired of the bickering of board members and the petty ego concerns and personal issues of bureaucrats, she stood up in one meeting and said, "Enough of this, I am going back to my roots, living with the poor to bring them hope, and that's all." And with that final gesture she disbanded the board completely, and walked away from it all. A board member turned and said to her trusted assistant who had given thirty years of his life and his skill to her, "I can't believe that with that one sentence she has just destroyed 30 years of your life's work." And this man turned to the guy and said in complete ego humility and ultimate spiritual victory, "I'm just sorry it took me 30 years to learn that she was right all along."

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."

-- from Psalm 127

Believing on others - agenda-less loving

Check out this wonderful little story on the power of believing in others. I think this is one of the most important powers we possess, and it can definitely work miracles in other people's lives: http://www.forbetterlife.org/be_inspired/individual_read_story.asp?id=37&value_id=61

and while you're at it, have fun rummaging around this very creative, imaginative, and insightful website: http://www.forbetterlife.org/index.asp.

It's really good to know and see again that agenda-less loving not only lives, but thrives out in the open air.

This message is dedicated to those beautiful, longing souls who are either desperately looking for or have totally given up on the possibility that one person could simply believe in them and their lonely journey while they are going through a dark period of life when it can be so compelling and easy to feel totally crazy and alone. I have been there, and my life was saved and then made possible by the very few courageous, generous, loving souls who stood for me while holding a candle in the dark of my worst imaginings. I stand with my candle for you, loving you every step of the way while you stumble forward in the dark. Your amazing life awaits you, and I solemnly celebrate the beautiful, precious, and oh so worthy human being you are.

Why keep going? - to discover who and Whose you are

“From time to time, and sometimes for prolonged periods, life as a human being - and especially life as a born leader - can appear utterly hopeless and ridiculous, and often quite stormy. To help you break through and persevere, until your time of clarity comes again, consider a man who lived through this hardship for 30 years, with great determination and dignity: He failed in business at age 31. He was defeated for the legislature at age 32. Again he failed in business at age 34. His sweetheart died at age 35. He had a nervous breakdown at age 36. He was defeated in election at age 38. He was defeated for Congress at age 43. He was defeated for Congress again at age 46. He was defeated for Congress again at age 48. He was defeated for Senate at age 55. He was defeated for Vice President at age 56. He was defeated for Senate at age 58. He was elected President of the United States at age 60. This man was none other than Abraham Lincoln.”

"It makes absolutely no difference how deeply seated may be the troubles, how hopeless the outlook and for how long, how muddled the tangled mess, how great and shameful the oh so numerous mistakes, how much apathy and rejection you experience and feel. A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all."

"There are no hopeless situations, only people who think, and often live, hopelessly."


Sometimes it just feels like too much. Too much anxiety. Too much bullsh##. Too much conflict. Too much craziness. Too much ignorance. Too much me. Too much resistance. Too much wackiness. Way too much work.

Sometimes it just feels like too little. Too little forgiveness. Too little grace. Too little love. Too little me. Too little money. Too little power. Too little support. Too little trust. Way too little understanding.

And then, after fighting through my own blindness, faithlessness, obstinance, martyrdom, and ego-resistance, persevering way beyond my human capacity and comfort (distinction learned in my three marathon experiences), the sun breaks through, and the reason shines, and the road is clear again. An example of this occurred the other day when a friend responded so elegantly to my message that included the excerpt from The Shack with these simple and so beautiful words:

So, you have created Jesus’ ideal bride, the church of people without the man-made trappings. Well done. D.

And fully realizing that I haven't really "created" anything, only "discovered" it for myself, I became richly aware once again of the glorious road I'm on.

Photo (not attached) so suitably entitled "After the Storm"

Honoring yourself completely in relationship

"It takes a person who is wide awake
to make his dream come true."
-- Roger Ward Babson

"Personal unhappiness is the single
greatest contributor to
relationship problems."
-- Unknown

"Never fully trust the advice or
the kiss or the smile of a man
in grave difficulty (i.e.; trust no one)."
-- Aesop

"If you're sounding way too perfect
in another person's opinion, and
are feeling too pursued by them,
... RUN!"
-- Yours Truly, from experience

"Oh, innocent victims of Cupid,
Remember this terse little verse;
To let a fool kiss you is stupid,
To let a kiss fool you is worse."
-- E. Y. Harburg

