The Prom

“Do to others as you would have them do to you." ~ Luke 6:31

Alex and his grandmother shared a unique bond; they were perhaps best friends.  He’d turn to Gram when needing advice, when depressed, or when he was at odds with his parents.  Gram always offered the best solutions!

As early as he could remember, Gram narrated bed-time stories of her own childhood.  She became a female Tom Sawyer.  Her tales sent Alex to a magical world, where everyone was a Winnie the Pooh, a Simba, or a Cinderella - where everything ended happily.

Still today, he’d spend hours with her, listening to Gram’s life stories.  She’d been a dancer, and had even taught Alex some popular dances from decades past - the Jitterbug, Hand Jive, Twist, and later the Hustle, Macarena and even Beyoncé’s Single Ladies Dance.

Gram soaked in the rhythm of any music; echoing fond girlish memories.  With his Senior Prom drawing near, Alex asked about Gram’s own Prom experience.

“I dreamed about it a lot … what I’d wear, how I’d fix my hair, what kind of corsage my date would bring me, how I’d dance,” she began.  “I was so excited, the first time I’d ever had a reason to get all fancied-up.”

“But I never went … your Grampa didn’t like to dance,” she sighed.  “I thought about going with friends who didn’t have dates, but back then it seemed too embarrassing.”

With Alex’s big night approaching, Gram’s excitement swelled for him.  She watched him save money for months so that he could afford a tuxedo and even a limousine.  Gram couldn’t wait to see who he’d be taking to the dance.

But to her surprise, he told her that he’d be taking her to prom.  “Every woman deserves to go to prom, no matter if they’re 18 or 68.”

The story’s fictitious – the sentiments are real.  No matter the age, we all need love as much as food, water and air.  They nourished each other.

Alex understood what modern culture tends to doubt – the value of older Americans’ skills and experiences.  They’ve lived through horrific situations - like epidemics, aging, crushing poverty, and world wars.  Their unique perspective offers a valuable lens through which younger people can interpret their own lives.

Alex also had wisdom to share.

He jumped at any opportunity to have fun and be silly. Gram learned again how to enjoy herself and make the most of every minute; that it’s okay to relax and play every now and then.  And young people tend to be more socially tolerant and open-minded.

Regardless of age, we can all learn from one another.  Whether planting seeds with your niece or visiting seniors in your community.  Have the Talk of a Lifetime, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of the world around you.

Lord Almighty, Your love enfolds us all.  Thank You for all the seasons of life.  Open our eyes that we may see the unique gift of each person’s life, created out of Your love. Amen

The Divine Detour

“Deaden the evil desires lurking within you, for they are false gods." ~ Colossians 3:5

Returning from an appointment, Karyn took a wrong turn at an intersection she’d traveled through many times.  Instead of going straight when the light changed, she had perhaps a senior moment and turned left.

Annoyed and slightly embarrassed, she considered turning around.  But after berating herself briefly, she chuckled.  “While it may take a little longer, all roads lead to home,” then drove on.

The narrow road resembled that of a roller coaster.  Karyn giggled as her ‘cart’ rolled effortlessly upward and downward; hands tightening on the steering wheel as her breath hastened in anticipation.

Along with less traffic than her usual route, the beautiful countryside boasted two-story farm houses with tin roofs and sagging porches.  They wore the colors of unfinished wood, weathered by years of harsh elements and baked by hot summers.

Those old relics spoke volumes about hardships and hope, strength and vulnerability; facing the world proudly and defiantly.  Although few would ever describe them as magnificent, their rugged, frontier charm harmonized with the spectacular backdrop that surrounded them.

After thirty minutes longer than her normal route, she pulled into the garage, thankful to be home safely.  For the rest of the evening, Karyn ruminated about the accidental detour; blessed by the blunder she savored.

Life’s highway can’t always be straight and smooth.  There must be hills, rough spots, and sporadic detours.  While they may appear unbearable, deviations in our personal goals may actually have a divine purpose.

