Prayer Warrior

"Pray without ceasing." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17  

He stood at her bedside as he had done for many of the last 12 days.  Complications from an emergency surgery had left Ruby in a medically induced coma.  Sedation made her comfortable; machines kept her alive. 

He’d visited many hospital patients in his ministerial role, but Paul had never seen so many IV’s, tubes, and machines connected to one body before.  Digital readouts continuously flashed and beeped, sending their secret status reports out into the heavens.

He bowed reverently, “Thy will be done Lord.”  His visits had become almost routine: silent meditation to quiet his anxiety, followed by reciting a few Bible passages, and closing with a personal prayer for Ruby’s immediate and complete healing.  Today he’d chosen Ephesians 6:10-18 in honor of Ruby, a true “Prayer Warrior.” 

Although the phrase “prayer warrior” isn’t found in Scripture, prayer warriors are generally devout Christians who pray continually and effectively for others. 

That certainly described Ruby.  When healthy, she led the church’s weekly prayer group.  And when friends faced difficulties of any kind, Ruby would likely be the first one called to spiritual “action.”

ICU’s are noisy places.  Just as Paul began, an alarm sounded.  Nurses rushed in, checked various monitors and determined that there was no emergency.  Maybe Ruby was just responding favorably to Paul’s visit.

Ruby had a heart for God, a heart for prayer, a heart for people, and a heart for Christ's church.  At 75 and though she stood barely 5 feet tall, her piety was contagious.  In the Sanctuary or cruising the Caribbean, Ruby often beat the sun to dawn.  She knew that God answered every prayer according to His perfect will and in His flawless timing. 

Paul began again.  “To be a warrior in prayer is to engage in the spiritual battle and fight the (faith) fight wearing the full armor of God, praying in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:10-18 - paraphrased).

Ruby lay motionless, eyes closed, seemingly unable to interact with her environment.

But as Paul closed his Bible, Ruby’s eyes fluttered.  Or did he just imagine that?  Then her eyes opened wider, revealing piercing blue eyes. 

“Let me take a turn,” she uttered in a raspy yet assured voice.  “Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing our prayers . . .” It was the most beautiful prayer Paul had ever heard.

Difficult times only strengthened this woman.  Having faced her own mortality, Ruby recommitted herself to leading the unsaved to Christ.  “I don’t believe in the power of prayer,” she insisted.  “I believe in the power of the One to whom I pray.”  Praising Him will always be her #1 priority.

Lord Jesus, we know that prayer is essential for us to confide and verbalize our struggles and praises to You, our one true God. We need prayer more than anything when living in a place that is not home, craving a “presence” that does not live here.  Amen

Bridge to Nowhere

“Don’t die before your time by being too evil or acting like a fool." ~ Ecclesiastes 7:17

When Michael got to the bridge, he pulled his car to the side of the road.  With the engine still running and the door left wide open, he made his way over the railing.  He glanced down at the black water and the white foam crashing the jagged rocks below.  Looking over the edge made him queasy; the drop was easily 6 stories.

Ironic really!  There he stood contemplating suicide, yet holding onto the bridge railing for dear life.  His sobbing was interrupted by the hushed sound of worn loafers.  “You're not the first,” said an empathetic voice.  “You’re the third one this year!”

Michael chuckled. The homeless man glaring back at him with his mangled dirty hair, fingerless gloves, and wretched stench might be the last person on earth that Michael talked to.  That thought itself nearly pushed him over the edge.

But he didn’t.  Peering down, he imagined the point of impact as another wave of nausea washed over him.  He looked back at the wrinkled old man - he’d only wasted his own life.  Michael’s sin was far worse.

Homeless man had successfully talked the other three off the ledge.  Women problems had been the root of their problems.  Frankly, they’d wanted attention more than demise.  But, there was something about this guy that was different.  He couldn't quite get his head around it.  So he kept probing, “Just you and me buddy, what’s your story?”

“I was the ‘Cool’ high school teacher,” stuttered Michael through heartfelt tears.  “I mean, I was really more a friend than a teacher. You have to these days to earn their respect.”

