As the election cycle nears to an end. As we try to understand the value "added" or "lost" as a result of Hurricane Sandy. As we take time to think about what really matters...I've noticed a few things.
One is that, there are some topics which will never get old.
In continuing the discussion on what it means to be a man, I think of all the conversations that are had year after year, decade after decade...generation after generation, about how important it is for a child to have their (a) father in their life.
The same could be said for us as humanity...a group of peoples (sic) fathered in some way, but currently seeming to be without a specified direction. What happens when you don't have or take the specified "print" created for you...well, if you're familiar with breakfast foods; you get a waffle!
#batterUp
Breakfast is the best part of my day when I actually can take all the time I want to do it exactly how I like. It's even more entertaining when someone else cooks all the food like momma, grandma, or some home-style restaurant. What I choose to eat really depends on the day...always looking forward to the choice between pancakes, waffles, and french toast.
Waffles...not a big difference from pancakes. What makes a waffle...a waffle?! For one you have the waffle iron that's used to give the batter a specific imprint or "design"; ironic, isn't it! Depending on the type of waffle iron, you have some control over the size, shape and surface impressions made onto the waffle. There are other waffle like products, such as: waffle cones, waffles fries, and waffle slabs (used in construction).
Let's not forget the different types of waffles: Belgian, American, Pandan, Scandinavian...and the list goes on. What about toppings?! Chocolate chips, fruit toppings, honey, jam/jelly, syrup...I hope you're not too hungry yet. When it comes to breakfast and having a choice of how you want to make your waffle, the possibilities are endless.
What if...the world is like a waffle...hear me out. I know it sounds crazy. Think about it. A waffle takes on the impression of the waffle iron that's used. You can dress up the waffle any way you'd like with various toppings and such. Beyond that, you even choose the way you want to make your waffle batter before putting it into the waffle iron; potentially determining the texture and other characteristics. Is it possible that the world was made in a similar form or fashion? Wouldn't that be awesome?! Just pour in your "earth-mix", flip and rotate the earth-iron a few times and there you go, one step closer to creating your own planet (inhabitants not included).
Perhaps, the world being a waffle doesn't translate very well. The reality is that when we as humans don't reflect the Creator's "imprint" we become more and more like a waffle over time. A waffle simply being, a World without A Father's Forgiving Love and Enduring mercy. It isn't always necessary to allow yourself to be ironed in order to fit into a different design other than the one you were created as (think of plastic surgery as an example of this).
In the book of Lamentations 5:3 (yes people were sad in Bible times, more than a lot of folks realize today) it talks about how these people have become fatherless orphans and their mothers like widows. The overall context is a prayer for restoration; things to be like they "used to be". Ever say to yourself, those were the good ole days. This is no different. Somehow the good folks here got so used to the "good ole days" when everything was great that they had forgotten the other days when things weren't so great, but yet God was still there for them. It's easy to get into a state like that. Ever have a friend who only is in constant contact with you when things aren't "swell", yea me too. All of a sudden they're doing really well in their life and you never hear from them again; go figure. You and I both know, "they'll be back". Let's take a deeper look at this Scripture.
Lamentations 5:3 (NKJV)
3 We have become orphans and waifs,
3 We have become orphans and waifs,
Our mothers are like widows.
Waffles...right...
Earlier in the campaign season President Obama was misquoted as saying, "You didn't build that", concerning small businesses or even big(ger) businesses and the level of effort they placed towards the simple things that had to be done by taxpayers in order for them (the businesses) to have a chance at success (e.g. Roads and infrastructure, Public safety, etc.) Oddly enough there's a verse in the Bible that declares this exact thing and I think it should be seen as a warning for the "people of Earth" who think that the planet is indispensable and can be used however we see fit (Deut. 6:10).
So far we've talked about how good waffles are, how the world seems to not have the Creator's imprint at times, the fact that we didn't build the Earth; how do all these things come together, if at all!?
I'll show you...
God the Father is a lover (and a fighter, but that's for another time). He loves all of his creation with immense passion and is deeply concerned about the paths we take, especially when we tend to drift away doing our own things becoming more and more like a waffle with all sorts of toppings (or fillings) that don't even belong. God is a forgiving father and as a result of his love he offers mercy, which in its plainest definition simply means that we are afforded the opportunity to miss the things we deserve, such as punishment for our wrong doings (or in the least, ALL of them, the way they should be paid for). In addition to that we have the option to accept certain gifts that he provides for those who choose to be imprinted by his design. The reality is we all have his design and it's up to us as to whether or not we recognize this and live as such (no extra toppings, imprints, or flavorings needed).
God's love is so...indescribable that in Ephesians 3:17-19 it states, "...make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand...how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. ...though it is too great to understand fully..." Many of us in the world today haven't really accepted the gift of God's love and because of that, we walk around looking like #aWaffle instead of being who we're created to be.
Now mercy...well, his mercy endures forever. Mercy can be described in various ways as well (e.g. Lovingkindness, faithful love, steadfast love, etc.) God's mercy is an extension of his love. In fact all of the attributes and characteristics of God are rooted in his love. When God created you (much like waffle batter) the main ingredient was his love. I don't know for sure if God created waffle batter, but if you find out let me know.
Happy Halloween #waffleMan
So far we've talked about how good waffles are, how the world seems to not have the Creator's imprint at times, the fact that we didn't build the Earth; how do all these things come together, if at all!?
I'll show you...
God the Father is a lover (and a fighter, but that's for another time). He loves all of his creation with immense passion and is deeply concerned about the paths we take, especially when we tend to drift away doing our own things becoming more and more like a waffle with all sorts of toppings (or fillings) that don't even belong. God is a forgiving father and as a result of his love he offers mercy, which in its plainest definition simply means that we are afforded the opportunity to miss the things we deserve, such as punishment for our wrong doings (or in the least, ALL of them, the way they should be paid for). In addition to that we have the option to accept certain gifts that he provides for those who choose to be imprinted by his design. The reality is we all have his design and it's up to us as to whether or not we recognize this and live as such (no extra toppings, imprints, or flavorings needed).
God's love is so...indescribable that in Ephesians 3:17-19 it states, "...make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand...how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. ...though it is too great to understand fully..." Many of us in the world today haven't really accepted the gift of God's love and because of that, we walk around looking like #aWaffle instead of being who we're created to be.
Now mercy...well, his mercy endures forever. Mercy can be described in various ways as well (e.g. Lovingkindness, faithful love, steadfast love, etc.) God's mercy is an extension of his love. In fact all of the attributes and characteristics of God are rooted in his love. When God created you (much like waffle batter) the main ingredient was his love. I don't know for sure if God created waffle batter, but if you find out let me know.
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
...
24 and rescued us from our foes,
...
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
There you have it. We as a people live in a world that doesn't completely reflect the One who made it. As a result we all have allowed ourselves to be imprinted as waffles, living day in and day out with designs, toppings, and accessories that were not meant for us to begin with.
After all, if God creates something, how can you improve upon it?
After all, if God creates something, how can you improve upon it?
A Whole Nation (ft. Donovan Owens)
Happy Halloween #waffleMan
