Conflict, COVID, and choosing peace

Conflict, COVID, and choosing peace Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie Copyright September 2021 Have you had heated conversations recently about COVID-19, vaccines or has someone snapped at you for the decision you made?

Months ago, I made a decision about the vaccine based on several things. Then, I felt like God challenged me one day and said, “Kathleen, have you asked me?” I was humbled and spent several days praying about the virus and vaccines, asking God what I should do for my life. I gave my life to Jesus over 50 years ago, and my life belongs to him, so it made sense to ask him. I woke up one morning and felt like he gave me clear direction for the call he has on my life. Not long ago, I encountered someone who was pretty vocal about her decision. Even though I didn’t agree with her stance, I just decided I wouldn’t share my opinion to avoid conflict. I really wasn’t interested in arguing with anyone about the topic, as I am not a medical professional and neither is she. Peace is more important to me, and I usually guard it. During the encounter, I felt like this friend was snapping at me. I was grieved at her response and saddened. How was I to respond? Argue, be offended or chose to forgive? As I prayed about it, I felt like God took me to Hebrews 12:14-15 (TPT). It says, “In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition, and run swiftly toward holiness, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many.” We can see from this passage that keeping peace, doing what is right before God and not becoming bitter is important to God. It seems like a tall order, but grace is available for the difficult people we encounter. We just have to ask for it and walk in it. One of the things God has shown me is my emotions, attitudes and choices say everything about me, and other people’s emotions, attitudes and choices say everything about them. My emotions, attitudes and choices belong to me, not anyone else. I must take responsibility for my responses to situations. Emotions are how we feel about life, and attitudes are what we think about life. Attitudes come from belief systems and those are usually formed in our youth and shape our thinking. Sometimes we are taught wrong attitudes, and our mind needs to be renewed. Romans 12 :2 says, “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.” We must own our emotions, attitudes and choices — not someone else’s. Our job is to be responsible and kind to others. I can’t worry about what other people think or if they agree with my decision, and I must realize I am not powerful enough to change someone’s thinking. They have to own their own emotions, attitudes and choices. Let’s get back on track and quit arguing. We need to get busy in God’s kingdom and pray with others, lead them to Christ, be the visible representation of who he is, not arguing and complaining about everything. I challenge you to seek God about the pandemic, the vaccine, and talk to your medical professional. Take responsibility for your emotions, attitudes and choice, and let’s live in peace with those around us. Kathleen Maxwell is a native of the Hill Country, a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping others discover the joy of walking with God. She will lead a Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at The Kroc Center. To register or for details, contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com. You can also purchase her book, “Thriving Through Seasons of Grief” at www.kathleenmaxwellrambie.com

Encouragement for widows and basic Christianity

Encouragement for widows and basic Christianity Kathleen Maxwell-Rambie Copyright August 2021 “Kathleen, this is Ann,” the woman said. “I need your help.” “Ann, is everything OK?” I asked. “No, Bill is dead. I received a phone call that he collapsed and he is gone.” “No!” I responded with a loud voice. I did not want anyone to experience the pain I had experienced as a widow. Since that day when my friend called for help, I have had numerous acquaintances that have lost their mate. My heart is tender towards them. None of us have any guarantees in life. Bad things happen to good people, and it is in our broken places that God’s love, grace and hope see us through the pain. I speak from experience. If you have lost a mate, take heart. There are some wonderful promises in scripture. If you have not, you have a wonderful opportunity to practice the basics of Christianity. James 1:27(NIV) tells us, “Look after the fatherless and the widow in their distress.” Widows and widowers are close to the heart of God. It is easy to feel alone, lonely and wonder where you fit, when you are no longer married. All these feelings are natural, as part of you is now gone. Scripture says that when we marry, we become one; therefore, when a mate leaves this earth, part of you is missing. In my journey as a widow, several scriptures became very special to me. Psalms 68:5 (NIV) proclaims God’s character and says, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing.” God is compassionate towards those that find their life in ashes and he heals the broken-hearted. God’s heart is tender towards the fatherless. Many children are fatherless for a variety of reasons: abandonment, prison, addiction, just to name a few. God will defend the widow, be a daddy to the fatherless, and He cares for those that are lonely. I have personally seen how God has defended me in situations when I did not have a husband to protect me and look out for my best interest. Knowing I had a special place in the heart of God gave great comfort and confidence. Isaiah 1:17 (NIV) states, “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” If you are widowed, you can hang on to how special you are to God. There were many times I have prayed and asked God to send someone to plead my case, help me and he did. My dryer broke and was under warranty. I was going through a lot of hassle to get it fixed. I asked God for help, and the assistant to the president of the company oversaw my case and came to my defense after weeks of waiting. Ask God to raise up those that will defend you.

Exodus 22:22(NIV) reflects God’s heart for widows. It proclaims, “Do not take advantage of a widow or orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you.” It is a good thing we live by grace and not law anymore! This scripture shows us that God hears the cry of the orphan and the widow. He does not tolerate treating them unjustly. James 1:27 (NIV) gets right to the point about what is important in our Christian walk. It says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after the orphans and widows in their distress. ...” It is just that simple. Sometimes in our busy world, we forget to do the basics of Christianity and forget what God says is pure and what is right. Is there a foster child, a child without a mom or dad, a widow or widower that needs your help? Perhaps you could mentor or include him or her in your lunch or dinner plans? Looking after these that are right outside our back door is important. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and life to the full.” If you are a widow or widower, you have a God-given right to live a full life. I’m living proof that starting over isn’t easy, but God is right there to help and guide you. My late husband has been gone almost 12 years now, and I remarried 8 years ago. I have a good life now, but I will never forget the kindness of God and people during my hard years of being a widow. I am forever grateful for all I learned in that season. We are very blessed to have plenty of opportunities to practice the heart of God to the orphans and widows in our community. Look around, and let’s get busy in this mission field God has placed before us. And for those widowed, I ask God to richly bless you, defend you, comfort you, heal you, and fill you with hope. Kathleen Maxwell is a native of the Hill Country, a writer and speaker. She is passionate about helping others discover the joy of walking with God. On Thursday, October 7th at 6:30 p.m. at The Kroc Center in Kerrville, she will begin leading her Bible study called, The Gathering- Bringing God into everyday life. For more information or to register, contact her at kathleenmaxwell1@gmail.com. You can also purchase her book, Thriving Through Seasons of Grief on her website, www.kathleenmaxwellrambie.com and on Amazon