Rise Up And Walk

I will strengthen them in the LORD and in His name they will walk. Zechariah 10:12

Thomas ducked as the pottery grazed his hair before it hit the wall; the sound of exploding clay filled the tiny room followed by a heavy silence. Thomas stood tall and walked with purpose across the room to where his friend lay; he would not back down; he would not quit and most of all he would not walk away. “Is that the best you can do?” Thomas asked, knowing that perhaps he was pushing too hard this time. Their eyes locked: Thomas’ filled with determination; Jonathan’s smoldered with anger, resentment and bitterness.

Thomas looked out the window as he searched for words. Words that would stir his friend to life again; words that would knock down the wall he was so intent on building around himself. It was then he spotted a familiar figure walking with a group of boys following close behind him; it was their old rabbi. “Jonathan, I see the rabbi”. Thomas smiled at the barrage of boyhood memories that flooded his mind. “Jonathan, do you remember when we caught the lizard and it escaped during class and ran up Steven’s sleeve and he jumped up shouting in the middle of the lesson? I thought we were all going to be in trouble. But when the rabbi turned and spotted the wayward lizard a mischievous twinkle had danced in his eyes as though he too recalled such pranks as a boy and he continued with his lesson as though nothing had happened.” Thomas laughed at the memory as he continued watching the teacher walk with his students. “Don’t you remember that, Jonathan?” Thomas asked. But there was no response, only silence.

Thomas walked over and knelt beside his friend and looked into his eyes. The eyes no longer smoldered, the spark had left them and they were cold and dark without warmth without affection, without dreams, without hope. Panic and frustration wrapped in passion for his lost friend rose up within him and suddenly Thomas reached out and grabbed Jonathan’s right hand, the hand that could still move and feel and touch and he held it to his chest and bent low so that his friend had no choice but to see the intensity in his eyes. Then he spoke from a heart that ached for his wounded friend. The emotion in his voice was not masked.

“Jonathan”, Thomas began. “My friend from childhood, my constant companion, do you know the many times I have cried out to God on your behalf. How I wish I had been with you that day but wishing doesn’t make it so. I wasn’t there and for that I am truly sorry. My father and my brothers needed me to help them deliver stone to Jerusalem that day so I couldn’t help you lay the tiles on the courtyard roof until the next day. But you wouldn’t wait; you always were strong-headed. Why didn’t you wait for me?! When my father and my brothers and I returned that evening we learned of the accident.

A beam in the roof had not held and you fell. Your father told us how you did not come home for the evening meal and so he went to the building site to get you. He knew how driven you were and so he did not think anything was wrong when you were late; it was normal for you. He called to you as he approached the building and when you didn’t answer he stepped through the archway leading into the courtyard and that is when he saw you laying there with the beam on top of you and broken tiles everywhere. He ran for help and 9 men worked feverishly to remove the rubble. When they finally freed you they feared the worst as they lifted you out and carried you to the physician’s cart. But you were strong as an ox, my friend and your heart still beat within your broken body. I sat by your bedside day and night and talked to you. I was with you when you were told you would never walk again. It’s been almost 2 years ago now. Do you remember”? Jonathan didn’t respond; not a flicker of an eyelash, nothing. Just a cold stare as though Thomas wasn’t there; as though he had ceased to exist.

The muscle in Thomas’ jaw clenched as he fought to maintain control of his emotions and then he continued; his voice raw, “Jonathan, God gifted you with a great spirit and a keen mind, those are not dependent on your legs. We need you.” Silence was the only reply and Thomas could no longer hold back and he leaned in closer not wanting Jonathan to escape the fire he felt in his soul as he spoke, “Your heart was paralyzed long before your legs ever were. Look deep within your soul, Jonathan. You are fooling yourself. Your legs may not be able to carry you but your heart is still running and you cannot outrun God for He pursues you still; waiting ever patiently for you to turn your heart toward Him. Think on that my silent friend.”

Thomas fell silent trying to calm the anger that threatened to erupt from his chest. He always knew what to do in tough situations. He was a man with a plan and when he came to an obstacle he simply found another way but this; this wall his friend had built seemed impenetrable and for the first time in his life he felt utterly helpless and bereft of ideas. He needed some air so he squeezed Jonathan’s hand and as he stood he said, “I’m going out for a walk, I’ll be back in a little while.” Silence towered like a fortress and unable to bare it another moment he walked out into the mild evening air and a soft breeze ruffled his hair as he walked.

He shuffled along the dirt road like an old man; his heart heavy with worry and his mind fogged in by discouragement. He turned off the road and headed up the hillside behind Jonathan’s house and when he reached the top sat down on a boulder and breathed deeply of the clean air. Darkness was just beginning to touch the edges of the sky and he saw a light appear in the kitchen window of Jonathan’s house; his mother was lighting the oil lamps and was probably beginning to prepare the evening meal.

On the other side of the house out of Thomas’s view was Jonathan’s window and inside lay a man who was utterly broken and sobs shook his body. Jonathan lay weeping wondering if his friend would ever come back or would he be like everyone else and leave him; walk away and forget him. He had defined himself through his work and his quickness of pace and when those had been taken from him he was rendered worthless. The mighty Jonathan; the man others had to run behind to keep up with had fallen and disappeared from view. How had his life come to this place? This was not supposed to happen. He lay there and turned his thoughts back in time.

He and Thomas had grown up together. His grandmother had said they were joined at the hip and she was close to being right. They were never apart. Jonathan’s mother Miriam and Thomas’s mother Lois were childhood friends and when they married lived near one another and remained sisters at heart to this day and Thomas and Jonathan were closer than brothers. They learned the Torah together and they loved and served the Living God.

Thomas’s father made tiles for building and also harvested and hauled lumber. Both Thomas and Jonathan spent their teenage years working in that business. Thomas drew pictures of various buildings and learned about structure and Jonathan loved to build with his hands. They developed a plan to expand Thomas’ father’s business by designing buildings and Jonathan had a quick mind for business so it was decided he would oversee building. Steven, Phillip and Andrew who were close friends were also working with them.

Jonathan was larger than life with big ideas. He moved faster than most men thought and he prided himself on always being a few steps ahead of everyone else. In fact, he was often times so far ahead that he didn’t bother to consult the others before taking action; he simply plowed ahead. When the other men confronted him he smiled in that charming boyish way and told them to keep up. He was so driven that he often worked late and alone. No longer did he have time for picnics with family or lively discussions with friends; he was on a fast track to success and it was all he saw. One particular Sabbath as the sun was setting and the candles were lit and Thomas’ father began the prayer, Jonathan had blown in and hurriedly took his place but it was evident his heart was not there. The next day Thomas voiced his concern to his friend as he pointed out that he had even begun putting God to the side and allowed work to infringe on the Sabbath; Jonathan made an excuse to leave and as he made his hasty retreat Thomas called out after him, “even you cannot outrun God”. Then the accident…it did more than paralyze him, it took his identity and stole his life.

Now two years later Jonathan lay in the ever deepening shadows of night, the words his friend had spoken seemed to have a life of their own and they stood strong, beckoning his soul to get up from the mat and live but then fear danced out of the darkness and rejection and failure skulked in the shadows and his soul cowered and shrank back paralyzed on a mat of despair. Defeated and exhausted he drifted into a fitful sleep unaware that through the darkness he was being pursued and though he could not see it with his eyes the shadows that rendered his soul paralyzed had already begun to tremble at the approach of the One who commands shadows and so they dug in deeper to keep their grip on him and hold him captive.

Thomas returned and sat on a cushion on the floor in the darkness and listened to Jonathan’s troubled breathing. “Dear God, please show me how to help my friend and…” He didn’t finish his prayer as his battle-worn mind slipped away into a land of dreams. Voices pierced his dream-cloaked mind and then a bright light shown on his face; Thomas opened one eye and saw that the light was the sun shining thru the window and there were indeed voices outside. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he stood up and stretched before walking outside into the morning and saw men talking excitedly and then noticed other people heading out of town toward Capernaum.

He approached the group of men with a cheerful greeting, “good morning my brothers, what is all the excitement about?” he asked. A burly man who had more hair growing out of his ears than he had on his head spoke in an excited tone as though he were sharing a prized secret, “Why, young man, we just learned that Jesus, the one they call Messiah has returned home to Capernaum. We are going to see him”, he finished and then he and his group headed off down the road. As Thomas stood watching them walk away he noticed a man and a woman carrying a child who was obviously sick and they too were heading down that same road and then it came to him, Jonathan needed to get to Jesus. But Jonathan was a big man, unable to walk and Capernaum was a good 2 hour walk if you were moving at a steady pace and didn’t stop.
Thomas stood perplexed and ran a hand through his uncombed hair as he thought. Jonathan can’t get to Jesus on his own so he will have to be carried. No sooner had this thought formed then his legs went into motion and he ran to gather Andrew, Philip and Steven; they were eager at last to do something for their friend. They walked into Jonathan’s room filled with purpose and each grabbed a corner of the mat so they could carry him. Jonathan made loud protests at being so unceremoniously removed from the comfort of his room and carried out into the daylight; his helplessness exposed for the world to see. But when his protests seemed to fall on deaf ears he soon fell into his usual silence and Thomas saw the shadow of despair descend upon his friend like a wild animal devouring its prey and he could do nothing to stop it.

