You may have heard in the news that a couple of Post Offices in Texas have been forced to take down small posters that say "IN GOD WE TRUST," The law, they say, is being violated.
Anyway, I heard proposed on a radio station show, that we should all write "In God We Trust" on the back of all our mail. After all, that is our national motto, and it's on all the money we use to buy those stamps. I think it is a wonderful idea.
We must take back our nation from all the people who think that anything that offends them should be removed.
If you like this idea, please pass it on and DO IT. Tthe idea of writing or stamping "In God We Trust" on our envelopes sounds good.
It has been reported that 86% of Americans believe in God. Why there is such a mess about having "In God We Trust" in our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance? Could it be that we just need to take action and tell the 14% to "sit down and shut up"?
If you agree, pass this on.
Friday, June 30, 2006
From My Inbox: Write it on the back of your envelopes!
Minute Meditations - June 30
Scripture
"Give me an accounting of your stewardship."
(Luke 16:2)
Reflection
"Don't you have by your side booklets on which you enter your account each day?
In the Same way, You must make an accounting every day for your conscience."
- St. John Crysostom
Prayer
God of forgiveness, help me to make a daily examination of conscience. Teach me how to pinpoint faults, ask Your forgiveness for them, and resolve to do better in the future.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
UPDATE:
In response to thebluesbutterfly's comment to this post, I have come up with a few links to help someone in their Examination of Conscience. The majority of what I have found (and I just Googled "Examination of Conscience") use reflective questions formed around the Ten Commandments. What have you all found to be helpful?
Explanation
Catholic Encyclopedia from New Advent
Examinations based on the 10 Commandments
Music That Matters - Celebrate You
Today we wrap up the theme of friendship with Steven Curtis Chapman's "Celebrate You" from his Signs of Life CD. Continuing on yesterday's thought, Music Chick continues her reflection:
Likewise, when we give and never take, then we never allow our friends to give and show their friendship for us, and that is as selfish and unjust as always taking and never giving. And, in many cases, I find that it takes more strength for me to show my weakness to my friends than to be a source of strength for them.
Celebrate You (click to listen)
Steven Curtis Chapman
Album - Signs of Life
I'm no stranger to your gentle reminders
That the world does not revolve around me
But no sooner have you spoken the words
Then your love comes once again to surround me
And every time I look in your eyes
I see the reflections of myself
But this time I want to look deeper
And see you and nobody else
So, tell me what you think, and tell me what you feel
I want to hear the thunder I'm so quick to steal
Listen to the dreams you're dreaming and celebrate you
Let me show you what a treasure you are
A priceless gift from heaven to this thankful heart
I want to take this lifetime to celebrate you
I want to celebrate you
I have heard you say so many times
How you're sorry you're not everything you should be
So let me tell you this one more time
There's no way you could be any more precious to me
But I know that lovely flowers and phrases
Are not what you need the most from me
You're longing for someone to listen
And that's what I want to learn how to be
I want to share your laughter
And I want to share your tears
We're gonna share this life together
And I'm gonna celebrate you
Celebrate you
Tags: Music That Matters
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Great Apostles
Today is a special day for me, as we celebrate the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul. I can really relate to St. Peter, from whom I chose my confirmation name. He was so full of failure and had so many shortcomings, yet it was he whom Jesus built his Church. Peter had a natural leadership quality. He wasn't the most educated of the apostles, yet he was the one (other than Jesus) the other apostles listened to.
I just finished reading Twelve Ordinary Men and John MacArthur shed some insight as to why Peter was sometimes called Simon by Jesus. It was kind of like when your mother called you by your first and middle name when you were in trouble. Whn Peter wasn't living up to Jesus's expectations, he was refered to as Simon. I thought that was very interesting.
St. Augustine writes:Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles' blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.
Prayer:
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Music That Matters - I Will Carry You
As we continue looking at songs that reflect the theme of friendship, Michael W. Smith's "I Will Carry You" is one of two Music Chick feels describes the beauty of true friendship. She says:
This song describes for me the beauty of true friendship – the give and take, ebb and flow of relationship. It is an acknowledgment that, in friendship, there are times when we need and when we are needed, and the mark of a friendship is to be there for others in their time of need... AND to allow others to be there for us in our time of need. If we only take and never give, we are not really friends.
