On My Heart
April 6th, 2011
I’ve been thinking a lot about justice issues lately. I’ve watched a couple of movies set in South Africa. I haven’t fully formulated my thoughts, but I want to talk about it here and get your feedback.
We’re starting a series on Midday Connection that will air for 8 or 9 weeks called “Half the Church”. We’ll have a focus on the plight of women around the world and what we can do to make a difference. We’ll also talk to women about how they are engaging in kingdom purposes. Do they know their gifts, are they using them. This is an issue that regularly occupies my mind. I love seeing women walk into the fullness of who God created them to be, and not hold back.
This is what is currently occupying my mind…..what is swirling around in your head?
Hey Anita,
This weekend, my husband and I watched a movie set in South Africa: “Invictus.” It was about Nelson Mandela and rugby. It was thought-provoking.
But what is really swirling around in my head is your book! I reread it last week and was touched deeply (again) by your honesty, courage, and heart for freedom. I’m so glad you wrote it and gave voice to what women tell you (and tell me in the counseling office).
Blessings,
Jennifer Degler
Dear Anita:
I met you when you were down in South Florida in Nov. 2010 at the “Re=Align Your Life” Woman’s conference and loved your story and your authenticity. Today’s show on “Half The Church” also really grabbbed my attention. I feel like I’ve been so involved in my own problems, ie going though divorce with unbelieving husband, looking for job, and getting over sudden death of my father last March and my whole family breaking up over it – it;s been the most difficult year of my life, but I have grown much closer in my relationship to God, thanks in large part to Moody Radio which all of you became my friends as I didn’t have any. This story really affected. I saw another program on human trafficking that was taking place in the US and how JJoyce Meyer had donated money to the LA Dram Center to build a place for the girls to recover – usual recovery time – 7 years. I have to admit, I didn’t know this was going on in our country and can only imagine what’s going on in the world after hearing that tape on your show today – makes our problems seem so simple in a way, huh? I wanted to know what the other book was that your guest said we all need to read – “Half Sky”??? Could you post that on website as well. I really feel God is calling me to do more and I want to get educated. Thank you and thank you and Melinda for your great show. I know her book is “Half the Church” but what was the other book she mentioned? Thanks. Let’s hope this starts to open a lot of eyes in America and elsewhere. I too believe once educated, we will have to answer Jesus. Really a powerful and eye-opening, heart breaking show.
Sincerely,
Julie
I’ve been meditating lately on how different the world would be if we all made a pledge like the one in Nehemiah to really observe the Ten Commandments. Imagine no stealing, honoring God in all things, no coveting or lying. I’m thinking it would make a huge difference in the justice issues we deal with today.
The same issue on girls being victims of human trafficking ang sex slavery had been in my heart lately as well. Back in the Philippines where I came from, I have encountered one girl at the age of 12, a street kid. She was one of the kids being placed in our Church’s orphanage where I had a chance to volunteer for a night to watch them along with my best friend. She shared with me her story about how some tourist pedophiles used them when she was still in the streets of Manila. I gave her one blouse to wear and she was so glad she wrote me a letter the next day of how grateful she was. Since then, it has carved something in my heart about these girls. But I haven’t done anything to it. And lately, it seems that the Lord is leading me back to this path of helping in any ways I can about this issue of injustice. Last night I was reading the book The Forgotten God, there was a part there where the author francis Chan mentioned about how in one season of his life he had a great passion about this same social injustice. And today, as I went online to check your website and it is my first time, this is the same issue that you talk about in today’s Midday Connection. I believe God is nudging me to take this thing seriously.
Just a heads up to say I’ve been a faithful listener for 6 years. This is the first time I’ve checked out your blog or Midday Connection on Facebook.
Enjoy Melrose Place the Most but get a lot from all the programs you and Melinda (and Lori and Nancy) do.
I am not sure exactly all that this topic entails, however, my attention piqued quickly when I turned on your station and heard the term “social justice” being used. Hopefully a Christian radio program is not using that meaning the same way progressive politicians have been using it to mean mandated redistribution of wealth. That term has become a powder keg in this country in the last couple of years in the arena of politics and entitlements.
These are good thoughts Anita. I guess when I think about my gifts/giftedness and my ‘usefulness’ in the kingdom, I come up a little dry. I am tempted at times to feel shelved – in that, having young children, I am limited in what I can contribute/give of time and energies to spiritual ‘work’ outside my home. But I feel that this is part of what God calls me to – in the verse that says, ‘He who loves his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it…’ I am encouraged to view whatever work He gives me – be it un-glamorous and not spiritually brownie-point worthy – whatever the work may be, if it is in losing my life to fulfill my current calling, it is for HIM, even if it doesn’t seem that way to anyone else. I was just telling my husband that I could easily throw myself into all kinds of ministries – Bible Studies, encouraging women, outreach etc. – and let everything at home take back burner. I don’t believe this would please the Lord, as I am not the super-woman type of Mom who keeps order and discipline all over the place (I don’t know if I do either even to a mediocre level!) I have had to quit comparing myself to other women – who seem to be high-energy, super-efficient, do-it-all and do-it-well types. I have limited resources and my family takes priority. That said, I believe the home is my ministry right now, and perhaps for a season – as the Lord leads.
Anita:
What about the tribe/country in Africa (I’m sorry I don’t remember its name) that still performs those hideous cliterectomies on very young girls (children) (with of course no anethesia) so that as married women they will be faithful to their husbands. What can we do to stop this awful practice that leaves girls as young as 3 or 4, scarred for life or even dead from loss of blood if they are the lucky ones that is.
I have a suggestion for the men to keep them chaste but I don’t think they would like it.
So glad you are sharing this. I was just “blogging” last week about social justice being heavy on my heart and mind. I’m in the same “formulation process” as well. However, I do know, unequivocally, that I have not done anything in this area and realize how much of Jesus’ own words have largely been ignored by the believing community in Suburban America . . . . I have a lot to think/pray about, and I’m really looking forward to hearing more from you in this area . . . .