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)

Hands That Give

 “He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them. ~ Mark 10:

Hands that have prayed, played, worked, and given possess profound beauty. Often, they speak louder than words.

They wipe away tears, soothe sore muscles, and show loving affection. We use them to cook a meal, pick flowers, and repair things. The distal appendages at the ends of our arms, which grasp, manipulate, and communicate, are key to our passion and fulfillment.

They reflect our age, lifestyle, and experiences. Hands tend to age faster than other parts of our bodies. Wrinkles, calluses, and scars, while viewed by some as flaws, can also serve as badges of honor, telling stories of a treasured life.

Angie (52) loved her hands. They taught her children to count: 1, 2, 3, ... on their fingers and thumbs, and also helped them grip the monkey bars at the elementary school playground. Later, she would teach them how to catch a ball properly and give a firm handshake.

As a midwife, Angie’s are the first human hands to touch an unborn child as she guides the baby out of the birth canal during delivery. It’s a special, sacred job.

When labor begins, mothers often require support, prayer, encouragement, and physical presence to endure each contraction. A midwife’s job is to keep the energy in the room positive. She places her hand on the mother’s shoulder and whispers that everything is going perfectly; that she’s safe, respected, and supported.

Then she places her hand on Mom’s chest and begins to breathe and pray with her until her anxiety dissipates, grounding herself through each contraction with intention. In just a few minutes more, a healthy baby is safely born into Angie’s loving hands.

The midwife sees a purity to the infant’s love, given and received. Her eyes are drawn to the baby’s tiny hands, like jellyfish, opening and closing. She knows in that moment, without a word said, that she’s witnessing first-hand God’s precious gift and immediately loves this child like every other.

Despite our hands’ variety and complexity of movements, we usually take them for granted, accepting them as simple mechanical aids. Jesus’ hands were no different, likely rough and calloused from carpentry and stone work.

But His touch was gentle; the Holy Spirit’s power flowed through each finger. He used His hands to heal the sick and marginalized and to multiply food for the hungry masses. They washed the Disciples' feet, illustrating humility and service. Even His nail-pierced hands represent sacrifice for our sins and His unconditional love for us.

Which begs to question: How will I use my hands? Will I use them to write notes of inspiration, to embrace those who are hurting, to provide for my family and church? How will I honor our Father with the work of my hands?

Holy Father, "Use my hands, use my feet, to make Your kingdom come. To the corners of the earth, until Your work is done." (Lyrics of the song "Follow You" by Leeland, sung by Brandon Heath)

Reaching 70

 “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; achieved by living a godly life.” ~ Proverbs 16:31

By now, most of my living high school classmates have become septuagenarians. Once in a while, I close my eyes and listen to our 70s music, your quick wit and laughter, and suddenly, we’re all idealistic teenagers again.

This milestone provides an opportunity for deep reflection, allowing us to look back on our experiences, relationships, and lessons learned. Reaching old age is no achievement, but rather a privilege, a Divine gift of time not to be taken lightly.

While many view seven decades as the start of decline, Scripture presents a different perspective, one filled with wisdom, purpose, and an invitation to a deeper relationship with God.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of godly people who lived purposeful, long lives.

In biblical times, a long life was often a sign of God’s favor and wisdom. Abraham was 75 when God called him to leave his home and follow His plan. Moses was 80 when God summoned him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Mary Magdalene, who was believed to be around 100, was one of the women who traveled with Jesus and supported his ministry financially.

These examples show that age doesn’t disqualify anyone from being God’s ambassador. We bring wisdom and experience to serve Him in new and meaningful ways.

As we age, it can be easy to focus on what’s been lost - health, abilities, or loved ones who’ve passed on. Yet, Thessalonians 5:18 teaches that gratitude is vital in every season of life. Rather than dwelling on what’s gone, now’s the time to rejoice in the blessings that remain - family, friends, and a growing relationship with God.

Reaching 70 means having lived through seasons of joy and challenge, gaining valuable insights along the way. Our wisdom is meant to be shared. Titus 2:2-5 encourages us to mentor the younger generation, helping them grow in faith and integrity.

The question remains: Should we slow down or step aside? The Bible says emphatically: “No!” While physical limitations may increase with age, our ability to serve God never fades, according to Psalm 92:12-14. This passage reminds believers that until the Lord calls us home, there is always work to be done for His kingdom.

This may include teaching younger Christians, leading prayer groups, encouraging others, writing about faith experiences, or simply being a source of advice and support in our church and family. Simply put, there’s no retirement from the Christian life.

For those who trust in Christ, the best is yet to come. John 14:2-3 assures us that our earthly lives are temporary. For those in Christ, life continues in the presence of God for eternity. Every breath provides an opportunity to bring glory to God and prepare for the joy that awaits us in His Kingdom.

Holy Father, turning 70 is a gift that should be met with gratitude, wisdom, and purpose. Old age is not a time to fade into the background but a time to focus on all that remains – Your presence, promises, and to finish the race strong. Amen

He Welcomes the Weird

 “Do not be conformed to this world, let God transform you." ~ Romans 12:2

When asked to introduce himself during college orientation, the freshman said, “My name’s Hedley. I love Jesus and Aerosmith, because seriously, what a combo?”

“That guy’s a weirdo!” thought Colin, “super-strange.” He joked with friends that the kid had the social skills of a morel mushroom. Curious, he later met with the boy for Cokes to learn more. He turned out to be an interesting dude focused on the Lord’s direction in his life.

Hedley didn’t think making a public declaration of his faith was strange. While our culture has conditioned us to feel awkward about explaining our faith to strangers, to him it seemed perfectly normal. “God calls us to be weird. If you think I’m odd, wait until you get a load of the Guy who’s coming!” he suggested.

Encouraging further explanation, Colin quickly became captivated by the young man.

“Gospels reveal Jesus was an unlikely Messiah. His inner circle wasn’t comprised of religious zealots but blue-collar workers, fishermen, corrupt bureaucrats, and other sinners. What a peculiar crew to start an evangelical movement!”

“Reviled by his own people,” Hedley said, “Zacchaeus, a corrupt Jewish tax collector, got rich by overtaxing his countrymen. His notoriety grew after Jesus called the odd little man down from a sycamore tree he’d been perched in. Their encounter changed Zacchaeus’ life. He gave back the money he’d stolen and joined Jesus’ band of weirdos.”

“Bible history records Mary Magdalene as a demon-possessed prostitute. Yet, Jesus eagerly welcomed her and helped Mary overcome her social challenges. She became one of the earliest and most devoted followers of Jesus. She certainly didn’t fit the mold most people would assume characterizes a devout, loving follower of Jesus. Weird, right?”

“Yes, being a Christian is weird,” Hedley concluded. “That’s a good thing!”

Over time, just as Jesus converted his followers and changed the world for good, God patiently transformed Colin’s heart from the inside out (think spiritual heart surgery). He’d apologized for his error in judging Hedley too quickly and realized it was OK to be “weird.” He found that his encounter with the super-strange kid offered an example that gave him the courage to draw from.

When you feel out of place or ask yourself why it can be difficult to be the “weird” Christian that other people might make fun of, remember that you may be leading by example for someone else to follow. You may be giving them the confidence to realize there’s nothing out of place about living as an example for Christ.

Jesus came as a liberator. It was through His example that He let our imaginations be different and the freedom to fly.

Almighty Father, as I awaken today, thank You for the gift of life that I’ve been given. I’m thankful for the opportunity to live and breathe, and most of all, for the hope that I have in You. Strengthen me to live like one who is truly alive. Amen

Unfiltered Affection

 “You are the God of great wonders." ~ Psalm 77:14

When rescuers arrived at the scene, they were surprised to find a small herd of elephants standing vigil around the injured calf, shielding him from another lion attack. The mammoth sentries remained calm as if they knew the Kenyans were trying to save his life. The injured baby was whisked by helicopter to the Nairobi Nursery as her guardians melted back into the wilderness.

The vet’s prognosis was grim: lion bites are prone to infection, and his leg injuries were extensive. The immediate goal was to ease his pain and buoy his spirits. They knew from experience that an elephant’s emotional state makes or breaks a recovery.

They placed him in a cozy stable with two other baby elephants, Mzinga and Nyambeni, who instantly ‘adopted’ him. They brought milk and set up mud baths so he could enjoy daily rituals. Due to his lack of mobility, his days mostly consisted of long naps.