The road was dusty, the air hot and they stopped for a rest and to drink some water but only for a moment and then they picked their friend up again and continued on. Heading into the third hour their arms ached and their legs longed to stop but they had to keep moving so they spoke words of encouragement to one another and shared memories of childhood days and they laughed and they cried and they bore their friend on a road of hope toward the only one they believed could reach him.

Their spirits lifted and their pace quickened as they entered the streets of Capernaum. They didn’t need to ask where to go to find Jesus; they simply followed the stream of people. But their spirits sank as they arrived at the house where Jesus was. It was completely surrounded by people – the crowd filled the house and spilled outside and the weary group of men not only could not get to Jesus; they couldn’t even get to the doorway. “What now?” Andrew asked.

Thomas stood staring at the crowd for a moment but then he noticed stairs leading up to the roof. “Come on”, he said. “If we can’t get him in through the doorway we’ll go through the roof”. They carried Jonathan to the rear of the house and were faced with a very narrow stairway. There was no way they could stand at the four corners of the mat and haul him up; there was only one way. And so Thomas and Andrew went to opposite ends of the mat and with groans of determination that came from deep within they lifted Jonathan above their heads and Philip and Steven ducked in underneath in the middle and so single file they carried their friend up the stairs to the roof.




When they got to the top of the stairs they set the mat down and surveyed the roof. It was a simple roof of clay tiles and straw. Andrew put his ear to the roof as he crawled around until he found the spot he thought was directly over where Jesus was teaching and they set about the task of making a hole in the roof large enough to get Jonathan thru. They were getting to the last layer of clay when Steven stopped his work and asked, “Once we get the space in the roof opened, how are we going to get him down there? We can’t just drop him.” Philip looked around momentarily but then his eyes lit up with an idea and he began ripping his tunic and the other 3 followed suit and soon they had fashioned four makeshift ropes, attached them to the four corners of the mat which they would use to lower Jonathan down.

They soon had the hole in the roof opened and large enough to fit both the mat and Jonathan thru and then they picked up the four strips of cloth and carried Jonathan to the hole and then they began to lower him slowly thru the opening. At first the angle prevented them from seeing anything down inside the house but as they lowered Jonathan down they saw the crowd looking up with bewilderment etched on their faces. There in the midst of the crowd also looking up was a strong looking man with bits of straw and clay in his hair and on his shoulders; that must be Jesus, Thomas thought to himself as he studied Jesus’ face.

He expected Jesus might be annoyed at being interrupted in the midst of teaching or that He would be frustrated to have roofing debris on his hair and clothes but Thomas saw no sign of any of those things in Jesus’ face. Rather there was a look that put him at ease; gladness. Yes, Jesus looked glad to see them as though He’d been waiting for them. Jesus stood looking up at these four friends. He saw past the dirt smudged faces, the torn tunics and the weary eyes; He saw their hearts; He saw their faith.

Thomas’ heart raced with excitement as they lowered the mat down to the floor; then his eyes found Jonathan’s and what he saw there stopped him; it was a fear unlike any he had ever witnessed and Jonathan was out of his reach. He had not thought this far ahead and he was suddenly uncertain what to do next. He looked up at the concerned faces of his friends as one by one they let go of the ropes until only Thomas still clung to the rope as though it were a lifeline to his childhood friend. His attention was drawn back to Jesus who still stood looking up at him, his eyes filled with compassion and understanding of the battle that was going on in his heart and then Thomas sensed that Jesus was beckoning him to let go; he had done all he could and now Jesus needed to do the work that He alone could do and so he allowed the fabric to slip deliberately from his hand and watched as all control fell in a heap at Jesus’ feet.

Jonathan looked up out of frightened eyes at his four friends as they lowered him from the roof; the once big man in town brought lower and lower until he found himself at the feet of Jesus. His physical body lay paralyzed on the mat but hidden from human eyes buried deep within him His soul lay motionless on a mat of depression, self-pity, bitterness, guilt and fear; unable to move, to rise, to live.

He was aware of all the eyes staring down at him. “Behold, the crippled fool”, he thought as that was how he saw himself every day. He felt uncomfortable; he felt as though his friends had betrayed him, lowering him down in this way, his weaknesses laid bare for all to see. A desire to retreat into the safety of inner shadow and darkness flooded him but as he began to do so Thomas’ words flooded his thoughts, “Your heart was paralyzed long before your legs ever were. Look deep within your soul, Jonathan. You are fooling yourself. Your legs may not be able to carry you but your heart is still running and you cannot outrun God for He pursues you still.” He chose in that moment to heed his friend’s advice and cautiously peered into his heart.

It had become a very dismal place, no passion or joy anywhere as he made his way he pressed past worry, fear, depression, bitterness, self-loathing and there at the center of all this emotion he saw it. It stood like an impenetrable fortress at his core; PRIDE. Pride had pushed him to be the best and to always be ahead, leaving loved ones and friends in the dust behind him. It promised him success, and it had put him on the roof that day as it whispered in his ear that he didn’t need anyone and after the accident its whisper turned to shouting telling him ever-louder that he could make it on his own. He needed no one; not his friends and not God and so it drove him deeper into darkness and despair. He had been in a violent inner struggle between letting others in and pushing away and suddenly he was so weary of it all. He remained silent on the outside but inside was a heart crying out.

He sensed Jesus looking at him and he tried to avoid eye contact but he became curious about this man who created such a stir and so he turned his gaze toward Jesus and wondered at this one, was He Messiah? As his focus changed from self to Jesus the shadows within him seemed to shudder. Then Jesus knelt there amidst the debris and with bits of clay and straw still clinging to his hair he spoke. His voice pierced the walls of his pain and went to the heart as he said in a voice as tender as any father, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”


The words Jesus spoke were like swords as they charged into his soul cutting thru the emotional walls he had built until they found pride’s fortress and struck it with a mighty blow and it fell with a thundering crash. Jonathan lay there forgiven with tears on his face as he realized he had stopped running.

Jesus’ command to Jonathan to get up and take his mat and go home thundered and a strange sensation of strength coursed through his body and he stood up. There was no shakiness of limb or trembling; he was whole. The crowd went wild but their celebration was nothing compared to that of four friends dancing on the rooftop. The five men left Jesus’ presence forever changed. And Jonathan walked, not ahead but alongside his friends on the road home, for he had indeed been pursued by God and He had met Him in the most unlikely of places; in a small house in Capernaum, in the midst of a crowd among the debris of his brokenness he found forgiveness and healing there at the feet of Jesus.

An original Conversation at the Well
By: Diana Morgan
May 2, 2008

My dear friend, are you paralyzed by life’s circumstances? Have you ever been carried along by the faith of your friends, right to the feet of Jesus? Perhaps you are such a friend to someone dear to your heart that is going in the wrong direction or lies battered and bruised, paralyzed on a mat of depression, bitterness, fear, regret. You may not physically be able to pick them up and carry them but you can lift them up in prayer and then give up control of the situation as you lay them at the feet of He who is able to bring healing and forgiveness. Perhaps you are flat out on a mat of your own. I encourage you to grab a piece of paper and pencil and draw a mat and then write those things that are rendering you paralyzed in your life; in your walk with the Lord. Maybe it is anger or resentment or fear, worry or depression or un-confessed sin. Don’t wait another day. Break away the tiles that are in the way and then look into the eyes of Jesus. Will you pour out your heart to Him right now where you are.

The Mother-Load (Elizabeth)

I sat on the steps at the well, my chin in my hands and my heart full of worrisome “what if” thoughts. I had struck the mother-load – you know the load of worries a mother carries when things happen in her children’s lives she has no control over. He came and sat down next to me. “Tell me”, He said simply. I knew He already knew it all; had seen it all but it helps for worried mother-hearts to pour it all out before Him. Lord, my Elizabeth was in a car accident. What if…” my voice broke along with my heart and I couldn’t go on. He sat with me quietly present until I could continue. “I saw her car. It was very bent and broken and I felt so scared inside. Scared of all the things that could be and might be and I wanted to wrap her in my arms; holding her forever in my mother-ness.”
He shared with me how His mother had watched Him walk the road for 33 years. “She had many ‘what if’ thoughts too”, He said. I wondered about that: how she bore it; seeing her beloved son suffering so. I wondered if she had thought of the tiny hands that had once rested in hers now with spikes driven right through. His were wounds of a Savior; wounds a mother could not kiss away. Did it feel to her as though those spikes were driven through her own heart?

He looked deep into my mother-heart then and whispered, “Trust Me.”

In the stillness He spoke comfort through His Word.

Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart….

Psalm 23:1-4: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His names’ sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me.

Psalm 62:5-8: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God, He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.”

Jeremiah 31:3: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

Psalm 56:3-4 says this: When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

As His Words sank deeply into my heart I felt comforted and strengthened. The world changes but He is the same yesterday, today and forever. My mother-heart could trust in Him; standing firmly on who He is and what He says. As my heart nestled down in peace at His feet a poem emerged from the deepest place of my heart – a place reserved for a mother’s love and poured my thoughts onto paper.

