Sounds of Hope

F or such a time as this… If you spend any time in Christian circles, you’ll hear this phrase mentioned. It comes from the story of Esther in the Hebrew Scriptures . I’ve taught the book of Esther many times. I’ve even done more than casual research on the book. It is a fascinating and empowering story. I read in something I received today the phrase “for such a times as this.” It stopped my day. It seemed to hit my soul. I think sometimes we become conditioned to these common phrases that they no longer have any power in our lives. They become mere clichés. There are times in charismatic circles when someone has a “word” for you. These words are usually sprinkled with scripture that can be nothing more to us than spiritual clichés. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that these words may not be words that empower and enlighten through the work of the Holy Spirit. What I am saying is that we don’t hear them anymore because our ears no longer hear. I have a sense today that I ...

I visited with two of my favorite people. All three of us are woman who feel they were called to ministry. All three of us had classes together.   One of us is a single woman and is much younger. Two of us are "mature." I love these two women. I wish I could see them more often. Like everything else I leave behind when I leave Nashville, I leave these women behind.   When we get together, it is like all time has vanished and we pick up where we left off. We could probably do better about staying together, but we don’t. Today we were sharing some of our lives. I was sharing all my frustrations of late. Seems my sisters also have some frustrations.   I was sharing my frustrations about ministry, school, and life. One of them asked me the typical questions. Is this what God wants you to do? Etc. The other said she didn’t have too much to say. She is the one of grace and mercy but this time, I think she just didn’t have anything to say. After the questions, one of my sist...