A Problem with Healing

I can't say it's always fun. In fact, just about every time I do it, there's a battle that rages within:

• Is this really necessary? 
• People will get the wrong idea.
• You're going to lose status
• You need to protect your reputation

I'm talking about confession. That is, admission to others that I don't have it all together like I may appear.But here's what I know, people who consistently play the "I've got it together" game eventually implode. Men who never say, "I blew it. I'm sorry" model hypocrisy to their children. Moms who can't say, "Teach me" to a friend who knows something they don't? They are usually full of anxiety.

God has a prescription for healing us of our hypocrisy, anxiety and self-destruction. But the medicine isn't very appealing on the surface. It's found in James 5:16, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed," (nkjv).

Now I know in some circles this looks like the eternal naval gazers small group:
"I blew it on porn again this week." 
"That's okay. I did too. Well, thank God for grace." 
 
James is talking about redemptive confession. This confession admits weakness but it is hopeful not languishing. It is vertically oriented not strictly horizontal. Confession here in James begins horizontal but then turns vertical: "Pray for one another."

So I confess often. It's no fun. But people are praying for me and God is healing me.

Studying Creation

I've been on a study break during most of June. During that time, we spent a few days in Salem, Oregon. Wow. Raw, pristine beauty. Big trees that have been growing for hundreds of years. I'm not a tree-hugger but I admit I did try a few times. Here's one of those big ones with my cute "girlfriend" standing by: