My "Bestest" Buddy

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy[a] Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 (NKJV)

I love it when I hear little kids say, “So-in-so is my Bestest Buddy!”. It’s so endearing, and it really reveals the ranking of their best-BEST friend…

As a child, and actually all throughout her life, my “Bestest Buddy” was my mom. And the older I got, the more I could see it, feel it, and appreciate it. She was my Bestest Buddy because she loved me unconditionally and always told me the truth, good or bad, because she always had my best interest at heart; because she always provided wisdom, guidance, knowledge, discipline, and instruction, towards paths that were healthy, righteous, and laden with integrity and good choices. And because she always taught me lessons that would teach me how to survive in this world, and to help insure I would end up in the right “next” world.

I grew up in a faith based family. We attended church weekly, and often more. I was a member the youth choir and Jr. P.F. (Pilgrim Fellowship), along with my sister, nieces, and the boy who would one day become my husband. My mother was a vacation bible school teacher and Girl Scout mom. My father was head of the Board of Trustees, and my sister-in-law was the youth choir director and her brother played the organ. So between choir rehearsals, youth group meetings, activities, and trips, church events, church teas, vacation bible school, and Girl Scout meetings that were held at the church, without my realizing it, she made sure I was always in the house of the Lord. She was my Bestest Buddy.

My mom went home to be with the Lord in 1997. But my relationship with my mother showed me what a true Bestest Buddy is, or what they’re suppose to be. I have several “Bestest Buddies” in my very own family and in my life. Each gives me a different perspective of knowledge, wisdom, and clarity, and each generously provides their own flavor of comfort and love.

Though each relationship has its own gifts, there is one common factor that qualifies them as being Bestest Buddies. One imperative requisite; trust.

One of the greatest gifts, and parts of Himself God has given us, is the Holy Spirit. How wondrous of Him to deposit a part of Himself inside those of us who have chosen to follow Him in faith. He’s given us a Spiritual Bestest Buddy, that is not near us 27/4, but better yet, one who actually lives INSIDE of us 24/7. We don’t have to wait to hear back from an email, text, or phone call. We don’t have to hope He’s awake or home or has time for us. We don’t have to wait until He’s in a good or better mood to talk to Him. With the Holy Spirit, we have a constant companion, counselor, and friend. One that you can always trust. One who has your best interest at heart, because He knows the plan God has for your life.

Sometimes people in our lives can and do let us down. Some intend to, others do not, just as we let others down as well. But even with their best guess, they don't know God's plan for us. But the Holy Spirit will never let you down, because He does, and because He always wants what’s best for you. No, it may not always be what you want, but it will always be what’s best.

And unlike some of our earthly peers, you can always trust the Holy Spirit, because there’s never a hidden agenda with Him, and therefore, never any bad, destructive, or deceptive advice. The Holy Spirit doesn’t want the promotion you’re going for at work. The Holy Spirit doesn’t want to steal your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend. The Holy Spirit isn’t jealous of your accomplishments, potential, or talent. He has no issue or bias towards your gender, race, or economic class. And He isn’t holding a grudge against you for something you did to Him in the past. He doesn't covet anything you own or desire. He doesn’t want to laugh at you, mock you, or hurt you. He doesn't want to see you fail. He doesn’t want to trip you up. As part of the trinity, His joy, like Jesus’ and God’s, comes from loving you, guiding you, and seeing Himself revealed in you; seeing the Word spread by you, in behavior, voice, and choice. He doesn't want anything from you, yet He wants everything for you; so you can always trust His counsel, and you can always trust His care.

Whenever you are struggling, and need advice or direction, and you are deciding who to ask, make sure the Holy Spirit is on the top of your list. The Holy Spirit is the Word living inside of you. The Holy Spirit is for sure, your Bestest Buddy.

My Chat With God (A Prayer for the Single Woman)

Heavenly Father, I come to you today,
Not to ask you to pay a bill, or to send a man my way.
I come to you to thank you, for things already done,
For saving me forever, for sending me your Son.

I thank you for my heart, where I've asked your Son to live,
And I thank you for my soul, that let's me feel all that you give.
I thank you for my knees, or else how else could I kneel...
and pray and sing your praises; Father, how else could I heal?
I thank you for the lessons, even those born out of pain,
And I thank you for each rainbow, knowing each must follow rain.

I thank you for each teardrop, each one helps to clear my eyes,
and I thank you for each heartbreak, each one turns me towards your sky...
where you sit, and watch, and guide me, on your perfect, placid throne,
And in each day of joy or sorrow, I know no day, am I alone.