One day our lives head in a perfect direction … and then things change; sometimes dramatically.  We watch and wait and worry as a virus we don’t fully understand races across borders and now approaches our own neighborhoods.  Could it be that God may be exposing our earthly idols?

Many of the things that we’ve idolized, both past and present, aren’t necessarily bad things, but decent things that take lofty positions on our priority tree and divert our attention from God.

Sports and entertainment are just some of the pleasures God has gifted us.  Yet obsessing over athletes and celebrities is unhealthy.  Work, wealth, food, and sex are not evil, but they were never meant to come before God.  By far the biggest idol in our lives is the one looking back at us in the mirror and promoted by every form of media available today.

Every one of these idols has been heavily wounded by COVID-19.  Maybe some good will come from this pandemic detour.  Maybe it will force us to turn our attention away from earthly idols and focus it where it belongs - on Him.

In the meantime, accept this detour in good cheer and in the Spirit of Christ; loving God and yielding completely to His will.

Almighty Lord, help us not to worship the idols of our time, which are so numerous and tempting.  Help us to love You with all our heart, and to prepare for the fruits of eternal salvation.  Amen

THE COVID-19 INFO-demic

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline." ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

New York-based artist Lucas Samaras gained fame in the mid-20^th century for his work in a variety of eccentric art forms.  One of his most fascinating works includes Room No. 2, Mirrored Cell – an 8’x8’x8’ chamber covered on all sides with mirrors that transform the space into a sensational, dizzying infinity room.

Utterly captivating, the room invites viewers to step into a chain of endless reflections and refractions.  Stretching endlessly in all directions, the mirrored space gives viewers the surreal experience of floating weightlessly in an abyss devoid of time or place.  The original room can be found in the permanent collection of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY.

One night, someone forgot to lock the exhibit’s door when the museum closed.  Believing he’d found a new ‘safe place’ to relax from the demands of his security detail, (Archie, the Gallery’s security dog) wandered into the exhibit.

Dogs are naturally curious and inquisitive so they generally interact enthusiastically with the world around them.  But, seeing his multiple reflections, Archie froze.  Suddenly, an enormous pack of dogs stared back at him from all sides, from above and below.

His first and safest option would be to run fast for the safety of his handler, but unable to put sufficient distance between himself and the numerous threats, the only other option left was to bare his teeth and bark.

What started out as a low-pitched “stay-away-from-me” growl quickly intensified when all the reflections responded to him in the exact same way.  Paralyzing fear spread through his body like icy, liquid metal.  He barked frantically, tossing his head from side to side and snapping his teeth.

The reflections imitated his every move.  Howls echoed off the numerous glass surfaces.  His eyes widened in terror and breaths soon became more ragged and acquiescent.

The next morning, museum security guards found the unresponsive dog surrounded by millions of images of his own dead corpse.  Nobody had touched or hurt the dog; Archie had succumbed to the irrational fear of his own reflections.

For today’s coronavirus INFO-demic, the greatest source of anxiety has been the tortuous process of watching the news unfold on social media.  This is not to say there’s no reason to be concerned, or that we should ignore the sound advice of medical professionals and public health experts.

But panic and fear don’t come from God; calm and hope do.  And it’s possible to respond to this crisis seriously and deliberately while maintaining an inner sense of patience and peace-of-mind.  Resist panic, avoid demonizing, care for those in need, and trust that God is with you.  Go to Him in prayer; we will move through this together, with God’s help.

Holy Father, under your protection, we seek refuge.  We feel helpless as the virus spins out of our control.  In these unsettling times, we find peace in Your presence, for only You can effectively prevent the contagious epidemic of fear.  Amen

Last House Standing

“You’ll have many earthly trials and sorrows; but faith in Me will overcome them all." ~ John 16:33

Not long after Hurricane Ike swept through Galveston, Texas in 2008, one picture surfaced that caught the world’s attention.  Despite the reality that every structure on the gulf side of that close-knit community was gone, one house stood tall, defying Ike’s deadly and violent wrath, almost unharmed amid miles of coastal rubble.

