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Doom to you who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness in place of light and light in place of darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 The Message

One of the scariest times that I ever remember was in October of 1962 when the world just seemed to pause while we were living under the threat of a nuclear war. A U.S. spy plane secretly photographed missile sites being built by the Soviet Union in Cuba. President Kennedy met with advisors in secret and decided to put a naval blockade around the island to keep Russia from building any more sites. He then demanded the removal of missiles already there, and the destruction of the sites.

It was a secret until he addressed the nation. After the address, I can remember the utter panic in our community. People were canning water in anticipation of nuclear fall out, plans were made for a safe place for families to gather, and each day was scarier than the next. Randy recalls with great clarity troops moving through his small town in route to areas in southern Florida close to Cuba. Nobody knew what would happen next, but fortunately the leaders of both superpowers realized the devastating possibility of a nuclear war and an agreement was reached. It was a few days of good vs. evil.

In our world of today, I am certain that negotiations and threats go on daily on a much larger and more intense scale, but most of us are oblivious to the evil that threatens us everyday on a national scale. However, we should be much more worried about the shootings, the muggings, the burglaries, the drug and human trafficking, and general decline in Christian principles and observance of The Ten Commandments right here in our own neighborhoods and community. Evil is alive and real.

Satan first appeared when he and his angels rebelled against God in heaven hoping to match their strength with His. God overcame Satan and his followers, and the Bible says he sent them like lightning from heaven to hell. From that time to this, there seems to be something akin to a chess match between God and Satan. Every time God makes a move for good, Satan tries a counter move for evil. We know who will win in the end, but in the meantime, the war rages, and it seems that people are just content to let the evil continue.

Charles Martin says, “The greatest trick ever pulled on mankind is that somewhere, somehow, somebody convinced us that evil isn’t real.” The truth is that evil is alive and very real in this world of today. It has always been here, but recently the pure senselessness of it all has begun to frighten even the most trusting and strongest of us all.

A battle for our very existence is raging all around us, and whether we win or lose depends on the common people, not the politicians. Whether we like it or not, this is a battlefield. It has been since Cain killed Abel. There is no reason to complicate the issue because there is no gray area in this battle. It is either good or evil, and we might as well go ahead and choose sides right now! Charles Martin

There will come a time when we will have to choose a side and begin to fight. David says in Psalms144, “Praise to the Lord, my rock, He trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” It is time to begin training for the battle that is surely coming in our community, our schools, even our churches, because if Christians won’t stand up against evil and injustice, then who will? As Louis L’Amour once said, “If you go amongst the Philistines, it’s best to go armed.” The way to “arm ourselves” is to be courageous enough to stand for good and strong enough to fight against evil. Remember “courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.”

There will come a time when God will announce “checkmate” in this game of good vs. evil, but until then: Rise up o men (and women) of God, Have done with lesser things. Lift heart and soul and mind and strength, to serve the King of Kings. William Merrill

A man from the family of Levi married a Levite woman. The woman became pregnant and had a son. She saw there was something special about him and hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a little basket boat made of papyrus, waterprooofed it with tar and pitch, and placed the child in it. Then she set it afloat in the reeds at the edge of the Nile. Exodus 2:1-3

This past week school started in many systems around the state. I’m always torn at this time of year becuase I loved my role as a teacher, but on the other hand, I am glad I’m retired! Every teacher with whom I have ever been privileged to work has a deep love for children and a great desire to help guide and direct their lives.

The kindergarten team with which I worked was a loving group of teachers, but we all agreed on one thing: parents really shouldn’t walk their children into their kindergarten class on the first day of school. There was always one child who didn’t want Mom or Dad to leave, and I’m pretty sure Mom or Dad felt the same way! We knew that a crying child or crying parents experiencing separation anxiety would be temporary, but it was hard on all of us to try and convince the parents to let go and let us handle it! The child and the parents had to learn to trust us to do our job.

The story of Moses is a great example of a mother who trusted God enough to put her child in a basket made of reeds and tar and set him afloat in the river. We all know the story of Moses and how he was pulled from the water to be raised by the daughter of Pharoah, the very man who had ordered the killing of the first born males. God had a great plan for Moses, and he became the very person who led the Israelites from bondage. All of this happened because in order to save her son, his mother let him go!

A friend sent me this quote from Ashlei Woods, and it sums up what many parents are experiencing during the different phases of the lives of their children. There comes a time – many times actually – in the lives of our children where we have to put the basket in the water. We have to let go and trust the plan of the Father. The world is a scary place – a place where we fear our children could drown, but we must remember that we have to let go so that God can draw them from the waters for His great purpose. He has called us to be their parents, but they were His first.

This fall many of the young people that we have watched grow up are leaving for college or other pursuits. It’s hard to imagine those same young people who were born, baptized, confirmed, and loved are heading out on their own! I can’t help feeling for the parents and grandparents because the void will be hard at times.

The good news is that they are ready, and we can let go with confidence. These parents, teachers, and friends have equipped them for bigger and better things, and they are headed out to blaze their own trail and make their own mark in this world! It is comforting to know that wherever they go, God goes before them, walks beside them, and follows them in all that they do.

As the day approaches, let these words by Ashlei Woods comfort you, Parents whatever water you may be getting ready to put your basket into, remember that you have to put them in the water for God to draw them out and place them into His perfect plan. Though you might not be physically present with your child as much during the next phase of life, you can always petition the heart of the Father on their behalf.

Good luck, prayers, and God bless! We love you!

I have finished the work you have given me to do. John 17:4

In this world of today, it seems there are more and more people feeling insignifcant. Whether it is about our life, our jobs, our relationships, or our situation, it is something that can really bring us down! Insignificance is defined as being too small or unimportant to be worth consideration; without power or influence; meaningless. Who would want to live feeling this way?

Everyone struggles with their purpose sometimes, and it doesn’t help that society imposes certain guidelines that makes us feel insignificant if we don’t meet the criteria. There is nothing that adds to insignificance like the news and social media. We are made to feel so insignifcant in this world, and sometimes we wonder if there will ever be a time when our contributions will make a difference?!

Every summer about this time, we have an unwanted visit from sugar ants who love coming in through the kitchen window and making themselves at home around the sink area. We know they are coming, and we take the usual steps of spraying outside, removing anything attractive, and even setting out the traps, but they are relentless. Nothing seems to deter the marching army.

The Bible encourages us in Proverbs 6:6 to Take a lesson from the ants…learn from their ways and become wise. Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.

In researching a little about these ants, it was eye opening to see the lessons that we as Christians can learn from them. The queen ant is the center of attention in a colony and the mother of most of the ants, but she is not the chief ruler or provider. The “soldier”ants do the work, and they are responsible for the survival of the colony. So, the army I see marching in is in reality just soldiers doing the work for which they are responsible. Their work is significant!

The older ants begin each new project by doing the work themselves. The younger ants then imitate the work of their elders and join in the work. There are no supervisors, chiefs, or officers that make them work, they are just self starters and diligent workers. When we see an ant carrying a piece of bread several times bigger than they are up a slope, returning to pick it up if he drops it, and getting it to where it is supposed to be, that’s diligence.

No work is considered menial or beneath his dignity. Whatever the task, he goes along his way merrily doing his job. No work is insignificant. Martin Luther King once said, “Not all men are called to specialized or professional jobs; even fewer to the heights of genius in the arts and sciences; many are called to be laborers in factories, fields, and streets, but no work is insignificant!” If we can just impart this knowledge to generations coming behind us, none of them will have to worry about success, it will be their constant companion.

One thing you can count on with an ant, he always gives his best and pulls his share of the load. That is a quality that is desireable in humans as well. Walt Disney said, “Whatever you do, do it so well that when people see you do it , they’ll want to come back and see you do it, and they’ll want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.”

The ant is a workaholic – he literally dies working. In other words, they never retire. The contemporary concept of retirement can’t be found in the Bible. Yes, we can retire from a job, but we never retire from work. As long as we are alive, there is always work God would have us do. Rest, relaxation, and retirement are worthy and deserved rewards for a life of hard work, but the truth is as long as we are alive, God has something significant for us to do! God has a great track record of taking seemingly insignificant people and things and using them for his glory!

The ants that visit us leave as quickly as they arrive. Their work, whatever it was, is done here and they have moved on to the next job, but the work they did was significant to them. Just like them, not one of us is insignifcant. God takes joy in using ordinary people and ordinary things for extraordinary purposes!

