No Substitutes
Stories
Object:
Contents
What's Up This Week
"No Substitutes" by Argile Smith
"A Solid Foundation" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Seeing Yourself in the Story" by Peter Andrew Smith
What's Up This Week
We all crave love and acceptance -- but as Argile Smith reminds us in this week's StoryShare, no matter how much someone tries to fill the void sometimes there are simply no substitutes… just as there is no substitute for God's love and acceptance. Argile depicts the loving relationship between a handicapped man and his mother -- and though his sister valiantly steps in when the man's mother dies, he still intensely feels her loss. Peter Andrew Smith portrays a conversation between two women that demonstrates there's no substitute for the communal love and caring -- and the solid foundation in faith -- of the church. Peter also shares a brief vignette that reminds us we can't save the world without taking care of our own place in it first.
* * * * * * * * *
No Substitutes
by Argile Smith
Psalm 51:1-12; John 6:24-35
Eddie had to depend on his mom for literally everything in his life. Extremely disabled since birth because of cerebral palsy, he could do almost nothing for himself. He couldn't walk, feed himself, clothe himself, or even wash his face. To make matters worse for him, he couldn't utter words in a way that anyone other than his family could understand. His dad pitched in at every opportunity to help him, and his brothers and sisters helped out as well, but his mom shouldered the lion's share of responsibility for his care.
Every day of his life found him waiting in his bed for his mother to get him up and take him to the bathroom. Then she fed him his breakfast and got him dressed for the day. Throughout the day, he never got very far away from her. Periodically she stopped what she was doing just to check on him. She routinely changed the channel on the television for him so he could watch his favorite programs, and she gave him a snack or something to drink whenever he wanted it. She gave him his lunch and his dinner every day, and she got him ready for bed every night. After she tucked him in, she kissed him on his forehead, and told him that she loved him.
She also took time to sit with him and talk whenever she got a chance. She carried on a conversation with him on a variety of topics interesting to him. She asked him what he was thinking, discussed the news with him, and speculated with him about the characters on the soap opera he enjoyed watching every day. While she talked, she stroked his head or arm with her kind and gentle hand.
Because of her care, Eddie handled his disability with tremendous maturity. He took things in stride, and laughter came easy to him. He loved to hear a joke, but he favored good-natured repartee with his siblings and his dad.
The family doctor said that Eddie wouldn't live very long -- his body had too many obstacles to overcome. He couldn't grow normally because of problems with his disability, and before long his vital organs would be affected in a negative way.
But Eddie defied the doctor's prognosis. He made it to adulthood, much to everyone's surprise. Thanks to his mother's care, he lived into adulthood, and he even became a member of AARP!
When he turned 50, however, his life turned upside-down when his mom was diagnosed with cancer. For a couple of years, she worked hard to fight off the disease with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. But in due time, her body gave up the fight.
Eddie handled her death with remarkable courage. He had come to see that she wouldn't survive the disease that had crept into her body. Somehow, he had prepared himself for the inevitable loss of the person who made his life worth living.
Before she died, his mother made arrangements for one of Eddie's sisters to care for him. She chose well, because Eddie's new guardian had the same caring ways that characterized his mother. She took excellent care of Eddie in the years to come. Just like his mom, she got him up every day and followed the same routine, tending to every detail so his life would continue to be enriched.
Eddie appreciated what his sister did for him. He always showed his gratitude to her for the way she devoted so much of her precious time to his care. Because of her sacrifice, Eddie continued to experience the warm, personal touch that had been reflected in his relationship with his mom. He lacked for nothing, enjoyed everything just like before, and lived with the complete assurance that nothing in his life would change.
Yet, something had indeed changed. Eddie's mom was absent.
When friends and family members visited Eddie after his mom's death, he always wanted to talk about her and about how much he missed her. As much as his sister tried to do everything his mom would have done for him, she still wasn't his mom. No amount of her care could change that hard fact. Nobody could substitute for his mom. He longed to see her again in heaven, and he yearned for an opportunity to talk with her one more time. Nobody could take away his longing for her.
David yearned exclusively for God (Psalm 51:1-12); Jesus taught His disciples that He alone was the sole source of authentic life (John 6:24-35). No substitutes will satisfy our longing for a relationship with the Lord.
Argile Smith is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. He previously served as the vice president for advancement at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and as a preaching professor, chairman of the division of pastoral ministries, and director of the communications center at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). While at NOTBS, Smith regularly hosted the Gateway to Truth program on the FamilyNet television network. Smith's articles have been widely published in church periodicals, and he is the author or editor of four books.
A Solid Foundation
by Peter Andrew Smith
Ephesians 4:1-16
"Have you read this book?" Claire asked, as she stepped onto the patio.
Suzie looked up from what she was reading. "I'm not sure. What is it?"
Claire read off the title.
"No, I don't think I've ever heard of it," Suzie said. "What's it about?"
"About spirituality and religion. It really opened my eyes. I'm surprised you haven't read it since you go to church and all."
Suzie smiled. "There are some things I haven't read. Who wrote it?"
Claire read the name from the cover of the book. "Have you heard of him before?"
"Can't say that I have. But what he wrote certainly seems to have made an impression on you."
A huge smile lit across Claire's face. "It certainly has. What he says really speaks to me and my generation."
"Well, tell me about it," Suzie said, pointing at the chair beside her.
Claire sat down, clutching the book tightly in her hands. "He says that we are spiritual beings and as well as our physical needs we have spiritual needs. Do you think that might be true?"
"I do."
"He also says that we need to grow into our spirits just like we grow into our bodies -- that there are things we can do to help us become what he calls 'spiritually mature.' "
"What does he suggest we do?" Suzie asked.
"He talks about meditation in a couple of chapters. I thought it was something difficult, but all you need to do is find a quiet space away from noise and distractions and slowly read and consider something important." Claire flipped through the book. "I'm surprised you've never heard of it."
"I've never heard of the book," Suzie said. "But I actually come out here in the early morning by myself to study the Bible and pray."
"Huh. I wondered what you did out here," Claire said, looking at the lush trees and bees buzzing in the garden. "You always seem so peaceful when you come inside for breakfast. The book says that the world would be a better place if we all took time to consider the spiritual -- that it opens us up to the universe and makes us more calm and content."
Suzie smiled. "There are days I am more troubled after prayer."
"Maybe you are doing it wrong," Claire said. "The author says we get harmony through meditation."
"I don't think so," Suzie answered, "because there are times when I need to be troubled."
Claire looked confused for a moment and Suzie waved her hand. "I'm not disagreeing with what you said, just adding to it. Quiet times for prayer and studying of the Bible do bring me peace, even when they show me things I wish I hadn't learned about myself. But tell me more about this book that has you so excited."
"Well, the author says we don't need religion or church to grow into spiritual beings because the power to do that is within us all." Claire paused. "But I bet you don't agree with that, do you?"
"No, I don't," Suzie said. "Because while we have great spiritual potential within us, I think we need church to help us express our faith, challenge our beliefs, and encourage us to grow in God's way."
"But you do the things he talks about in his book -- you meditate and study by yourself."
"Sure I do," Suzie said. "But I also have a church family to help me grow beyond what I am already. The pastor gives me things to think about all week on Sunday morning, and church gives me something more than that -- a deeper connection to God and the people around me. My prayer time and my personal study would have little meaning or direction if I didn't have my church and that time with God. Plus I have people there who I trust to help me grow spiritually."
"This book says no one should tell you what to believe and that's why we shouldn't have churches," Claire said.
"Why did you want to tell me about the book?" Suzie asked.
"Well, because you know about religion and stuff and some of this sounded good..."
"But you weren't sure about the rest, right? So you came to talk about it with me to see what I thought?"
Claire nodded. "I guess so."
"Have I told you what to believe?" Suzie asked.
Claire shook her head. "No, you are telling me what you believe."
"That's what happens in church," Suzie said. "People share their faith with each other, and together we discern what God is saying and what God intends for us."
"Huh. So church is kind of like a place where good friends help you spiritually?"
"In some ways," Suzie said. "And in other ways it is much better than that -- because the church isn't simply a place where we go to meet friends. It is a place where we go to be with God."
Seeing Yourself in the Story
by Peter Andrew Smith
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
"So Dad, how did it go?" Marie asked as soon as Charles came through the door. "Did Mr. Jensen say it was okay for me to do my youth group environmental project at your office? Can we start reducing the carbon footprint of your workplace?"
"Why is this so important to you?" Charles asked.
"Because this is the world that God asked us to take care of, and we have done a rotten job. We waste electricity and ruin the environment by not recycling and reducing. Something has to be done, and I know I can make a difference even if it is just by using better light bulbs, adjusting the temperature on the air conditioning, and installing automatic timers to turn off computers and photocopiers at night."
"Sounds like that is going to cost money to do."
"It's minor compared to what it saves in the long run. I bet if Mr. Jensen let me change the settings on the air conditioning alone it would end up saving the company money as well as helping us preserve God's creation."
"But the air conditioning is only set at 70 degrees."
"70 degrees! Do you realize how much power that is wasting? Set at 80 degrees it will save loads of money and people will still be comfortable."
"So you're going to turn the air conditioning to 80 and leave it there?"
"Absolutely!"
"Good." Charles held up a stack of mail. "Because our power bill for last month came today. Since I'm away at work all day I don't think it is me using all this electricity."
Charles walked over and turned the air conditioner in the living room from 70 to 80.
"I never even thought..." Marie paused. "Maybe I'm not the best person to tell others how to save the environment."
"Maybe you should see what we can do at home to help the environment and preserve God's world," Charles said. "And when you're finished, start thinking about my office. Mr. Jensen said he'd be happy to have you make recommendations."
Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada who currently serves at St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things Are Ready (CSS), a book of lectionary-based communion prayers, as well as many stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
**************
StoryShare, August 2, 2009, issue.
Copyright 2009 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
What's Up This Week
"No Substitutes" by Argile Smith
"A Solid Foundation" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Seeing Yourself in the Story" by Peter Andrew Smith
What's Up This Week
We all crave love and acceptance -- but as Argile Smith reminds us in this week's StoryShare, no matter how much someone tries to fill the void sometimes there are simply no substitutes… just as there is no substitute for God's love and acceptance. Argile depicts the loving relationship between a handicapped man and his mother -- and though his sister valiantly steps in when the man's mother dies, he still intensely feels her loss. Peter Andrew Smith portrays a conversation between two women that demonstrates there's no substitute for the communal love and caring -- and the solid foundation in faith -- of the church. Peter also shares a brief vignette that reminds us we can't save the world without taking care of our own place in it first.
* * * * * * * * *
No Substitutes
by Argile Smith
Psalm 51:1-12; John 6:24-35
Eddie had to depend on his mom for literally everything in his life. Extremely disabled since birth because of cerebral palsy, he could do almost nothing for himself. He couldn't walk, feed himself, clothe himself, or even wash his face. To make matters worse for him, he couldn't utter words in a way that anyone other than his family could understand. His dad pitched in at every opportunity to help him, and his brothers and sisters helped out as well, but his mom shouldered the lion's share of responsibility for his care.
Every day of his life found him waiting in his bed for his mother to get him up and take him to the bathroom. Then she fed him his breakfast and got him dressed for the day. Throughout the day, he never got very far away from her. Periodically she stopped what she was doing just to check on him. She routinely changed the channel on the television for him so he could watch his favorite programs, and she gave him a snack or something to drink whenever he wanted it. She gave him his lunch and his dinner every day, and she got him ready for bed every night. After she tucked him in, she kissed him on his forehead, and told him that she loved him.
She also took time to sit with him and talk whenever she got a chance. She carried on a conversation with him on a variety of topics interesting to him. She asked him what he was thinking, discussed the news with him, and speculated with him about the characters on the soap opera he enjoyed watching every day. While she talked, she stroked his head or arm with her kind and gentle hand.
Because of her care, Eddie handled his disability with tremendous maturity. He took things in stride, and laughter came easy to him. He loved to hear a joke, but he favored good-natured repartee with his siblings and his dad.
The family doctor said that Eddie wouldn't live very long -- his body had too many obstacles to overcome. He couldn't grow normally because of problems with his disability, and before long his vital organs would be affected in a negative way.
But Eddie defied the doctor's prognosis. He made it to adulthood, much to everyone's surprise. Thanks to his mother's care, he lived into adulthood, and he even became a member of AARP!
When he turned 50, however, his life turned upside-down when his mom was diagnosed with cancer. For a couple of years, she worked hard to fight off the disease with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. But in due time, her body gave up the fight.
Eddie handled her death with remarkable courage. He had come to see that she wouldn't survive the disease that had crept into her body. Somehow, he had prepared himself for the inevitable loss of the person who made his life worth living.
Before she died, his mother made arrangements for one of Eddie's sisters to care for him. She chose well, because Eddie's new guardian had the same caring ways that characterized his mother. She took excellent care of Eddie in the years to come. Just like his mom, she got him up every day and followed the same routine, tending to every detail so his life would continue to be enriched.
Eddie appreciated what his sister did for him. He always showed his gratitude to her for the way she devoted so much of her precious time to his care. Because of her sacrifice, Eddie continued to experience the warm, personal touch that had been reflected in his relationship with his mom. He lacked for nothing, enjoyed everything just like before, and lived with the complete assurance that nothing in his life would change.
Yet, something had indeed changed. Eddie's mom was absent.
When friends and family members visited Eddie after his mom's death, he always wanted to talk about her and about how much he missed her. As much as his sister tried to do everything his mom would have done for him, she still wasn't his mom. No amount of her care could change that hard fact. Nobody could substitute for his mom. He longed to see her again in heaven, and he yearned for an opportunity to talk with her one more time. Nobody could take away his longing for her.
David yearned exclusively for God (Psalm 51:1-12); Jesus taught His disciples that He alone was the sole source of authentic life (John 6:24-35). No substitutes will satisfy our longing for a relationship with the Lord.
Argile Smith is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. He previously served as the vice president for advancement at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and as a preaching professor, chairman of the division of pastoral ministries, and director of the communications center at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS). While at NOTBS, Smith regularly hosted the Gateway to Truth program on the FamilyNet television network. Smith's articles have been widely published in church periodicals, and he is the author or editor of four books.
A Solid Foundation
by Peter Andrew Smith
Ephesians 4:1-16
"Have you read this book?" Claire asked, as she stepped onto the patio.
Suzie looked up from what she was reading. "I'm not sure. What is it?"
Claire read off the title.
"No, I don't think I've ever heard of it," Suzie said. "What's it about?"
"About spirituality and religion. It really opened my eyes. I'm surprised you haven't read it since you go to church and all."
Suzie smiled. "There are some things I haven't read. Who wrote it?"
Claire read the name from the cover of the book. "Have you heard of him before?"
"Can't say that I have. But what he wrote certainly seems to have made an impression on you."
A huge smile lit across Claire's face. "It certainly has. What he says really speaks to me and my generation."
"Well, tell me about it," Suzie said, pointing at the chair beside her.
Claire sat down, clutching the book tightly in her hands. "He says that we are spiritual beings and as well as our physical needs we have spiritual needs. Do you think that might be true?"
"I do."
"He also says that we need to grow into our spirits just like we grow into our bodies -- that there are things we can do to help us become what he calls 'spiritually mature.' "
"What does he suggest we do?" Suzie asked.
"He talks about meditation in a couple of chapters. I thought it was something difficult, but all you need to do is find a quiet space away from noise and distractions and slowly read and consider something important." Claire flipped through the book. "I'm surprised you've never heard of it."
"I've never heard of the book," Suzie said. "But I actually come out here in the early morning by myself to study the Bible and pray."
