And such a necessary word, especially for those corners of modern Christianity that have turned “waiting for the pool to stir” into a lifelong identity.
Sometimes we baptize our paralysis and call it humility. Sometimes we enshrine our pain and call it authenticity. But the Christ who meets us at the mat is maddeningly uninterested in letting us stay there.
He doesn’t say “explain yourself,” he says “stand.” Grace is not coddling; it is catalytic.
Blessed be the truth that wrecks us, so that it may raise us.
I’ve heard or read at least three sermons on this text in the last month. You nailed it, you know us, me.
Thank you for calling me out. Even as I sit here at age 67 and in retirement, I know this is what has always ailed me and has worsened in retirement. I must take action for myself, for my true soul.
Nadia - your "Stand-up" post is so profoundly poignant and just the kick-in-the ass I (most of us) need these days!
I have had a "love affair" with alcohol almost my whole life and I know it has kept me from truly honoring and serving our most high Lord and savior!
Well done my good and faithful sister!
P.s. am grieving not being able to join you in Grand Rapids this month! (work duty) Enjoy West Michigan while you are here! Hint: sunset L. Michigan ;)
AMEN. I’ve started giving up after a depression from 3 knee surgeries in approximately 1 year. The 3rd resulting in possibly permanent nerve damage. My insurance just rejected my doctor’s request for a nerve block which would have (probably) solved the problem. I’ve been feeling stuck for months. Thank you for your post. I needed today.
I woke up this morning heavy hearted. I could not put my finger on it. Is it because I am still disappointed for being passed over for a promotion for the fourth time? Is because I am trying to start my own business and it is not going as fast as I would like it? Is it because I worry about my husband's deteriorating health? And let's be honest, I worry what will I do without him? Could it be me thinking about my sister in early recovery but still struggling and there is nothing I can do about it? Maybe it is thinking about loved ones in L.A. right now and praying they are safe? Perhaps I am just wallowing in self pity though I am not sure what brought it on? Then I get notification on my phone and see this sermon from you, Nadia. Perfect! I never considered that the reason the sick man was sick is that he was just stuck in a pattern of thinking or behavior. Jesus just told him to get up, take up his mat and walk. Simple. Perhaps I m guilty of waiting for someone to help me do or be what God wants me to do or be. Time to stop waiting for a savior when I already have one in Jesus.
I never thought anyone ever felt like that? I actually did make myself sick. I had several stays in the hospital and I loved every minute. It gave me an excuse to lay down. They could have put me in traction with that halo on my head and I would have slept like a baby. I hope people who need this catch this good news before they stay by the pool for 38 years!
It’s like the C.S. Lewis book, “The Great Divorce.” Some folks ride a bus to heaven and they all have something with or on them. When they arrive, angels approach them and ask if they want the thing they’re clinging to removed. Each person responds with an excuse for why they can’t: “Will it hurt?”, “But I need it”, etc. Funny, I was just thinking about this and came to this conclusion about a “thing” (grief) I’ve been clinging to. Like, “debi, you must enjoy these thoughts and feelings.” Wow.
I just got my ticket for Sioux Falls, SD. I am so excited I can barely stand it. I invited my sponsor to come with me. August 15th is my sobriety date. God willing, I will have 26 years of continuous sobriety. Next month I am going to Vancouver, BC for the International Conference, and immediately after hopping on a 7-day cruise to Alaska. WTF???? I am out here living my best life thanks to my fellow daughters of the King. I met you at Evolving Faith. I gave you a little statue to Guadalupe. Can't wait to see you again.
We don’t have to be addicted to drugs or alcohol to apply this message to ourselves. You’ve got me thinking about where I’m stuck and I’ve again shared your message with some former therapy patients who I know will truly be encouraged as they think about themselves as beloved of God. That’s the message that so many need to receive. Thank you for always reminding us of God’s immeasurable love for us. I’m so thrilled to be able to see you at the Red State Revival in Sioux Falls in August!!
Your sermon was very powerful to me. I feel like it is the culmination of one part of my life and the beginning of the next. Your sermon put into words some of the thoughts I have been having. It also gave me clarity to MOVE again. I feel like I have been on pause for awhile. I laughed so hard at the hospital stay advantages. You bring humanness (might not be a word, spell check really didn't like it!) to scripture. Thank you.
You draw on much from Life and draw on the surprising richness of the God who is with us in this Life. Thank you for wrestling with the Word and realities to bring such offers of hope and healing.
Gorgeous sermon, Nadia.
And such a necessary word, especially for those corners of modern Christianity that have turned “waiting for the pool to stir” into a lifelong identity.
Sometimes we baptize our paralysis and call it humility. Sometimes we enshrine our pain and call it authenticity. But the Christ who meets us at the mat is maddeningly uninterested in letting us stay there.
He doesn’t say “explain yourself,” he says “stand.” Grace is not coddling; it is catalytic.
