by Hannah Hanzel | May 8, 2019
Dear Jonathan,
It took me a while, as a
five-year-old, to wrap my head around not being the baby of the family once
mom’s pregnancy with you was announced. I didn’t know what to expect, except
that I would have to share the family’s attention with you. I thought to myself,
Well, if we’re going to have another
sibling, it better be a girl. Mom said your name would be Esther. So, I
thought about Esther.
I thought about her and me, along
with our older sister, playing Barbies, sharing clothes, and overpowering our
big brothers in arguments. I laughed at the idea of the girls outnumbering the
boys in the family. I smiled at the notion of getting to show my little sister
the ropes, as my big sister did before me. I prayed for a sister.
But as our patience stretched, not
unlike mama’s pregnant tummy, we learned you would be a baby boy. Mom said your
name would be Jonathan. So, I thought about Jonathan. I pouted as I thought
about the memories we could’ve made as the Three Hanzel Sister Amigas. I
thought about the way I could’ve taught you to braid your Barbies’ hair or how
to get you to ask dad for things in an irresistible manner… as is the baby
girl’s duty.
How could I, at just five years old,
have known the memories we would make? How could I have known about the
precious hand-holding as you toddled? How could I have known about the stories
we would create between your Star Wars action figures and my Polly Pockets? I
didn’t even have a clue that you would have my dimples and we would laugh
incessantly together. I didn’t foresee you becoming one of my best friends… but
you have. I’m grateful the Lord didn’t give me that for which I prayed.
Little brother, as you graduate
high school this month, I want you to know a few things:
You are weak. Not what you were expecting to hear? Hang in there.
You have weaknesses, fewer than I, but nevertheless, you have weaknesses. Press
into those weaknesses, because it is there that you discover God’s strength.
J.D. Greear once said, “If dependence is the goal, then weakness is the
advantage.” Don’t grow weary from roadblocks or difficulties, because they are
all opportunities for you to reflect God’s goodness and strength to others.
Depend on Him, little brother, and you will be the strongest man on earth.
You are valuable. When you go to college, people will try to
project truths and personas onto you. They’ll tell you that you’re the guy who
illustrates exceedingly well, or you’re the guy who has a lot of YouTube followers.
They’ll make your interests into your value, and that is simply untrue. Your
value is in Christ alone. This is an important truth because your interests
will change, but Christ will not. Place your value in that which is unmovable.
You are a gentleman. There are a lot of girls out there, bub
(except at the college you picked…). You are not responsible for how they treat
people or how they pursue relationships. You are only capable of controlling
your own desires and actions. Gentlemen open doors for ladies. Gentlemen treat
ladies like ladies… even when they don’t act like ladies. Gentlemen don’t get
swept away in inappropriate behavior or speech, but are sensitive to the
conviction of the Holy Spirit. Gentlemen uphold chivalry as a sign of value equality
and mutual respect. Gentlemen do not get consumed with pornography, but seek
the good of all and the glory of God. Gentlemen accept the forgiveness of God
and, in response, don the full armor of God. You are a gentleman, my baby
brother.
You go with God and you go with the
Hanzel Tribe name as you enter college and this new season of life. Remember
who you are, and remember Whose you are.
P.S. I’m glad you were a boy!
by Hannah Hanzel | Apr 2, 2019
Recently, a friend of mine got me hooked on a show. I love a
good TV show, so the draw was quick and the investment was easy. You may
recognize the show simply from the title of this blog, or from a few quick
quotes here:
“How you doin’?”
“Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!”
“We were on a BREAK!”
A lot could be said for the 10 season, fan-favorite TV show
called “Friends.” The show started in 1994 (a year before I was born), wrapped
up in 2004 and lives on in the hearts of many Millennials and Gen Xers today.
The story was simple, though often got migraine-worthy complicated more times
than not. The narrative displays six young adult friends who are doing their
best to navigate relationships, careers, pop culture, failures, successes and
conflicts that face every young adult trying to find their way in life.
