A Tribute to Hope

Today is my wife Hope's 44th Birthday; & as a part of our families celebration of the gift of her life, love & faith, I am re-posting this blog:

"NO SAM'S MOM!!!"

It was one of the proudest moments of my life. It ranks up there with becoming a Christian, championship football seasons, passing the Camp Ridgecrest “Little Chief” test, my wedding day, becoming a father, a few special ministry moments and glorious experiences with the Living God.

Some of the neighborhood boys had decided to start a club (6-10 yr olds). So, after extensive planning and intense preliminaries….they set out to build a tree-house …their club-house. After the basic construction from scrap wood and spare nails was done, they put the finishing touches of childhood craftsmanship in place…their stamp of authenticity, -graffiti. There were some splotches and lines of various colors, a few signatures (if you could call it that), a couple of ? symbols, and the crowning achievement…the club-house credo writ large on the exterior wall for all to see.

Now, if you are a parent, have been a summer camp counselor, or did a lot of babysitting (say 2nd to 6th graders); then, this is nothing new to you. The list of “club” rules and members is a normal part of learning to both write and relate (I think). And, I must admit that our daughters tend to be much more serious and creative while universally embracing the “no boys, and especially no brothers allowed” doctrine during those early years.

However, nothing could have prepared me for the neighborhood boy’s club-house graffiti credo. No, it wasn’t your traditional “No Girls Allowed,” nor a more conventional no sisters or adults clause. It was a new, radically different, undeniably bold and revolutionary statement…..”No Sam’s Mom!!!”

WOW! The elementary exclamation of exclusivity, the kid’s key to liberty…the club-house commandment and battle-cry…the castle rampart for protection. Do you get it? This was not a prohibition of all women or parents, but of “1.” Somehow in the infant, imaginative and warrior obsessed minds of these youth; they had focused in on the “1” ultimate opponent they did not want to have to face…“Sam’s Mom,” my wife Hope.

They knew (as I do) instinctively and experientially, this “1” woman was there and would get involved if needful. That’s it! Involvement, concern, action was her character; and she had and would serve as a boundary to adolescent whims and attitudes, while providing a voice of wisdom and conscience. How often our souls and our children are threatened spiritually and we need someone to discern, speak up and get involved to stave off the assault.

The world’s system, postmodern culture and media constantly promote ideas and images that place children’s lives at risk by making false beliefs and sinful activities appealing and applauded. Worse still, is the corresponding spiritual fascism that labors to erase parents, disdain all authority figures and eliminate the Christian faith and God from “normal” life experience. The biggest lie is humanistic, and proclaims that we may live this life on our own, for selfish pursuits and pleasures, and with no reference to either the Almighty or our want…need of piety or devotion.

But not on Hope’s watch. Every neighborhood needs a “Sam’s Mom,” and every family needs an initiator of conversation about values and consequences. Please understand, I in no way am suggesting the oft experienced religious, controlling or condemning parenting; but rather the grace and truth that says, “Have you thought about what that would feel like if it was you? Could we talk and pray about that for a few minutes?” What I’m endorsing is the Pr. 31 “virtuous woman;” the Christian mother whose “kindness brings conviction” and whose “gentleness makes greatness!”

Hope, that’s who you are. You are beautiful, holy, awe-inspiring and lovely beyond compare. Solomon saw and said it by Spirit-inspiration, the neighborhood boys experienced it and I know and love it, “Who is this who shines like the dawn; as beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, awe-inspiring as an army with banners?” She is the “1” coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on her beloved, full of ardent, unrelenting passion (SOS 6:10, 8:5-7).

Hope Buhler, I am forever grateful for who you are. As a gift of life, graced with wisdom and beauty, you are uncommon…precious, priceless. Your faithfulness is a pillar in our love and family. Your strong convictions, fierce loyalty and fiery faith anchor me. Your spiritual sensitivity, personal vulnerability and brutal honesty refine me. Your depth of devotion, high aspirations, width of counsel and the length of your sacrificial-love has touched Heaven and reached my soul…marking my life eternally.

