Comments for Growing in the Word

Comment on Why I Won’t Be Asking Mother’s to Stand in Church This Mother’s Day by Todd Fisher

Todd Fisher — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:58:56 +0000

I see your point Mike. It’s a tough issue. Mother’s Day can be a painful day, but it’s still a day where we celebrate Moms. Many mothers want to dedicate their children on Mother’s Day. It’s difficult to deprive them of that. Yes, baby dedication can be hurtful for women wanting to be mothers, but that doesn’t single them out and isolate them in the way that having all mothers stand tends to do.

Comment on Why I Won’t Be Asking Mother’s to Stand in Church This Mother’s Day by Mike

Mike — Wed, 08 May 2013 03:46:41 +0000

I can understand your concern for the feelings of women who have or are struggling with motherhood. But if you are going to wave recognizing mothers by standing, shouldn’t you also do away with baby dedication? That is just, if not more, painful for those women isn’t it?

Comment on Why I Won’t Be Asking Mother’s to Stand in Church This Mother’s Day by Kathryn

Kathryn — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:36:38 +0000

I really, really appreciate this post, and unfortunately, it hits close to home. I am particularly dreading Mother’s Day this year. In February, when I found out I was pregnant, I was looking forward to this Sunday when I would be able to look down and feel our growing baby and celebrate Mother’s Day in a new way. But in April, when we found out our baby no longer had a heartbeat, and I had to undergo a D&C, Mother’s Day then became something I was certainly not looking forward to. If I wasn’t on staff at my church, I would have half a mind to just not go at all, even though our church does not make mothers stand, either.

I know that I am a mom to that little baby who is now in heaven, and I praise God that I was able to experience a life growing inside me, and I wait expectantly to see how he will use this tragedy to further his kingdom. However, Sunday will be a painful reminder for me of what I no longer have, and so I very much appreciate the thoughtfulness and care through which you are handling this holiday.

Certainly mothers should be celebrated, but we must always remember that there are those who are hurting amongst us. May we always act in a way that honors mothers, and honors those who are still hoping and praying for that precious gift.

Thank you for not letting tradition override your conviction.

~Kathryn

Comment on Is Easter A Pagan Holiday? by Angela R

Angela R — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 03:24:49 +0000

Thank you, Bro. Todd, for this post! The quote from Mark Driscoll at the end really made it all make sense for me. I, too, have been struggling with how much of the culture’s interpretation of Easter I want to incorporate in my family’s celebration. I like the reminder that once-pagan customs can now be redeemed for Christ. It brought to mind Paul’s addressing the meat sacrificed to idols and his encouragement, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

I truly desire for our family customs, whatever their origin, to be enacted for the glory of God.

Comment on Is Easter A Pagan Holiday? by J. Willis

J. Willis — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:10:41 +0000

Lately I’ve been interested in the Jewish Passover. What the objects symbolized and the procedures of celebrating.
God wanted the Hebrews from generation to generation to remember why they celebrated Passover. The celebration itself was a means of instilling an understanding of why the passover was celebrated and a way of keeping the event (especially for the children) in remembrance.
Easter may have ancient ties to a spring goddess, but thank goodness, that story has never been kept alive. Instead the word Easter, the symbol of the cross, and the lily symbolizing purity (Jesus was the ‘lily of the valley) and other symbols of new birth such as the egg…have been a means of teaching our children yearly the story of the resurrection.
If a problem exists it doesn’t seem to lie in some ancient pagan practice no longer remembered or understood by millions, but by parents not explaining the symbols of Easter as they are used to exemplify the resurrection.

Comment on Should Christians Watch Harry Potter? by Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:41:31 +0000

Thank you for this article. It really helped me, because I’m a Christian and I like Harry Potter. But my parents think it’s dangerous for Christians. I let them read this article and they agreed with me. Thanks!

Comment on He Makes All Things New: How God Will Consummate the Age by Wanda Fincher

Wanda Fincher — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:29:28 +0000

I am so glad you shared this on your blog. I was telling my Mom about you showing us in church and now I can send her this link! Wonderful, thank you!

Comment on The Most Important Place I’ve Ever Walked by Tommy and Helen

Tommy and Helen — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:03:56 +0000

Todd, we are so blessed to have had you as our pastor for a few years. May God bless you and your ministry for many more years.

Comment on The Most Important Place I’ve Ever Walked by Richard

Richard — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:35:48 +0000

Pastor/Professor Todd; what a brilliant lesson in a few short paragraphs. I imagine it is overwhelming when you process all you’ve seen and heard the last 10 days. May i become more aware of Christ each and every day and May i strive to not walk where He did but as you stated; “walk as He walked” Thank You for your investment in my life as a teacher and fellow servant.

Comment on Turning Trials Into Triumphs by Samita

Samita — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:17:50 +0000

Beautifully said…At 69 i can tell you it is absolutely true.Without those times in the valley the mountaintop experience would not be nearly so sweet.Bless you Pastor Todd and thank you.