The Piano Lesson

 “Don’t look back, lengthen your stride, and press toward the goal." ~ Philippians 3:13-14

By the time Ignacy Paderewski began his first American concert tour, he was already a European celebrity. Audiences in Vienna, Paris, and London had witnessed his virtuosic piano recitals, which often extended to hour-long encores, as he interpreted works by Chopin, Liszt, and Bach.

It seemed only natural that the red carpet would be rolled out for him in America. As the story unfolded that evening in a New York City concert hall, a mother and young son took their seats near the stage to witness Paderewski’s first U.S. tour event.

She hoped the live concert would encourage her son to continue the piano lessons with which he’d been struggling. Once situated, the mother spotted a close friend in the crowd and walked back up the aisle to greet her.

Kurt, a shy, very polite 7-year-old, was awestruck at the sight of the glimmering Steinway grand piano standing alone in a single spotlight on the stage. He’d never seen anything more beautiful.

Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall without supervision, the curious boy rose and wandered past an unlocked door until he found himself backstage. The kid was awestruck by the beautiful instrument standing before him.

The house lights dimmed as the concert was about to begin. The mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing just as the curtains parted.

Everyone turned their attention to the impressive Steinway… and the unknown child pianist, plunking keys to a simple tune with one finger, seated on its bench.

The horrified Mom rushed toward the platform just as Paderewski himself appeared on stage.

The Grand Master sat beside the boy and whispered in his ear, "Don't quit; keep playing!" As the little boy continued to play, Paderewski began to fill in the bass part with his left hand.

With his right arm around the boy, he added a running obbligato. The unlikely duet instantly captivated the audience. Paderewski had transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

I wasn’t able to confirm this story’s authenticity, but so what! There’s a lesson in it for all of us.

That’s the way God works.

What we accomplish by ourselves is barely noteworthy. We try our best, but the results don’t flood the chamber with melodious, joyful sounds. With help from the Master’s hand, however, our life’s work truly can be magical, a soulful blessing to others.

Our willingness to become more intimate with God will enable us to sense His presence above the chaos of our lives. So, the next time you attempt great feats, listen carefully until the Heavenly Master whispers in your ear: “Don’t give up. Keep trying.” Feel His loving arms around you. Know with certainty that comforting hands are delicately playing the concerto of your life.

Teacher Lord, Lord, I’m so grateful to be a part of Your divine symphony. And though it may be an insignificant part, I’ll take it, use it, and perfect it so that we might make beautiful music together. Amen

Hope Givers

 “With faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move a mountain.” ~ Matthew 17:20

He entered the world in a home so poor, they didn’t have the 10 rupees (10 cents) customarily given to the midwife who delivered him. The oldest of 5 siblings gave Matthew a unique empathy for other children’s pain, never noticing his own disadvantaged circumstances.

In 1960, at age 24, he launched a missionary career in northwestern India with just a single $25 donation. The donor, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, said of Matthew Thomas: “He possessed a deep and abiding compassion for India’s poor and abandoned kids.”

Affectionately known as "Papa," Thomas founded Hopegivers International, determined to fulfill his vision of helping the poor, the orphans, and the widows with the love of Christ. Today, over 40,000 churches and nearly 100 bible colleges have opened. The ministry also includes 61 orphanages, a hospital, several medical clinics, and it prints literature in five Indian languages.

None of that came easy, though.

Papa and his colleagues regularly suffered threats, beatings, torture, and unlawful imprisonment from Hindu and Muslim extremists. Anti-Christian groups offered large bounties for the capture and beheading of Thomas and his son. Cruel radicals even cut off water and electricity to orphanages run by Hopegivers.

Tertullian (160 AD - 240 AD) once said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”

Dr. Thomas, admired for his personal compassion for those considered "the least of these," died from natural causes in 2010. The Hopegivers' mission continues under his son Samuel’s leadership.

History has recorded many martyrs who didn’t die preaching from hillsides to the masses, yet who committed their lives because their faith compelled them to engage others for Christ’s sake. The word martyr rightly applies to Dr. Thomas, who was targeted because his Christian convictions encouraged followers to speak publicly, prophetically, and fearlessly.

Likewise, Charlie Kirk should be remembered as a martyr. His activism was a direct outpouring of his devotion to Christ and the Scriptures. His blood bears testimony.

Free speech is under siege. For some, following Christ with boldness carries a cost, even in America. Christian enemies despise biblical values. Our greatest adversaries aren’t merely foreign nations, but poisonous philosophies - secularism, moral relativism, and radical leftism.

Charlie Kirk was, at his core, a Christian disciple whose faith shaped everything he said and did. He consistently reminded audiences that America’s future depends on returning to biblical truth. He insisted that freedom comes not from government, but from God’s grace and declared that a culture without Christ cannot endure.

For those reasons, he drew vile political opposition and hatred from those who loathe Christianity.

If Charlie Kirk’s death means anything, it reminds us that, from his spilled blood, God will raise thousands more like him. Over time, even small acts of faith become the witness that sustains families, communities, and even churches.

Lord Almighty, help me trust You to exercise the faith I already have. Because You live in me, You can do more with a mustard seed than I can imagine. Amen

Quiet After the Storm

 “Jesus rebuked the winds and sea, and they became perfectly calm." ~ Matthew 8:26

Shari found her favorite viewing spot as the rising sun spread a golden blaze across the lake. The air felt oddly silent this morning, as if the entire universe were holding its breath. Even normally animated songbirds had stopped singing and returned to their nests.

When the temperature changed, a line of menacing clouds appeared behind the horizon. The cool breeze quickened, a subtle reminder that the stillness would soon give way to frenzy. Reflective waters rippled into energetic waves.

Shari quickly dashed back into the cabin and narrowly avoided the first plump raindrops. She couldn’t help but wonder at the contradictory peace that signaled looming weather havoc.

Gazing through the picture window, the storm presented an opportunity to reflect on the life’s challenges she’d endured. They, too, snuck up on her without warning, leaving her bruised and desperate for relief.

In retrospect, she recognized that peaceful periods had often preceded the trying times. They served as anchors, providing the clarity and strength needed to confront the storms that followed.

The first raindrops that fell provided a subtle cue that change often begins with a single step, a single decision, and a purposeful direction. Meaning how we respond to obstacles, whether with resistance or acceptance, can influence the trajectory of our recovery.

After opening a grim letter from the bank, or the results of a medical test, or facing a conversation she’d been avoiding, Shari eventually faced the tempest in her mind with an intimidating battle cry, refusing to give up. If done courageously, something strange happens. Despite the fury, she detected a decisive rhythm, a feeling of purpose, a call for action.

Eventually, the rain ceased, and the sky began to clear. The air was clean, the ground well-fed. The storm was gone, leaving behind a sense of revitalization.

For Shari, all the horrible luck, stress, shame, and loss began a retreat, revealing a changed outlook and outcome. Her world survived the upheaval, and she’d risen stronger and more vibrant. The financial distress caused her to budget more frugally. The illness taught her to relax. The conversation she initiated helped her discover that she’s absolutely worthy of love.”

The storm came because it was exactly what she needed.

The calm before our storm reminds us that we can withstand disruptive challenges, find strength in the stillness, and welcome change with an open heart. It’s a metaphor for the pauses that occur in our lives, allowing us to think, refocus, and prepare. No storm is insurmountable. Each has the possibility for development, rebirth, and change.

The sun appeared from behind the clouds, casting its reassuring glow again. Shari took the wisdom gained from the calm after the storm with her, confidence that would lead her through life’s ever-changing landscape.

Lord Almighty, teach me to trust in You so that when the unexpected storms of life come, I will expect peace, knowing that You are near, You hear my cries, and You are with me and for me. Amen

Fostering Love

 “Jesus took the children in His arms and blessed them." ~ Mark 10:16

At thirty years old, divorce seemed the only way Lamont Thomas, from Buffalo, NY could be himself again, breathe again. He felt little remorse and was anxious to move on.  

With a poverty rate significantly higher than the national average, and nearly 40% of Buffalo’s children living in poverty, the custodial father of two watched many of his friends’ kids being taken from their parents and consigned to the public childcare system.

He asked his two biological children, Anthony and LaMonica, if they would mind sharing their home with other kids who desperately needed a place to live and a family. They readily agreed. Lamont got certified and became a foster parent.

