There is Nothing General About a Hospital

Posted on June 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

On April 1st, 1963, the soap opera General Hospital debuted.  More than 50 years later, this hit show has made the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest running soap opera in production.  In addition, this show has earned 11 Day Time Emmy Awards  for Most Outstanding  Drama Series.   Despite this fame and fortune, in real life there is nothing general about a hospital.

Whether you’re a first time parent preparing for the birth of your first child, an unexpected patient or visiting a loved one, the hospital can illicit a wave of emotions.    During my wife’s first and only natural birth, lasting 23 hours, I heard groans, moans and yelling that few men gain access to.  Accident prone individuals will likely find their way to the ER, or remain in a hallway for hours until the next doctor is available.  However, when the Hour Glass of time stops, sobbing and tears fill the hallways, placing life into its proper perspective.

In his farewell address, Moses suggests the choices people make dictate life’s outcome, Deuteronomy 30:15.  Jesus makes a similar statement in Matthew 7:13-14, as each decisions leads toward an eternal destination.  If you find yourself near death’s door, its time to make plans for the afterlife, 1 John 5:13.  May the Lord lead you to experience the promise of Jesus in John 3:16-17 as the hospital generates thoughts about life after tomorrow.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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God’s Aha Moment

Posted on June 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Beyond the scene of a crime, evil deeds do not go overlooked by God.  Although initially someone may believe they have out tricked authorities.  In the end, the Lord will turn the tables on acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21.

According to Psalm 70:2-3, King David reveals a side of God few see or experience.  Despite being out numbered, the Lord has the power to outwit, outlast and foil the attacks of enemies.  The apostle Paul reinforces this belief through the words of Romans 8:38-39.

While the world relies on plotting, scheming and revenge to gain control, an invisible force is on the move.  Like a 15 round heavy weight fight, Galatians 5:16-18, angels and demons duel to influence the souls of mankind.  Just as the devil appears to have been victorious, Jesus rose from the grave to conquer sin and death, Colossians 2:13-15.  In a comeback for the ages, God’s Aha moment has changed the course of history forever, John 3:16-17.  May this triumph uplift your soul, empowering you to run with perseverance despite the challenges you face in life, Hebrews 12:1-3.

by Jay Mankus

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No Reason to Pretend

Posted on June 4, 2014 by expressyourself4him

In order to put on a happy face, some individuals feel compelled to hide their misery from co-workers, family and neighbors.  Like a Halloween masquerade party, many profess to be fine all the while anguish, grief and pain collect.  Although the motto “fake it until you make it” sounds logical, there is no reason to pretend.

From a mere vocational point of view, the last 5 years of my life have been like a hurricane, causing flood waters to break through levy’s.  As the storm surge continues to rise, my heart, soul and mind cling to promises of the Bible, hoping the trials subside soon.  When success reigned supreme, life was a piece of cake.  However, as turmoil entered my life through the winds of change, I’m not the same person.

Sure, I try to stay upbeat, but I am a mirage of my younger years, a piece of drift wood transformed by time, wind and water.  Water logged, especially around the waist, I long for dry land, a beach to call home.  Footprints along the shore are obvious signs that God has been carrying me.  When the waves calm, I will arise, perhaps wiser than before.  Like a work in progress, a strand of clay in the molding process, there is no reason to pretend it isn’t well with my soul.  Yet, I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me, Philippians 3:12-14.

Don’t be afraid to be transparent; real so that a hurting world can see the only thing holding believers together, Romans 5:5.

by Jay Mankus

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Things That Break the Heart

Posted on June 3, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If the words of King Solomon in Proverbs 4:23 hold true today, the heart is vulnerable to numerous attacks.  Beyond physical ailments, there are various trials which can upset, puncture or wound this precious organ.  As women lose a child to complications, a miscarriage or still born death, one can only imagine the grief experienced by this poor soul.  Beside the obvious, accidents, illness and shattered relationships can bombard an innocent heart, leaving pain that lasts a lifetime.

According to King David, another element inflicts jabs to the heart, Psalm 69:19-20.   Scorn is like a deadly weapon, poison on the tips of human tongues which derides a bystander, resulting in a sense of worthlessness.  In an attempt to get ahead in life, words cut like a knife using contempt, disdain and mockery.  When thoughts become verbalized, the Holy Spirit grieves, Ephesians 4:29, recognizing that a heart has been bruised by sticks and stones with names that do leave a scar on one ‘s soul.

Beside watching what you eat, it’s impossible to control or predict the circumstances in life.  Thus, it’s essential to guard your heart with the word of God, Psalm 119:9-11.  No matter where you live or work, unless you’re prepared for the future, you will likely fail,   Hosea 4:6.   Although heartbreak may be a way of life for some, you don’t have to accept this negative mindset.  Yet, when a piece of your heart does break, remember the promise of Psalm 34:18.  In God’s timing, He will mend your broken heart.

by Jay Mankus

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It Could Be Worse

Posted on June 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whenever the frailty of life comes knocking on your door, its never a good feeling.  In the wee hours of the morning, as a routine surgery takes a turn for the worse, fear often grips unsuspecting souls.  A doctor doesn’t need to say much before one discerns a dire situation.  Nonetheless, as long as the heart is beating, hope remains alive.

Prior to my mother being rushed to the hospital, I read a passage from Leviticus 13:45-46.  As bad as my current trial appeared, this passage gave me an unique perspective, it could be worse.  You could become a social outcast, banned from entering the city gates, due to an untreatable disease.  Once pronounced unclean by the priest, hugging, touching or kissing was prohibited.  Like solitary confinement, individuals spent the rest of their days in isolation, stripped of the relationships they once held dear.

Today, I have a new appreciation for the words of James 1:2-4 and James 4:13-14.  Seeing, feeling and experiencing pain is humbling, opening your eyes to the simple things people take for granted daily.  However, despite the ups and down in the hospital the last 24 hours, I know it could be worse.  While I pray for my mother’s condition to improve, the truth in Luke 1:37 serves as a source of strength.  Although it could be worse, with God all things are possible.

by Jay Mankus

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Before I Sink Any Further

Posted on June 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

One of my favorite shows on the Discovery Channel was called Swamp Loggers.  From June 2009-December 2012, Bobby Goodson was the star of a family run business, illustrating how technology could be used to log once unreachable forests.  Through success and failure, this program was as close to real life as a reality show has come.

However, in real life, there aren’t any machines who can save us from sinking.  King David often used the analogy of a swamp, which bogs human beings down, sucking each in like a suction cup, Psalm 69:14-15.  Whenever you get stuck, there is only One who can save you, Acts 4:12.  This life guard can walk on water, silence storms and stretch out His hand to lift you up.

Before you sink any further, take David’s advice in Psalm 30:1-3.  Sure, you might be able to get yourself out of a few jams from time to time, but the open arms of the Great I Am is waiting.  Come to your senses now, Luke 15:17, swallow your pride and ask God to relieve you from distress, Psalm 4:1.  Before I sink any further, I surrender all, all to you O Lord.

I encourage everyone to share a time you’ve been saved from the muck and mire in life.

by Jay Mankus

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When Dreams Fade Away

Posted on May 31, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Children tend to grow up with wild imaginations, dreaming of becoming a doctor, professional athlete or a wealthy entrepreneur.  However, as time ticks away, ambition is often replaced by more realistic goals.  Sure, dreams still exist in your mind, but negativity, pessimism and tough luck cause dreams to fade away from your memory.

A few years ago, I was passionate about completing my first novel.  Before I typed a word, vivid ideas rushed into my head, inspiring my will to complete this May 15th, a deadline for a major contest in Hollywood.  Unfortunately, a long cold spring, filled with racing to see all 3 of my children play sports has drained my desire to do anything.   With May in the rear view mirror, a spark for finishing this book needs to be rekindled before my thoughts vanish.

Sometimes, the Bible seems too good to be true, as readers silently murmur, “yeah right?”  Nonetheless, a weeping prophet writes of a special day in Jeremiah 29:11.  When the day of doubt sets, there is hope of prosperity.  If you’ve lost the will to carry on, don’t quit yet.  Cling to the promise of Galatians 6:9-10 so that like Walt Disney once said, “one day your dreams will come true!”

by Jay Mankus

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Missed Opportunities

Posted on May 30, 2014 by expressyourself4him

There are moments in life when you are at the right time and place.  However, if you are on the verge of doing something special, obstacles such as awareness, discernment and time can be hindrances.  Depending upon the state of your emotions, you might just miss a golden opportunity to accomplish God’s will.

I can recall several encounters with people over the course of my life.  Some of these friendships never developed because I did not make a good first impression.  On other occasions I sensed the leading of the Holy Spirit, yet an individual or stranger was distracted by trials in life.  If I was more prepared or they were spiritually sober, perhaps my life would be much more engaging, full of conversational experiences.

Despite my past failures, I did make the most of one opportunity.  While attending a youth ministry conference in Chicago, I happened to meet my future wife.  The atmosphere at this facility made it conducive to slowing down to meet, interact and develop permanent meaningful lasting relationships.  Little did I know that one of the girls in my small group would become my soul mate.  Similarly, if you have failed to cease the moment like me, apply the words of Colossians 4:2-6 so that you won’t miss the opportunities that the Lord provides.

by Jay Mankus

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Tongues of Ruin

Posted on May 29, 2014 by expressyourself4him

With the rash of individuals sharing their controversial opinions in the media, tongues are ruining the lives of once prominent Americans.  Donald Sterling isn’t the first or last to do so as Jimmy the Greek’s of today have been shown the door, with bosses caving into peer pressure from sponsors and civil rights groups to fire anyone who is politically incorrect.  Unfortunately, these souls didn’t listen to mothers who proclaimed, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it!”

I guess you can say the old adage applies, “you’re your own worst enemy.”  By opening your mouth at the wrong place or the wrong time, you might be the next Riley Cooper, caught on video with a racial slur.  Whether its alcohol, anger or impatience, the mouth is full of poison waiting for the right trigger to explode, James 3:5.  Without zipping your lip or shutting your trap, ruin will fall on those who don’t practice prudence and temperance.

According to King David, God will allow tongues to destroy anyone who plots injustice in their hearts and minds, Psalm 64:6.  Despite the cunning schemes of mankind, the Lord will let human beings destroy themselves with their words, Psalm 64:7-8.  God will have the last laugh when tongues of ruin will bring about justice.  The next time you have an urge to gossip, slander or trash someone’s reputation, remember David’s warning by practicing self-control.  If you don’t, you might make the grapevine for the wrong reason.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Stuck on the Sidelines

Posted on May 28, 2014 by expressyourself4him

When I competed in sports, I never realized what a parent goes through until I became one.  Sure, I remember having butterflies on the first tee, throwing the first pitch or standing on the starting block, but after a while these nervous feelings become part of the game.  From the sidelines, I’m helpless, just a voice of encouragement, biting my nails, pacing around and hoping my child doesn’t embarrass themselves.

As my oldest son James sets out to play in his second consecutive state golf tournament, there isn’t anyone else to blame.  There are no umpires who can miss a call.  No referees to influence the outcome of the game.  In golf, you are the team and when you mess up its obvious.  Well, let’s see…  You can hit a house, a spectator, visit the beach or take a dive in an adjacent waterway.  When you’re stuck on the sidelines as a golf parent, every shot is a gut wrenching adventure.

During the game of life, the Lord doesn’t abandon you.  According to Hebrews 12:1, a great crowd of witnesses is sitting in the grandstands called heaven.  Saints, past and present are sending out prayers to help each participant to cross the finish line.  Although you may be lost in the woods or stuck in a hazard, God sends angels to set you free from these precarious situations, Psalm 30:1-3.  If you’re stuck on the sidelines like me, remember the promise of Philippians 4:6-7 to get you through each day.

by Jay Mankus

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