Using our dmFPC!

So I'm reading John Ortberg's book, 'Soul Keeping - Caring for the Most Important Part of You'... 

There is all kinds of good stuff in it (pick it up and read it if you haven't already!) but something this morning that just affirmed ... gave me a little more understanding. 

He was talking about how we are made / wired to bless others and what research has found out about our brains. One part of our brain sees and has some empathy when we see someone suffering but it does not predict selflessness / response.

IF another part of our brain is active (the dmFPC...whatever...) THEN ... 

pg. 159. 

'It turns out that we are most likely to actually help someone, not simply when we seem them suffering, but when we also consider ourselves 'attached' to them. 

Seeing suffering does not move me to act if I think of the person as 'him'. 

But when I think of that person as part of 'us', part of 'me', then I am moved to bless. Jesus may have been speaking quite literally when he said, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' 

With all the hurt and many solvable issues going on in the world.. and people ... people who say they are followers of Jesus don't respond ... it's because they are not 'attached', not considering 'us'.... not using ALL their brain!

I know I somehow have a front row seat to this all living in a developing country BUT ... we're all made in the image of God ... and we all have brains. 

Let's get the right parts of our brain working! 

Work on connecting ... seeing people as Jesus would want us to see them... using our dmFPC!

When your 12 year old reminds you...

So this morning ... last day of school here ... Isabella is running at the last minute to gather up some donations for a school drive - clothes and shoes for a children's home here. 

I see her pass with two dresses that she has grown out of and a few pairs of shoes. 

The dresses ... beautiful, party dresses that she has worn for Christmas and multiple weddings - all shiny and sparkly and fun. 

I was about to open my mouth and say that maybe she had some other clothes that she would like to give away. That maybe those dresses could be given to some younger cousins. 

But I thank God I caught myself! Seriously!! 

She had picked the most beautiful things to give to the most vulnerable. 

Not just the nice dresses but the most beautiful ones. 

I couldn't help but smile as I thought of two young girls being able to twirl in sparkle and lace. 

I was also deeply reminded to always give the best. 

May the receivers of these dress know they are wonderfully made, loved by God and worthy. 

Isabella I love you!