His first foster kid was Michael Perez in 2001. Over the next 15 years, he fostered more than 30 additional children, all as a single parent, to make a difference in every life.

Over the years, his youngsters grew into adults, and for the first time, he was alone again in a quiet house. He tried filling his time with fishing and some traveling, but that didn't last for long.

When the retired caterer learned that five siblings, all under the age of 6, were about to be permanently split up, God’s call was too powerful to ignore.

They’d been temporarily separated in four different homes in four different cities for more than a year already.

Siblings in foster care often get placed in separate homes, which furthers their trauma by bringing on emotional anxiety, guilt, and grief. In many cases, siblings also lose contact with one another when separated. Lamont fought to ensure this sibling group would have a different story.

The adoption ceremony was a festive affair. Thomas and his new sons were clad in dapper suits, while his adorable daughters wore matching satin dresses and tiaras. The courtroom erupted in boisterous applause as the judge announced that Zendaya (5), Jamel (4) Nakia (3), Major (2), and Michaela (1) had been officially adopted.

Sometimes the most extraordinary heroes are hiding in ordinary homes on ordinary streets. They just have extraordinary hearts. Now this incredible man is father to 12 children – 10 adopted and 2 biological. And five siblings finally have what every child deserves: a chance to grow up together.

Over 400,000 children are currently in foster care across the country. Without people like Thomas in their lives, foster children are much more likely to struggle in life. A quarter will end up homeless. Twenty-seven (27) percent of males and 10 percent of females will spend time in prison at least once. Thank God for people like Lamont who make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children who need their love and help the most.

Gracious and loving Father, we pray for inspiration and strength for the foster parents within our communities. Give them understanding, patience, and grace as they offer a chance for children to live a better life than they were born into. Amen

Autumn's Serenade

 “Grasses wither and flowers fade, but God’s Word endures forever.” ~ Isaiah 40:8

Just a few days ago, the Earth experienced the Autumnal Equinox. On September 22^nd, the sun shone directly on the equator; both hemispheres experienced 12 hours of daylight.

Autumn has always been my favorite season - a strange mixture of nostalgia, blessings, and potential. My thoughts turn to scarlet and gold, cooler nights, and flannel shirts. They evoke fond memories of fall sports, raking leaves, and picking apples.

I close my eyes and allow a gentle breeze to tousle my hair, breathing in God’s autumn fragrance, as if our Divine Editor had taken a shift change. It’s a season filled with so much to be grateful for: autumn festivals, seasonal flavors, and outdoor adventures. The joy of snuggling up with a good book on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee and my sweet puppy is hard to beat.

Autumn is an excellent time to reflect on the year's accomplishments and plan for new beginnings. Bears enter a deep, inactive state to survive winter. Squirrels stockpile acorns, and trees shed their leaves, giving them a healthy start in the spring.

It's the perfect time for me to do some of the same!

We marvel at the magic of autumn’s vivid canvas of color and applaud nature’s wardrobe change. Yet we humans tend to resist change.

While some changes invite desired new beginnings, other changes may overwhelm, even bring sadness. Yet as I ponder both desired and unwanted changes in my life, the transformation of stale, uninspired routines often inspire positive behavioral outcomes.

When I watch leaves drift gently from their branches, I marvel at how easily they let go. At just the right time, they release and float to the ground. Trees' sacrifice of their leaves in the Fall reveals more of God’s wisdom. Shedding their leaves conserves energy and water, making room for new growth in the Spring.

Clinging to old ways of doing things and refusing to remove poor habits keeps us from embracing life fully. Autumn reminds us to trust God while releasing past bad behaviors and expectations, allowing God to nourish new growth in us.

Autumn reminds us that God is always near. Seasons come and go, but God remains consistent. During times waiting for something extraordinary in our lives, let’s spend time preparing our hearts and renewing our spirits. It’s in our longing that we encounter God.

Let’s also claim autumn’s hues in our lives. Brown holds for us stability, protection, and simplicity. Red excites passion, love, and adventure. Orange offers balance, warmth, and freedom. Finally, magenta brings harmony and purple prompts imagination, deep spirituality, and transformation.

Autumn’s rich hues offer but a glimpse into the richness and diversity God has planned for us. So stay alert for all that matters most.

Father God, as the leaves begin to fall, we’re reminded of all that’s impermanent in our lives. No matter what tomorrow brings, You remain close and constant. Help me to cling to You for all seasons. Amen

Hero Daughter

 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young." ~ 1 Timothy 4:12

When air conditioning refrigerant spilled onto her Dad's hands, leaving them badly burned and unusable for months, two-year-old Vara could only provide affection. But she gave him all she could. As she matured, she became the glue that held her family together.

Vara’s Dad, Clint, barely knew his father, who died from a heart attack at 32. Construction work kept him healthy and vigorous. So, when his chest and left arm hurt, he disregarded the warning as the aches and pains that come from approaching 50.

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving 2024, and four days after celebrating her 11th birthday, Vara watched her dad collapse. The situation escalated quickly; his heart had stopped.

Vara’s world shifted from normal childhood routines to a perilous situation where every second mattered. With incredible composure, the young Girl Scout immediately called 911, unlocked the front door, and started CPR. Even as she worried about what life would be like without her Dad, she performed chest compressions for about five to seven minutes until paramedics arrived.

Her swift, textbook response went a long way toward saving her dad's life. Dr. Talreja, Chief of Cardiology, explained. “Clint experienced sudden cardiac death. He collapsed with no heartbeat or pulse. He was clinically dead. Vara’s use of CPR kept oxygenated blood flowing to her Dad’s brain until his heart could be restarted. She saved his life!"

How did this pre-teen know CPR?

Just two weeks earlier, Vara practiced CPR on a dummy during a Girl Scout training session. She was the only person in the class to successfully save “Resusci Annie” (the mannequin’s lights turn green for doing it correctly).

She’d learned the warning signs and the importance of seeking help immediately. Her practice on ‘Annie” had substituted fear with focus, and an unwavering resolve to do what was necessary.

Two months later, Clint returned home from the hospital. He’s following a strict recovery plan and has steadily regained strength. The best part of this story might be the deep, loving bond he enjoys with his daughter. This divine intervention not only saved his life but also transformed him into a healthier person who values life more.

God uses people of all ages to change the course of history. Moses, a stutterer, was called to teach and lead the people of Israel. Abraham and Sarah were told they were too old to have a baby, but they gave birth to a nation. God gave Vara the strength to recall her CPR training and the courage to help her father when every second counted.

There’s nothing we can do to disqualify ourselves from being a candidate whom God chooses to work through! We are all ordinary… but can do amazing things with God’s help.

“Use my hands, use my feet, to make Your kingdom come. To the corners of the earth until Your work is done. Faith without works is dead. On the cross, Your blood was shed, so how could we not give it away so freely?” ~ Brandon Heath

Sacred Gift

 “I chose you before you formed in the womb; I set you apart for special work.” ~ Jerimiah 1:5

A brilliant late-summer day welcomed Olivia into this world. Her smile was as sweet as a summer strawberry and filled her Mom, Jules, with sunshine she never knew existed. The first time she held her sacred gift, she burst with joy and gratitude, anxious to begin her new life as a mother.

From conception, Jule’s body instinctively shifted, providing essential care to the fetus. Now her nausea, pain, and the plethora of body changes seem almost a distant memory. From this moment, she would do everything in her power to protect and care for her baby, no matter the cost.

Olivia was perfect in every way. It’s the greatest gift God can bestow, a Divine blessing of love to be nurtured. The joy of a firstborn child is universe-altering, bringing a transformative blend of overwhelming bliss, intense love, and a deep sense of purpose.

Although birth isn’t technically considered a miracle, there was one birth in the history of the world that was truly miraculous. Mary, a virgin, conceived Him through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

We imagine Mary clasping her beloved infant and pondering, as all new mothers do, what would become of Him. That tightly swaddled babe must have nuzzled and cooed at His mother’s touch as she gazed into the angelic face and thanked God for Him.

Think too, how Joseph must have assumed his paternal role, loving that tiny tot as his own, taking on the mantle of protector and provider. Jesus would go on to sacrifice His own life for us, wanting nothing more than to have a relationship with us.