There was no shortage of qualified nannies. When the 250-pound baby boy dozed, fellow orphans and the 2-year-old surrogate pachyderms provided round-the-clock care and a much-needed ‘family’ structure for the young elephant who’d lost his own family.

With such a promising start and constant attention, he quickly gained strength and began acting like a normal, spirited boy. They named him Askari, Swahili for "warrior," and his unlikely healing brought national attention.

While a reporter from “The Daily Nation,” Kenya’s most widely read newspaper, asked Director Kaunda about Askari’s rescue and recuperation, the playful calf frolicked in the background and stole the spotlight!

Kaunda inadvertently mentioned Askari’s name. That prompted an immediate and friendly reaction from Askari. The little guy darted forward and began a delightful display of affection as Askari nuzzled against his human caretaker, expressing genuine happiness.

His presence was impossible to ignore, yet Kaunda was unfazed by the interruption. He casually included Askari’s amusing behavior in his interview. “Oh, Askari,” he chuckled, “always one to make an entrance, aren’t you?” Picture perfect!

Although elephants aren't specifically mentioned in the Bible, their attributes can symbolize God's magnificence. Their size and power can symbolize God's might and sovereignty. Female elephants are revered for their leadership and protective nature.

The jumbo giants live in complex social groups, or herds, with strong bonds between family members, and the entire herd helps raise the young. They display emotional depth such as joy, grief, and compassion. Elephants communicate through a wide range of sounds, scent markings, and physical displays, demonstrating intricate social interactions. They can remember humans, locations, and migration routes over huge areas.

Askari’s playful interruption serves as a reminder of the bond between humans and elephants, one built on humor, curiosity, and mutual respect. We can learn a lot about harmonious coexistence from these magnificent creatures.

Loving Father, thank You for these intelligent, gentle giants who grace our planet with their human-like presence. May they continue to roam free, their wisdom and strength a testament to Your boundless creation. Amen

The Cross He Wears

“May His sacrifice on the cross bring God’s love and mercy to us all.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:23

After his baptism, the exhausted infant returned home and was put to bed. His was the kind of sleep adults dream of - peaceful and rhythmic, oblivious to any fear or pain.

Sometime later, his Mom said, “When I changed his clothes, I forgot to put his cross back on.” Joe, the boy’s Godfather, rose quickly. “Please let me put the cross on my new Godchild!”

But when he placed the cross delicately around Johnny’s neck, the little angel awoke and began screaming. His mother rushed in, smiled softly, and, in her soothing way, took the scared child from his outstretched arms.

No matter how she tried to console the boy – cuddle, rock, or sing softly to him, nothing worked. Next, Dad appeared in relief, but Johnny’s shrill cries continued, broken only by his gasping for breath in between.

When Dad carried the child out to their waiting guests, the baby’s cries ended immediately. He broke into a smile as sweet as a Dominican pineapple.

“That’s all he wanted,” Dad smiled jokingly. “He must’ve wanted to join the celebration.”

He’d barely finished when a loud noise from the nursery shook the whole house. A cloud of dust wafted from the bedroom as they all rushed in. A ceiling fan had fallen from right over Johnny’s crib. Huge pieces of wood and plaster were piled on the spot where the child had just slept.

The grace of his cross alerted the little boy… and likely saved his life.

Anyway, that’s how the story was told to him.

The cross he wears today isn’t to honor the Dad that may’ve saved his life. It hangs on a thin, gold chain that his Mom wore before her passing.

It’s not jewelry, nor meant to be flashy. For him, it offers both spiritual and sentimental significance.

First, it's meant to remind him of Jesus’ sacrifice on that torturous cross. It prompts him to take up his cross every day. In the words of John Wesley, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

Another reason he wears a cross is so that others know that he’s a Christian and to hold him accountable for that claim. It challenges him to live his faith publicly.

Finally, he keeps his cross near his heart to remind him of Christ’s promise of eternal salvation. He knows that he’ll be reunited with loved ones in Heaven someday and will recognize his mother and father immediately.

There may be other methods of achieving this, but for him, the cross he wears is the best. Jesus died on a cross; it’s the least he can do!

“Heavenly Father, lift the darkness from our hearts. Instill in us proper Christian faith, assured hope, confident action, and perfect love, that we may do Your holy and true command.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi

Daddy's Hands

 “People’s hands tell much about His work. Jesus’ hands reveal His redemptive work." ~ Zach. 13:6

Incredibly complex and versatile, each human hand features 29 joints, 123 ligaments, 35 muscles, and 27 bones, including an opposable thumb that allows manipulation and grasping. They carry more sensory receptors than any other part of the body.

Emerson put down her Human Physiology textbook for the night, poured herself a glass of wine, and relaxed for the first time in probably a week. Preparing for med school midterms was brutal.

She sat in her father’s decades-old recliner, not even noticing the stained and faded fabric. She caught herself thinking of Ray, who worked two jobs to help pay for her tuition after Mom passed away during her sophomore year. She pictured his hands folded silently in prayer.

Ray wasn’t a big man, but his hands were enormous, like two sledgehammers. They were strong, powerful hands; toughened and heavily calloused from years of construction work. Deeply tanned, they bore the noticeable imprint of hard work. And yet, when she thought of his hands, it wasn’t simply about their size and might that brought grateful tears.

As a kid, Emerson marveled that he could do things that required delicate skills with such large fingers, like fixing small toys, removing slivers, and tugging out baby teeth. Yet, when those massive hands carried her into the ER a few times, she appreciated their strength.

In a way, he showed emotion through his hands. They were welcoming and kind, yet also protective. His were not angry, hurtful hands, but hands that valued, guided, and deeply loved her. They were soft and kind when she cried but firm when she’d done wrong… always with love.

She followed his instructions for the best way to grasp a softball when pitching a ‘riser’ or ‘curve ball.’ She learned how to change a tire, fix a door handle, and rewire a light switch thanks to his hands. They were practical skills but also an opportunity to connect and bond with her Dad as they worked on projects together.

Now that he too had passed, she recalled how he grasped the responsibilities of raising a family and clutched his Christian obligations. Emerson longed for those embracing hands that could drain away the worries of the day and yet simultaneously set her free. His hands were never meant to be avoided but ones to be cherished, like those of Jesus – also a carpenter.

Jesus’ hands broke bread and fed multitudes. They once applied clay to a blind man’s eyes, touched lepers, healed the sick, washed the disciple’s feet, and held children in His arms. These were hands capable of reversing death’s grip. Most importantly, the hands of our Heavenly Father have reached out across time and space to embrace us with the love that only God can give.

Almighty Father, Your hands serve many purposes. Thank you for instructing, commanding, guiding, and warning us. We appreciate all You’ve given freely to us if we simply come by faith to the foot of the cross. Amen

The Good Angel

 “Violent people have been trying to seize God’s earthly Kingdom forever." ~ Matthew 11:12

She was born the daughter of a poor Italian tenant farmer in 1890. When her father died nine years later, Maria was left to raise her five siblings while her mother worked the fields. As such, she never learned to read or write.

Her young life never seemed to pause. She also cooked, cleaned, and sewed for two next-door neighbors - Giovanni and his alcoholic son, Alessandro. Despite their extreme poverty, the family remained close and piously worshipped God.

During this time, Alessandro developed an impure liking for the beautiful 11-year-old with chestnut hair and delicate features. After months of crude taunting, the 20-year-old brute attempted to rape her.

Maria defended her God-given purity, screaming: "No! This is a sin; God doesn’t want this!"

Enraged, Alessandro stabbed her heart 11 times. When she attempted to flee, he stabbed her three more times in the back.

She survived for several hours after undergoing surgery without anesthesia. When asked if she forgave her attacker, she replied: "Yes, for the love of Jesus I forgive him... and I want him to be with me in Paradise." Reassured by the Church’s last sacraments, Maria died the next day from an infection brought on by her wounds.

Alessandro, a legal minor, was sentenced to thirty years. He remained unashamed for his actions until, during the eleventh year of his incarceration, Maria appeared before him in a dream. From his account, “She smiled at me and offered an armful of the lilies. When I took them, each lily transformed into a pure-white flame.” 

He awoke a changed man, begging God for forgiveness.

After serving seventeen more years in prison, he visited Maria's mother and asked for her mercy. She gave it willingly, saying, "If my daughter forgave you, who am I to withhold it?” He became a porter and gardener at a Capuchin monastery, a job he held for the rest of his life.

On June 24, 1950, Pope Pius XII canonized Maria Goretti as the youngest saint at the time. It was the first time in its history that St. Peter’s Basilica - the largest church in the world - couldn’t be used for a Canonization Mass.

Among the half million souls at the open-air ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, 66-year-old, ex-con, Alessandro Serenelli, sobbed tears of joy.

Before he died in 1970, Alessandro wrote an open letter to the public stating: “Saint Maria Goretti was my good Angel, sent to me through Providence to guide and save me. I still have impressed upon my heart her words of rebuke and pardon.”

The feast of St. Maria Goretti is celebrated annually by Roman Catholics worldwide on July 6^th. She’s the Patron Saint of chastity, rape victims, youth, poverty, purity, and forgiveness.

Saint Maria, look kindly at those who’ve strayed from the path of eternal salvation. Free us from evil temptations, comfort our sorrows, and guide us, that one day we might enjoy the enduring glory of Heaven with you. Amen

Respect - Earner or Given?

 “Show proper respect to everyone: love others as He loves you." ~ 1 Peter 2:17

While the guest speaker waited for his turn to address an assembly of young people, their Youth Leader attempted to make some brief announcements and a blessing. Throughout this, the students talked, laughed, texted, and were disrespectful to the leader and each other.

When it came time for Joshua to speak, he began by asking if they knew what ‘respect’ meant. Out of almost 100 students, only one offered a meaningful description: “It’s something you have to earn!” she proudly said.

“Hmm,” Joshua began thoughtfully. “Actually, respect means honoring people when they talk; valuing them, and treating others as you wish to be treated. I observed a lot of disrespect during the gathering beforehand, not just to your Leader, but also to your peers.”

He gazed over the crowd, noticing several heads bowed as a wave of embarrassment washed over them. He’d gotten their attention.

Perhaps I’m just a curmudgeonly old guy now, but it seems to me that we aren’t as respectful as we used to be. Much of our culture believes that you don’t have to respect someone unless or until they respect you first. That’s a twisted version of how the Bible defines respect.”  

Then his tone took a more personal tone.

“Before I took my first baby steps, my father moved out of our home and left my pregnant Mom to raise six children on her own. I grew up believing that I had no obligation to show respect for that man who steered our family into a life of financial and emotional poverty.”

He went on to explain that wasn’t the standard Christ followed. The Apostle Peter (above) provides no prerequisites, restrictions, or guidelines for respect.

“My father, like Peter, was not perfect. Despite the mistakes he made, I must love and respect him because he’s precious to God and was made in His image. People shouldn’t have to “earn” the privilege of you treating them the way Jesus preached that they deserve to be treated.”

“Isn’t it amazing that we don’t have to earn God’s respect, or force others to earn ours? We are redeemed by His incredible gift of respect. As Christians, we should be dynamic examples of respect in our communities, and we have the chance to offer the unfathomable respect and grace of God to them, without asking them to earn it. How beautiful… and counter-cultural!”

Joshua closed by asking: “What would it look like if we changed our mindset from it's not all about us; that people don’t have to ‘earn’ the right to be treated rightly? What would it be like if you gave respect freely to everyone you encounter? Would others notice a difference in you?”

He ended his talk to raucous applause.

Jesus, thank You for the loving example You showed during Your life on earth. You were considerate to everyone, especially the poor and the sick. Help us to notice and respect the feelings of those around us, just as You did. Amen

A Charming Fourth

 "Our fathers' God, to Thee, Author of liberty, to thee we sing!" ~ "My Country, 'Tis of Thee” V4

Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, is a cherished U.S. holiday marked by enduring traditions and unique festivities. There’ll be parades, rodeos, MLB baseball, and, of course, fireworks. Joey Chestnut will return to Coney Island’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, and people will take an Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens at government sites, stadiums, and historic venues “from sea to shining sea.”

But there’s simply nothing better than the way small towns in America embrace and display their patriotic pride! They display classic Americana that you can't get in big city events. Everyone pitches in, from the mayor driving her antique car to a banker pulling a float with his 1928 John Deere Model C tractor.

On July 4^th, in this tiny, fictional town, excitement grows as the day’s festivities get set to begin. Lines form early along curbs, people vying for that perfect spot along Main Street. Life here is lived up close; today, residents will celebrate and mourn together.

