The Love Letter

“Honor your father and your mother!" ~ Exodus 20:12

By the time she was 18, Lacey had weathered a series of crises including a cancer scare, bullying at school, and now a breakup with her longtime boyfriend.  Long time for teens anyway: 31 months.

She’d shown a wide variety of powerful and destructive emotions: sadness, anger, humiliation, fear, confusion, jealousy, and regret.  Lacey recalled those feelings when she’d hit bottom: "I didn’t care what happened to me and couldn't care less what happened to the people around me.  I’d lost all hope!”

Eventually, about six weeks after the break-up, a feeling of relief emerged.  She’d survived … with the help of her church, friends, and especially her parents.  As her thoughts turned from inward out, she realized just how kind, loving, and reassuring her parents had been during that time and in fact, her entire life.

Lacey was too self-conscious to tell them how much she loved and appreciated them F2F, so one night she poured her heart into a letter and placed it where she knew they’d find it before going to bed.

“Dear Mom and Dad, these past couple of months have not been easy … for any of us!  But I, for one, would never have made it out of my miserable funk without your love and support.  Thank you for all the times you told me it was going to be okay.  Thank you for making me laugh when I was sad.  And thank you for nudging me to look forward with renewed hope.  If I learned anything in this journey, it’s that you two are the most important people in my life, and I love you more than anything.  When I have children, I want to be just like you.  Love Lacey   xxooxo”

Hours later they burst into her room, shook Lacey awake, and hugged her.  Eyelids flickered to the unlit room.  She didn’t know what was going on until Lacey saw the letter in her Mom’s hand.

Then perhaps more fully awake than she’d ever been, Lacey recalled seeing tears in her Dad’s eyes for the first time in her life.  She didn’t speak; soaking in the pure joy in their faces.  Her simple note had touched them in incomprehensible ways.  It had made them happy and that was enough.

Oh the power of a single act of love.  A kind word can heal a heart and change a life.  The most beautiful thing in this world is to see your parents smiling, and knowing that you’re the reason.

For all that our parents do for us, there’s no way of repaying them.  Though they do not expect anything but love from us, an occasional thank you or an acknowledgment to appreciate them, might just make them happy.

O God, thank you for my parents who have loved me and cared for me.  Help me to show how much I appreciate them.  Forgive me for the times I've made them sad.  Keep them close to one another in this life and in the next.  Amen

He Picks You

"You didn’t choose me, but I chose you.”  ~ John 15:16

Malik recognized that look.  His shoulders were slumped; eyes cast in a mournful gaze.  Isaiah’s mouth framed a semi-pout.  He kicked a stone along the sidewalk, trying to make some sense of it as he replayed the most humiliating moment of the day.

They’d moved here three weeks ago but his son had not made any meaningful friends yet.  And he’d apparently been deemed hopelessly unathletic by a jury of elementary schoolers.

“I didn’t get picked …today at recess,” Isaiah began.  “In kickball … when they picked teams, nobody … wanted me on … their team,” he continued as moisture formed on his eyelashes.

Malik could tell from the broken flow in his voice that this information came straight from the boy’s heart.  The only thing more difficult than being alone, he thought, was watching your six year old son consumed by a loneliness that seems to rob him of all hope.

Malik felt a sharp pain in his own chest.  He’d been there with his other kids too.  Dad, I didn’t make the team.  I didn’t get invited.  I didn’t get the part.  And he didn’t have to travel too far down memory lane to recall similar events in his own life - wasn’t asked to attend; wasn’t asked to help; didn’t make the invitation list.

He stepped in front of his son, bending down to get eye-level with Isaiah.  There on the sidewalk, a hint of fall in the breeze that blew across his dejected cheeks, Malik remembered something that was shared regularly in a church they attended since moving here.

They stand after Communion, hold hands and spoke these precious words: “I am totally accepted, deeply loved, completely forgiven, and empowered to live a new life in Christ because of the resurrection of Jesus.”  The truth aroused him through the whispers of autumn leaves.

“Zay,” he said.  “God always picks you.  So much that He sent Jesus.  He loves you completely.  And He always picks Isaiah.”  Malik tilted Isaiah’s head so he could see his eyes.  “He always picks you!”

The little boy cracked a slight grin.  Malik caressed his cheek and kissed his forehead.  He took his Dad’s enormous hand into his.  “OK,” he said, “race you home?”

And as he watched the boy charge ahead, skipping like a stone bouncing across a glossy lake, his giggles created ripples of mirth for a brighter day tomorrow.  Malik knew that was enough.

Feeling rejected is universal; something common to everyone who breathes.  Since that first bite of the forbidden fruit, we live in a fallen world and feeling left out is become a part of life.  We can’t always protect our kids from life’s bumps and bruises.  But we can remind them that they are totally accepted, deeply loved … and always chosen.