Still, it’s an awe-inspiring process as new life comes into existence. The moment Jules and her husband Derek held their newborn created a powerful, unbreakable bond, forever changing their perspective on the world and their priorities.

In a world that can sometimes seem uncertain and chaotic, the birth of a child is a source of hope: hope in the blessings of life and the joys of a new family member. A hope that she reaches her full potential and that her life is lived fully and prolifically. And a hope for the future and how the next generation shapes it.

It compels us to think more deeply about things that matter to us as individuals, as families, and as communities.

A new life doesn't open as a present, with pretty ribbons and comfortable assurances, but more as an adventurous journey with a degree of fog and chill. It takes a brave heart to embrace it, strong feet to travel it, and bold eyes to remain open to its curves and fluctuations. Mothers often get a glimpse of that better than the rest of us do.

Lord, bless this tiny bundle of pure joy. Guard and shield her as she grows. Help this child of Yours know that she is deeply, wholly, and forever loved – by You, and by all of us. Amen

Righting a Wrong

 “God sent His Son to make peace between Himself and us.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18

Olympic boxing has been rife with charges of cheating for decades. Controversies ranged from corrupt judging to broader issues within its former governing body, the International Boxing Association. These problems have robbed deserving athletes of their medals, leading to major reforms and the expulsion of the IBA from all future Games.

Perhaps the most brazenly appalling decision came in Seoul ‘88 games when Roy Jones took on South Korea’s Park Si-hun in the light middleweight gold medal match.

American 19-year-old Jones blazed his way to the final with a flurry of punishing left hooks and Muhammad Ali-like footwork. Park (23) had been far less impressive on his home turf. Some experts felt he should’ve lost all four of his fights on the way to the final.

Jones dominated the light middleweight gold medal bout against Park. He barely raised his guard, pummeling Park with 86 punches to Park’s meagre 32. The Korean even took two standing eight-counts and was warned twice by the referee.

Judges from the Soviet Union and Hungary voted Jones the clear winner. Those from Uganda, Uruguay, and Morocco gave Park the win. To the astonishment of spectators worldwide, the referee declared Park the winner by a 3-2 margin.

Before they left the ring, Park apologized to Jones and acknowledged his unfair victory. The medal ceremony was awkward: Jones received huge cheers; Park couldn’t have looked more embarrassed. He held the American’s fist aloft.

After the fight, the three judges who declared Park the winner were suspended for six months. Two of them were later banned from competitions for life.

As a result of widespread criticism, Park’s life took a downward spiral. He battled severe depression, facing multiple suicide attempts and the burden of being maligned in his home country.

Roy Jones refused to let the incident define his career. Motivated by his Christian faith, Roy Jones cemented his legacy by holding multiple world championships in four weight classes, including the heavyweight championship of the world.

The long-awaited day of reckoning came 35 years later. Jones, believing he was heading to the gym for a routine on-camera interview, was shocked to find Park Si Hun standing in the boxing ring. In a heartwarming and emotional scene, Park greeted Jones warmly and, in a moment of redemption and with the IOC’s final approval, returned the ‘stolen’ Olympic gold medal he’d received in 1988 to its rightful champion.

“This belongs to you,” said Park via translation. “I often wondered how my life would have been happier had I finished second.”

Their exchange symbolizes a powerful act of contrition, reconciliation, and faithfulness. “Life is like boxing,” said Jones, “when you get knocked down, get back up! Keep moving, keep fighting, keep believing in Christ!”

“I'm waiting on You Lord, and I’m hopeful. Though it’s painful, I will wait patiently. I will serve and worship You even while I wait and move ahead bold and confident, taking every step in obedience.” ~ John Waller “While I’m Waiting” lyrics 2007

Listen Slowly

“Be still and listen to the One who is speaking.” ~ Hebrews 12:25

For Chen, nothing beat the City, with its life, noise, and neon signs; he was constantly moving to his next obligation. His life was filled with subway rides, crowded streets, and late-night dinner meetings. The son of Chinese immigrants had something to prove.

Staying busy was his medal of honor- a marker of self-worth. He wore it proudly as if to affirm his importance and status.

However, over time, he began spiraling. The rush of the work that used to excite him now gripped him with exhaustion, his brain twitching with ideas he couldn’t silence, not even in the darkest hours of the night. Others recognized it.