Homeless Man listening as Michael continued, “A kid named Jacob came to me after class and wanted a little ‘blow’ for an upcoming party.  I gave him my address and told him to come round, I'd sort something out.  I felt a sense of pride for helping one of my kids be cool.  Instead of coke, I gave him 5 ecstasy pops from my personal stash.  No charge!”

Michael wept uncontrollably until Homeless Man interrupted.  “I'm guessing that’s not the reason you’re about to take flight.”

His voice nearly audible, Michael added the final twist: “The news reported the next morning that a 15 year old freshman named Jacob had died from a drug overdose the night before.”  Michael blubbered on, but nothing more needed to be said.  In Homeless Man’s eye’s, he should jump.  He deserved the plunge.  No one could bear that guilt!

As he began to speak, Michael lunged forward into the darkness, his impact muffled by crashing waves below.  One bad decision – two lives ‘cooled.’ 

Lord, grant me the patience and wisdom to set a good example for young people.  Give me strength to both stand firm when I need to, and let go when the time is right.  Let me set the proper boundaries to help them be the person You desire.  Amen

Homeless Dawg

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy peaceful, patient, kind, faithful, and gentle." ~ Galatians 5:22

Amy couldn’t quite put her finger on why, exactly, but she’d been feeling far away from God lately, like He wasn’t really listening.  A case of the spiritual blues perhaps.

The sweltering heat didn’t help – August in South Carolina gets pretty unbearable.  The temperature seemed to match the humidity – an even 100.  She cranked up the car’s air conditioner heading home from a few errands.

That’s when she spotted the dog walking aimlessly down the sidewalk.  Flies surrounded his rotting, matted fur as he searched desperately for something to eat.  Amy knew the old pooch was dying with every step; yearning for a home, a prayer, or maybe his master.

She aimed the car for the curb.  His knees cowered in fear as Amy approached the medium sized mutt.  “Hi, fella.  Let’s call you Dawg for now.  You thirsty?”

Amy loved dogs and they adored her.  But her son Adam was deathly allergic to animals; she simply couldn’t bring this one home.  Amy gently coaxed Dawg toward her car where he devoured an entire packet of lunchmeat and gulped bottled water greedily from her cupped hands.

What to do now? she worried. 

As always, God answered the rescue call by suggesting she look for some homeless people.  Amy remembered seeing several of them gathering under a bridge for shelter from the heat and drove off in that direction; Dawg as co-pilot.

Dawg enjoyed the many sites and scents that flew by his nose with the car window wide open.  But his tail seemed to wag more vigorously with each homeless stranger they approached under the bridge.  Could Dawg have been here before?

None of them seemed interested in the old fleabag, but one homeless character told Amy to look specifically for a one-eyed man with long, wavy brown hair and a goatee.

It didn’t take long before the duo spied a young Viet Nam vet who’d likely been on the streets for some time.  When asked if he’d like a new friend (Dawg), the man was ecstatic!  Seems he'd been praying and praying for a dog that would love and protect him!  Last year he’d been jumped by a gang of boys and one of them had stabbed him in the eye.

Amy left them to get acquainted and drove to the store for a hefty bag of Dawg food.  She returned to find Dawg cuddled peacefully against the young vet’s shoulder occasionally licking his face and beard.  Dawg had completely bonded and trusted a stranger.  It was love at first sight for both of them.  God does answer prayers for everyone . . .even dogs!

Lord, thanks for rescuing me.  You know I’ve prayed non-stop for a new friend to love and share my life with.  Something about my soulful eyes touched a loving part of him.  Help me to honor Your gift by being the best dog I can possible be.  ~ Love Dawg

Judo Kudos

“Because when I am weak, then am I strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:10

In a world where middle school was his kingdom, baseball his passion and weight training his secret pastime, Jeremy’s life was as close to perfect as a 10-year old’s could be.  That was until the tragic car accident that took his father’s life and his own right arm. 

