July 2007
Greetings,

Counterfeit Colgate toothpaste; Thomas the Tank engine painted with lead; nine fireman killed; Flooding devastates Northern Texas; Car Bomb explodes in marketplace in Baghdad; Global Warming; sadly these are only a few of the recent headlines we were greeted with as we picked up the morning paper. In a recent article in Good News Rev. Erik Buteyn referred to these and similar tragic events as our “dirty laundry list.”

Unfortunately we do not have to pick up a newspaper or turn on the evening news to be informed of trials and tribulations. The truth is each and every one of us has a “dirty laundry list.” It is a list of bad decisions, poor judgment, negative circumstances, failing health, addictions, being a victim, etc.

The questions he raised are “How are we supposed to get anywhere when we are surrounded by bad news? How are we supposed to feel clean when we are covered in dirty laundry?”

There are a percentage of people who act as though they are self cleaning ovens. They are in control and in charge and they are able to clean up their act and situation without any help from God or anyone else. I am reminded of one of Greg’s favorite childhood books. The book was I Can Do It Myself. The title speaks for itself. I am sure the author’s intent was to encourage children to take responsibility for tying their shoes, brushing their own teeth, putting on their clothes by themselves. The book encouraged the child to take responsibility for him or herself. While I absolutely agree with this we must never forget there are certain things we cannot take responsibility for, specifically our redemption. It is only God who can say,

“Although your sins were as red as scarlet
they are now whiter than snow.”

The only way you and I can be made clean is through faith in Jesus Christ. The only way this broken filthy world can be cleansed is by the blood of Jesus.

Rev. Erik Buteyn wrote, “No matter what we do or how hard we try, we will never put an end to suffering, tragedy or the dirty laundry that surrounds us. But we can seek redemption through the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus said, “In this world you will have troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In other words you and I can take courage because in spite of the inevitable struggles we will face, we are not alone. Jesus doesn’t abandon us to our struggles.
 

Peace be with you!