Dust In The Wind

In times of grief we sometimes feel as if our heart is broken. We feel that we can't possibly go on another day the pain is so great. Yet as in the oldies song our heart does go on beating, the sun does rise, and...

 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. What is your life? For ye are a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." (James 4:14 ASV)

As I've written before (and probably will again) the scripture often comes to my mind: 'I once was young, but now am old'. I've known the grief and sorrow of losing loved ones. I also recognize that just as people I've known and loved have passed from this life so will I pass from this life. Unless the Lord comes first. 

My grandmother Margaret passed away at the age of eighty-four. She had many quaint sayings. I've tried to pass her sayings and habits on to my children, and even now to my grandchildren. 

 I've noticed is that when people are quiet people, no one really knows what they are inside. Now, sometimes you can read the inside because the outside is like a newspaper; feelings and thoughts written all over the outside. Others are more subtle. Grandma never raised her voice, and 'whatever the little old man did was right', was a fact of life for most women in those days. Divorce was rare, and rightly so, but not everything the little old man did was 'right'.

Sometimes she had her rebellious moments, although they weren't always obvious. It's probably got a name, like passive aggressive behavior, but other than ornery little things she was easy to get along with. She said of herself "I'm just a little old woman trying to get along".

In doing some family research I've come across some family writings. One article was under the title (I believe) of something like Smith Family Logging. Part of the story talked about Great-great Grandfather Smith had gone blind, but he apparently wasn't to be relegated to a corner for the rest of his days. Someone had rigged up wires so he could get around outside, helping with whatnot, and chopping wood, I assume for heating in the house and etcetera. 

Many people go through life searching for their calling. We see all sorts of encouragement to stand out, and make a difference. In times past, my grandparents and others of their era, the real gem in life was to find one person, make a commitment to that person, love each other, and make life important to each other. 

Fretting about being someone special, or making great accomplishments takes time and talent away from your life. My grandmother never did anything above and beyond caring for her home and family. My mother thought grandma was so dumb. My mother, for all of her intelligence and talent didn't raise her own children, couldn't stay married, and in the end didn't make great accomplishments. Neither one were failures, but they both had to walk the valley of death. The only thing that remains of either of them for the future is their offspring. 

My sister and I are coming to our valley. She's never had children, and I've had enough for both of us. The Psalm has come true:  

                                     "God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a parched land." (Psalms 68:6 ASV)

Life is fragile. When we gather as a family I'm so thankful for each one. Forty-five years ago my husband and I were expecting our first child. I was pretty much solitary before then. Today we have twenty-two grandchildren. It is such a blessing to watch our children grow older, and they too can watch their children grow. And soon there will be another generation coming along. My mother, grandmother, and other ancestors are still influencing my children and touching my grandchildren.    

In reading about my Great great grandfather Smith I see myself, as I overcome physical limitations  which I wrestle with daily. Yet, thank God I'm not sitting bemoaning my problems, just as he found ways to be productive so am I. 

"The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but he shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like the whirling dust before the storm." (Isaiah 17:13 ASV)

Our names may be forgotten like whirling dust before the storm. My children may forget family heritage names. My great grand children will probably forget, but our heritage will continue in those who come behind. At this moment I am a bridge touching those before, and the next ones in line. Yet we are all like dust in the wind...

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

The Words We Use

Sunday November 5, we had a 'mass shooting' in a small Texas community church. So much carnage, yet two men stepped up and made a difference. Many have hailed them as 'heroes'. A few months ago there was a horrible flood in Texas. Many volunteers came in with boats, food, supplies, and comfort. These volunteers and many others in that incident were hailed as heroes. During the Las Vegas shootings as well, there were police officers, first responders, and even common citizens, who at great risk to themselves helped others, and were tagged as heroes as well.

The word hero is used a lot lately and with good reason. In the above incidents people have stepped in to help others for good purposes. In many of these instances the recipients of the blessings were strangers to the heroes involved. What is involved in being a hero?

Merriam Webster dictionary gives us this definition of Hero:1) a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability:2) an illustrious warrior:a person admired for achievements and noble qualities:3) one who shows great courage 4):the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work:the central figure in an event, period, or movement

In the first paragraph examples, parts of definitions two and three fit the mold.

• Tomorrow is veterans' day. We often of late hear people say to our military, "Thank you for your service". Those in the military indeed have or are serving by protecting this country and its citizens. 
• A hero can also be a leader in the community that has done, or accomplished an admirable task.
• Completing a noble task with dignity and courage is noteworthy. Some times completing a task no matter how it comes out is noteworthy. Noblesse Oblige ~
• Showing the courage of our convictions; putting our money, time, or something of ourselves where our mouth is.
• However, sometimes a hero can be a simple person doing their every day tasks. A father or mother doing the everyday things in spite of their want to's. 

For example, the  season is upon us when the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" is shown often. George Bailey wants to travel the world. On his honeymoon he begins a journey to help his fellow humans. Denying himself he eventually comes full circle to where, after years he is repaid by his friends and neighbors. 

Heroes are not only out fighting battles, they are also found in the common lives around us. Yes, they are found on the literal front lines of battlefields, but also in the spiritual battles that rage amongst us at home. Some have wondered out loud in these days when violence seems to surge around us, even in the peaceful valleys of life, what can we do against this violence and hate? What can we do? During an interview a local "Pastor" mentioned in passing that our society has taken God out of everything. He was then asked if he thought that was the problem. His further answer was no, but we as Christians believe that we are in a spiritual battle and...

I would submit that his answer should have been, 'yes and' we are in a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of people. The violence that we see around us is because when we take God out of everything evil fills that void. When evil fills the void hatred, violence, and spiritual ugliness fills the society. Christians need to 

• stand up,  God hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of hope, and courage
• speak up, Just as in the days when Chick Fillet was under attack and Christians flooded their restaurant in silent support, Christians or people who call themselves Christians are still the majority in this country.
• step up, Far too long those who are taking this country down the socialist/communist pathway have had their day in the sun. Yes, many of us have grown used to letting Leroy run things. (Leroy is a generic name for anyone else). We don't want to disrupt our lives, so we allow 'other people' to run for government office, fill in the political spectrum. We have a whole mixed bag of characters some good, but many just opportunists in our political machine. 

"And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens." (Hebrews 11:32-34 ASV)

Hallelujah! What a Savior!