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