To help restore the boy’s confidence and continue his love for athletics, his grandfather suggested Jeremy try Judo.  “It’s a wonderful alternative to team sports,” he said.  “Judo also provides an education for life - teaching you self-respect, discipline and respect for other people."

The two visited the local Dojo (training place) to meet the Sensei or Judo training Master.  Sensei stuck out a hand to shake Jeremy’s and felt his face flush with embarrassment at the sight of an arm that tapered off mid-bicep.  “Unique . . . but not impossible!” Sensei muttered.

Jeremy began his study eagerly.  Sensei showed him one technique and had him practice it over and over.  Jeremy worked on his balance and conditioning, using this one skill as the foundation.  After a few weeks, he asked: “Sensei, shouldn’t I be learning more techniques?”

Sensei replied curtly, “When you’ve mastered this one, you’ll learn more.  Keep practicing!”

Trusting the Master, Jeremy kept training.  Several months later, Sensei entered him in his first tournament.

Jeremy was terrified; he only knew one throw.  But to everyone’s surprise, Jeremy grabbed his opponent and flipped him to the ground.  Instant win!

The second round was a little harder but again he pulled off the only technique he knew, and won easily.  The next rounds followed a similar pattern until the boy found himself in the tournament final.  Jeremy looked overmatched; his opponent was bigger, stronger and clearly more experienced.  Fearing for Jeremy’s safety, the referee asked Sensei if he wanted to forfeit.

“Never!” said the Master. “We will fight!”

The crown went silent with apprehension.  His adversary grabbed Jeremy and pulled him close.  For an instant it appeared to be all over.  But rather than resisting, the one-armed boy used his opponent’s own momentum against him and threw him flat on his back, to win the match!

Later Jeremy asked Sensei – “Did they let me win because I’ve only one arm?  I only know one technique – those guys knew hundreds!”

Sensei replied, “You won for two reasons!  First, you mastered one of Judo’s most difficult throws.  Second, the only known defense for that move is for your challenger to grab your right arm.”

What appeared to be an incredible weakness – was in fact an improbable strength.  Imperfections can be our greatest assets.  Instead of asking God to remove the things that plague us - laziness, pride, depression, financial hardships, maybe we should pray for Him to be our strength in all these things.

Master, sometimes we hide, ignore or compensate for our limitations because of pain or embarrassment.  Keep me weak, so that You might be my strength.  Amen

Test of Character

“The testing of your faith develops perseverance." ~ James 1:2-3

The 3-day mental marathon would soon begin.  Jolene had gone to law school for three years and studied hard just to graduate.  Review classes at night had ruined her social life for the past eight weeks.  Now, passing the bar exam was all that kept her from practicing the law.  She was ready!

The odds of passing were in her favor.  Ten percent of the people were dumber than her; a similar number were gonna have at least one bad day.   Another fifteen percent were going to freak out and choke.  She liked her chances.

Jolene gulped some calming breaths and tried to relax; there wasn’t anything she could do now to change her test performance.  Besides, her Mom had been praying the rosary for weeks . . . and that never hurt.

But as she entered the cavernous testing room and positioned herself at a rickety table, negative thoughts crept into her consciousness.   Annoying traffic sounds outside clashed with the rush of adrenaline now raging through her veins.  Had she studied enough?  Were the others better prepared?  Would concepts that she knew yesterday no longer make sense today?  

The proctor passed out the exam and left the room.  Within a short time, students pulled out cheat sheets from under their shirts or from their pockets.  Jolene’s anxiety soared; she felt her heart beat faster and her muscles tensing.  Sweat began running down the small of her back.  It’s almost impossible to compete against cheaters she thought to herself.

About that time a tall, lanky man stood up in the back of the room and shouted: “I left my hometown and put my wife and twin little babies in an upstairs apartment while I worked full-time to get though Law School.  And you’d better believe that I’ll turn in the first one of you who cheats,” he barked adamantly.

They believed him! 

Cheat sheets started disappearing as fast as guilty expressions had appeared.  He’d just set the standard for a group that would later become some of the most prominent and respected lawyers in our country’s history – including Jolene Bransner JD.

