A 4th of July Departure from the Norm
David Wilkerson once visited Basilea Schlink (1904 – 2001) in Darmstadt, Germany. As Wilkerson walked into her office, he was knocked to the floor by the presence of God which surrounded Schlink. While on the floor, Wilkerson realized, “This is a mighty woman of God.”
Throughout Schlink’s life, she stressed the importance of repentance, reconciliation and prayer. She herself normally prayed eight to ten hours per day, and then in her off time, she wrote numerous books and founded a Sisterhood based on prayer.
In one of her books, she wrote how she visited the Louvre in Paris. And as she walked through the museum and looked at timeless works of art, such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and others, Schlink could not enjoy herself. She felt guilty by the time she was wasting.
After all, Schlink was not praying or studying the Bible or writing or advancing the kingdom of God, but instead, she was walking around, looking at works done by men. And the works, for the most part, were not even created for the glory of God.
Not only could Schlink not enjoy herself, but she found herself looking down her nose at other believers who did not feel and act the same way as she did. She cruelly judged them according to her own personal standards.
Then, one day, while Schlink prayed, some Bible verses touched her heart.
But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves; I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. (John 17: 13 – 15)
A powerful revelation dawned upon Basilea Schlink: the Lord wanted her to enjoy life. It was okay to enjoy artistic works and music created by men because, after all, these men were created by the Creator for His good pleasure. And also, it was okay to laugh and have fun in her life because there was great joy in doing so.
Sadly, I, too, have been there, done that and bought the tee-shirt, just like Basilea Schlink. I’ve looked down my religious nose at others who did not act like me. Now, I cry out daily to be set free of these and other judgmental attitudes.
Well, what about God, FaceBook and Me, huh?
I purposely use FaceBook as a meeting place, much like a coffee shop, to talk with family and friends. And believe it or not, when I’m with family and friends, I don’t speak Christianese. I tell jokes and have fun.
So, if you ever add me to your FaceBook friend’s list, don’t expect me to spout many Bible verses or prophecies, okay? That’s what this blog is for.
Or at least, that is my way of thinking.
Larry Who 
Most of Basilea Schlink’s books are out of print, but you can still purchase many of them from Amazon and other book sellers on a used basis.
I recommend them, especially the “Realities of Faith.”
Larry, I heartily agree with the message here of joy and freedom in our life and in our relationship with Christ!
also this…
“So, if you ever add me to your FaceBook friend’s list, don’t expect me to spout many Bible verses or prophecies, okay? That’s what this blog is for.”
What? nothing about grape nuts?
I’m disappointed in you Larry.
God is on my friends list, so I do talk nice about him… and enjoy your grapenuts jokes.
Cindy and Jeff,
Thanks. I wanted to put this out there so when I began using Twitter, I won’t have to do it over and over again.
Good for you. Lightening up takes away the must– the should. I helps ease the burden. Now teach us how to lighten up.
I really appreciate being able to hang out with you and your lovely wife on FB. Incidentally, Larry, I once visited Basilia’s “Sisterhood” in Arizona – back in the ’70s. I was amazed at how the ladies’ faces glowed with joy!
Solveigh,
Thanks.
Teach us how to lighten up, huh? That’s an interesting point, one which I will give some thought to.
seriouswhimsey,
How interesting that you visited Schlink’s Sisterhood. I would’ve loved to have met them. Schlink is a hero of mine.
Hmm! Is this a part of the rich deposit the Lord has place within you?
i look forward to your facebook status updates – even the grapenuts ones (cos i dont really know exactly what they are)
fieball3316,
Thanks.
GrapeNuts are a lot like Weetabix only totally different.
I’m not on facebook yet. . .now I feel like I’m missing out on having fun. I’m trying to think of an Oswald Chambers quote . . .something like we try to make our experiences into God’s precepts. Will look for more on how to lighten up! 🙂
Hi Larry, without your Facebook posts I wouldn’t have known about Orbit Bubblemint gum. Now my whole family loves it!
Debbie,
Thanks.
And Anna,
I do have quirks… some which I have not mentioned as yet.
I am always amazed at how God is able to confirm thoughts that are from Him. For some reason latetly I have been more mindful than normal that life is to be enjoyed. There is a liberty and almost an encouragement to do so. When we get to heaven, we’ll have that life to enjoy. For now though, we have this one.
Mike,
Thanks…and that is from a guy who was a sober sort for a few years.
Larry, your humor on facebook is great! I enjoy your posts. Even in light-hearted ramblings, you still radiate Christ!
Marianne,
Thanks, I appreciate humor…especially in today’s world.
Larry,
As someone who enjoys your Facebook GrapeNuts escapades, I appreciate your humor in the facebook cafe. You have succeeded in doing what you are attempting to do with this post, inspire thought. I will have to think on a few things you have brought up here, like the seperation of wordpress and facebook. I understand completely what you are saying, even agreed with it but lately was involved in the same discussion with others that you know about this same subject, and heard their thoughts on it and have am tending to agree. Their thought was, you are who you are wherever you are, and should just be, you know. As in, Larry is an on fire warrior for Christ, “with a wicked sense of humor” who just happens to like GrapeNuts and cats. God Bless
Jim
Jim,
Thanks.
Solveig Eng has inspired me to think over many things with her comment: “Now teach us how to lighten up.”
So, you will probably see an upcoming series on how I walked away from the person that I was (and now abhor) to be the person that I am today. The journey has certainly not been without pain and loss.
Good grief! Now you’ll expose my Norwegian reserve and I’ll have no place to hide.