Chen just hadn’t admitted it to himself yet.

His wife and four-year-old daughter, Mei, choked down food at mealtimes, Chen glued to his iPhone, answering emails and irritated by any interruptions. His frantic, hurry-up lifestyle was becoming unbearable.

One evening after supper, Mei wanted to tell her Dad something important that’d happened at school that day. She began hastily, “Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin’ and I’ll tell you really fast!”

Realizing her frustration, Chen said quickly, “Honey, you can tell me - and you don’t have to hurry. Tell me slowly.”

Chen would never forget her answer in a timid voice and with adoring eyes: “Then listen slowly.”

His embarrassment was immediate, genuine, and intense. He realized at least two things at once: first, that his sweet, angelic, baby girl had shown tremendous courage. Second, it was time to own it, apologize, and show the same bravery by changing his lifestyle before it was too late.

Busy can mean productive. And since society values productivity in a “doing culture,” that’s exactly what it promotes. When we’re constantly busy, there’s a certain rhythm to life. We wake up before the alarm rings, we grab breakfast on the way out, power through work, and move from one task to the next without pausing. Moving fast doesn’t necessarily mean we’re accomplishing more.

But when things slow down, everything sounds different. We start to hear things previously ignored - a child’s laughter, a hushed whisper, God’s message. He puts people, situations, and things in our daily paths that we’ll never completely understand. But He’s always present.

During a busy day, conversations can seem like just another notch on our to-do list. But when we slow down, we listen differently. We catch the warmth in someone’s voice, the meaning behind their pauses, and the way they choose their words. Conversations become richer, more meaningful, and more connected.

Chen, the man who rushed through life, the one who’s always too busy, the father who finds it difficult to stop moving … is learning to be still.

Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. You’re never in a rush when I come to You. Help me to listen for Your gentle nudges more often and invite Your Spirit to have His way in me, bringing a calmness I often desperately need. Amen

Subway’s Humble Spokesman

 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, and goodness.” ~ Galatians 5:22

Twenty-five years ago, Jared Fogle became Subway’s spokesperson after claiming he lost over 200 pounds by only eating sandwiches from the fast-food chain. His wholesome image was shattered in 2015 after he admitted to sexually abusing and exploiting children.

Despite consumers largely separating Fogle's offensive behavior from Subway’s sandwiches, the company struggled to improve its image. Enter a shy young man with Down syndrome who began his career at a Subway franchise in Nebraska.

In 1990, decades before Jared Fogel, Jerry nervously adjusted his Subway cap for his first day on the job. Menu prices were less than $5.00, and deli sandwiches were wrapped in plain butcher paper.

Initially, Jerry stuck to simple tasks: greeting customers, stocking disposables, and cleaning tables. Before long, regular customers started coming in not just for their favorite sandwiches, but for Jerry’s cheerful greetings, sincere compliments, and inspiring work ethic. Eventually, he learned the art of making sandwiches to order and loved every second of his job.

He started remembering people’s orders before they even asked. He remembered their names and birthdays, too. Sometimes he’d tell a joke. There was genuine kindness in his smile, a gentleness that delighted even the most impatient guests.

Jerry became the face and heart of that Subway. He had perfect attendance – even when it snowed, even when he sprained his ankle, even when his Mom died. “She’d want me to be here,” he whispered, straightening his cap through crestfallen tears.

He always offered kids a smile and a cookie “on the house.” His friendship bracelet was woven with threads of every coworker’s favorite color. He celebrated their milestones with them and provided comfort when they needed it. Jerry’s presence turned a fast-food joint into a family.

His story spread. Local newspapers interviewed him. Customers brought him birthday and Christmas cards. One even nominated him for the city’s Hero Award. But Jerry didn’t do it for adulation; rather, “I just like making people happy. That’s all.”

Over time, the logo evolved, walls were repainted, and food offerings became more expensive. Managers and staff changed. But Jerry stayed put.

So, after 33 years, making thousands of sandwiches, Jerry stood smiling broadly in his Subway polo, holding a Retirement Award plaque. Tears flooded his eyes, and joy poured from his soul.

