Never Die Young

 “Love does not dishonor others.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13: 4–5

Brooke never considered herself a mean teenager, but for almost six months, she still felt ashamed of her cruel behavior. She had no reason to be unkind, but she was.

Her “world” didn't view bullying as evil or unnatural. Kids were called to the principal's office for disrespecting teachers or smoking in the bathroom, but not for mocking other classmates. Her crowd was ruthless and self-serving.

Since then, Brooke has reflected on what made her choose others as “targets.” Experts say it’s about feeling superior. In some cases, bullies were teased at home. Jealousy can also lead to bullying. In her case, it was just about following the "wrong crowd."  

One of their victims was a genius. Andy excelled in the most advanced high school courses and was exceptionally gifted in complex mathematics. A National Merit Scholar, he won acceptance to several prestigious universities.

Brook’s clique saw Andy as lacking any social value. He was a geeky senior who still rode the school bus. She never knew his name, but because of his weight, they called him “Polar Bear.”

So, when the announcement came over the intercom, that one of the school’s brightest students, Andy Lehman, had taken his own life, Brooke registered no emotion. After a tear-streaked classmate sobbed “It’s Polar Bear,” the tragedy sucked all oxygen from the room.

Brooke sat frozen at her desk, staring vacantly. A tingling feeling of shame raced up her spine. She felt ultimately responsible for Andy’s death.

After a fitful night’s sleep, Brooke woke knowing it was time. She needed to pay respects to the man who’d lost his only son and take responsibility for her part in his death.

After breakfast, Brooke drove to the Lehman’s home. With no prepared apology for a grieving father, she didn’t know what to expect.

She told the story that had nauseated her since Andy’s suicide. Three hours later, Brooke knew Andy much better. They’d both suffered from depression and had considered suicide. The combination of their bullying and his anxiety ultimately led to his death.

The encounter took days to sink in. The man welcomed her into their home and appreciated her sharing a broader piece of his son’s struggles. He showed no anger - only love.

After graduation, Brooke joined Andy’s Dad at the Suicide Prevention Education Alliance, as a certified speaker throughout the Cleveland area. She delivers a clear, genuine message.

“Our words matter. They often hurt more than physical pain. I knew nothing about Andy and had neither the courtesy to care nor the courage to stop taunting him. I’ll live with that burden for the rest of my life. Andy became a part of me when he died, forever engraved on my heart. His legacy lives on through me, as I seek to prevent teen suicide.”

Father of Mercy, hear our prayer for friends who struggle with various forms of depression - from mild melancholy to the relentless pangs of suicidal depression. Teach us how to love in complex and dark places. Amen

Slapstick On Ice

“God said, let the waters teem with life and let birds soar above the earth.” ~ Genesis 1:20

At a little over three feet tall, penguins are slapstick on ice. If you’ve ever seen them in their natural habitat, it’s impossible not to smile. They conjure up an idea of what Buster Keaton, the King of Pratfall, must have looked like. These tuxedo-like birds charm all age groups.

Their familiar waddle, so genuine, so determined, so exaggerated. Then one will slip on the ice, and tip face-first onto the snow. Or one suddenly slaps another with its “wing” and breaks into a shrieking chase.

It makes one wonder about God’s poor design. Their wings are too heavy and small, they can’t fly. Without knees, they can’t bend over. What was God thinking?

Further study shows that His plan was spot on.

Penguins are ten times more aerodynamic than a Porsche Taycan! While they lost the ability to fly millions of years ago, their sleek bodies help make them exceptional swimmers.

When swimming, penguins will leap above the ocean’s surface in an exercise known as porpoising. Tiny air bubbles form on their plumage to reduce friction, allowing them to swim as fast as 20mph.

Penguins catch all their food from the sea. Their superior eyesight enables them to spot prey even in cloudy, dark, or murky water. However, the penguins’ most efficient underwater advantage is a form of underwater flying, using their unique and powerful wings.

Its snappy two-toned coloring (light belly and dark back) is called countershading. Its color pattern blends in with the ocean floor when viewed from above and the sky when viewed from below.

Penguins live in one of the most inhospitable climates on earth with temperatures routinely -70°F. For six long months, the land is cloaked in darkness.

And yet, emperor penguins have learned to thrive there. To combat the lethal cold, they huddle tightly together by the thousands to share body warmth and wind resistance. The unique structure of their layered feathers provides good insulation, waterproofing, and thermoregulation.

God’s perfect plan for the survival of animals can also teach us a few things about human survival.

Tired, worried, and burdened, we’re living through a dark time: the threat of global war, the polarity of our political parties, and a planet careening toward disaster. Penguins are one of the best antidotes for defeat and near despair.

For one thing, it’s almost impossible to feel miserable in the company of penguins. They are invaluable as diversion and consolation. They will almost certainly make you laugh.

Mostly though, God always has a plan when He brings new life amid the harshest conditions. He’s right there every moment with perfect timing. We will thrive, even in the toughest situations, if we stay huddled under God’s safe covering.

