Holidays – Grits with Grace

fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, Integrity, life, love, loving others, Memorial Day, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, Trials, USA

Heroes

Posted on May 29, 2023May 28, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13

Years later, it still tugs at my heart. I’m not sure how I found my way there, but I was grateful. During my assignment in Sembach, Germany we had the opportunity to see so much. From Hitler’s hideaway called “The Eagle’s Nest” in Berchtesgaden to the windmills of Holland to the Alps of Switzerland we were constantly amazed at what was all around us. But nothing prepared me for Luxembourg.

We had some friends that we had known in our days at Moody Air Force Base in South Georgia. They received orders to Germany several months before we did. They were only a couple of hours from us, so we saw each other pretty frequently. It must have been during one of our forays that we came to it—Luxembourg American Cemetery. It was one of the most hallowed sights I have ever seen.

There, in the cemetery, are 5,075 white Lasa marble crosses and stars of David. Row after row of headstones that mark the final resting place of American heroes. Each one made the ultimate sacrifice for us, for you and me, that we can live in freedom. General George Patton is buried there. Two Medal of Honor recipients are also buried there: David G. Turner and William D. McGee. Twenty-two sets of brothers lay buried side by side throughout the cemetery. Some, 371 in fact, were never found. They are simply listed as missing in action. 102 are just unknown.

This place of honor was established on December 29, 1944. Many of the soldiers died during the Battle of the Bulge…Hitler’s last push to turn the tide of the war in Germany’s favor. It failed but it came at great cost to the Allied forces. It was a harsh winter and because of the urgency of the times many were sent to fight with little or no winter gear. The desperate Germans showed little mercy to those taken prisoner. And all this occurred just nine months, nine months, before the war ended. So many had survived D-Day and countless days of combat only to make the ultimate sacrifice months before the grand reunion with family.

Heroes. It is a word we throw around lightly these days. In a world where everyone gets a trophy, we are in danger of losing the value of this incredible word. Hero. Dictionary.com defines it as “a person noted for courageous acts.” Oxford says it is a person who is admired or idealized for courage. Webster defines it as an illustrious warrior or one who shows great courage. Another place said it is a person who at great danger to themselves puts others first.

I went to Toys-R-Us one time and there they had several aisles of superhero stuff. As I turned the corner a sign caught my eye. It simply said, “Real Heroes.” Along that aisle were the soldiers and sailor figures as well as police, firemen, and other emergency responders. If I went to that aisle today it would have to include doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Real heroes…real people putting others first at peril to themselves.

But there would be one missing. Jesus Christ, the Hero of Heaven, who willingly, who bravely, gave Himself to a Roman cross that men, women, and children could be free. The cross was so horrible it was called the death of deaths. It was so horrible it was illegal to crucify a Roman citizen. And yet…He went. Why? He loved me. He loved you.

Amazingly it was not for some of us but all of us. Skin color, economic station, language, nationality, capacity to be bad or good doesn’t matter. The Bible simply says, “He came to seek and save that which was lost.” It simply says, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” It simply says He is not willing for any to perish but all to come home. Anyone—I like anyone. Anyone who acknowledges their need for a rescue will find one in Jesus. And this Hero not only does a meet and greet, He invites you to join His family. How about that!

So, when you hear the national anthem, place your hand over your heart as a salute to those who paid the price for our freedom. When you see a veteran, thank them for his or her service and sacrifice. When you walk through a cemetery with your kids, point out the graves of the men and women who served and tell them why they are so special. And when you talk to the Hero of Heaven next time, thank Him for forgiving your sin. Thank Him for always being there. Thank Him for giving you a place to rest. And, thank Him for having this….because He does. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, love, loving others, Mother's Day, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, thankful

Momma and Her Day

Posted on May 11, 2023May 10, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25

The older I get the more precious the memories become. This Sunday homes across America will be observing Mother’s Day. While I always assumed that Hallmark or Russell Stover’s came up with the idea, apparently, I was wrong. It turns out that Mother’s Day as we know it began in the early 1900s. A woman named Anna Jarvis started a campaign for an official holiday honoring mothers in 1905, the year her own mother died. The first larger-scale celebration of the holiday was in 1908, when Jarvis held a public memorial for her mother in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia.

