forgiveness – Page 22 – Grits with Grace

forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful

Stop the Music

Posted on August 18, 2022August 17, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:40-42

I am so easily distracted. I mean if there is more than one thing going on at a time I flounder. One of the great miracles of modern time is that when I am on stage speaking, I walk, talk, and breathe all at the same time. Probably more of a miracle is the fact that I have not fallen off the stage—yet. I’m sure there is a syndrome or something for people like me—I think they spell it “man” or “men,” if it is plural.

I try to have a quiet time each morning. A quiet time is when you set apart some time to read the Bible and pray. It is a great way to begin or end the day. The name is very appropriate. For me, it must be quiet. Sometimes I like to change things up, and in the process get too many things going on—which usually means more than one. It’s like going through a buffet line. We must be careful not to get too much on our plate. Well, sometimes that happens to me in my quiet time. Let me explain.

First, I do my quiet time thing on my iPad. I use the You Version app and it is just incredible. If you own a smartphone or a tablet of some sort you can download the app from the Apple or Android store for free. It has all kinds of devotions and reading plans as well as a zillion translations of the Bible. Even if you speak Swahili, they can fix you up. No kidding. One of the totally cool features of the app is that it will read the Bible to you. Amazing.

Well, a while back, I was about to start my quiet time and decided I would try some soft music. I asked Alexa, who lives with Judy and me, to play some music. I said, “Alexa please play Christian instrumental music on Pandora.” As always, she was so kind and said she would be glad to do that. In a few seconds beautiful music was wafting through the air in my office. Then I opened my You Version app and began to read. I was able to pull that off well, but I really had to concentrate on the words on the page and not the words of the songs that were playing. Just to be as clear as mud, the words weren’t really playing—they were just playing in my head. I told you, I get easily distracted.

Well, scripture is a part of most every devotion in You Version so after I had read the devotion, I mashed the button that started the app reading to me. That’s when things went south. The beautiful music is wafting through the air and now this guy was reading God’s word to me and the two collided in my brain. I found I couldn’t focus on either one. The same thing happens when I am watching the news and Judy comes in and starts chatting. It is an audio disaster. And then, as if it couldn’t, it got worse.

In my home office I have several clocks and one of them plays the beautiful Westminster chimes. Well, while my brain was struggling with the music and the guy reading to me—the clock went off. It was the top of the hour, and it began playing its melody. And what would normally be one of my favorite sounds, suddenly pushed me over the edge. If a quiet time is supposed to make you more spiritual…it, or rather I, failed. As the music is wafting, the guy is reading, and the clock is dinging—I lost it.

With all that going on, I shouted, yes shouted, at my friend Alexa, “Alexa, STOP THE MUSIC!” Oh my, did I feel bad. She did and at about the same time the clock stopped dinging and the guy stopped reading. Suddenly…there were only the sounds of silence and the Whisperer whispering, “Dewayne, it’s ok. Don’t let all this stuff that doesn’t matter get to you. Just listen for Me and to Me and everything else will fall into place.” That’s it. That was the message for the quiet time that day. I told my Father I was sorry for getting all frustrated and, as always, He gently whispered words of forgiveness.

In the Bible a woman named Martha got all frustrated and distracted too and Jesus told her the same thing. He told her not what she wanted to hear but what she needed to hear. He told her that she was all worked up over nothing. I guess it’s good to know that I’m not the only one who gets distracted and frustrated. Did I mention annoyed? Jesus invited Martha to come have a seat with Him and rest and it’s the same invitation He gives us. I like that. And do you know what? No matter the mess, it’s just good to know that He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, life, loving others, Scripture, Trials

Steel Gladiators

Posted on August 8, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Hi Grits Family! Hey, my wife Judy and I are going to be “out of pocket” aka “not available” to write for the next couple of weeks. During that time, we decided to send out some of our past stories. I hope you enjoy the ones we selected and look forward to some “fresh Grits” in a couple of weeks. God bless. Bro. Dewayne

Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.” Ecclesiastes 7:8

We were opposite each other—two fire breathing chariots just waiting. Well, that isn’t exactly how it happened but maybe it was. My wife Judy and I were returning from a trip to Kentucky where grits and a southern draw are standard issue. We were back in our town of Harrisburg and were going to swing by the church to check a couple of things for an event that evening. We were giving away some food boxes and wanted to make sure we were set to go. To get there we had to cross a busy intersection. I pulled up and that’s when I saw him sitting there. He was anxiously waiting for a break in the steady stream of cars. Even from that distance I could see his darting eyes as his sweaty palms gripped his steering wheel.

