Brenda Proulx writes about life with words from the Author of Life…
Author: Brenda Proulx
Wife, mother and grandmother, educator and someone who thinks about the things I observe. I am the daughter of a writer; my dad's career was in the field of journalism. More significantly, I am God's child, a person believing in Jesus Christ and in His timeless Word. Blogging is new to me but I feel like I've always had a pen in my hand. I jot notes in my planner, mark papers, underline verses, write many letters, and occasionally draft articles for work or church. When I am not holding a pen, I am probably cuddling a mug of coffee.
This photo says “America” to me. The white exterior could be a rural farm or ranch home, or an urban rowhouse or the classic suburban neighborhood. The fence could be split rail, aging wrought iron or picket. Red roses and the American flag are timeless across our nation, befitting any dwelling. I’m thankful for the US of A and its strong foundation: the Declaration of Independence defending “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for all citizens, the Constitution, and a Bill of Rights guaranteeing many important freedoms. May our nation always hold fast to these ideals.
Happy Independence Day! Romans 13:1-5
Quilts speak Americana too, especially this red, white and blue one made by dear friend Robin Lathroum.
In the last entry of my “Hindsight is 20/20” trilogy, I leave you with thoughts that helped sustain me in the trials of that year. I wrote about the pandemic crisis and the racial uprising in parts one and two, and part three could have covered the contentious presidential campaign and election which completed the trifecta of trials in 2020, but I share, instead, words of strength and comfort from that year.
As I often encourage my blog readers, regular time spent reading the Bible grounds us. During the pandemic and shutdowns, I leaned into time in God’s Word for solace and direction. A couple of phrases from the Bible stood out to me at the time. One of them was portion – “the Lord is my portion.” It is found a couple of times in Scripture (Psalm 16:5, Psalm 73:26, Psalm 142:5, Lamentations 3:24). I don’t know the historical background of the word and its connotations, but I thought of portion as the serving size. We hear about portion control, not overeating but not starving ourselves either. I felt comfort in the idea that I could be sure God was my ‘enough.’ In a time of uncertainty and isolation, God was enough for me. He had promised me that and I felt hopeful.
Another phrase in Scripture that I came across was “hold fast.” It is not commonly used these days, but we know it to mean a tight grip or a strong bond like that of a good glue. Sometimes the Biblical phrase refers to how we are safely in God’s grip (Psalm 139:10). There’s a newer hymn entitled “He Will Hold Me Fast.” I had the sheet music and played it often on the piano. The lovely tune and meaningful lyrics representing concepts found in Scripture, brought me comfort and strength in the trials of 2020. God did hold us fast as we faced unfathomable changes from Covid and other upheavals in that stressful time. See the youtube link below for “He Will Hold Me Fast” performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty.
At church this past Sunday, the worship reading contained another “hold fast” Scripture. Hebrews 4:14 says, “Since we have a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” In this case, we are the subject encouraged to complete the action. We are directed to hold firmly to our profession of faith in Jesus.
Statement signs have become popular. I saw this one professing part of the Apostle’s Creed.
The year 2020 is far behind us, but the fallout lingers. As I stated in part one, I am sure hindsight is not 20/20 this time. There still isn’t agreement on what happened and what should have been done. I look back and rest on the full confidence that God held us fast in 2020 and that our role now is to hold fast onto Him in all things and at all times.
Part 2
In part 1 of “Hindsight is 20/20” I addressed the pandemic of 2020, but the year 2020 held more difficulty for us to process and the church to deal with. In May of 2020, suspect George Floyd died in police custody. A highly publicized video of the disturbing event set off protests that turned into violent, destructive, and deadly riots lasting for weeks across this country. Vocal and more highly publicized activists blamed the situation on racism and injustice. The outcry was for “social justice.”
Again, the church struggled to respond. Some Christians claimed that the Bible was all about social justice and that the Gospel was a message of racial reconciliation. My own church at the time quickly launched a five-week class on the issues, which became very controversial. I cannot claim to be an expert on these matters in Scripture but after a lot of listening and reading there are a few things about the Bible and social justice that I can confidently state.