Almighty Father, thank you for choosing me and redeeming me.  Help me turn my back on worry and crush fear under my feet.  Thank you for loving, caring and always believing in me.   Amen

Coming Home

“A heart at peace gives life to the body.” ~ Proverbs 14:30

He arrived at the Lincoln No-Kill Shelter (LiNKS) a picture of health, groomed, shining and a tail that moved faster than a nail gun; clearly not your average stray.  He looked like a guy who could run all day and still be eager to go again.  He probably began life as a farm or hunting dog.  The staff figured he was a recent runaway or castoff.

Nameless at first, they began calling him Affinity.  He seemed to have a natural ability to read the emotions of other dogs.  New arrivals dealing with fear and anxiety appeared comforted by the handsome hound.  He knew just how to handle them.

Thus, placing Affinity in a new home was a cinch.  Keeping him there would prove infinitely more difficult.

His first adoption lasted just 5 days; the next only 2.

The third adopter was genuinely dedicated to making things work.  But the precocious hound had other plans.  Affinity, returned to LiNKS four times – dropped off once by a good Samaritan, twice by animal control, and finally by his adopter.

Although it broke his heart, the man feared the dog would become lost for good, injured, or even killed during one of his disappearances.  So he returned the dog to LiNKS permanently.

There are many reasons why an otherwise happy dog may run away.  Each new family interested in Affinity was warned of his Houdini-like escape skills.

Adoptions 5 through 9 ended similarly.  By now Affinity had turned escaping into an art form.  There was simply no fence too high and no screen door too strong to tame his wanderlust.  The staff wondered if he was lonely, bored or suffering from separation anxiety.  Maybe he’d fled in response to fear stimuli like storms, fireworks or construction in the home.

Regardless, the folks at LiNKS were done placing him for adoption.

Over time they realized Affinity was desperately trying to tell them something.  As far as he was concerned, LiNKS was home.

He’d returned to where he belonged.  At the dog shelter, he played with dozens of other dogs every day and got lots of good food and extra love from staff members.

Later the staff discovered that the serum from Affinity’s blood had healing properties.  He donates blood every two weeks for kittens with eye infections!

There’s a perfect place for every dog in this world.  For Affinity, it wasn’t a traditional home, but a No-Kill shelter helping rescue dogs and amusing rescue workers!  A troublesome pooch like him may not have received so many chances at another facility.  Had they given up on him, they never would’ve discovered his incredible gift for helping other dogs.

Lord, bless Affinity and all the animals on earth.  May they carry out the purpose that they’ve been given and may each of them help to remind us that they’re Your creation.  Help us to see all animals as gifts from You and to treat them with respect.  Amen

The Runaway Miracle

“God’s love is God’s love is perfect - unconditional, forgiving, and everlasting.” ~ John 3:16

No matter how many layers of cardboard she arranged for a mattress, her bones still ached; let alone the rodents that preyed on her young flesh.  Bianka, her mother, and thousands of others lived crammed into shacks made from packing crates and corrugated tin.

The largest slum in Central America, La Carpio is an isolated section of San José bordered by two polluted rivers, a sewage plant and the city’s landfill.  It’s where refugees settled following Nicaragua’s bloody civil war in the 1980’s.

Massive overcrowding spawned appalling levels of poverty, crime, disease and sexual abuse.

Bianka left a brief note on the table:  “I’m running away – please don’t look for me.”  She left her barrio of 14 years not knowing where she was headed, how she’d survive or who she’d meet; but didn’t care.  She was free … that’s all that mattered.

Bianka longed to see the world.  Tired of a home having only a dirt floor, abysmal water quality, and a bare food pantry, she dreamed of a better life.  She hated La Carpio and the desperate sounds of hungry children.

Knowing what life on the streets would be like for her naïve daughter, Bianka’s mother Livia hurriedly packed to go find her.  Before leaving, however, she stopped for one last thing.  She sat in the photo booth, closed the curtain, and spent all she could on pictures of herself.  With a purse full of photos, she boarded the first bus to San José.

Livia knew Bianka had no way of earning money.  But her daughter was too stubborn to quit.  When hunger meets ego, people will do the unthinkable to survive.

She searched bars, hotels, nightclubs, any place with the reputation for prostitutes.  She left her picture taped on bathroom mirrors, bulletin boards and utility poles.  On the back of each photo she wrote a note.

Soon both the money and pictures ran out.  Livia wept as she boarded the bus back to La Carpio.

Weeks later, her shoulders slumped as Bianka descended the flophouse stairs.  Once brilliant eyes cast a mournful gaze of pain and fear.  She looked exhausted; her dream had become a nightmare.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes detected a familiar face.  There on the lobby mirror was a picture of her mother.  She raced across the room, removed the small photo, and read its gripping invitation:  "Whatever you’ve done - it doesn't matter.  Please come home!"

Bianka caught the next bus home.

She still didn’t know how she’d survive or where they’d live, but didn’t care.  Bianka felt her Mom’s unconditional love … home was all that mattered.  They’d figure something out – together.

Lord, thank You for Your unconditional love.  Whereas others may or may not decide to love us only after we have entered their lives, You love us, flaws and all.  Thank You, for welcoming us into Your divine family as your sons and daughters.  Amen

The Thingamagig Store

“Be a loving and kind example for your children." ~ Proverbs 22:6

Some fathers try to appeal to their children by showering them with gifts rather than giving of themselves.  Others play ball, take them camping, or build tree houses.  Joe let his son tag along with him – to his office, while mowing the lawn or to the store.  Funny how some kids actually get great joy from doing things that adults consider work.

Hardware stores were Joe’s idea of heaven.  He’d open the door, inhale the signature odor of lawn fertilizer, sawdust and house paint, and sink in.  He admired tools he'd never buy and think up projects he’d never start.  To him, the hardware store was a dusty temple of useful stuff.

Homer’s Hardware was his favorite: old fashioned, cash only, not a computer in the place.  They’d walk across an old wood floor – worn smooth and devoid of stain or varnish; complete with squeaks and uneven joints.  It was the kind of place you went when you needed a whatchamacallit or a thingamajig.  You could simply say “I need a little thing about this big and that color; they knew exactly what it was and where to find it.  Try that at Lowes.

The store had narrow aisles and tall shelves filled with an vast array of items for just about anything: vacuum bags, propane tanks, rakes, hoses, watering cans, charcoal grills, tape, glue, smoke alarms, door hinges and saw blades.  You could even buy a single bolt or screw without purchasing the whole package.  Try that at Home Depot.

Saturday mornings were an educational experience for Jack as his Dad wandered about, stopping to point out things he thought might impress his son.  Like the store was a kind of museum and Joe was its docent.

Joe was conversant in sink parts, belt sanders, conduit, Elmer's Glue and every kind of garden tool. Honestly, Jack wasn't paying much attention, because his own love of hardware stores was based on things like how much dryer vent hoses resembled the arms of the robot on "Lost in Space."  But it was time their time together – Joe sharing a small corner of his world with a son he cherished.

Joe knew he only had one chance to be with his son before Jack grew up.  And that if he wanted his son to respect him in later years, he had to build that relationship before it was too late; while Jack was still young.

Parents - your children will grow up too soon.

As they reach later and later developmental stages, you’ll look back wistfully at how quickly it went, how quickly their innocence and childlike dependence on you evaporated.  Your child also presents you with an opportunity to grow.  Seize that opening.

Lord, thank you for my dear parents.  Help me to show how much I appreciate them.  Forgive me for the times I've made them sad.  Bless them with good health and happiness.   Keep them close to one another in this life and in the next.  Amen

No Seconds

“The Lord will never leave you nor forsake you." ~ Deuteronomy 31:8

Wayne Ford will die soon!

He sat cross-legged, a thin blanket across his lap, atop the concrete bench that served as his bed on San Quentin’s East Block.

Stale air filtered out from his dark cell.  He’d been relieved of all possessions except a well-worn Bible and a guitar missing the ‘D’ string; solitary punishment for crimes 19 years ago and too heinous to mention.

Death row was off-limits to most of the activities and volunteers that flooded the rest of San Quentin with theatrical, educational, and music programs.  There was simply no space in East Block.  Even the chapel’s Easter service had been held in a converted shower bay.

Joshua, his assigned guard, entered the cell with breakfast: chopped something on week-old toast.  Wayne had gotten used to it – after all, it wasn’t like his body needed much nutrition anymore.

As had become a daily custom, Joshua and Wayne prayed together.  Joshua had made certain that Wayne (and every other death row inmate) had the opportunity to know the transforming power of the Gospel before they died.

Today Wayne prayed, not for a stay of execution, but for God’s forgiveness.  He’d accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior a dozen years ago and become a devoted Christian ever since.

When they finished the devotional, Joshua asked, “Wayne, what do you want for your final meal?”

And there it was!  He knew from other inmates that last-meal planning marked the start of “The Death March” which began 14 days before the execution.  Time was running out.

The room began spinning.  Wayne sank to the floor, trying to make time slow down.  He felt sick.  Taking a deep, calming breath, he asked, “Can I have a little time to think about it?”

Joshua left him alone.

Barring last-minute legal action Wayne knew the last meal was his last chance to control anything that happened in those final hours.  Memories of favorite foods immediately flooded his thoughts.

Grandma Mae’s fried chicken, made with sweet potatoes, deep fried in olive oil.  A side of chili cheese fries with honey-glazed smoked bacon bits or fried jalapenos.  Classic iced mint lemonade with a slice of lime.  And for desert, his mother’s chocolate caramel date pudding.  Oh, the many choices to consider!

Joshua returned to Wayne’s cell before shift change.  “Have you decided on something delicious?” he queried.

Wayne’s voice caught as he meekly uttered, “I think I’d like a small piece of bread and some grape juice please.  If it’s good enough for my Lord on His last earthly day, it’s more than enough for a sinner like me.  It is (nearly) finished.”

“In my cell so dark and dreary, the touch of God's hand I can feel.  Asking Him to please forgive me, before Him pleading I will kneel.  I know someday beyond the sunset, He'll call my name to make amends.  Till that day I'll keep on prayin' and ask that He forgive my sins.”  ~ Hank Snow, “Prisoner’s Prayer”