Elizabeth
Tiny hands rest in mine,
New life held in my arms.
Your daddy watches over you;
keeps you safe from all that harms.

I never will forget that day
Though I grow old the memory shan’t depart;
The day a precious baby girl
arrived to steal my heart.

Our hearts overflowed with love that day;
the sight of you stole our very breath.
Then daddy bent down whispered in your ear
We love you, sweet Elizabeth.

Rolling over, sitting up
Holding daddy’s hand you learned to walk
Baby toys placed upon the shelf
Baby chatter turned to little girl talk.

Roller skates and lady bugs
amidst a mother’s sighs
Pig tales dancing in the wind,
mischief in your eyes.

The years sped by, each day you grew
It seemed no time at all
Roller skates and lady bugs
gave way to bat and ball.

Your turn to bat, we gripped our chairs;
we held our very breath.
Crack of bat; “homerun”, coach yells
Oh how we cheered for you, Elizabeth!

Hiking boots and backpacks
replaced the bat and ball
Then to your father’s dread
The boys began to call.

High School years flew by so fast
College graduation came; we scarce could catch our breath
When we heard them call your name
We were so proud, sweet Elizabeth!

Early morning 4 mile run
I find I’m out of breath
Young woman running at my side;
You are my daughter, my friend, my sweet Elizabeth

“I was in a car accident,” you cried.
We listened and held our breath
We held you close and caught your tears
We love you, sweet Elizabeth

Sounds of joy, tears and laughter
echo through the years
Hearts knit together with threads of love;
giving strength to withstand all fears.

Painting a word picture of our love;
the height, the width the depth,
Hearts intertwined bound together by love
For you, sweet Elizabeth.


I left the poem on the steps at the well with a note written to He whom my heart loves. Lord, thank you for my sweet Elizabeth. Please keep her in your care – don’t let her go even for a moment.
Love,
Diana

Later in the day I spied the poem in the corner of my heart and saw that He had added verses of His own.


Dear one, I love your daughter too.
Knew her name long before you.
Wove her together; I gave her first breath;
She’s precious to me, sweet Elizabeth.

Loved her so much I just had to come
Thoughts of her were in my last breath
When she is still I whisper across her soul,
I love you, sweet Elizabeth.


A mother’s tears fell on the paper and then I felt His presence wrap around me. I leaned against Him so close I could hear His Father heart-beat. I left my mother worries and cares at His feet trusting Him with my dear daughter and knowing His love far surpassed my own. John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

That is amazing love; more than enough for all my “what if” mother-heart worries. Dear one, are you carrying worries and fears of your own? Pour out your heart in conversation to the Lord.

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Be Still

It was still dark when I arrived at the well. I sat down to wait for Him my heart loves but I was restless. My thoughts kept racing with all the things I needed to do until a knot began to form on my insides. “Maybe I should go do a few things and come back later to meet with Him,” I thought to myself. “Be still.” My heart looked up at the sound of His voice; I had been so preoccupied with self I hadn’t heard Him arrive. “Lord, there is so much to do,” I said quietly. He responded by reading to me from His Word in Luke 10. As Jesus and His disciples were on their way He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”

There was a note written in the margin that said Psalm 27:4 so I turned there and read these words.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and seek Him in His temple.

“Be still,” He said again. I felt it then; the touch of His hand on my heart and the busyness that the world called me to seemed to fade away as my heart stilled under His touch. As my heart became still there at His feet I noticed the very air was filled with a wonderful fragrance and I knew it was the sweet fragrance of His presence. He tucked a prayer poem in the corner of my heart and I wrote it down.


BE STILL

Be still, my soul
Be still.
In the quiet of dawn until;
You sit at His feet
In His Presence sweet
Be still, my soul.
Be still

Gear Up

“Use every piece of God’s armor…” As I sat with the Lord early one morning and read these words I had no idea that He was about to give me a deeper understanding of what it meant to put on and use every piece of His armor.

It all began with a prayer. “Lord”, I prayed, “please provide opportunities for Marc and I to spend more time together. Give us time alone to grow our relationship deeper and continue to give us joy in being in each other’s company. Keep our marriage strong. Help us to guard it as it is a precious gift from You.” Our marriage was already good but I wanted to spend more time together. And so I prayed. I prayed this for months. Now,
in my mind whatever the Lord chose to have my husband and I do to grow closer would be something I loved to do already and that I was comfortable with. So when Marc suggested I begin riding dirt bikes with him you can imagine my response. I knew this was not God’s answer so I quickly said “NO!”

I kept praying and my husband kept asking me to go riding with him and I kept saying no. One morning as the Lord and I sat together at the well of His Word and I asked Him again to give Marc and I time together He took my heart in His hands, you know the ones with the deep scars in the centers, and He said, “I already answered you. I want you to go dirt bike riding with Marc.” I can tell you that I immediately dug in my spiritual heels. But as I sat with He who loves me there in the stillness I knew I needed to say yes. “Okay, Lord,” I whispered, “this isn’t what I had in mind and I am scared but I’ll do it. I’ll do it scared.” With my knees shaking I left my quiet time and went to tell my husband that I wanted - “gulp” to go dirt bike riding.

My husband announced one morning after breakfast that he wanted to take me shopping. Ah, words every woman likes to hear. After breakfast we headed out for a morning of shopping. Instead of trying on sandals and cute outfits I was trying on heavy boots with steel toes and elbow guards and helmets that messed up my hair. What in the world was I getting myself into, I wondered as we left the store with our packages.

My friend, I can tell you I am so very thankful that I finally said yes to the Lord in what may seem to you a very strange and silly thing. The Lord has taught me many powerful lessons through dirt bike riding but I will always hold as such a treasure the first heart lesson He taught me. Grab some water and a helmet and come along.

It was May and Marc and I planned our first dirt bike adventure together. We were going to Big Bear for a few days. I was still very new to the sport and just beginning to shift into gears other than first. Since we would be trail riding and I had never been trail riding Marc brought home a DVD about it; which I dutifully watched. The DVD featured a happy family of four riding wide smooth trails through forests and past streams of flowing water. Oh, I could do this, I thought to myself.

We left on a Sunday afternoon right after church. We had borrowed a friend’s trailer to load our bikes and gear on and boy we looked good as we traveled down the road! We checked into a beautiful bed and breakfast tucked into the woods above the lake in Big Bear. We had a lovely dinner and took an evening stroll under a starry sky – it was perfect. Monday morning came and we got up early, went to Starbucks and headed for the trails. It was beautiful! The air was chilly, the sky bright blue, sun shining, birds singing. My husband and I were together sharing an adventure! We unloaded the bikes – and began putting on our gear.

First we put on long sleeved shirts and long pants made specifically for riding. Next, a kidney belt – I think to help hold things in when you are over 40 and riding a dirt bike. Then there is the chest protector. This fits over the entire upper body to protect both front and back. Next, boots. These are important to protect your feet and legs from rocks, branches or the ground when you fall. There are gloves to guard your hands. Next is the helmet which is very important to protect your head from serious injury. The goggles fit over the helmet and protect your eyes from dirt, bugs and rocks plus they help keep your vision clear. It’s important to see where you are going and they just look cool. Last the all important camelback. This holds water which you definitely need as you ride. It also is a great place to put your Bible, journal and other quiet time supplies. Putting on the gear takes time and effort. It also has to be put on properly – forgetting something could mean serious injury.

Gear in place we were ready to ride! Well it didn’t take long for me to begin wondering where all the beautiful wide, smooth trails were. To say it was rocky is an understatement. It was all rock – big rocks, small rocks, jagged, sticking up waiting to swallow me whole rocks. This was not at all like the DVD!! I was scared. At one point I began to cry and fogged up my goggles and had to quickly gain control of my emotions since I had to see. There were also many hills. I had zero experience in hill climbing let alone climbing hills of rock. I fell a lot!!

After we had been riding for about an hour and a half, Marc said, in his most patient and kind voice, “Honey, if you would just go a little faster it would be easier for you. The speed will carry you over the rocks instead of into them.” We turned to head back the other way and I began to do what he instructed and go a bit faster even though everything in me said it was a bad idea. But to my surprise it was true. As I went faster, I was no longer falling but skimming along and I no longer felt jarred by the rocky path. Then we came to a huge hill. I stopped at the top and peered down. I tried to swallow but found I couldn’t as my heart was in my throat. I wondered if a helicopter would have to air lift my body out of this place before this ride was done. I took a deep breath and rode down the hill. I did it!! My husband high fived me and I felt pretty proud. I had this trail riding thing down now.

We continued riding and I was beginning to relax a bit and take in some of the beautiful scenery. There were in addition to the rocks, beautiful trees and flowering shrubs and wild flowers, squirrels and many birds. Suddenly my rear tire hit something – probably some kind of rock – and I veered to the left. I quickly corrected to the right but hit something else and then I bounced back over to the left and caught a tree branch and then careened into an embankment at which point I left my bike – not by my choosing. I somersaulted and then hit the ground tumbling first and then sliding on my head (thankful for the helmet) and then did one more flip before stopping in a pile of bushes and rocks. Ouch!! I lay there for a moment taking in what had just happened and then I began to cry; I mean sobbing uncontrollably. My husband came running over and knelt down to assess if I was injured. I wasn’t – just scared out of my wits. We sat for several minutes and then like any sane person would do, I got back on the bike and continued riding for another 2 hours. I was stiff and sore for days but I gained a new appreciation for every piece of riding gear I wore.

