Father Figure

“To God be the glory forever and ever." ~ Philippians 4:20

He grew up the youngest of nine children in a broken home in Boston’s rough Dorchester section. By 13, he’d developed a serious addiction to cocaine among other illegal substances.

At just 14 years old, he dropped out of school, joined a cold-blooded gang, and began making his living on the streets - hustling, stealing, and dealing drugs.   With each passing day, his rebellious, anger-riddled, and destructive lifestyle mounted.

At 15 he faced civil action for his participation in two separate incidents of hurling rocks and racial slurs at African-American children.  He injured two of the students.

His chaotic life finally came to a crashing halt at 16, when he viciously attacked 2 Vietnamese men.  He sucker punched the first blinding him in one eye and beat the second man unconscious while shouting racial insults about 'slant-eyed gooks.'  For these crimes, he was charged with attempted murder, plead guilty to assault, and was sentenced to two years in prison.

He’d finally earned his stripes; locked up with the kind of guys he idolized.  Three of his brothers had already done time; his sister went to prison so many times he’d lost count.

Back on the streets after only 45 days, he quickly returned to peddling drugs.  But in the shadows, he was being watched - not by undercover cops, but by a fearless young priest.  The street punk stood speechless when the Padre got right in his face: ‘‘What the heck are you doing?”

Father Jim Flavin managed to get him off the street and onto a basketball team in the Catholic Church league.

The rest they say “is history!”

When he stood at the podium in 2007 accepting an Oscar for his supporting role in “The Departed,” Mark Wahlberg (aka rapper Marky Mark), fought back tears describing how the charismatic priest rescued him from a criminal trajectory.

‘‘Where we grew up, we mostly looked for the wrong role models in the wrong places.  It took me far too long to realize that the real heroes were there all the time.  Rev. Flavin helped us realize who the real heroes are.  He’s my hero, my mentor, my friend, my brother.  I have the greatest respect and debt to him; he married us and baptized all my children.”

Today Mark Wahlberg enjoys enormous success on both the big and small screens as model, actor and producer.  He’s packed away the demons of old and boasts a growing family, with his Catholic faith acting as a pivotal force in reshaping what had threatened to become a troubled adult life.

He’s never bashful about his faith, “I never would’ve been able to change my life and have the success and love that I have in my world today without my faith.”

“Lord, help me be a good servant, father, husband, son, friend, brother, uncle, neighbor, good leader to those who look up to me and a good follower of those who aim to serve You.“ ~ Mark Wahlberg

How Great Thou Art

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you." ~ Isaiah 43:2

Jason awoke early for a peaceful walk along the Caribbean coastline.  The ocean had always been his remedy for relieving tension, worry, and anxiety.

Its shore marked a graceful arc in the sand, glittering under the remains of a moonlit sky.  With a soothing sound, the waves rolled in a brief burst of kelp.  Every few meters he discovered a briny treasure, once the habitat for some aquatic creature - footprints they left behind soon erased.

From the sandy shore, he gazed out at the horizon before him.  Waves of a royal blue crept towards him and then ran away, only to repeat the process in a cycle that left a salty mist on his feet.  But beyond those magical waves was something even more breathtaking and spectacular: the rising sun.

Beautiful smudges of coral, lavender, and a fiery orange blended together to create a sight so astounding it swept away all his worries, just like the waves creeping over seashells and stealing them back into its depths.

He inhaled deeply as the sunlight poured over him, allowing his mind to focus on the ocean’s energy.  It cleansed him from head to toe; from the inside out.  Negativity and fear escaped like the outgoing tide.

When he imagined its healing power, he pictured countless others who must feel the same way - surfers, divers, swimmers, and children grinning from ear to ear.  The ocean serves as medicine for so many.

Its power is immeasurable.  We’ve learned to travel over the mighty oceans, to descend to the bottom of them, and to travel through them - but the relentless force of their waves remain untamable.  Rocks are crushed, shorelines are changed, and even the most experienced sailors can be driven aground or sent to their bottoms.  Man’s combined genius and equipment can do little to conquer the oceans.

They’re no problem for God, however.  The One who created the mighty oceans does with them what He wishes.  And when the turbulent seas of adversity are threatening, we need to remember His awesome power.

Sometimes there are obstacles that seem overwhelming to us.  But like the seas, they have no more resistance to God’s power than water in a teacup!

So how do you tune into the ocean’s healing energy when you’re hundreds of miles from the sea?  Luckily you don’t need anything other than your intention, a willingness to look within, and the openness for this experience.

God’s love is like that.  It's refreshing, powerful, and a little terrifying at times.  But all you need to experience His love and healing grace is the desire to walk closely with Him, a willingness to confess your sinfulness, and a sincerity to communicate with Him daily.