Over the next few years, Jarvis pushed to have the holiday officially recognized as it was celebrated in more and more states across America. Finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother’s Day an official holiday, to take place the second Sunday of May. Well, whether it was Hallmark’s idea or Anna Jarvis, it certainly was a winner. The bottom line is when God gave the childbearing and a chunk of childrearing to Eve instead of Adam, He did a good thing. If it was left up to the guys, the population of the world would probably be 53 and without a mother’s love and influence…things just wouldn’t be the same. Mothers are change makers.

Something that I have come to realize is that Mother’s Day is bigger than those who give physical birth to someone. While that is so important, let’s not stop there. It is even bigger than those who welcomed a child through adoption, and it exceeds those who foster children. Mothering includes all the women who have poured their lives into the lives of others. It could be a caring schoolteacher, a loving church member or the neighbor down the street who cares. Mother’s Day is a big deal and right fully so.

And then of course, and guys this is for you, don’t forget to honor the mother of your children. She deserves a prize for marrying and living with you. I know in my life, as much as my Daddy played a role in raising me, Momma outshined him. In so many ways, she was my hero. I only wish I could have seen it more clearly then. Time and again she was there to nurse, guide, prod and yes admonish me on my journey to becoming a man.

I remember the time I was so sick, and she held me gently in her lap, in the middle of the night, till my fever broke or my tummy settled, and I could fall to sleep. I remember the time that a couple of bullies from junior high were going to plummet me. I was outgunned and outnumbered until Momma stepped up and stepped in. I remember in second grade I forgot an important assignment and Mrs. Webb had everyone convinced that they would stay in second grade forever if they didn’t turn it in. Yup, it was Momma who stopped her world to save mine.

I remember when I had a new pair of jeans, a rare gift, and while I was horseback riding, I was shoved into a tree by the horse and ripped a huge hole in one leg. Nowadays it would be fashionable—then it was an embarrassment. Somehow, someway, she managed to fix it. Oh, and I remember hundreds of suppers and dozens of pies and homemade fruitcake with grandma’s recipe. And on and on it would go. Everyday something said, “I love you.” Oh, and for the record, just like your Momma, my Momma wasn’t perfect, but she sure had a way of saying, “I love you.” She raised eight kids, and I got the privilege of being last and, though no one would admit it, her favorite.

The Bible says that if all the things that Jesus did were written down the whole world couldn’t hold the books. Well, that would be an exaggeration for any momma, but I do know this. If I could remember just half of all that my Momma did for me, for our family, well this story would be a whole lot longer. Momma went to heaven when I was only 24 years old and she never met any of my children but hopefully as we trust Jesus, like she did, God will remedy that…one day. Until then, I want to say, “Thank you, Momma” for always being there. Thank you, Judy, for being an incredible wife, mother to our children and Mama to our grandchildren. And finally, to all you ladies who have poured your lives into the lives of others, thanks for making a difference. Thanks for never giving up and always believing, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, Mother's Day, prayer, Scripture, thankful, wisdom

Mother’s Day Redemption

Posted on May 10, 2023May 9, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Jesus told him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

Redemption. It’s one of my favorite words. Yesterday, I shared a story about Mother’s Day and my feeble attempt to honor the mother of our children. It was a story of good intentions with a not so good conclusion. It was a story that should have been about honoring but was really about muttering. It was a story about what was instead of what could have been…should have been. But, well, it turns out it wasn’t the end of the story.

So, without retelling the whole story (see “Mother’s Day—The Hard Way, May 9, 2023 on gritswithgrace.com) let’s just say I lost a blessing. Judy asked for a simple Mother’s Day gift, and I fumbled the ball. I did it but with some (ok, a lot) of muttering. The day ended good with a great hike together and my receiving a reasonable measure of grace. The next day, Becca, our oldest daughter suggested a trip to Pigeon Forge for a few days as recompense. That seemed reasonable and doable and is in the planning stages. But there’s more.

It is the time of year when ladies change their purses. I know Judy has a dark red one that she uses in winter and a cute (did I just say “cute?”) one for spring. Well, the cute one for spring had seen its last hurrah. It had faded like an old leaf on the ground in late fall. She told me she was looking for a replacement but couldn’t find “the one.” It had to be a certain kind, it had to be the same color as last year’s, and it had to be a particular design. She said, “I can’t find what I want. I guess they just don’t make it.” What she was really saying was, “Here’s a chance for redemption, big boy.”