"In the common affairs of life -
in love, friendship, and marriage -
how little security have we when
we place our trust in happiness
in the hands of others!"
-- Paul Aubuchon

"Co-dependents are often telling you
things like: 'you're so emotionally
stable and trustworthy'; 'you're just
so perfect in every way'; 'how did you
ever get so flawless?'; 'I really thank
God for you in my life!', when they're
actually in the process of auditioning
you for a supporting (and enabling)
role in their very dark, dramatic,
and sadly self-fulfilling human
tragedy script."
-- from an AA website on dating addicts

We are constantly looking for fulfillment, happiness, joy, pleasure (or at least pain-relief), satisfaction, validation, etc. in the actions, approvals, expressions, feelings, and reciprocations of others, when that is by far both the deadliest and the emptiest place to look. Our happiness depends solely on our own awakeness and awareness, which leaves us in a conscious connection with God, where joy is a very simple choice. In that place there are no insurmountable difficulties, no matter how dire the circumstances. And there is also no need for overcompensating "puffery," for either inflating others or seeking inflation from others. Our life's play becomes a noble and uplifting one (vs. a "self-fulfilling tragedy"), where all difficulties are required for the climactic moments of great transcendence, and others participate in totally necessary ways, vs. as perpetrators and tormentors. In this natural place, you are BOTH all-important AND insignificant, as are ALL other human beings, and, therefore, there are no singularly searched for or dreaded soul-mates or soul-murderers. And in the "choice to" (vs. mere and fleeting "feelings of") love, two precious, interconnected souls get to make their shared lives a living crucible in which God creates his most amazing art, fruit, and miracles.

A long one, but take a moment and settle into the story, and relax into the agenda-less agenda

Below is a fairly long excerpt from a book that was given to me by a dear friend earlier this year The Shack, by William P. Young), a book that is so unbelievably consistent with my beliefs about God and Jesus, and so in lockstep with my calling and my faith walk, and one that several other friends are both tearfully and joyfully reading right now, and in which the friend who gave it to me inscribed, "For my precious friend Jim ... who shows me Jesus' face in the midst of our reality in an 'unreal' world", which is by far the best compliment I could ever ask for, let alone receive. I am deeply touched by this.

I don't know why it is that we usually only seem to see with this clarity right in the midst (or, more accurately, right on the other side) of our darkest hours. Maybe we can learn to consciously and intentionally hold onto it a little longer. Read and weep and smile all at the same time. This book wrestles so poignantly and powerfully with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" Just as an FYI as you read on, so that the impact is fully felt and understood, Missy is Mack's youngest daughter who was tragically abducted and brutally murdered four years earlier. It is in the midst of the wreckage of this tragedy and the Great Sadness afterwards that Mack literally meets Jesus. I can relate to this kind of timing and what it can do to you.


"'Thank you for being with me, for talking to me about Missy. I haven't really talked about that with anyone. It just felt so huge and terrifying. It doesn't seem to hold the same power over me now, thanks to you.

''The darkness hides the true size of fears and lies and regrets,' Jesus explained. 'The truth is they are more shadow than reality, so they seem bigger in the dark, especially when you're alone with them. When the light shines into the places they live inside of you, you start to see them for what they are, and when you share them with others, they are swept aside.'

'But why do we keep all that crap inside?' Mack asked.

'Because we believe it's safer there. And sometimes, when you're a kid trying to survive, it really is safer there. Then you grow up on the outside, but on the inside you're still that kid in the dark cave surrounded by monsters, and out of habit you keep adding to your collection. We all collect things we value, you know?'

This made Mack smile. He knew Jesus was referring to something Sarayu had said about collecting tears.

'So, how does that change for somebody who's lost in the dark like me?'

'Most often, pretty slowly,' Jesus answered.

'And remember, you can't do it alone. Some folks try with all kinds of coping mechanisms and mental games. But the monsters are still there, just waiting for the chance to come out.'

'So what do I do now?' (I so love this question, asked of me at least 10,000 times over 10 years.)