Ike claimed at least 113 lives, directly or indirectly, in the United States.  It’s 15-foot storm surge wreaked havoc from Louisiana to Corpus Christi, Texas.  With damages estimated at $38 billion, the hurricane was the second-costliest in U.S. history at the time.

Investigators determined that the owners of the yellow house had been through a hurricane before and had rebuilt it to hurricane standards.  While almost 200 buildings collapsed like toothpicks, the yellow house stood secure.

This image, however, still haunts me to this day!

The real strength of any structure is below grade.  The yellow house sat on reinforced concrete struts anchored and bolted to deep stabilizing pilings.  The upright struts allowed the yellow house to sit above Ike’s raging storm surges; much higher elevation than surrounding houses.

This image reminds me that when the wind howls and rising waters threaten, it’s not the carpet or the paint color or the bathroom tile that saves the house.  It’s what is unseen.  Deep anchors are vitally important for any structure to remain standing during gale-force assaults.

It reminds me of the storms sweeping into our lives right now.  Not just environmental storms, but the emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial storms that have suddenly erupted across the world with little no advance warning.  Some will survive – others will be crushed by its savagery.

So, what is your anchor?

Life comes with troubles, regardless of whether or not you follow Jesus.  You get to choose if you want Him to join you in your troubles, or if you’d rather go through them alone.  Following Him doesn’t offer immunity from difficulties.  What it does give is the opportunity to experience Him in the midst of our problems.  He’ll be there with you; you won’t be alone … ever!

Rather than focusing on the problems, focus on the promises.  Fix your eyes on Jesus and His Word and He’ll bring peace and calm to the struggles you face.  I guarantee it; because He says so.

Just to close out the story above, on the first day many residents were allowed back on the peninsula, owners of the yellow house returned to Church Street, ready to help neighbors whose homes no longer stood with theirs.  It remains intact to this day as a symbol of strength in the Gilchrist community.  You can even rent it for vacation under a listing appropriately called "Last House Standing."

Lord God, thank you for Your powerful Presence surrounding us. You’re the only place we find complete refuge in all that threatens us today.  Help us to be Your vessels to offer comfort and strength to others who are hurting.  Amen

Through Gramma's Window

“Never let kindness and truth leave you; write them on the tablet of your heart." ~ Proverbs 3:3

The old woman sat in her chair by the window.  It’s floral-cushioned wicker wasn’t the most comfortable one in the house, but it offered the best view out the front window for her daily visit.

Every afternoon, the students on Arlington’s #7 school bus drove by and she greeted them with warm smile and friendly wave as they passed her home.  Grinning as if she were a child, she lives vicariously through these random teenagers who she knew she’d probably never meet.

Yet there she sat, without fail, the afternoon light reflecting off her tanned and wrinkled skin with the eyes that belied her ninety years.  She had laughter lines from her gift for smiling easily, her personality made all the more pleasing by the sweet paths she'd danced since birth.  That simple handwave tickled everyone on the bus until they, too, smiled wide and true.

Little did she know that since they didn’t know her name, the students affectionately called her “Gramma in the Window.”  The daily routine became as important to them as it did for Gramma.

One morning the window was empty; Gramma wasn't at her usual living room post.  In fact, she was absent for several days in a row.  The students became concerned and wanted to make sure their elderly “friend” was OK.

They donated loose change for a bouquet of flowers, and asked Carol, their bus driver, to deliver them with a note that read, "'To the “Gramma in the window, we’re thinking of you.  Love, the kids and driver on bus #7.  There was no response at the door.

They later learned that 'Gramma,' (real name Louise), had suffered a stroke and was hospitalized at a local rehab center.  The kids decided to do something.  They posed for a photo of themselves waving from the bus so she’d have something to look at when she couldn’t be at the window.

