With Cancer Undetectable, I Tell My Story With a Future View

 Where the Mountain Meets the Valley is my announcement of great health and building a monument to remember this in the future. May my words provide hope & encouragement to you as they have to others. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3gQ6R1eyAg

When People's Lives Feel Like Broken Pottery

 After the worst structural fire ever in North Carolina destroyed a QVC shipping center, I returned to my hometown to serve on a United Way committee so that 2000 employees would receive aid. Here is my public service announcement. 

 

Dedicated volunteers gathered at Blanche's Bistro after recording videos for the $2020 match to raise $ to support unemployed QVC workers. Karen Kirkman,- a friend from grade 3, Stepheny Houghtlin - blogger on reviving RM, Denise Watkins- a forever friend, DrJean White whose video was judged as most spoken from the heart, Ginny - United Way's enthusiastic supporter of the QVC campaign. Missing is Haywood Parker - Karen's & my classmate from RM High, class of '72.

Cooperative Spirts + a Willingness to Work Together

 

While at Waffle House, Nashville, NC, the manager on the left, came out & announced to her crew that the diner had received a higher rating. There are 27 restaurants in the Rocky Mount area. Repeatedly, the Nashville store has been rated # 27. That day the eaterie rose to # 7! It is difficult to get a group photo where all look great. Not on the morning of 4/14/23! I witnessed these folks working together as a communicative team. Together we experienced ‘joy in the morning.’

Longtime Bookstore To Leave Its Location 

To the editor of The Charlotte Observer:

A used bookstore in Plaza Midwood, Book Buyers, has been told to leave so property owner Eastern Federal Corp. can create a new design and tenant mix. Removing this business is not in the best interest of east Charlotte.

The inclusion of a book seller in a neighborhood, especially one providing reading material at affordable prices, has positive effects. Pupils will have access to items needed for school. Learning and grades will improve. Residents who know the joy of being captivated by a great book will be less likely to vandalize. Graduation rates will improve. A more educated workforce will be available.

What business in east Charlotte doesn’t want top-notch employees? For these reasons, keeping bookstores in a tenant mix is a worthwhile design for all communities and corporations.

Knox “Buddy” Porter, Matthews

 Let Your Light So Shine

In my former life in Atlanta, I came to appreciate Hershel, formerly an Iranian Jewish refugee, who later became the owner of one of the city’s premier lamp shops. Once in the repair room, Hershel pointed to a pair of lamps & stated: “We are building those for Atlanta Brave Tom Glavine.” Impulsively, I switched them on & off thinking, I have just touched a spot which Glavine will also use!”

A later visit became much more serious, as I dropped in after noticing a going out of business sign. Hershel, standing amid a huge inventory, was devastated after the owner had announced a gigantic rent hike. He asked me to pray for him; I did. I attempted to minister by sending a Christian card with an Old Testament verse. Repeatedly I continued to drop by, usually with a great cookie from a nearby bakery.

Visiting ATL recently, I dropped by the new location where a bright-eyed Hershel stood. He told his workers how I had given “psychological support” during the depths of his crisis. Striving to again be the light of the world, I also declared to everyone: “I prayed.”

Hershel began to share the Jewish concept of prayer ‘in mass.’ Multiple people offer the same prayer at the same time. He cited the belief that Israel won the Yom Kippur War due to this type of prayer. Stating that he told everyone he encountered to pray, Hershel states this allowed him to liquidate his former store and began anew in his current location. I learned something new that day, which I found appealing. I liked seeing a proud friend standing amid all his lamps and light fixtures. Seeing the fruit of answered prayer was marvelous. I shall continue to pray.