I pulled up on the opposite side of the road headed in the opposite direction. We were two men, to gladiators of automobiles, about to pass side by side. I knew he was there first, so he had the right a way…that was never in debate. I also knew there would be only a quick window to cross the road. There was no blinker on my opponent’s car—we would pass quickly like two ships in the night. I knew, too, that there was a chance that he would not follow the rules. Blinker or not, he might turn across my lane. Try as I might, I couldn’t read his mind or his intentions.

Suddenly there was a break in the traffic, my left foot moved from my brake to my accelerator, and I was sure the same was happening in the car opposite me. Like I said…two ships in the night…side by side in opposite directions. No deal. No challenge. And, then, yes, it happened.

Instead of going straight as his no blinker indicated he cut across in front of me and turned. I had fallen for the oldest trick in the book. It was the old “I’m really going to turn but I’m not going to tell you” trick! Well, I quickly hit my brakes as he quickly turned in from of my chariot. I confess. I gave him the two hands in the air, “Dude, what are you doing?” gesture and he responded with the two hands in the air, “Dude, I had the right of way” gesture. It was all over in a moment of time. Two gladiators of steel on two totally different wave lengths of communication that left both of us wondering. First, him wondering why I was upset when he clearly had the right of way and second, me wondering why he didn’t let me know he was going to turn in front of me. Hey…blinker equals turn. No blinker equals no turn. Dude.

Are you confused by now? Are you wondering what this is all about? Does any of it really matter? Probably the answer to all three of those questions is, wait for it, no. But it does show how easily it is to miscommunicate our intentions and it also shows just how easy it is for moments of waiting to escalate to moments of tension. And, amazingly, it doesn’t have to involve two gladiators of steel waiting at an intersection. It can easily be the one you are married to, or the ones you gave birth to, or the ones that you work with or, my favorite, the ones you sit next to in worship at church.

But the answer is always the same. Keep your foot on the brake till you know clearly what the other person’s intention is. Just wait, be patient, and most likely you will come out looking a little bit more like Jesus and the more gallant in the exchange. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.” Hmmm…that’s good. We usually have more time than we think, and we all know the pleasure of letting someone go first. They smile and think, “What a nice person.” And most times, that beats beating someone across an intersection, or to a place in line or to a parking spot.

Ok, you gladiators of steel, all right you Walmart line cutters, it’s time to keep our foot on the brake and our hearts in our chest. Let’s determine that nothing is more important than for a Jesus follower to act like Jesus—at the intersection, in the line, at home or at church. Feeling challenged about now? I know, me too, that’s why it is so important to remember, “He’s got this.” So, ladies and gentlemen…start your engines. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, Scripture, Southern born, wisdom

My Clock is a Liar

Posted on July 29, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

My clock lies to me. Throughout my life I have had times when I collect things. Once it was eagles. To this day I love eagles but there was a time I would go to the mall or any store that might sell them and tell Judy, “I’m going to look for eagles.” If I found one, I would buy it. Not too long ago it was BB guns. It started with a Red Ryder model (the one from the movie, “A Christmas Story”). The next thing I knew I had nine BB guns and pistols. Boom. Just like that. Over the years urges have come and gone but there is one that has kinda stuck with me. Clocks.

A long time ago (and in a galaxy far, far away…you know, like the Star Wars movies) I started collecting clocks. Unlike eagles and BB guns, this one can get rather pricy. But it started rather innocently. When Judy and I were stationed in Germany near the French border, we went to a flea market with a couple of good friends. My friend spied a German wall clock laying on the ground, halfway in a mud puddle and ended up buying it. The long story made short is that I ended up talking him out of it. It was a swap kinda thing. It is a bing-bam clock which means it strikes on the hour and half-hour. It was pretty old then, and now, 42 years later, it is like me, a lot older.