The mounted picture, signed by all on bus #7, was delivered to Louise at the care center.  Though her throat was paralyzed as a result of the stroke, she strained to mumble, “I miss them, too.  I'm trying to get better."

Her husband of 53 years, with whom they have 30 grand and 23 great-grandchildren, said the students' gesture “meant the world” to his wife.

He also believed that it helped hasten her return home where she was met with great fanfare from a large group of students with colorful signs welcoming their Gramma in the window” back home.  Meanwhile, Louise is back on her perch, observing passersby and waving to the students every day.

Love from the bus goes around and round; connections rekindled by kindness and compassion.

Dear Lord, remind us that one of our most precious gifts is the maturity and wisdom of Your children who have grown old.  They are the guardians of our traditions.  Help us appreciate their wisdom and the richness of their experience.  Amen

Follow Me

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” ~ Proverbs 3:5

Scott arrived a few minutes early for his son‘s Parent-Teacher conference; eager as a falcon aiming for its prey.  He had a bone to pick with Adam’s drama teacher.

His 15-year-old son had developed a passion for a class that Scott believed pointless - clearly wasteful as college-prep material.  Scott asked (maybe demanded), that the teacher convince his son that drama was an impractical career choice.

The teacher asked what Scott did for a living.  “I sell software products for a major corporation,” he said immodestly.  “Perhaps you’ve heard of Salesforce.com?  Fortune magazine recently recognized us as one of the best workplaces for millennials.”

“Hmm,” she said thoughtfully.  “Does your job require excellent communication, a great memory, collaboration, confidence, and the art of persuasion?

“Yes of course, Scott replied.

“You’re in luck Scott,” the teacher continued.  “Those skills are finely honed in my drama classes.  Come see for yourself.”

Adam took 4 more semesters of high school drama before heading off to college where he majored in business.  After graduation, he landed a lucrative sales job (with a little help from his Dad).

It didn’t take long for Adam decide that he didn't want to change opinions, he wanted to change lives.  He prayed dutifully; directing his heart to believe in God’s call to live courageously - to take risks in order to use our gifts and bring salt and light to this hurting world.  He had nothing to lose!

So, Adam returned to school to become a teacher.  The boy, who liked drama enough to change careers and become a teacher, today helps change the lives of his own students.

For often it’s teachers who provide that early inspiration that becomes a lifelong passion and helps students maintain and build that passion throughout their growing process.  Teachers are always there to say “dream big!” and providing the support that gives kids courage needed to “reach for the stars.”

When students are asked to identify role models, they might mention a celebrity, or an athlete, but the true role models are their teachers.  Teachers might not be celebrities, but they have tremendous influence in students by their behavior, habits, and leadership.

Who in your life could use some support or direction?  Or what advice do you give to others, but maybe don't consider for yourself?

As Steve Jobs once said, "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.  Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of another person's thinking.  Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.  And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."

If you do what you love, you will love what you do.

Father God, help align my heart with Yours so that I may receive Your revelation. Rescue me in the midst of difficult circumstances, and teach me to enjoy life the way you desire.  Amen

Jesus Loves Me

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you." ~ John 15:9

After a warm introduction and as the applause quieted down, the old Pastor rose from his high back chair and walked slowly to the podium as if it were his last sermon.  Frankly, it probably was.  After decades of preaching, time had come for him to retire, at least from the pulpit.

His real age was on the older side of utterly-unspecified.  If you picked a number at random, he was probably a little older than that.  He struggled at times for the right words, yet his voice always projected carried an uplifting and inspiring message.

When he spoke, congregants were instantly transported to another place and time.    Sometimes he was overtaken by emotions that had been buried for decades and he’d have to pause.  He radiated all that was good and holy about the love of Jesus.

Without a single note or paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak.

"Your Senior Pastor asked me to talk with you this morning about the greatest lesson I’ve learned in my pastoral career.  At my age, I’ve had a lot of time to think about that (polite chuckles).

