don't give up, give in, give way!

a friend sent this DML-J quote to me this week and it's so encouraging and inspiring, I thought you'd want to read it, too...

"Frequently there comes a point at which development and advance seem to have come to an end and we are in some kind of doldrums when it is difficult to know whether the work is moving at all, either backwards or forwards. All seems to be at a standstill and nothing seems to be taking place...we are considering people who are not so much tired of the work as tired in it... What shall we say about it and what shall we do about it? Let me say at the outset that there is no aspect of this great problem of depression in which negatives are more important than they are on this particular occasion. Whoever we are found in this position of weariness, before we begin to do anything positive, there are certain negatives that are absolutely all-important.

"The first is this: Whatever you may feel about it do not consider the suggestion that comes to you from all directions - not so much from people, but from within yourself, the voices that seem to be speaking around and about you - do not listen to them when they suggest that you should give up, or give way, or give in. That is a great temptation that comes at this point. You say, 'I am weary and tired, the thing is too much for me.' And there is nothing to say at that point but this negative - do not listen. You always have to start with these 'don'ts' on the very lowest level; and that is the lowest level. You must say to yourself, 'whatever happens I am going on.'

"You do not give in or give way."

— Dr David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981)

Are you THE Wilberforce?

In the same way that I am often asked, "Are you related to THE Lloyd-Jones" (see Feb 24th post) lately poor Balloon Bird is being asked all the time, "Are you related to THE Wilberforce?" (Balloon Bird's real name, for those who are not familiar with his lineage, is Sir Wilberforce-Ping.)

He is forced (as am I) to say, "No" (since he doesn't care to lie any more than I do) but then he feels he must apologize--like me--and so because he says things in threes--he has to say it three times: "sorry, sorry, sorry".

Which is a bit embarrassing for him, he says.

But there is one good thing about it. (Which actually makes the question a fine compliment.) Because, just like me, Sir Wilberforce-Ping does have a glorious namesake: Sir William Wilberforce (1759-1833)--the heroic British abolitionist who is right now in the news because of the wondrous film Amazing Grace.

And Eric Metaxas has written the book Amazing Grace that goes along with it! He's a wonderful writer and (best of all) my wonderful friend.

Are you THE Lloyd-Jones?

I'm quite often asked (particularly in church circles) whether I am related to THE Lloyd-Jones. To which, of course, I respond ... But I AM the Lloyd-Jones.

But they're really asking: are you related to THE Doctor David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. (Seen here wondrously on a horse.) And it's a huge compliment. Because Dr David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) is such the rock star of theologians and preachers. And I'm a total groupie.

But when you're such a fan, of such a great man, of course you'd love to be able to say you're related or connected somehow. You wish you had met him. And been able to hear him preach. Or had him as your great Uncle. You sometimes even wish (inappropriately) you could tell all manner of lies to make it a better story--you remember him singing welsh hymns to you, he took you riding on his horse--in short, you wish you could say anything other than, "no". Which for some reason I can't help but follow with "sorry". (I feel it is such a let down and I'm rather let down by the whole thing myself.)

The only connection is that half of me is from that same passionate celtic corner of the world as he (Wales). But it doesn't quite do, since I've never lived there and only know maybe three words (hello, goodnight, and darling--handily they are perhaps the most essential ones, but nevertheless.)

But all silliness aside. I'm pleased when people ask me this--because it means I've found someone else who loves DML-J's teaching and sermons and books--and (if they're not too disappointed) probably I've found a new friend, too.

If you haven't heard of him, then I'm happy to introduce you... Meet THE Doctor David Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Check out one of his most brilliant books (especially the chapter on listening to yourself/versus speaking to yourself) and my favorite: Spiritual Depression.