This is a letter to some military men that I have never met, but God open an opportunity for me to write to them.
Again, I am at a loss for words. Though, there are thoughts roaming my mind, it is often hard for me to put them into words, mostly because I am unable to write or type as quickly as my mind runs. So, while this may not come across as fluent as I might hope, I still want to share what my heart feels.
I am unknowledgeable in regards to the details of the military. The only picture I have representing the men and women serving our country is from media, books and those I have met with life accounts of war experience. The latter two are the most interesting to me.
Since I began reading novels of my own choice in high school, I have always gone to war stories. I have read classics such as “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O'brien and “A Rumor of War” by Philip Caputo among others. One of my favorites is “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a boy soldier,” by Ishmael Beah.
I read these powerful stories because they touch a world that is untouchable to me. I could never imagine the experiences soldiers have encountered, and reading their words is my small window.
In addition to the printed stories, I have had the privilege to meet several veterans for articles I wrote as a reporter for a city newspaper. I met a man who witnessed the events of Pearl Harbor while working at a nearby farm in Hawaii before joining the military himself. Another man told me the story of the USS Indianapolis sinking as one of the last living survivors residing in Missouri. There aren’t enough affective adjectives to describe the sadness and fear written across his face as he told how at 17-years-old he watched each of his friends die that day.
While I acknowledge the stories I’ve come to know about a few soldiers, I dare not say I have been shown the whole picture. I couldn’t even say with these few stories there was much more than a glimpse as compared to the reality so many millions have embraced serving our country.
There are stories unwritten, untold and some buried with the life of a loved-one. It is this sacrifice I cannot fathom; the sacrifice to carry images, thoughts, and recounts of situations and events on a daily basis while putting this big word our “country” first.
This brings to remembrance a conversation I had with a friend. She told me that after her son had returned from the frontline in Iraq, they took a trip to New York City. Standing at ground zero, her and her son began to cry. She looked at him and he said he couldn’t tell her, he could never share this part of his life with her or anyone.
No matter the books or stories told, there will always remain hidden experiences of a soldier. Whether those experiences come from the intense training, a complete change of frame of mind in some cases, the battleground, or simply being knowledgeable to happenings no one else is aware of, there are tales going untold.
Of course, while this is true, it also is true that there is a God who understands, a God who can comfort, and a God who knows what it is to watch His Son die on the battleground for the greater good. What's more, God allows His Son to be our Savior on the battleground for us, whether we need physical, emotional or spiritual strength. He listens and He knows the untold tales of a soldier.
2 Corinthians Chapter 1
3)Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4)Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5)For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6)And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Spiritual Malnutrition
Spiritual Malnutrition
By Melissa Cotter
The un-denying sad image flashes across the screen daily. Boney, pale fingers connected to thin, string-like arms. Bare, bruised and cut feet connected to stick-like legs and rickety knees. A bloated potbelly connected to a cage-like set of rib bones cascading across the chest. All these features connected to a beautiful face with the deep brown eyes of a young child.
Yes, we are given a message of physical malnutrition in an area of the world with a desperate need. Those listening are asked to give or do anything that could contribute and help these children.
The Lord has a similar message of His children suffering from spiritual malnutrition. Instead of the quality food of His Scripture filling our bellies, we have junk food such as an unbeliever’s argument to our unknowledgeable Bible skills, or quick snacks here and there to keep us going, such as one verse for the week. We aren’t going to die from skipping a meal or two presented to us by the preaching, but slowly our arms began to wither. Our muscles are too weak to help hold up and encourage our brother or sister in their time of need.
Traveling down the road we are set to secular radio stations, hearing the messages of fornication, alcoholism and temptation. God may not strike us dead, but we miss out on the love He is sharing and His presence just a dial away with inspiring tunes telling of His gospel. We are losing spiritual nutrition, and now our hands and fingers are too weak to be lifted up in praise of His glory.
At home when we are presented with a trail or an unfortunate situation, we talk of all the possibilities our minds can imagine. We skip bending to our knees in prayer and become weaker. Now, our legs and knees no longer function to carry us along God’s path for us in His will.
When Wednesday or Sunday church services approach, we clutch onto our reason to be anywhere but participating in the fellowship of God’s people. Again, we lose spiritual growth and become weaker in our faith. Instead, our feet are no longer grounded on the foundation God has given us and we waver at any sign of outside force caught up in deceit and confusion.