I jumped on it like “white on rice.” I like a challenge and love redemption. Now, I don’t know a thing about purses. Most guys don’t do purses though some have a “man-bag.” This guy doesn’t do either. But I do know about the promised land…Ebay. So, I got my iPhone out, clicked on the icon and entered eBay land. I tried several key searches. I quickly found out that whoever this Vera Bradley person is, she makes a lot of purses in a lot of designs and in lots of colors. But I was determined…I was seeking redemption.

Well, Judy wanders in, sits down and together we continue the search. By the time she got there, I was close. I could smell it; I just couldn’t taste it. And then it happened. There it was. Vera Bradley, coral floral, cross-body purse. The right brand, the right color, and the right design. She wondered if it could be true. She said she would believe it when she could see it, hold it, touch it. The Saturday after Mother’s Day it came in the mail in all its glory. She saw it, she held it, she touched it. Game. Set. Match.

Her smile went from ear to ear and so did mine. Her happiness was so evident and so was mine. She couldn’t believe her prize was in her hands and her “prince” had brought home the bacon. Oh, I was redeemed all right. The epic failure was gone…replaced by the laurels of “coral floral” victory! Then I said, “Wait…I’ve heard this story before.” It is the story of God and me…of God and you.

You see, because of our sin, our failures, we were in a hot mess. We were separated from God and there was no fixing it. It was epic fail 101. Then God made a way—the way for rescue, for restoration, for redemption. And it’s not unlike my Mother’s Day story. I searched for the one thing that would make redemption possible and found it. And we do the same. We long for the one thing. And it isn’t religion. It isn’t being good. It isn’t stopping a bad habit or starting another. It is grace. It is forgiveness. It is Jesus.

You see, Jesus is not a religion…we have enough of that already. As Jesus said, He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” His death and resurrection made it possible for anyone to come home to God. He makes it possible for this epic failure to call God, “Father.” Paul, in Colossians 1:13-14, put it this way, “He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. In Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Well, I’m glad the story didn’t end with part one. I’m glad there was part two. I’m glad for redemption. And your story never has to end with only a part one. Whether it is coming home for the first time or coming back home another time, we will always find Him waiting with open arms and a warm embrace.

Guess what? Last Monday I was ok…Judy still loved me. She’s like that. This Monday, well, she thinks I hung the moon. She’s like that too. Today, God waits to welcome you home and guess what? No, He doesn’t think you hung the moon…He did that. But He does love you to the moon and back. So, let go and let Him hold you. Rest in Him. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, Mother's Day, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, Trials

Mother’s Day – the Hard Way

Posted on May 9, 2023May 8, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“So,” I asked, “what do you want for Mother’s Day?” I mean, it was a good question and a timely question. It was a question that I asked too many times the week before “the day.” It reached a point where anytime I started a sentence with the word “so” she gave me “the look.”

Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries are all a little difficult when it comes to Judy. “Why” you ask? Well, one she is not a “gifty” person. Now “gifty” is not a word; I made it up. It means one who needs gifts. I am a “gifty” person. Second, she’s pretty content. She’s not really heavy into the stuff thing. She doesn’t particularly like or need jewelry, candy, or even pe-can pie. I know, it’s hard to believe!

Well, it was Saturday before “the day.” No matter how not “gifty” Judy is, I needed to do something. She deserved it and I didn’t want to go to jail. So, I decided to try one more time. “So, Judy,” I said, “what are we going to do about this Mother’s Day thing? It is tomorrow.” At first, I thought I was going to get the look but instead she said, “I know what.” That worried me because she had a smile on her face. It was that “you should have quit while you were ahead smile.” She said, “You can dig up plants for me.”

“Dig up plants?” I muttered but it was too late. The deed was done. The deal was sealed. I agreed and after stalling for a few minutes I followed her out to the yard. She took me to a spot under a large crate myrtle where some liriope had taken over. So, this was it. With a stiff upper lip, I attacked those pesky, rooty plants and ripped them from the ground. “Teach you to grow, you, you, plant you” I muttered. It was a battle but one I eventually won. I thought I had won the day, but I think the muttering under my breath kinda spoiled the deal.

To make up for the muttering we started tackling those killer rose bushes. They had some dead branches that needed to go. Now you need to understand these bushes had thorns on their thorns. Well, before long, blood was shed…and I muttered. I was pretty sure I was going to have to call the Red Cross for a unit of blood before we were done. I thought, “Surely this will win the prize. Game, set, match.” Nope, that stinking muttering under my breath about shedding blood spoiled things again. I think I ended up tired, bleeding, and empty handed. I never should have muttered. Judy calls it “losing the blessing.” I call it a real dumb move.

So, I was sitting on the patio after the medics had bandaged my arm and gave me CPR (smile) and then it occurred to me. You know, this is what we do with God. We tell Him how much we love Him. We offer to do anything for Him. “Just speak the Word, Lord, and I will go, and I will do.” Then He speaks and then we stammer and then we mutter and then we lose the blessing. “Lord, what would you have me do?” we say. He mentions hard things like forgiving, loving, serving, giving, sharing. You know, all those “ing” ending words that feel a whole bunch like digging plants.

Well, if I had pressed pause on the “mutter button” I would have remembered just how much Judy does for me. I would have remembered how much I really do love her. I would have remembered that while I don’t like digging plants, I sure like seeing her smile. It’s the same with God. If you just hit the pause button you would remember all that God has done for us and does for us every single day. If you know Him, you gotta love Him. How could we not? How.could.we.not?

You see, God loves you to the moon and back. Two scriptures put a bow on the package. John 3:16 says God loved us enough to give His Son to a Roman cross. But wait, Romans 5:8 tells us that God showed His love by sending Jesus die on that cross without us having to get it together, He just said “hey, come to Me…let’s get together.” How about that?

Well, Judy and I ended up going on a great hike later in the day and had a really great time. We were amazed at His handiwork, and I was amazed at how quickly she could forgive. I hope the next time she needs some plants dug, I’ll just hit pause on the “mutter button” and gladly start digging. Not because I love digging plants, not because I have too but because I love the one I’m digging for. And when we ask God what we can do for Him, whatever it is or whoever it involves let’s just get our shovels and get busy. Afterwards, we can take a break and rest in Him. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Easter, Family, fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials

Hard Day, Good Friday

Posted on April 7, 2023April 6, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture He said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to His lips. When Jesus had tasted it, He said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” John 19:28-30

Good Friday. What an unusual name for such a hard, hard day. Imagine with me as slowly the light increased over Jerusalem. It was another early morning in spring and men were going to die. The Romans regularly crucified criminals–it was business as usual for them. But this day, well this day, would be different. Three men would die on crosses–two criminals and one perfect human being. His name was Jesus.

As the light increased so did the sounds. If you had been there, you would have heard the sounds of a crowd–a mob really. Some were crying, some shouting, some angry, some broken. You would have heard the sounds of struggle–anguish as a man carried a cross too big for even the healthiest of men. At the top of a stark hill the sounds intensified.

You could hear without trying the sound of metal on metal as hammer meets nail. Cries of humanity suffering as three crosses are lifted skyward. The message was clear. You don’t mess with Rome. Scattered around are the sounds of women crying and men in anguish. Stares of disbelief filled the eyes of many. Listen now–there are words.

The Man in the middle–the perfect One–is speaking and what He says is almost beyond belief. “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” Forgive them?—Forgive the very ones who passed the judgement–who drove the nails–who lifted the cross? Wait, for there is more. One of the criminals is mocking Him but the other is begging Him. “Remember me,” he says. And Jesus responds “Today, you will be with Me in paradise.”

There are more words. Lean in–strain to hear. The Man in the middle–the perfect One–is asking His friend John to take care of His mother. And then there is the cry of brokenness as He cries, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He knows why. The Man in the middle–the perfect One–has become sin and His Father can’t look on sin. There’s a price being paid, and it involves wrath and death. And He is willingly paying it.

As His end draws near a silence begins to fall over the hill. The women are cried out, the soldiers are bored, and the crowd confused. And then they all hear it. “Tetelestai.” It’s a common word really. It means finished. An artist would say it when the last stroke is applied to a masterpiece. A carpenter would say it when the last peg is driven in a newly built table. A farmer would say it when the last sheave of wheat is harvested. But when the Man in the middle–the perfect One–says those words, everything changes.

“It is finished.” The mission is accomplished. The price for sin has been paid and atoned for. The wrath of God for sin is satisfied. What justice demanded He has paid. And what He promised the criminal becomes a reality for any person. My sins, your sins, our sins, can be forgiven and you can be with Him in heaven.