The thing that made the most difference in my life” he began, “and comforted me when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear paralyzed me was this simple verse: “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.  Little ones to Him belong, we are weak but He is strong.

The hymn was first written by Anna Warner as a poem.  Anna's sister Susan had asked her to write a song for a Sunday School teacher who wanted to cheer a dying boy.

Their uncle, the Rev. Thomas Warner, had been the US Military Academy at WestPoint’s Chaplain, and the sisters had taught Sunday school classes for cadets for a number of years.  It’s believed that General Eisenhower was one of the last cadets to attend their classes.  When the sisters died, the Academy honored them by allowing them to be buried at the Academy cemetery — an unusual exception to the rules.

The song became popular among both intellectuals and children for its humble message of Jesus.  But it was always the adults who chose the song 'Jesus Loves Me' during a hymn sing.  And the adults sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.

So, for all of you white or no-hairs out there, this verse if for you:

‘Jesus loves me, this I know, though my hair is white as snow.  Though my sight is growing dim, still He bids me trust in Him.  YES, JESUS LOVES ME.  YES, JESUS LOVES ME.’

Silence embraced the church like a cool summer breeze, smoothing souls and delivering hope, as the old man shuffled back to his chair.

Almighty Father, “When my work on earth is done, and life's victories have been won.  Take me home with You above, then I'll understand Your love.”  ~ Bob Wilson

Break My Heart Lord

“Keep putting into practice all you learned, received, or heard from Me." ~ Philippians 4:9

Janelle woke up sad, grave, lonely.  She’d gone from dancing and singing with dozens of Mayan kids daily to staring aimlessly in her bedroom mirror; from living with a dozen missionaries to living alone.

No longer waking to the views of Lake Atitlan or the volcanoes in Antigua, Janelle no longer had ministry days scheduled for her.  She won’t worship with people who listened to her heart or walk the dusty roads shouting "Hola" to passersby.

Her life has radically changed after two years of mission work in a Guatemalan, mountain village.  For weeks, she’d dwelled on what was no longer; the season had ended.

The feeling of going back to "normal life" had been depressing.  Frustrated with the materialism in America, she’s been angry at such ungratefulness.  She’d lived in a country where most people lived off $2 per day in homes made from sticks and mud.  Dirt floors were common; rusted tin roofs made them livable, running water made them luxurious.

When she listened in prayer today, Jesus spoke, offering a new light to the darkness she’d been hiding in.  “God is the same here as He was in Guatemala.  His love doesn't change, it conquers.  Your love shouldn’t change just because you’re not in that season anymore.  I broke your heart, Janelle, for what breaks mine.”

God answers prayers with perfect timing.  She was in a season of heartbreak, because God wanted to reveal His reckless love.  Her heart was breaking for those she’d left behind in Guatemala.  She didn't know that her heart would hurt so bad until she realized how God's heart hurt so much more for us small, messy humans.

There’s so much that breaks God’s heart: when couples divorce; when parents are ill, when little children are homeless or abused by adults.  His heart breaks if bosses mistreat their employees, when a college student has no friends, and when someone visits a church service and no one notices them.  His heart breaks when we love the all wrong stuff.

Every time we choose the world over Him, His heart breaks.  He treasures being able to comfort us when we are hurting, heal us when we’re broken, and love us when we feel unlovable.

God was breaking Janelle’s heart to make His grace more evident.  He was enlisting her to love like Him - without borders, without hesitation, with all of her.  God was using her grieving to reveal so much more - to continue running to Him, so He can use her.

So yes, He knows exactly what our hearts need, and sometimes, that is a few cracks and crevices - cracks so that His light shines more brightly through.

Almighty Father, You know exactly what our hearts need.  So, break my heart for what breaks Yours.  I want to breathe more of Your air, pour out more of Your love, continue serving as You perfect me.  Amen