It’s more than a time for family gatherings and public celebrations. Here, America’s birthday offers a chance to reflect on our nation's heritage and the sacrifices made for freedom. It's a day to take pride in the nation's progress and achievements.

A bright red convertible leads the parade, with Junior Miss “Something” waving from the backseat. The parade route was short, so her honorary reign lasted less than an hour.

A marching band follows, playing familiar tunes. Steeped in red, white, and blue decorations, it features a float made by a local hardware store. Leo, its owner, wore a straw hat and dangled a paper fish from a pole, pretending he was fishing. Local kids walked beside the float, cheerfully tossing candy to eager children.

The procession included clowns, fire and rescue vehicles, Shriner cyclists, and people dressed in historic costumes. Some take the opportunity to show off their favorite pet.

The parade route stretched about three blocks, ending at the park where members from the American Legion grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Adults visited with one another while kids swam, played sand volleyball, and got their faces painted. Traditional games like sack races, watermelon seed spitting contests, turtle races, and a 10k run contribute to the day's special atmosphere.

As the day lingered, some fished or napped until it was time for fireworks. Hundreds of brilliant, explosive, once-a-year fireworks light the sky! Maybe they pale by comparison to large pyrotechnic celebrations, but to these townies, they were magical.

The day retreats too quickly as darkness blankets the night. They were together on this day, together in one place, gazing up at the stars together. It’s a perfect ending for this charming small town on the Fourth of July.

Precious Lord, today we’re reminded of those who’ve sacrificed for our freedom, just like Your Son, Jesus. Let us never take freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May we always remember that a very high price was paid for both. Amen

The Secret Donor

 “Give, and it will be given back to you." ~ Luke 6:38

At 60, Tim had been a picture of health, a vibrant professional who relished an active lifestyle. When his routine bloodwork revealed an anomaly, he dismissed it as a minor blip. But persistent ankle swelling, constant fatigue, and frequent urination forced him to seek further evaluation.

His world tilted on its axis when a nephrologist diagnosed Berger’s Disease (IgA Nephropathy), an unforeseen kidney disorder that attacks the body's ability to filter waste from the blood. When this occurs, harmful levels of fluid and waste accumulate in the body, raising blood pressure and eventually resulting in kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). IgAN has no cure.

Tim began kidney dialysis four days a week for up to five hours and immediately joined the waiting list of 100,000 Americans needing a kidney transplant. The average waiting time for a deceased donor kidney (three to four years) is often longer than their life expectancy on dialysis.

The most compatible donors include parents, children, or siblings. Tim was an only child, and his parents were both deceased. His oldest son had died of Leukemia 30 years earlier. Doctors are highly reluctant to consider unmarried women (like his 25-year-old daughter, Denise) for organ donation. So, he waited.

It would likely be years before receiving a donor kidney. And while he tried keeping a near-normal routine, the fear remained a constant shadow looming over him.

As Tim’s health continued to deteriorate, they were thrilled when the call they’d prayed for came from the transplant team: “An anonymous, perfectly matched, living kidney has become available.”

What followed was a carefully orchestrated process to prepare both the kidney donor and recipient. Both operations were done in separate but adjoining hospital suites.

The donor surgery was done laparoscopically. The healthy kidney was then surgically placed into Tim’s lower abdomen, a procedure that took about four hours. Both Tim and his donor were closely monitored for 24 hours to check blood counts and kidney function.

The transplant surgery was a complete success for both Tim and his donor.

The next day, Denise surprised her father by walking into his recovery room still wearing her hospital gown and attached to an IV. She’d kept her plans secret for nine months as she went through the testing and necessary protocols for becoming a donor. It took a lot of teamwork and effort behind the scenes to ensure that Tim was unaware of her plans.

Denise’s kidney gave her Dad new life. He’ll be on anti-rejection medication forever, but no more dialysis. Denise should have no lasting side effects from the transplant. 

Tim shed grateful tears at the realization that the ‘anonymous donor’ was his child. "I started crying," he said, adding that it was "hard to process her selfless gift."

Gracious Lord, we offer thanks for the selfless, courageous, and compassionate act of organ donation. May their acts of love be a shining example for us all, reminding us of the power of generosity. Amen