'What you're already doing, Mack, learning to live loved. It's not an easy concept for humans. You have a hard time sharing anything.' He chuckled and continued. 'So, yes, what we desire is for you to re-turn to us, and then we come and make our home inside you, and then we share everything. The friendship is real, not merely imagined or intellectualized. We're meant to experience this life, your life, together, in an ongoing dialogue, sharing every step of the journey. You get to share in our wisdom, to love with our love, and we get ... to hear you grumble and gripe and complain, and ...'

Mack laughed out loud and pushed Jesus sideways, a visual image that made him smile with very tentative delight.

'Stop!' Jesus yelled and froze where he stood. At first Mack thought he might have offended him, but Jesus was just looking intently into the water. 'Did you see him? Look, here he comes again.'

'What?' Mack stepped closer and shielded his eyes to try and see what it was that Jesus was looking at.

'Look! Look!' shouted Jesus in a hushed and excited sort of way. 'He's a beauty! Must be almost two feet long!'

And then Mack saw him, a huge lake trout gliding by only a foot or two beneath the surface, seemingly oblivious to the commotion he was causing above him.

'I've been trying to catch him for weeks, and here he comes just to bait me,' he laughed.

Mack watched, amazed, as Jesus started to dodge this way and that, trying to keep up with the fish, and he finally gave up. He looked at Mack, excited as a little kid. 'Isn't he great? I'll probably never catch him.'

Mack was bewildered by the whole scene.

'Jesus, why don't you just command him to ... I don't know, jump in your boat or bite your hook. Aren't you the Lord of All Creation?'

'Sure,' said Jesus, leaning down and running his hand over the water. 'But what fun would be in that, eh?' He looked up and grinned.

Mack didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He realized how much he had come to love this man, this man who was also God.

Jesus stood back up and together they continued their meandering toward the dock.

Mack ventured another question. 'Can I ask, why didn't you tell me about Missy earlier, like last night, or a year ago, or ...?'

'Don't think we didn't try. Have you noticed that in your pain you assume the worst of me? I've been talking to you for a long time, but today was the first time you could hear it, and all those other times weren't a waste, either. Like little cracks in the wall, one at a time, but woven together they prepared you for today. You have to take the time to prepare the soil if you want it to embrace the seed.'

'I'm not sure why we resist it, resist you so much,' Mack mused. 'It seems kind of stupid now.'

'It's all part of the timing of grace, Mack,' Jesus continued. 'If the universe contained only one human being, timing would be rather simple. But add just one more, and, well, you know the story. Each choice ripples out through time and relationships, bouncing off of other choices. And out of what seems a huge mess, Papa weaves a magnificent tapestry. Only Papa can work all this out, and she does it with such amazing grace.'

'So I guess all I can do is follow her lead,' Mack concluded.'Yep, that's the whole point. Now you're beginning to understand what it means to be truly human.'

They reached the end of the dock and Jesus leaped up onto it, turning to help Mack. Together they sat down at its end and dangled their bare feet in the water, watching the mesmerizing effects of the wind on the surface of the lake. Mack was the first to break the silence.

'Was I seeing Heaven when I was seeing Missy? it looked a lot like here.'

'Well, Mack, our final destiny is not the picture of Heaven that you have stuck in your head - you know, the image of pearly gates and streets of gold. Instead it's a new cleansing of this universe, so it will indeed look a lot like here.'

'Then what's with the pearly gates and gold stuff?'

'That stuff, my brother,' Jesus began, lying back on the dock and closing his eyes against the warmth and brightness of the day, 'is a picture of me and the woman I'm in love with.'

Mack looked at him to see if he was joking, but it was obvious he wasn't.

'It is a picture of my bride, the Church: individuals who together form a spiritual city with a living river flowing through the middle, and on both shores trees growing with fruit that will heal the hurt and sorrows of all nations. And this city is always open, and each gate into it is made of a single pearl ...' He opened one eye and looked at Mack. 'That would be me!' He saw Mack's question and explained. 'Pearls, Mack. The only precious stone made by pain, suffering, and - finally - death.'

'I get it. You are the way in, but ... ' Mack paused, searching for the right words. 'You're talking about the church as this woman you're in love with; I'm pretty sure I haven't met her.' He turned away slightly. 'She's not the place I go on Sundays,' Mack said more to himself, unsure if that was safe to say out loud.

'Mack, that's because you're only seeing the institution, a man-made system. That's not what I came to build and provide. What I see are people and their lives, a living, breathing community of all of those who love me, not buildings and programs.'