We haven’t been feeding ourselves with the food God is providing. We find ourselves picky eaters and most often times going to bed hungry. We have enough to make us look okay with a potbelly, but connected to that is weak and unfruitful members of the body that can no longer be utilized for God’s work. It truly is a sad image, a spiritual malnutrition child of God.
The Lord is sending out the message that there is a desperate need in this world. As children of God, He wants our cups to be overflowing, for us to have gone from milk to meat. He wants anyone who will listen to give anything or do anything that would make a change and benefit the lives of the spiritual malnutrition of His children.
By Melissa Cotter
The un-denying sad image flashes across the screen daily. Boney, pale fingers connected to thin, string-like arms. Bare, bruised and cut feet connected to stick-like legs and rickety knees. A bloated potbelly connected to a cage-like set of rib bones cascading across the chest. All these features connected to a beautiful face with the deep brown eyes of a young child.
Yes, we are given a message of physical malnutrition in an area of the world with a desperate need. Those listening are asked to give or do anything that could contribute and help these children.
The Lord has a similar message of His children suffering from spiritual malnutrition. Instead of the quality food of His Scripture filling our bellies, we have junk food such as an unbeliever’s argument to our unknowledgeable Bible skills, or quick snacks here and there to keep us going, such as one verse for the week. We aren’t going to die from skipping a meal or two presented to us by the preaching, but slowly our arms began to wither. Our muscles are too weak to help hold up and encourage our brother or sister in their time of need.
Traveling down the road we are set to secular radio stations, hearing the messages of fornication, alcoholism and temptation. God may not strike us dead, but we miss out on the love He is sharing and His presence just a dial away with inspiring tunes telling of His gospel. We are losing spiritual nutrition, and now our hands and fingers are too weak to be lifted up in praise of His glory.
At home when we are presented with a trail or an unfortunate situation, we talk of all the possibilities our minds can imagine. We skip bending to our knees in prayer and become weaker. Now, our legs and knees no longer function to carry us along God’s path for us in His will.
When Wednesday or Sunday church services approach, we clutch onto our reason to be anywhere but participating in the fellowship of God’s people. Again, we lose spiritual growth and become weaker in our faith. Instead, our feet are no longer grounded on the foundation God has given us and we waver at any sign of outside force caught up in deceit and confusion.
We haven’t been feeding ourselves with the food God is providing. We find ourselves picky eaters and most often times going to bed hungry. We have enough to make us look okay with a potbelly, but connected to that is weak and unfruitful members of the body that can no longer be utilized for God’s work. It truly is a sad image, a spiritual malnutrition child of God.
The Lord is sending out the message that there is a desperate need in this world. As children of God, He wants our cups to be overflowing, for us to have gone from milk to meat. He wants anyone who will listen to give anything or do anything that would make a change and benefit the lives of the spiritual malnutrition of His children.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Malia
Setting in a medal chair across from a woodworking table in shop class as the teacher rolled a television into the corner, I never thought my vision would be impacted in such a big way.
My shop teacher brought to class that day a collection of a few documentaries showing the story of Chinese orphans. He probably thought he would make a bunch of teens take a second and be thankful for the American way of living. It was much more to me, and what I have invision from that day has never faded.
I decided in shop class I wanted to have the opportunity to adopt a child from one of these orphanges. I wanted the opportunity to take in one of these little girls with the privledge of becoming their mother. I wanted to offer hugs and kisses, and more importantly, love.
Of course, 7th grade was a very long time ago. At that time, I didn't know how far I would go with my education. I didn't know who I would date or marry. I didn't know if I would give birth to any children, yet my desire remained and remains today.
I am married to a wonderful husband. We have Autumn, our first little girl. As I look at my family, I pray there is still the opportunity in the future to fullfil my desire. My desire is to bring more children to our family to love.
China's requirements for adoption is that the parents are at least 30-years-old. I will be 26 in three months. Four years and counting down. It becomes more real as more time passes, and as Brandon encourages the decision with more support. This was my dream, my desire, and my hope, but as I have always wanted to adopt from China, Brandon has adopted my dream, desire and hope as his own.
Her name will be Malia... which means perhaps or probably... So, in years to come Malia will probably be welcomed to our home if it's God's will.
SIDE NOTE: I had the priveledge of meeting with a family in 2007 who adopted their little girl, Malia, from China. Their story made my vision real and obtainable. It also surprized me with her name being the very same name, God gave me as a teen for our little Chineese girl.
