10/12/06 1:25 pm by Mercy Hope

A lot has happened since my last blog. Here are a couple highlights... The end of August our Wisdom's Gate crew went to a family camp where Mom (Skeet) and Israel had evening sessions for the parents. I had daily sessions for the youth, but I was blessed that a few parents also came each day and were very encouraged (and encouraging!!). Day one: I shared a bit of my testimony and how Jesus invites us into intimacy with Him.     Day two: I talked about having a global vision (being up on what is going on worldwide) and preparing our hearts for persecution. I made the point that if we can't handle not being "cool" or "liked" how do we think we can give our lives for Christ? I passed on stories that I've been told first hand by people like Jackie Pullinger, Sandy Rios, and Wess Stafford.   Day three: I shared the stories of some of the hurting people I've shared Jesus with, from Virginia Beach to southern California, and how God is looking for those who are willing to surrender to Him and let Jesus live in and through them to touch the lost and hurting.     Day four: I talked about openness and honesty with God and each other. I know it's a vulnerable place, but I am committed to not wasting energy on pretense. Again, it's about letting Jesus live through us instead of creating our own image of what we want others to see and hiding what we don't. I led the group in singing Margaret Becker's powerful song, "Honesty" which I've done before when speaking on this topic and it is so powerful. (Although no, Margaret, I couldn't do it justice ... I wish you had been there to do it right!)     I got an email from the camp coordinator saying, "The youth group just loved you. It is because you are transparent and real. One girl actually asked if I would ask you back for next year and if not I needed to find someone just like you! If nothing else, you should be encouraged in knowing you are operating in the Lord's anointing for you." That encouraged me SO much. They really did respond...especially to my last message. One of the moms came up and said she left my first session weeping and said that she wanted to have the fire in her life that she had when she first came to Jesus four years ago, and that she wanted her kids to see that fire in her life. The last day she left in tears again as the sight of the young people responding. It just further stirred her heart. I tell you what, that makes it SO worth it!! To see people moving towards Jesus. Not settling for the fake. So worth it all. From there it was off to Detroit where Israel had a TV interview. I went to the studio with him and really enjoyed talking with the host and his wife. Just last week Israel and I were both interviewed for another TV show on the topic, "Courage, Beauty, and Honor." It was just a wee bit intimidating to represent such a huge headline. "Make-up... lights... action... Mercy, share your thoughts on courage ... is it just for men?" It was a good experience and I pray that God will use it. We recently had a booth at a Christian book Expo where we handed out hundreds of issues of our women's magazine, An Encouraging Word and our new magazine Brush Arbor Quarterly . It's been a blessing to hear from people who were not familiar with us prior to the event talking excitedly about these great publications. One blessing, on a personal note, was having the opportunity to meet Tommy Tenney, which I had hoped to do for years since reading his amazing book "God Chasers." The first night Judy Jacobs, led the worship. She is truly an anointed vessel. I felt so much faith rise in my heart as she shared and sang, and as I entered in to worship the LORD. She did great songs like, "Days of Elijah" and "Mercy Said No." When I met her afterwards she gave me copy of her new book, and prayed over me, which was such a sweet unexpected blessing. Zachary Tims gave a message challenging us to trust God for dramatic intervention in our situations. He said, “It can't be too late because Jesus is not stuck in time,” he said, “You are stuck in time. He is outside of time, and He steps into time to reverse time, and when He comes, He commands the devil to give back everything he stole.” To me the most powerful point he made was when he talked about the Biblical account of Jairus' daughter and how as Jesus was ON THE WAY to heal in response to this request, people kept stopping Him to get their miracle. Jairus had asked Jesus for a miracle, but then he had to stand by and watch as OTHER PEOPLE get their healing as he is hearing this message that his daughter died because Jesus was slow getting there. Did that ever make me sit up in my seat!!! I had never thought of that story from Jairus' perspective before ... but when I did - Oh, could I relate! Pastor Tims drove home the point that God's timing was perfect even when it didn't seem to be. “God shows up when nobody else can take credit. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when.” That's a truth to lay hold of and not let go! Amen?

