Category: God’s Protection

How do we keep from giving in to fear as our hearts ache for those who live in terror and anguish? Or when we do?

Right now news broadcasts make our hearts drop–and we live thousands of miles away. Sometimes it seems the whole world is in danger of falling apart.

Does anybody care? Does God care?

Anytime it seems this world is careening toward destruction a quick glance at this photo quiets my heart. I copied it from the Internet and framed it where I can see it any time.

It comes from the Hubble Telescope gallery of stunning photos. As with many of those photos, the colors have been enhanced, but the shape of an eye is unmistakable.

NASA itself labeled this nebula "The Eye of God."

I find that fact almost as amazing as the photo.

Of course it's not really a photo of God's eye

Still, this photo reminds me of what many of us already know: God is watching over me. And you. And our world, even the most remote region of it.

No matter how alarming or dismal the news, whether it's world news or happenings within our own lives or those of people we love, God never takes a break and gets preoccupied with something else.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3 ESV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 ESV

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. … 1 Peter 3:12 ESV

Remember what makes any of us "righteous" is that Jesus died for us and canceled out all our sin.

Breathe deep and be at peace

Yes, God's eye is on us, but he looks at us with eyes of love. Remember this verse?

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8 ESV

The best antidote to fears that nag at us is to go back to basics and spend some time reading the Bible, God's written word to us.

I've found it makes a big difference if I read with a "How does this apply to me?" attitude.

God's creation all around us speaks to us and quiets us, too. Sometimes I just need to look out the window with eyes that see.

When I do, when I take a moment to focus on the trees or distant hills or look up into the endless sky, I hear this verse in my mind:

Be still and know that I am God … Psalm 46:10 NIV

David, writer of Psalms, never doubted God's loving, watchful eye

For many years he lived in danger and counted on God's protection. He wrote these beautiful words:

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.   Psalm 17:8 NIV

He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber … The LORD watches over you–the LORD is your shade at your right hand; The LORD will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:3, 5a, 7-8 NIV

God speaks to us through the Word. Reading the Bible is a bit like resetting our internal compass to true north and we get back a right perspective on life.

It reminds us it's not our goodness that's a ticket to Heaven, but Jesus' death and resurrection alone. Knowing that turns our anxiety to peace.

We remember again how small we are in the scheme of things and who God is

So why do we let the TV newscasts and talking heads raise our blood pressure?

History is full of strife and struggles–and wars, whether "declared" or not. Elections come and elections go, always to the accompaniment of boos and cheers. Economies rise and fall, over and over. Medical problems inevitably come with being human. That's life.

Yet this little planet we live on keeps spinning. Every morning the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

The One who was there before the beginning and will be there after the end remains in charge.

For you and me, if we trust in him it is safe to let go of fear. God's got it all covered, so we can live in peace and calm.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!  Psalm 118:1 ESV

He never takes his eye off us, so let us relax and rejoice!

Blessings,

Lenore

Find calm in the midst of fear and chaos

February 25, 2022
Has it ever seemed to you that every talking head is infected with the same "virus"?

I'm not talking COVID or Omicron here. This one seems confined to the mouth because every other word the speakers utter proclaims new reasons to live in fear.

Even news from halfway around the world affects us. Then come the disquieting reports that hit us where we live. Another warning, another shutdown, another loss of something or someone we thought we could count on. Over and over and over.

Even if we think our life probably won't be affected, an inner fear takes residence inside us. What if that happens to me? Or someone I love?

Logic asks, why should any of us imagine we're exempt? We do, after all, live in the same troubled world.

Christians, too, are susceptible to fear and questioning

Some of know what it's like to be shaken to the core and certainly, none of us is bulletproof. Over time we may begin to doubt even the foundation of faith we've rested on all our lives.

In quiet moments we may ask ourselves questions like these:

Is God really watching over me and those I love?

Have I lived a good enough life to know my salvation in Jesus Christ is truly certain?

If today you're feeling weighed down by uncertainty, it's a good time to go back to what the Bible tells us.

God promises to protect us

His words are sure–and timeless. Take Psalm 121, especially verses 5-8, here from the ESV:

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right side. The sun shall not strike you by night, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forevermore.