 A Prayer To Remedy Anxiety

Lord Jesus, who said "Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows," place your favor upon _____ and all who may be afflicted with anxiety. Enable them to seek the Lord and discover radiance as they deal with a pathetic circumstance. In this season of peril, may they lean upon you as the stronghold of their life so that their hearts will neither be troubled nor afraid. In the name of Jesus, our help and shield. Amen

 Scholars' Day Speech at Georgia State University

Good day. I’m Knox Porter, a 1982 and ’87 graduate of the College of Education & Human Development. I am proud that all my 43 years as an educator have seen me directly involved with students. I am appreciative of how this college improved me as a teacher and am proud to say that I am still using the skills I learned to benefit pupils. Thank you, GSU!  A wise person once said: " Teachers have a posterity which will continue forever, it will not be blotted out." The same can be said of those who labor in human development. Therefore, I continue to work with learners for I have an eye towards a coming day. I desire for their future welfare to be strong for them, their families, and the communities where they will make contributions. I believe that graduates from our college give the most needed gifts to society. Seeking the welfare of the city is vitally important to me. That’s why as an active alumnus I volunteer for GSU Cares.  Plus, I have endowed scholarships in this college. In future years, students like you will receive a needed financial benefit. As for this year, I congratulate all our scholars by saluting you for your forbearance, faithfulness, and self-control. May your studies be impactful for equipping you for effective service. May your work after graduation be established for the public good. Go Panthers!

 Pandemic Prayers

Lord Jesus, who healed the deaf, blind, mute & paralyzed, hide ----- under the shadow of Your wings at this perilous time. May she know your protection and complete healing power. May your favor be upon her as you provide strength to trust in you as she walks through a valley, so that your servant may continue ministering in your name. In the name of Jesus who loves us, Amen. 

 Almighty and everlasting God, who repeatedly said “peace, do not be afraid”, be with us as we remember those in our lives who are afflicted with COVID. Give them peace as they wait. Establish the work of the hands of their medical team; keep infections far away. Hide them under the shadow of Your wings, supply them with strength, & return them to good health so that they can continue to serve others in unique & effective ways. In the name of Jesus who loves us, Amen.

 A Sweetness Better Than Pancakes

A former colleague, and faithful friend, mailed me an IHOP gift card near the end of my radiation beam treatments for prostate cancer.  The enclosed instructions said:  "Use the day after your last treatment." I had a perfect gift card to a favorite eatery from a longtime friend.  What could be better on my day of freedom?  Yet, I did not know what goodness awaited me.

The manager was friendly and personable.  For that reason, I explained the significance of the card as he began the transaction. Robby turned and looked at me to say: "Two years ago I had the same treatment.  Look at me today, cancer free and feeling great!"  This supportive conversation continued for at least ten minutes. God was central to Robby's wise, caring words.  Even more aware of the gift God had given me through radiation, I went on my way rejoicing in the Lord's goodness in my new freedom.

Later, I e-mailed my friend saying:  "You gift was multiplied.  You do not know the goodness you have sent my way this day."

Two months passed.  I had a yearning for pancakes again, thus I returned.  I was surprised that, out of IHOP's many customers, Robby remembered me.  Next, another man stopped by my booth and told another hopeful discovery of being cured of cancer.  This was better to me than the five flavors of syrup on the table, much better.  God had used two servants to give me assurance that my future included good health.

Over the months I visited the restaurant more often.  Robby, a great example of a follower of Christ who ministers to passersby allowed me to enjoy more quality fellowship.  I grew to feel inwardly that I was an encouragement to him as well.

On a recent Sunday, I vowed to return home to eat lunch, due to my classic culinary leftovers in my fridge.  Yet, as I pulled away from church, I felt compelled to return to my IHOP.  Once inside, Robby approached my table and announced that day as his retirement day.  I was quite sad to lose another friend in a season when friends kept moving on.  Yet, I could not communicate that on his retirement day.  Thus, I shared how I felt the Spirit leading me to visit.  Robby replied:  "I have an above average number of my regulars here today.  I believe that what you say is true."

As sad as I was to lose contact with a brother whom I appreciated, I was thankful for a final conversation where I could affirm Robby, voice my thankfulness, and have a wonderful closure.

Yet my main thankfulness was for the reassurance that I am now cancer free, a survivor.  Meeting the people, I did in that sweet spot, convinced me that I was remaining in the land of the living.

 Cancer Concerns

I am grateful for your profound e-mail, which I have read multiple times and foresee reading it again and again for your words encourage me.  You have also prompted me to find a Ted Talk by Kate Bowler, which was soothing to hear as I contemplated her words. Thank you for praying for me and for extending the network of faithful people who intercede on my behalf.

When having cancer, or any affliction, one quickly learns who their true friends are by observing those who are as equally gifted at mourning and rejoicing.  That discovery is both painful and soothing.  I know where I stand with some people and in some communities, yet I choose to focus the new realization of how I have both refined and extended friendships.  I am honored to know that you are a closer friend than I realized before I recently entered your door.  I am truly thankful.

 Your points about our living in a broken, battered world are understandable. I also recall Peter’s declaration that we are sojourners and exiles on this earth, as well as James’ statement that we are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes.  The writer of Hebrews reveals: “For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.”  (Hebrews 11:  13-16)

Thus, in faith, I am determined to overcome prostate cancer while living in a temporary city.  I am encouraged to be the favorite patient of the staff of my radiation oncology center due to my consistent display of a positive attitude. In that light, I wish to continue my role as the effective caregiver of my mom plus continue to be a volunteer who shines bright lights of goodness and kindness. I have new contributions to make which will fulfill my both my passions for maximizing learning and connecting people.  There is much good I hope to accomplish in the years to come before seeking my true homeland.

Thank you for the courage and direction you gave in your profound e-mail.  I would type more, but I want to read it again now.

Grace and peace,

Knox

 Finding Christmas Hope

Mom, who had been a very unhappy camper after breaking a hip, remained gloomy as she was transported to a rehab facility on Christmas Eve. Upon entering the building, I asked the medics to stop for a few seconds so she could observe the lovely décor, yet she gave no reaction to the tastefulness of the interior decorating.  Similarly, she showed no reaction to the window of her room which overlooked a forest. It was like a scene in a bad Hallmark holiday movie.

I made haste to bring Christmas cheer to her spacious room posting holiday cards on a small bulletin board and dropping bouquets into vases. Mancave decorating – hold the bouquet over the vase, cut the rubber band, quickly drop the flowers into the vase.  Mom perked up saying: “I want to design it.”  Imagine a 94-year hold lady in a hospital bed, the narrow dinner table rolled over that bed, creating with delight.  Mom smiled for the first time in months, satisfied by again enjoying a hobby she had engaged in for a lifetime.  Mom, after hitting the bottom in a medical crisis, was a phoenix rising above the ashes of despair. A Christmas, almost missed, had arrived in fragrant glory.

 

Thoughts from a Traveler

 In my role as a ‘contributing alumnus’ of my graduate school, Georgia State University, I was in Atlanta poised to make contributions as a member of the College of Education’s Advancement Council and co-leader of the Alumni Network for Charlotte area folks. The other leader was my buddy for a quick, but enjoyable road trip.  The night before, we ended our conversation by joining together for our bedtime prayers.  His prayer request was for peace.

Early the next morning I was up early, thus was the first to shower.  Afterwards I decided to search the Scriptures for verses on ‘peace.’  I delighted in what I found:  statements of fact that the peace of Christ is unique and special, promises given that this peace is readily available to believers, and reminders not to forget the great gift of that peace.  Yet one verse, from Luke 1, stood out from the others.  It seemed to be the one to share before breakfast; the one to ponder before beginning a day of service and purposeful contributions.

As it was time to go down for breakfast, I looked out the window at the skyline of the jewel of the New South and discovered an interesting sunrise.  I asked my colleague to come look, suggesting that we have our table grace at the window in order to bask in the dawn of a new day.  Usually inspirational sunrises occur over the ocean or mountains.  Yet our light from heaven was basking on offices, apartments and hotels, yet most importantly into our room.  Observing this was the man seeking extra peace.  It was as if Luke’s observation that God’s sunlight would shine on people, in pain and challenging circumstances, was being displayed for us.  It became obvious to me that that light is available to the multitudes of people who have a reason to be in the city.  I desired for the light to guide both of us to walk in a pathway of peace, further understanding from Luke that this is possible.  After a few moments, our feet began to move, first to breakfast, later to the places where we had committed to make contributions.  In those offices we encountered warm people with listening ears, helpful suggestions, and supportive attitudes. Our contributions bore fruit; we journeyed home feeling peace about that gift of fruit.

