by Andy Wood on September 15, 2008
in 100 Words
I live in a town that prays for rain.
Not with superstition or religious sophistry, but with humble, believing cries to Jesus Christ.
Averaging 14-plus inches annually, our ag-based economy depends on rain.
I also live in a town that educates students.
Lots of them.
Sometimes educated people scoff at people who pray for rain.
They’re embarrassed to live in the same town with such backwards people.
In this town, there is one place where the praying people and the educated people gather in the same spot.
Thursday it rained. More than six inches, to be exact.
Gimme a “J”!
Problems are real.
Promises are important.
And the faith that clings to them often fragile.
That’s why it’s a good idea, if you’re offering yourself (or your church or organization) as the solution to somebody’s possibly-desperate problem, to make absolutely certain that somebody is there to answer the phone.
Or that the phone is actually there in the first place.
They may not be thinking about jumping off.
Maybe they just need a tank of gas…
A safe, friendly voice…
Or answers without religious jargon or clichés.
Maybe they just need to know where to find a phone that works.
(Photo – Taken on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge by Throwingbull. Used by permission.)
A Picture and a Hundred Words
A little reminder, with conventions approaching:
Politics means gaining the favor of the people. Statesmanship is executing the will of the people.
Politics is getting something said. Statesmanship is getting something done.
Politics is doing what it takes to win. Statesmanship is making the other side glad you did.
Politics is finding the parade and getting in front of it. Statesmanship is leading the parade to a desirable place.
Politicians sit and promise. Statesmen stand and deliver.
Politicians campaign for the rights of the pig (or pig owner). Statesmen clean the stalls, feed the pigs, and have bacon for breakfast.
A Picture and a Hundred Words
In a train station somewhere is a parable for our time. Just count the arrows.
Don’t you wish sometimes there was just one way out?
One way home?
Don’t you wish somebody – anybody – would make it plain?
Multiple choice is fine when you’re picking soup or paint colors.
But some decisions require a way – a truth.
When the “way out” only involves a map, any set of steps will do.
But when it’s real life you’re looking for, limit your choices to Someone who is willing to be the way – not just point.
“I AM,” said He.
He is.
(Photo by liamvictor)
Take a look at this exquisite photo. It was taken by a guy in the UK named Wez Smith. I found it yesterday, and remembered again what an amazingly beautiful world is that we live in.
Know what it is?
I’ll tell you in a minute.
Don’t you love how even the seeming imperfections of each petal all come together to form a beautiful whole?
How even the “rough edges” all come together in a symphony of striking color?
How whatever that seed part in the middle is called (I’m no botanist) suggests the amazing reproducible wonder of future life? Future potential? Even more beauty?
Figured out what it is yet, Mr. Green Jeans?
[click to continue…]
Sometimes a picture’s worth, well, you know…
My dad sent me this. Look at it closely.
I can sure relate… imagine sitting in this and punching the gas at a red light. “Gentlemen (and ladies)! Start your diversions!”
Sometimes where you’re pointed and where you’re headed aren’t exactly the same direction.