Almighty and merciful God, help me to trust in Your divine timing. Let me find peace in the unknown and joy in the journey. Remind me that You are making everything beautiful in its time, even when I can't see it. Amen

The Minor Things

 “Remind me each morning of Your constant love, for I put my trust in You." ~ Psalm 143:8

The day began with a subtle, graceful ease. Monique packed up her three children, all under six, and headed for the park. It was a spectacular fall day, with perfect weather and changing leaves she didn’t want them to miss. Who knew what Mother Nature had planned for the coming weeks?

There were the browns that formed a comforting quilt for the earth, yet the rest were the brilliant colors of firework sparks and exuberant revelry. It was as if nature was calling towering blossoms of foliage to dance into the skies before tumbling gently like giant confetti.

She’d been nervously waiting and praying for big news about the results of a recent biopsy. Arguably, the worst part about waiting for lab results was having no control over her life’s future.

From the moment she knew something was off, she’d felt a crippling sense of dread and jumped to the worst-case scenario – schedule an oncology appointment, discuss the grueling treatment plan, and pray for courage and strength. Monique couldn’t concentrate on anything else. She wished you could just hit fast-forward.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed. She received a text message from the doctor’s office. “Monique, your biopsy is negative for breast cancer.” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry… so she did both.

Monique gazed at her three smiling little faces and felt God’s presence as clearly as the children she’d gathered around her. While she didn’t know everything God had been doing during those anxious few days, she felt that He’d drawn her closer to Him. The young mother praised Him for His goodness, care, and protection.

“But let me backtrack for a second,” she thought.

What about the fabulous weather and the great time she was having today? Did she remember to thank God for those small things? He was working on those moments, actions, and people too.

God may be a miracle worker, revealer of mysteries, rescuer, deliverer, and mighty God. But he’s also the God of peaceful afternoons, of subtle beauty, of quiet moments, and of warm hugs. He’s working on all things, not just the big, monumental ones.

He has a history of using small things to accomplish big things and change lives. Mustard seeds that can move mountains; five loaves and two fish that fed thousands. God can bring change and transform the lives of those who put their faith and trust in Him, committing themselves to live in the power of the Holy Spirit. No one and nothing is too small for God to use.

But do we recognize the countless minor miracles God surrounds us with every day? He cared about the small details thousands of years ago and still cares about them now.

Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of Your perfect love and faithfulness. The next time I face circumstances that don’t feel good, help me remember Your goodness and find comfort in Your plans. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Gratifying Redemption

“You’ve been through faith, not your own doing, but by God’s grace." ~ Ephesians 2:8

The guilt still haunted him. He’d easily forgiven himself for other selfish, foolish decisions, but for some reason, he couldn’t forget the ethics exam nearly two decades ago.

As the corporate VP of Talent Development, Bryson found it increasingly hypocritical to speak of the importance of business integrity given his youthful indiscretion. Today he’d make amends.

Standing before a dated nameplate, dim light from under the door suggested his old professor might still be employed. Byson tapped gently and a voice inside called, “Come in.”

Dr. Velma Lewis’ silver-streaked hair left no doubt that she was a serious philosopher. She’d earned a reputation as a brilliant, yet selectively approachable professor.

“I have a confession to unburden today,” he began. “In your Business Ethics class eighteen years ago, I cheated on the final exam. I paid someone for the correct answers,” he mumbled, relieved and exhausted after his admission.

The septuagenarian furrowed her brow as the nervous executive waited for a response. This scene had played out before her dozens of times before, each penitent seeking a pardon to erase whatever emotional burden they carried.

Unfortunately for him, Bryson had caught her in one of her feistier moods.

“As I recalled Mr. Pfeifer, that was a large class,” she said staring quizzically over her bifocals. “That means you gained an unfair advantage over a hundred or so classmates. Can I assume you came here to make things right?”

He nodded, still wondering how she remembered him at all.

“I think the best solution would be to help 100 other students with their education. Provide them with an advantage to make up for the advantage you stole,” the shrewd educator offered.

“Now if there’s nothing else, I have a lecture,” she said abruptly. Then added, “Remember, actions speak louder than words.”

For weeks, he tried suppressing Lewis’ ridiculous assignment. But when his guilt couldn’t be extinguished, he swallowed his pride and decided to meet with the high school principal in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.

“How can I help, what are your biggest problems?” he asked. “I want to make a difference.”

The principal’s tired eyes narrowed on a printed list taped to the wall near her desk. “Those are the kids who keep me up at night - the dropouts. If you want to make a difference, get those kids back. If they don’t graduate high school, their lives will turn out a mess.”

Five years and one hundred successes later, Bryson presented Dr. Lewis with a large folder. It contained 100 pictures and a story about each student who dropped out of school and then returned and graduated.

“It’s okay,” he grinned. “You don’t have to say anything. Reactions speak louder than words too. Funny how that works.”