The Subway was packed, not with food orders, but with friends, coworkers, and customers to wish him well. Even the mayor dropped by. One of Jerry’s earliest customers, a grown man with his own family, flew back to town just to shake his hand.

An irresistible smile covered his face. “Thank you for giving me a chance. I gave it my best!”

With that, Jerry retired. He left behind a legacy – living proof that kindness, consistency, and community matter more than titles, logos, and policies.

Lord Jesus, you lived a life characterized by unparalleled kindness and gentleness. Even when faced with hostility and antagonism, Your response was always one of steadfast love and acceptance. Teach me to walk in Your footsteps humbly. Amen

Runaway

“Parents, don’t lose hope, your children will return to places of peace and safety.” ~ Jeremiah 31:17

Gwendolyn sat quietly on concrete steps that were damp from the morning rain. Her arms wrapped tightly around knocking knees, trying to summon energy for today’s mission.

She’d been hanging around this runaway teen shelter for five consecutive nights, in search of any news about her sixteen-year-old daughter. Unfortunately, shelters like this exist to help kids, not parents, so they couldn't tell Gwen if Melanie was, or had been, there.

If only. If only… they had done things differently!

Gwen’s family appeared to be "normal.” Their only daughter was involved in many activities and had a lot of friends. Without warning, Melanie was devastated by a double whammy when her parents divorced and her Mom decided to move them away from her Dad. The adults had become so polarized with each other that Melanie chose to live on her own.

So, nine months ago, she ran... scared, confused, angry, and disillusioned.

Now, both parents take turns searching under bridges, inside tunnels, near homeless shelters, and places frequented by whores and drug addicts for their child.

Today, Gwen’s search begins near Roosevelt Avenue, where the teen was last seen. “May I give you a flyer?" Gwen pleads with anyone who’ll listen. "We're looking for my teenage daughter, Melanie. This is her picture."

Most walk on by, a few nod horizontally after glancing at the photo. All have strong reactions, which blend both sorrow and distance – sad for a grieving mother, yet grateful it's not their child.

As nightfall claims the overhead skies, Gwen heads for home, every step lacking hope and resolve. Every glimmer of potential she felt earlier today has leaked away.

Like so many moms, Gwen struggles to accept that her child ran away. She fears what dangers young runaways like Melanie may face. Nearly 1 in 5 engage in “survival sex” – pimping themselves for a hot meal, a bed to sleep in, drugs, or money. Teenagers and young adults. Girls and boys.

If only… she had the chance to apologize for being selfish and insensitive. She torments herself for failing as a mother and silently begs for a chance to reunite.

Gwen desperately wants Melanie to know that she and her Dad both love her very much, that they miss her, that each will try harder, and that their doors remain open anytime.

As she pulled into the driveway, she noticed a light on in the family room. When she opened the door, her heart soared. Melanie lay asleep on the couch. She pulled a blanket from the closet and, feeling more love than she ever thought possible, placed it gently over her child.

She'd come home! Whatever forgiveness is, it entered their lives today," she thinks.

Heavenly Father, we know that no matter how far away our children run, You can always reach them. No matter how difficult the wayward child’s situation, I pray for your persuasive power to draw them close to You. Amen

Sweet Devotion

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.” ~ Eph. 5:25

In the quiet morning light that beautifies the northeastern Japanese coast, 67-year-old Yasuo Takamatsu pulled on his wetsuit for another dive into the briny Pacific Ocean. It’s been a ritual he’s repeated hundreds of times since 2013.

His wasn’t a search for treasure, but for a piece of his heart stolen by the sea that fateful day in March 2011, when a devastating earthquake and tsunami devastated northeastern Japan. The disaster took 19,759 lives - 2,553 are still missing, including his wife, Yuko.

In the chaos of the disaster, Yuko managed to send an eerily simple email to her husband, Takamatsu, at 3:21 pm: “Are you OK? I want to go home.” Those were the last words he would ever receive from her.

Weeks later, someone found Yuko’s pink flip phone in her employer’s parking lot, not far from where she disappeared. It revealed an unsent text still on the phone, written at 3:25. “So much tsunami,” it read.

Encouraged by Yuko’s last message, Takamatsu made a vow that has since defined his life. He retired and began searching relentlessly for his wife’s remains.