It is a special clock because of the story and all the memories but it does have a problem. It lies. You see, over the years it has developed this nasty habit of saying one thing and doing another. As I mentioned, it is designed to bing-bam on the half-hour and then on the hour it counts the time out. If it is 4:00 then it will bing-bam four times. You can hear it shouting out the time almost throughout the house. It was nostalgic and handy. And then it starting lying. It started innocently enough—at 1:00 it would sound two times instead of once. It was predictable so I just lived with it. Now, well now, it lies big time. Randomly, and throughout the day it sounds the wrong time.

Well, adjusting the clock is quite easy…or at least it is supposed to be. So, if it was showing 4:00 but counting five, I would simply stopped the clock and moved the hour hand to five. I waited an hour to restart the clock—problem solved—or not. I restarted old faithful and at 6:00 it sounded five. So, I slid the hour hand to 5:00 and waited and sure enough it chimed six. No matter what I did the clock lied. It has stubbornly developed a very bad habit. Hmmmm.

Fortunately for the old clock, I like it a lot. Its value to me goes way beyond its value as a time teller—it is part of the family. Because of that, I’m willing to tolerate its bad habit. I don’t like it. I don’t trust it. It is frustrating, but in this case, it is mostly harmless. I simply have learned to believe it when I can read the dial but not when I can only hear it. It’s a negotiated settlement. That works fine for clocks—but it is not fine for people.

When I was growing up telling the truth was a pretty big deal. Now, I would be the last to tell you that I always did it. I didn’t. But the bottom line was if you did the crime—you did the time. Lie and get caught (and invariably I did) and Alston and Leslie (that’s daddy and mama) made sure you received a refresher course on the importance of telling the truth. Whether it was a spanking or washing my mouth out with soap—I learned lying was a bad deal.

I think daddy and mama must have talked to Jesus about it because He thought it was a big deal too. One time, there was a group of religious leaders who had a problem speaking or even liking the truth. Jesus cut loose on them and said, “You are just like your father the devil. When he lies he is just speaking his natural language. He is the father of lies and the truth is not in him.” Wow—so if you ever wonder why lying made the big ten—now you know.

Today we live in a culture of convenience and whatever works for you—you kinda go with it. If telling a lie makes things a little easier—just cut loose and worry about the consequences later. Its like the 60’s “if it feels good do it” on steroids. Just know this. No matter what culture says lying is a big deal—regardless if you are a preacher, a politician, or the guy next door. God says it so it is a nonnegotiable for His followers. Oh, and even if you’re not a God follower you will still find life has fewer consequences and less regrets when you make the truth the standard.

As I finish this story, the old clock got it right. An hour ago—it got it wrong. Good grief…I just wish it would make up its mind to tell the truth. Speaking of truth—here are two you can count on every time. First…you can always trust and rest in creator God. Second…He’s got this. And that friend—is the truth. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, Scripture, thankful, travel, Trials

Night and Day

Posted on July 26, 2022July 23, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

One man’s way of packing is another woman’s dump, stuff and close. Judy and I have been married for 46 years. In case you are wondering that is 552 months (give or take a few days) and 16,831 sunrises and sunsets. It has been an incredible journey that has been marked by a few bumps and a whole lot of good times. You might ask, “So what’s the secret?” Well, I am sure there are several. We both are Jesus followers though she is a lot better at it than I am. We are both committed to our marriage—she would kill me if I even thought of leaving. And, honesty, she is a really, classy lady. With that being said, I can tell you one reason that didn’t make the list. We are alike.

Nope, ain’t gonna happen, you gotta be kidding me.” In fact, we are pretty “unalike” in several ways. She is definitely more optimistic. In fact, she is so optimistic that for her it’s not a matter of the glass being half-full or empty—she doesn’t even need a glass. Me, well, not so much. I need to analyze and rationalize. Judy thrives around people. Put her a room of strangers and she is a like a pinball game going from person to person—sharing, chatting, and laughing. Me, well, I head to the nearest wall and lean. If I can find one person to talk with—I’m good.

On the other side of the coin, I am organized. Go to my office, either at home or work, and you will find a neat and tidy desk. A place for everything and everything it is place. Go into Judy’s office and you might have a difficult time finding the desk. I am generally a focused person. If there is a task to do, I sit down and get it done. If the house is on fire, that will have to wait until I am done. Judy would probably not notice the house was on fire and if she did notice, she would immediately begin visiting with the firemen.