Words cannot express my gratitude for who you are, what you do….how you live, love, believe and serve. You cared and got involved with me, our children, their friends, our neighbors and the innumerable company of souls that have benefited from you “fearlessly diving in.” I will never forget you watching me, writing me, worshipping next to me, our times of spiritual wrestling and soul-wrenching prayer, waiting in desperation…hoping in the Lord, and wondering together. You have been to me and all who truly know you, God’s goodness and truth. You are tried, trusted and treasured. You are pure joy, and can only create unhappiness by being absent.

With all my heart and sincere thanks, Your Husband, Chip.

“Je t’aime plus qu’ hier moins que demain.”
I love you more than yesterday, Less than tomorrow!

P.S. Hope...Sarah and I have 2 words for you………. “kindness!”

Heroes

“The modern world worships heroes of talent, beauty, and power. But this is new, a change from days gone by. Previous generations honored heroes for what they possessed that others could emulate. Heroes were men and women who conquered themselves before conquering their enemies, who held superior strength in the battles of their day because they possessed superior character. Heroes lifted oppression and broke barriers so that others could follow. They were not superheroes with secret weapons. They were ordinary men and women, who let faith and valor drive them to the extraordinary.” -Steven Mansfield from “Then Darkness Fled”

It’s “Memorial Day” weekend, and I’m watching episodes of “Band of Brothers” with my family, as we discuss heroes. Our conversations skim the surface of history’s conflicts as my mind spirals into the caverns of human character found at the valleys of human experience. If you’ve gone there personally, mentally or emotionally…or seen a great movie, you know what I mean.

The reflections run from the men of the 101st Airborne “Easy Company,” to the courageous in Bible stories and Christian history, and finally focus on the brave souls serving in the war on terror (Iraq, Afghanistan, and abroad). Through it all, I am extremely moved by the sacrifice and service of these heroes.

These thoughts brought back a vivid memory from a few years ago. Although it was 2005…it seems like yesterday. As I sat in a raised seat getting a shoe shine at the Louisville airport, a soldier leaving for Iraq captured my attention. After about 5 minutes of hugs and farewells with his mother and wife, he got down on his knees and embraced his daughter. I put down the newspaper I was reading, as this real life hero experienced a heart-wrenching moment that has been lived out 1000’s of times at 100’s of airports.

His name is Jeff Judd, and I believe he’s a Sergeant with the National Guard from Glasgow, Kentucky. After getting through the security check, I approached this man to honor and thank him for his duty and service. I placed a hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eyes, grasped and squeezed his hand strongly while expressing my gratitude. I pledged to pray for him and believe for a safe return home to his family.

As he walked off, my eyes filled with tears as they would many times through the years when I’ve remembered and prayed for Jeff.

That day was “Memorial Day” for me…it showed me an incredible courage and sacrifice that I don’t think I have. I don’t think I could do what Jeff did…leaving my family and risking my life for a nation of unaware…ungrateful citizens. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women of uniform. We should all pause and pray for our troops and their families. Please find a way to honor a veterans, and make a $ financial donation that will benefit the grieving families that survive the soldiers that gave “the last full measure.”

I ended my evening by watching “Enemy at the Gates” with my sons. We discussed the history and political perspectives present in the movie. What a contrast in worldviews between the Battle of Stalingrad and the European conflict of “Band of Brothers”…yet eerily similar in humanity and heroism. The words of the Russian kommersant communicate the essence of the challenge to us all. “Give them hope! There's another way...the way of courage…the way of love of the Motherland. We must publish…tell the magnificent stories that extol sacrifice and bravery. We must make them believe…give them hope…a desire to fight. Yes... we need to make examples…but examples to follow!...What we need...are heroes.” Heroes like Jeff…like all those that provide for us both memorials and days.

Mountain Trailways 4

While many people choose to use the New Year as a time for resolutions, new commitments & priority setting, I have often used the Spring-time for that purpose. I tend to focus on family in December, fast & worship to dedicate a new year in January, pray & write in February, reflect in March, & refocus in April.

It probably started because of the college students in our churches & my own tweenagers’ calendars, but I have found it helpful to journal resolutions & priorities in Dec/Jan, pray & study them in Feb/Mar, & make commitments related to these during the Easter season. For me, this is much more than just a habit or calendar issue though, it is an opportunity to discern the will of the LORD, honor the seasons HE has set, & step out in faith…trusting-obedience.

I want to encourage you to receive of these thoughts, reflect on what Father God is saying to you, & re-commit to the purposes, principles & priorities HE has given you. The following excerpts are from Mrs. Cowman’s Mountain Trailways opening devotional & Amy Carmichael’s journals:

(Christians) “Youth of the world, fellow mountaineers, roadmates, in the name of our loving Master we greet you on this glorious New Year’s (Season’s) morning! Together we stand at the foot of a great mountain range to salute the breaking of the dawn, to renew our covenant with Him, to place anew our hands in His as we begin our journey through the untrodden months ahead. Before us are twelve towering peaks rearing their heads above the snow line. The tang of their icy winds sweeps down upon us. We are awed by their desolate grandeur. Harken! Bugles are sounding. Those who have left the murky mists of the low valleys...beckoning us! The topmost crag challenges us, stirs our blood, and kindles our courage. Our Great Leader cries, “Out! Out! Take the trail!”

Multiplied thousands of Christians & youth are responding to His call to scale the heights, win the prize, “the high callings of God in Christ Jesus"--triumphant mountaineers who will participate in the conquest of the ages. To them, ‘the mountain shall be thine” (Joshua 17:18)—His gracious Word of assurance!

You and I can become Calebs (Read in the book of Joshua.). The hard climb strengthens the muscles; the problem solved trains the mind; the difficulties conquered build character. There is joy unspeakable in conquering mountains, triumphing in His victory!

(Remember)…Our Lord does not ask us to climb in our human strength. “I will gird thee!” He has not bidden us journey alone. “Lo, I am with you!” One Climbs beside you.

Make you away this very hour to the glory—crowned heights with God! Who knows what awaits you! Climb and Listen!” -Mrs. Cowman

Make me Thy mountaineer; I would not linger
On the lower slope.
Fill me afresh with hope, O God of hope;
That undefeated, I may climb the hill, As seeing Hum who is invisible.


Make me to be Thy happy mountaineer,
O God most high;
My climbing soul would welcome the austere;
Lord, crucify, On rock or scree, ice-cliff or field of snow,
The softness that would sink to things below.

Thou art my Guide; where Thy sure feet have trod
Shall mine be set;
Thy lightest word my law of life, O God;
Lest I forget, slip & fall, teach me to do Thy will,
Thy mountaineer upon Thy holy hill.

-Amy Wilson Carmichael

"No Sam's Mom!"

It was one of the proudest moments of my life. It ranks up there with becoming a Christian, championship football seasons, passing the Camp Ridgecrest “Little Chief” test, my wedding day, becoming a father, a few special ministry moments and glorious experiences with the Living God.

Some of the neighborhood boys had decided to start a club (6-10 yr olds). So, after extensive planning and intense preliminaries….they set out to build a tree-house …their club-house. After the basic construction from scrap wood and spare nails was done, they put the finishing touches of childhood craftsmanship in place…their stamp of authenticity, -graffiti. There were some splotches and lines of various colors, a few signatures (if you could call it that), a couple of ? symbols, and the crowning achievement…the club-house credo writ large on the exterior wall for all to see.

Now, if you are a parent, have been a summer camp counselor, or did a lot of babysitting (say 2nd to 6th graders); then, this is nothing new to you. The list of “club” rules and members is a normal part of learning to both write and relate (I think). And, I must admit that our daughters tend to be much more serious and creative while universally embracing the “no boys, and especially no brothers allowed” doctrine during those early years.

However, nothing could have prepared me for the neighborhood boy’s club-house graffiti credo. No, it wasn’t your traditional “No Girls Allowed,” nor a more conventional no sisters or adults clause. It was a new, radically different, undeniably bold and revolutionary statement…..”No Sam’s Mom!!!”

WOW! The elementary exclamation of exclusivity, the kid’s key to liberty…the club-house commandment and battle-cry…the castle rampart for protection. Do you get it? This was not a prohibition of all women or parents, but of “1.” Somehow in the infant, imaginative and warrior obsessed minds of these youth; they had focused in on the “1” ultimate opponent they did not want to have to face…“Sam’s Mom,” my wife Hope.

They knew (as I do) instinctively and experientially, this “1” woman was there and would get involved if needful. That’s it! Involvement, concern, action was her character; and she had and would serve as a boundary to adolescent whims and attitudes, while providing a voice of wisdom and conscience. How often our souls and our children are threatened spiritually and we need someone to discern, speak up and get involved to stave off the assault.

The world’s system, postmodern culture and media constantly promote ideas and images that place children’s lives at risk by making false beliefs and sinful activities appealing and applauded. Worse still, is the corresponding spiritual fascism that labors to erase parents, disdain all authority figures and eliminate the Christian faith and God from “normal” life experience. The biggest lie is humanistic, and proclaims that we may live this life on our own, for selfish pursuits and pleasures, and with no reference to either the Almighty or our want…need of piety or devotion.

But not on Hope’s watch. Every neighborhood needs a “Sam’s Mom,” and every family needs an initiator of conversation about values and consequences. Please understand, I in no way am suggesting the oft experienced religious, controlling or condemning parenting; but rather the grace and truth that says, “Have you thought about what that would feel like if it was you? Could we talk and pray about that for a few minutes?” What I’m endorsing is the Pr. 31 “virtuous woman;” the Christian mother whose “kindness brings conviction” and whose “gentleness makes greatness!”

Hope, that’s who you are. You are beautiful, holy, awe-inspiring and lovely beyond compare. Solomon saw and said it by Spirit-inspiration, the neighborhood boys experienced it and I know and love it, “Who is this who shines like the dawn; as beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun, awe-inspiring as an army with banners?” She is the “1” coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on her beloved, full of ardent, unrelenting passion (SOS 6:10, 8:5-7).

Hope Buhler, I am forever grateful for who you are. As a gift of life, graced with wisdom and beauty, you are uncommon…precious, priceless. Your faithfulness is a pillar in our love and family. Your strong convictions, fierce loyalty and fiery faith anchor me. Your spiritual sensitivity, personal vulnerability and brutal honesty refine me. Your depth of devotion, high aspirations, width of counsel and the length of your sacrificial-love has touched Heaven and reached my soul…marking my life eternally.

Words cannot express my gratitude for who you are, what you do….how you live, love, believe and serve. You cared and got involved with me, our children, their friends, our neighbors and the innumerable company of souls that have benefited from you “fearlessly diving in.” I will never forget you watching me, writing me, worshipping next to me, our times of spiritual wrestling and soul-wrenching prayer, waiting in desperation…hoping in the Lord, and wondering together. You have been to me and all who truly know you, God’s goodness and truth. You are tried, trusted and treasured. You are pure joy, and can only create unhappiness by being absent. With all my heart and sincere thanks, Your Husband, Chip.

“Je t’aime plus qu’ hier moins que demain.”
I love you more than yesterday, Less than tomorrow!

P.S. Hope, Sarah and I have 2 words for you………. “kindness!”

COMMITMENT

“Commit thy way to the Lord; trust also in Him; & He shall bring it to pass.”-Ps.37:5

To some, this is a familiar promise. You may have read it a thousand times, but today it stands before you as new…as the day you first saw it, “Commit…commitment!”

Today is my 41^st birthday. As I look back on my life, I’m constantly drawn to the commitments I made in the spring of 1990. It was 18 years ago, & I was 23…a senior at the University of Richmond. It was then that I made a LORDSHIP –wholehearted –commitment to Jesus Christ & the Kingdom of God. That faith…that conviction…that commitment opened the door to my future…& opened the Heavens over my life. I am convinced, now more than ever, that “Commitment is never real unless it leads to mission, & the mission of Christians is always one which points forward!” This was the commitment that I made in early 1990, & I renew…recommit to this tonight.

“The Fellowship Committed To Doing Whatever It Takes”

I am a part of the fellowship committed to doing “whatever it takes.” I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. I am out of the comfort zone. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, or back away. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chancy giving, and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gate is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, or burn up until I’ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He stops.

And when he comes to get His own, He’ll have no problem recognizing me because I have dedicated my life to be a part of the fellowship committed to doing “whatever it takes!”

“Radical, wholehearted…whatever it takes -commitment…..that’s smart…it’s brilliant!”