 

06/14/06 5:10 pm by Mercy Hope

I had an unexpected event spring up on me a couple weeks ago. I had actually put in my request for media credentials well in advance for the Indiana Christian Expo however, I was not convinced that I could justify taking the time away from the office. But after praying about it I decided last minute (sorry Kim!) to attend. Glory (our top photographer) was even willing to go with me. The downside to the last minute approach is that I didn't have time to set up interviews. Or even set up a time to catch up with Joy Williams which is long overdue, so she didn't know I was there until I walked up to her at the autograph line and she was like, "Oh, hey you!" and I had to keep moving. But I was still glad that I went.   I knew from the moment that I picked up my badge that it was going to be a good gig. The friendly lady behind registration says, "You're Mercy. I've been to your website." Talk about service! It is always nice to be acknowledged. Like when I walked into Lisa Whelchel's workshop and she announces to the audience as I am making my way to my seat, "Mercy's mom publishes the HOME SCHOOL DIGEST." That was very sweet of her to acknowledge me and HSD. It was neat afterwards as subscribers came up me and said how much they loved the magazine. One lady said "I watched you grow up! My kids are grown up so I don't homeschool anymore but I still get your magazine."     Another fun moment was reconnecting with Jana who is a lady I met three years ago. She works with Woman's Aglow and was helping to run their booth. She made sure that she told everyone who walked by, as we were talking, who I was and what I do. It is humbling to have people who are so enthusiastic about your ministry.             One of the things that I had determined to do while there was to tell Natalie Grant in person what her song, "Held" has meant to me. When my uncle died that is the song that the LORD brought to mind as I stood by his hospital bed with his family. In an interview that WFRN radio DJ Brenda Hart did with me I dedicated that song to the family. It helped carry me through (or REMIND me that I am being carried, HELD, through) these difficult months.     The Indiana Christian Expo also had a stack of local artists who were very gifted. One group in particular I really connected with and I am praying about bringing them into our area for a concert. We'll see what the LORD does...     Another Indy artist that was a joy to hear and meet was Diana Bush-Harris. I just finished listening to her CD entitled "By My God." If you enjoy traditional black gospel music you should check out her her website: www.dbharrisministries.net   One of the main sponsors of the Expo was a Pro-Life Organization that started in Indiana: www.cicpc.org but is moving National: www.crisispregnancy.org The Communications and Media Director who was serving as the MC for the concerts came up and introduced himself to me and we had a good chance to discuss their Ministry and the various faces of the movement who we both know and/or have talked with/worked with (e.g. Norma McCorvey, Jennifer O'Neill, Sandy Rios). Later he invited me to sit with them during the Anthony Evans and Nicole C. Mullen concert and I got to meet some of his family and staff members. I got a really good impression of them and their organization. OK y'all, I know this is getting long... In closing I just want to thank each one of you who take the time to visit my website, read my blog, and drop me notes that keep me going. I'm humbled and truly grateful! This journey is so much better when traveled together!!

 

03/08/06 12:34 pm by Mercy Hope

February 20 my uncle slipped away from this earth. After being with him for 16 hours in the hospital I had to - along with his family and friends - let him go. It was an unexpected death that none of us were prepared for. He was only in his 40's and told us the day before he went into seizures and a coma (because we had planned to be there helping him move) that he just "had a bad cold." As I stood by his hospital bed holding his hand, praying for him, telling him my favorite memories of him and what he meant to me, I wished he would just sit up, smile and be like, "Say again?" But, none of us had the opportunity to truly tell him goodbye. To give one more hug. To say, "You know, I never got around to telling you this but..."   Since that day I've been thinking how there are people in our lives that we think are amazing - maybe have even changed our world - yet we never express it because we're too busy, or they're too busy, or we're too shy, or they're too hyper. But long, hard contemplative hours in the ICU have a way of reminding us to live and love freely. Even vulnerabily. The words of this song by Steven Curtis Chapman and BeBe Winans is a fitting challenge to all of us. None of us are promised tomorrow. Let's be quick to repent - keeping short accounts. Let's love extravagently. Don't wait for the ICU. Who wants to live with regret? Still Called Today There a hole the size of a cruel word In a wounded heart somewhere that's learning to hide the pain There's a thorn stuck in the conscience of someone who spoke a word in anger And they can't wash away the stain, sorry is such a hard word to say CHORUS But while it's still called today, won't somebody make it right Before the day slips into night and the moments waste away While it is still called today, we've got to say the words That are longing to be heard 'cause tomorrow may be too late Go on and say what you need to say while it is still called today There's a girl who's waiting day after day To hear her daddy say "I love you," now the days have turned to years There's a wall that silence has turned to stone Between a man and woman, she's holding back the tears And he's holding on to his fears (Chorus) BRIDGE 'Cause there's a time when the sun goes down And the flowers are laid on the grave Will the tears that fall to the ground Be the tears of regret for the words someone didn't say