Boil it down to its essence and it's this: God is faithful and HE watches out for us, 24/7. Whatever comes. For all our days.

That's nice–for those who qualify. But what about me?

Start at the starting place: God is love. He loved us enough to make a way for you and me to be his children.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.   John 3:16 ESV

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

We call that "grace," God's forgiveness, kindness and mercy to us as believers in Jesus. We do not–cannot–do anything to "be good enough."

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

It's God's love and mercy. Period.

Our Christian faith is no wispy theory that dissolves under pressure

We can stay calm, no matter what life dishes out–when we count on Jesus and his strength within us rather than our own.

I like the way The Message paraphrases 1 Corinthians 10:13:

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

"He will never let you be pushed past your limit." HE never turns away from us.

Truths to help us keep going:

Our loving Father will never let us down

He will never let us be pushed past our individual limits. He made us so he–and only he–knows our precise limits.

He will always be there to help us come through whatever trial or temptation we may face.

Knowing this deep-down equips us for whatever may come. It's as the Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:31:

If God is for us, who [or what] can be against us?

Worrisome newscasts and scary news reports will continue. Scary tests and dreaded medical diagnoses will come into our lives just because we're human beings who live in an imperfect world.

In the midst of "whatever," we can be at peace

Instead of giving in to fear, let's do a mindset makeover, reminding ourselves that HE is the one Source of security that never fails.

How can we know that's true?

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

The One who was here before the beginning of the world and who will be here after the end is with us, every minute of every day.

Trusting, too,

Lenore
How to stay calm, even in times of fear

January 20, 2022
The 20th anniversary of 9/11 occurs this year, 2021.

That day changed the way we Americans think and introduced all of us to a new kind of fear, an underlying anxiety.

Even now, television replays and photos of that day shock us and remind us of the ongoing horror and the sorrowful days that followed.

Some ask what good does it do to remember because no one can rewrite one second of that day?

Yet we must remember, if only to recall to our minds that 9/11 changed life as we knew it and ushered in extensive safety and security restrictions as "normal" in our daily lives.

Perhaps we need the annual reminder that life is fragile and each one of us is vulnerable at any moment of any day.

It could have been any of us that happened to be in the World Trade Center at that exact moment

Less than two months before 9/11, a friend and I sat in the the glass-walled Observation Tower on the top floor of one of those Twin Towers.

It was my first time in Manhattan and I loved it.

My husband and I lived in Washington state and I sang with a community choral group. In July of 2001 our Chorus traveled across the country to give a few concerts. New York City was to be our second stop.

First we sang for a large national church conference group in Washington, D.C.

Our performances ended mid-afternoon. That gave most of our chorus members ample time to head on over to the U.S. Capitol. We all knew from watching past Independence Day celebrations on TV that's what was scheduled for the evening of July 4th.

Now we–with no prior arrangements whatsoever–wanted to watch it up close and personal, so we decided to chance it whether we could find a place among the mass of attendees. After all, the hotel clerk said, "Just walk on over and find a place to sit."

A carefree July 4 in DC

About sunset a group of us singers/sightseers found empty spots where we could perch on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Not a barrier in sight. No fenced-off areas. All around us people were strolling about freely.

It seemed like a photo-shoot of America. The grounds were filled with folks of all ages and every color, many conversing in unfamiliar (to us) languages. Some people spread their blankets and picnics on the Capitol lawn. Some put out lawn chairs brought from home and positioned themselves to get the best view of the stage show and fireworks to come. Kids did what kids do, playing tag and running around between blankets and chairs.

We all mingled peaceably and it seemed every face wore a smile.

Those in our group talked of how amazing and wonderful it was that such large crowds could gather so close to the Nation's Capitol building. One said, "It all reminds you what it means to live in a free country, doesn't it?"

Not one of us imagined this would be the last time crowds assembled for Independence Day–or any day–would enjoy such freedom of access.

Next day we were off to New York City to give another performance

We had some personal time earlier in the day. My friend had been there many times and insisted we must go to the Twin Towers, because "Everyone needs to go up on top and just look out at least one time in their lives."

We took the elevator to the top, the Observation floor, which featured glass walls that stretched around most of that floor. We found empty seats in the front row and sat for perhaps 20 minutes with our knees pressed against the glass.