Now you probably need to know that Judy suggested this story. We are leaving for vacation soon. Can someone say “YAY”? That foray will cause us to have to pack our luggage. Now given what you know, here’s how it will go. I will take my suitcase, lay everything out on the bed, carefully fold and sort each item, and then assign them a specific place in the luggage. I will overpack because you never know what you might need. When I get done the suitcase will look like a clothing file cabinet—neatly packed.

Judy, on the other hand, has a different technique. She, too, will place her luggage either on the bed or floor. She too will probably overpack because you never know what you will need, however, that’s where the similarity ends. She will then proceed to dump her clothes, shoes, etc., in the bag, on the bag, and anywhere near the bag. Then she will begin to heap and pile the clothes in the hopes that the thing will close when she is done. It’s a fifty-fifty chance. She may call in reinforcements (me) if needed but that is always a last resort.

Like I said, in many ways we are not alike. But, with that said, that is not a weakness, it is a strength. Where I am weak, she is strong and vice versa. We have learned (and are still learning) that the power of a team lies in loving, sharing, working together and yes, forgiving. Oh, and I also have learned the power of two incredibly powerful words, “Yes, dear.” No, that would be “I’m sorry.” In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 it says, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” You can take that to the bank.

There’s one more thing that is quite interesting. In our 16,831 days of marriage, we have shared 14,615 of those as a team working together in vocational ministry. I am certain that without Judy, and all the ways we are different, we would not have seen all the amazing things God has done. It is a story of love, grace, loyalty, and friendship. Now before you gag yourself and throw up, know that we definitely don’t always get it right. But there is one thing you can take it to the bank. The Bible says that we are fearful and wonderfully [and let me add differently] made. Someone once said if you and your spouse are alike then one of you isn’t necessary. Hmmm.

So, there you go. I hope today’s big truth, that it is more than ok to be different, will strengthen your resolve and commitment in your marriage. But I think it works at work, at church, and even with your neighbors. And when the frustration begins to build, like the next time he or she doesn’t pack the way you do, remember this—hang tight because both of you will get to the same place in the end. And if it gets really hard—just go and sit with your Dearest Father and rest. He’ll whisper some things like “let it go—it doesn’t matter how they pack it just matters that you keep traveling together.” And you will say, “Oh yeah…that’s right.” And He will remind you once again that, it’s ok because…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, forgiveness, Grace, life, love, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

It Was an Accident

Posted on July 21, 2022July 20, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

I am sure the doctor just rolled his eyes. When I was eleven or twelve, you know about sixth grade, my Daddy and Momma got me one of the coolest Christmas presents ever. Most of you have seen the movie “A Christmas Story” about a kid who wanted a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Well, this story isn’t like that, but it’s about something even better than a Red Ryder BB gun. That year, wait for it, they got me a Daisy double-barrel BB gun. It was designed after a real double-barrel shotgun. It had two barrels (you probably figured that out), two triggers, and even broke in the middle to cock it. It was amazing.

I can remember going outside to shoot that gun…there was not another one like it in the whole neighborhood. I wish I could tell you how well I took care of it…especially since, if you can find one now, they would sell for well over a thousand dollars. But honestly, it was well used, and under cared for, and one day one of the barrels stopped working. Well, I always enjoyed fixing things, so I just started taking things apart to work on it. I figured out that the left barrel wasn’t working. So, I took the “BB thingy” inside the barrel out, cleaned it really good, oiled it, and then stuck it back in.

After I put everything back together, I cocked the gun and pulled the trigger, but as far as I could tell it still wasn’t working. I decided that I would put my finger over the bad barrel to see if I could feel any air coming out. Now, I know that sounds like a really, bad idea, and it was. I know it was not smart or safe. I know it was just pure old dumb. But, regardless, I did it. I sure wish I hadn’t.

Well, things wouldn’t have been so bad because as it turns out the barrel wasn’t working. The problem was that I had my finger over the wrong barrel and pulled the wrong trigger and as I squeezed that trigger, the gun fired, and a BB went right into my finger…clear to the bone. Oh, and yes, that was a dumb idea, and yes, it did hurt…boy, did it hurt.

I put the gun down and ran into the house holding my throbbing and bleeding third finger on my right hand. Momma didn’t have time to give me a lecture or even holler at me. We headed straight to the emergency room. After checking in we saw the doctor who when he heard the story gave me that, “what a really a dumb idea” look. After numbing things up, he proceeded to dig around with a medical tweezer until he found the BB, got ahold of it and pulled it out. Shot or no shot—it hurt. I got a nice bandage and the opportunity to make a story up on what happened. I wasn’t about to tell the truth…that was way too embarrassing.

If you look on my right hand and at my ring finger you can still see to this day a nice little dimple where the BB went into my finger. It is there to remind me not to stick my finger over the barrel of a BB gun…or any gun for that matter. It is there to remind me that there are consequences when we choose dumb over smart, or wrong over right. It reminds me of that part of the Bible that says the rules of God are always right…whatever you plant, you harvest. Do dumb and you get dumb consequences…every time.

I hope this Grits will help me and you both to think before we act…you know, to think things through. Fortunately, God is more than ready to help us make the right decisions if we are willing to ask. Uh, I didn’t ask that day and when we just don’t get around to doing that…well, He is still there to help us deal with the consequences too. I’m glad He’s not like the doctor, rolling His eyes at my mistakes. No, He is too loving to do that. In fact, if you listen, you will hear Him say, “Don’t worry, dumb or not, I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

I Hated Him (part 2)

Posted on July 15, 2022July 14, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

But when [Peter] saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him.” Matthew 14:29-31

His name was Richard Jackson…and I hated him. Of course, if you read the story from July 13, you already knew that. He was a bully and for some reason he chose me to push around. It was the eighth grade and Richard Jackson was bigger than every other eighth grader. He was probably bigger than half of the Marine Corp. Anyway, I was his target.

He and his lackey Mark Williams announced one day that they would be riding my bus to my stop and would then proceed to “beat me up.” It was a long day waiting to get beat up, and they did board the bus, they did get off at my stop and sure enough, egged on by Richard Jackson, Mark Williams started the fight. He popped me in the mouth and knocked me down. I did my best to fight back but it was clear my best was not going to get the job done that day. I wish I could tell you how I taught him a lesson but that would be fiction. He was on top; I was on the bottom, and I was losing.

This is the part of the story that is very hard for me to write because every guy that ever reads this is going to write me off as a loser. All I can say is before you do…you weren’t there. Well, here goes. My older sister was on the bus that day and while she was smaller than Richard Jackson, she was bigger than me and bigger than Mark Williams. So, she, well, she rescued me. She pulled Mark Williams off me and proceeded to tell him to “leave my brother alone.”

Well, that broke the fight up and we started the long walk to our house which was about a third of a mile away. Behind us, Richard Jackson and his lackey chided us and threatened us. It was the longest third of a mile I ever walked and with every slicing word and insult from Richard Jackson, I felt smaller and smaller. When we arrived at our driveway, my Momma just happened to be standing in the yard and when she heard and saw what was going on she made sure Richard Jackson and his lackey understood that they had better leave her son alone.

Now this is hard. First, I knew I needed their help but to be rescued by, first my sister, and then my Momma destroyed any self-dignity I had…which honestly wasn’t much. But at the same time without them, well, it would have been even uglier. You see, the truth is sometimes we just need help. Actually, the truth is we need help almost every day. We are not built to stand or fight alone. That is true for life and its ugly circumstances, and it is true when we fight the spiritual battles in life.

Even if you don’t believe in God, you must admit there is plenty of evil in this world and at the end of the day that will point you to a very real devil. And just like Richard Jackson, he wants more than anything to destroy you or at least make you feel like you’ve been destroyed. Like it or not…we all need a rescue and the good news there is a rescuer, and His name is Jesus. God took on Satan a long time ago and it was a no contest. Read the Bible and you will see in the end—God wins and if we choose to follow Him—we win too.

In this world, with all its craziness, I know it seems that evil is going to win. I bet that day when Jesus was nailed to a Roman cross and died…Satan assumed the war was over and He had bested God. Well, three days later proved a different reality. No, he didn’t win the war and he didn’t win the battle. He played right into God’s hands. So, while I was embarrassed that day, I was also grateful for the rescue. You may think you don’t need rescuing; you don’t need God but trust me…without Him…well, hard just got harder.

Why not ask Him to rescue you today? When Peter was about to drown one day, he called out…and Jesus was there. Why not finally admit this thing called life and eternity is a battle we can’t win on our own? Why not give God a shot at being the rescuer you need? If you do, if you will, you will never have to fight the bullies of life alone again. You will always have…not a sister…not a Momma…but a Mighty Warrior by your side. And, when the bullies of life walk up, you can be assured that He will whisper, “Don’t worry…I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

I Hated Him

Posted on July 13, 2022July 12, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:32

His name was Richard Jackson and I hated him. I know, I know…hate is a strong word, and you aren’t supposed to hate someone or anyone. But lying is wrong too and the truth is…I hated him. Besides all that I was in the eighth grade, so it was a long time ago and it was also before I decided to follow Jesus. I’ve wanted to write this story before, but I’ve always put it off…until today.

Anyone who knows anything can tell you that junior high, or middle school as they call it now, can be difficult…and mine was. I never was in the cool crowd at school…I just didn’t make the cut. And add to that I was a little too short and a little too pudgy and I guess that just made me a target. Richard Jackson wasn’t in the cool group either he was in that nether land where people go who aren’t really nerdy but aren’t cool either. In another world, Richard Jackson would be a target like me…but he wasn’t.

Richard Jackson wasn’t a target because he was the one who targeted others. By a twist of fate, he was big, real big. I’m not sure if he was big because of his DNA or the fact that he probably spent too many years in the eighth grade. Regardless, he was big and for whatever reason, when he looked for someone to push around and bully, he found me. We didn’t share classes, we didn’t live in the same neighborhood, and we sure didn’t go to the same church. Come to think about it, I’m sure Richard Jackson didn’t go to church.

Anyway, Richard Jackson, for most of my eighth-grade year made it his business to make me miserable. He would push and shove and threaten me almost daily. To make matters worse, Richard Jackson had a lackey who would hang around him. If Richard Jackson was big, Mark Williams wasn’t. He was skinny, almost scrawny, but all that didn’t matter because he belonged to Richard Jackson. Well, Richard Jackson decided that Mark Williams should beat me up and one day he said just that. He promised to ride my bus and get off at my stop and pummel me. That was a long day as I waited all day to get beat up.

Well, I got on the bus, they got on the bus and when it came to my bus stop…we all got off. Richard Jackson instantly started in on me and at the same time encouraging his lackey to hit me. Well, he did, square on the mouth and then we took to the ground and wrestled around a bit before it was all over. Well, every day for months I would take my tongue and feel the large knot on my lip. Every day for months I relived those few moments trying to make the outcome different. It never was. To this day, I hate that day.

I think, though I am not sure, that soon after this Richard Jackson lightened up some. In fact, by the time high school rolled around he was almost civil. His lackey Mark Williams went somewhere…maybe parole school for all I know. All I know is for a long time I allowed that day to define me. For a long time, I allowed the fear of another bully showing up to cause me to live in fear. And then finally, slowly, the fear disappeared but the scar remained.

As I write this, I still can feel the emotional pain that Richard Jackson and Mark Williams inflicted on me. And, honestly, it wouldn’t be too hard for me to hate them all over again but then I realize that wouldn’t accomplish anything. I’ve given them enough free rent in my brain already. Besides all that since those days I had another important day—I met a Man who loved me enough to die for me. I met a man who forgave me of everything I had ever done wrong. I met a man who said since I have forgiven you don’t you think you should forgive him…forgive them. And I realized He was right. If I didn’t, I was no better than they were.

Is there a Richard Jackson or a Mark Williams in your past…for present? Is there a scar on your heart the size of Texas because someone decided to put it there? Maybe just maybe it is time to let it go. Maybe it is time to forgive. As I wrote this, I was amazed at the emotion that still lingers in my heart and in my memories and I realized this forgiveness thing isn’t as easy as it seems. But that’s ok because the One who asked me to forgive stands ready to help me to forgive. He stands there ready to help, whispering, “It’s ok, I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, Integrity, life, loving others, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

Puff Graham

Posted on July 5, 2022July 4, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” Luke 16:10

Puff Graham. Those two words changed our world. Many of us have heard of and admired Billy Graham. He was a country boy who later became one of the world’s most renowned preachers. His passion and love for God and people drew millions of people to hear what he had to say. His message was simple—God loves you and he made it clear that if a person was willing to ask, God would forgive them and give them a home with Him in heaven.