 

02/18/06 2:34 pm by Mercy Hope

As I sit at my desk enjoying my Starbucks decaf the weather outside is a mere 7 degrees, with a wind chill of 10 below. Many Michigan residents have been without power for days. This scenario reminds me to count my blessings.   The first blessing that comes to mind is this huge coffee mug that was given to me from my new friends at The B&B Media Group. It holds twice the Starbucks as my previous mug. =>   I’m also thankful for my brother who just walked in and began an impromptu (and very lengthy) discussion on theology. Hmmm, counting my blessings – makes me think of the other evening… Something happened and for a couple of hours I had my heart drug around and my hopes pummeled. I was just feeling like, “Lord, why is this happening?” “Why does it hurt so much to love and care?”   I paced the floor that night thinking about the words that had been said. It stung. Then I remembered something that my mom had shared with us. It brought perspective. She had brought up our persecuted brothers and sister in Christ over in China and the torture that they are facing for their faithfulness to Jesus. It’s hard to be repeatedly hurt by someone who you love deeply. But I can’t even imagine the suffering of a mother watching her child be murdered in front of her eyes. Perspective.   Today we had a family discussion about Africa and the genocide. It is sobering. It breaks your heart. It brings perspective. It seems overseas suffering has been on my mind a lot recently. Last fall Darlene Zschech shared with me about how they want to bring hope to the people of Rwanda. You can check it out at: www.faithtalks.com/darlenezschech.htm and when you get to the bottom, click on the Rwanda link. I would also encourage you to view a video online that will touch your heart at: www.changeyourworldonline.com/cyw-wmv.html  It’s helpful to remember that the world is a lot bigger than you and I. Instead of focusing on my issues I want to be involved in making other people’s lives better.   In dealing with other people I have learned not to compare pain. It’s easy to think, “This person hasn’t been through near as much as I have” or “They don’t have a clue about REAL suffering. Compared to so-and-so’s tragedy, this is trivial.” But the fact is, as I was just reminded in reading Nancy Guthrie’s new devotional on Hope, “It just hurts.” You can’t put it on a scale and rate it. Everyone’s pain tolerance is different and the Lord gives us grace according to our need for that hour. So in counseling with others I’ve learned that, generally speaking, I shouldn’t do that. However, when it comes to myself it’s often a good self-check, to remember, “You know, sure this hurts really bad, and I may feel like I don’t deserve this, but compared to what other folks are dealing with, I really can’t complain.”   I am beyond blessed. I’m truly spoiled. Yes, life can be hard. People can be down right cruel. But God is good. God is faithful. And He has given me a great family, amazing friends, and a life beyond what I could have ever dreamed of. Perspective. I’m thankful for perspective.

