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.
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