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. Proverbs 31:10

It’s hard to believe, but this week Randy and I celebrate fifty one years of marriage! Fifty years was a real milestone, but as the years pass we are ever more conscious of the blessings we enjoy. Most of our age group are becoming more conscious of the vows we made years ago at the altar of our respective churches as we hear people quoting those vows. We hear “in sickness and in health” a lot lately. We also hear “for better or worse” and “for richer or poorer” being mentioned in conversations. As for me, I am more and more convinced that it takes two to honor those vows and to make a marriage work no matter the age or station in life.

The story is told of a woman who went away with friends on a long weekend retreat. Halfway through the first Monday morning, she suddenly jumped to her feet and left the room. Concerned, a friend followed her to see what had made her leave the meeting so abruptly. She found the woman just disconnecting from a phone call. The friend asked gently, “Is everything all right?” “Oh, yes.” replied the woman sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to alarm you, but I just realized that it’s Monday morning trash day.” Her friend replied, “Trash day? Isn’t your husband at home?” “Yes,” replied the woman, “but it takes two of us to put out the trash. One of us rolls it out, and one of us remembers to do it!” I can identify with this lady!

There are many secrets to a good marriage, and I am sure everyone has their own. Basically, the best secret, in my opinion, is to learn how to live and work together. The number one reason for divorce today is cited as “incompatibility.” No one ever said that people who are alike should get married. We are supposed to be different. When two people with different gifts decide to love one another and listen to one another, their differences can become a source of strength rather than a source of weakness.

When Randy asked my Daddy if he could marry me, first, he said, “Mr. Drake, I love your daughter.” My Daddy looked at him and said, “I love her, too. What have you got to offer her?” Without hesitation Randy said, “Well, right now, I’ve got a red VW and a strong back.” I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the answer Daddy was looking for, but he gave us his blessing (eventually).

Randy and I married while he was still in school at Emory, so we learned quickly that it takes two. It took one of us to get a degree for our future and one of us to work to provide the finances to live. Later, we learned that it takes two to start a youth program; one of us to get the kids there and one of us to help plan programs that relate to all of them.

When we had children, we learned that it takes two to raise a family; one to be the bread winner and one to put their career on hold to be at home for a while. It takes one to be the disciplinarian in the family, and one to be the good guy! When we began to serve churches, we learned that it takes two; one to preach, teach, visit, comfort, and evangelize, and one to be there every Sunday for support and to critique.

As the years go by, it still takes two. In our household, it takes one to grill and one to do the preparations inside. It takes one to tell stories and jokes, and it takes one to listen. It takes one to laugh at the same place in movies for the millionth time, and it takes one to laugh along in spite of knowing that line by heart. It takes one to watch the UGA vs TCU football game every week, and it takes one to point out that Georgia still wins every time. It takes one to remember, and one to forget to remember. It takes one to operate a cell phone and computer, and it takes one to try. It takes one to pay bills, and it takes one to trust that they’ve been paid. It takes one to pray out loud in a group, and it takes one to be grateful. It takes one to sit at the hospital with a friend or church member, and it takes one to be empathetic and wait at home. It takes one to hug, and it takes one to return the hug. It takes two to say “I love you.”

It takes two to build a marriage and a life. Thank heavens God is there to add the third partner that makes it whole. Happy Anniversary, Randy. I love you!

They will fight against you but will not overcome you. for I am with you and will rescue you declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:19

One of the great joys I find in life is sitting by the ocean on a beautiful day, listening to the waves gently kiss the shore, and either reading a book or visiting with a friend or loved one. It is so relaxing and lends itself to meditation and prayer. The Fourth of July on the beach is crowded, but people are, for the most part, considerate of others when setting up their tents, their games and playing whatever music appeals to them.

I was living the good life last week doing just what I love while allowing others around me to do the same, when the scene abruptly changed. Three teenage boys arrived carrying three chairs, a small umbrella, and a huge ice box/speaker for their music and drinks. First, they put the umbrella in the sand right in front of my sister and myself, then they turned on their music loud enough to hear in the next county, and finally, they pulled out their beer and huddled underneath that umbrella drinking while singing loudly along with their music! Unfortunately, there are no ordinances on these beaches governing tents, music, etc. which can be good and bad.

We noticed three things immediately. First, they were full of themselves, next, they had no consideration of others, and finally, this day was theirs and they were going to live it regardless of those around them. People around tried unsuccessfully to ask them politely to turn down the music, and they smiled at each one, but nothing happened. My sister left, and finally, I followed suit! Sometimes enough is enough!

Life can be just like this! There just comes a point when health, finances, relationships, spiritual issues, the world situation, and the daily grind cause us to declare, enough is enough! We know that we can’t continue down the same path because it is a dead end, and we can’t keep doing what we’ve always done, but a decision has to be made. We have got to channel our creativity into finding solutions to that enough is enough feeling.

There is a character in the Bible named Shamgar. He is mentioned only twice in Scripture, and his story takes up three lines and two verses, but the impact he had was amazing. The first verse is in Judges 3:31, “Shamgar struck down six hundred Phillistines with an oxgoad. He saved Israel.” The second verse in Judges 5:6 says simply, “In the days of Shamgar.”

Shamgar was the third judge of Israel whose heroic actions led to peace in Israel for an unspecificed time. We are only told that he followed Ehud as a leader, he was the son of Anath, he killed 600 Phillistines, and he saved Israel.

This man used three simple ideas to accomplish his work for God. First, he started where he was, next, he used what he had, and finally, he did what he could. Sometimes when we see things we know aren’t right, we are content to walk away rather than step up and step in. If we do take the initiative we feel God is leading us to take, the results are in God’s hands. Things can be changed if we only grab our oxgoad and go to work!

God used one man with one simple weapon to rescue his people from oppression. This example of God working through one person to change the life of many applies today. We are each called to know when enough is enough and use our actions to have influence over the lives of others. God often chooses to use unknown people to accomplish great things to bring glory to His name.

My story is just an insignficant example of how many times we experience enough is enough in this world of today. However, my story ended up bringing me a chuckle, and I should mention that this is the correct version of the episode!! Later that day those three guys ended up in the elevator with me, my nephew, and my grandson (both these guys related to me are big and strong). True to form, the speaker/cooler was still blaring even in the crowded elevator, the boys were still arrogant, inconsiderate, and self centered. This time, however, I picked up the oxgoad of confrontation. I said, “Hey there, allow me to introduce you to my nephew and my grandson. They will be with me on the beach tomorrow, and they would be happy to help you with the sound on that speaker!! We would love to see all of you.”

The next day was peaceful and quiet. Sometimes enough is just enough!

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully just as I have been understood. 1 Corinthians 13:12

Randy and I are both blessed to be a part of a large extended family. We both grew up around grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family. Sundays and holidays were huge celebrations with everyone usually in attendance for picnics, family dinners, lake outings, birthday celebrations, beach trips, and any other excuse to be together.

Last week, my cousin planned and organized a beach trip for forty eight of our relatives on the Drake side of the family. We returned to our old favorite place in Panama City which is full of special memories for many of us. Although some were missing, we had a great group of first cousins, second cousins, third cousins, and on down the line. As our chldren’s children came together to spend time with each other, the joy of watching them enjoy each other brought back so many memories of growing up in a close family where everyone supported each other and the bond of love and faith were strong.

In this world of today, we tend to focus on our own lives not someone else’s, and this is true even in families. The great thing is, as soon as we are back together, it’s like we were never apart. My cousins, their children, my children, and our children’s children were able to pick up right where we left off! There is such beauty in the simplicity of the seasons of life and spending time with people you care about! Our memories and experiences of the past are great and useful in shaping us for who and what we are today!

As we gathered together for dinner to celebrate the Fourth of July, we started by remembering those of us who had come before and established the bond of love and family ties that we all now enjoy. When we circled up, held hands, and prayed, it was obvious that there were many missing from the circle and that each of us were remembering a space that was empty. There were some tears, but for the most part, there was joy!

Every family has unique and different strengths, and it’s healthy to celebrate them. We can all give an inheritance to our children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren by passing on the values, insight, and love that got the family where it is today. If we have a sense of history it can inspire in those who follow us the desire to perpetuate the good things. We need to pass on the generational blessings that have been important to us over the years and recognize and verbalize the uniqueness of each member that made those contributions.

Although our past brings us together, it’s the individual members utilizing their unique gifts and fulfilling their particular roles that make a family resiient, supportive, and loving. These qualities give us a strong future in the promises of God.

Reunions are like much like a surprise party where everyone is the guest of honor! We never know who will walk through the door, but the joy of seeing them is amazing! I believe Jesus and His followers experience that kind of reunion every second in heaven. While we were celebrating our family reunion, a sweet friend of ours from Madison died after an illness. When we heard the news, Randy and I could visualize her entrance into the family reunion which only Jesus can provide and hearing the words from Matthew 25:21, “Well done thy good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of the Lord.” A reunion in heaven is our reward for spreading the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus.