In reality, we’re only in competition with ourselves.  Others can challenge and motivate us, but we must reach down deep into our souls and call forth our God-given intelligence and capabilities.  We cannot do this when we depend on the efforts of someone else.

Honesty is a principle, and we have a moral obligation to determine how best to apply its code.   While we have the ability to make choices, we will ultimately be accountable for each choice we make.  We may cheat others, but there is One we will never deceive.

Lord, I pray that our Youth understand that a relationship with You is more important than any other thing in this life.  Cheating is not worth losing Your presence and rejecting Your grace even if for a moment.  Thank You for Your light upon them.  Amen

Your Choice

“God didn’t send his Son into the world to condemn its people, but to save them!”  ~ John 3:17

Josh and Craig have a connection that even the closest friends don't often have. 

Josh, once a college athlete, enjoyed the benefits of a full football scholarship at a major university.  After an improbable victory in the conference championship, he and his teammates partied for several hours.  He was in no condition to drive home – but alcohol has a way of making one feel invincible.

A Dallas native, Craig was a business major at a local college.  He loved sports and girls, a good mixture for a guy who was athletic and already had modeling contracts in Dallas and NYC.  After suffering fatigue and swelling in his legs, he made an appointment with a nephrologist who diagnosed chronic kidney disease.  Craig still had 75 percent kidney function and was told that with medication, improved diet and regular exercise, he wouldn’t need dialysis for 10-15 years.

December 14^th changed everything for both of them.  Just five minutes from the safety of his apartment, Josh’s truck hydroplaned and crashed head-on into Craig’s Ford Fiesta. 

The accident caused extensive damage to Craig’s already-diseased kidney; an injury that placed him on the kidney transplant list instantly.  Other injuries left him permanently paralyzed, unable to dress or feed himself . . . or go to the bathroom alone.  One night he found himself trapped under the covers in his bed, unable to move when he was too hot or cold.  Once fiercely independent, he was forced to rely on others for everything.

Josh pleaded guilty to a charge of ‘intoxication assault’ and was placed on probation for 7 years.  His goal of becoming a football coach vanished when he was again arrested for drinking and driving.  His probation violation landed him in prison for 26 months; plenty of time to pray, to heal, to try and make things right.  Through it all, Josh discovered a new calling.

When he learned of Craig’s fate, he made arrangements from his prison cell to donate a much needed kidney.  Free now after months of incarceration, he talks about his experiences to teenagers all over the country.  He entertains.  He warns.  He coaches.

Craig is still a model – a role model.  He too speaks publicly.  His inspiration draws people to his radiant smile, his quick wit, and a powerful message to never, ever give up.  “Happiness,” he will tell you, “is a choice for every one of us!”   Despite his laundry list of challenges, he loves his life.

Since the crash, both men have embraced their new mission in life – to tell everyone they can about choices, consequences, and the preventable dangers of drinking and driving. 

Forgiving God, I know of Your promise to those who knock, that the door shall be opened.  I’m knocking!  Lord, thank you for the life You’ve given me and may I please find a way to make You proud with what life I have left.  Amen

In a League of His Own

“Be humble; don’t let selfishness or conceit be your guide." ~ Philippians 3:2

Ahh, the alluring feel of dirt, the scent of sweat-laced leather, and the thrill of victory: is there a better way for kids to learn about sportsmanship and teamwork than by playing baseball? 

As a former minor-leaguer and first year T-ball coach, Bryan couldn’t wait to teach these fresh faces all he knew about the game, about improving their skills and the importance of physical fitness.

Every Saturday morning, fields swarmed with the tiniest players in town: 5 and 6-year-olds clad in t-shirts that slipped off their shoulders under hats that fell over their eyes.  Some wore bright neon socks so their parents and grandparents could spot them more easily in the field. 

T-ball’s different than baseball: nobody strikes out in T-ball.  They all get to play.  Everyone cheers whenever a bat makes the slightest contact with a ball and every time a kid lands near a base.  You can't buy this kind of entertainment!

