Fear. We try to hold it back, or keep it in our rearview mirror as we travel on life's highway. The fear of not being able to control events that swirl around us is troubling. However, the fear of not being able to control events that impact a loved one is mind numbing.
That, my friends, is where I am at right now. The person that I love and care for the most is facing a troubling time, and I am powerless to do anything about it. My gal suffered two terrible strokes, dying twice, ten years ago. The seven stents she received only had a ten year window, and there isn't really anything that can be done. Unfortunately, there is no stent replacement surgery. Over the past few weeks she has been suffering from nausea, headaches, and dizziness. My gal has had a couple of bad falls in the last couple weeks. It is troubling to see someone who on the outside is the picture of health suffering, and worrying, over issues on the inside that are beyond our ability to control. I believe that God has a plan for all of us. That He is in control. Yet, it is difficult to just let go and trust Him as we spin and tumble with certain problems in life. I guess that is what true faith is. I would ask for your prayers as we travel down this difficult path. My friends, if you are facing similar challenges in your life, believe me you are not alone. Joshua 1:9 Sometimes it is just impossible to wrap your arms around the ridiculousness of life.
Would there be penguins if this happened in Noah's day? And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female.-Genesis 6:19 Penguin chick at Sea Life London to be raised 'gender neutral' www.irishpost.com/news/penguin-chick-sea-life-london-raised-gender-neutral-171139 It is hard to believe that I wrote this over 35 years ago. It is an actual conversation I had with a new friend in the US after spending 5 years in England. (Do not be offended) The other day I had s discussion with a friend who was looking through my old high school yearbook. “What did you call niggers in England?” inquired my friend. “Well,” I started to reply, “it depended . . .” “Oh, on what?” “Well if his name was Robert, I’d call him Bob, Rob or Bobby. If she were a girl named Charlene, I’d call her Char or Cherry . . .” “You mean you didn’t call them spades, fuzzies or niggers?” asked my startled friend. “Why should I have? The never called me honky, whitey or redneck. In fact the only words really used for each other were friend or bro.” I didn’t see much of my friend after that, I suppose he saw me as a threat to white supremacy. A very wise man once said, “And just as you want people to do to you, do the same to them.” Sometimes I wonder if we really read all the books we say we do? Back “in the day,” when a person died they were usually laid out for a couple of days at the funeral home. These viewings gave friends and family members a chance to say good bye, pray or just to see the deceased one more time. Husbands, wives, and family members would dutifully stand next to the casket as the condolence line stopped, offered kind words, and said how good the body looked.
However, in today’s fast paced world things are changing. We, thanks to social media, have lost touch with many of the basic building blocks of a civilized society; the major one being, the human touch. Obituaries are posted on the internet, and you can sign the virtual guest book. Too busy? Send a text, email, or sign the previously mentioned guest book. It is unfortunate that work demands are such, that working less than 50 hours a week can get you frowned upon by your district, or regional, “management team.” If you are part of the great unwashed, chances are, you’re working two or three part-time jobs, just to make ends meet. No one has the time to spend with their living friends and family, let alone the ones that have passed on to a final resting place. I can imagine a time when a body will be laid out in a drive-thru window, and mourners can drive by, sign a guestbook, and go about their day. I can see Starbucks opening up a chain of Starbucks View with a Brew, where the bereaved will be handed a latte, coffee, or frappuccino as they drive by and pay their last respects. Would McDonald’s, Wendy’s or any other fast food joint, pass on this opportunity? I think not. Eventually, viewings could just end up on snapchat. One picture out, one response back. What could be easier, and more convenient, than a “one and done viewing,” with absolutely no human contact? The obstacles keep falling on my path, the hurdles keep getting higher, and the hill seems to have grown steeper; I am getting tired.
Lord, give me the strength to carry on. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy tobe praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.-Psalm 18:2-3 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.-Proverbs 15:1-3
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john Gregory ParksI only worry about the things I can control; as I control nothing, I have no worries. Archives
January 2023
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