"Huh. I wondered what you did out here," Claire said, looking at the lush trees and bees buzzing in the garden. "You always seem so peaceful when you come inside for breakfast. The book says that the world would be a better place if we all took time to consider the spiritual -- that it opens us up to the universe and makes us more calm and content."
Suzie smiled. "There are days I am more troubled after prayer."
"Maybe you are doing it wrong," Claire said. "The author says we get harmony through meditation."
"I don't think so," Suzie answered, "because there are times when I need to be troubled."
Claire looked confused for a moment and Suzie waved her hand. "I'm not disagreeing with what you said, just adding to it. Quiet times for prayer and studying of the Bible do bring me peace, even when they show me things I wish I hadn't learned about myself. But tell me more about this book that has you so excited."
"Well, the author says we don't need religion or church to grow into spiritual beings because the power to do that is within us all." Claire paused. "But I bet you don't agree with that, do you?"
"No, I don't," Suzie said. "Because while we have great spiritual potential within us, I think we need church to help us express our faith, challenge our beliefs, and encourage us to grow in God's way."
"But you do the things he talks about in his book -- you meditate and study by yourself."
"Sure I do," Suzie said. "But I also have a church family to help me grow beyond what I am already. The pastor gives me things to think about all week on Sunday morning, and church gives me something more than that -- a deeper connection to God and the people around me. My prayer time and my personal study would have little meaning or direction if I didn't have my church and that time with God. Plus I have people there who I trust to help me grow spiritually."
"This book says no one should tell you what to believe and that's why we shouldn't have churches," Claire said.
"Why did you want to tell me about the book?" Suzie asked.
"Well, because you know about religion and stuff and some of this sounded good..."
"But you weren't sure about the rest, right? So you came to talk about it with me to see what I thought?"
Claire nodded. "I guess so."
"Have I told you what to believe?" Suzie asked.
Claire shook her head. "No, you are telling me what you believe."
"That's what happens in church," Suzie said. "People share their faith with each other, and together we discern what God is saying and what God intends for us."
"Huh. So church is kind of like a place where good friends help you spiritually?"
"In some ways," Suzie said. "And in other ways it is much better than that -- because the church isn't simply a place where we go to meet friends. It is a place where we go to be with God."
Seeing Yourself in the Story
by Peter Andrew Smith
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
"So Dad, how did it go?" Marie asked as soon as Charles came through the door. "Did Mr. Jensen say it was okay for me to do my youth group environmental project at your office? Can we start reducing the carbon footprint of your workplace?"
"Why is this so important to you?" Charles asked.
"Because this is the world that God asked us to take care of, and we have done a rotten job. We waste electricity and ruin the environment by not recycling and reducing. Something has to be done, and I know I can make a difference even if it is just by using better light bulbs, adjusting the temperature on the air conditioning, and installing automatic timers to turn off computers and photocopiers at night."
"Sounds like that is going to cost money to do."
"It's minor compared to what it saves in the long run. I bet if Mr. Jensen let me change the settings on the air conditioning alone it would end up saving the company money as well as helping us preserve God's creation."
"But the air conditioning is only set at 70 degrees."
"70 degrees! Do you realize how much power that is wasting? Set at 80 degrees it will save loads of money and people will still be comfortable."
"So you're going to turn the air conditioning to 80 and leave it there?"
"Absolutely!"
"Good." Charles held up a stack of mail. "Because our power bill for last month came today. Since I'm away at work all day I don't think it is me using all this electricity."
Charles walked over and turned the air conditioner in the living room from 70 to 80.
"I never even thought..." Marie paused. "Maybe I'm not the best person to tell others how to save the environment."
"Maybe you should see what we can do at home to help the environment and preserve God's world," Charles said. "And when you're finished, start thinking about my office. Mr. Jensen said he'd be happy to have you make recommendations."
Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada who currently serves at St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things Are Ready (CSS), a book of lectionary-based communion prayers, as well as many stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
**************
StoryShare, August 2, 2009, issue.
Copyright 2009 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