The word justice (but not social justice) is frequently found in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. It is very often paired with the word righteousness. In Scripture, God clearly condemns dishonest scales and witnesses, unjust judges, bribery, and taking advantage of widows, orphans, and the poor. God’s Word also praises kings and leaders who treat people justly. But a closer look at the use of the word justice in Scripture reveals that usually the term is referring to the justice of God: the fact that disobeying His ways requires consequences. God’s justice demands a ‘payment’ for sin. The Gospel is not the idea of fixing human problems like racism: the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus’ death is the payment for sin, giving each of us access to full forgiveness and reconciliation to God! Much of this transparency was muddled in attempts to be sensitive to the unrest that was going on.
During that summer of the pandemic with its lockdowns and racial turmoil, I sat next to a young Black man on a flight. Through our masks, we exchanged small talk. I was heading home, and he was headed to DC for a commemoration of the MLK “I Have a Dream” speech. Despite our differences in race, age and gender, the conversation was respectful and friendly, a vast contrast to the narrative of hostility and inequality that was being pronounced everywhere. These positive encounters, sadly, are not highly publicized.
I continue to see regular displays of diverse folks getting along, even in a Southern town where prejudices may have once run deep. I’ve noticed the older white man insisting on lifting a case of bottled water for a Black woman, though the Costco employee was also ready to help. In a busy medical waiting room, I heard the white receptionist mispronounce an African American name and then further mistake another African American for her relative, but she felt no offense, only smiled and returned to her smartphone. On the other side of the lobby a woman of color was knitting and eventually gathered a circle of white ladies interested in her project. I overheard part of the conversation, chimed in and she gave me her business card. So, it seems to me that hindsight is not black and white either.
Of course, racial problems exist. The human heart is not pure and easily tends toward animosity, but our hearts also have an awareness of what is good. While the tragic was sensationalized in the George Floyd case, the norm in this nation is often good and fair. We can thank God for that and continue to pray for and act with understanding. The Gospel transforms hearts, which is the ultimate answer.
To close, here are two Scriptures describing the equality of the Gospel on earth and in heaven. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:28, and “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ),” Revelation 7:9.
Part 1
Two years ago this month, the pandemic became real to me. Without forewarning, the school district where I was teaching, closed its doors on Friday the 13th of March 2020! It took weeks to implement an on-line instructional plan and train us to teach virtually. Our nation then experienced a gradual shut-down of most places: stores and other businesses, restaurants, schools, offices, and even medical facilities and houses of worship. Government orders prohibited assembling. Hindsight is 20/20 and at the time, scientists, medical experts, and politicians had no idea how to handle a new and different virus.
The church, too, struggled to respond. In most cases, local and state mandates regulated, mostly banning, in-person gatherings. Later, a Presidential directive declared religious groups as “essential,” thereby allowing some church ministry. Church leaders quickly rallied calling for Christian courage and I heard more than one pastor reference the sacrificial and heroic courage of 3rd century Christians during a deadly pandemic in Rome. Eventually however, a trending pandemic mindset took over and churches followed suit. My own church cancelled in-person services prior to local mandates to do so and months later reopened with stricter protocols than were required. A year into the pandemic, I watched a nationally known minister state that his congregation would not gather in-person due to continuing local COVID cases. “We wouldn’t want anyone to die,” he explained. What a shocking remark as a Christian who lives not for this temporary life on earth, but for the reality of eternity in glory, like Paul wrote of in Philippians 1:23! Of course, Christians do not recklessly endanger their lives, but we have much to joyfully anticipate, not fear, in eternal life.
In 2020, the church strained under a myriad of pressures, but it is founded on Scripture, which commands us to gather together as Christ followers (Hebrews 10:25). In fact, the statement takes an unusual negative position: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some.” According to Christian author and respected preacher Timothy Keller, this ‘gather’ term entails far more than attendance. It suggests deep connection in community, something built only through personal interaction.
If law and policy collide with Biblical principles, how do Christians respond? That is a huge question that a blog post can’t tackle but I will point you to Scripture. The Bible tells us that God ordains government for the good of society (Romans 13:1-2). It also tells us that God’s law supersedes man’s laws. Christians obey God, over man, when they conflict (Acts 5:29).
Yes, hindsight is 20/20. More is known now about the virus, its transmission, and treatments but a lot remains unknown. And all of it remains polarized. I wonder if hindsight is not as clear as we would hope, in this case. Will we ever know all the facts of the virus and motives of resultant policies? I think not. I end with these words that I think explain our lack of clarity: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Answers await us in eternity.
In part 1 of “Hindsight is 20/20” I addressed the pandemic of 2020, but the year 2020 held more difficulty for us to process and the church to deal with. In May of 2020, suspect George Floyd died in police custody. A highly publicized video of the disturbing event set off protests that turned into violent, destructive, and deadly riots lasting for weeks across this country. Vocal and more highly publicized activists blamed the situation on racism and injustice. The outcry was for “social justice.”
Again, the church struggled to respond. Some Christians claimed that the Bible was all about social justice and that the Gospel was a message of racial reconciliation. My own church at the time quickly launched a five-week class on the issues, which became very controversial. I cannot claim to be an expert on these matters in Scripture but after a lot of listening and reading there are a few things about the Bible and social justice that I can confidently state.
The word justice (but not social justice) is frequently found in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. It is very often paired with the word righteousness. In Scripture, God clearly condemns dishonest scales and witnesses, unjust judges, bribery, and taking advantage of widows, orphans, and the poor. God’s Word also praises kings and leaders who treat people justly. But a closer look at the use of the word justice in Scripture reveals that usually the term is referring to the justice of God: the fact that disobeying His ways requires consequences. God’s justice demands a ‘payment’ for sin. The Gospel is not the idea of fixing human problems like racism: the Gospel is the Good News that Jesus’ death is the payment for sin, giving each of us access to full forgiveness and reconciliation to God! Much of this transparency was muddled in attempts to be sensitive to the unrest that was going on.
During that summer of the pandemic with its lockdowns and racial turmoil, I sat next to a young Black man on a flight. Through our masks, we exchanged small talk. I was heading home, and he was headed to DC for a commemoration of the MLK “I Have a Dream” speech. Despite our differences in race, age and gender, the conversation was respectful and friendly, a vast contrast to the narrative of hostility and inequality that was being pronounced everywhere. These positive encounters, sadly, are not highly publicized.
A knitter, wearing one her creations, shares other knitting project photos from her phone.
I continue to see regular displays of diverse folks getting along, even in a Southern town where prejudices may have once run deep. I’ve noticed the older white man insisting on lifting a case of bottled water for a Black woman, though the Costco employee was also ready to help. In a busy medical waiting room, I heard the white receptionist mispronounce an African American name and then further mistake another African American for her relative, but she felt no offense, only smiled and returned to her smartphone. On the other side of the lobby a woman of color was knitting and eventually gathered a circle of white ladies interested in her project. I overheard part of the conversation, chimed in and she gave me her business card. So, it seems to me that hindsight is not black and white either.
Of course, racial problems exist. The human heart is not pure and easily tends toward animosity, but our hearts also have an awareness of what is good. While the tragic was sensationalized in the George Floyd case, the norm in this nation is often good and fair. We can thank God for that and continue to pray for and act with understanding. The Gospel transforms hearts, which is the ultimate answer.
To close, here are two Scriptures describing the equality of the Gospel on earth and in heaven. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:28, and “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ),” Revelation 7:9.
Fearrington farm in the piedmont of North Carolina features black and white belted beef cattle. For fun, they added matching chickens and goats!
Part 1
Two years ago this month, the pandemic became real to me. Without forewarning, the school district where I was teaching, closed its doors on Friday the 13th of March 2020! It took weeks to implement an on-line instructional plan and train us to teach virtually. Our nation then experienced a gradual shut-down of most places: stores and other businesses, restaurants, schools, offices, and even medical facilities and houses of worship. Government orders prohibited assembling. Hindsight is 20/20 and at the time, scientists, medical experts, and politicians had no idea how to handle a new and different virus.
On a boat ride in late summer of 2019, I couldn’t foresee the coming changes in the school year ahead and in our whole way of life!
The church, too, struggled to respond. In most cases, local and state mandates regulated, mostly banning, in-person gatherings. Later, a Presidential directive declared religious groups as “essential,” thereby allowing some church ministry. Church leaders quickly rallied calling for Christian courage and I heard more than one pastor reference the sacrificial and heroic courage of 3rd century Christians during a deadly pandemic in Rome. Eventually however, a trending pandemic mindset took over and churches followed suit. My own church cancelled in-person services prior to local mandates to do so and months later reopened with stricter protocols than were required. A year into the pandemic, I watched a nationally known minister state that his congregation would not gather in-person due to continuing local COVID cases. “We wouldn’t want anyone to die,” he explained. What a shocking remark as a Christian who lives not for this temporary life on earth, but for the reality of eternity in glory, like Paul wrote of in Philippians 1:23! Of course, Christians do not recklessly endanger their lives, but we have much to joyfully anticipate, not fear, in eternal life.
In 2020, the church strained under a myriad of pressures, but it is founded on Scripture, which commands us to gather together as Christ followers (Hebrews 10:25). In fact, the statement takes an unusual negative position: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some.” According to Christian author and respected preacher Timothy Keller, this ‘gather’ term entails far more than attendance. It suggests deep connection in community, something built only through personal interaction.
If law and policy collide with Biblical principles, how do Christians respond? That is a huge question that a blog post can’t tackle but I will point you to Scripture. The Bible tells us that God ordains government for the good of society (Romans 13:1-2). It also tells us that God’s law supersedes man’s laws. Christians obey God, over man, when they conflict (Acts 5:29).
Yes, hindsight is 20/20. More is known now about the virus, its transmission, and treatments but a lot remains unknown. And all of it remains polarized. I wonder if hindsight is not as clear as we would hope, in this case. Will we ever know all the facts of the virus and motives of resultant policies? I think not. I end with these words that I think explain our lack of clarity: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Answers await us in eternity.
My subject this blog post is much lighter, excuse the pun. Decorating and redecorating our new house has been a challenge that has left me entangled in lamps, among other things. Lamps, pillows, rugs, and the like are the accessories that add personality to a room. I accessorized our new home with items we already had and by getting new things.
One new find was a sturdy, classic-shaped, ‘marble’ lamp base that I envisioned for our foyer. I just needed to buy a lampshade for it. I made multiple purchases and returns because matching lampshade sizes and shapes to a base is not easy. A specialty lamp shop gave me good advice and the lamp hardware that I needed, but the $100 lampshades were overpriced for the consignment price tag of my base. Too much effort for one silly lamp ended with a look that didn’t go well in the foyer. The lamp is now on the porch where its weighty base may withstand a hurricane.
I’ve been trapped in other lamps too. One cut glass lamp from our former home seemed like it would work well in the new living room. Again, it needed an updated lampshade and I splurged on a cut glass finial, from the aforementioned lamp shop, to top it off! When I put the new shade and finial on, I discovered the lamp had cracked in the move. Oh well, gives new meaning to the description, cut glass.
Another splurge had been the purchase of a pair of pineapple lamps from a friend’s estate sale before we moved. The lamps weren’t outrageously priced but on the high side for that kind of sale, I thought. I bought them as a treat to myself in anticipation of our move south; they were quintessential Southern style! Again, on unpacking, it turned out that one of the lamps had cracked and been repaired which I had not noticed when I bought it, and surprisingly my friend had not divulged. We have since freshened up the pineapple bases with new paint and I adore the rattan lampshades they came with!
And lamps are just a part of it; there are still the pillows and rugs and all the rest! I was and am entangled. The house and its furnishing can encumber me. I enjoy a lot of the decorating, but I realize that it is not all a good use of my time, money. and energy. Material things are temporal. Interior design is not important in the big scheme of things. God allows us to enjoy beauty and gives us pleasure in creating but keeping its value in proper perspective is important for me. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us of this and of the need to stay focused on Jesus: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin* that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
* I am not suggesting that the pastime of decorating is sin. Activities and objects become sin when they become more important to us than Jesus.
While on one of our many recent road trips, we stopped for a break and meal. Across the dining area from us sat a pair at a table for two. They were seated in front of a window, facing each other, which highlighted their nearly identical profiles. It was easy to tell that a mother and her grown son were sharing lunch together.
Their obvious family resemblance brought to my mind one of Amy Grant’s earliest hits, “My Father’s Eyes,” written by Gary Chapman. The lyrics spoke of a desire to emulate her heavenly Father, to be recognized by the ways she shared His compassionate perspective. “My Father’s Eyes” made it on a catchy tune and clever wording, but the song articulated a good spiritual truth too. Christians are called to look like Christ.
In fact, Jesus made a strikingly strong statement: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) But the Bible also often explains that no human is sinless. Pairing the two ideas, we realize the Christian should aim to grow to be more like God, to attain the “Father’s eyes,” as Grant sang. Scriptures describe a gradual process, sanctification, which God’s Holy Spirit renders within believers. (John 17:17, Ephesians 4:12, Philippians 3:12) A large part of growing to be more like God also requires personally knowing God more. Regularly reading the Bible, God’s handbook for us, and fellowshipping and worshipping with other believers (the church) will develop that stronger resemblance to our heavenly Father. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Of course our grandson wants to be like his father.
Two years ago this month, the pandemic became real to me. Without forewarning, the school district where I was teaching, closed its doors on Friday the 13th of March 2020! It took weeks to implement an on-line instructional plan and train us to teach virtually. Our nation then experienced a gradual shut-down of most places: stores and other businesses, restaurants, schools, offices, and even medical facilities and houses of worship. Government orders prohibited assembling. Hindsight is 20/20 and at the time, scientists, medical experts, and politicians had no idea how to handle a new and different virus.
On a boat ride in late summer of 2019, I couldn’t foresee the coming changes in the school year ahead and in our whole way of life!
The church, too, struggled to respond. In most cases, local and state mandates regulated, mostly banning, in-person gatherings. Later, a Presidential directive declared religious groups as “essential,” thereby allowing some church ministry. Church leaders quickly rallied calling for Christian courage and I heard more than one pastor reference the sacrificial and heroic courage of 3rd century Christians during a deadly pandemic in Rome. Eventually however, a trending pandemic mindset took over and churches followed suit. My own church cancelled in-person services prior to local mandates to do so and months later reopened with stricter protocols than were required. A year into the pandemic, I watched a nationally known minister state that his congregation would not gather in-person due to continuing local COVID cases. “We wouldn’t want anyone to die,” he explained. What a shocking remark as a Christian who lives not for this temporary life on earth, but for the reality of eternity in glory, like Paul wrote of in Philippians 1:23! Of course, Christians do not recklessly endanger their lives, but we have much to joyfully anticipate, not fear, in eternal life.
In 2020, the church strained under a myriad of pressures, but it is founded on Scripture, which commands us to gather together as Christ followers (Hebrews 10:25). In fact, the statement takes an unusual negative position: “Let us not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some.” According to Christian author and respected preacher Timothy Keller, this ‘gather’ term entails far more than attendance. It suggests deep connection in community, something built only through personal interaction.
If law and policy collide with Biblical principles, how do Christians respond? That is a huge question that a blog post can’t tackle but I will point you to Scripture. The Bible tells us that God ordains government for the good of society (Romans 13:1-2). It also tells us that God’s law supersedes man’s laws. Christians obey God, over man, when they conflict (Acts 5:29).
Yes, hindsight is 20/20. More is known now about the virus, its transmission, and treatments but a lot remains unknown. And all of it remains polarized. I wonder if hindsight is not as clear as we would hope, in this case. Will we ever know all the facts of the virus and motives of resultant policies? I think not. I end with these words that I think explain our lack of clarity: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Answers await us in eternity.
I estimate that I have spent roughly a 40-hour week in the office of eye doctors over the last ten years. I have not had eye surgery and I do not have serious eye disease, but regular check-ups and follow-ups have been necessary. I have visited several eye doctors in two different states now, and the experience is the same: patients stay for a really long time! If you’ve been to an ophthalmologist lately, you’ve experienced it yourself: first the typical sign-in and paperwork. Eventually you’re called back to initial screenings, machine measurements, and the eyeball air puff test. Later, someone comes and puts drops in your eyes. There is a long wait after the eye drops go in, sometimes as long as an hour. You sit in a dimmed waiting room. I think I memorized the eye disease documentary that the one practice ran continuously on its TVs! Finally, nearly two hours in, the doctor sees you for the exam which probably lasts less than 15 minutes.
One of my recent eye appointments caught me by surprise. I thought I was in for a quick contact lens follow-up, which I had scheduled for mid-morning. I got to the office for my quick check, but things did not go well or as I’d planned. I waited in the lobby interminably. I had not brought anything to read, thinking I’d only be there for a few minutes. When the assistant finally took me back, she put in the eye drops and I knew I was done for! Sure, I had my phone, which even has the Bible app, but I was in no mood to salvage the unexpected wait! I went home for a late lunch huffing with frustration over a wasted morning.
Don’t get me wrong. I have genuine respect for medical professionals. The eye particularly amazes me, and I cannot imagine all that goes into learning the physiology and diseases of this intricate organ so vital to the human experience of sight. And we know that the medical profession, like many other businesses, struggles with worker shortages and extra protocols (although my lengthy ophthalmologist appointments began years before this predicament).
So why am I writing about the inconvenience of long doctor appointments? My impatience reminds me that I need to keep things in perspective. While I can complain about waiting, the staffing shortages and wasted time, I remind myself that I have a lot to be thankful for! I have access to good medical care, as we all do in this country compared to many places in the world. I have insurance and the means to pay for it. I am free of serious eye disease: I have my eyesight! I have the wherewithal to discuss issues with my doctors and to practice good eye care. Complaining about a long wait is groundless considering the many undeserved blessings I experience daily.
How do we view things, as half empty or half full? The doughnut or the hole? I easily tend toward negativity or griping so God’s words to “be thankful in all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) correct my bad tendency. Instead, my lens of perspective should focus on all the ways in which God richly provides for us (Ecclesiastes 5:19 and Joel 2:26, for examples).
North Carolina folk artist Vollis Simpson is known for his whirligigs, now displayed throughout the state. (Photo – wilsonwhirligigpark.org)
My heart is heavy for the people of Ukraine. Although the good hearts of safe and free people always abhor the unprovoked aggression of a despot, the current assault especially touches me, as a person of Ukrainian descent. My grandparents came to America from Ukraine as young adults. I know little of Ukrainian culture, but born a Kucharsky, its plight is personal.
A few things around remind me of my Slavic heritage.
There are many Christians in Ukraine who are clinging to the promise of Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Doing crafts and activities with children makes me happy. I made these Valentine projects with some kids last week. I wanted to post them for Valentine’s Day and then decided to expand the post with Scriptures on the topic of LOVE.
The Bible speaks often of love, especially of the great love God has for us. Psalm 62 culminates by expressing it quite clearly: “One thing God has spoken, … that you, oh God, are loving.” Old Testament passages frequently say of God that He is “abounding in love” as I read for myself this morning in Nehemiah 9:17 and Psalm 86:5.
A familiar passage in the New Testament defines perfect love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians13:4-8, 13).
By loving us and defining love, God also demonstrated selfless love for us and asks us to follow His example; “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). And Jesus told us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27) and “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
These simple but rich words from the Author of Love provide much for us to ponder on this Valentine’s Day.
Not too long ago, I saw a live dramatized recitation of “Revelation” performed by Marquis Laughlin. From memory, Laughlin recited the entire Biblical book called Revelation, word for word. He used no props that I recall, but his inflections and voices, sound effects, physical motions and posturing presented a powerful rendition of God’s Word and only God’s Word! The theatrical performance of “Revelation” lasted about two hours, in two acts, but it was spellbinding throughout!
Marquis Laughlin delivers a theatrical rendition of Revelation. Learn more at actsoftheword.com
As part of the program, Laughlin shared some of his story and how he got into dramatic recitations of the Bible. Early in his life and career, Laughlin wanted to be an actor. He went to California to pursue an acting career. While in California, a faith in Jesus Christ was born in his life. He began to grow and mature in his new Christian faith. He wondered how his beliefs would impact his acting career. Eventually, Laughlin concluded “Scripture was the best script” and he began his work in theatrical performances of the Bible. His ministry, for over two decades now, is “Acts of the Word.”
Marquis Laughlin’s story illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel. Among other things, for him, it meant a shift in his career plans. As one deepens in true Christian faith, beliefs will permeate all aspects of one’s life. Social choices, finances, lifestyle, education, health issues and more are surrendered to God. With Laughlin’s career redirection, it could wrongly be assumed that all Christians must go into some kind of ministry work. This is not at all what I believe God requires. Instead, our faith infuses whatever career God leads us to! That is why there are great Christian chefs, electricians, scientists, artists, medical personnel, you name it! As my father once wrote in a pamphlet on careers, “Every human activity provides a way for your light to shine.”*
A few years ago, I had my Bible rebound. The result was beautiful; a treasure preserved.
“Scripture is the best script” reiterates the theme and place where I always like to land in “A Writer’s Daughter.” The Bible is the most useful textbook, manual, or script ever written. Read the script, study the textbook whenever you can, for every reason. I have added a new tab to my blog: “How to Read the Bible,” for those of you who may need direction with Bible reading.
*Kucharsky, David E. (1995) Where in the World Are You Going? [pamphlet]. Christian Publications, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
This photo says “America” to me. The white exterior could be a rural farm or ranch home, or an urban rowhouse or the classic suburban neighborhood. The fence could be split rail, aging wrought iron or picket. Red roses and the American flag are timeless across our nation, befitting any dwelling. I’m thankful for the US of A and its strong foundation: the Declaration of Independence defending “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for all citizens, the Constitution, and a Bill of Rights guaranteeing many important freedoms. May our nation always hold fast to these ideals.