My shop teacher brought to class that day a collection of a few documentaries showing the story of Chinese orphans. He probably thought he would make a bunch of teens take a second and be thankful for the American way of living. It was much more to me, and what I have invision from that day has never faded.
I decided in shop class I wanted to have the opportunity to adopt a child from one of these orphanges. I wanted the opportunity to take in one of these little girls with the privledge of becoming their mother. I wanted to offer hugs and kisses, and more importantly, love.
Of course, 7th grade was a very long time ago. At that time, I didn't know how far I would go with my education. I didn't know who I would date or marry. I didn't know if I would give birth to any children, yet my desire remained and remains today.
I am married to a wonderful husband. We have Autumn, our first little girl. As I look at my family, I pray there is still the opportunity in the future to fullfil my desire. My desire is to bring more children to our family to love.
China's requirements for adoption is that the parents are at least 30-years-old. I will be 26 in three months. Four years and counting down. It becomes more real as more time passes, and as Brandon encourages the decision with more support. This was my dream, my desire, and my hope, but as I have always wanted to adopt from China, Brandon has adopted my dream, desire and hope as his own.
Her name will be Malia... which means perhaps or probably... So, in years to come Malia will probably be welcomed to our home if it's God's will.
SIDE NOTE: I had the priveledge of meeting with a family in 2007 who adopted their little girl, Malia, from China. Their story made my vision real and obtainable. It also surprized me with her name being the very same name, God gave me as a teen for our little Chineese girl.
Another article to read
They were wrong...
By Melissa Cotter
People always said I would drag you down in life. They were wrong. You pulled me down beside you on our knees in prayer.
People always said it would be too hard to live in separate cities. They were wrong. We live together in each other’s hearts.
People said we wouldn’t finish a higher education. They were wrong. God brought us to our college graduation with honors.
People said I wasn’t pretty enough for you. They were wrong. Our relationship is a beautiful creation from God.
People said we were too different to last. They were wrong. We have forever to learn our common interests.
People said I didn’t have enough money to deserve you. They were wrong. I am richly blessed with your love.
People said we were too young to say, “I do.” They were wrong. From sweet 16 to our 60s, our commitment is an unbreakable tie.
People said we weren’t ready for a kid. They were wrong. God gave us a precious gift; a child, and an example of pure love in parenting.
People said we weren’t strong enough. They were right, because in our weakness, the Lord shows us His strength.
This is for everyone who was ever told they weren’t good enough; that they couldn’t make it. Those words are easily spoken, as God easily proves them wrong.
By Melissa Cotter
People always said I would drag you down in life. They were wrong. You pulled me down beside you on our knees in prayer.
People always said it would be too hard to live in separate cities. They were wrong. We live together in each other’s hearts.
People said we wouldn’t finish a higher education. They were wrong. God brought us to our college graduation with honors.
People said I wasn’t pretty enough for you. They were wrong. Our relationship is a beautiful creation from God.
People said we were too different to last. They were wrong. We have forever to learn our common interests.
People said I didn’t have enough money to deserve you. They were wrong. I am richly blessed with your love.
People said we were too young to say, “I do.” They were wrong. From sweet 16 to our 60s, our commitment is an unbreakable tie.
People said we weren’t ready for a kid. They were wrong. God gave us a precious gift; a child, and an example of pure love in parenting.
People said we weren’t strong enough. They were right, because in our weakness, the Lord shows us His strength.
This is for everyone who was ever told they weren’t good enough; that they couldn’t make it. Those words are easily spoken, as God easily proves them wrong.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Going to write no matter what...
Okay, so I have decided as a stay-at-home mom, I am going to continue my writing. I have wrote many articles for the church's newspaper within the last two weeks. This is one of them, titled "A Man."
A man walks into the church and decides the law he serves means half the congregation has to be prosecuted, tortured and ultimately killed. The brother or sister sitting next to you on the pew that has shared funny stories, prayed with you and helped you in your time of need is gone in a second with a single gunshot wound to the head; killed for the actions of their belief in Jesus Christ.
The man you now look at is the one who took the life of a loved one, a man who encouraged the torture proceeding death. Would you be able to look at this man with forgiveness? This is my modern-version of Paul before God called him, set him apart and sent him to witness of the gospel. (Read the book of Acts to gain further insight to God’s version of Paul.)
God is capable through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to make a new creature out of what we might have already deemed trash or of no use. See, God isn’t the Creator for simply the first 6 days He was at work when the world began. He is still miraculously creating something new in the souls of those who repent and make a turn toward striving to behave in the manner of our Savior.
It’s hard to say we, without hesitation, would look on the man described above with loving forgiveness. Most believers are unable to look past a dirty comment said years ago, an unwed mother, or even how someone is dressed without judgment.
Judgment is defined as the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind.
First, we are NOT the author and finisher of someone’s faith. We do NOT write the conclusion to someone’s story. Second, we can only see the world from the perspective of our mind. We do NOT penetrate with a vision of the soul and heart. Of course, while we are limited in this way, God still calls us to reach others with the Gospel.
We can take Paul’s life example as direction for a basic way in teaching others about the Gospel. Paul simply told people where he was, where God changed him, and where God was leading him.
Paul is given a chance to speak while on trail in Acts chapter 26.
Acts 26: 10-18
10) Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11) And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
12) Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13) At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
14) And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15) And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16) But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17) Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
This is the testimony given by Paul to represent the Lord in an immense way.
While Jesus Christ is the one we work to become like, through Christ, Paul is an inspiration to those who we may have judged in our mind of having no hope left. No matter how awful the one you know can be, Jesus can be their Savior and appear to them for a purpose. And, as the Lord has already called us, we are to continue to share the Gospel according to how Jesus became our Savior with His purpose in our lives.
A man walks into the church and decides the law he serves means half the congregation has to be prosecuted, tortured and ultimately killed. The brother or sister sitting next to you on the pew that has shared funny stories, prayed with you and helped you in your time of need is gone in a second with a single gunshot wound to the head; killed for the actions of their belief in Jesus Christ.
The man you now look at is the one who took the life of a loved one, a man who encouraged the torture proceeding death. Would you be able to look at this man with forgiveness? This is my modern-version of Paul before God called him, set him apart and sent him to witness of the gospel. (Read the book of Acts to gain further insight to God’s version of Paul.)
God is capable through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to make a new creature out of what we might have already deemed trash or of no use. See, God isn’t the Creator for simply the first 6 days He was at work when the world began. He is still miraculously creating something new in the souls of those who repent and make a turn toward striving to behave in the manner of our Savior.
It’s hard to say we, without hesitation, would look on the man described above with loving forgiveness. Most believers are unable to look past a dirty comment said years ago, an unwed mother, or even how someone is dressed without judgment.
Judgment is defined as the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind.
First, we are NOT the author and finisher of someone’s faith. We do NOT write the conclusion to someone’s story. Second, we can only see the world from the perspective of our mind. We do NOT penetrate with a vision of the soul and heart. Of course, while we are limited in this way, God still calls us to reach others with the Gospel.
We can take Paul’s life example as direction for a basic way in teaching others about the Gospel. Paul simply told people where he was, where God changed him, and where God was leading him.
Paul is given a chance to speak while on trail in Acts chapter 26.
Acts 26: 10-18
10) Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
11) And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
12) Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13) At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
14) And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
15) And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16) But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17) Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
This is the testimony given by Paul to represent the Lord in an immense way.
While Jesus Christ is the one we work to become like, through Christ, Paul is an inspiration to those who we may have judged in our mind of having no hope left. No matter how awful the one you know can be, Jesus can be their Savior and appear to them for a purpose. And, as the Lord has already called us, we are to continue to share the Gospel according to how Jesus became our Savior with His purpose in our lives.
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Child
Coming in, I tell her to get a book. She scurries over to sit next to me, making multiple trips for each of her necessities including the blanket, baby doll and book. She rarely pays much attention to the words I read as she points to miscellaneous objects across the thick card board pages.
Once the final page is turned, she willingly gives her goodnight kiss and hugs. She collects her items and ruffles across the bed, nestles her head on the pillow and her body snug in the covers. She is ready for "night-night."
I am at awe as I give my last "I love you," before lights out and closing the door. This most precious, innocent and heart-touching child is mine.
Whether it is a burst of laughter, as she runs in circles yelling, "I dizzy," and falling to the floor, or the mischievous look in the corner of her eyes when she is proceeding to capture your attention, this child allows me to feel a sense of life not otherwise possible.
Late in the afternoons I have found myself walking through the living room simply staring at her framed photos. I see absolute perfection in its purity resting in the face of a child representing her parents in many attributes, but more importantly, an image of God, the Creator.