That night as I lay in bed talking with the Lord about the day I thanked Him for watching over me and then I thanked Him for each piece of protective gear I’d worn and as I named each piece He brought to mind another kind of protective gear listed in Ephesians 6. As I realized that He was teaching me something wonderful I became so excited that I grabbed my Bible and hurried; well more like hobbled to the well and sat down at His feet.

As He spoke to me through His Word I made a list of the gear He wanted me to wear:
Belt of truth
Body armor of God’s righteousness
Shoes of peace that comes from the Good News
Shield of faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God

We sat quietly as night sounds of the forest drifted in through the window and I recalled how each piece of riding gear had protected me that afternoon and then I thought of the full armor of God and how it would protect me as I rode life’s trails and how there would be rocks from time-to-time. “Lord”, I whispered. “Yes”, He who loves me said. “Thank you for the gear you provided for me. Please help me to be mindful of putting on each piece every day.” Later as I drifted off to sleep I realized the incredible answer to my prayer that I had lived out that day. My husband and I had shared a grand adventure on the trails that day and I thought about us in our riding gear flying down hills and over rocks. Then I thought about the grandest adventure of all that we shared; that of knowing God and as my eyes grew heavy my mind entered the land of dreams where I rode off into more adventures and I heard the voice of He who loves me thunder through the heavens as He said, “Daughter, gear up.”



Dear one, are you being jarred by the rocks of life? Are you sitting at the top of a terrifying hill? Let me ask you a question, do you have your gear on? You can’t buy this gear in a store. There’s only One who can provide it to you. Why don’t you stop now and have a conversation with the Lord about it.

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NLT)
A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Come Down

COME DOWN

When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to Him, “Zacheaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. Luke 19:5-6 NIV
****
Has the Lord ever asked you to come down?

“I’m sorry, Mr. Emery but indoor recreation is full; we don’t need any more volunteers for that area. But we do need third grade shepherds.” Bob Emery stood looking blankly at the young woman as she told him what he didn’t want to hear. He didn’t want to be a shepherd. It had taken all his will just to volunteer at Summer Spectacular at all. He had been sitting in church, minding his own business, ready to enjoy the message as one of the pastors talked about the Children’s Ministry event of Summer Spectacular and their need for volunteers. He let the words go right past him, certain they did not apply to him. But then the Lord nudged his heart. So reluctantly he took the flier from the worship folder. As his eyes moved down the list he stopped at indoor recreation. This seemed the safest. Play a few games with the kids and be done; no risk. Being a shepherd was the one thing he did not want to do; He was not shepherd material; he was sure of it. And now he stood at the volunteer registration area being asked to do the one thing he had already decided he would not do.

He was about to decline and walk away when suddenly the Lord was standing next to Him peering at the volunteer form Bob held in his hand. Bob glanced at the woman behind the table and wondered if she noticed the Lord’s presence and what would His reply be if she asked Him to be a third grade shepherd? “Lord, I don’t know anything about being a shepherd”, Bob began but before he could continue with his list of why not he heard the Lord’s voice; you know the one that is able to cut through anything; even excuses, “Come down, Bob.” He had become very familiar with this phrase the Lord seemed to love using these days.

He recalled the first time the Lord had spoken those words to his heart. He and his wife Peggy had just moved to the desert and were looking forward to their retirement years. They quickly settled into their new community and found their church home too; everything was falling nicely into place. It was a Sunday morning and he and Peggy sat enjoying the service when one of the pastors talked about the importance of being in a small group. He was sure the pastor was not speaking to him; he had been a believer most of his life and besides he was retired; retired people go to golf games not small group. The next morning as he sat having his quiet time out on the patio he read about Zacchaeus and when he got to verse 5 where the Lord looked up at Zacchaeus and told him to come down so he could go with him to his house a thought had come to Bob’s mind and he quickly jotted the question into the margin of his bible. He wrote: Does God call us to come down? Just then Peggy poked her head out of the French doors and said, “Bob, phone call.”

Bob made his way to the den still pondering the question of whether God calls us to come down. “Bob, this is Jerry from church. We have several couples in your area who signed up to be in a small group but there isn’t a small group out that way. Judy and I both thought of you and Peggy right away and think you would be great small group leaders. Will you do it?” Bob’s immediate reaction was to begin making an excuse for why he and Peggy couldn’t lead a small group but just as he opened his mouth to speak the Lord’s voice rumbled through his heart as He said, “Bob, come down.” It was then Bob realized that since retiring he had climbed up a tree full of excuses as to why he couldn’t serve the Lord and the Lord was now calling him to come down. “Jerry, the answer is yes. Peggy and I will be glad to serve as small group leaders.” Bob hung up the phone and called to Peggy to join him on the patio. He told her what the Lord had just revealed to his heart. She threw her arms around him and kissing his cheek said how glad she was that he had chosen to come down. That was only the beginning. Every time Bob thought he had things figured out the Lord would ask him to come down; especially if it had to do with his comfort zone.

And here he was again with the Lord calling him to come down from yet another excuse tree, so taking a deep breath Bob filled out the Summer Spectacular volunteer paperwork; checking the box next to third grade shepherd. He handed it to the young woman behind the table who thanked him and assured him the area leader would contact him in the next few days. “Well”, he thought to himself, “perhaps they would misplace his paperwork and the call would never come.” What he couldn’t see through his human eyes as he walked away were the other hands; the nail-pierced ones that were directing the papers where they needed to go nor could he see events unfolding in a little house two cities away.

Emily pulled the blanket tighter over her head in an effort to muffle the shouts coming from down the hall. She heard her father shouting and her mother pleading. Nine year old Emily could not take any more so she opened her window and pushing the screen away just enough she squeezed through and dropped to the ground. She ran across the back yard and climbed the ladder up to the tree house. As she climbed her imagination took off and she imagined she was climbing not into a mere tree house but a tree in a different land. In this new land there was no anger, no shouting, no sadness and no death. She imagined he was here with her now as she sat cross legged on the floor pouring glasses of imaginary ice cold lemonade. She was just beginning to share with him tales of her latest adventures when her mother’s voice rose up from below, “Emily, it’s time to eat.” As she climbed down the ladder the magical land of imagination gave way to the land of harsh reality as she followed her mother quietly into the house.

She carefully looked at her father through the bottom of the glass as she drank the rest of her milk and then wiping her mouth she looked at her mother who simply nodded which was the signal she should leave quietly and go to her room. Her father didn’t look at her as she left the table; he never looked at her any more. She wanted to cry out to him, “Daddy. Daddy, please look at me. Please hold me again, daddy, like you used to when, when he was here.” She hurried quickly and quietly down the hall to her bedroom and closed the door careful not to make any sound that might set her father off in a rage. She got ready for bed and then went to the bedside table and took a picture out of the drawer. Getting into bed she pulled her flashlight out from under her pillow, snapping it on as she pulled the sheet over her head the picture held tightly in her other hand. She looked at the happy scene. Her dad was laughing, her mother smiling and Eric and Emily stood together each with a hand on their baseball trophy.

Three days after that picture was taken she and her twin brother Eric along with their dad were playing catch in the yard. Her dad hit a pop up fly ball and Emily had shouted, “I’ve got it!” Well, she didn’t get it and the ball had sailed into the street with Eric in hot pursuit. He didn’t see the car coming and it was all over in an instant; Eric was gone from them in the blink of an eye. Emily closed her eyes and rested her forehead against the cold glass of the picture as she cried quiet and frightened tears. “Please, somebody help us”, she pleaded into her pillow. It was all her fault. If she had only caught that ball Eric would be here now and everything would be as it should. Her father wouldn’t be angry and her mother wouldn’t cry in the middle of the night any more. They would be a family again, if only….her thoughts trailed off as she fell into an exhausted sleep.

The weeks passed and Bob and Peggy prepared for their roles at Summer Spectacular: he as a third grade shepherd and she as part of the TLC team. They had their entire small group participating as well and they found themselves looking forward to it. The big day finally arrived. Bob got up early, poured a cup of coffee and went to the den to meet with the Lord. He sat down and He and the Lord talked about the week ahead. “Lord, I feel so inadequate for this. Please help me to be a good shepherd to the kids placed in my care this week. Please bring the kids to my group you want me to minister to. Help me to rely on you every step of the way.” As he finished he heard the Lord’s tender voice say, “I will never leave you or forsake you, Bob.” Peggy’s arms wrapped around him just then and she whispered into his ear, “Bob, you are going to be a good shepherd.” Then looking at the shelf above the desk where a picture of a handsome young man in uniform stood she quietly added, “He would be so proud of you.”

Bob’s voice cracked as he said in a voice so quiet Peggy could scarcely hear him, “I miss him, Peg.” She took a seat on Bob’s knee and he wrapped his arms tightly around her as they looked at the picture of their son Brad. He had given his life on a lonely road in Iraq nearly three years ago now. “Oh Father.” was all Bob could say. Peggy snuggled in closer to her husband as she whispered, “Bob, God knows our pain. Remember, His Son died in a foreign land too.” There in the den as soft morning light fell across the room the Comforter did His work and strengthened these two hearts dearly loved by God and prepared them for what lay ahead.

Emily had circles under her eyes from another long night. Her parents had fought again and this time a neighbor called the police. It had been 3:30 in the morning when the police had finally left. Emily fidgeted as her mother ran a brush through her hair and told her to hurry and get her shoes on. She was being sent somewhere with the Jordan family kids across the street, Summer something or other at their church. Emily did not want to go anywhere. She felt worried for her parents. The police had never been called before and Emily knew things were getting worse and not better. Her mother would not relent and under assurances that she would be fine she put Emily into the backseat with the Jordan children and tried to smile as she waved goodbye but her heart broke as she saw the great sadness in Emily’s eyes as they drove away.

Bob stood holding a sign up high that said 3rd Grade. The doors opened and the auditorium was suddenly filled with parents taking their children to the appropriate grade. Bob suddenly felt like dropping the sign and heading for the nearest exit but instead he called on the One he knew could help him and the Lord reminded him of His promise that He would never leave him or forsake him. Bob imagined the promise was underneath his feet at this very moment and envisioned standing on that unshakeable promise from the Lord and the sense of panic left him just as a group of kids came his direction. Mrs. Jordan introduced herself and then her son Jeff and a neighborhood girl named Emily. Bob held out his hand and little Jeff shook it heartily but when he extended his hand to Emily she just stood there and that’s when he saw it; the great sadness in her eyes. Other children arrived then and Bob’s group grew to 10 third graders. Bob stood with his mouth hanging open as the band began to play and the auditorium sprang to life. He had never seen anything like it – 1200 children dancing and singing about God. He looked over at his kids and smiled at the wide-eyed wonder on their faces and a thought struck him then that God must be smiling too right about now. His attention was drawn to the little girl with the sad eyes as she sat in the middle of the row looking utterly lost.

All around her kids were dancing and singing but Emily sat very still. She had nothing to sing about; no reason to dance. She wanted to cry not sing. The music stopped and the lights went down and a story began to unfold on the stage. She watched quietly as they talked about being transformed and there was a machine called the transforminator. Emily wondered if it worked on families. She listened intently as they were told how true transformation could not be done simply by changing the outside but from the inside out and that change could only come from God. They talked of knowing God’s Son Jesus. Emily had never heard anyone talk about Jesus before; she had only known the name as a bad word. The end of the morning arrived and the band came out again and sang about how God had made and formed them. She sat quietly taking it all in.

That night after dinner a very weary Bob and Peggy sat in the living room sharing their thoughts about the day. Bob ended by telling Peggy about his group of kids and then he spoke of Emily; the little girl with sadness etched into her face. “Perhaps she is why God chose you to be a shepherd”, Peggy said as she reached for her husband’s hand and together they went to their knees to pray for little Emily and her family. As their prayers rose up a little girl with sad eyes lay in bed thinking about God and His Son Jesus who had died. And then she very softly began singing the song about how God had formed her and made her and she fell asleep wondering if there was a God and if He really loved her.

Tuesday found Bob holding the sign once again as one by one his kids arrived and he smiled when he saw Emily enter the auditorium. She actually appeared to be hurrying to get to her seat. As he pinned her nametag to her shirt the music began and while the band played Emily still sat but he noticed her finger was tapping, keeping time to the music. The day flew by and that night Emily’s mother crept into her room and as she bent to kiss her precious daughter she noticed something in her hand; it was a flier about a free family concert to be held Wednesday night. She set it on the night stand and wondered if perhaps she should try to take her daughter to the concert. She had heard her singing earlier – a sound she hadn’t heard in a long time. She tucked the memory into a corner of her broken heart as she turned out the light and closed the door.

That night Bob and Peggy spent quite a while praying for Summer Spectacular. They prayed for the musicians and for the children’s pastor and their staff and all the volunteers and then they prayed for the family concert and then they prayed for Emily and her family. Bob’s sleep was filled with strange dreams. He was in an unfamiliar land and he could hear explosions coming from somewhere in the distance. There were buildings lying in ruins and then he saw Emily. She had apparently climbed up on one of the old buildings and was standing quite precariously on the edge. Suddenly there was an explosion in the building across the street and Bob felt an urgency to help Emily and that is when he noticed him. At first he thought he must be a soldier but as the man stretched his arms up toward Emily he saw them, the deep dark scars in the center of each hand and then the man cried out; his voice shook the heavens, “Emily, come down!” Bob sat bolt upright, sweat mixed with tears running down his face. He was deeply shaken. He grabbed his bible and headed to the den and spent the next 2 hours talking to God about Emily and her family. He especially prayed for the Salvation message that the children’s pastor would be sharing with the children on Thursday. He earnestly prayed that Emily would be one of those who would respond to that message by receiving Christ. It was 3:40 am when Bob finally climbed into bed and as he drifted off to sleep he wondered about the dream and what the Lord was calling Emily to come down from.

Bob slept unaware of the effect his prayers were having as a man in a little house two cities away paced the floor. Jim ran a hand over his face and then through his hair as he tried to calm himself. He was losing it. He loved his family but it all seemed to be unraveling and he felt powerless to do anything to stop it. He played the scene again and again in his mind of hitting the pop up fly ball and then his precious son running out into the path of the car and he couldn’t stop it. “My son, my son,” he sobbed into his clenched fists. And then every time he saw Emily it was like a knife through his heart. He felt accused, guilty and condemned every time he looked at her and so he had simply stopped looking at her. Then there was his wife, Carol. She was one of the most gentle people he had ever met; not a mean bone in her body but he would fly into a rage when he saw her; the deep hurt in her eyes was more than he could bear. He had tried grief counseling but it brought no relief and added to his frustration so he quit going. His emotions were swirling and he felt it was all building with nowhere to go; something had to change and soon. That’s when he heard it; the singing.

The sun was casting its first light through the living room window and seemed to carry with it the soft voice as it sang. Jim listened and followed the sound down the hallway and stood outside Emily’s door. “God made me. God loves me.” She sang. He pushed the door open and she immediately stopped singing as she clutched something tightly to her chest. He walked over asking her to hand him what she was holding and reluctantly she placed the picture in his outstretched hand. Jim looked down at the picture of the four of them; his son smiling with his hand on the trophy. Jim lost it and threw the picture to the floor shattering the glass as he stormed out of the room. Carol heard the commotion and left her bedroom and followed Jim out to the kitchen where he continued his tirade. She tried to calm him; to find out what had happened. “Don’t you get it, Carol?” Jim asked. “She is a constant reminder of Eric’s death. I can’t look at her without replaying that horrible moment again and again and again.” As the words made their way through the house they found their mark and pierced a little girl’s heart. Emily sobbed quietly as she picked up the pieces of her broken family and tenderly placed them in tissue paper and tucked them inside her backpack. Emily opened her window and squeezed the backpack through first and then she climbed out the window and hurried across the yard to the tree house.

Bob kept watching the auditorium door but Emily didn’t come. He wondered where she was and what had happened to keep her away. He and Peggy stopped off for lunch on their way home and he told her about his dream and then how Emily hadn’t been at Summer Spectacular that day. Peggy listened intently and then suggested Bob call Emily’s parents and let them know she was missed today. “That’s a great idea,” Bob said as he squeezed his wife’s hand. They finished lunch and hurried home; Bob had an important call to make.

The phone rang and Carol hurried to answer it as she didn’t want it to wake Jim. Too late…Jim walked in as she put the receiver to her ear and said, “hello?” “Hello, my name is Bob and I am Emily’s shepherd at Summer Spectacular. She was really missed today and I wanted to call and let her know that and also to invite you to the free family concert tonight at 7:00. My wife Peggy and I will be there and we would love to meet you and Emily has seemed to enjoy the music plus it is a great way to spend the evening together as a family.” Bob waited for a reply but when none came he decided to be bold as he asked, “Will you come?” Carol heard herself say, “Ummm, yes. Yes we will be there. 7:00, you said? Yes. We will see you then.” She hung up the phone wondering how she could convince Jim to go anywhere let alone a concert – free or otherwise.

“Who was that?” Jim asked. “That was Emily’s shepherd from Summer Spectacular. You know she’s been going this week with the Jordan’s kids. He was just calling to say they missed her today and also to invite us to the free family concert tonight at 7. Emily has been singing the songs around the house; it’s been nice to hear her singing.” She finished. Jim remained quiet and then he walked out to the living room and stared out the window in the direction of the tree house. His mind was churning. On the one hand he didn’t want to go anywhere on the other his daughter couldn’t stay in the tree house forever and he had to do something. He’d been everywhere else so maybe going to this concert at the church would be a good thing. “Alright.” He heard himself say. Carol was so surprised but she didn’t want to ruin the moment by saying the wrong thing so she simply said, “Okay” and left the room.