Many books and plenty of documentaries have been written and made about Dr. Graham but one fact that amazes me is little known. It was 1949 and he was out in Los Angeles conducting a series of revival meetings. The crowds were good and the results incredible and the meetings when on for several weeks. Slowly, though, the meetings seemed to be losing momentum and I’m sure it crossed Billy Graham’s mind if it was time to move on. About that time something happened.

One evening, as he approached the tent where the meeting was being held, he was amazed to find the largest crowd ever. He wondered what had happened. Well, what had happened was a two-word directive from publisher William Randolph Hearst. The directive simply said, “Puff Graham.” The directive ordered all of Hearst’s vast media holdings to start promoting the young evangelist. Almost overnight, Billy Graham attained “celebrity” status.

I suppose it would have been tempting for Dr. Graham to use that to promote himself but no…he used it only to promote the One he loved. It is interesting that according to Dr. Graham, he really had no relationship with Hearst. There was no real reason for this to happen except for one…the providence and sovereignty of God. I believe God honored Billy Graham for his character and integrity. He knew He could trust the young evangelist with success. You see, the truth of the matter is riches are harder to handle than poverty and success is harder to handle than failure.

If we want God to bless us more then we need to be ready and able to handle those blessings. The One who made us knows if we are ready to be “puffed” or not. Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” The story is told of a young man applying for a job. After the interview, he and the man doing the interview went to the cafe for lunch. The young man was first in line and the other man watch as he got a pat of butter and slipped it under his napkin so he wouldn’t be charged for it. Well, he wasn’t charged, nor did he get the job.

“Puff Graham.” Two words that tell a big, big story. Let’s be sure and be the kind of people that God can do whatever He wants in our lives. Let’s live worthy of being “puffed” however that looks and whatever that means. But let’s also be the kind of people who are willing to promote others. Let’s look for opportunities to lift someone…even if it means not promoting ourselves. One thing is certain. We can trust God to do what is best for us and what is best for His Kingdom. We can rest assured that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, prayer, Scripture, thankful, Trials

The Owner’s Closet

Posted on July 1, 2022June 30, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24

It’s the one place. My wife Judy is a really smart person and one day she proved that so clearly. The place where we live has a two-bedroom apartment over the garage. Off and on through the years, various members of the tribe have stayed there but finally it was just sitting empty. Not only was it not earning its keep…it was costing us. It has its own utilities so every month we wrote a check. And then Judy had a great idea. She researched and found out there was a pretty new company called Airbnb. It helps owners of properties rent them out as a short-term vacation type rental. She wanted to give it a try…and she did.

On a shoestring budget and by watching several YouTube videos she turned that little apartment into a beautiful short-term rental. I told her it wouldn’t work. A couple of businessmen who attend our church told her it wouldn’t work. After all, who comes to Harrisburg…a small town in Southern Illinois. Well, we were all wrong and she was all right. Since 2016 when she opened for business, hundreds have stayed and instead of draining the check book, it now helps supplement our income. Amazing.

People, book the place for a fee and we give them full access to the property. They get the apartment, and trust me…it is very nice. They also get to enjoy our beautiful garden (another Judy thing), the hot tub, and a nice patio area. It is quite the deal if I say so myself. Like I said…Judy had a really good idea. However, there is one place, one small room that the guests don’t have access to…the owner’s closet.

You see, in the hallway of the apartment, there is a small walk-in closet that we keep locked. No matter how much they pay, they can’t go in there. They can have everything else…but not that. No, nada, period. Why? Well…there are a couple of reasons but the main one is that it is filled with owner stuff. It’s the storage closet where extra linens, cleaning supplies, mops, cleaning rags, decorations, things we don’t need and well, just things. If the guests were to see it, they definitely wouldn’t be impressed. They might even say, “How can the rest of the place look so beautiful, and this look so…boring?” And they would be right and that is why it is locked.

