Reflections

In the car this morning I heard the song DOES ANYBODY HEAR HER? by Casting Crowns. It's one of my favorites. I love that it always makes me take a good look at myself. Am I a plastic person? Am I open and receptive to the Lord when he brings hurting people into my life? Sadly I must admit, no I am not. I have fallen pray to the "plastic syndrome". But thank you Lord for opening my eyes yet again as I stumble.

Here are the lyrics for your enjoyment:


She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Chorus:
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?
Lord does anybody even know she's going down today?
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her?
Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

Chorus

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her
If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

Chorus 2x

He is running a hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction Christian lyrics

Layoff

What a scary word. This one word has struck fear into the hearts of the strongest among us. This week was my turn to cringe in fear of this infamous word. The small organization I have been a part of for the past five years has suffered some mighty blows recently. So it doesn't really come as a surprise that some "restructuring" is in order.

After suffering the loss of two wonderful coworkers this week, we all met together as a corporate family. As I looked around the conference room I saw faces of dear friends that I've grown to love over the years. My heart ached at the anticipation of the bad news to come. And with stoic resolve our valiant leaders stood before us and gave the news. As our industry changes so shall we. They shed such a positive light on our organizations position. I was highly encouraged to see what the future holds for this small family.

As we prepare for our individual evaluations I am at peace. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...". These are the words I hold onto today. Not only for me personally but for my fellow coworkers and our organization. I know that with the loss of each member of this family we will all suffer a blow. But I know that God has us in his hands. We are a part of his plan and good will prevail. So for the friends we've lost so far, and those that will find out in the near future, my prayers go out to them. But my prayers are not for sympathy or tears. They are a prayer of rejoicing and praise. For I know each person in headed to better things.

I am excited to see where the Lord's will is for me. Is it here, or elsewhere? I remember the phone call for the job offer in this organization. It was one of the first times in my young Christian walk that God showed me his "burning bush". I ask for that burning bush often, and I'm always humbled when I open my eyes and see that he has always been there, but I was being stubborn and chose blindness. So when he gave me this position, I remember being so thrilled to see God's mighty work in my little life. At the time, I wasn't even looking for a job, but God sweetly handed me his assignment and I was open and ready to receive it. It's been five years and I cannot count how many times I've questioned why I'm here in this organization. Every time the Lord reminds me that this is his plan, not mine. So I sit and watch his mighty hand at work. So yet again, I sit and I wait. I am watching, and I am excited regardless of the outcome.

So today, I'm excited to see what his plan is, and how he will choose to work out the details of that plan in my life.