Live God Loud

It has been twice now that I have sat behind the same fellow in church who has worn a bright yellow T-shirt with a kind of bald-headed quirky caricature. Below the face, it says "Live God loud." I have tried to catch him at the end of the service to ask him what this shirt says to him but he leaves in a flash. Meanwhile the phrase has stuck with me and I have asked myself, what does it mean to "live God loud?"

I have to admit I am not "up" on newer slang if that is what it is and I have found it difficult to figure this one out. But the phrase seems powerful in a way to me. If I look at the word "live" it means how I carry out my life - it doesn't just mean the words I say. Like the phrase "that actions speaks louder than words." A lot of times at work, I don't feel like I have the time or opportunity to really strike up conversations about God with co-workers or the patients. But I see more and more that the way I live my life is a testimony in itself. The extra care and interest in someone's life makes a big difference even though I may just have a short interaction with them.

The word "God" is pretty self-explanatory - though I wonder if I mirror as much of God's character as I can. Even in references to the events of my life which I share with my co-workers or even Christian friends, I fail to give God credit for the large part He has played in those events. Do I live my life so others can see the aspects of God in it?

The word "loud" is not a new one. I guess I could look at the opposite which is "quiet." Sometimes it is good to quietly go about my business and let God shine through on His own. Sometimes "loud" can be very annoying to me being the quieter type of person that I am. But as I have thought this word through in this phrase, it is a good one. People should be able to very clearly and obviously see God acting on my life and in the way I carry out my daily activities. Yes, "loud" is a good thing. I wish I could let loose and just yell out how good God is and what it means that He is in my life in public. You wait, some day you'll hear this quiet Lydia just shout it out!

So think about it. What does it mean to you to "live God loud?" And maybe some Sunday soon, I'll catch the guy with the T-shirt and let you know what he thinks!!

Worries carried away

A full day of work, non-stop patients, a co-worker who seems to criticize every move, how little time to study, preparing to move - worries, worries and more worries. Laying in bed, trying to fall asleep, scenarios of the day flashing across my eyelids, echoes of mean tones of voices bouncing inside my head, fears of changes ahead flooding my heart, every minute I lay awake; a minute lost of sleep and renewal - where is the peace I need to fall asleep?

"Come, my child." A voice barely heard over the scream of my thoughts. "Come, my child." The voice grows louder. "Where are You, God? Where is Your peace?" Silence. My mind tries to focus on better things but the worries continue, interrupting my every pleasant thought. "Come, my child." I hear it loud and clear.

The darkness of my closed eyes begins to brighten. I enter a doorway. Far ahead is God sitting on His throne. He is beckoning me to come. I proceed ahead, dragging my load of worries, which still tempt me to flee. "Come, my child. What are you afraid of?" "Can I trust You, God?" He nods His head. I slowly approach His throne and fall to my knees, holding tightly to my load of worries. "Give them to Me," He says. "Let Me hold them for tonight." I look hesitantly at my load of worries. I feel a reluctance to give them up. "Can I really, really trust You with them, God?" "Of course, my child. Give them to Me." He reaches out His hand.

I heft the load into His hands. "Okay, God. But just for tonight. I'll take them back tomorrow after I have had my sleep." God sighs patiently. "No, my child. Give them completely to Me." I cry out, "Are you sure God, that I can trust You?" All of a sudden I don't see my load anymore. "Yes, my child. Come here to Me."

I lay back, enfolded in His arms, His love flowing all over me. Ah, what peace..... sleep at last!