“Dear God, Your ocean is so wide and my boat is so small; the winds are so strong - my sail so slight; and the world so fierce and I’m so frail.  Please watch over me, Amen.”                ~ Winfred Ernest Garrison

Two Apples

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged." ~ Matthew 7:1

Playful and sometimes a bit mischievous, Allis was a handful!  Her dark brown eyes were filled with vitality and self-assurance.  Reddish brown pigtails added to an overall impish appearance.  Snuggles and smiles had long since been traded for tantrums and egocentrism.   Today was one such case in point.

Allis and her Mom (Beth) enjoyed some quiet time in the tall grass beneath a cloudless, azure sky. The scent from pink, creamy apple blossoms permeated their senses; an aroma not missed by the peaceful humming of bees sipping the nectar, gathering pollen.  Nature provides such a wonderful backdrop Beth thought.

Allis spied a magnificent apple tree with emerald green leaves; it’s luscious, red apples waiting to be savored.   “Mommy, can I go pick some,” she pleaded.

“Of course, honey,” Beth replied.  “Just watch out for soft spots and worms, ok?”

Allis nodded and scampered off, anxious to find the perfect fruit.  But only a meter tall, she’d have to rely on those that had recently fallen off swollen limbs.

She picked one up; its skin was firm and smooth.  Without biting, she knew instinctively that on the other side of that rich, red skin was crisp white flesh.

Soon she located an almost identical one and lifted it from the ground to drink in the sweet scent.  Before her teeth broke its delicate skin, she pulled it away from her mouth and stared at it again.

Apple peels were works of art - perfect blends of red and yellow in patterns a human hand could never paint.  Such a natural treat.  They didn't shine since they were absent a wax coating.  Home grown, no chemicals, no trucking between states, just fruit right off the tree.

Pleased with her discoveries, Allis scurried back to her mother with a beautiful prize in each hand.

“My love,” Beth asked eagerly, “did you bring one of those apples for me?”

The girl looked up at her mother grinning briefly before taking a bite from one apple … and then the other.

The smile on Beth’s face froze trying hard to conceal her displeasure.  What had she done wrong in raising such a selfish child?  And how could she ‘unspoil’ her ungrateful kid?

Then Allis handed one of her bitten apples to Beth.  “Here you are Mommy, this is the sweeter one,” she said.

Despite our best efforts, we all judge others.  It might be over small things, like a co-worker who took too long of a lunch break.  Or it might be over bigger issues, such as a person who hurts our feelings.  No matter, it’s always wise to delay judgment, to give others the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to explain themselves.

Father, help us to be mindful that it’s not our place to judge others.  We are no better than they are.  Help us to trust in Your almighty plan and the power of Your love to capture hearts and transform others.  Amen

A Winter's Day

“Truly the sun’s light is sweet; pleasant for the eyes to behold!  ~ Ecclesiastes 11:7

Michigan winters are often defined in various shades of grey.  That is, at least until its Great Lake traps it’s vast waters beneath a solid ice sheet, allowing the sun to shine on occasion.

But despite the dismal, dreary sky, Yulia loved her morning walks along the naked trees lining the Paint Creek Trail.  It allowed time for brisk exercise, prayerful contemplation, and of course, the companionship of her faithful friend Bella.

A frigid, misty rain was falling today.  The air clung like frozen lace on her skin, delicate and cold, like winter waves on shallow sand.  As they trekked through fresh, crisp snow, Bella’s puppy breath rose in visible puffs.  She too loved the outdoors.

Having moved from somewhere much warmer and sunnier, Yulia found it hard to keep her energy or spirits up as she walked along.  The weather forecast said it might be days before they would see the sun again.

Her body craved the sunlight that converts the vitamin D that naturally boosts serotonin levels.  Adequate serotonin directly affects healthier moods - which may explain why she always felt revitalized and happier when spring arrives.

Suddenly Bella barked and ran ahead a few dozen paces.  There she sat patiently waiting for Yulia to join her.  A tiny break in the clouds had appeared and a sunbeam shot through them, shining directly onto Bella’s coat.

Yulia hurried to join Bella, letting the sun’s warmth embrace her like an old friend.  It felt as if God leaned down from Heaven and planted a tender kiss on her forehead.  After weeks without it, she was surprised by the heat in its rays.  No longer did it leach enjoyment from her body, but instead, returned it tenfold.

She let it wash over her, rekindling a fire in her soul; reminding her that the sun always shines behind the clouds.  It was also a cheerful reminder that God’s love is always there even on the darkest of days.

The break in the clouds lasted only a minute more.  But the light Yulia took in from it stayed with her for the rest of the day.

Sometimes we all need a little light to keep us going when the world seems dark.  Sometimes we all need a little reminder of God’s love for us to keep us strong and shining bright.  And sometimes we need to be that light ourselves.

The next time then that this world seems dim and gray - be the light that makes it bright once again.  Share your love, your warmth, and your smile.  Give your goodness, your kindness, and your joy.  Break through the clouds and let God’s light shine through you.

Gracious and loving God, Your rays embrace the earth.  Help us to seek Your brilliance and warmth in good times as well as bad. Help us to always be mindful that You are our sure hope in a world that doesn’t always seem to care.  Amen

Superheroes

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." ~ James 1:3

Their infant son Louie has a life-threatening illness.  But this story isn’t about him.  His fate lies with the healing touch of a God who loves him deeply.

Nor is it about the medical professionals who take care of these little angels.  They are heroes, of course.

But it’s the parents who are the superheroes.  They use every weapon to fight because their children need them to.  They keep going because if they don’t, who will?

I’ve never actually met little Louie, but when I read the Facebook updates about him, it’s easy to feel the enormous, self-sacrificing love that surrounds him.  I envision bright, encouraging smiles on their faces as they sit by their son’s bed, praying for miracles.

Parents with hearts like stained-glass windows.  Those windows are made of broken glass which when forged back together, are even stronger and more beautiful for having been broken.

Parents who care of seriously ill children don’t have the same luxuries the rest of us have.  Every parent carries similar nagging fears: What if something happens to my child?  Will I be able to give them all the things they need to live a happy, healthy life?  How can I help them realize their full potential?  It comes back to one question: Am I enough?

But parents with healthy children can to put those fears on the back burner.  We don’t often have to look that terrifying monster in the eye and face reality.  But, for Louie’s parents, that’s a luxury they can’t afford.  They hold onto frail little hands and face the monster head on.   Their pain is deep, but their joy runs deeper.  Such selfless courage and boundless faith humbles me.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Louie clings to life - as his own gift to the parents he loves, savoring every moment with his family for their sake, as well as for his own.

For the rest of us who look at these parents and think, “I don’t know how they do it,” know this: It’s not their abilities that are superhuman.  It’s their extraordinary love, the intensity of which pushes them out of bed every morning and forces them to keep going, no matter the odds.

I suspect if I spoke with them face to face, they’d say something like: “Please don't feel sorry for us.  Love us, support us, talk to us and pray for us.  Louie is perfect!  He’s never hurt anyone; he only seeks loves and creates it.  We mourn for a world that sees only flaws.  Suffering helps us all experience joy.  Whatever brings you closer to God is a blessing.”

Father God, please bless Louie’s parents and all who love him.  Shower them with Your comfort and strength to sustain them as they care for this sweet child.  May they trust in You, Lord.  Give them the hope, faith, and skill to help nurse young Louie back to full heath, Amen.

Amazing Gracie

“Out of the fullness of His grace He blesses us all." ~ John 1:16

For first responders, there’s no such thing as a normal day on the job.  From saving families from burning houses to aiding the victims of car crashes, they adapt to whatever the situation.  But it was a cool, fall evening when Darren got the call that would change his life forever.

It came from a woman in distress - severe abdominal pain.  When Darren and the other firefighters arrived on scene, they quickly realized the young woman was in labor.  Though her belly was large, the girl was dreadfully undernourished.

Darren immediately started an IV and placed the mother on oxygen.  As the ambulance prepared to leave, the baby was crowning.  Without much effort, it slid into Darren’s hands.  His heart jumped into his throat as his brain registered the meaning of what had just happened.

Their eyes met as they stared blissfully at each other, alone in space.  Her newborn smile was as sweet as ripe peaches.  Tiny fingers curled around his pinky.  She seemed oddly content despite what must have been such a strange world after life in the womb.

The siren jolted him out of his daydream.  They called for backup and rushed to the hospital with mother and child.

While filling out routine paperwork at the hospital, Darren learned that the homeless mom planned to put the infant up for adoption.  It must have been an answer to their prayers.

They’d been trying (unsuccessfully) for a third child and were considering adoption.  Now it was in God’s hands.  “If it’s meant to be, it’ll be!”

He walked into the woman’s hospital room and introduced himself.  Darren explained that he had two kids, his wife was a school teacher and they wanted more children, but weren’t able to.  After a friendly chat, he swung by the nursery and sent his wife a picture of the sweet little girl.

She jokingly texted back, “Can we keep her?”  Darren knew his wife wasn’t kidding.

The next day, the whole family visited the mother in the hospital.  She was old well beyond her youth and paying the price.  She appeared frail, exhausted, and alone.

The adult conversation went well – but it was Darren’s boys who closed the deal; they absolutely loved her and couldn’t wait to make the beautiful baby girl the newest addition to their family.

Terrified of returning to the streets with a child she could not feed, clothe or care for adequately, the mother readily agreed to the adoption.

The family named their baby girl Grace ; she’d go by Gracie.  They knew the adoption was a gift from God – having placed the fate of their family growing by another in His precious hands.  And He grace-fully delivered on that prayer.

Blessed Lord, thank You for all that you’ve done for us today.  Thank You for the splendor of Your whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the miracle of life, and for the mystery of love.  Amen