Then I walked all around the roomy space, awed by the evidence of God's creative hand in the beauty of land and sea and sky on all sides. That grandeur touched my heart way more than the works of man, the impressive skyscrapers that dwarfed the Empire State Building.

A couple of smiling security guards watched as we came in and when we left, simply observing the people who were there. Nothing more.

Nothing more was needed.

That night our Chorus performed at a concert hall, complete with orchestra. (I kept pinching myself.) Once again, no complex security requirements. Audience members needed only a ticket. We performers simply walked in the Stage Entrance. One Security guard, casually keeping watch. No hassle, just walk in.

My heart brimmed over on that trip and on our flight home, thanking God that I was able to be included in that "dream" trip.

And so blessed to live in these United States of America.

Who could have known these would be "before" freedoms?

On 9/11, life changed. For all of us. Never again would we take it for granted that we were safe, simply because we lived in the United States of America.

Ever since, there's been an underlying sense of fear and watchfulness, as if collectively, we were waiting for "next time."

Since 9/11, nobody without proper credentials strolls aimlessly through the U.S. Capitol grounds–or anywhere else in public buildings or grounds of Washington, D.C. Or in most other Government buildings, whether national or state.

How have we come safely through these past years? We may credit this Administration or that Administration. We may reel off a long list of agencies and personnel and give credit where, yes absolutely, credit is due.

Yet every expert in every field tells us the best efforts by the best people remain insufficient. No agency, no amount of armed guards, no amount of money spent for the latest defense equipment, can guarantee the safety of this Nation–nor of us as individuals.

Evil is real. Evil exists all around us, just as it has since Eden. To consider Evil an outdated concept is akin to burying one's head in the sand.

The ongoing lesson is this: Only one sure Defense exists

By now we all know very well that people and programs are not enough to keep us safe. We need Help that will never fail us. Where can we turn?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 ESV

Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 ESV

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 ESV

As a Nation, as individuals, we could not be in better hands–on this day or any day of any year.

May God bless America, indeed, and keep us safe, both now and in the future!

And, Gentle Reader, may you know His peace in your heart and in your life, the peace that passes all human understanding.

Trusting and praying, too,

Lenore

Ongoing Lessons from 9/11

September 9, 2021
What are your thoughts when you see a flag flying, whether outside a home or at any public place?

It seems that many consider the flag a visual offense, wherever it is–just by being there. And they're not all young, not all "radical," or whatever convenient label might come to mind.

An area realtor told of a recent experience with an older married couple who were looking for a house.

Both were Caucasian and judging by their clothing and their car, these two were accustomed to living "the good life."

After the realtor had driven them around the community for an hour or so, the wife told him, "Well, the homes are nice, I grant you that, but I would not want to live in this community."

When asked why, she said, "Too many American flags, they're all over the place! It makes me extremely uncomfortable. I could never feel at home here. Thanks for your time, but we need to look elsewhere for a house."

One photo that says a lot

Nobody knows who took the above photo of the U.S. flag–or where–and no one found evidence it's a Photoshop editing job. Someone snapped it at just the moment when the sun's reflection came through in the shape of a cross.

I smile every time I see this photo. It reminds me that even in the midst of all the unrest and the protests and the endless blah, blah, blah, God has not given up on us and walked away in disgust.

For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage. Psalm 94:14 ESV

Step back to the beginning, to when our Declaration of Independence was hammered out

Some of us easily rattle off these familiar words, but for once, let's read them slowly. Thoughtfully. Here's the first paragraph:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

(Note: This is not "sexist language." In that time–and for eons–the phrase "all men" would have meant "all people" or "all humankind.")

The Declaration ends with these words:

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Did the 56 men who signed this Declaration really mean these words?

These courageous men risked everything to go on record with their beliefs and their signatures. They knew beforehand that it could mean prison or death.

Some who signed this Declaration did pay with their lives and their fortunes–or various family members did. Even close relatives and former friends often wanted nothing to do with them.

All this because they believed the United States of America should be independent, with a government elected by its citizens.

From the beginning, the USA became known as "a Christian Nation"

Did that identification fit? Read a few statements of the Founders and decide for yourself:

"[The Bible] is the rock on which our Republic rests." – Andrew Jackson

"We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus." – John Adams and John Hancock

"Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped." – Benjamin Franklin

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." – George Washington

"The gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation of life . . . If moral precepts alone could have reformed mankind, the mission of the Son of God into all the world would have been unnecessary." - Benjamin Rush

"What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ." – George Washington

Our Nation today seems far from that

Most people think our society could use some help.

That makes it easy to be discouraged. It can feel good to hang with others of the same mindset and everyone say "Tsk, tsk, tsk" in unison. But what good does that do?

Whatever our personal opinion, a lot of us feel helpless to make anything better. As always, it starts with the one person looking back at us from our bathroom mirror.

Helen Keller lived with blindness from early childhood. Still, she left her mark in the world–and made it better–with wise words like these:

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do."

So what can I do, right here and right now?

One answer is obvious and free to all of us. We can use our voices and our time to build up, rather than tear down.

Small gestures matter–and they make a difference.

As an example, take one of the longtime checkers at a local supermarket. I know nothing about her personal life, but she seldom stops smiling. Anytime someone asks how she is, her answer goes something like this. "Great, just great. I'm so blessed I can hardly stand it!"

Then she'll ask how her customer is doing and always offer some kind of encouragement or bring up something positive that's going on in our community. I've noticed that every person who walks away from her counter leaves wearing a smile.

This one individual lives out the Apostle Paul's words:

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

It's time to get off the hamster-wheel

Too many of us have been going round-and-round, endlessly reciting what's wrong with these United States. I haven't noticed this makes anyone happier, have you?

So let's cut it out! Let's focus our attention on what is right with America.

Our Constitution was hammered out carefully, then finally ratified on June 21, 1788. Patrick Henry was one of those who ratified it and he said this:

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."

That was true then. It is true now.

Let us not forget who we are!

We have reason for thanks every day of every year. Thanks for the courageous men of faith and vision who founded our Nation. Thanks for the protection of Almighty God. From the beginning He has been gracious and merciful despite all the ways we've lost our way.

He has not given up on us, has not walked away. Neither should we, not even in our minds.

Of all people, we who are Christians have reason to be consistently joyful. We actually can grasp what signers of our Declaration of Independence and Patrick Henry were talking about. Yes, we live in a world that's broken. But we do not lose hope because we know Who it is that holds our world together.

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

Now there's something solid and immovable to hang onto. To rejoice in. To celebrate, no matter how shaky it feels in the moment.

May God continue to bless America and keep this Nation strong!

Thankfully,

Lenore

Look at our foundation to assess the lasting strength

July 1, 2021
It's hard not to feel the heaviness, isn't it?

For months we've chafed under quarantine restrictions this Covid-19 pandemic pushed upon us.

We live by new rules, trying to protect against exposure to this frightening, ever-changing virus. We long for someone who can lay out what will come next, but it seems no one can.

Not even the multitude of Experts.

Once we thought that was a lot to deal with

Now many U.S. cities have become war zones. We've watched newscasts that showed the tragedy of human pain and resentment and lost dreams that boiled up and spewed out violence in so many cities. Perhaps we've witnessed it firsthand.

For many people the bigger crisis is worry over money–or lack of same. Jobs that may or may not be there when "all this" is over. And what about schools? Sports programs?

Some mourn the death or continuing isolation of one dearly loved.

What to do? Where to go with all this pain? Take it to our Best Friend.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew ll:28-29 NIV

This touches us all

It hardly matters where we live. Fear wafts through the air we breathe and sleeps with us each night.

Our best antidote is to focus on who we are in Jesus. Remember what he said?

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1 ESV

Read those first two words again: LET not.

Jesus is telling us we have a choice. Don't fancy up the guest room in your mind to make room for fear. It cannot stay unless you allow it entrance.

One who came through the worst of times

Viktor Frankl spent 1942-1945 as a prisoner in four Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz. All his family died in those camps, including his pregnant wife.

Despair lurked everywhere, waiting for an opening. After awhile he decided yes, he lost everything, but the Nazis would never, could never get the last word because he still controlled his mind. In later years Frankl wrote this:

"Everything can be taken from a [person] but one thing: the last of the human freedoms–to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."

That quote comes from page 86 of his best-known book Man's Search for Meaning. When Dr. Frankl died in 1997, that book already had sold over ten million copies. It's still in print and has been translated into many languages.

How shall we live in this time of crisis?

Here we are in what seems one of the worst of times, but like Viktor Frankl, we are free to choose how we will respond.

Will we live by faith

Or will we live by fear?

In every situation and every time, how we answer that question will shape the rest of our life.

To live by faith in this crisis time does not mean we ignore all the guidelines and blithely assume God will watch over us anyhow.

Rather, we love and trust our gracious and merciful Lord and we treat other people as we want them to treat us. We follow Government guidelines because the Bible tells us to. (Remember Romans 13:1?)

We live by faith, knowing and believing that God is still in control, even when it seems everything is falling apart.

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand.  Psalm 31:14-15a ESV

What are we to do with fear that still follows us around?

Post a guard at the door of your mind and shut out fear with the Truth.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Human wisdom says that's too simple. Faith says that's how it works, even when progress seems slow.

Two steps forward and one step back is still one step forward. And so we grow.

Anytime fear seems to be winning call on the One who calmed the seas and ask him to still the storm in your heart.

And be patient with yourself. It takes time to lay down new track on the pathways of your mind.

Still learning,

Lenore
Choose faith and life instead of fear

June 4, 2020
Sometimes a look back helps us take courage for today, especially when it reminds us that God watches over us, too. Here's one to lift your spirits.

On a cold winter morning, January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 took off from LaGuardia Airport.

Almost immediately the plane hit a large flock of geese, which disabled both engines. Pilots and everyone watching knew they had only minutes to find a place to land.

Only one possibility existed, the frigid Hudson River.

Every watcher agreed the crew and all 155 passengers would surely die, either inside the sinking plane, or by drowning or hypothermia. Rescuers simply could not reach them in time.

Yet every person on the plane made it out and lived.

Reporters breathlessly recounted what they called "the miracle on the Hudson." The name stuck.

Survivors never doubted the truth of that catchy slogan. No "expert" could explain what kept that plane afloat long enough for the rescue.

The same two loving, powerful hands hold us

Rex Babin's cartoon in The Sacramento Bee illustrates a great truth for every believer.

The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8

Day after day our Heavenly Father watches over us–and our loved ones–with the same tender care depicted in this cartoon.

By faith we know that's true.

On good days it's easier to feel the warmth of his smile and His love for us.

But when the bottom drops out of our world

We may forget and take our eyes off Jesus when trouble comes.

These are extraordinary times. It's as if we've been dropped into this Covid-19 pandemic and we're wondering how we got here. We want to gather with those we love and hug them close, but we're not supposed to leave our homes.

"Social distancing" leaves us without the human closeness that helps reassure us.

Instead we have tragedy and fear and scary numbers, over and over and over. And we can't help wondering, will our family members survive? Will we?

What will happen afterward–and what will life look like then?

No one can say and we quake within, wondering. But our loving Father says,

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:1

Our call is to keep trusting, whatever comes.

Counter fear with Truth

It helps to take time reading God's written word, the Bible, and plant his truths in our minds and hearts.

Repeating verses aloud can help us get through whatever comes. Remembering them when we wake with a racing heart helps quiet our anxiety.

You probably have your own favorites. Here are some of mine, all NIV unless noted.

Cast all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Our loving Father holds each of us safe and secure. And because of Jesus, he looks at us with love.

Yes, that goes beyond our human understanding–and it's meant to, for He is Almighty God and we are only human.

Today and every day, may you know His peace.

Lenore

Verse Concepts

The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

– See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Faithfulness-Of#sthash.mZBd0t36.dpuf

Lamentations 3:22-23

Verse Concepts

The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

– See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Faithfulness-Of#sthash.mZBd0t36.dpL

How every day of our lives is our own “miracle on the Hudson”

April 17, 2020
Are we a nation of wimps or what?

It's as if we assumed our technology and enlightened thinking guaranteed our society wouldn't have–shouldn't have–big challenges that dodge easy solution.

That's understandable, I suppose, since for quite some time now, we've been strutting around feeling proud of all we have achieved. On our own.

This Corona virus, also known as Covid-19, has knocked us off our perch and brought us down to reality with a deafening thud.

Here's the shocker: As amazing as we may be, we are not in control.

This is not the first and it won't be the last time disease and disaster show up out of nowhere. We live in a sinful world, remember?

For example, in 1347-1352 the Bubonic Plague, a.k.a., Black Death, ravaged Europe and killed 25 million people, which was 30% to 60% of the entire population.

No treatment existed. A person who contracted the Plague either lived or died.

It didn't stop there.

Step back into Wittenberg, Germany, in the year 1527

You are Martin Luther and the dreaded Plague once again is barreling toward your town.

There's nothing to do but wait. And read your Bible. And implore God to keep you and your loved ones safe and alive.

Luther was known for spending hours in prayer and reading his Bible. During this time he pored over texts like Psalm 46 and drew on it to write, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God."

Here are the first two verses:

"A Mighty Fortress is our God"

A mighty fortress is our God,

A trusty shield and weapon;

He helps us free from ev'ry need

That hath us now o'ertaken.

The old evil foe

Now means deadly woe;

Deep guile and great might

Are his dread arms in fight;

On earth is not his equal.

With might of ours can naught be done,

Soon were our loss effected;

But for us fights the valiant One,

Whom God Himself elected.

Ask ye, Who is this?

Jesus Christ it is,

Of Sab-a-oth Lord,

And there's none other God;

He holds the field forever.

This hymn speaks to our fear and uncertainty, as well

After all, what can we do other than obey the Government directives that come out and try to stay healthy?

We Christians read our Bibles. We pray most earnestly that our loving Lord will watch over us and our loved ones.

Just as surely, we pray God's protection over our Nation and the world, and that he will keep medical personnel and caregivers safe.

And please, may we unite in prayer that God will guide all our leaders, whoever they are, in every level of authority.

Here are a few verses from Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. …

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.        Psalm 46:1-3, 11 ESV

Dear reader, I pray that you know the truth of these words and that you trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior.

And when fear wakes you in the night, call this verse to mind and be at peace:

"For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" Isaiah 41:13 ESV

Despite the unknowns you and I can choose to place our hope–our certainty–in the LORD. Today. Tomorrow. And for eternity.

Trusting, too,

Lenore

Holding onto Hope while we Hunker down

March 20, 2020
If someone in a neon-green jacket pounded on your door and shouted, "Get out now!" what would you want to take with you?

Did you answer, "The people I love?" Me, too.

Who is ever ready for that?

Thousands of Texans lived out that scenario in the last few days as the slow-moving disaster associated with Tropical Storm Harvey grinds on.

We can't take our eyes off the surreal footage from Texas.

Our hearts ache as we imagine their pain. Their loss. Not only of possessions but of security. Their deep sadness as reality sinks in. What was will never be the same again. Even after the rain stops.

Never ever.

Are we ghouls who love to witness destruction?

Uh-uh. I think it's also the power of that little voice inside that asks, What if that were me? Am I strong enough to survive? To deal with whatever comes?

Then comes the thought that makes us feel guilty: Thank God that's not me.

At least, not this time.

One thing we know for sure. Into every life rain will fall and storms arise. Each of us will face event(s) or situations that feel like a personal tragedy.

That's life in this fallen world.

Texas Gov. Abbott said on-camera that we all deal with challenges, but what defines our lives is how we respond to our challenges.

He ought to know. At age 26, Abbott was out running and a falling oak tree left him partially paralyzed. He's been in a wheelchair ever since.

Each of us has our own definition of "tragedy." How we respond will depend on who we are and what we stand on. What we believe.

Where do we find hope when the waters are rising all around us?

Phrases from an old hymn seem penned for the misery going on right now in Texas:

"My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness . . .

"His oath, His covenant, and blood Support me in the whelming flood . . .

"On Christ, the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand."

Rescue may not fully come and yet we must go on. That huge oak tree crushed Greg Abbott's spine. Despite skilled surgeons and rods of steel he could not walk again.

Losses comes in a variety of ways. A loved one dies and no amount of grieving restores life.

A job goes bye-bye or a business goes bust and we lose what we've known as "everything."

All we can do is watch and pray as our "normal" crumbles around us.

What we have is a Rock to stand on

Shelter in our storms. Refuge in our floods. Strong arms to hold us up when we falter.

The sure knowledge in our hearts and minds and yes, in our souls, that we are not hurting alone. Our Lord sees and hears and hurts with us.

After all, didn't He watch His Son suffer and die on the cross?

Didn't Jesus weep when his friend died?

"When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay."

The striking fact is how often these people in Harvey's wake speak of praying. Of trusting God to take care of them. Of "doing unto others, as the Bible tells us to do."

These are people who are standing on the Rock because they know Him–and they witness of Jesus Christ to the watching world.

Looking at Texas prompts us to consider our lives

It's good if we do so once in awhile, just to help us keep a balanced view of what really matters in life. Survivors almost always echo the same thought: "Our family is safe and that's all that matters. Somehow we'll get through this."

If that's true for adults, how much more for children.

To a child, Mom and Dad themselves are home and security. It's like the saying on gift shop plaques that reads:

"Home is wherever I am with you."

That's the bottom line for parents and kids and for all family members.

"Things" are not what makes for a good life. To know that's true all we have to do is check out the lives of the rich and famous

Right perspective restored

Whatever the situation, whatever our personal tragedy may be, if those we love are okay and we know our loving Father is watching over us, we are safe and secure.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Texan or not, even in the midst of trouble we have reason to give thanks. Life may never be the same and yes, it may be hard. But it is good because we possess what matters most. Life itself is a gift.

Be at peace, my friend,

Lenore

How to get through tragedy when it comes your way

August 30, 2017
Life is fragile.

Every breath we take is a gift.

That's the refrain that drummed in my mind when I saw the photos and heard the story of US Airways Flight 1549, the one that ended up in the Hudson River January 15, 2009.

Did you hear it, too?

But for the grace of God … you or I could have been one of the people standing on a wing of that sinking US Airways jet. Or it could have been someone we love, icy water swirling around their legs and their lips turning blue.

A couple members of our family fly often in connection with their work and all of us fly now and then. That day I knew every one of our family members was on the ground. I breathed a silent Thank You, Lord!, feeling a bit guilty for being so self-involved.

But for the grace of God … that plane, bound from New York to Charlotte, N.C., would have been flying over mountainous terrain or a less-inhabited area, with rescue equipment miles away.

Instead … they hit that huge flock of Canadian geese while they were still close to New York, which, since 9/11 has in place elaborate rescue plans and trained public employees for every type of emergency.

But for the grace of God … a less-experienced pilot would have been flying that plane.

Instead … it was Capt. Chesley Sullenberger. "Sully" graduated from the Air Force Academy and flew eight years for the USAF as a combat pilot. He had studied how cockpit crews react in a crisis and is a certified glider pilot.

By the grace of God … Sullenberger made the right split-second decision. He turned the engineless plane around, gliding safely down over the Hudson River. Volunteers from boats that "happened" to be close by worked together with rescue personnel.

Instead … of drowning, passengers and crew were rescued within minutes. They're alive and, as one said when interviewed, "I will never take life for granted again."

By the grace of God …

Every passenger and crew member on US Airways Flight 1549 survived.

I can't tell you what was in cartoonist Rex Babin's mind when he drew this cartoon. Could it have been this verse?

The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. –Deuteronomy 33:27

By the grace of God …

You and I woke up this morning.

    And the morning before this one.

        And the morning before that.

Not one of us possesses a guarantee we'll be here tomorrow, or even at the end of this day.

So why waste our time focusing on the "if onlys" of life?

Or get hung up on the woulda/shoulda/couldas?

Why bother to nurse hurt feelings or grudges?

Rather, let's appreciate the people in our lives and the good things all around us. Let's make the most of who we are and of every day we're given.

By the grace of God … you and I live and move and have our being.

    Life is a gift.

    Every breath we take is a gift.

    The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are His everlasting arms.

For more, anytime you find yourself feeling fearful or all alone, turn to Psalm 139 and read the first eighteen verses. Let those beautiful words wash into your heart and your spirit.

Peace to you, my friend,

Lenore
Lessons from the “miracle on the Hudson”

September 14, 2016