Gammie's Advice

“I wish for you tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness." ~ Gammie

“Get outta the passing lane you moron,” Rhianna yelled flashing her headlights and accelerated quickly past the slower vehicle.  Darkness closed quickly in her rearview mirror; she had to get to Gammie’s before it was too late.

Twenty minutes later, Rhianna entered the home that that had once been her mother’s.  The timeworn home was quiet except for a ticking wall clock and creaking floorboards.

She made her way down the musty hallway to Gammie’s bedroom and before pausing briefly.  “Gammie?” she called softly and gently pushed the door open.   “It’s me, Rhia.”

She wasn’t prepared for what she saw - a frail emaciated form that had once been her grandmother.  Tired grey eyes brightened as she spoke.  “I knew you would come dear.”

“How are you Gammie?” the middle-aged granddaughter asked, fighting tears threatening to escape from her eyes.

“You know how I’m doing child,” the old woman said weakly.  “I’m dying.” 

“Talk to me Gammie,” Rhianna encouraged.  “Tell me again those things that you used to tell me when I was a child too thick-headed to accept.”

“Ah, let’s see if I can remember,” Gammie began.  “I hope you learn humility by surviving failure and learn to be honest even when no one’s looking.  I hope you have a close friend to be with you in case you ever have to put your old dog down.  I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.”

Gammie took an uncertain breath before continuing.  “Be a witness, not a judge, focus on yourself, not on others.  Don’t educate yourself to be rich, do so to be happy.  Listen to your heart, speak your mind, and remember that you’ll never be too old to make a difference.”

Lost in thought now, Rhianna suddenly noticed how quiet the room had become.  She smiled at how peaceful Gammie rested. 

She was gone . . . but only from this life.

Rhianna lifted Gammie’s hand to her lips and kissed her gnarled fingers.  Rising gently, she placed Gammie’s hands tenderly on her lap and left room.

Sitting alone on the front porch, Rhianna reflected on the things Gammie had just said.

Gammie loved me no matter what, she thought.  She taught me that holidays should be celebrated with family.  She urged me to serve others when I'm feeling selfish.  She taught me how to say "I love you," frequently but not casually.  And whenever I went on a date, she said, "Remember who you are, and who your Heavenly Father wants you to be."

Two failed marriages, an addiction to painkillers, and a mountain of debt later, it’s never too late to realize her truth.

Lord, we live in a world where respecting our elders is becoming ancient history.  We don’t admire our elderly the way You call us to.   Don’t let us discard that precious gift of wisdom.  They’re to be respected and honored because they earned it.  Amen

Eyes Wide

“Don’t worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear.  ~ Matthew 6: 25-6

Life travels faster than you can imagine.  One moment you're getting on the preschool bus and the next you're dreaming of life after college.  Its one big rush to the next chapter of a book that really isn't very long after all. 

Outside traffic sounds woke Nic.  He heard a Harley motorcycle cruise past his window.  He smiled vaguely, pleased that he could still recognize its low, guttural growl. 

More time for reflection.  It seems we’re always too busy to appreciate life’s simpler pleasures, things that don’t cost a thing but make our lives so much more complete.  Things like feeling warm sand between your toes, the smell of fresh baked cookies, or even holding a newborn baby.

Nic’s attention was drawn to the sounds of a slight commotion in the hallway.  Janitors or nurses he thought; maybe even late night visitors.  

He thought about the birds in his backyard; so vibrant and animated.  He recalled lifting rocks that revealed a whole network of life beneath them - insects of every kind going about their lives with purpose.  He reminisced about twinkling stars, realizing that humans occupy only the tiniest fraction of time in this universe.

Clearly, his senses were amplified.  He registered Jay Leno’s late night voice on the TV next door, the soft whine of medicine cart wheels, and the annoying tick-tock of the clock near the foot of his bed.

He felt an itch on his forehead.  Instinctively he reached up and scratched.

Bringing his hand close to his face, Nic wiggled his fingers, first the thumb, then the ring finger then in a flurry his whole hand and arm.  He tried the rest of his limbs.  Nothing!   He couldn’t move a single limb, but he grinned nevertheless.