Mack was a bit taken aback to hear Jesus talking about 'church' this way, but then again, it didn't really surprise him. Actually, it was a relief.

'So how do I become part of that church?' he asked. 'This woman you seem to be so gaga over.'

'It's simple, Mack. It's all about relationships and simply sharing life and its stories. What we are doing right now - just doing this - and being open and available to others around us. My church is all about people and life is all about relationships. Everything else is made up nonsense. And you can't build it. It's my job, and I'm actually pretty good at it,' Jesus said with a chuckle.

For Mack these words were like a breath of fresh air! Simple. Not a bunch of exhausting work and long lists of demands and to-do's, and not the sitting in endless meetings staring at the backs of people's heads, people he didn't really even know. Just sharing life.

'But wait ... ' Mack had a jumble of questions starting to surface. Maybe he had misunderstood. This seemed too simple! Again he caught himself. Perhaps it was because humans are so utterly lost and independent that we take what is simple and make it complex? So he thought twice about messing with what he was just beginning to understand. To begin asking his jumbled mess of questions at this moment felt like throwing a dirt clod into a little pool of clear water.

'Never mind,' was all he said.

'Mack, you don't need to have it all figured out. Just be with me.'After a moment he decided to join Jesus, and he lay on his back next to him, shielding his eyes from the sun in order to watch the clouds sweeping away the early afternoon.

'Well to be honest,' he admitted, 'I'm not too disappointed that the 'streets of gold' thing isn't the big prize. it always sounded a little boring to me, and not nearly as wonderful as being out here with you.'

Near quiet descended as Mack took in the moment. He could hear the hush of wind caressing trees and the laughter of the nearby creek as it spilled its way into the lake. The day was majestic, the take-your-breath-away surroundings incredible.

'I really do want to understand. I mean, I find the way you are so totally different from all the well-intentioned religious stuff I'm more familiar with.'

'As well-intentioned as it might be, you know that religious machinery can chew up people!' Jesus said. 'An awful lot of what is done in my name has nothing to do with me and is often, even if unintentional, very contrary to my purposes.'

'You;re not too fond of religion and institutions?' Mack said, not sure if he was asking a question or making an observation.

'I don't create institutions - never have, never will.''What about the institution of marriage?'

'Marriage is not an institution. it's a relationship.' Jesus paused, his voice steady and patient. 'Like I said, I don't create institutions; that's an occupation for those who want to play God. So no, I'm not too big on religion,' Jesus said a little sarcastically, 'and not very fond of politics or economics either.' Jesus visage darkened noticeably. 'And why should I be? They are the man-created trinity of terrors that ravages the earth and deceives those I care about. What mental turmoil and anxiety does any human being face that is not directly related to at least one of those three?'

Mack hesitated. He wasn't sure what to say. This all felt a little over his head.

Noticing that Mack's eyes were glazing over, Jesus downshifted. 'Put very simply, Mack, these terrors are tools that many use to prop up their illusions of security and control. People are afraid of uncertainty, afraid of the future. These institutions, these structures and idelogies, are all a vain effort to creat some sense of certainty and security where there isn't any. It's all false. Systems cannot provide you security, only I can.'

'Whoa!' was all Mack could think. The landscape of how he, and just about everyone he knew, had sought to manage and navigate their lives was being reduced to little more than rubble.

'So,' Mack was still processing, and not really coming up with much. 'So?' He turned it back into a question.

'I don't have an agenda here, Mack. Just the opposite,' Jesus interjected. 'I came to give you Life to the fullest. My life.'

Mack was still straining to understand. 'The simplicity and purity of enjoying an ever-growing friendship.'

'Uh, got it!'

'If you try to live this without me, without the ongoing dialogue of us sharing this journey together, it will be like trying to walk on water by yourself. You can't! And when you try, however well-intentioned, you're going to sink.' Knowing full well the answer, Jesus asked, 'Have you ever tried to save someone who was drowning?'

Mack's chest and muscles instinctively tightened. He didn't like remebering Josh and the canoe, and the sense of panic that suddenly rushed back from the memory.

'It's extremely hard to rescue someone unless they are willing to trust you.'

'Yes, it sure is.''That is all I ask of you. When you start to sink, let me rescue you.'

It seemed like a simple request, but Mack was used to being the lifeguard, not the one drowning. 'Jesus, I'm not sure I know how to ...'