Do It Again (click to listen)
Micheal W. Smith
Album - This is Your Time
Sometimes I wonder if my beating heart has a reason
The thought of breathing only takes my breath away
I've spent so many nights wrestling with this feeling
Do I have the strength to make it through the day
But I was never meant
To walk this road alone
I can always trust you
When you say
I will carry you
Be your strength
And pull you through
Reach for me
And take my hand
We will pray
And we will stand
In a world
Crying out for peace
Let your heart be strong
For when I am weak
You will carry me
Sometimes You wonder if the road you're on has a reason
It's hard to go on, when you just don't know
We can shoulder all the weight of life between us
Until the fear of what we cannot see is gone
Cause we were never meant
to walk this road alone
we are bound together
When we say
Tags: Music That Matters
Minute Meditations - June 29
Scripture
"Jesus said to [Simon Peter], "Feed My lambs...Tend My sheep.""
(John 21:15-16)
Reflection
"Where Peter is, there is the Church.
Where the Church is, there is Jesus Christ.
Where Jesus Christ is, there is eternal salvation.
- St. Ambrose
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You left us Your Church and Your Vicar the Pope in insure our contract with You. Let me always cling to Your Church and follow her teachings with all my heart.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Music That Matters - Promise My Prayers
In tying with the theme of friendship, today's song "Promise My Prayers" by Rachel Lapa from the Girls of Grace CD offers a similar message as yesterday's song. Re-emphasizing what Music Chick hit upon earlier:
The greatest gift that we can give each other as brothers and sisters in Christ is to love each other enough to pray for each other... because while we may not know what our friends need, or know how to tell our friends what we need from them, God knows what we need... and will provide it if we ask, whether ask for ourselves or on behalf of someone else.
Do It Again (click to listen)
Rachel Lampa
Album - Girls of Grace
I'll cover, I'll cover you, I'll cover
Hey now you know it's true
After all that we've been through
You can count on me
When it comes down to the end
I will always be your friend
No matter where you go
I want you to know now
Chorus
I promise my prayers
I promise my heart
I'll be thinking of you
Wherever you are
When the daylight is done
When the night is so dark
When I cannot be there
I promise my prayers
Down each road we take
We're joined together when we pray
No matter where life leads
I will lift you up
You'll be covered by His love
The angels will find you
I'm here to remind you now
Chorus
I'll cover, I'll cover you, I'll cover
Beyond our understanding
His hand is moving and we
stand amazed
I pray His love will guide you
I know He's there beside you always
Chorus
Tags: Music That Matters
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Music That Matters - Carry You To Jesus
Today's musical selection is "Carry You to Jesus" from Steven Curtis Chapman's CD Declaration. Music Chick reflects:
This song describes the essence of a faith-based friendship. There have been times in my life when I have felt at a loss as to help a friend through a difficult time – whether it be divorce, or the loss of a loved one, or abuse, or whatever. Likewise, there have been times when friends have asked me how they can help in the midst of my own despair... and I have been unable to answer that for them also. But the greatest gift that we can give each other as brothers and sisters in Christ is to love each other enough to pray for each other... because while we may not know what our friends need, or know how to tell our friends what we need from them, God knows what we need... and will provide it if we ask, whether ask for ourselves or on behalf of someone else.
Song (click to listen)
Steven Curtis Chapman
Album - Declaration
I will not pretend to feel the pain you're going through
I know I cannot comprehend the hurt you've known
And I used to think it mattered if I understood
But now I just don't know
Well, I'll admit sometimes I still wish I knew what to say
And I keep looking for a way to fix it all
But we know we're at the mercy of God's higher ways
And our ways are so small
(Chorus)
But I will carry you to Jesus
He is everything you need
I will carry you to Jesus on my knees
It's such a privilege for me to give this gift to you
All I'd ever hope you give me in return
Is to know that you'll be there to do the same for me
When the tables turn
(Chorus)
And if you need to cry go on and I, I will cry along with you. yeah
I've given you what I have but still I know the best thing I can do
Is just pray for you
(Chorus)
I'll carry you
I'll take you to Jesus on my knees
Tags: Music That Matters
Monday, June 26, 2006
Minor League Manager Mikulik's Meltdown
I'm really not that much of a sports fan. Really. But I couldn't pass this up.
Here's a video I saw on our local news channel last night. This is the Ashville coach melting down during a a game against the Lexington Legends, a local minor league team. It is funny!