I thoroughly enjoy vegging on the couch and watching an
episode (or 20…) of Friends after a
day of work. Though I find relaxation and joy in this, many times I can’t help
but analyze the show from my Christian worldview and feel sad for these
friends. In at least every other episode there is critical miscommunication,
crushingly selfish actions and a shameless parade of sexual jokes, comments and
behavior.
In this blog, my desire is first to highlight some key red
flags that, as believers, should bother us in Friends. Lastly, I will then offer gold stars to positive
friendship goals portrayed in the show.
Red Flags:
‘Follow your heart’ mentality
Through nearly every episode, we see characters face hard or
conflicting decisions. In the end, the person has a realization of what their
heart “truly” wants.
So, naturally, they follow their heart into unwed sex as they
face temptation. They follow their heart into self-serving situations as they
face others. They follow their heart into silence as they face injustice or
discomfort.
It’s not surprising that each of these characters take these
actions at the whim of their heart. Nonbelievers will act like nonbelievers,
and we should neither be surprised nor angry with them when they behave as such.
Believers, however, should always take note and weigh the repercussions of
following their heart over following the Spirit.
Casual use of
pornography
Pornography has plagued our culture. It has been around
longer than you think and is here to stay, as long as believers wish war against it rather than wage war against it.
Friends characters
continually paint pornography merely as a tool for sexual arousal,
self-satisfying therapy or a “how-to” guide. It is portrayed as humorous,
normal and even beneficial. I’ve seen this played out in current TV shows such
as New Girl, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
and others as well. Don’t give the Enemy a foothold by adopting a casual use or
view of pornography.
Unrealistic relationship
pressures
The show is consistently nurturing discontentment and shame
in being single. When a couple breaks up (or “takes a break”), immediate
pressure is placed on them to resolve this issue called “loneliness.” The
behavior and mentality are naturally adopted by the viewers.
I, myself, have found an increased struggle to manage my contentment in singleness the more immersed in the show I become. I consistently must remind myself that my loneliness is cast out by the omnipresent Father.
Gold Stars:
They build each other
up
The characters in Friends
are continually building each other up. It may come in either a sarcastic
comment or a warm hug, but there is no doubt about it—these friends are here
for each other. This can be elevated and increased in Christian relationships as
friends spiritually sharpen one another (Prov. 27:17).
They have moderate
boundaries
Boundaries aren’t these characters’ strong suits, especially
when it comes to sexual temptation, but they are something I consider gold star
worthy. However, I reserve the right to demote them to a silver star as I wrap
up the ninth season.
The Bible tells us that we should be careful and thoughtful
in how we handle our friendships (Prov. 12:26). As believers, we should be able
to surpass those in the TV show by simply being prayerful about our
relationships. There should especially be caution and boundaries between
friends of the opposite sex.
They are sacrificial
The friends in this TV show exemplify sacrificial love as
best can be displayed in a secular sitcom. In most episodes, their sacrifice
comes in the form of surrendering time, effort or respect. John 15:13, however,
tells believers that more is required of godly friendships. We are called to
lay down our lives for our friends. There is no greater love.
On one hand, I love this TV show, and often find
encouragement from its gold stars. On the other hand, I’ve had to check my
flesh and spirit as I feed my body with the red flag elements of the show. I
would like to encourage you, friends, to continually check, not only your
friendships, but also things of which you fill your mind.
What we listen to, watch, read and consume will affect our
friendships, and even more so, will affect our view of God.
by Hannah Hanzel | Mar 20, 2019
As I drove, I smiled. The road was long
from Oklahoma City to McAlester, but it was always worth it. I pulled into the
old, cracked parking lot of my former home church. My joy turned to fear as I
wondered, will they remember me?
The fear was quickly scattered as I
walked under that tall steeple and through the propped-open, glass doors. The
greeters were more than kind faces; they were old friends. This church was chock-full
of memories from 4th grade all the way up to my young adult years. It was the
church that built me.
As I walked the halls, I could almost see
shadows of myself. I saw 4th grade Hannah working on homework in a side room as
mom attended her Tuesday Morning Ladies’ Bible Study. I saw 6th
grade Hannah sharing her new iPod Shuffle music with her Girls in Action
friends. I saw 8th grade Hannah crying in the hall after her “crush”
brushed her off again. I saw high school senior Hannah laughing as she painted
the nursery with the younger girl she mentored. I saw young adult Hannah being
prayed over by the elderly ladies Sunday School before she left for Oklahoma
City and her first “grown-up job.”
So much of who I am today was built up
and developed by my home church in McAlester. I think of Sunday School teachers
like the Grizzles, Pools, Leningtons, Stephanie, Linda, Julene and so many
more! I think of my old bosses and dear friends like the Briggs and the Hutsons.
I think of the ministers that shaped my walk like Randy Adams, Brad Millsap,
Steve Lunsford, Linda Lowber and many more. I richly recall my mentors Pam,
Janice, Carrie, Jennifer, and others. Lastly, I remember the older couples that
invested in me like the Sossamons, Parringtons, Sherrills, Braswells, and Durants…
and simply too many more to name.
First Baptist Church in McAlester was
made of more than mere brick and mortar; it was built by the legacies and
devout service of hundreds if not thousands of saints, to the glory of God.
That church they built is the church that built me.
That church built my joy for missions. I
saw this exhibited in them by the teams of encouragers that sent my family and
me as we served as missionaries overseas for five and a half years. I saw it in
the Barbie dolls they sent me as a Missionary Kid for Christmas. I saw it in my
Girls in Action leaders’ eyes as they retold a missionary’s story to our group.
I saw it in the full offering plate at times of church-wide missional giving. I
saw it in the collection of numerous, international flags that lined our
sanctuary. This is true joy for missions.
That church built my perception of
sacrifice. I saw this in the rows of pews filled with precious widows, putting
their gifts in the offering plate. I saw it in prominent, wealthy individuals
and couples that chose humility and a life of behind-the-scenes service. I saw
it in the children’s director who overcame familial hardships and put her
ministry’s children first. I saw it in pastors who said goodbye in order to
obey the Lord. I saw it in more than generous monetary gifts in order to fund a
mission trip. This is true sacrifice.
That church built my perception of
mentorship. I saw this in the youth pastors and their wives as they hosted
dozens of awkward, goofy teenagers. I saw it in the prayerful watch of precious
senior adult women, one Sunday school class in particular. I saw it in pairing
with that Sunday School class to learn the art of fruit basket arrangements…
what a fun day that was! I saw it in the careful instruction of Sunday School
teachers, including my Nana who led my 10th grade year. I saw it in
the loving rebuke of my boss and friend, Carrie. This is true mentorship.
Because of this church that built me, I
am pressed forward for joy in this journey with Christ as my Savior. As I sit
under new instruction and with new fellowship at my current church, I reflect
on my time at First Baptist in McAlester similar to how Paul viewed the church
in Philippi. I cannot close these thoughts and fond memories in any better way
than how Paul himself did, by doing so with Paul’s blessing on the church. This
I pray for First Baptist Church in McAlester…
“I give
thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all
of you in my every prayer,because of your partnership
in the Gospel from the first day until now.I am
sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.Indeed,
it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you
in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my
imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel.For
God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of
Christ Jesus.And I pray this: that your love will keep
on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,so
that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and
blameless in the day of Christ,filled with the
fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the
glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:3-11).
by Hannah Hanzel | Feb 5, 2019
Two
precious lives lost. Both babies. One baby was loved and wanted, but a failed
pregnancy abruptly stole the infant’s heartbeat. The other baby was not wanted,
nor was even seen as a living, breathing human and was aborted. The differences
continue as the first baby receives a tear-soaked casket while the other is
discarded. The first baby is given stem upon stem of roses to adorn the freshly
turned soil, while the memory of the other baby falls away like petals on a
fading rose.
Neither of these babies’ stories are new to the world,
unfortunately. Sorrow and unexplainable pain surround each instance. Both have
something to say, though very different. The first baby may say, “It’s OK mama,
don’t cry.” Or perhaps, “I’m sorry we couldn’t meet. I know we would’ve had so
many great memories together.”
The second baby on the other hand, may have something different to
say. Perhaps this baby’s small voice is offered like a sweet smelling rose from
the grave, “I wish I had been given a chance.” Or maybe, “It’s OK mama, I’m
where I’m wanted now, in the arms of God.”
The babies, either wanted or not wanted, point to one thing, and
that is human brokenness. Because of sin in the world, we experience loss. We
experience pain. We experience suffering. We can see it, not only in maternity
wards or Planned Parenthood clinics, but we can see it in the news. The
starving children, the women being sold for sex, the men being exploited at a
young age as soldiers in a war they hate, elderly being neglected, babies being
murdered; all of these cry out in silent tears for justice—justice that God
seems to be withholding from us.
Resolution and relief efforts arise like an aromatic rose from the
grave from the ones that could not be saved in time. Yes, a rose from the
grave. It is from the One that rose from the grave that life, and justice spill
forth. The suffering and the lost and the fearful and the wounded—they will not
die when their hope is in the Rose of Calvary. Oh, that blessed aroma that
permeates our sin and transgressions.
Someday we will each hold an account for the lives that fell
around us. The babies that were aborted because we didn’t open our arms to
receive a frightened, expectant mother. The child slavery we supported through
the purchase of merchandise built on the backs of minors. The men and women we
extorted by taking pleasure in porn. The elderly that died alone because we’d
rather sit on our couches than sit with the lonely.
We may not be directly responsible for decisions made around us
that led to death, but we can most certainly be involved in the decisions
around us that lead others to life. True life! Life abundant and free. Life
that Jesus says He came for, “…I have
come so that they may have life and have it in abundance” (John 10:10).
Jesus came to give us life, and Jesus is the life (John
14:6). One could easily conclude how Jesus’ death on the cross was Him giving
of Himself that we might have life. He not only died for us, but He rose from
the dead. He restored us! He gave us dignity by lying lifelessly in a human
tomb. He gave us a voice and an advocate by surrendering His right to both. He
filled our captive lungs with freedom’s air, while His own lungs emptied with a
final breath.
Yes, this Jesus also rose from the grave! Death may have held Him
for a time, but it was for an appointed time. He calls you to life too. He
calls you to receive Him by faith alone and then calls you to be a life-lover,
a Christ-lover. He calls you to advocate for those who aren’t given a chance
for life, neither physically nor spiritually.
On February 6, 2019, men, women and children will fill the
Oklahoma state capitol to speak up for the baby that no one wanted and the life
that was taken. The event is called Rose Day. You can find more information at www.roseday.life.
What will you do to be a life-lover, a Christ-lover?
by Hannah Hanzel | Nov 29, 2018
With a firm grip on His sovereign knitting needles, the Almighty transposed Himself into a young woman’s womb. She was a virgin, untouched by a man, and yet, somehow became the temple of the Greatest Love of all. He created Himself inside the body of the woman He created. A.W. Tozer put this profound happening this way, “Was there anything lovelier than to be the Creator of His own mother, to have made the very body that gave Him protection and bore Him at last into the world?”
God, with every stitch and loop, having already created His precious mother’s womb years earlier, created Himself there in that blessed space. God of all area and time contained to the shape of a small baby. Can you imagine the baby’s kicks, movements Mary must have felt like any other mother? Except, this baby had already experienced and, even more, created the world that awaited Him outside the womb.
Psalm 139:13 says, “For it was You that created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” The verse has a whole new weight when thoughts of the unborn Christ Child are infused in it. Perhaps God spoke as He knitted, “For it was I who created My inward parts; I knitted myself together in My mother’s womb.” At the finished work, was it a smile or a tear that came upon the Father’s face?
God knew, once He created the tiny body, that Mary would then give birth to Him, and the weight of human life would fall on the child’s small shoulders. He would grow to be a young man when his shoulders would hold the weight of wise instruction in the temple. Then He would develop into a mature man when His shoulders would hold the weight of the world’s sins.
Even as God created Himself as Christ in a young woman’s womb, just as delicately and just as lovingly does He form every unborn child. He breathes life into the quickly developing lungs. He pumps the heartbeat to a steady pace to sustain the rest of the delicate figure.
The Lord God loves babies.
Did you know that? He smiles at their joy. He weeps at their neglect. He comforts their already sinful hearts. He binds their wounds with compassion. He sees every born and not yet born baby, and He loves them.
At Christmas time, it can be easy to picture this God that loves babies. It can be easy to picture Mary holding the baby Savior as we pass countless nativities in the store and at church. I can vividly remember the last time the Lord allowed me to cradle and love on a little baby.
One Friday afternoon as I volunteered at the hospital near my house, a pediatrics intensive care unit nurse asked me to come hold and feed a 7-month-old baby. We’ll call him John. John had been abused. His little hands and feet were bandaged, concealing the cruel burns forced on his helpless body. Little John, even at 7 months old, had little trust for people, having only felt pain and fear in the arms of an adult. He fought sleep. He fought food. He fought me.
I began singing to John. I sang every hymn and worship song I could think of, and before long, his small body began to relax, and his fearful shaking subsided. His dark brown eyes finally had the courage to meet mine as he grasped the milk bottle in my hand. As he drank, I could see tears build in his eyes. “What have you seen, my little brother?” I thought to myself. “Be still and feel the presence of God fall on you, little one, for you are not invisible, and you are valuable.”
These words leapt from my heart and slipped from my lips to John’s tiny ears. As I whispered them, I mourned the injustice of it all. Why should one so innocent suffer so greatly? How could God allow the precious child in my arms to bear so much of the world? Could these be the very things Mary prayed in her heart?
As she cradled the tiny Savior, did she mourn the injustice of it all? Why should Christ, so perfect, suffer for the sins of the world?
Can you picture Mary in your church’s nativity, wrapping the Christ Child in her arms? Or have you missed it? Many have already been hurtled into the “full steam ahead” mentality, with families, duties, lists and tasks in tow. I feel compelled to encourage you to love the babies in your life. Here are three ways you can reflect God’s compassion to the children around you:
- Volunteer. Your holiday time is valuable, but perhaps one Saturday afternoon you could give up the time you would have spent watching a movie or go shopping to volunteer somewhere. Hospitals, crisis pregnancy centers and your church’s nursery are teeming every week with parents and babies in need of Christ’s compassion. Would you consider calling one of those places to see how you could give of your valuable time? You could ask your church staff if there is a single parent of whom you could babysit.
- Give. Maybe you’re too busy to organize a crisis pregnancy center’s closet or to hold a baby for an hour or two at a hospital near you. That’s okay! Do you have a penny under the seat of your car or a $20 bill left over from your Christmas present fund? Reach out to places like the Hope Pregnancy Center, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree, Samaritan’s Purse and your church’s nursery to provide the donation you’re able to offer!
- Sacrifice. Spend time with the babies in your life. Invest in their futures and in their walk with the Lord. Does your neighbor have a baby? Do you have your own baby? Do you have little ones in your extended or mediate family? Is one of your friends pregnant? When was the last time you told them that they’re loved? Sacrifice whatever it takes to let the babies in your life know they are valuable. Sacrifice your pride, your time, your attention, your arms, and your words.
This December, consider the reality that you will never again live out the 2018 Christmas season. This is your chance to make this year different. What will you do this holiday to show the love of Christ to the precious babies around you? For it was only a couple thousand years ago that God Himself unfurled the yarn of heaven to knit together the transposed Savior… Emmanuel, God with us.