handmade gods

To whom would you liken Me and make Me equal and compare Me, that we would be alike? Those who lavish gold from the purse and weigh silver on the scale hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; they bow down, indeed they worship it. They lift it upon the shoulder and carry it; they set it in its place and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may cry to it, it cannot answer; it cannot deliver him from his distress. Isaiah 46:5-7
Just over a week ago i was walking down the crowded streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chiang Mai has incredible night markets that bring people out of the woodworks. me and 3 friends were browsing along with a sea of Thai people, sampling interesting foods, gazing at local art work, trying on jewelry, and marveling at interesting clothing trends. one could easily get lost in the chaos or feel overwhelmed at the sight of it all. the smells, the sounds, the sights...i felt swept up in the moment, thoroughly enjoying myself when my friend Aline grabbed my arm and softly said, "it's just like in the bible.." my eyes followed her gaze to find her staring at a man sitting on a stool hammering out the image buddha. my face fell at the sobering reality rolling before my eyes. it was happening right in front of me just like isaiah prophesied thousands of years ago. i wasn't sure what to do with myself. my friends continued on while i stood and watched, my mind reeling. i turned and caught up with my friends and we continued on our way, but my mind kept wandering back to that goldsmith...my heart felt sad.
I have sworn by Myself, the word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength...Isaiah 45:23-24 We can only rest in God, in who He is and what He has said. His hand is mighty to save. pray that blind eyes might be opened to the truth of God.
ok, time to switch countries. we arrived in india a little over a week ago. we are staying on a catholic compound called the pastoral care center. this will be my home for a little more than 3 months. yesterday we visited GMH (government maternity hospital) where we will begin training on monday. the hospital grounds are large and teeming with people...lines of women with precious lives growing in their bellies, families of women waiting, doctors, nurses, birth attendants...my heart lept with joy at the incredible opportunity God has laid before us. so many people just sitting around, waiting, bored...so perfect an opportunity to meet people, speak with people, sit with people, to mourn with people, to be joyful with people, to laugh with people, to touch people, to love people. GMH, here we come....