Six weeks into the season and it was still more theater than competition for them and their friends.  "Hey, Mimi!" Adam shouted from the infield where he stood holding his glove.  He waved; she smiled.  Mimi got a hit, ran to first base, copped a high-five from Coach Bryan. Then she ran to her daddy for a kiss before returning to first base.

Joel, the next batter up, hit a slow roller to the infield’s right side.  Adam tried to tag Mimi out on her way to second base.  When the umpire called Mimi out, Adam immediately informed the umpire that he hadn’t managed to tag Mimi. 

“She should be safe,” the sweet, honest little boy announced.  And so, Mimi remained on second base, her smile as wide as hope.

Two weeks later, Adam encountered the same umpire in another game.  This time, Adam tagged another runner on the way to second base.  When the teen-aged umpire called the player safe, Adam didn’t say a word, but the umpire noticed his shock at the call.

“Did you tag the runner?” she asked Adam.  When Adam confirmed that he had, the umpire changed her decision and called the player out. 

Unfortunately, even T-ball can get raucous at times.  Opponent coaches and parents protested loudly about the umpire’s reversal, but she proudly stood by her decision.  Adam had earned her trust and respect!

A dose of reality slammed across Coach Bryan’s face.  “He who dares to teach must never cease to learn,” he thought.  ”You’re never too old be humbled either!”  He’ll add one more line to his team philosophy next year.  In addition to baseball fundamentals – “instill in them a sense of integrity.”  And he’ll give credit for that one to young Adam.

Loving Teacher, when we practice - give us patience; when we play – give us integrity; when we win – give us humility; and when we lose – give us peace.  In all that we do, let our lives praise You.  Amen

A Beautiful Mess

"The Lord gives sight to the blind." ~ Psalm 146:8

Shannon glanced nervously at the kitchen clock.  Five minutes before midnight.

They should be home any time now, she thought as she put the finishing touches on the chocolate cake she was frosting.  It was the first time in her 11 years she had tried to make a cake from scratch, and to be honest, it wasn't exactly flawless.  It was lopsided.  And the frosting was bitter, as if she’d run out of sugar.  Which she had!

And then there was the way the kitchen looked.  When she’d noticed her kitten licking cake mix off the counter, she reached to push her away knocking a mostly-full egg carton to the floor.  The slimy puddle it created wasn’t even the worst part!

Imagine a huge blender filled with all the ingredients for chocolate cake – including the requisite bowls, pans and utensils.  Now imagine that the blender is turned on . . . high speed . . . without a lid.  Get the picture?

Shannon tried frantically to clean up this epic mess but she’d simply run out of time.  A scolding was coming, maybe even grounding. 

But she’d deal with that later.  For now, she was anxious for her parents to return home from their date so she could present her anniversary gift to them.  She turned off the kitchen lights and waited eagerly in the darkness.  

Her parents tried to slip quietly in the back door, but Shannon would have none of that.  She flipped on the lights and trumpeted: "Ta-daaa!"  She gestured dramatically toward the kitchen table, where a slightly off-balance two-layer chocolate cake awaited their inspection.

The two stood speechless.  The kitchen was a disaster.  Mom felt a tear form in the corner of her eye.  It’d be easier to burn the house down and start over, then to try and return it to its original charm.   Shannon didn’t know whether to cry, or run.

When Dad moved to hug his sweet child, he slipped on the gooey eggs still pooled on the floor, getting his suit white and sticky in the process.  Mom tried to suppress giggles but quickly burst into hysterical laughter. 

Dad let out a deep belly laugh as Mom joined him in the gloopy mess on the floor.  Shannon smiled.  She’d created something, a veritable phoenix of flour and sugar rising out of the kitchen clutter.   And given two parents an anniversary they’d not soon forget.

That's how God deals with us.  We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess.  Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.  And He picks us up (again).

Loving God, sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do.  That's when You pick us up and love us and forgive us, even though some of our mess gets all over You.   Thank You – for turning messes into triumphs.  Amen