Yes I sometimes forget to give you, all my burdens, worries, tears,
and I covet them like children, and hold on to all my fears,
Then I hear you whisper to me, "Pay attention, child of mine,
I am Alpha, and Omega, I am with you all the time.

I brought a nation through the Red Sea, they passed through as by dry land,
If I did that for oh so many, why would I let go of your hand?
I was there to comfort David, when they tried to take his throne,
I was there to restore Job, who lost family, field, and home,
I was there to bless my Sarah, who tried to beat me to the punch,
And on the Mount I blessed my Jesus, who only needed to serve lunch.

Yes I live inside your heart, but I am on Damascus too,
And I'm there before you get there, and I'm waiting just for you.
And so no matter what's behind you, or on the road you're soon to walk,
I'll be there to bless and love you, and any time you need to talk...
To your Father and your friend, to your Saviour and your King,
While the Holy Spirit teaches, faith, is about things yet unseen.

Though you'll have days that are not easy, days you're tired, weak, and worn,
Know each day has sun and darkness, know that each rose has it's thorns.
But wherever you are, I'm with you, storms last only for a while,
And whatever you do, I love you, because like Jesus, you're my child."

A Mother Understands "Our Father"

In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Matthew 6:9 (NKJV)

So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Luke 11:2 (NKJV)

Many Christians know that the key to feeling close to God and hearing from Him is through the opportunity and gift of having a personal relationship with Him.

Though we may see God in different roles in our lives at different times, many of us enjoy a “primary” relationship designation with Him. Some see Him primarily as their best friend, some as a guide and comforter, and the list goes on. In my personal relationship with God, I see Him “primarily” as a Father; my father. And the longer I am a mother, a parent, the more I see His parental role in my life, and the more I see how much of a spiritual child I really am. Let me tell you a story…

In 1994, my family relocated from our home in the Windy City to Kansas City. You must understand that in 1994, the Chicago Bulls were ruling the NBA, and Michael Jordan, who had just come out of retirement, was king. To say we were huge Bulls fans is like saying Romeo liked Juliet. That year, as the holidays approached, all my middle son Cameron wanted for Christmas, was an authentic Bulls sweat suit. From the falling leaves of Thanksgiving, through the first blanket of snow in December, every few days he made sure to give us not so subtle reminders. Little did he know however, that I had already alerted the grandparent squad back home, and the sweat suit arrived in Kansas City well before Halloween.

Two days before Christmas break, the kids and I were at Wal-Mart shopping for Christmas gifts for their teachers. And yes, it was a madhouse! As we were walking down the aisles, Cameron’s radar went off and his eagle-eyes spotted a red and black sweat suit in the boy’s section…

“Mom, mom, C’mere for a minute, I HAVE to show you something!”

Never a sentence you want to hear from your kid in Wal-Mart! I went to see what it was, and alas, it was “a” red and black sweat suit that “looked like” the authentic one he wanted; that “looked like” the authentic one I had ALREADY got for him, but it wasn’t time for him yet to receive it!

“I know it’s not the REAL one, but it’s looks just like it, can I have it? Can we get it today?? Please, please, pleeeeeease?”

Yeah, every parent knows that song. But ironically, what really stuck me, both truthfully and shamefully, was not his begging or behavior, but seeing, for the first time, though quieter and less animated, the identical behavior I had exhibited time and time again in my relationship with my Holy Father. And just as Cameron’s gift was already tucked away in a spare closet without his knowledge, there had been many occasions where it turned out that He, my Father, already had my blessing, my relief, my gift, or my answered prayer, quietly tucked away as well, but during my whining, begging, and pouting, it was not yet time for ME to receive it. But in the right time, in His time, as always, both the blessing and the timing always turned out to be perfect.

So many, many times, I had been willing to settle for what “looked like” the authentic thing; just so I could have “something”.

I’m sure that until Cameron is a father himself, he will never understand the smile that came across my face in the midst of his articulate, yet thwarted negotiations. But my heart was so full of love for him, and for Him, and so full of gratefulness and gratitude to God for showing me the kind of child I had the tendency to be, that all I could do was smile.

Of course, like my Father tells me from time to time, I too told my son, “No”, while knowing all along, that I already had a plan he didn’t know about. That I already had what his heart desired set aside for him, and not what his impatience turned his heart away from, and what he was now willing to settle for. That I knew that the thrill of the “fake” sweat suit would eventually fade; that it would bring him temporary happiness, but never joy. I knew what Cameron didn’t know; I knew the best was yet to come.

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:11 (NKJV)

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)