'Let me show you. Just keep giving me the little bit you have, and together we'll watch it grow.'

Mack began to put on his socks and shoes. 'Sitting here with you, in this moment, it doesn't seem that hard. But when I think about my regular life back home, I don't know how to keep it as simple as you're suggesting. I'm stuck in that same grasp for control everyone else is. Politics, economics, social systems, bills, family, commitments ... it can all be a bit overwhelming. I don't know how to change it all.'

'No one is asking you to!' Jesus said tenderly. 'That is Sarayu's task, and she knows how to do it without brutalizing anyone. The whole thing is a process, not an event. All I want from you is to trust me with what little you can, and grow in loving people around you with the same love I share with you now. It's not your job to change them or convince them. You are free to love without an agenda.'

'That's what I most want to learn.'

'And you are.' Jesus winked.

Jesus stood up and stretched, and Mack followed.

'I have been told so many lies,' he admitted.

Jesus looked at him and then with one arm pulled Mack in and hugged him. 'I know, Mack, and so have I. I just didn't believe them.

'Together they began the walk down the dock. As they approached the shore, they slowed again. Jesus put his hand on Mack's shoulder and gently turned him until they were face to face.

'Mack, the world system is what it is. Institutions, systems, ideologies, and all the vain, futile efforts of humanity that go with them are everywhere, and interaction with all of it is unavoidable. But I can give you freedom to overcome any system of power in which you find yourself, be it religious, economic, social, or political. You will grow in the freedom to be inside or outside all kinds of systems and to move freely in, between, and among them. Together, you and I can be in it and not of it.'

'But so many of the people I care about seem to be both in it and of it!' Mack was thinking of his friends, church people who had expressed love to him and his family. He knew they loved Jesus the best they knew how, but were also sold out to success, religious activity to compensate, and patriotism to the max.

'Mack, I love them, too. And you wrongly judge many of them. For those who are both in it and of it, we must find ways to love and serve them, don't you think?' asked Jesus. 'Remember, the people who really know me, deeply and emotionally, vs. those who claim to, conceptually and intellectually, are the ones who are free to live and love without any agenda, whatsoever.'

'Is that what it means to be a Christian?' It sounded kind of stupid as Mack said it, but it was how he was trying to sum everything up in his mind.

'Who said anything about being a Christian? I'm not a Christian.'

The idea struck Mack as odd and unexpected, and he couldn't keep himself from grinning. 'No, I suppose you aren't.'

They arrived at the door of the workshop. Again, Jesus stopped. 'Those who love me and follow my example have come from every belief system that exists. They are or were Buddhists or Mormons, Jews or Muslims, Baptists or Catholics, Democrats or Republicans, American or Chinese, and many who don't vote in any elections or are not part of any weekend rituals or Sunday morning religious institutions at all. I have followers who were murderers and many who were self-righteous do-gooders. Some are bankers, and some are bookies; some are deep lovers and some are hookers. I have no desire or need to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa, into my brothers and sisters, into my Beloved.'

'Does that mean,' asked Mack, 'that all roads will lead to you?'

'Not at all,' smiled Jesus as he reached for the door handle to the shop. 'Most roads don't lead to anywhere important. What it does mean is that I will travel any road I need to to find you.'

He paused. 'Mack, I've got some things to finish up in the shop, so I'll catch up with you later.'

'Okay. What do you want me to do?'

'Whatever you want, Mack, the afternoon is yours.' Jesus patted him on the shoulder and grinned. 'One last thing, remeber earlier when you thanked me for letting you see Missy? That was all Papa's idea.' With that he turned and waved over his shoulder as he walked into the workshop.

Mack knew instantly what he wanted to do next, what he knew Jesus wanted and was inviting him to do next, and he headed for the shack to see if he could find Papa."

-- William P. Young, in The Shack

"Men never do evil so corruptly, so completely, and so cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction."

-- Blaise Pascal, in the quote used at the front of the chapter excerpted above in "The Shack"


Mark 12:28-34 "One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, 'Of all the commandments, which is the most important?' 'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." The second is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself." There is no commandment greater than these.' 'Well said, teacher,' the man replied. 'You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.' When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions."


Love with no agenda! What a beautiful agenda!

Happy Mother's Day, Moms everywhere!