Minor League Manager's fit
Music That Matters - Do It Again
Today kicks off one of five songs dealing with friendship, courtesy of my anonymous reader, who from now own I will refer to as "Music Chick". She says of today's selection, "Do It Again" by Point of Grace's on their CD, I Choose You:
“Do It Again” by Point of Grace is, for me, a song about how God uses the friends in my life to speak to me (lyrics are below). I think one of our biggest challenges as Catholic Christians is learning to read the signs that God sends us in everyday life instead of expecting burning bushes or dark, thunderous clouds. I am blessed to have people in my life who cheer me when I’m sad, who challenge me to be a better person, who listen when I need to talk, and who envelop me in a hug when I feel vulnerable and scared. Too many times, I fight to be independent and work through things on my own rather than relying on their friendship... and that self-reliance is true for my relationship with God too; I do not like to feel helpless, but it is only in acknowledging our dependence on God that deep relationship can flourish.
Do It Again (click to listen)
Point of Grace
Album - I Choose You
Just when I think it couldn’t be
Any harder down here
Another blow comes out of nowhere
And knocks me out again
And when I think I’m all alone
The phone starts to ring
It’s just the voice I needed to hear
On the other end
Chorus
You do it again, You do it again
You speak to me just like a friend
You always seem to show up right on time
You do it again, I guess you know when
My heart needs to hear your voice
I’m so forgetful, that’s why I’m thankful
You do it again
I could be driving in my car
I turn the radio on
Trying to figure out my thoughts
Then I hear the perfect song
I can open up Your word
And not be sure where to turn
But I start to read and it’s like you know
Just what I need
Chorus
You use all these things to speak to me
Could it be you’re using me
In someone else’s life
Well I wouldn’t be surprised
Chorus
Tags: Music That Matters
From My Inbox: Hands
A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands is worth about $33 million.
It depends whose hands it's in.
A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.
A baseball in Johan Santana's hands is worth $4.75 million.
It depends on whose hands it's in.
A tennis racket is useless in my hands.
A tennis racket in Venus Williams' hands is championship winning.
It depends whose hands it's in.
A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea.
It depends whose hands it's in.
A sling shot in my hands is a kid's toy
A sling shot in David's hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in God's hands will feed thousands.
It depends whose hands it's in.
Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it's in.
As you see now it depends whose hands it's in.
So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God's hands because...
It depends whose hands it's in.
This message is now in YOUR hands.
What will YOU do with it?
It depends on WHOSE hands it's in!!!
Tags: From My Inbox
Saint of the Day - St. Josemaria Escriva
Beatified May 22, 1992....Following a profound spiritual retreat, he founded Opus Dei in Madrid on 2 October 1928, which opened a new way for the faithful to sanctify themselves in the midst of the world through their work and fulfillment of their personal, family and social duties.
Minute Meditations - June 26
Scripture
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you may ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."
(John 15:7)
Reflection
"We cannot comprehend the power that a pure soul has over God.
It is not the soul that does God's will, but God Who does the soul's will.
- St. John Vianney
Prayer
Enable me to live a life of purity that will make me live in You. Let me be so united with You that whatever I might as will be in total accord with Your will for me.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Lord, we lift up our prayers to you today:
We pray to the Lord.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Minute Meditations - June 23
Scripture
"In everything, deal with others as you would like them to deal with you."
(Matthew 7:12)
Reflection
"Goodwill in the soul is the source of all good things and the mother of all virtues.
Those who possess it hold in their hand - without fear of losing it - all that is necessary to lead a good life."
- St. Albert the Great
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant me the true spirit of goodwill toward all. Let me be ever ready to carry out Your will and to come to the aid of all I encounter on this earthly pilgrimage.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Bummer
For any of you following this year's World Cup in Germany, you may already know that the US is headed home after two disappointing losses to the Czech Repupublic and Ghana and a draw with Italy to place them at the bottom of their group. Prayers for a safe trip home, fellas.
Time to turn our focus to the Swedes (my wife's family is Swedish) as they advance to play England.
Out yesterday
Went to Paramount King's Island yesterday. Great time. More with pictures on this here.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Prayer Intentions
Please pray for my brother, Todd and his family as they fly in from San Diego today.