Don’t be the last chain in the link of your family. Don’t let it end with you. Take the blessings God has deposited in you and pass them on. Celebrate every step of the journey here and look forward to the reunion in heaven!

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place. When we all get to heaven, what day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory! When We All Get To Heaven by Eliza E. Hewitt

Thanks cousins! It was awesome!! Love you all!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he has chosen for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12

It is that time of year again where we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July in our nation. There are many truths that we reflect upon during this time of year, but I recently read one which seems to apply to this nation at this particular time. It says simply, “If we do not know the foundation that the Founding Fathers laid out for this nation, then we as a nation have no understanding of what we are to be today; thus, we are a nation that has no clear vision for tomorrow.”

Many of us have either forgotten or never really truly studied the heritage of this nation. Heritage is defined as features belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages or buildings that were created in the past and still have historical importance.

It is a fact that many of the Founding Fathers had a strong faith in God’s word, sought counsel from this Word, and made laws for this country based on His word. These men were not ashamed of their faith, and they are responsible for a constitution which has enabled this country to be “the longest on going Constitutional Republic in the history of the world.” David Barton

In our country today, the lack of understanding of the principles of the Founding Fathers is eroding the Christian values upon which our nation was built and setting us up to lose our heritage as a nation. The early draft of our Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776 and four days later on the steps of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, it was read aloud. The last words, “And for support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mututally pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” were followed by the ringing of the Liberty Bell. The inscription around the top of the bell finds its key truth in Leviticus 25:10, and says, “Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.”

The Founding Fathers possesed three important things: a knowledge of God’s word, a seeking of God’s wisdom, and a preservation of Godly laws and principles. Somewhere during these two hundred forty seven years since, we have begun to ignore these principles.

In a study done by George Barna, it was found that many Americans are now adopting unbiblical views about their life, their families, and their country. It is obvious among the youth of our country that we are losing the battle for our spiritual heritage. For example, how many of our children these days can tell us anything about the history of Christianity? How many can tell us the story of our nation’s challenges, wars, and struggles? What has happened to the Bible stories we all used to love? How about the heroes of the past whose courage brought our nation to this point? Where are the Bibles in our homes? How many old hymns do we remember? How many of us can recite the 23rd Psalm? How many of us can recite the 52 word Preamble to the Constitution?

We are in great need of statesmen not politicians in this country. We need men and women of faith who will guide us through prayer and who passionately seek God’s wisdom for this country. It has been said that the battleground is no longer in a war zone but rather in our country, in our cities, and in our states every single day. John Adams once asked, “Did our Declaration of Independence not lay the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?” He later added, “Before fireworks and parades, Independence Day ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to Almighty God. ”

In the words of C. S. Lewis I find the definition of what we should all be about. He said, “Patriotism is grateful acceptance of where God has placed us. We are to learn and transmit the lessons of our nation and our heritage to the next generation.

This Fourth of July take time to thank God for His blessings and the rich heritage of this great nation! It should be the job of each of us to know enough of our great heritage that we can pass it on to those who followl us!

God Bless America!

Our Father’s God to Thee, author of Liberty, to Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King. My Country Tis of Thee by Samuel Francis Smith

For if you listen to the Word and don’t obey, it’s like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like! James 1:23-24

A blind spot is defined as any area immediately surrounding you which cannot be directly observed by you within your normal field of vision. Lately, I seem to be more aware of this term especially when driving around our area. The last few weeks seem to have been especially bad as folks are throwing caution to the wind and only concentrating on getting somewhere as fast as they can! Several accidents have been caused because we don’t see someone on one side of us because they are in our blind spot.

Blind spots aren’t found only during driving, they can appear in relationships, friendships, work, and even our spiritual lives. Have we ever stopped to consider that each of our lives possess some blind spots? Sometimes life has a way of blindsiding us We never see something coming because it’s in our blind spot. Just like traffic accidents occur when someone changes lanes with out checking their blind spot. and soldiers are wounded in battle because they never saw the enemy approaching on their blind spot, we can experience them during our daily lives.

In 1985, one of Spain’s most famous matadors, Jose Cubero, was killed in a bullfight at the age of 21. At the end of the bullfight, he thrust his last sword into a bleeding, disoriented bull, and the bull collapsed. Thinking that the battle was over, Jose turned to the crowd and bowed in acknowledgement of their cheers. Unbeknownst to Jose, the bull was not dead. What he assumed to be cheers of victory were actually shouts of terror. The bull arose and lunged at the unsuspecting matador piercing his back and puncturing his heart with his horns. The bull was in his blind spot. If only Jose could have seen what the crowd saw, he might have lived to fight another day.