 

02/02/06 4:54 pm by Mercy Hope

My time at the CBA Convention in Nashville was truly amazing. I was so cognizant of my dependence on the empowering of the Holy Spirit - and my need for other people - and they both came through for me in a big way. It was great to spend time with some old friends, and start some new relationships. Pat and Linda Marcum are so precious to me. I have a lot of respect for them and they have been so sweet and supportive. I was thankful for our time with them. And for Linda's hugs - I'm still a little kid inside and I need my hug quota! => It was also a great surprise to see Zan Tyler - even if I did have to stand in line to get to her. => There is no one in the world that I enjoy making laugh more than Zan! I finally got a copy of her new book which she had told me about two years ago at the National Leadership Conference and I've been waiting patiently. I had the privilege of meeting with several truly amazing individuals! The lineup included: Judy Siegle; a two time paralympian (Atlanta and Sydney), quadriplegic, motivational speaker, author and an inspiring person. Since we have mutual friends and co-authored books from the same series for Aloha Publishing, we both knew of each other. But getting to know her a little bit was very special. She is an absolute wonder and inspiration to me! Margaret Becker. Maggie was my childhood shero. For the last seventeen years her songs have brought me hope, and her passion for Christ has stirred my soul. So sitting down and talking with her that afternoon was truly a gift from God. Natasha Munson. Here's a name to watch for. We cliqued immediately - laughing together like old friends. She's a special girl. Nancy Guthrie. I was speechless after my interview with her. She shared from the depths of her brokenness and it became sacred ground. I hold Nancy in the highest regard. Meeting her left an indelible mark on my heart. Just yesterday I was in Wal-Mart and saw they have her new devotional, "The One Year Book of Hope" on the shelves so you can check it out there - but don't buy it there. Support a Christian retailer!! It would be an excellent resource for someone who is going though a time of grief. Jennifer Sands, who is a 9/11 widow. Jennifer won my heart. It was evident that she loves Jesus. When Tower One went down she lost her husband, and at the time wasn't walking with Jesus. But today...I am proud to call her my sister in Christ! I just finished her first book, "A Tempered Faith". And am starting on her second. I am currently working on an article about her for An Encouraging Word Magazine so pray I can do it justice! Dr. Wess Stafford, President and CEO of Compassion International and author of the brand new book, "Too Small To Ignore." He was such a blessing to me that I can't really put it into words. After I interviewed him for Home School Digest, I had the chance to sit and talk with him and I say without reservation he is truly a man of compassion! Even though we said our goodbyes that Thursday afternoon, I had to go back the next day to see him and Tim Glenn, who was traveling with him, one more time. Rebecca St. James, who is a Compassion artist, was talking with him and I didn't want to interrupt but Tim jumped in got Dr. Stafford's attention so I could say goodbye. As I stood there looking up at him I literally cried tears of gratefulness. Thanking the Father of the fatherless for crossing my path with a man after His heart who I can now look up to. I want to hold those moments deep inside. Special memories. Beautiful redemption. Priceless treasure. The favor of God. Amazing. So, since you have "heads up" be watching for these interviews and articles to start popping up. Judy, Margaret, Natasha, Nancy and Jennifer will added to www.FaithTalks.com over the next few months. And I'll look forward to your feedback. If these stories impact your life half as much as they have mine, you'll never be quite the same!

 

01/17/06 1:06 pm by Mercy Hope

As I prepare for the next big industry convention I keep thinking of the words of a song that Joy Williams penned called "We." I went to see Joy at a taping and when she sang this song several of us in the studio had tears in our eyes because she really nailed a truth and exposed a lie. When you are in the spotlight many people assume you aren't really human. That somehow you don't struggle like everyone else. As if somehow your emotions become cauterized and you never get discouraged, you never feel lonely, you certainly aren't insecure, whatever. But in reality, in addition to the heartaches and challenges that we all go through, comes an additional set of challenges. (I am not in any way wanting to minimize the awesome, undeserved blessing of the Lord. In fact, one of my next writings is going to be on the blessings that come from the favor of God. My hope is merely to debunk a popular myth and bring a balance, because it's easy to be blinded by the bright lights.) Next week as I sit down and talk with women who live in the spotlight, or stop to talk with the security guard, or the guy gathering up trash, or the homeless woman on the sidewalk, I'll think of Joy's words and remember we are not that different from each other. We all have a story. We desperately need Jesus. We need each other. We all have days when we need a hand to hold or a loving embrace. So these days I think twice before I assume I have someone figured out. Their struggles may just be hidden under a thicker, slicker camouflage than the next guy or gal... "She’s independent and beautiful Wish I could be like her She’s got the girls and the boys So wrapped around her finger Rumor is, she’s some kind of dream Nobody knows she cries herself to sleep He’s on the top of the social scene He’s stylish, cool and clever He’s gotta cool attitude that screams He’s got it all together You’d think he’s addicted to himself But he wishes he could be someone else We are not that different from each other We just want somebody to discover Who we really are when we drop our guard That love has gotta start with you and me - we"* Let's pray we will see others as Jesus see them - and then know how to be what we need to be for them. And let's pray for each other to! No one, whether famous or forgotten, wants to be an island. *Lyrics by Joy Williams and Ian Eskelin © 2005 New Spring, a division of Zomba Enterprises, Inc. (ASCAP) / Bridge Building, a division of Zomba Enterprises, Inc. (BMI) / Starshaped Music (BMI).

