During a recent winter, I learned that a high school classmate had sufferd a serious stroke. Although I had not seen him since graduation, positive memories propelled me to make a post on his Caring Bridge website. As I pondered, searching for words of hope and encouragement, this memory came to mind.
Bradley’s Store, the tiny building across from Senior High, was crowded with summer school students. In line in front of me, you paid for your soda and snack, and immediately exited with your food still on the counter. Mrs. Bradley called you back. Any embarrassment was quickly covered by your full confidence and magnificent grin as you exclaimed: “God almighty!” Mrs. Bradley immediately responded, in a voice with a wonderful mix of firmness and lovingkindness: “Always remember that He is all mighty.” Her brief declaration was strong and powerful; easier to remember than countless sermons. Those seven words have returned to my thinking numerous times in the ensuing years to encourage me during perplexing moments of doubt and crisis. They return this day, in light of your current situation which remains on my mind and in my heart. I pray and trust that you will indeed know the MIGHT of God in this season. I am encouraged to read that you are putting your trust in Him. May He be your rock, stronghold and refuge. I join many voices here full of hope that goodness will surround you. May you know the steadfast love of God as you heal and make progress.
Through the ensuing summer, my classmate exercised faith and great determination to make great progress in mobility. Reading of the results was encouraging; learning in the fall of a second stroke followed by his death was burdensome. Yet I did trust that he did experience the might of God in his circumstances.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Standing Together: sharing grace and love
“ ...he is like a refiner’s fire ...; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver...” – Malachi 3: 2-3
"...the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth.” – Luke 3:5
My dedication to simple living backfired the day Atlanta’s temperature soared to 106 degrees, when the air conditioning in my aging sedan shut down. Having received a debit card as a gift, I headed to Aldi grocery. At check out I was satisfied looking at the conveyor belt full of low-priced bargains. My mood quickly changed when I encountered the unexpected, learning that the card was actually credit, not accepted at that store. My predicament was not pleasing to the cashier, nor to the customers in line behind me. I sorted through the groceries in order to pay for as many items as I could with cash; then I placed them in the “refiner’s fire” of an auto that would not cool. A variety of thoughts ran through my mind, and gratitude was not part of the mix. Then, as I recalled my experience working with a Standing Together team, I realized I had much to be thankful for, including the gift of the card. Standing Together is a family of volunteers committed to helping a person make the leap from homelessness to self- sufficiency. Our team had been working recently with a participant who often speaks of being grateful for the goodness in her life. After my Aldi adventure I recalled her example and the inspiration she has been to me. Paul writes to the Philippians that believers should share God’s grace and overflowing love with one another. Paul’s words describe my experience in the Standing Together team, especially the lessons in gratitude learned from our participant. Her words have helped me refine and purify my attitudes and thoughts, helping me smooth the rough edges of my character and straighten the crooked elements of my perceptions. Inspired by her, I moved one step closer to being pure and blameless. Advent anticipates the coming of Christ, who will bring righteousness and purity into the world. I am grateful to God for beginning that good work in my world, and to my new friend for voicing words that move that work closer to completion.
"...the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth.” – Luke 3:5
My dedication to simple living backfired the day Atlanta’s temperature soared to 106 degrees, when the air conditioning in my aging sedan shut down. Having received a debit card as a gift, I headed to Aldi grocery. At check out I was satisfied looking at the conveyor belt full of low-priced bargains. My mood quickly changed when I encountered the unexpected, learning that the card was actually credit, not accepted at that store. My predicament was not pleasing to the cashier, nor to the customers in line behind me. I sorted through the groceries in order to pay for as many items as I could with cash; then I placed them in the “refiner’s fire” of an auto that would not cool. A variety of thoughts ran through my mind, and gratitude was not part of the mix. Then, as I recalled my experience working with a Standing Together team, I realized I had much to be thankful for, including the gift of the card. Standing Together is a family of volunteers committed to helping a person make the leap from homelessness to self- sufficiency. Our team had been working recently with a participant who often speaks of being grateful for the goodness in her life. After my Aldi adventure I recalled her example and the inspiration she has been to me. Paul writes to the Philippians that believers should share God’s grace and overflowing love with one another. Paul’s words describe my experience in the Standing Together team, especially the lessons in gratitude learned from our participant. Her words have helped me refine and purify my attitudes and thoughts, helping me smooth the rough edges of my character and straighten the crooked elements of my perceptions. Inspired by her, I moved one step closer to being pure and blameless. Advent anticipates the coming of Christ, who will bring righteousness and purity into the world. I am grateful to God for beginning that good work in my world, and to my new friend for voicing words that move that work closer to completion.
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