Every short-term rental that I have stayed in has an owner’s closet and I am sure none of them look as nice as the rental itself. It’s just the nature of the beast. But what about this? What about our lives? Do you have an owner’s closet in your life that no one, I mean no one, is welcome to open…to enter? Your spouse? Nope. Your children? Nope. Your friends? Nope. Your parents? Nope. God? Not even God. Maybe especially not God. While the truth is all of us have that secret place, we need to know it can be a dangerous thing. When we are tempted to hide things, well, let’s just say bad things can grow in the dark.

Perhaps it is time we have the courage to unlock the door and let a little light in. I know it can be difficult but as long as the door is locked, we won’t, we can’t change what’s inside. The best place to start is to invite God in. If you are one of His kids, or especially if you aren’t, He won’t be surprised because He already knows everything. In Psalm 139:23-24, a Book in the Jewish and Christian Bible, it says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Now that is just some great advice. Remember this…if bad things grow in the dark…bad things die in the light. If we will just have the courage to unlock the door, open the door, and even flip on the light switch…well, healing can begin, and help will be on the way. Why not take that giant step today? As you reach out with the key and slip it into the lock and turn the knob on the door, just know this. He is there with you, and He will help you all the way. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, Scripture, thankful

Thermostats

Posted on June 29, 2022June 28, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5

It just looked hot. The other day I was lying on the couch in my living room. It is one of those nice long couches with plenty of room. Even though I am not extremely tall, you might say, “height challenged,” it’s nice to know there is room to spare. Our couch sits in front of a bay window, so I had a nice view of the trees outside and the clear blue summer sky. It was good. I knew from a thermometer that registers the outside temperature that it was hot outside…really hot. And, as I was lying there, I was just thinking how grateful I was for the guy who invented air conditioners. Air conditioning is one of those things we take for granted and having been raised down south with only a window fan…well, let’s just say I’m grateful.

We are blessed at our house to have central air conditioning. I have this thingy on the wall called a thermostat and it talks to my air conditioning…they are good friends and speak their own special language. So, I tell the thermostat what temperature I like, and it tells the air conditioning. When it is needed, the thermostat prods the air conditioning and says, “Hey, we need some cool air” and just like that he fires up (no pun intended) and cools the room down. It is a great relationship. Both are needed and I am grateful for both.

Now the thermometer and the thermostat are not the same thing. You see the thermometer simply tells me the temperature, but it can’t do anything about it. I could tell the thermometer, “Hey, I’m hot,” but all it can do is confirm the truth. The thermostat on the other hand, has the ability to do something about it…and it does. One instrument tells the condition of the room but the other has the ability to control the condition of the room. How about that?

So, have you ever wondered if you are a thermometer or a thermostat? Well, probably not, but the truth is all of us at one time or another is one or the other. We find ourselves in a room of people and soon there is a discussion that goes south, and the temperature starts to rise. If we are thermometers all we do is reflect the temperature and watch it rise. But if we are thermostats, we can help control the temperature with wise words and kind actions and maybe just maybe keep friends, friends.

Jesus was a great thermostat. The four Books that talk about Him (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are filled with great examples. One time some rock chucking religious people wanted to stone a woman because she had sinned. They asked Jesus what He thought and He told them OK but the person without sin had to cast the first rock. Boy, that cooled things off. One by one the rock chucker’s stepped away till it was only He and the woman left. He told her he wasn’t going to condemn her and invited her to go and sin no more. Amazing.

Today, especially in these days, we need to be thermostats. Every day there are situations that need a good thermostat and we Jesus’ people need to rise to the occasion. Always be ready to set your thermostat to grace and then spread it around. Anybody can start a fire, or a fight or raise the temperature in a situation. Anyone can reflect the temperature, but we are called to do more. We are called to be like Jesus.

Paul, one of the guys who wrote the New Testament, said, “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.” And what would that be? It was His willingness to always go last instead of first. It was His willingness to forgive and not condemn. It was His willingness to love the loveless, touch the untouchable, and care for the most unlikely. It was being a thermostat. I know that’s not always easy. It’s easier to tell a thermostat what to do than be one! But don’t worry, God is ready and willing to help. He loves it when His kids act like His Son. No doubt…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne