The Silence & the Mystery

An image came to me once while in a time of reflection. I was in a dark room, resting on a bed in a corner. I could see the bright sunlight through the doorway outside, as people walked by going about the business of the day. I knew Someone was with me, sitting on the floor. It was Jesus. He was simply sitting on the floor next to me, watching in silence as the people walked by. No words were spoken. None had to be. There are times when no words are necessary in intimacy.

What does this image mean to me? It is deeply personal, and perhaps only completely understood by Him and I. As the people of the world continue to go about their business and move "forward", I feel at times my life has not been on the same course as many might choose or find in this life. I have had times where human nature takes over and the doubts start coming…and the fear I have actually lost years where I should have been living a “normal” life. My life is actually very simple in all outward appearance. I have days that I long for so much more. But, I have always understood the delicate nature of my spiritual walk. It is in the unseen where so much has happened. There is no worldly adulation for this….and of course that’s not the point, nor do I seek it.

A few years ago I was with a very small group of people in prayer. One woman sort of took the lead and was praying for all who were present. It was rather informal; she popped in for a quick visit and decided she would pray for everyone. She was a deeply spiritual woman, and words of encouragement came to her for all present. When she looked at me she paused for a moment as if she was studying me. She said to me, “I feel very strongly that you are a force to be contended with.” And, that was it. These words meant so much to me because I understood in my heart what was being conveyed.

I don’t write this to bring attention to myself. I write about this today because I must. What has been going on in my life recently gives me great cause to do spiritual battle and be that force that God has created or given me the grace to be.

Psalms 144: 1-7

Blessed be the LORD my strength which teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdues my people under me.

LORD, what is man, that you take knowledge of him! or the son of man, that you make account of him!

Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passes away.

Bow your heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains and they shall smoke. Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out your arrows, and destroy them.

Send your hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;Whose mouth speaks vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

I will sing a new song to you, O God: on a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises to you.

You Must Know Him

I had a dream years ago which helped set the course of my spiritual walk I believe to where I am today. At the time of my dream I was attending a small non-denominational charismatic church in the mid-west. Looking back, it was one of the most traumatic periods of my life as I tried to navigate a culture I could not relate too nor tolerate in good conscience for very long. What was so traumatic at times was the intense confusion brought about by the presence of some truth and sincerity mixed with more error and religious self righteousness.

My dream:

I was attending a Sunday service with this group. Suddenly, I stood up on a chair and called out to them, “You must KNOW Him, you must KNOW Him!” Many in attendance were walking past me and looking away as they seemed oblivious to my words. They wouldn’t or couldn’t hear me. (It felt a little like I could have been Joan of Arc as she defied the cautious strategy that characterized French leadership during her time.) I had a long black dress on, which I later understood to symbolize mystery and femininity I believe. Mystery and femininity often are linked together…and can also be symbols of the Holy Spirit.

This dream came at a time when I was starting to distance myself from this group with not a few raised eyebrows. It was a comfort to me as it affirmed what I was already feeling. That is, the culture of Christianity around us often has little to do with the person of Jesus who walked the earth. As a matter of fact, they are so diametrically opposed to one another that anyone moving in these circles (whatever denomination) who does not truly desire to know God, will likely become their worst possible selves. There is just something insidious to the core when there is a ‘quest for God’ within all the man made props we form internally and outside of ourselves. God will never be found there. (I’m not referring to certain tools of devotion we may use from time to time like art or certain sacred objects.)

When Jesus was speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well, He answered her referral to places of worship like Jerusalem and that of a certain mountain by saying, “Women, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”

Around this time as well, I had another significant experience: I was sitting alone at a table with different versions of the bible, a concordance, and some bible commentaries. In the circles I associated with at the time there was a strong focus on bible study, and getting to ‘know’ God this way. Suddenly, it felt like a presence seemed to come into the room, and from behind me. I looked up from what I was reading and felt what can best described as a hot chill within and around me. These words strongly came to my heart, “Cheri, when you want to get to know someone, do you read a book about them?”