Also, keep Father Jim in your prayers as he continues to travel around the world on a much deserved vacation.O Almighty and merciful God, who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be their assiduous companions from their setting out until their return; to clothe them with their invisible protection; to keep from them all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of fall and bruises, and finally, having preserved them from all evil, and especiallyf rom sin, to guide them to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
UPDATE
I just got some pictures Father Jim took on his vacation. See the slideshow.
From My Inbox: Drug Problem
The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methaphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and asked an older gentleman a rhetorical question. "Why wasn't there a drug problem when you were young?"
The man replied: "I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday.
I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.
I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter what the weather.
I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.
I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word.
I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower bed and cockleburs out of dad's fields.
I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul, we had to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.
These drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place."
Tags: From My Inbox
Friday, June 16, 2006
Feast of Corpus Christi
This weekend begins the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Please find time this weekend to spend some time in Eucharistic Adoration. Remember that during Eucharistic Adoration, it is important for us to listen to what God is saying to us. This is not a time for us to be asking God to listen to what we have to say.
Monday, June 12, 2006
From My Inbox: Prescribed by the Great Physician
The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
Now! No more excuses! God can use you to your full potential.. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
Have a great day!!! The SON is shining and he can certainly use you!
Tags: From My Inbox
Lord, Hear Our Prayer
Special Intentions to keep in mind and in prayer this week:
Friday, June 9, 2006
Minute Meditations - June 9
Scripture
"Stay awake and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
(Matthew 26:41)
Reflection
"Jesus, Who feared nothing, experieinced fear and asked to be freed from death - although He knew it was impossible.
How much more must we perservere in prayer before temptation assails us - so that we may be freed when the test has come!"
- St. Ephrem
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to work out my salvation in fear and trembling. Let me pray daily that I may withstand temptation and carry out Your will in all things.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Thursday, June 8, 2006
From My Inbox: Prayer for Spiritual Growth
Prayer For Spiritual Growth
Lord, where shall I find you?
High and hidden is your place.
And where shall I not find you?
The world is full of your glory.
I have sought your nearness,
With all my heart I called you
and in going out to meet you
I found you coming in to meet me.
By Judah Halevi
(A Spanish poet and philosopher)
Tags: From My Inbox
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
PG Rating for evangelism
It's a sad state when the MPAA places "too much religion" in the same category as "brief nudity", "violence", and "strong themes". But that is what they have done to Facing the Giants, a low budget film focusing on overcoming the odds in life with help from the Lord.
The story from Scripps Howard News Service, highlights why the MPAA chose this rating:"What the MPAA said is that the movie contained strong 'thematic elements' that might disturb some parents," said Kris Fuhr, vice president for marketing at Provident Films, which is owned by Sony Pictures. Provident plans to open the film next fall in 380 theaters nationwide with the help of Samuel Goldwyn Films, which has worked with indie movies like "The Squid and the Whale."
Which "thematic elements" earned this squeaky-clean movie its PG?
"Facing the Giants" is too evangelistic.
The MPAA, noted Fuhr, tends to offer cryptic explanations for its ratings. In this case, she was told that it "decided that the movie was heavily laden with messages from one religion and that this might offend people from other religions. It's important that they used the word 'proselytizing' when they talked about giving this movie a PG. ...
Read about the plot of the movie here.
Minute Meditations - June 7
Scripture
"By faith we come to understand."
(Hebrews 11:3)
Reflection
"Understanding is the reward of faith.
Therefore, seek not to understand that you may believe - bu believe that you may understand."
- St. Augustine
Prayer
Triune God, grant that I may have a strong living faith in You and in Your divine plan of salvation. Help me to believe so that I may understand and love my Christian heritage.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Bloggin Around
Some posts of interest as I was surfin' the Catholic blogsphere:
That's it for now.
Prayer intention
I would ask for your prayers, once again, as my family and I discern over a very important decision. No details. Just prayers, please.
Minute Meditations - June 6
Scripture
"I tell you: her many sins have been forgiven her because she has shown great love."
(Luke 7:47)
Reflection
"Christian should always remember the value of their good works is not based on number and excellence.
Their value is based on the love for God that prompts them to do the good works."
- St. John of the Cross
Prayer
Loving Father, help me to be motivated always by true love for You. Let me not worry so much about what I do but why I do it.
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Saturday, June 3, 2006
Pictures and Videos
I have posted some pictures, slideshows and videos over at Parties and Pictures.
Minute Meditations - June 4
Scripture
"Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path."
(Psalms 119: 105)
Reflection
"Being, a Christian means saying "yes" to Jesus Christ.
It consists in surrendering to the Word of God and relying on it, but also endeavoring to know better and better the profounf meaning of this Word."
- Pope John Paul II
Prayer
Self-revealing God, let me rely always on Your all-enlightening Word. Help me to read it often, study it diligently, ponder it well, and put it into practice in my daily life."
- Every Day is a Gift
Tags: Minute Meditations
Friday, June 2, 2006
Music That Matters: Barlow Girl, Jonah33
Here are three songs that epitomize the lukewarmness (is that a word?) that so many of us feel in our spiritual lives. I think that "going through the motions" is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it seems that with everything we are called to do like being a parent and spouse, our jobs, our volunteerism, etc., it good to be on "autopilot" every once in awhile. It is what keeps us sane and prevents us from feeling overwhelmed and losing sight of what is really important.
I think Barlow Girl sums it up nicely in "Never Alone" when they say:I cry out with no reply
Thanks to my anonymous reader for supplying me with another three-pack. I got it yesterday, so for you hockey fans out there, I guess this is a "hat-trick"
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone
We cannot separate
You're part of me
and though You're invisible
I trust the unseen
Click here for other Music That Matters posts.
Grey
BarlowGirl
Album - Another Journal Entry
Greys my favorite color
Black and white has never been my thing
I'll take my drink lukewarm now
Hot and cold is not the thing for me
Absolutes are hidden
I've buried my convictions
Chorus:
I cannot be blind no more
Numb to what I'm living for
Help me stop this compromise that justifies these lies
I need Your passion in this life
I don't want to impose
Who really needs to know what I believe
Cause no one likes rockin boats
And who would care to see the way I see
Absolutes are hidden
I've buried my convictions
I cannot be blind no more
Numb to what I'm living for
Help me stop this compromise that justifies these lies
I need Your passion in this life
So give me the fire, yeah
God give me Your fire
And raise this life higher
I cannot be blind no more
Numb to what Im living for
Help me stop this compromise that justifies these lies
I need Your passion in this life
I cannot be blind no more
Numb to what I'm living for
Help me stop this compromise that justifies these lies
I need Your passion in this life
Grey's my favorite color, yeah!
Never Alone
Barlow Girl
Album - Another Journal Entry
I waited for You today
But You didn't show
No. No. No
I needed You today
So where did you go?
You told me to call
Said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?
Chorus:
I cry out with no reply and
I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone.
And though I cannot see You
and I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life oh
We cannot separate
'Cause You're part of me
and though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen
Chorus:
I cry out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone
We cannot separate
You're part of me
and though You're invisible
I trust the unseen
Chorus:
I cry out with no reply
and I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone
Faith Like That
Jonah33
Album - Jonah33
I have heard about the days of old
About the men who followed You
And how they saw the Supernatural
And became the chosen few
So I come before You now
Tearing off my earthly crowns
for this one thing I have Found
I want Faith Like That
To see the dead rise
or to see You pass by
Oh I, I want Faith Like That
Whatever the cost
I'll suffer the loss, Oh I
I want Faith Like That
I'm not looking for a miracle
Signs and Wonders are things thereof
I caught a glimpse of what You want from me
and what I have is not enough
I read the story one more time
of those who gave to You their lives
With no fear or compromise
I want Faith Like That
To see the dead rise
or to see You pass by
Oh I, I want Faith Like That
Whatever the cost
I'll suffer the loss, Oh I
I want the Faith that can move any mountain
and send them to the sea
I want the Faith that can break every stronghold
That keeps you, keeps you from me
I want Faith Like That
To see the dead rise
or to see You pass by
Oh I, I want Faith Like That
I want Faith Like That
To see the dead rise
or to see You pass by
Oh I, I want Faith Like That
Whatever the cost
I'll suffer the loss, Oh I
I want Faith Like That, a Faith like that
Thursday, June 1, 2006
From My Inbox: Scars
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door leaving shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.
He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the center of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore. His father working in the yard saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.
Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to his father. It was too late.
Just as he reached his father,the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.
A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boyrecovered. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the alligator and, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to his son.
The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go."
You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret . But, some wounds are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your life He's been there holding onto you.
The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way, but sometimes we wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.
The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins. If you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.
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