 

01/06/06 6:38 pm by Mercy Hope

Thanksgiving day I came down with a virus that continues to affect me on a daily basis. It’s harder to get comfortable at night, it takes about an hour to get my body out of bed in the morning, it’s very difficult to concentrate so uninterrupted thought patterns or an extended prayer time is challenging, head to foot pain is pretty consistent, and my reserve of stamina is pretty well depleted. That’s the reality of my current situation, but I can still say on a daily basis, “Thank You, Jesus!” Sure, naturally it is frustrating to a young woman who has always been strong and active to have the endurance of her grandmother, but even when my physical body limits me, and how I feel threatens to discourage and defeat, my spirit and soul can be free. How? By looking not at what is seen, but what is unseen. I can’t focus on my situation. In faith, I have to keep looking towards my destination! Like an untouched canvas a new year stretches out before us. What are we going to do with it? Let our limitations stop us? Live in defeat? Come on y’all! Join with me…stand up on your crooked legs, lift your feeble arms, raise your voice - even if it trembles a little! God is not looking for the healthy, strong and beautiful. He is looking for the willing. The Word of God tells us that “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro throughout the whole earth, that He may show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are completely His.” How cool is that?! So if you, like me, are going through a time where you feel kinda weak and wounded, remember we have Someone Who is willing and able to be strong on our behalf. When we call on Jesus, things are possible. So let’s keep moving forward in faith! Remember, we are not looking at our situation, we are looking towards our destination!

 

12/21/05 4:24 pm by Mercy Hope

For our family, Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I enjoy soaking it all in... the lights, the music, the smell of pine, the anticipation of surprising others with that perfect gift, a little blond headed boy presenting you with a lumpy sugar cookie cut in the shape of a star that he made himself... the list goes on, but above all the constant reminder that Jesus came! Christ is with us! I'm in awe when I think how He came into this cold world, and how He came to me! And to this day, when I weep at night and really need held, He still comes. I know that it's unusual to post your Christmas wish list, but I think in this case it's appropriate.     Grown Up Christmas List author unknown No more lives torn apart That wars would never start And time would heal all hearts And everyone would have a friend And right would always win And love would never end This is my grown up Christmas list     For that last several years now that has been my Christmas mantra, and prayer. Healing and wholeness for broken hearts. Peace on earth. Prevailing justice. Loving, faithful relationships. May it start with us! Happy Christmas!

 

12/11/05 12:16 am by Mercy Hope

Thank you for visiting my new website! This project was actually my sweet sisters' idea. They surprised me with the domain almost a year ago, but I am just now launching it. I usually am not such a procrastinator but I had some concerns that having a personal website could make me come across as egotistical. So let me assure you: I really do know that it’s NOT all about me! But I want to use whatever talents and resources Jesus gives me to shine for Him and bring hope to a hopeless world. The world at large cannot see Jesus, but they can see us, so our lives need to reflect His attributes – His love, joy, peace, hope, etc. Through my life, and this website, I want to reflect His glory to a world that’s growing darker by the day. If you are not walking with Jesus my prayer is that you would turn to Him with your whole heart! If you do know Jesus I want to encourage and inspire you to know, love, and serve Him more! I want to stand with you one day and hear the Heavenly Father say, “Well done good and faithful servant!” A little servant of Jesus Christ, Mercy