I understood at that moment, that while the scriptures are a tool and contain the living Word of God (and I refer to them frequently in my postings), they are not all of God’s words. Neither are all of Christ’s actions contained within. There is a knowing Jesus that only comes from our personal communion with Him, and this is what He is most jealous for in us.

In Matthew Chapter 7, Jesus lays out some very strong points in reference to what walking with Him honestly entails. Some of these include not being judgmental of others without first looking at our own actions; not casting your pearls before swine and giving what is holy to dogs; anyone who is truly seeking should ask and they will find; enter by the narrow gate; and beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing. All of these are quite serious and could each be elaborated on further at some length.

His final point which comes directly after these, I believe is the most sobering: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.’ (Matthew 7: 21-23)

This is where true discernment is so vital. There are actually those who consider themselves to be strong Christians, performing certain spiritual acts that they are convinced are the gifts of the Holy Spirit in action, and these are absolutely nothing of the kind.

The reason I am so passionate about this subject is that in my own personal walk with Christ, I had to fight so hard to be where I am today, and it is sometimes a very lonely place. Even after I returned to the Catholic Church, I found my walk isolating. It saddens me when I see Catholics following after or taking part in much of what I referred to above. As Catholics we have a treasure in the universal message and understanding of Christ’s salvation that transcends the factions that tear apart and divide.

I never came into this because I was searching for easy answers. Many nights I cried myself to sleep as I struggled with the confusion and chaos of much that surrounded me. I still do at times. It can truly be fight to get to know the true person of Jesus, instead of all that functions in His name only.

I have always wanted to simply know God. To know who He really is. I love the mystery of it all. Many times when I’m feeling the pressure surround me, I have learned to retreat to His presence when I’m alone. In the last two years or so, what comes to me more often in these times is this: A simple but profound declaration: “I AM”

"……….they put Jesus in show business, now it’s hard to get in the door.” U2

And a Little Child Shall Lead Them

I have been reading a book by Immaculee Ilibagiza titled ‘Led By Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide'. This is her second book regarding her restoration and survival after the genocide in Rwanda during 1994. I also read her first book, “Left To Tell”, which was more about her survival in the midst of the genocide.

There are few books I read that touch me as deeply as these have. I feel I can relate to Immaculee in reference to her walk with God. I would love to sit and have a talk with her. I have never been through such a terrifying experience as she has, but I am familiar with a similar fear, loss, and pain as she has experienced. I know what it feels like to mourn and grieve over loss, and wonder if you will ever recover from it.

I also have much to be joyful and hopeful for, as God has been to me a light in the darkness beyond what I could have ever imagined. I have experienced God’s provision in ways that are truly remarkable. He truly is a father to the fatherless. Immaculee has experienced this as well.

From reading her story, it seems Immaculee has a special place in her heart for children, as I do. After the genocide she frequently visited The Home of Hope, which is an orphanage in Kigali run by the Missionaries of Charity, the Sisters of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. As she was recovering from the trauma of the loss of her family, she would find solace in giving her time as she offered some hope and happiness to these children. I was so moved as I imagined these poor children suddenly orphaned as a result of the genocide.

In one particular chapter, Immaculee tells of her experience regarding a simple prayer she prayed and the answer she received. One day as she was walking to the orphanage, she took a moment to reflect on the many soldiers that were everywhere as the country recovered from this atrocity. In her heart she said a simple prayer to God: “What could we do with an army, Lord? What war could we fight with love instead of guns?” She states that in this particular instance her answer came quickly. She writes, “A light flashed in my mind”: If I had an army, I’d bring it here to fight for the orphans.

The answer she received says a lot obviously about where God’s heart is. It is a sober reminder that generally the mind and heart of men is not one with the mind and heart of God. I imagined the chaos of a country trying to recover from such a nightmare, and all the dealings going back and forth among men. And then I thought in the midst of all the chaos, God wants to fight for the children. His heart is in no small way, with the children.

