Article by Malcolm Marler

For those of us who are of the Christian faith, Matthew 6:19-43 is one of the clearest passages about Christian simplicity in the Bible.  Take a moment and read it through (see below).

The words of Jesus are radical as he instructs us to vow, “I trust that God will take care of my basic needs and I do not need to be anxious about anything.”  For me, it is an invitation to live radically different than I do.

I am trying to live more simply, and discovering it’s not about simple answers as much as it is about defining my priorities of what is most important.  I want to live more simply so that I can live my life with more purpose.

My problem is … I don’t really stop long enough to know what my priorities are for living today. Read More »

“I’m learning that my deepest lessons are learned when I look at what someone has said or done to me that was hurtful and ask the question, ‘How have I done this to others in my thoughts or actions?’”

Article by Malcolm Marler

As I sat in the meeting with a group of fellow co-workers (not my chaplain team), I was caught off guard by the comments of one of the group members. He critiqued a workshop that I had recently led in front of the group, and he told me how disappointed he was that I didn’t talk enough about some things he thought would have been more helpful to the audience.

I felt my face grow warm with embarrassment and I was aware of the tightness in my throat and the defensiveness in my voice.  Finally, I just sat back and listened, though I could feel the sadness in my heart and the pit in my stomach that he (and maybe others) was not impressed.

He did not approve.  I was not all that he wanted me to be, I had failed to impress or to be held in high esteem by this individual.  My stress level was on high alert.

Can you remember a time when you were criticized by a co-worker, a family member, or your spouse or partner? Read More »

“… It calls us home and reminds us that life is good, and that we need to be still and quiet.”

Article by Malcolm Marler

A few months ago I wrote the following words to my wife, Mary, in an email:

“When we move from the lake, my hope and prayer will be that whatever and wherever it is, it will be a step toward radical simplicity.  A step towards making time for relationships, yours and mine, as well as with others, and a lifestyle that is enriched by doing what we love, and not what we feel like we have to do.  I don’t know what all of that means, but I like to dream of it.”

And so my simplicity journey began. It was a step, a beginning, a stirring, a calling to walk a new pace.

In Richard Foster’s book, Freedom of Simplicity, he states that simplicity is rooted in the spiritual.  Simplicity is not about becoming an ascetic and hating material possessions.  It is about understanding that happiness through owning stuff is limited, and our peace, joy, and inherent value comes from God. Read More »

Article by Kevin L. DeWitt

In our world today, we’re on the move all the time … one activity after another, always one more appointment to get to, one more errand to complete … and when we stop we’re exhausted mentally and physically.

Constant activity and movement are our default modes, if not with our bodies then at least with our minds, with our attention.  Even when we are sitting still, most of us we have the television on, or we’re on the computer checking email and Facebook, or we’re texting friends on our cell phones.  We are always on, always connected, always thinking, always talking.

There’s no time for stillness.

Even when we’re in line for something, or waiting at a dental appointment, or on a plane - we often get antsy, and search for something to do.  Some of us will have our mobile devices, others will have a notebook or folder with things to do or read … and still others will fidget.  

Being still isn’t something we’re used to.  And it comes at a cost: we lose time for contemplation, for observing and listening … and seeing God in the world around us.  We lose peace. Read More »

Article by Malcolm Marler

I want to say “yes” to people.  I want to be liked.  I want to be the person others come to when he or she needs my time, my skills, or my resources.

And yet if my compass is simply to be liked by others and say “Yes” to them, I’m in big trouble…

I’ll lose my way.  I will look up one day and say, “Who am I?  What do I love to do?  Where is my passion”?

Each “Yes” I commit to means a “No” to something else.  I can only do so many things.  Each “No” I say makes room for the possibility for a new “Yes.”

I’m trying to live more simply in 2010.

I am learning that living simply requires me to make one of two choices.  “Yes” or “No.”  Over and over again … every day.

My prayer is that I will choose wisely.

Malcolm

“We need to teach the next generation of children from day one that they are responsible for their lives.  Mankind’s greatest gift, also its greatest curse, is that we have free choice.  We can make our choices built from love or from fear.”

-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Malcolm Marler is Director of Pastoral Care for UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL.  In addition to his interest in spirituality and health, he loves to identify physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of persons, then design and build programs that help meet those needs.  His warmth and humor along with his powerful message of hope and grace is his greatest strength.  Malcolm grew up in Alabama and attended Clemson University (S.C.) on a football scholarship as a defensive back where he graduated with a B.A. degree in Psychology.  He is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY with Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees.  Malcolm lives on a lake in North Alabama with the love of his life, Mary Bea Sullivan.  He has two open-hearted, loving stepchildren, Brendan and Kiki who are both freshman in college.  For more information or to contact Malcolm, please visit www.MalcolmMarler.com.

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