Then, I think to myself, I wonder if God feels this way when looking at His children. That the perfection I see in my daughter is the same perfection He sees while looking at me with His complete vision of love.
As a young woman, I prayed for God to allow me one thing on earth, just one thing. I prayed to know the love of a mother for her child. It is this love; I believe is the closest I will ever come to understanding how God's love works in our lives.
Love is such a wide web of intricate facets with one more complicated than the next. I dare not say I have figured the verb's distinct meaning in every realm of its existence. But I can say, I have a deeper understanding for the reason why God might have lovingly wrote the Scripture Matthew 18:3.
Except ye be converted, and be as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven
It is in a child that one can find pure innocence and true love.
Once the final page is turned, she willingly gives her goodnight kiss and hugs. She collects her items and ruffles across the bed, nestles her head on the pillow and her body snug in the covers. She is ready for "night-night."
I am at awe as I give my last "I love you," before lights out and closing the door. This most precious, innocent and heart-touching child is mine.
Whether it is a burst of laughter, as she runs in circles yelling, "I dizzy," and falling to the floor, or the mischievous look in the corner of her eyes when she is proceeding to capture your attention, this child allows me to feel a sense of life not otherwise possible.
Late in the afternoons I have found myself walking through the living room simply staring at her framed photos. I see absolute perfection in its purity resting in the face of a child representing her parents in many attributes, but more importantly, an image of God, the Creator.
Then, I think to myself, I wonder if God feels this way when looking at His children. That the perfection I see in my daughter is the same perfection He sees while looking at me with His complete vision of love.
As a young woman, I prayed for God to allow me one thing on earth, just one thing. I prayed to know the love of a mother for her child. It is this love; I believe is the closest I will ever come to understanding how God's love works in our lives.
Love is such a wide web of intricate facets with one more complicated than the next. I dare not say I have figured the verb's distinct meaning in every realm of its existence. But I can say, I have a deeper understanding for the reason why God might have lovingly wrote the Scripture Matthew 18:3.
Except ye be converted, and be as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven
It is in a child that one can find pure innocence and true love.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
One night...
"I'll be right back." Said by a mother holding a ball bat and heading toward our dad's house. Not even those words could be comforting for a child holding back her tears for the sake of her young, wide-eyed, brother sitting in the back seat huddled down waiting for the night to end. The only comfort was knowing our dad was not in the house, and rather out drinking at a bar where he might be forgetting about all the pain of divorce.
Sadly, there are situations, such as this, that I can never erase from my memory. Instead, the painful memories have been buried so deep, that even what could have been pleasant childhood memories, I have no recollection. I remember tear after tear gracing my cheeks night after night in my bed alone. Well, I thought I was alone.
It was one night in my bed where my tears caused from internal emotional pain changed to tears caused by internal glory from Jesus Christ. It was one night of eternal change.
It felt as though my heart was being washed from all of its scar tissue. While I still had a strong desire for my dad to be present in my life, I now had a Heavenly Father who could more than make up for the loss I was experiencing with my dad breaking promises and running off with other women.
Of course, if my story stopped there, it would have a happy ending, but there is something much more. Something I feel to rejoice about every day, and that is the amazing opportunity I have to raise my child up in a loving, Christ-following, Bible-reading, un-broken, home. For this privilege, I could never repay the Lord. From the depth of my soul, thank you Lord for the one night of eternal change.
Sadly, there are situations, such as this, that I can never erase from my memory. Instead, the painful memories have been buried so deep, that even what could have been pleasant childhood memories, I have no recollection. I remember tear after tear gracing my cheeks night after night in my bed alone. Well, I thought I was alone.
It was one night in my bed where my tears caused from internal emotional pain changed to tears caused by internal glory from Jesus Christ. It was one night of eternal change.
It felt as though my heart was being washed from all of its scar tissue. While I still had a strong desire for my dad to be present in my life, I now had a Heavenly Father who could more than make up for the loss I was experiencing with my dad breaking promises and running off with other women.
Of course, if my story stopped there, it would have a happy ending, but there is something much more. Something I feel to rejoice about every day, and that is the amazing opportunity I have to raise my child up in a loving, Christ-following, Bible-reading, un-broken, home. For this privilege, I could never repay the Lord. From the depth of my soul, thank you Lord for the one night of eternal change.
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