So, then He dies. Actually, He wills himself to die for no one could take the life of the Man in the middle–the perfect One. He could give it, but they could not take it. Rocks crack, thunder rolls and then in the distance a tearing, ripping sound is heard as the massive curtain separating man from Holy God is torn from top to bottom and God–God hangs out the welcome sign for the first time ever. And it’s all because of the Man in the middle–the perfect One.

In any other story that would be the end, but you see it’s only Friday. The final act is coming on Sunday. Friday ended with His followers discouraged, defeated, and afraid. Maybe like some of us. But if you lean in again…if you listen closely…you can hear the Father saying, “Rest in Me. Wait till Sunday. I’ve got this.” And…He does. Bro. Dewayne

Easter, friends, gratitude, Holidays, life, love, loving others, Scripture, thankful

The Empty Egg

Posted on April 5, 2023April 4, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5

Warning…familiarity ahead. You probably know the old saying that familiarity breeds contempt. You know, you hear something, you read something, you see someone, you eat something and what used to bring a smile garners a yawn or a wince. It can happen to the best of us…it probably has happened to all of us and just about this time of year it may happen again if we aren’t careful. Let me explain.

This past week, I received an email that told a story. Just about this time of year, it makes its annual appearance in our inboxes or on Facebook. While the story is told with some variation, it goes something like this. There was a special needs 8-year-old boy named Philip who loved to attend Sunday School at his church. The other boys and girls didn’t really accept Philip but thanks to the diligent efforts of the teacher, they were slowly beginning to see him as part of their group.

One Easter Sunday, the teacher brought in a bunch of plastic eggs to class. She gave one to each of the children in her class and told them to go outside and find something that reminded them of Easter. They were to place it in the egg and then bring it back in to show the class. After running around outside for about 20 minutes, the children came back into the class and placed their eggs on the table.

Their teacher began to open each egg—one by one – and each time the grand opening was followed by oohs and aahs from the class. They saw things like flowers, leaves, and even a few baby bugs and butterflies emerge from the containers and each one received warm appreciation. Just about then it happened.

The teacher finally opened one and inside there was—nothing. The children somehow knew it was Phillip’s egg and then laughed thinking he had not understood the teacher’s instruction. The children’s laugher soon grew to silence. The teacher gently asked, “Philip didn’t you understand the assignment?” And in reply, he said, “Oh yes, teacher. You see my egg is empty because it is Easter, and the grave of Jesus was empty too.” It was as if a holy stillness filled the room. Oh yes Philip, more than all the others, understood. The empty egg proclaimed the empty grave of Jesus.

Now by any standard that is a that great story that teaches a wonderful lesson. And guess what? It will garner one of two responses from most of us. Response number one is filled with ooh’s and aah’s because in the simplest of terms the beauty of Easter is given. It also touches the heart because the child who was often ignored and mocked won the day.

There is another response, and it is really the point of our Grits today. For many of us, we read the story…or even the first couple of lines of it…and then think, “Oh, I’ve heard this before.” The familiarity of the story then promptly robs us of the power of the message. You see, the story was no less powerful than the first time we heard it but sadly…familiarity did indeed breed contempt. So, what was your response? More importantly, what is your response to the message of this story we call Easter?

Here’s the big truth. This weekend, people all over the world, some Jesus followers and some not, will pause their world and probably attend a worship service. For some it will be something they thought they should do because it is Easter. And guess what? Because for them it is something different, they may just get it. But for others who regularly attend a worship service and who would never miss a service like Easter, well, the story might just garner a spiritual yawn or a casual, “Oh, I’ve heard this one before.” Trust me, as a pastor, I know the struggle of trying to make a very familiar story sound fresh. But honestly…that shouldn’t be the case…not for something like the Resurrection…not for something as big as this.

I mean, a man dying on purpose for me, for you, being buried and then coming back to life—that really is the biggest of news. It could never deserve a spiritual yawn or a casual “ho-hum.” Nope, it just flat out deserves a hallelujah. So let me suggest that no matter how well, or not, the speaker speaks, no matter how much you like, or dislike, the music, how about making every effort to hear and see the Easter story with fresh eyes. Ask God to make it like the first time—and then watch Him and hear Him say, “Gladly. I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

birthday, Christmas, Family, friends, gratitude, life, love, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

Keep What You Treasure

Posted on March 15, 2023March 13, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.” Revelation 2:4-5

I was so excited…until I wasn’t. Every new, store-bought toy was cause for big excitement at 6008 Carlton Road. Like I’ve said before there were plenty of things laying around that a kid like me could turn into a toy. Sticks became guns and China berries became bullets. In my eight-year-old world, a trip into the woods was as good as a trip to Africa. But let’s be honest. Nothing could quite beat a store-bought toy.

New toys usually showed up two times a year. First, of course, was Christmas. I would anxiously wait for the wish books to show up in the mail so I could start wishing. Sometimes there were trips to the department stores downtown to window shop the trains and planes that were there on display. I remember letters to Santa, and to Momma and Daddy just in case he wasn’t available. I would state my case and then wait for the big morning and though we never got everything we want—what we got was more than enough.

The other time that store bought toys came to 6008 was on our birthdays. As I wrote those words, I am still amazed at how good my parents were to us…willing to do whatever it took to give us a Merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday. I remember too that a lot of years there was a birthday party in the plans and that multiplied the gifts and the memories. It was just all good. In the days that followed Christmas and January 6 (my birthday and the original Christmas Day before some Pope changed it) I would play and play with those new toys…until I didn’t.

There always came a time when I got too rough and it broke, or I got bored as the newness wore off, or I just moved on to something else…but it always happened. The thing I thought I couldn’t live without became a discarded memory. One of my favorite Christmas toys was a Daisy double-barrel BB gun. I loved that gun and if I had taken care of it, today it would be very valuable. Well, I didn’t. I learned at my brother’s funeral that apparently his son and my nephew claimed it after I had discarded it. Where it went from there is anybody’s guess.

The truth is we are a fickle bunch. We soon enough grow tired of whatever is our current fancy and before long what was yesterday’s treasure is today’s trash. Rarely do we care for things the way we should. While it is true of toys, unfortunately, it is also true of the more important things in life. We give our word about something but find it only lasts while it is convenient. We make vows to love someone “till death do us part” and too often rewrite the deal to read, “till I change my mind.” We build our character and then trade it to save face. We often sell the truth so we can buy a lie for the same reason—convenience or pride.

It is amazing how quick we grow tired of the toys, people, and values in our life. We say we value this or that but as soon as this or that becomes difficult or inconvenient, well, what once mattered suddenly doesn’t anymore. So, what should we do? Good question. I believe the root of the answer lies in remembering. Someone once said before you quit you need to remember why you started in the first place. That’s good. And before we discard, something or someone, we need to remember what caused us to make the commitment in the first place.

In the book of the Revelation, near the end of the Bible, Jesus spoke and said this, “You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.” Those are powerful words…words that we should pay attention to. If we do, perhaps, we will be slower to throw away, to walk away, or run away from the things that matter…what we used to value. The really good news is that the God who created us never, ever grows tired of us. We are as precious to Him as the first day we met Him. He loves us so much and wants to help us. In other words, as always, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, New Year, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

The Captain

Posted on January 4, 2023January 3, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” Matthew 8:27

It was a long, long time ago. There are many historical events that are almost timeless. They carry with them a mystical allurement that keeps them alive in the minds of people. No matter how much is written, when that event is mentioned, immediately interest is peeked, eyes focus and ears open. Such is the story of the Titanic. It was on May 31, 1911, that the Titanic was launched. Now launched didn’t mean open for business…ready to sail. No, it meant that Titanic had what it needed to be called a ship but not what it took to make money. The hull, the keel, the engines all were in placed but people don’t pay for that…they pay for the good stuff, the nice stuff, the luxurious stuff.

Well, almost a year later, on April 10, 1912, all that stuff was in place and the great Titanic was ready to set sail. The appointments of luxury were amazing. For that time and that place there simply was nothing like the Titanic. Of course, there were different classes of people who bought tickets—from the very rich to the improvised poor looking for a fresh start in America. But the Titanic was really…or was she?

Four days after her maiden voyage began, she struck an iceberg and, in a few hours, sank in the icy North Atlantic taking with her well over a thousand souls. While all the details are a matter of debate, most agree that the basic design of the ship was flawed. The watertight compartments instead of being totally sealed allowed water to overflow from one compartment to the next. Like a cascading river, the water flowed from one compartment to the next sealing the fate of the “unsinkable” ship. Not one detail for the comfort of the Uber rich was overlooked and yet the one thing that could have kept her afloat was. Amazing…and disconcerting…worrying.