For now he savored any movement.  He scratched his head some more, feeling his disheveled hair.  He touched his soft but cracked lips and let his fingers travel the length of reachable parts of his body. He can't feel anything from his neck down but the effort felt good anyway.

It’d been nearly four months since Nic almost died on a sidewalk in Peoria.  In a neighborhood peppered with gang ties, he was beaten, kicked, and stomped; he suffered near-fatal, paralyzing injuries.

People say that your life flashes before your eyes before you die, but they’re wrong, reasoned Nic.   It’s not your life that passes before you, it’s the regrets that do.

So he thanks God for a second chance at life.  This time he’ll appreciate it more.  He’ll surround himself with love, anywhere and everywhere he can find it.  He’ll make memories, hide nothing and praise God for every breath.

Lord, You work in ways well beyond our grasp.  All of life’s pressures are self-inflected - we’re not meant to stew over every last detail.  Thank you for the life you’ve given me and help me find ways to make You proud of whatever life I have left.  Amen

Teen Mom

“He never sleeps; He’ll never let your down.” ~ Psalm 121:3

A typical day for a high school girl consists of going to class, hanging out with friends, maybe catching an episode of Jersey Shore and meeting up later with your boyfriend.   But Jodee’s days were more random – and not in that ‘What-should-I-wear-for-Friday’s date?’ sort of way.

She’d imagined graduation, going off to college, getting married and having kids with the man of her dreams.  That was before she got pregnant . . . and her plans shifted into reverse.

It was bad enough that she’d given up her teenage life and any hope of finishing high school with her friends, but raising a child alone scared her the most.  The boy she’d known since middle school, the one she’d envisioned spending the rest of her life with, the one who she’d given her body to – left.   He dropped out of the picture three weeks after Madison was born.

Jodee stared at her reflection in the mirror.  Dark circles under her eyes proved that sleep had become a scarce luxury; her cheeks itched from the tears that had dried on them. 

She hated shows that promoted the joy of teen pregnancy, shows like "Teen Mom", "16 and Pregnant" and even "Glee."  They dangerously market pregnancy as “no big deal!”  Babies ARE cute – motherhood is REAL. 

It has its great moments, but it's difficult not to wonder what might have been if she’d made different choices.  But Jodee tries not to dwell on being a teen mom.  It’s just the next chapter in her life: one filled with endless diapers, midnight feedings, and the translation of Madison’s snorts, grunts and wails.   

Despite a supportive and loving family, the odds are against her.  Parenthood is the leading reason that teen girls drop out of school; more than half of teen mothers never graduate from high school, less than 2 percent earn a college degree by age 30.

But success requires looking forward; it’s never too late to start over!

Last month Jodee’s Grandma invited her to a Bible study.   It was amazing - just bringing those women into her life provided a ray of hope.  “If these women could love me . . . then maybe God can too,” she reasoned.  And today they were throwing a baby shower in Madison’s honor.  Mom and daughter were blessed.  For now, she’d devote her energies to raising a child; someday she’d be the mentor that another girl might lean on.

So many times we want to ignore past mistakes and just go on with who we are now.  But as our faith matures and we grow closer to God, we come to understand that suffering is as much of a blessing as faith itself.  Hardships mature our spirit, deepening our personal relationship with Christ. 

Child - I never tire of hearing your petitions.  When you are weak, I become stronger.  So rest in My love and cast all of your cares on Me.   Trust Me, I got your back.  God

Green, Green Grass of Home

“It's good to touch the green, green grass of home."  ~ Curly Putman

“I only have a few seconds more,” the soldier in Afghanistan told his young wife.  “I need you to send me some things.  I’ll detail them in an email.  Gotta go, bye, I love you and can’t wait to be home again.”  The connection went dead.

The call was a luxury of sorts, about once a week or so.  Ten minutes of real time, real voice, honest to God personal contact.  What would the World War II vets think of that?  They’d sometimes gone without letters for months on end. 

But the call’s end always left her longing; emptiness swallowed her up whole like Jonas the whale.  She wondered what he needed.  Socks, T-shirts, food items?  Maybe some new DVD’s?

His email left her confused.  She appeared to be having a conversation in her head; of all the things he could have asked her to send from home . . . he asked for American soil, fertilizer, and some grass seed.  She questioned his sanity briefly.

Later, she’d learn it was so he could feel the grass tickling his bare feet.  When the other soldiers of the squadron were given a new mission, they took turns walking through the grass too.

What was it about American soil? 

Could it have been because walking barefoot strengthens and stretches the muscles and tendons in your feet and calves?  Or maybe it’s because walking in the grass sans-boots helps decrease anxiety and increases the levels of those ‘feel-good’ endorphins.  Some even believe that walking shoeless in the grass is the best cure for insomnia.

Or maybe these dedicated men and women believe so fiercely that America is still the greatest nation in the history of the planet, they’re will to sacrifice everything for her.  Sure our nation has issues, but American creativity and ingenuity cannot be matched anywhere in the world.  American colleges and universities are just straight up the best the world has to offer. 

American companies dominate all the important industries in the world.  The variety of our natural resources plus a good chunk of arable land make our geography some of the most highly desirable on earth.

What makes us American?  Diversity, tolerance, resilience, ingenuity, and patriotism.  And also our faithfulness.  We have no official faith, no national church.  But the United States is by far the most churchgoing country in the developed world.

In the end, I’m sure it’s for good luck and the hope of returning to the “green, green grass of home.” We pray that day will come soon.  Thank you to the men and women of our Armed Forces for volunteering to protect us from those that wish harm upon us!

Lord Jesus, thank you for our Veterans – those active, discharged, retired, deceased or on reserve.  At some point in each of their lives, they wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including, their own lives.   Amen

She Never Forgot

“Here I am Lord.  Send me!" ~ Isaiah 6:8

For a brief moment the soldier turned and gave one last wave to her daughter before boarding the military transport bound for a distant war.  The little girl began waving frantically; as if the act would trigger a quicker return home.

The next and only contact she’d ever have again with US Army First Lieutenant Amy C. Wisner, would be a handwritten letter that had been composed in the event of her death.  Lt. Wisner was killed by an IED during the first Gulf War.

She never got the chance to hold her Mommy’s hand again, or sing for her in the school musical.  She’d never get to hear Mommy laugh at her birthday party or get a good-night kiss from her.  She just carried the image of that fateful goodbye and the wound in her heart that might never heal.

 

"Dear Madison,” it began. 

“I'm sorry I broke my promise to you when I said I was coming back.  It broke my heart the day I left and you said, “Don't go; I need you Mommy, why do you have to leave me?”

Leaving you and Daddy was the hardest thing I ever had to do.  The best day of my life was the day you were born. Every time I saw you smile my heart would just melt.  My life wasn’t complete until you entered it.

Never forget that God knew what was best for us before we were even born.  Take comfort in that.  This happened for a reason.  Always remember to say your prayers at night and give thanks for your many blessings.

If you can do anything for me, take school seriously and do your best.  Try to learn as much as you can about the world you live in.  With a good education you can do anything.  

Stay away from drugs and bad men; they’ll both ruin your life.  You deserve better.

Finally little one, please be proud of me.  One day you’ll understand the choices I made.  Until then never forget the value of freedom and always remember that I love you that much.  Stay beautiful, stay sweet. I’ll always watch over you.  Love, Mommy"

As the briefing continued, the young soldier thought back to the day her Mom boarded that plane.  Fear, honor, and sorrow overwhelmed her.  

Madison stared off into the distance at the same fence where so many years ago she and her Dad had stood.  Slowly a tear fell as her faded Mother’s memory disappeared into the cavernous C-5 Galaxy aircraft.  Madison smiled at the phantom image before reciting under her breath: "I understand now Mom . . . I never forgot."

Her heart raced with pride as her company began loading their gear.

Father, we could never thank our military men and women enough for their courageous service and sacrifice to our country and its people.  Show us ways in our communities, churches, and families to thank and love them better.  Amen

Where There's Rope, There's Hope

“Those who know the truth are not equal to those who practice it." ~ Confucius

The big day had finally arrived.  For nearly three years Tommy, a 13-year-old had been consumed by breaking the school’s rope climbing record.  He’d come close before, but with 8^th grade graduation approaching, this would be his last chance to leave his mark.