Heavenly Father, help me make amends for those I’ve hurt in my foolish and sinful past. Help me to love and grace those I’ve harmed as You have done for me. Help me live humbly, honestly, and tenderly with others. Amen

Old School

 “Honor God, love others, respect those given authority." ~ 1 Peter 2:17

Laurie was on her best behavior the week before the dance, not wanting to give her Dad any reason to change his mind. But when the night of the long-awaited event arrived, it finally sunk in that her father would not go back on his word.

He even approved of her high neck, vermillion-colored, midi dress that accented her long blond curls. But, as he’d done with both brothers, she didn’t leave the house without some advice.

“If a boy asks you to dance and you decline, then don't dance for the rest of the night.” He went on to explain that it was ok to refuse a request from a boy who was a thug or was known for “using” a girl sexually. But you should never reject a dance request from a boy just because he isn't your handsome ideal, only to dance with someone else later. That would be rude and hurt feelings.

Her brothers hadn’t escaped Dad’s old-school chivalry either. “Never cross the room to ask the prettiest girl to dance. It embarrasses the other girls. Choose the closest one. If she happens to be the most popular, then that’s your good luck. If not, treat her like the Belle of the Ball anyway.”

Dad’s Old School advice had nothing to do with his age. The term wasn’t derogatory. He still had many of the same beliefs and core values he’d been exposed to much earlier in his life. He simply savored traditions more than current trends.

While some things from days gone by are no longer practical or relevant, now Laurie has gained a profound appreciation for his traditional thinking while raising her own children.

She and Darin, her husband of 22 years, are teaching them to respect parents and anyone older or in positions of authority. Speak when spoken to. No cursing, swearing, or insulting others allowed.

They want their kids to understand the difference between crass nationalism (“my country right or wrong, better than everyone else”) and a love of country - celebrating its traditions and trying to make our country better, more inclusive.

Her Dad’s WWII generation certainly knew the importance of self-sacrifice. They’ve tried to instill an energetic, grateful work ethic, whether it’s mowing the lawn, completing homework, or helping others. They’re changing the “all about me, what’s in it for me, and how little can I get away with doing” mentality.

Sit up straight. Look someone in the eye. Stand tall. There’s far too much slacking today. Old-school behavior goals include proper table manners and more moderate (less) consumption of food.

Sounds a whole lot like traditional Judeo/Christian values, doesn’t it? While they haven’t totally disappeared, they certainly need to make a comeback.

Dear Lord, we have so often gone along with the ways of the world, without even noticing. Forgive us for our sins of commission and omission. Wake us up to Your transformative power. We desperately need Your help. Amen

Pure Gold

 “Rainbows are God’s reminder of His endless covenant with every living creature.”~ Genesis 9:16

As a child, I became enamored by magical and mystical stories, always hoping they were true. For example, rainbows were God's painted graffiti, random perfection against gloomy skies. After a storm, I’d race my bike towards that seven-colored arch, hoping to find the end with the pot of gold; imagining what I could do with that newfound wealth.

I returned home disappointed every time.

Later I learned that a rainbow is an “optical illusion” only appearing when viewed from the right angle relative to its light source. Its nearly one million colors are impossible to differentiate with the human eye. Instead, we can only see Isaac Newton’s seven hues: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Several weeks ago, a fierce storm passed through, leaving a light, misting rain in its wake. A translucent arc dripping with pigments appeared, hovering gracefully against a vibrant blue palette. Indescribable beauty.

I gazed quizzically out the window. Its artistic banner stretched as open hands reaching into our backyard; a celestial bridge woven with threads of radiant light and dreamlike hues.

I hurried outside. Its magic still lived in my heart.

I’d be lying to you if I denied looking for that elusive pot at either end. But in my pointless search, a thought struck me like a thunderbolt. Rainbows have something better than material riches at the end. They represent the glory of God on Earth.

The rainbow gained popularity in recent years as certain ideological groups adopted it as their official logo. However, God already assigned meaning to this celestial stunner.

The very first mention of a “rainbow” in Western literature can be found in the Bible when God spoke to Noah after the great flood. In Genesis 9, He vowed to restrain His wrath, which must have provided needed reassurance to Noah and his family. It reminded them of His love and care for them, even during the most devastating of times.

The real lesson from the rainbow in my front yard made God’s promise real. Centuries later, we know that rainbows are still a sign of that ancient covenant. Those ethereal arches are meant to remind us of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness – believers and non-believers alike.

The brightest rainbows appear after the darkest storms. When we face a troubling challenge and think everything is upside down, He paints a joy-filled rainbow for us, just like He guided Noah and kept him safe through all the uncertainty on their voyage. We can turn to Him when we’re sad, frightened, or just not sure what to do.

Like the promise He made to Noah, He makes a rainbow promise to us in Jesus – that He will always forgive our sins and love us no matter what.

Father God, thank you for the vast array of promises we read in the Holy Scriptures. Your promises are inspirational, Your faithfulness unmatched. Thank you for the ways you care for us and remind us to stand on Your (and our own) promises. Amen