For the first 30 months, Takamatsu scoured the beaches, nearby forests, and mountains. When those efforts failed, he turned to the sea.

At age 56, Takamatsu took up scuba diving, fulfilling a solemn promise he made to Yuko that he’d find her and bring her home. He dove into the vast, murky, and dangerous waters more than 600 times since 2013.

Looking for a body in the ocean is like looking for the perfect snowflake in a snowstorm. But Takamatsu refuses to stop combing the ocean floor for any sign of his beloved wife. “I have no choice but to keep looking. I feel closest to her in the ocean.”

The ocean’s haunting serenity holds vast secrets and sorrows in its depths. With each weekly dive, Takamatsu faces its physical challenges, the treacheries of coastal wreckage, and the emotional heartbreak of losing his wife over and over again.  

To date, he’s found only the remnants of other victims’ lives – photo albums, clothing, and jewelry. But there’s been no trace of his beloved Yuko.

As he adjusts his dive mask and prepares for another chilly morning plunge, he prays that one day, his elusive quest for peace will end successfully. Unfortunately, it won’t be today! But he’ll try again next week because that’s where he feels closest to her..

It would seem that Takamatsu’s devotion was more than just a promise, but a connection to Yuko that continues on a spiritual level. The impact of her presence, wisdom, and love endures, guiding and inspiring him to be a wonderful role model for others.

“Father God, as the sun rises and bathes the world in Your brilliant light, immerse my wife in Your grace and favor. Bless her with Your might and bring her peace to face every day with a calm heart and a clear mind. Amen ~ Takamatsu

Lazarus-like

 “With God, all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26

There was something so intoxicating about Cartier. The vibrant 4-year-old radiated pure energy, a big heart, and lots of love. His laugh even caused curmudgeons to chuckle out loud.

When the little boy woke up with a fever that quickly progressed to chills, frequent urination, and lethargy, his parents rushed him to the ER. Within minutes of their arrival, Cartier plunged into cardiac arrest. His tiny heart suddenly and unexpectedly stopped pumping blood to his brain and other vital organs.

Emergency procedures began immediately – normally, CPR, defibrillation, and medication until the heart starts beating again on its own.

But when CPR didn’t revive his heart, Cartier was hooked up to an ECMO machine, which is used temporarily during open-heart surgery to keep a patient’s blood pumping and oxygenated while surgeons operate. 

As hours ticked by, concerns grew that his heart would never restart. The ECMO kept Cartier alive for the next 13 hours while doctors fought tirelessly without success. 

They warned his shattered parents that it was only a matter of time before artificial life support would reach its limits without a heartbeat. Family members gathered at the hospital to say their goodbyes to Cartier.

With hope slowly fading, his parents clung to their faith and prayed at their son’s bedside. The roles of protecting, nurturing, and loving their sweet child would likely give way to grief and mourning without the ECMO.

As they approached his final hour, Cartier’s father, Dominque, announced that it was now in God’s loving hands and encouraged them to pray for a miracle. “It’s time to talk to the Man upstairs, let’s go to God in prayer,” he urged. “Almighty God, let them see who You are. Jesus, as you called Lazarus from the tomb of death, please bring my boy back.”

Within the hour, something incredible happened. After many failed attempts to restart Cartier’s heart during the previous 14 hours, the youngster’s heart amazingly started beating on its own.

Shocked by this unexpected turn of events, the Chief Cardiologist admitted that he’d never seen anything like that before. It was a miracle, some called it the Lazarus effect! (autoresuscitation)

Despite his heart regaining momentum, doctors feared that Cartier’s organs may have been damaged due to a lack of oxygen in parts of his brain. They were wrong! His organs are working perfectly. Amazing things are happening for him now.

Indeed, Cartier’s journey defied the odds  - and some would say science - as his heart now beats powerfully. Journeys like this change not only those closest to the survivor but also people facing every situation. So, reach out and grasp the hope that’s waiting for you. For those who believe in God, there’s always hope, there’s always a way. He always has the final say.

“Dear God, in this moment of need, I humbly ask for your intervention. Guide my steps, illuminate my path, and grant me the strength and wisdom to navigate this challenge. I trust in your divine plan and pray for your peace and guidance." Amen (Domenic)