A visual reminder

Sometimes we need visual reminders of things that are important to us. This can be photographs of loved ones, or mementos of holidays or a cross that hangs up in our home. All serve the purpose of jogging our memories in order to keep us living in the now. In ancient Israel, Moses was given this instruction:

"Then the Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: Throughout the generations to come you must make tassels for the hems of your clothing and attach them with a blue cord. When you see the tassels, you will remember and obey all the commands of the Lord instead of following your own desires and defiling yourselves, as you are prone to do. The tassels will help you remember that you must obey all my commands and be holy to your God." - Numbers 15:37- 40 

What do you use to help you remember important things in your life?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

James the Elder - a committed follower of Christ

The 25th of July marks a day of remembering St. James, Jesus' disciple. To be truly honest, I didn't really know when this day was celebrated until this year, and it was committing to walk the Camino that brought me face to face with the life of James the Elder. In the scriptures we know that James and his brother John, were the sons of Zebedee and were called to follow Jesus.

"Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them..." - Matthew 4:21

He is called James the Elder (or James the Greater) not because he was more holy than the other disciple, also named James (son of Alpheaus), but probably because he was older than him. The story of his life seems to indicate that he was the first disciple martyred for his faith (by Herod Agrippa). You will find a record of this event in Acts 12.

What is interesting is that James has become the patron Saint of Spain, and this is where the link with the Camino comes in. Christians throughout Spain use the public holiday afforded to them on the 25th of July, to remember the life of James. He is supposedly buried in the city of Santiago, which is why millions of pilgrims walk these routes every year. It is hoped that as one undertakes the long journey to the city of St. James, that we would ponder our own faith and commitment to Christ. If called upon, would we be willing to lay everything down for the gospel and to follow Jesus?

It is true that James was one of Jesus' inner circle and we would do well to remember his life and sacrifice. 

"After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone." - Mark 9:2

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Inspiration from Martin Luther King

When remarkable people die the world searches for ways to remember them. Perhaps it is not just about keeping their memory alive, but rather about recapturing the legacy they leave for all of us. The third Monday of January is marked as Martin Luther King Day, in memory of the civil rights leader, who fought for racial equality in America. 

When one reads some of his inspiring words, one can't help but feel compelled to make the world a little better. I have chosen a few of his quotes that must have been inspired by his strong faith and his belief in Jesus Christ.

“I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”

Thought: We may not get the chance to share our faith in speeches or sermons, but we all get the chance to honour Christ with our lives. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3