Bob and Peggy sat toward the back of the auditorium so Bob could keep an eye out for Emily and her family. The band began to play and Bob sat back as he realized they probably weren’t coming but then a flash of pink caught his eye and he spotted Emily with her bright pink backpack. She sat with her parents toward the back on the opposite side of the auditorium from where he and Peggy were sitting. The concert was a huge success. It was such fun watching the parents and kids singing and doing the motions together. He glanced over at Emily and her parents from time-to-time; they didn’t sing and they didn’t do the motions. The musician shared about some difficult times he had been going through with his family but still he praised God. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as he shared his heart and spoke of a God who loves and is worthy of praise no matter what is going on in and around us. The children’s pastor shared a short message after that and then more music followed. The concert ended and families left the auditorium together; laughing and still singing. Bob looked over to see Emily and her parents still sitting in their seats.

Bob and Peggy walked over and Emily looked up as they sat down in the row in front of them. “Hi, I’m Bob and this is my wife Peggy.” Carol introduced herself and her husband Jim and then she fell silent; looking at the carpet. It was Jim who broke the silence as he asked, “Do you know this Jesus that guy was talking about?” Bob was taken back and wasn’t prepared for the directness of Jim’s question. He scanned the auditorium looking for the pastor. He spotted him down front talking to a group of people and looked like he would be a while. As Bob continued to look for someone else to answer Jim’s question he heard the Lord say, “Come down.” “Okay, Lord. Please give me the words to say”, Bob prayed quietly and then taking a deep breath he jumped in with everything he had. “Yes, Jim. Yes, we know Jesus.”

Jim’s voice shook with emotion as he told Bob and Peggy about Eric and about how their life was coming apart and they didn’t know what to do or where to go. Bob and Peggy sat holding hands as they listened intently to the heartbreak this dear family was going through and oh how well they knew the pain they were experiencing. It was then that Bob took out his wallet and showed Jim, Carol and Emily a picture of their son Brad. They told of the phone call they had received that their dear son had been killed on a lonely road in Iraq. Bob shared how their hearts had broken as they thought of their boy dying alone in a foreign land, surrounded by enemies and away from those he loved. But then Bob’s voice filled with hope as he shared about another Father, whose Son had also died a horrible death on foreign soil, surrounded by enemies. Jesus had died for their sins and on the third day He rose again. He ended with John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not parish but have eternal life.

Bob was quiet then allowing time for the words to sink into their hearts. In the stillness Bob remembered the dream about Emily standing precariously on the edge of the ruins and he thought he heard the Lord’s whisper thunder through the auditorium “Come down.” Emily’s voice sounded small as she asked her question. She looked directly at Bob and Peggy as she spoke. “God’s Son Jesus died for my sins?” “Yes. That’s right, Emily”, Bob replied. Emily continued, “Well, if my sin caused His Son to die then how can God stand to look at me? Aren’t I a constant reminder to Him of His Son’s death?” She finished. You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed such a question by a nine year old. Bob got down on one knee so that he was eye level with Emily as he spoke. “Emily, your sin caused you to be separated from God which means you couldn’t be with God and God very much wanted you with Him. Remember the verse I told you? God loved. God gave. Once we come to know Jesus God no longer sees our sin because Jesus took it all with Him on the cross. The bible tells us that if we confess our sin God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. God loved. God gave.” He finished. “So we are transformed?” Emily asked. Bob nodded. “I want to ask Jesus into my heart”, Emily said.

It was then that Emily opened her backpack and kneeling down on the carpet she tenderly unfolded the tissue paper revealing a once picture perfect family now lying in brokenness. That was all it took and Jim broke down sobbing, grabbing hold of Bob’s hand and whispered from the depths of a father’s shattered heart, “I want to know Jesus too.” And there in the back of the auditorium they knelt as three people prayed and gave their lives to Jesus. When they finished Jim turned to Carol and asked her to forgive him which she gladly did. Then father knelt and wrapped his daughter tightly in his embrace and whispered words of love into her ear. In response Emily tenderly picked up the tissue paper and lifted them up and placed them in her father’s hands and as Bob watched he thought he saw another Father’s hands underneath Jim’s as Emily took all the broken pieces and left them there in her Father’s hands.

Play : Broken Pieces by Matthew West.

An Original Conversations at the Well
Diana Morgan
July 5, 2009

Light of Home

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

Anna pulled her van off the road and parked a few yards from the bridge. She stepped out into the brisk December air, a light breeze ruffled her auburn hair. She quickly walked to a little knoll which allowed her a clear view beneath the bridge – no one was there. She hurried back to her van and popped the rear door and took out 3 blankets and walked to the bridge and set them behind some brush. She returned to the van and pulled out a bag containing some fresh bread from the bakery along with some canned goods and a can opener and some fruit and a container of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

She carried the bag of food and knelt on the ground as she carefully placed it beside the blankets. “Lord”, she said “I don’t know who is using this bridge for shelter but you do. I don’t know their hurts or how they came to have no where to live but you know it all. Use this food to give them strength for another day and use these blankets to keep them warm. Lord, as they are filled and their bodies wrapped in warmth, would you please wrap them up in your love and if there is more you would have me do please let me know. Give me eyes to see what you see. Amen.” A cold gust of wind blew autumn leaves across her lap and she quickly stood as she pulled the collar of her jacket higher around her neck and hurried back to her van.

She turned the key and the engine rumbled to life; she glanced at the dashboard clock, 4:20. She looked over her shoulder to check for traffic and then back toward the bridge as something caught her eye, movement in the brush perhaps? She waited but seeing nothing she checked for traffic once again and then pulled onto the narrow street and headed up the hill, following the winding road toward home.

As she pulled into the driveway, her neighbor, Mrs. Reynolds stood waiting at the edge of the lawn, a baseball clenched in her left hand. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Reynolds”. Anna greeted the scowling neighbor cheerfully. Mrs. Reynolds waited until Anna was within five feet of her and then she stretched out her hand and allowed the baseball to fall to the ground at Anna’s feet as she said in the harshest tone she could muster, “Tell those kids of yours to keep their baseball in their own yard!” She did not give Anna an opportunity to respond as she immediately turned around and marched across her well manicured lawn and disappeared behind neatly trimmed shrubs, leaving Anna standing there the baseball still at her feet.

Unpleasant thoughts paraded through Anna’s mind as she looked at the baseball. She bent to pick it up and was suddenly filled with the desire to throw it as hard as she could; her imagination instantly ran with the idea and in her mind’s eye Anna could clearly see a very shocked Mrs. Reynolds as the baseball sailed through her picture window landing neatly in her knitting basket. “Mom, Toby tore my homework!” The desperate sound of nine year old Becky’s voice brought Anna back to reality and she put the baseball in the planter on the porch and hurried into the house.

11 month old Toby was sitting in Becky’s doorway; his chubby hand clutching a torn piece of paper containing what was left of Becky’s spelling words. His little feet kicked with delight causing him to roll backwards, squealing happily as he tried to stuff the paper in his mouth which is where he tried to put everything he could find these days. “Mommy, make him stop!” Becky wailed. Anna knelt down until she was eyelevel with Becky and she placed her hands on each of Becky’s shoulders as she calmly spoke, “Becky, he’s a baby and doesn’t understand his behavior hurt you. You once acted the same way. Remember, he is watching you and so is little Grace.” They both turned as the 4 year old girl stood timidly peering in the doorway to see what was happening. Anna turned back to Becky and drew the frustrated nine year olds attention back to her as she said, “Becky, I want you to think of what can be done to keep this from happening again and then what to do about your spelling homework.” “But Mom, that’s too hard!” Becky whined with tears spilling down her little red cheeks. Anna rested her forehead against Becky’s as she whispered soft and low, “Talk to Jesus about this, Becky. He will help you.” With that she kissed her daughter’s furrowed brow and stood and scooped up the gurgling Toby and carried him out and closed the door behind her.

Anna deposited Toby in his walker and whizzed him around in a circle as he laughed, filling the entire house with the sound and Anna heard herself laughing too as she wheeled Toby into the kitchen. Emily was making the salad and Aaron was putting the broccoli in the steamer. Anna had put a roast in the crock pot that morning and it filled the room with its savory aroma and Anna realized she was hungry. She put sourdough rolls into the oven and then went to the dining room where Allie was just finishing setting the table. “Very nicely done, Allie,” Anna praised and the eleven year old lit up under the approval of her mother. “Go and keep an eye on the rolls and take them out of the oven when the tops are light brown. I need to go see how Becky is doing.” Anna sent Allie into the kitchen with a smile and a hug and then headed down the hall to Becky’s room.

She entered the room to find Becky sitting on her bed with a pencil and paper looking thoughtful. Anna took a seat and waited quietly. “Mom, I did what you said and asked Jesus to help me.” Anna waited and prayed that Becky had truly seen that love was not given because it was deserved but because God said to do it. Becky continued, “I made a list.” Becky handed the paper to Anna and waited while her mother read her to do list.
Keep my door closed so Toby can’t get in.
Keep Toby away from my homework.
Ask dad to put up a gate so Toby can’t get into my room.

Anna felt sad as she read the list. She put the paper down and looked at Becky as she said, “Becky, this seems more like a list of keeping Toby out but is shutting your brother out really what Jesus would want? Does Jesus shut us out or does He invite us in?” She looked directly into Becky’s eyes as she waited for an answer and Becky’s answer was so soft that Anna had to strain to hear it, “He invites us in; even when we are bad.” She finished. Anna looked with tenderness at her daughter as she nodded agreement to her answer while she quietly asked the Lord for wisdom in this teaching moment with her daughter. She glanced out the window at the darkness and saw a light twinkling in the distance and an idea came to her.

“How would you like to help me light the oil lamps tonight?” Anna asked. Becky jumped off the bed with great excitement. She had never been allowed to help light the lamps. They were far too old and fragile and only Emily was allowed to help but tonight she would get to do it. Mother and daughter headed down the hallway just as the front door opened and the entire house erupted at once, “Daddy!” The voices of six children rose in unison to welcome their dad home. Eric handed his coat to Anna as he gave his wife a kiss and then swept up each eager child into his arms. They all laughed as Toby squealed with delight and scooted his walker as fast as his chubby little legs would allow but he was so excited he just kept going in circles, his arms waving frantically and drool running down his chin. Eric lifted the laughing boy into his arms and kissed his sweet face and held him against his chest drool and all. Becky wrinkled her nose as she pointed out that Toby had left a huge wet spot on the front of daddy’s shirt. Eric peered down at Becky as he said, “Drool can’t stop a daddy’s love, Becky.” Just then Emily emerged from the kitchen and announced that dinner was ready and everyone hurried to wash their hands and then took their place around the table.

After dinner everyone pitched in and cleared the table and scraped their plates. Once the kitchen was put back in order the family gathered in the family room. “As you all know,” Eric began, “this is Wednesday and that means our small group is going to be here at 6:30. Emily and Aaron will be doing the story reading tonight and will make sure everyone is tucked snug in their beds by 8:30. So, has everyone done their homework?” Eric looked around the room waiting for the replies. Each child talked about their school work and all were finished; all except one. Eric turned his attention to Becky and she wasted no time as she launched immediately into telling her tale of terrible Toby who tore and then tasted her ten word spelling list and so she could not possibly complete her school work.

Becky waited certain that her daddy would take her side. Eric kept his gaze steadily on his daughter’s face as he asked how she thought she could go about accomplishing her homework. Becky sat in stunned silence. She thought he would scold Toby but instead both her parents had wanted to know what she could do differently. Her father’s gaze never wavered and He saw with a father’s eyes the emotions in his daughter’s face. She grew uncomfortable under her father’s steady gaze and she lowered her eyes to the floor and kicked the tile with the toe of her shoe as the words from the earlier conversation with her mother echoed through her mind. “Does Jesus shut us out or does He invite us in?” Her mother had asked her and then she remembered clearly her reply, “He invites us in; even when we’re bad.” Her nine year old brain was trying to figure out what those words had to do with Toby eating her spelling homework when her daddy’s voice interrupted her childish ponderings, “Go and call Emma and get the spelling words from her. Aaron will help you with the phone call and getting the spelling words and then you may go to your room and do your spelling homework.”

While Aaron and Becky were making their phone call to Emma, Anna filled Eric in on Becky’s list of how to shut Toby out and then the idea that had come to her during that time. Eric was nodding when Aaron and Becky came back to report their success in obtaining the spelling words. Becky was about to head down the hallway to begin her homework but her father stopped her as he said, “Becky, before you get started on your homework your mom would like you to help her with something.” Anna stood and held out her hand as she said, “Please help me light the oil lamps, Becky.” Becky was only to happy to delay her spelling homework a little longer as she eagerly went with her mother to help with the lighting of the lamps.

There were five oil lamps dating back to the mid 1800s. They had been passed from mother to oldest daughter for generations. Each lamp had a lamp stand upon which they sat. They had them placed at five different windows – two in the dining room, two in the living room and one in the family room. Every night without fail Anna lovingly lit each lamp.

Sitting near the first lamp in the living room Anna directed Becky’s attention to something engraved on the lamp stand. “Can you read it, Becky?” she asked. Becky got close but the letters were squiggly and she couldn’t read them so Anna helped her. “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14. She picked up her bible and handing it to Becky asked her to find Matthew 5:14-16. Becky found the address pretty quickly and her mother asked her to please read it out loud. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Anna picked up the lighter and with one hand removed the glass chimney from the first lamp and asked Becky to carefully turn the wick up using the tiny brass knob on the side and then she allowed Becky to hold the lighter as she held the button down on its handle and together mother and daughter lit the wick and the flame came to life. Anna placed the glass chimney over the flame and the lamp shed its soft light about the room. They went to each lamp and did the same until all five lamps were lit. “What do you see, Becky?” Anna asked. Becky replied, “I see less dark and more light.” Anna was delighted with the answer as she said, “Becky, Jesus is the light of the world and when we come to know Him as our Lord then we become like these lamps. We give light in a dark world. Sometimes the darkness is just ignorance like with Toby. He is really in the dark about how to behave; he doesn’t know any better than to put everything in his path into his mouth. He is also spiritually in the dark; he doesn’t know who Jesus is yet so we are all just like these lamps and we need to shed Jesus’ light within these walls so he can see who Jesus is.” Anna grew quiet as she prayed that the Lord would use her words to shine light in the dark places of Becky’s heart; places where she lacked understanding and especially those places that had turned hard toward her little brother Toby.

Anna decided to ask a question, “Who is the light, Becky?” “Jesus is the light”, Becky immediately answered. Anna continued, “What is the opposite of light, Becky?” “That’s easy, mom. The opposite of light is dark.” Becky answered with confidence. “Very good, Becky. Now if Jesus is the light of the world, who do you suppose the darkness represents?” Anna waited while Becky thought about her answer. Becky looked very serious as she answered, “Ummmmm Satan, right?” “That is right, Becky.” Anna continued, “Do you remember that song, this little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. All the time. Hide it under a bush, oh no! I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bush, oh no! I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Won’t let Satan blow it out. I’m gonna let it shine. Won’t let Satan blow it out. I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. All the time.

They finished singing the children’s song together and then Anna said, “Becky, when you are angry at your brother and you decide you want to shut him out instead of forgiving him you are not being a light for Jesus. You are in the darkness when you let those emotions control you. Yes, you want to shine light so your little brother knows not to eat your homework but more important than that is how you respond to your brother when he does something that hurts you. As you grow there will be other people who will do things that hurt you and you will always have a choice about how you respond. Will you let your light shine for Jesus or will you cast shadows of darkness?” Becky began to cry and said, “Mom, I am so sorry. I want to be a light. I love Toby.” Anna held Becky as she cried the tears of a repentant heart and she listened while Becky asked God to forgive her and to help her be a light for Him. Then she thanked her mother and ran down the hall to find Toby and she gave him a big hug, drool and all.

Anna stood at the doorway watching her children with a thankful heart as the doorbell rang. She turned reluctantly and headed down the hall to join her husband in welcoming their small group into their home. There were four other couples that made up their group. The Hollisters, the Wrights, the Smyths and the Andersons. Bob Anderson opened the group in prayer and then they checked in with each other to see how they were all doing. Then Brian Smyth asked if anyone had taken up the challenge and helped someone in need that week. Anna shared about the signs she had seen that someone was living under the bridge at the foot of the hillside and that she had taken blankets and food and left them there that afternoon. They spent several minutes talking about taking clothing and also the need to see if they could find shelter for them and agreed that no one should go there alone. The Wrights volunteered to check into various shelters in the area and find out the requirements and then they would go from there and see how best to help.

They had been studying the book of Philippians and tonight was chapter 2. They each took turns reading a verse until they finished the chapter and then they talked about what it meant in real life. They ended with a challenge to reach out to someone who was difficult to love. They went around the group and each person named someone they found difficult to be kind to and a first step they would take that week to reach out to them and then they came to Anna. She sat in uncomfortable silence. Eric put a hand on her arm and said, “What about Mrs. Reynolds?” Anna’s spiritual heels dug in and she resisted the idea, shaking her head. “Anna.” Eric spoke softly, concern showing in his eyes. “The woman hates me for no reason.” Anna stated flatly still shaking her head.

“Anna”, Chloe Anderson said gently. “It isn’t like you to shut someone out this way. Why don’t you invite Mrs. Reynolds to our women’s group tomorrow night?” “She won’t come.” Anna shot back. “Will you at least pray about it and see how the Lord might direct you?” Sarah Wright asked. Anna agreed to seek the Lord in the matter and with that they ended in prayer and moments later Eric closed the front door as the group bid them good night. Anna felt unsettled as she cleaned up the living room and took the tray of coffee to the kitchen while Eric went to check on the kids. He returned a few minutes later and reported that all children were present and accounted for and sound asleep in their beds. He helped Anna load the coffee cups into the dishwasher and then he put the soap in the tray and hit the on button while Anna wiped the counters off. She blew out the candle on the counter top and turned out the light as they left the kitchen and stood in the dining room.

Eric walked to the window and blew out the oil lamps and then taking Anna’s hand in his he led her to the living room where the only light came from the two oil lamps still burning and he drew her to him. “Anna”, he whispered “I heard some of what you said to Becky earlier tonight and I can’t help but see the similarities.” Anna looked up questioningly as Eric continued, “You told Becky that Toby was in spiritual darkness and those of us who know Jesus as Lord are like these oil lamps shining the light of Christ. Well, isn’t Mrs. Reynolds in spiritual darkness? And aren’t we to shine the light so she can see who Jesus is? You wisely told Becky that as she grows up other people will do things that hurt her and she will always have a choice in how she responds. Isn’t the same true for you and me? When the Mrs. Reynolds of the world hurt us don’t we have the choice to shine Christ’s light or to cast shadows of darkness? Anna, don’t let the enemy harden your heart and snuff out the light. I love you, Anna.” With that he kissed her gently, handed her the bible that lay on the coffee table and he headed off to bed leaving her to wrestle this out before the Lord.

Anna left the couch and took her bible and sat on the floor between the oil lamps and she turned to Philippians 2 and read how Christ emptied Himself; gave up His place in heaven and became nothing and in fact took on the very nature of a servant and humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross! “But Lord,” she whispered. “She speaks in such a hurtful tone about my children. It breaks my heart every time.” “I know, Anna” came the gentle whisper across her soul and tears slid down her cheeks as she realized that God indeed did know what it was like as His precious son was hated without cause and brutally beaten and finally nailed to a cruel cross on a hill between two criminals – Oh his perfect, precious only son. Anna’s heart broke and she shed the tears of a repentant heart and she poured all the hurt before the One who truly understood her pain and she left it in a messy heap on the throne room floor and in the wee hours of the morning she blew out the flames of the oil lamps as someone stood at the bottom of the hill wrapped in three blankets, drawn to the light out of the darkness.
Anna’s legs were shaking and her heart pounded in her chest as she knocked on Mrs. Reynolds’ front door the next morning. She held a plate of fresh blueberry muffins in one hand as she knocked again with the other. The door opened and Mrs. Reynolds stepped out onto the porch eying the muffins suspiciously. “Well?” She snapped. “What have your kids done now that you are here bribing me with muffins?” “Father, help me”, Anna pleaded. She smiled as she answered in her most gentle voice, “Mrs. Reynolds I baked some muffins for my family and I thought you and Mr. Reynolds might enjoy some too. They are very good. I also wanted to invite you to join a group of women who meet at my home every Thursday evening. I usually share a devotion I have written and then we spend time talking about it. We would love to have you join us this evening.” Anna finished. “Most certainly not!” Mrs. Reynolds said and firmly shut the door in Anna’s face leaving her speechless with her plate of muffins.

Later that afternoon Eric and Anna were driving home after dropping more food and a few toiletry items and jackets near the bridge. As they turned the corner onto their street they saw an ambulance pulling away from the Reynolds house. Eric stopped the car and ran next door just as Mr. Reynolds was opening his garage. Anna got out of the van and hurried to join her husband. Mr. Reynolds was clearly shaken as he explained that his wife appeared to have suffered a heart attack. They were taking her to Saint Margaret’s Hospital. Eric insisted on driving Mr. Reynolds to the hospital and a moment later they were gone.

Anna got supper on the table and while the kids ate she called their small group and told them what had happened and asked them to please pray. The Wright’s offered to come and sit with the kids so that Anna could join Eric at the hospital and she eagerly accepted the offer. Her ladies group still came and Susan Wright led them in Anna’s absence and they spent most of the evening praying for the Reynolds and for Eric and Anna as they were there with them at the hospital.

Anna and Eric sat with Don Reynolds for hours as he waited for news of his wife. They couldn’t see it with their physical eyes but the light of Jesus was flooding that little hospital emergency waiting room, chasing the darkness from all the corners. Finally, Don looked at Eric and then at Anna and said, “My wife has been unkind to you both for years; especially to you Anna so I don’t understand why you would want to sit here waiting for her.” Eric jumped in with both feet and told Mr. Reynolds about a God whose love had nothing to do with being deserving. Don Reynolds listened with great hunger showing in his eyes as he heard for the first time about God and how He sent His one and only Son Jesus to pay the price for his sins. Eric finished explaining the gift of Salvation and then he waited and Don said with tears in his eyes that he wanted to know God. Eric prayed with Don and new life entered that small hospital waiting room.

A short time later the double doors swung open and a doctor strode over to Don Reynolds and spoke in hushed tones. Eric and Anna waited at a respectful distance until the doctor left and then rejoined their friend. Don was beaming with relief as he shared the news, “The doctor said it wasn’t a heart attack but they want to keep Julia overnight just to monitor her and make sure she’s okay. She’ll probably be released in the morning.” Eric gave Don a bear hug and a hearty slap on the back as he exclaimed, “Thank you, Father for watching over Julia. Please continue to be with her and with the doctors too. Amen.”

Anna, Susan Wright and Chloe Anderson met at the Reynolds early the next morning. They gave the house a quick cleaning and Chloe put a lovely vase of fresh flowers on the mantle over the fireplace along with a get well card signed by the group. Anna was just putting the last of the groceries in the refrigerator when they heard the Reynolds garage door open, they were home. Eric held the front door open and Don helped Julia inside; she looked scared and more than a little uncomfortable when she saw the group of women in her living room but she didn’t say anything. She allowed Don to help her to bed. Anna waited until Don returned and then she walked quietly to the bedroom where Julia lay resting against the pillows. “Mrs. Reynolds,” Anna whispered. “I have dinner arranged for tonight and I’m just a phone call away if you should need anything.” Julia Reynolds didn’t speak and Anna turned and walked out without seeing the tears that slid down Mrs. Reynolds cheek when she was alone.

For the next several days Anna visited Julia Reynolds several times a day and made sure they had dinner every night. She brought in the newspaper, cleaned the house, ran errands; whatever needed doing. A couple of times when Don had to go out Anna sat and read to Julia from a book of poems she had found in the Reynolds book case. The kids helped too as they mowed the lawn, raked leaves, washed their car and were mindful not to leave their toys in the Reynolds yard.

It was the morning of Thursday, December 13th and a light snow had fallen during the night leaving a thin blanket of white on everything. Anna and Eric filled two thermoses of hot coffee and filled an insulated casserole with oatmeal and another thermos containing milk and drove down the hill to the bridge and quietly left the items behind the by now familiar brush. They headed back up the hill unaware of the eyes that watched from the brush as they left.

A short while later Anna held a fresh pot of green tea as she knocked on the Reynolds door. Mrs. Reynolds opened the door and stood back and beckoned Anna inside. They sat in the living room and Anna poured two cups of tea and they sat and drank it in silence. Mrs. Reynolds never spoke; she just seemed to watch Anna. Anna finished her tea and picked up the tea pot to head home when Mrs. Reynolds reached out and grabbed her arm as she said, “If I am still wanted I would like to come to your women’s group. It is tonight, isn’t it?” Anna was stunned but quickly covered her surprise and simply smiled and said, “Wonderful. Yes, it is tonight at 7. I’ll see you tonight, Mrs. Reynolds.” Mrs. Reynolds simply nodded and Anna let herself out and closed the door behind her in disbelief at what had just happened. She hurried home to share the news with Eric.

That evening with the room bathed in soft lamp light Mrs. Reynolds sat with nine other women as Anna read a story she had written called ‘The Greatest Gift’. When she finished the story she read Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus and then John 19 and 20 about the death and resurrection of Jesus. She was just finishing when Mrs. Reynolds began to weep uncontrollably. Anna quickly left her chair and knelt at her side. Mrs. Reynolds told how she once had a son named Ryan. When Ryan was nine months old Mrs. Reynolds was driving home from the store when a large truck ran a stop light and broadsided them. Little Ryan lost his life that day and Mrs. Reynolds was left with internal injuries that rendered her unable to have any more children.

Mrs. Reynolds clung to Anna’s hand as she cried, “Oh Anna, how I have hated you for having your six beautiful children. I have been so wrong. Can you forgive me? Oh, God, please forgive me.” Eighteen years of pain, guilt and grief poured from deep within Julia Reynolds' heart. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as very tenderly Anna shared the message of the greatest gift from the very heart of God with Mrs. Reynolds. Nine women knelt together in the soft glow of the lamp light as Julia Reynolds invited Jesus into her heart.

In the quietness they began singing Silent Night, Holy Night and the light filled the room. As they sang a knock came at the front door and Anna quietly left the group to answer it. Snow was falling and on the porch stood a middle-aged woman and Anna immediately recognized her; not because of her face or her hair but because of the 3 blankets she had wrapped around her. Anna brought her in out of the cold and into the living room and the room fell silent as they all realized this was the one who was living under the bridge. Her name was Carol and with a soft voice she said, “I just had to come. I was drawn to the light shining from this house.” Anna began to cry as the weight of those words struck her already full heart. She heard her Lord’s voice whisper in her heart’s ear “Let your light shine, Anna so that they will praise your Heavenly Father. Let it shine.”


An Original Conversations at the Well
Written By Diana Morgan
December 1, 2008