There are those though, that respond to God’s call in this area and they should be honored. However, I bet if you ask those that do this sort of work in any capacity, they would say the honor comes is in being trusted by God to care for these little ones. The privilege is reward enough.

I hope to visit an orphanage some day and spend some quality time with the children. I work with children now as my employment, and each day I am amazed at these little ones.

I was caring for a little boy of 4 a few years ago, and God spoke to me through this child I believe. I knew there was something unique and special about him. He had a discipline problem though, and yet I was still able to reach him with some consistency and patience. He was not getting this from his parents, and so I did what I could when I was with him. (There are many “orphans” in the world, some living in the same home as their own parents.) He respected me first, and after this was established I was able to reach him in other ways. He showed a particular aptitude for spiritual things and would often ask me questions about God. I couldn't’t believe the questions that he would ask me sometimes.

One day I was sitting on the floor with him trying to focus while playing with him, but my thoughts were elsewhere. He could immediately sense this. Without taking his eyes off of his trucks he simply said to me, “Cheri, rest, …..rest.” “You need rest.”

As adults I believe we at times underestimate the dignity and worth of each child in the eyes of God. Just because they are young and have yet to mature into adulthood, doesn’t mean they have nothing to contribute to those that care for them and society at large. Some cultures seem to understand this more it seems than we do in the West. Children have an ability to transform any situation with their innocence and innate joy. As Isaiah 11:6 prophesied, "... and a little child shall lead them."

I would also like to mention the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation. This is her website: http://www.cncf.org/

Christina Noble has also written a book titled ‘Bridge Across My Sorrows’ that is deeply moving as well. This woman spent a good portion of her childhood as a street child in Dublin, Ireland. She managed to rise from her ashes as well, and God made something beautiful from her suffering. She eventually opened two orphanages in Vietnam and Mongolia.
Please remember to pray and contribute in some way to the children suffering injustice throughout the world.


















“It is no small thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.” Charles Dickens

Angel Story?

I love to hear the personal stories of other people. When I meet someone new , I like to ask a lot of questions once I'm feeling more comfortable in our acquaintance. I try to be careful because I don't want to cross a line so the person will not think I'm being nosy or have an ulterior motive.

Whenever I go to a bookstore, I am often drawn to the biographies of other people. I sometimes go directly to the photos that are usually included. As they say, a photo can be worth a thousand words. I can sit right on the floor with coffee carefully placed on the shelf next to me, and get lost for a couple of hours in someone else's journey.

I seem to be in a phase where I'm telling some of my own personal stories. When we share our experiences with others I believe it adds a whole new dimension to our personal connection with other people. It reminds us we are not alone in the world. 

I was moving from the Midwest part of the country back to the East Coast. I was driving as I had to bring my car with me obviously. Just as I was leaving Missouri, a blizzard started on the East Coast. We have not had a storm like this since, and it is known around here as the Blizzard of '96 I believe. I had to stop in Ohio, and ended up spending 3 nights there as it simply wasn't safe to drive.

When I learned the interstate was cleared and safe for driving, I reluctantly continued on the rest of my journey. I probably could have waited another day, but I just wanted to get home. As I started out in Ohio, I heard this awful noise coming from my car, but I had no idea what it was. I had done many long distance drives before, but this alarmed me in a way as I didn't want to be stranded. Because of the sort of noise it was, I was concerned it could be serious.

I drove over to the side of the highway to look at the car. A couple of times I attempted to start out again, but the same noise was still there. Finally I simply said, "Jesus help me."
I went over to the side of the highway again, and suddenly looking up, I noticed a blue van parked in front me. I didn't see this van previously anywhere, and I hadn't even seen it pull over.

Of course my natural instinct was to be very careful....as I had no idea what this was about yet. I actually attempted to pull out and drive two more times, and every time I did, this van would pull out with me. When I went back to the side of the highway, this van did as well.