Whether we will admit it or not, all of us have blind spots. These blind spots in our lives can be anything from treatment of others, to our past, to our pain, or simply human conditions or limitations. It is important to identify the blind spots that are causing us to stumble and take some time to understand why they have a hold on us. The blind spots only become a problem when we are unwilling to check on them or maybe even admit that we have them.

There are many blind spots, but three have come to mind this week. First, spiritual blind spots are common in our lives. We see how we want things to be, how we think things should be, or how we want to see things, but we miss what God is doing right in our midst or even right next to us. God is out there performing miracles and creating holy moments for us every day, but we allow our blind spots to overshadow the good.

We also have emotional blind spots in our lives. It’s easy to become encumbered with the idea that life isn’t fair. We can find ourselves beaten down with what we perceive as being “bad things that happen to good people” and try to rationalize God’s role in all this. It’s all right to shed tears, but rest assured all the hurt means something to God, and our life, our experiences, our pain is recorded and precious to Him

Finally, we have the blind side of apathy. Our generation is becoming one of indifference or sleep walking. We aren’t literally asleep, but we pay little or no attention to what’s going on around us. As pressure from the world around us intensifies bringing so much stress to our lives, we finally reach a point where we just say, “Who cares?” The Bible would disagree with this attitude and warns us to “be attentive, watch, and pray always.”

When we identify our blind spots and replace them with the presence of God in our everyday life, He can remove the spiritual and emotional hindrances and replace the apathy with action helping us make this crazy unpredictable life we live meaningful.

This week learn from the one who leads you, look to the one who lives for you, and listen to the one who loves you!

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

In his book, The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis writes the following about Friendship. “In a perfect friendship, appreciative love is often so great and so firmly based, that each member of the circle feels in his secret heart humbled by the rest. Sometimes he wonders what he is doing there among his betters. He is lucky to be in such company especially when the whole group is together watching each one bringing out what is the best, wisest, or funniest in all of the others. Those are the golden sessions when four or five of us have come to our “inn” after a hard day’s walk; when our slippers are on; when our feet are spread out toward the blaze, and a drink is at our elbows; when the whole world and something beyond the world opens itself to our minds as we talk. No one has any claim or any responsibility for another, but all are free men and equal as if we had first met an hour ago. At the same time an affection mellowed by the years enfolds us. Life, natural life, has no better gift to give. Who could have deserved it?”

In 1976 Randy and I took our first appointment as minister in charge of a church congregation. We were assigned to a two point United Methodist circuit in the small town of Newborn, Georgia, and we served that church as well as the Starrsville church which was about ten miles away. We arrived that June with a three month old baby, our dog, Chief, and our few personal belongings to move into the parsonage there. There was no church staff, no church office, and no secretary. The office became a room in our parsonage, the staff became volunteers, and the secretary’s position was left to me! Randy preached at both churches every Sunday and alternated times at each.

We had always had friends from our respective home towns, college, and our first appointment, but it was here in this small community that we really learned the value of friends and friendship. In this parsonage with no air conditioning, no dishwasher, and none of the conveniences to which we were accustomed, we learned what it’s like to have people there to help in every situation and love you no matter what. We also learned to make do with what God provided and to trust Him for all we needed.

These families made us a part of their family and included us in all their celebrations. People visited on our front porch after leaving us fresh vegetables from their garden. They were encouragers, supporters, and confidants. The women of the church helped us get a fresh look to our parsonage, while the men worked on repairing the roof and chimney in our new home. Volunteers worked on every church project, and the bonds of friendship here were strong and lasting.

We served and loved in this community for two years, and when we left, the ladies of the church made a friendship quilt with the names of each family of the church included. I had an occasion to pull out that quilt lately and all the names and memories came flooding back. It made me stop and give thanks for all the wonderful friendships which have come into our lives over these many years.

This brought two questions to my mind. First, what makes a good friend? Next, what qualities allow a friendship to survive over time? In my mind, there are two qualities which permanently cement any friendship; honesty and loyalty.

Honesty is the quality which a real friend exhibits consistently. They may upset us sometimes by telling us the truth, but he or she will be honest nonetheless. A friend may not always tell us what we want to hear, but if they truly love us, they will tell us what we need to hear. In the short run, it may hurt, but in the long run it will only help.

There are two questions to ask the other person. First, can I trust you to be totally honest with me? Secondly, can I be totally honest with you? Only a true friend can expect and survive such mutual honesty.

Loyalty is the next quality. Proverbs 18:24 says “There is a friend which sticks closer than a brother.” The word stick refers to how skin sticks to the bone, and it is a poignant picture of how closely knit one friend should be to the other. Loyalty is the one thing that one friend should never have to question about the other. A true friend will always be your defense attorney before he or she becomes your judge. There is no such thing as a fair weather friend. We don’t need friends in fair weather, we need them when the weather gets nasty. It is said that a fair weather friend is no friend at all.

All these years later, we are so grateful for our friends; past, present, and future. What would our life be without each of you which we are so privileged to call friends? In the words of C.S. Lewis, “Who could have deserved it?”

Let me tell you why you are here. You are here to be salt seasoning that brings out the God flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Matthew 5:13

The compound salt is really a pretty interesting substance. Basically it is a compound in the form of crystals which is composed mainly of sodium chloride that is used in seasoning and/or preserving. The compound salt is really a miracle. It is composed of two poisons, chloride and sodium. which if either is ingested by itself can cause death, but if we put them together they bring something extra to life. All of us need salt for fluid balance and muscle and nerve function, but too much salt is bad for us, so we hear, and that statement has made us a “salt conscious” society.

Prior to Covid, every restaurant table came with a salt and pepper set for patrons to use to season and enhance their food. Now, in most places, these elements are available only on request. It’s like people are trying to get us to take the salt out of our food and settle for a more bland version of them.

There is the seasoning side of salt, but there is also the physical side of salt. In this world, where would we be without people who add salt to our lives? These are the folks that enter a room, and you just know the atmosphere is about to change! Dads have that kind of effect on families in most cases. These special people show love, compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance in a salty way that might be a little different from the approach of a Mother.

Our Daddy was what I would call a Salty Dad. Although his name was John, he had so many colorful nicknames that showed his salty nature that it was hard to keep track. He was Bubba to his brothers and sisters, Big John to friends and many in town, Mr. John to our boyfriends, Flash to the snow ski instructor, Running Bear to the game warden, and Honey to my Mom. We just called him Daddy, and our children knew him as PaPa. He was funny, opinionated, loyal, a talker, a little crusty, and fiercely protective of his three girls and his family. His reputation proceeded him with our dates as he was known to be mowing the grass around 11 at night when we returned home with them! When he entered a room, the salt would be sprinkled and sometimes even poured all around. Although he left early every morning to go to the farm, he was home every night with his family, and the amount of salt he sprinkled usually depended on his day.

Jesus was a believer in salt as we see in Matthew 5:13 where he told his followers: “You are the salt of the earth.” He was addressing the common people such as fishermen, shepherds, laborers, and he was telling them that they were worthy and virtuous. These were those who were of great kindness, reliability, and honesty. I think he was referring to the value of all of us in the furthering of His kingdom.

We are called to be the salt in our families and this world, and as Christians there are several reasons why. First, the flavor of salt is distinctive, and it can make things totally different from other foods on our plates. Christians are asked to be distinctive in their beliefs and attitudes in order to make a difference in this world. What good is it to be a Christian if there is nothing distinctive and good about your that others can see?

Secondly, salt is used to preserve. It keeps things from decaying or deteriorating as it cleanses and disinfects. Just like salt, we as Christians are called on to keep on praying and working so that our families, this nation and our world will hold on and preserve the Christian heritage from which it came.

Next, salt penetrates into the food to which it is added. It can change the flavor from dull and bland to flavorful and tasty. We are called on to penetrate the community around us and change it from boring and unconcerned to excited and involved.

Lastly, salt flavors. It changes the taste of food to make it more appealing. Just like salt, we need to flavor the world around us for the cause of Christ. We have got to spread the salt so that the flavor of God’s grace and love can be experienced.

The world in which we live is becoming bland and tasteless. It’s up to us to sprinkle a little salt and influence people toward the greater good. On this week of Father’s Day when we pause to honor and show appreciation to and for our Dads, it is a perfect time to reflect on how often they bless us by pouring on the salt! Thank you to our Dads living both here and in their heavenly home!

Happy Father’s Day!