Most students climb from a standing start to a point 18 feet high in as few seconds as possible.  Tommy, however, would start from a sitting position since a head-on collision with a drunk driver had taken away the use of his legs. 

The school record of 4.1 seconds had stood for nine years.  As he wheeled into position and gripped the rope tightly, Tommy beamed with confidence.  When Coach Kyle yelled “Go!” he began a quick ascent, hand over hand, ability over dis-ability.

He slapped the board and slid back down the rope.   The entire class gathered around to check the watch.  “4.1 seconds,” signaled an enthusiastic Coach.  Tommy – you just tied the record!”

“I’d like to try again Coach,” said an undeterred Tommy.

On his second try the watch stopped at 4.0 seconds flat, a record!  But as he descended the rope, there was a slight doubt in Coach Kyle’s mind whether or not the board at the 18-foot height had been touched.  Only Tommy knew for sure.

With the class already cheering his record-breaking feat, Coach Kyle asked, Tommy, did you touch?”  An affirmative response meant that the record he’d dreamed of since he was a skinny sixth-grader and had worked for every day would be his.   Coach would trust his word.

As the gym got deathly quiet, Tommy shook his head negatively.  And with this simple gesture, they witnessed a moment of greatness.  The dry-mouthed coach gathered his thoughts and said “While Tommy didn’t break the record, he set a much finer mark for everyone to remember by telling the truth!”  Then he turned to Tommy.  “I’m proud of you son.  Try again but this time - reach higher on your takeoff.”

A strange stillness washed over the gymnasium.  Forty boys and one coach watched nervously as Tommy climbed the rope in 3.9 seconds!  A school record, maybe even a world record for a middle school boy. 

Tommy - a young man with superb character never went to the Olympics, but he stood as tall as any Olympian that day because he was honest with himself and with his God.  He reached a height many of today’s athletes will never achieve because they put winning ahead of character.   We share a collective blame for creating a culture that undervalues sportsmanship, considers publicity priceless, and the cost of winning an expense to be borne by others.

Lord from today on I seek Your truth; whatever form it may take.  Protect me Father and help me always speak the Truth, knowing full well that stealing is evil, cheating is wrong, and anything that is not a deliberate reflection of You is sin!  Amen

Hallow-weird

“A joyful heart is good medicine." ~ Proverbs 17:22

Kyle, a college student, was on the side of the road hitchhiking home one Halloween night.  What began as a cold drizzle grew quickly into an angry storm.  Thick, gloomy clouds made him feel at least ten degrees colder.

Lightning broke the darkness revealing the desolation of the lonely road he’d chosen.  Then blackness again; the only thing visible seemed to be the twinkling raindrops stinging his face like tiny shooting darts. 

Car headlights occasionally lit up the murky blackness of this October night as the few travelers made their way home.  Drivers repeatedly passed without stopping - most with looks of disgust on their faces.  Hitchhiking at night was rarely a good idea – picking someone up was even crazier.  But Kyle had honed his skills through practice and desperation.

He always looked them in the eye and held his gaze as they passed.  Not in a crazy axe-murderer way, but in a friendly and personable way.  He only had a second or two to make a good impression.   He dressed in clean, upscale clothing; nobody wants to pick up a lazy, stinky-looking hobo.   He kept smiling; pretending the next car was a friend planning to pick him up.

The storm’s rage was peaking; Kyle could see only a few feet behind him.  But his persistence paid off.  After an hour of flashing his nearly-frozen thumb in the direction of approaching cars, a rusty, old clunker rolled to a stop beside him. 

Desperate for shelter and without thinking, Kyle jumped in and closed the door.  To his amazement, no one occupied the driver’s seat; the engine was silent.  The car moved forward slowly.  Panic shot through him like an F-15 breaking the sound barrier.  Was he hallucinating?

Up ahead, the road sliced downward into a tight, nasty turn.  Terrified, Kyle prayed for his life.  Just before the car hit the curve, a bony hand with calloused fingers appeared through the window and steered the car safely through the winding danger.  The ‘phantom’ hand then disappeared into the eerie darkness. 

As the car gained speed down the winding road, Kyle gripped the wheel tightly.  He guided the old wreck safely into the parking lot of a nearby pub where he stopped and ran from the ‘haunted’ junker as if it were about to explode.

Chilled to the bone, Kyle rushed inside telling everyone about his terrifying experience.  Bar patrons passed him off as nothing more than a Halloween prankster trying to con free drinks from his preposterous tale.

Suddenly, two other men walked in from the ghostly storm.  They too were soaked and winded.  “Look, Elmer!” one exclaimed.  “There’s that idiot that got in our car while we were pushing it!”

Father, the life can at times, be so challenging; draining us of happiness if we’re not careful.  Thank You for our friends and family who bring laughter to our lives.  Please bring belly-busting laughter to my friends today.  Amen

Down's Side Up

“Above all, love each other deeply, for love erases any sins." ~ I Peter 4:8

As chilly fall winds returned, a traveling carnival set up near the edge of town.  A small operation with a several adult rides and dozen more for kids, it boasted a gaudy supply of unhealthy food. 

Hayden was ready!  On his eleventh birthday, he couldn’t wait to play the various carnival games. 

The crowds weren’t too bad yet for a Saturday as Hayden and his sister Beth made their way toward the midway.  The air was already vibrating with calliope music as they made their way past the concession stands stuffed with giant turkey legs and elephant ears.  Bags of cotton candy in delicate shades of mint green and pale blue twirled in the cool breeze.

But Hayden wasn’t distracted by lollipops swirled of crimson and saffron or candied apples behind glass cases.  He’d talked incessantly for days about winning enough tickets to buy a life-sized stuffed bear.

His excitement grew with each step as they approached the carnival game booths where ‘barkers’ promoted showy prizes of little value as if they were rare treasures.  When Hayden spotted the milk bottle game, he was elated.  Three bottles across the top, then two and one on top.  Easy enough he thought.

“This one!” he shouted emphatically, “I can beat this one.”

Beth’s smile lacked confidence for two reasons.  First, the game’s a scam.  When the ‘carnie’ arranges the targets, he puts heavier bottles on the bottom row, slightly toward the rear.  A pitched ball will hit the lighter bottles first, but won’t have enough energy to knock the heavy bottles off.

Second, because he had Down’s syndrome, Hayden lacked good eye-hand coordination.  Last year after a bucket-full of dollar bills, they walked away with only a Chinese finger trap as a consolation prize.  His disappointment nearly crushed her.  But she’d promised her brother another chance.

Hayden’s first pitch missed the bottles completely, as did his next $5 worth.  Beth struggled to look nonchalant as Hayden continuously failed to clear the table.  After an agonizing half hour of mostly misfires, he’d earned only a few tickets; nowhere close to the 750 needed to buy the bear. 

They retreated; flat broke and frustrated.  Then something amazing happened.

A group of teenage boys nearby must’ve overheard Beth mention that it was Hayden’s birthday, and that he didn’t win enough tickets.  They all pitched in and gave him the tickets they’d earned that morning.  After cramming into a photo booth for a hilariously friendly picture with Hayden, they wished him a Happy Birthday.

Brother and sister headed home relishing the warm embrace of a 5 foot stuffed panda, filled with joy, triumph, and the promise of new friends. 

Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity; be fair in my judgment, and guarded in my speech.  Help me be the soil of the human heart, and a fruit upon the tree of humility.  Amen

The Hole Truth

“We trust in the God who always works things out for our good." ~ Romans 8:28

Toby’s forehead was covered in sweat as the sun beat down on him and his little brother Zeke. They were already exhausted and they’d only been digging for less than an hour.  He stretched his arms and yawned.  “This dirt’s tougher than I thought,” he said to no one in particular.

Sweat pants drooping sloppily around his hips, Zeke yanked them up before sitting down and grabbing a juice box.  “You think we’ll ever get there,” he questioned.  “To the other side of the world, I mean?

Sitting on the edge of the slight dent, (he couldn’t really call it a hole yet), Toby checked his watch.  His back was already sore from all the digging but he knew it’d be worth it.  “We’ll get there,” he asserted.  “We just need to keep at it.”

As they continued working, two older teens approached and asked what they were up to.

“We plan to dig a hole all the way through the earth!" Zeke volunteered.

“That’s impossible,” the older boy laughed.  “Heated by friction and the decay of radioactive material, the earth’s core still sheds heat from its initial formation 4.5 billion years ago,” said the somewhat egotistical science nerd.  “The planet’s center is blisteringly hot.”

Not to be dissuaded, Toby didn’t look up.  He stopped before plunging the shovel into the fresh soil again.  A fat, brown earthworm cracked his way into the air, twitching in the strong afternoon sunlight.   Toby reached down and gently placed the worm in a nearby jar.

The older girl pushed her glasses up, magnifying chocolate-colored eyes, before she spoke.  “Besides, the diameter of the earth is roughly 12,750 kilometers,” she added condescendingly.  “That’s almost 7,000 miles for you metrically-challenged children.”

After a long silence, Toby reached again for the jar full of spiders, worms and a wide assortment of insects.  He removed the lid and showed its magnificent contents to the scoffing visitors.

Then he said self-assuredly, "Even if we don't dig all the way through the earth, look what we found along the way!"

Sure, their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to act.  And that’s what a goal is for - to cause us to move in the direction we’ve chosen.  In other words, to dig in!

Not every goal will be achieved.  Not every hope will come to pass.  Not every job will end successfully.  Not every love will last.  Not every dream will be realized.

But when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say, "Yes, but look at what I found along the way!  Look at the wonderful things which came into my life because I tried!”

Lord Jesus, every frustration reminds us that this is not our home.  We long for a better life, where there are no more tears, disappointments, sorrows or suffering.  A life that You faithfully promised us when we believe in You.  Count me in!  Amen

Bulldog

“God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him." ~ Romans 8:28

He loved baseball.  For hours, he’d play by himself hitting a tennis ball into the fence; tossing fly balls, or pitching though the old tire swing.  In his mind, he was Mickey Mantle, Bob Gibson and Ernie Banks combined.

He loved watching grown men compete, the superstition of rally-caps, and fans catching foul balls.  He delighted in inning-ending double plays robbing opponents of a chance to score.  He even loved baseball fans and not just the cute girls in short shorts.  As a young man, he squandered a partial college scholarship due to academic ineligibility.  All he ever wanted to do was play major league baseball. 

In 1979, his life took a turn as abrupt as the sinker ball he later perfected.  Selected by the Dodgers in the 17th round, despite an unflattering scouting report: “poor control, weak fastball, shaky temperament.”

All that changed less than a decade later . . . World Series MVP, SI’s Sportsman of the Year, Cy Young Award and Gold Glove recipient, and AP’s Athlete of the Year.  He didn't need to be Kaline, Drysdale, or Wagner – he was Orel Hershiser, aka the ‘Bulldog.’

During the final game of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland A's, Orel was seen in the dugout on national TV with his head back, eyes closed, meditating.  Later when questioned what was going through his mind by Johnny Carson as a guest on the “Tonight Show,” he chuckled.

"I was singing hymns to myself to relax and keep my adrenalin down.  Every time I thought about being ahead, I got too excited to pitch."

The audience clapped and cheered, hoping to hear him sing a couple of bars.  As he politely declined, the crown roared – he’d never sung in public.

"Just a couple of bars," urged Carson.

Hershiser, sitting in Carson’s famous chair, began to sing the “Doxology:” – “Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .”   He didn’t make it to the end of the song before his voice cracked and his eyes swelled.   Carson gently patted Hershiser’s arm.  For one brief moment, “The Tonight Show” became a worship service starring Orel Hershiser as the messenger of good news.

No matter where we are, we can proclaim God’s greatness.  We can tell the world that God is good.  There are no defects or contradictions in Him, and nothing can be added to His nature to make Him any better.  Because God is so good, He wants us to have what we need for our happiness and He sees that it is available to us.  Every good thing we now enjoy or ever hope to enjoy flows from Him.  Never stop praising Him for all that He does for us.

Dear God, I know I’m a sinner and in need of a Savior.  Thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins, then raising Him again to life.  Come into my life and help me live my life to praise You.  Amen