Later, my feet were guided to Raleigh in order to attend a fundraiser for a Christian mission attempting to lead impoverished children towards becoming whole people.  I had the opportunity to interact with former classmates.  We need to move towards being whole people as well.  One was my first friend, a person whom I have known since earliest childhood.  We shared stories from our lives in the past 40 years. I began to bear her burden as she related the loss of her mother and two sisters; all had made their heavenly journey too young.  Amid a crowd of 300, I tried to be an agent of God’s tender mercies by intently listening, giving gentle backrubs, and later hugs.  I was bearing her burden as I listened to details of her pilgrimage and of the contributions, she had made to family members. I was encountering a lady of great strength and resilience, yet whose life was still tainted by pain.

Always, the tender mercy of God is available as we encounter the rough edges of life.  The rising sun will shine on us as we seek additional peace in our lives.  Luke relates God’s promise to shine light on our grief and broken emotions.  I claim these promises for two special friends who are dear to me.  I look forward to standing with them, as I stood by a hotel window observing the beauty of a sunrise, to make useful contributions and observe how their feet will be guided into paths of peace.

 

 

 

 

 Reflection on Brokenness 

During the winter, while awaiting a green light on a major thoroughfare in my city, I would repeatedly bemoan the fact that a cherry tree had been broken, resulting in its crown laying on the grass.  My ponderance was: “Why isn’t this eyesore removed for it no long aligns with the other trees in the row?”  Then I would wonder what calamity had caused the unsightly brokenness.

Spring arrived; the cherries bloomed.  To my utter delight the broken tree remained alive.  Seeing that its blooms were fuller and more brilliant than the others caused me to rejoice.  Out of brokenness and pain arose new life, joy, and a vivid announcement that spring had arrived.

Recently a urologist said to me: “You have prostate cancer.”  The words hit me as if they were from an errant driver who had haphazardly driven off the road, or a stormy wind which had inflicted damage.  I was a broken cherry tree by a busy road.  In the days that followed I felt as if I was amidst a plague that destroys at midday.  I realized that I was living east of Eden.

Yet, buds began forming as special people served me. Carolyn and Fred see that I have transportation to medical appointments, then delicious meals afterwards.  Matt begins every phone call with a concerned question followed by a listening ear. Kate and Dave invite me to lunch, as does Steven; I rejoice in meaningful conversations with like-minded folks.  Luis provides much encouragement & continues to practically support me, even laughing at my jokes.  My whimsical nature now includes humor about cancer.

Last week, as I began radiation beam therapy, I did so with the determination to bloom again.  Brokenness was far behind me.   Walking by faith, not feelings, I anticipate seeing God’s beauty in my circumstances and trusting in Him.  I am seeking to find a profound hope to be faithful and keep going forward as I rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Forms of Prayer

Being selected to serve on the discernment team for a church member seeking ordination was a totally new avenue of service for me and a fantastic learning experience.  Chosen to be the recorder of the sessions, I decided to conclude my written minutes with a prayer which summarized the needs, challenges and visions of the inquirer.  The intercessions are included here for they address the petitions of any leader, or lay person, who aims to serve others and desires transformation and growth in their faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For the recovery of a sick person

Lord Jesus, who was risen with healing in His wings, grant good health to those who are afflicted with illness and consequently walk through valleys, so that they may be effective servants, celebratory, complete, and equipped for every good work.  We ask in the name of our mediator, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Prayer for grace to reform & grow better

Almighty and everlasting God, who repeatedly said “peace, do not be afraid”, be with us as we remember both days of pain with suffering, and times of ministry blessed by your Spirit. While we contemplate the future, restore and revive us so that our churches and communities will yield an increase; in the name of Jesus who with steadfast love establishes righteousness.  Amen.

For inner healing

Almighty God, whose Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by the Devil:  Come with speed to aid us who are assaulted by toxic relationships, people who do not listen to our visions, poor health, plus failures in life and ministry.  Let us find you mighty to save so that our lives and labors may establish your kingdom; through our Lord Jesus.  Amen.

For the increase of ministry

Gracious God, who desires to make a covenant with us, enable us to do all for Your glory, and to not seek our own good, but the good of others, so that you may glorify Yourself in our lives as well as those in our spheres of influence.  We ask in the name of the One who is faithful, Jesus Christ. Amen.

An Approach to a Season of Interim

An extra season has been plucked down in the calendar of my local church:  Interim Interval.  After the minister’s resignation, we wait for a new preacher.  Yet this season should be analogous to the liturgical season of Advent.  For some Interim involves mournfulness over a sense of loss attached to people.  Yet Advent prompts Christians to get in touch with our need for a Savior.  Interim may include fatigue over the uncertainty of the future.  Advent is a season of preparation for the future by contemplating the longing of the Jews for a Messiah.  Interim can surface expressions that things aren’t the way they used to be.  Advent prompts focus on the hope of Christ’s coming.  Interim may realize noticeable empty seats on Sunday morning and fewer parishioners available for outreach.  Advent motivates believers to reach out to share life and hope with people in need.

My goal is to consider this present Interim as an extra Advent.  Sure, my approach is serious, yet I am seeking joy as I get ready for a transforming celebration, not of the birth, but the life of Jesus.   As I prepare and wait for the coming of new leadership, this is a prime time to focus on the attributes of God and in my relationship to Him.  I yearn to enter into a long expectation for what God is going to do.  I am waiting for newness and freshness, even though I am a ‘senior.’  For a practical application, I may include an invitation to someone to attend a fellowship group, or offer a spontaneous offer to share Sunday lunch.

An Advent attitude is a different perspective.  Yet, consider that for many Africans, a December Advent does not come at the beginning of winter, but at the onset of their rainy season - quite different than the one I am familiar with.  May showers of blessings fall on my Advent attitude.

Finally, I’ll be singing my favorite Advent hymn in the shower.

"Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending," by Charles Wesley

Prayers Inspired by 1st John

Heavenly Father, who is from the beginning and gives eternal life, help us to continue to find You, to discover truth in Your word and to engage in profound fellowship with You and Your people.  Continue to send us very clear messages which aid us in walking in the light, so that our joy may be made complete.  We ask in the name of Jesus, who purifies us from all sin.  Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, our righteous advocate, may we know You dearly and abide in You closely to have hearts that effectively and practically love our brothers and sisters.  May darkness pass away from our lives for Your true light is already shining.  Help us to grow in obedience and walk, without stumbling, in the same ways in which You walked, so that the love of God is perfected where we live, move and have our being.We pray in your holy name.                                                                                   Amen

Gracious God, who sent your only Son into the world that we might live through Jesus, dwell in me and allow me to clearly hear your voice.  I confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.  Therefore, perfect your love in me.  Remove fear from my emotions, for perfect love drives out all fear.  Guide my belief into the realness of your truth and love, so that I may overcome the world and love others.  I ask in the name of the Savior of the world, Jesus.                                                                                  Amen

Lord Jesus, prophet, priest, and king, be our guide as we enter our new study of Acts and into a new year. May we grow into being more like the Apostles who after experiencing the power of the Ascension took what Christ was and did before them to become more joyous followers. Help us to have this illuminated vision that you are enthroned at the right hand of the Father. During this new year give us joy, peace, patience, humility, authority, inner tranquility, and above all the power of the Holy Spirit so that we will be Your witnesses in Florida, Rocky Mount, and to the ends of the earth. In the name of Jesus.                                                                                                       Amen                                                                                                                                      

Dear Lord, whose rules are true and righteous altogether, impress upon our hearts the severe consequences of wickedness that Judas experienced. Guide our schedules and priorities so that we may join together to be constantly in prayer with believers. May the fruit of our adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication aid in our understanding of the power of your resurrection. Lead us to have the purity of Matthias so that we may be effective leaders. Raise up people like Matthias to serve in our local government, so that all citizens may prosper. We ask in the name of Jesus who said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”                                       Amen.

 

Father God, who gave Jesus the power to create miracles, wonders, and signs, pour out your Spirit on us so that we may more deeply hear Scriptural truth in words that we clearly understand. May our tongues rejoice and be used by the Spirit as we declare Your wonders with words of hope that are deeply understood by members of a corrupt generation. May Your words, not ours, lead to repentance. In the name of Jesus, both our Lord and Messiah.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Amen.

Lord Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One who is the source of life, bring healing into our lives in areas where we are afflicted with illness or weakness. May our bodies become strong. As we walk as healed individuals, give us appropriate words and actions of praise. Create awe and astonishment in our families, church, and city after people observe what has happened to us. Use us to be contemporary Peters and Johns by making us agents of physical and emotional healing to those who are hurt in our spheres of influence so that seasons of refreshment may come from the presence of the Lord. We ask this in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.                                                                                                Amen.

 

Lord Jesus, the Holy and Righteous One, deliver us from acting in ignorance in the manner that Israelites who witnessed a miracle did. Strengthen us for denying You is a serious offense. Accept our repentance as we turn back. Increase our faith in your name. Open our ears as we listen to everything You tell us through Scripture so that seasons of refreshing may come from Your presence in our lives, church, and this class. We make these petitions in your name for you are the source of life.                                                                                                                                                     Amen.

 

 

 

A Gift of Rest

After a week of late afternoon thundershowers resulting in travel over puddled roads, a sunny Sunday seemed like the time for a needed car wash.  As I pulled inside, two texts beeped on my phone.  This was perfect timing in the busy-ness of life as I had an extra quiet moment to read, reflect and to care. Suddenly open to the concerns of a friend, I promised to hold the situation up in prayer at church.  There, I became mindful of God’s gift to us during the Gospel reading.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11)

Handel included this in his oratorio “Messiah” to keep listeners mindful that those who trust in Jesus Christ find peace and rest. A familiar verse, in a new crisis, made me mindful in further understanding the generous, vast love of Christ for us; we were made for infinite bliss and companionship with God.  Desiring that a friend experience those benefits, I wrote:  “Some of my most weary days, during which I carried heavy burdens, have been while caregiving in a hospital.  Although your text is full of a positive spirit and hope, undoubtedly you are experiencing a plethora of emotions and thoughts.  May the gentleness of Christ give you rest today.  I have just felt His gentleness in the sequence of your message and the reading of these ancient, powerful words.  For me, they are as needed, cleansing and refreshing as the car wash.  May they richly bless you and your husband.”

Money Laundering

A decision to wash pillows at a Laundromat required me to leave my suburban Atlanta community where such businesses have become nonexistent in this new century.  I drove seven miles to Norcross, a district now populated by working class Mexicans, where laundries remain in strip malls.  On Saturday morning I arrived before the opening at 7:00 and found the business to be open and uncrowded.  I loaded my pillows, plus some gym clothes, in their largest commercial washer and then left in order to treat myself to breakfast.  When I returned, just before 8:00, the laundry was full of Mexican men, plus one American.  I chose a dryer next to him, a good choice for he was open to conversing. As I stood surrounded by a culture different from my own,  he explained his preference for this laundry, and concluded:  “The Mexicans here are quiet.”  Indeed they were.  The chugging of the washers, and the rhythmic thuds of clothes tumbling in the dryers, was more audible than conversation.   I was certain that I was among hard working men, who had no time for chores during the week, yet who were working on them early on a weekend morning.

As I pulled my gym clothes from the dryer, I put them into a rolling basket.  I noticed a dollar neatly folded on top of the wire.  SuddenIy, I felt the boyhood joy of finding a stray dollar on the street.  Yet there were far too many men present to determine whose pocket the bills had escaped from.  So I tossed the wet cash into my laundry basket and proceeded with my tasks.  Once home, I unfolded the still damp money, full of the fragrance of Tide, and discovered that I had collected $27.  There was no joy at that moment.   I realized that I was in possession of funds lost by an unknown hard-working, quiet man.  I did not need that money; the Mexican probably did.

I resolved my dilemma by contributing $27 to World Vision’s ministry: “ Food, Clothing and Basics in the USA.”   While not a major philanthropic gift, the man’s hard earned funds will serve God’s work in a community of poverty, similar to Norcross.  Perhaps I have sent ‘the widow’s mite’ into an impoverished  neighborhood.   Hopefully a person of need will be blessed by new clothing which they will show pride in while they clean it in another launderette.

My story is not intended to be about me, nor my gift.  Yet my musing is prologue for my prayer request.  Please join me in interceding for this man.  I trust that Paul’s promise to the Philippians will be realized in the person’s life.  May he learn to be more careful with his cash in the future.  May God bless him by miraculously restoring his lost funds.   May his labors bear fruit for him and his family; his ‘gift’ bring hope to another community.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:19)

Perhaps cleanliness is next to Godliness after all.  A simple trip to a Laundromat, an excursion into another culture, set my mind ablaze with thoughts and concerns. I trusted that I had made a proper decision as I laid my head to rest on my clean pillow that night. 

Prayers for Servants Who Care

For Caregivers

Blessed Lord, who gives grace to the humble, remember those who care for the elderly that the dread and exhaustion of their days will be relieved.  Give help, renewal and refreshment as they tackle multiple tasks and emotions, so that they may be exalted in due time and realize that You care for caregivers and parents.   We pray in the name of Jesus, who commanded a storm to be quiet, and it was.  Amen.

For Servants & Victims of Abusive Trafficking

O Christ, who suffered while on Earth, prepare our hearts to better understand how that suffering and your grace can ease the pain of innocent children within our spheres of influence.  Enable us to have new perspectives and actions in order that those who today are trapped as abuse victims may be able to freely walk in your light and be born anew.   We pray in the name of Jesus, who set the oppressed free.  Amen.

Forgiveness is a Powerful Response with Mercy

At the center of my Christmas wreath is placed a sweetgrass basket, a souvenir from a journey to Charleston, South Carolina.  It seems a good fit for my neighborhood, Charleston Bay, a series of row townhomes with pastel colors.  2015’s most moving news story was that of the senseless murder of Christians in that city.  Families who looked danger, oppression & degradation directly in the eye responded with mercy.  Their words of forgiveness for the killer saved a beautiful city from violence, fire, and crime.  These actions were a living epistle of the healing power of forgiveness.  This holiday is the birthday of Jesus Christ who taught about mercy.  My wreath is in honor of those in Charleston who taught a watching world of the great power of Christ’s message of forgiving.  As the traditional basket is at the center of my wreath, a response of mercy was at the center of their faith.  May their shining example be a part of our celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Discussions on Politics, Faith, and Race

In 2008, at Atlanta's Carter Center, author Jim Wallis and President Jimmy Carter led a panel discussion.  Seated on the right side of the front row is Rosalyn Carter.  The bald man with glasses to her left is Knox Porter.  This was a memorable evening, both in content and being close to people of conviction.

Sojourners: Continuing the Conversation on Race

In 2015, Jim Wallis returned to speak at a program hosted by The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.  The foundation's president, Alicia Philipp, wrote a brief article on the event.  I am both honored and humbled that Ms. Philipp quoted me in an essay which appears in Sojourners Magazine.



A Small Leap of Faith Restored My Vision

A devotion on Psalm 80.

Honestly, at the beginning of December I feel urgency over much of what is planned for the month.  The Psalmist has urgency in his voice as he petitions:  “Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.”

 On a July Saturday night, I felt urgency when I had no cable TV.  After calling an 800 number, I learned the operator was in the Philippines.  A worker, half a world away, was adjusting my cable box, thus I was connected with one who was restoring my picture.  In the ten minutes the box slowly uploaded we talked.  I asked how he was after a typhoon which had cut through his country the week before.  He then gave a lengthy monologue about how his family had been severely devastated by a previous storm, Typhoon Haiyan, in 2013.  I listened as a cheerful worker relayed a story of initial sadness, then restoration.  I shared that I had given a small donation to World Vision,  an international organization giving disaster relief to Filipinos.  Before my cable was reconnected, we were also connected in a significant way.  I was thanked for my gift, and my heart was touched when he said: “I will consider that your donation was used to help my family.”

Undoubtedly typhoon victims, with ‘bowls of tears to drink.’ voiced urgency similar to the Psalmist:  “Stir up your strength and come to help us.”  My response to a remote crisis was a leap of faith.  In Advent, I consider that Jesus came to ‘give us life.’   After the typhoon, my check was given in faith that it would allow a new advent as Christ’s life was extended to hungry, destitute victims.  In faith, the check was mailed in order to help unseen people.  My phone call not only connected my TV, but restored the picture I had of God’s work in a needy world.  In a sense, my leap of faith transferred from the unseen, to the seen as I heard a first hand account of the positive effects of disaster relief restoring families.

As we give, may we do so in leaps of faith, understanding that what is given in God’s name has the power to strengthen and restore.