Finally with both my car and this van parked again, someone got out of the van and started walking toward my car. Two men followed behind, both smoking cigarettes. I thought this detail was humorous, if in fact this was a supernatural situation unfolding. They were all dressed in blue mechanics uniforms. The man who left the van first politely leaned over and asked if he could help me, as I pulled my window down just a little so we could speak. The other two men stayed behind him but didn't say anything to me. It seemed they were waiting to take orders, and that's it. The man who spoke to me seemed to have some sort of authority which I thought was interesting.

I told him my problem and he immediately suspected there was ice in my brakes, and told me not to worry. I felt a little silly, but I had never encountered such a noise before, so I really didn't know. He said that just in case it was something else, he would lead me to the nearest service station if I would follow him. He also told me the name of the station and exactly where we were going. He made a point of telling me that we were not going off any main roads, and that I would very easily be able to get back on the main highway.

I started out following them, and it was just as he had said. When I got to my destination I looked for them to say goodbye or wave but I did not see this van anywhere.

I'll never know for sure if these men were indeed angels, but I will always wonder. I'm not one to really even look for interaction with angels, but I have never been able to get past an inner knowing if you will that, in this case, they might have been.

Whether they were or not, the swiftness in which a prayer for help was answered is a beautiful testimony alone.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." [Hebrews 13:2]

The Humility of God

I had a conversation earlier today that reminded me of the humility of God. Sometimes it is hard to imagine an almighty God possessing humble attributes. This is an attribute of God I find difficult to get my head around at times. It seems to me in our human understanding of things; supreme power and a humble disposition simply do not go hand and hand. In each generation and culture God is perceived differently. Even within Christianity, God has been portrayed and perceived in different ways at different times. Most are likely familiar with the patriarchal God, the judgmental God, the distant and impersonal God...and so on. Some may as well think God is an impersonal obscure energy.

A simple definition of humble is as follows:

"Thinking lowly of one's self; claiming little for one's self; not proud, arrogant, or assuming; thinking one's self ill-deserving or unworthy, when judged by the demands of God; lowly; weak; modest."

I don't believe God would require a certain attitude of heart in human beings that He Himself does not possess. As the scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6) Having a humble attitude doesn't mean we always get it right. It means though, that there is a special grace given by God to those who have an overall humble attitude toward God, themselves, and others.

I had an experience when I was quite a bit younger that I would like to share as I believe it applies in this context. I'm cautious about sharing personal experiences of this nature on a public domain however; as these are always open to interpretation and quite subjective.

Yes, I'm going after the real thing to the best of my ability, so I don't think I'm delusional. With disclaimer complete I will continue.

I was young, not much out of high school and still getting used to living away from home for the first time. In four years time I had experienced enough that caused me to have a lot of questions. I was having a rare existential crisis at 22, not 62. This is a vulnerable age, especially when away from home for the first time. It was like I suddenly became aware with some finality at 22 years of age that there had to be more. It was a sense of feeling called to something greater than myself in my limited understanding of things. I just couldn't shake it. I had a sense I was being called to make a decision.

During this time I had a job in a nursing home and worked as an aid. I actually considered becoming a nurse as a result of my experiences there. I grew up some more very fast during my time there.

A women died while I was holding her hand. I remember the fear in her eyes as she looked directly into mine, and trying to comfort her. After helping another women to the toilet, I sat down on the floor and talked to her for half an hour even though I knew staff were not supposed to do this. I listened to her stories. I went looking for odd objects (at the request of certain residents) that I knew I would never find, and were probably lost years ago. I cleaned a lot of bottoms and met a lot of lonely people. Some of them had lived amazing lives in their prime.

One women in particular caught my attention. For the evening meal I had to go up to the second floor to help with feeding more handicapped patients. I was always assigned to a women named Elizabeth, who was 102 years of age at our first meeting. She could only take her food through a syringe and it had to be the consistency of baby food. She was so gracious, always thanking me after each bite. I remember wiping the excess food that didn't make it in off of her chin. I would try to make conversation with her, and would sometimes ask her if she 'liked' her dinner. She would always respond with a very gracious and enthusiastic, "Oh yes, thank you!"

One day as I was feeding her, the atmosphere of the room suddenly changed. I remember Elizabeth looked straight ahead with an intense focus. The tone of her voice changed as if she had a very important announcement to make. She then said to me, "He loves you more than you know." I was taken off guard at first and said, "Elizabeth, who is he?" Her voice became more pronounced and she said to me, "He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End." She said a couple of other things to me, but it's not necessary to mention it here as it is more personal. I don't need to share it to make my point. I knew the Holy Spirit was present, but I didn't know how I knew this, because I didn't know much about a 'holy spirit'.

You could say after an experience like that my life was changed forever.

And I share this for this reason: to give an example of the awesome humility of God. An almighty God could have chosen any way He pleased to communicate with me, or anyone for that matter. If this really was God let's say, He chose to come to me through the humble heart of a gracious and dignified, 102 year old lady in a nursing home. This women was physically in a state of shutting down, but the beauty of who she was on the inside came shining through.

Jesus Himself chose to come to us in a similar manner through His incarnation. He chose to be born in humble circumstances in addition to choosing the humble act of taking on human likeness. He was fully human and divine. That's humility.

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus praised God for His humility when he said:

"I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones." (Matthew 11:25)

And finally, how can we possibly leave out the The Beatitudes regarding humility:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land.

Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

We cannot put God in a box obviously, as He is all things to all people. Yes God is patriarchal, but the Spirit of God is also matriarchal. This is why he made us male and female, as this is in His image. God is just, as He is merciful. In reading the scriptures one can see that Jesus was very humble in word and deed, and yet he as well could be quite outspoken and downright shocking when it was required for Him to get His message across. Was he any less humble when He was shocking? No, humility can be speaking the truth in a difficult situation when it's needed. But here is the key, humility is always rooted in.........love, and putting the dignity of another ahead of our own.

"You must protect the few roses in life."

I have a particular affinity toward flower gardens. I think flowers are magnificent in beauty and rich in symbolism. There is no end to what gardens and flowers can symbolize in regard to spirituality and religious faith.

Of all flowers, the rose is simply my favorite. I think I must be drawn to it for a reason. If I ever have a house or property of my own I would like to grow a rose garden. It symbolizes so much that is the core of who I am as a person. Words are sometimes not enough to convey the depth of the human heart, and this is why symbols are so vitally important. This is the reason for art I believe, and God our creator is quite simply the ultimate artist. God is brilliant in His wisdom in that the whole world is filled to the brim with rich symbolism in all that He has created, there is more than meets the eye in regard to created things. An oak tree is not simply a tree , or a dove a bird.

I have realized over time as an artist myself, relating to objects as symbols or symbolic gestures seems to be second nature to me. For example, I can't help but notice a child who naturally starts spinning in dance when we are listening to music together. I have encountered this a number of times with the children I have cared for...and I get it completely. It is natural to them. The universe is circular in movement. I was once told by a musician that it was discovered by physicists that music notes actually ascend upward in a circular/spiral motion, and that there are notes that humans have never even heard or discovered. So, when I see a child start to naturally spin in response to the music they are hearing.....I immediately think of the motion of the universe. There is even more to this, but I'll leave at that for now.

I had a dream once that I believe was one of the "big" ones of my life, and I would like to share it. I do believe this particular dream was given to me as a message to heed for the rest of my life. It was beautiful and timeless in its message, and rich in symbolism.

The dream started with a scene of me watching a group of young boys in line going to some sort of religious camp. Their camp director was an 'Assembly of God' pastor and the boys themselves were 'Baptist'. They were being forced down a hill toward the camp, as well as being forced to drink a health drink that was bitter in taste. I was hovering above them watching all of this, and I felt sorry for them. There was such a sense of helplessness and a feeling of these boys being trapped. I could not help them, though I wanted to. I walked away from this scene and suddenly came to a single, simple white house on a little hill. The sun was shining brightly, and the grass was so green and went for miles. There was a moment of peace, but I quickly sensed danger coming toward me although I could not see it yet. I entered the house and found a Catholic priest lived in the home alone. I looked out the window and saw a group of young men running toward us with a war cry...and I knew they meant to cause us harm. I kept thinking they were fraternity brothers for some reason. They all had white t-shirts on as well, which is interesting. Suddenly this priest and I started running around the house and shutting and locking all the doors and windows as a means of protection. When all was well and we were safe, the priest took me to an 'inner room' in the house and I knew that this was his personal space where he came to be alone. I was amazed to find brilliant art work everywhere, and a black leather recliner in the middle of the room. He was listening to one of my favorite musicians, Peter Gabriel (a lot of symbolism there if I may say so :)). He turned to look at me and said the only words spoken to me in the dream, "You must protect the few roses in life." And the dream was over and I woke up.

I had this dream almost ten years ago...and have told only a few close friends up to this point. I would be most interested in any additional thoughts anyone would have regarding the dream. It still seems like I had it only yesterday.

So, what are the roses in life that need protecting? I think this is a personal matter for everyone, and this dream was showing me what I should protect personally.

However, I believe it is also a universal message in scope regarding the present day Church. I quote.......,

"Catholic is an adjective derived from the Greek adjective 'katholikos', meaning "general" or "universal. In the context of Christian ecclesiology it has a rich history and several usages. Roman Catholics use the term "Catholic Church" to refer to the Church whether Western or Eastern, in full communion with the Bishop of Rome. The Catholic Church views catholic as referring to her attempts to spread throughout the whole earth, and her insistence to offer salvation to all people and cultures at all times. Catholic is one of the Four Marks of the Church, the other being unity, sanctity, and apostolicicity."

As our Nicene Creed states, "I believe in one, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

What I find so amazing in the dream, is that the Catholic Church is likened to a rose that must be protected. I don't believe this "message" if you will, was simply for my life, but it can be for all who seek rest and stability in their walk with Jesus. God's truth is universal, but we live in a world where not all are following His ways at the moment obviously. Even those that have acknowledged Christ can be lead or lead others astray as well, even if it is well meaning but misguided. As the symbols convey in the dream, there are many who will seek to attack and force their own agenda on anyone who will listen and follow. This is especially dangerous regarding the truth of following Christ.

I will end this post sharing an experience I had once:

Many years ago I was in distress trying to make a decision about a certain matter. I went to a church service, and there was a time for personal prayer requests after the main service was over. A women that I did not know, and who knew nothing of my dilemma came up to me and very gently but quickly whispered in my ear, "God does not force Himself on you", and then she quickly walked away. I never found out who she was.

Simplicity of Love

I've been pondering the significance of simplicity recently. It gives me cause to think of Jesus and his focus on simplicity in Matthew 10:42. "And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward."

It also gives me cause to think back to my Confirmation when I was trying think of what name I would choose. It seemed everyone was picking Mary or Elizabeth. I chose Veronica. I remember wanting to choose a name that had a personal meaning to me. I was always moved as a child by the image of Veronica wiping the face of Jesus when He fell under the weight of His cross. That simple act had so much meaning and significance for me. It was as if I could identify with Veronica's compassion, and urgency that she just had to get to Him to offer some sort of comfort. I would imagine myself as Veronica kneeling to wipe his face, and wondering how He would have looked at me. In my heart, it is the simplicity of the act that makes it truly great.

I now imagine two people standing side by side in heaven. One is a martyr perhaps, and the other might have indeed given a cup of cold water to a child, that's all. Which act deserves the greater reward? Perhaps some might be inclined to think that the martyr should receive a special reward for his brave act. It is neither really in my opinion. Because what it really comes down to is the condition of the heart in which the act was done. I don't think there are any 'proud' martyrs in heaven. A cup of cold water given from a heart bursting with compassion, is far more significant than giving up a life for any other reason. So, I suppose another way to say it is, no matter how "great" an act is, was it done with simplicity of heart, a heart of love?

"So faith, hope, love, abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

And finally........

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)

And since we know God is Love....

Purity of heart is a heart of love, and it is a simple thing.