MULLIGANS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Sorry I missed you yesterday. The day had to start even a little earlier than usual.  Good to be back today!

“Everyone deserves a mulligan” – Governor John Kasich

I was so blessed and honored yesterday to share in our FIRST LoveEpidemic Event at the Cooper Road Vineyard in Columbus.  It was a robust day of faith-leaders coming together to BE EQUIPPED to fight against the current OPIATE EPIDEMIC.

The planning and coordination team did a remarkable job of bringing in some of the best and brightest minds from all over the country to inspire, educate and enlighten the attendees.

I was so honored to kick the day off as the first speaker representing many of my friends, colleagues and partners in this effort including our Attorney General's team.  My job was to share the “WHY” for the day, a privilege for which I am most grateful.

And the day closed with a deeply engaging conversation between Pastor Rich Nathan of Vineyard Columbus and our Governor. They shared insights regarding the epidemic, the role of clergy and faith, and opportunities for churches and faith teams to MAKE a difference; to move the needle against this scourge.

  

But it was that little quote from our Governor that caught my attention late in yesterday’s proceedings.  Clearly, he is a golfer.  And for those who aren’t, a MULLIGAN is when a player is granted a ‘do over’ on his or her shot with no penalty. 

You don’t see these on TV or with the pros, but we recreational golfers depending on how benevolent we are with our playing partners, may grant a mulligan here or there over the course of a round.

But Mr. Kasich was sharing this little golfism in the context of HOW WE “the church” should respond to those who suffer with substance use disorder and experience a setback.  We should be quick to offer a MULLIGAN even it is a little measured.  In fact, he went on to say why not give a third, fourth or fifth chance if that is what it takes.

Made me think of this little song my kids use to watch back in the day from the Veggie Tales crew. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeOnADmkD74

Truth is we are BLESSED with a GOD who is gracious with the “mulligans”.

Dan Jenkins took the golf analogy a little further when he said,

Always keep in mind that if God didn't want a man to have mulligans, golf balls wouldn't come three to a sleeve.  

There is some good truth there.

I will be honest, I am personally grateful for the mulligan’s GOD and so many others have granted me over these 52 years. I can’t count them.  Wouldn’t be able to start.  And I am deeply grateful for THIS TRUTH.

(GOD) doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. 

2 Peter 3:9 (MSG)

“[When it comes to God] We can't run out of second chances...only time.” 

― Robin Jones Gunn

Plenty of mulligans to go around.

So, the thought for today is a simple one.

GOD is supremely gracious with His mulligans. 

He is a GOD of “many” chances. 

The question is, are we?

Have a blessed weekend!

I love you all!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE