The Story Behind I Love You Lord: A Children's Prayer Book

This is a brief video that I recorded telling the story behind I Love You Lord: A Children's Prayer Book.

Be blessed!

Helping the Poor and Needy

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Proverbs 19:17, KJV

Something happened today that brought me to tears. I was truly wounded to my core. One of my Facebook friends, a very pleasant older lady with a strong work ethic who has worked many years over the course of her career life in a skilled and demanding profession, posted her frustration about being 12 days away from pay day and not knowing how she was going to purchase food.

I've seen her post her fears and hurt about being in such a predicament before, and her humiliation in having to 'beg her needs,' so to speak, radiates from her typewritten words stronger than any verbal expression ever could. Her distress has struck a nerve with me on other occasions, but this time to add to the poignancy of the situation other of her friends joined the refrain recounting their own past and current circumstances with being a part of the working poor.  

It's bad enough to have knowledge of the fact that she has worked so diligently for so many years, yet still has to face this challenge, but to see her anguish frequently met with disdain, scorn, apathy, and no compassion by others on her page is a dagger to my heart that I can't even begin to describe.

I'm aware that over the past few generations that we as a culture have been acclimated to become a generally 'me-centric' type of society, but have our hearts truly grown so cold that we can live in the comfort of fine homes, drive expensive cars, and eat 5-star cuisine, all the while fully aware that others are not only living a lifestyle that's not abundant, but that they are struggling to meet the essential needs of their daily life -- and it doesn't bother us even one bit?

I humbly submit that as we aggressively pursue better career and business opportunities that enable us to increase our standard of living that we might take just a moment to think of those far less fortunate than ourselves, and take some action motivated from a heartfelt place to fill a need that won't necessarily ever be reciprocated back our way.

Let us have hearts that extend beyond mere lip service and that represent a higher calling of character, godliness, and righteousness. 

 

May more of us be compelled to actions that portray a more loving and compassionate way of life.  

*Photo:  Franco Folini via Flickr.

Happy Father's Day 2014

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Psalm 27:10, KJV

Today we celebrate Father's Day in America.  In the spirit of the day, we honor not only the biological fathers who stepped up to the plate and have handled their business over the years but also those men who have stood in the gap due to the absence of bio dads and been role models, counselors, protectors, providers, prayer warriors -- whatever was needed to bring and nurture a young soul along.

As always on days like these, I not only give primary honor to my own father Mr. Roland Lane, Sr. for a lifelong history of service, sacrifice, love, fidelity, and commitment, but I remember those who were not so blessed for whatever reason to have a father figure present in their lives or whose fathers are no longer present on this earthly plane to hear the refrains of the accolades hurled their way. I also give honorable mention to my brothers, Roland Lane, Jr. and Jason Lane, for modeling the pattern of fatherhood set down by my father and carrying on the legacy. A special shout out to Morris "Bil" Lewis, Jr., my brother-in-law, for the exceptional care and parenting that he brings to the life of my nephew/godson.

As I scroll through the posts on my social media I see many narratives that break my heart -- tales of sons and daughters whose fathers didn’t take up the mantle of their calling and who abandoned them during the course of their lives. These posters poignantly express the sense of loss deeply embedded in their souls, their feelings of abandonment and rejection. To this group I offer this encouragement: there still is a hope for you. There is One who sits on high and looks down low, and He both sees and feels your pain.

Where your earthly father has missed the mark, know that your Heavenly Father has never abandoned you. Even when you have not felt His presence He has been right there by your side. He has ordained provision and provided protection that you will never know about until you see Him face to face. Most importantly, He showers down His love and is waiting for You to turn to Him and receive it.

Let that void in your heart be filled with the perfect love that only our Heavenly Father can give -- and armed with that love join the ranks of us who happily celebrate the true meaning of this day. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. No regrets. No sorrow. No looking back.

Happy Father's Day!

*Photo credit: Via Rachel Kramer