Blessed be the truth that wrecks us, so that it may raise us.
Virgin Monk Boy
"Sometimes we baptize our paralysis and call it humility." - dang.
“Blessed be the truth that wrecks us, so that it may raise us”…!!! Amen 🙏
I’ve heard or read at least three sermons on this text in the last month. You nailed it, you know us, me.
Thank you for calling me out. Even as I sit here at age 67 and in retirement, I know this is what has always ailed me and has worsened in retirement. I must take action for myself, for my true soul.
Nadia - your "Stand-up" post is so profoundly poignant and just the kick-in-the ass I (most of us) need these days!
I have had a "love affair" with alcohol almost my whole life and I know it has kept me from truly honoring and serving our most high Lord and savior!
Well done my good and faithful sister!
P.s. am grieving not being able to join you in Grand Rapids this month! (work duty) Enjoy West Michigan while you are here! Hint: sunset L. Michigan ;)
AMEN. I’ve started giving up after a depression from 3 knee surgeries in approximately 1 year. The 3rd resulting in possibly permanent nerve damage. My insurance just rejected my doctor’s request for a nerve block which would have (probably) solved the problem. I’ve been feeling stuck for months. Thank you for your post. I needed today.
prayers for you!
Thank you so much🕊️🙏🏽 prayers and blessings to you, too🕊️
I woke up this morning heavy hearted. I could not put my finger on it. Is it because I am still disappointed for being passed over for a promotion for the fourth time? Is because I am trying to start my own business and it is not going as fast as I would like it? Is it because I worry about my husband's deteriorating health? And let's be honest, I worry what will I do without him? Could it be me thinking about my sister in early recovery but still struggling and there is nothing I can do about it? Maybe it is thinking about loved ones in L.A. right now and praying they are safe? Perhaps I am just wallowing in self pity though I am not sure what brought it on? Then I get notification on my phone and see this sermon from you, Nadia. Perfect! I never considered that the reason the sick man was sick is that he was just stuck in a pattern of thinking or behavior. Jesus just told him to get up, take up his mat and walk. Simple. Perhaps I m guilty of waiting for someone to help me do or be what God wants me to do or be. Time to stop waiting for a savior when I already have one in Jesus.
P.S. For a brief moment I hated that doctor too.
I never thought anyone ever felt like that? I actually did make myself sick. I had several stays in the hospital and I loved every minute. It gave me an excuse to lay down. They could have put me in traction with that halo on my head and I would have slept like a baby. I hope people who need this catch this good news before they stay by the pool for 38 years!
It's hard reading a post that ends up being a mirror. Thanks for being the bearer of the message, Nadia.
See you in Grand Rapids!
Come say hi!
It’s like the C.S. Lewis book, “The Great Divorce.” Some folks ride a bus to heaven and they all have something with or on them. When they arrive, angels approach them and ask if they want the thing they’re clinging to removed. Each person responds with an excuse for why they can’t: “Will it hurt?”, “But I need it”, etc. Funny, I was just thinking about this and came to this conclusion about a “thing” (grief) I’ve been clinging to. Like, “debi, you must enjoy these thoughts and feelings.” Wow.
Thank you for this, Nadia. You always seem to post the words I need to hear when I need to hear them. Stand Up! Yes!! And Amen.
Looking forward to Milwaukee!!
With tears I say thank you for telling me just what I needed today. Stand up! I love it!!
Dear Nadia,
I just got my ticket for Sioux Falls, SD. I am so excited I can barely stand it. I invited my sponsor to come with me. August 15th is my sobriety date. God willing, I will have 26 years of continuous sobriety. Next month I am going to Vancouver, BC for the International Conference, and immediately after hopping on a 7-day cruise to Alaska. WTF???? I am out here living my best life thanks to my fellow daughters of the King. I met you at Evolving Faith. I gave you a little statue to Guadalupe. Can't wait to see you again.
Love, your sister Kat
See you soon, Kat! The international convention is going to be EPIC!
We don’t have to be addicted to drugs or alcohol to apply this message to ourselves. You’ve got me thinking about where I’m stuck and I’ve again shared your message with some former therapy patients who I know will truly be encouraged as they think about themselves as beloved of God. That’s the message that so many need to receive. Thank you for always reminding us of God’s immeasurable love for us. I’m so thrilled to be able to see you at the Red State Revival in Sioux Falls in August!!
see you there!
Your sermon was very powerful to me. I feel like it is the culmination of one part of my life and the beginning of the next. Your sermon put into words some of the thoughts I have been having. It also gave me clarity to MOVE again. I feel like I have been on pause for awhile. I laughed so hard at the hospital stay advantages. You bring humanness (might not be a word, spell check really didn't like it!) to scripture. Thank you.
You draw on much from Life and draw on the surprising richness of the God who is with us in this Life. Thank you for wrestling with the Word and realities to bring such offers of hope and healing.
Awesome Nadia. Thank you.
Amen AMEN 🙏