Welcome to the USA, Land of Comfort
Welcome to America, the land of Comfort. Or, more precisely: welcome to America, the nation that worships Comfort.
Wait- America is a Christian nation, you say, founded by Christians. Well, friend, let’s chat.
Fellowship; A Short Story
Tony growled a little and then acquiesced, "Okay." He laid the extra oars down along the hull of his boat and picked up one of his normal ones. He nodded at me to pick up one of mine. We each rowed with one oar, still breasted up. As the day wore on, so did I. I refused to admit it though, and rowed with all my might. We spoke little, which should have been a glaring alarm for me that something was wrong. But I poured all of my mental and physical strength into rowing, two hands on one oar, and I still grew more sluggish by the hour.
Darkness fell. Even though I couldn't see straight, I kept telling myself I'd be back to normal in the morning. When I finally lay down in my berth, the relief my body felt morphed quickly into gratefulness for Tony. Who knows where I would have ended up without his knowing friendship. That realization was the last thing I remembered before drifting off.
I can foggily recall two things from the days that followed…
When Mountains Move
One particularly foggy day, the child had gone in and out, unable to decide whether to play outside in the thick wet mist that had settled on the valley or find something indoors, such as a favorite book. While these things rolled like a sluggish marble around the child’s mind, this was happening outside:
“Come on, Hardy, won’t you play? Just for a little bit?” A voice like a low, persistent wind begged.
“No.”
“But we hardly ever get to play.”
“It’s still light out, and I smell rain. If it rains, our only cover will be knocked out of the air in an instant” The second voice rumbled.
“It’s not going to rain. It hasn’t rained in months.”
“It hasn’t misted in months either. Yet, somehow here were are shrouded in fog, and you’re begging me to play- what? A game of spades? NO, Correy.”
A high growl erupted from the younger, “Hardy! You’re no fun!”
It should be noted that at this time, the child searching for the cure to boredom was sure thunder rumbled outside. A break from perusing the bookshelves revealed nothing because the air still hung thick with mist. If human eyes could have penetrated the moisture in the air, this is what they would have seen.
Unreal Tales; Part 1- Seal Legends
This story is a modern spin-off of some old legends. Most of it takes place underwater! To write a fantasy with ancient roots that also feels modern and real, I did A LOT of research. My search history includes things such as 'which types of coral live in arctic waters', 'what it feels like to drown', 'offensive battle strategies for out-numbered forces', plus all kinds of maritime mythology. Since I dug up so much interesting information, I thought I'd share some of it with you.
Matters of Good Doctrine
Some of my friends’ bowels are getting turbulent, to use a phrase from Jeremiah. They’re concerned for me, If you don’t have good theology, you could fall for anything! or How will you be saved if you don’t know who God is? The study of God is theology! Take a deep breath, Karen. I’m pro-studying. I’m even pro-”having a position” if that helps. Here are just a couple of limiting factors for me as far as these statements go:
Why I’m here.
Anyways, now that we’re smiling, I’d just like us to consider a couple of things. Nearly everything I do is based on the belief (and driving passion) that we are made to live beautiful, extraordinary lives. You, me, the guy down the street - everyone. I thought maybe we could unpack that vision real quick, so you know what to expect here.
…
When I say extraordinary, I think many people would look at that life and think that’s not normal, because of course it’s not ordinary. I see a life that causes ripples. I imagine great joy at a job well done. I can feel the satisfaction of knowing I was made for this. I’m serious. Even those of you who are more realistic than I, doesn’t something about that seem amazing?
It’s also a life that follows the Father’s leading so true that people don’t always understand, a life that might go against the current. That job well done might cost more that I ever imagined, but the joy is still greater for having done it. It requires knowing that whether the task seems menial or grand, God prepared the work for me before hand and I can compete it with contentment, peace and humility.
We are Light Heroes!
To this day, I can remember that if felt like a string was on my heart that the Father gently pulled to himself. I remember how the tall elder had to bend waaaay over to pray with me and the feel of his stiff shirt when he gave me a congratulatory hug. My life was never the same. I’d love to tell you more some day, but for now please tell me your “origin story” of how you got adopted into God’s family of heroes below in the comments.
Grownups: I am available to speak at kids’ events and Sunday schools where I share more of my story and what it means to be a hero of light. Contact me for more information!
David - Faith That Acts
…In a similar vein, I recently read a quote on instagram that said something like ‘if it’s God’s will, it will come easily.’ I think the author was trying to communicate that we shouldn’t bust through doors that God isn’t opening. Good advice. But are these completely Biblical attitudes toward “battles”? Let’s visit the moment we are introduced to this phrase in 1 Samuel 17…