I think what prompted me to write this story was the New Year. We all, well those who were awake, watched the ball fall, the peach drop, the fireworks explode. We celebrated; we partied launching into the seas of another New Year. But as we launched, did anyone, did someone, did I, did you stop and examine the “ship” that was going to carry us into 2023? Did we carefully craft the “luxurious” while ignoring the crucial…the vital? Did we plan diets and dream of vacations while being strangely silent about the most important? Did we launch into 2023 without the one thing that would ensure our safety…our survival?

What is the one thing? Better yet, who is that Someone? Well, the answer is Creator God. These days I still feel compelled to make sure we understand that I am not talking about church (though that is profitable) or religion (though that can be good) but I am talking about making sure He is the Captain of our ship. Try this on for size. When the Captain of your ship is the Master (and dare I say Maker) of the storm, there is great comfort. The passengers have the calming assurance that no matter what, He is there, He is ready, He is in charge.

One time the disciples of Jesus found themselves in the midst of a terrible storm, in what could only be described as an oversized rowboat. They were frightened to the point that they thought death was imminent. Just about then they remembered that Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat. They woke Him with a shout of “Don’t you care we are about to drown?” Well, Jesus got up, spoke to the wind and waves, demanding calm…and it happened. He then asked the guys about their faith. Where.Was.Their.Faith. Looking around at the now calm sea and their frail oversized rowboat they asked a question, “What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” Hmmm…good question.

The answer, of course, is that He is and was a one-of-a-kind Man, a Man like no other, God in human form. He was the Captain and Master of the storm and what was true then is true now…with Jesus in your boat you don’t have to fear. So, as we launch into 2023, shouldn’t we make sure that our Captain is Jesus, and shouldn’t we invite Him to lead and guide us? Any unknown, any new horizon can be frightening…unless the Creator and Master of it all is on board. If He is…we don’t have to worry because we have the confident assurance that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, gratitude, life, New Year, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials, wisdom

Happy New Year!

Posted on December 30, 2022December 29, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

I slowly walked to the edge, paused, and…”. Well, it was a long time ago but most of the picture remains intact. I was about nine years old, and our church Sunday School decided to have a picnic. We loaded up on a bus or two and drove to the lake. It was a natural freshwater lake with a beach and a dock. And speaking of docks…this was a big one. It left the shore and went out about a mile…well, it seemed like a mile…remember I was only nine. In fact, it probably went out about fifty yards or so. Then it made a 90 degree right turn and went on for another fifty yards. By any standard it was a long dock.

However, it was what was at the end of the dock that caused me to pause. There, built into the dock was the “Tower of Terror.” Now for those of you who are familiar with Disney World you know that is the name for one of their attractions. You are taken inside a building and end up in the dark (mostly) and then without warning…the floor gives way and you are falling for what seems like forever. Now all this is speculation and hearsay for me because trust me I would never, will never find out personally. No. Not. Nada. But that day when I was nine, I faced my own “Tower of Terror.”

The tower at the lake that day was probably thirty or forty feet in the air. You climbed a ladder attached to the tower and at the top was a good-sized platform. This was where you could stand, look, and gather courage to walk to the edge and jump off. Well, pushed by peer pressure and goaded by friends, I somehow found myself on the top and they were all saying one thing, “Jump!” Trust me, the last thing that I wanted to do was jump off that perfectly good tower. I walked slowly to the edge and looked down. The water seemed to be a zillion yards below me. There were only two options. First, take the plunge or two, go back down the ladder. With my heart pounding, with my peers all telling me to jump, I….

I honestly don’t remember what I did. I don’t know if I finally overcame my fear, swallowed my pride and jumped or swallowed my pride and slowly, with great humiliation, went back down the ladder. Either one at the time felt unbearable and I know one thing even today…fear can paralyze you and fear can cause you to make some pretty crazy decisions. Most of us personally know the truth in those words.

Well, today we find ourselves at the edge of another kind of platform…and for some, it might look like a “tower of terror.” We are days and hours away from New Year’s Eve and honestly it can seem quite frightening…especially these days and with these circumstances. Considering all this, what should we do? What can we do? Well, it seems logical to me that when I face something bigger than me, I need to find something or Someone bigger than the mountain, the obstacle that I am facing. For me, hands down, that is God.

There are two truths that I have found in God’s Word that really help me. Maybe it will help you too. First, is the sovereignty of God. That simply means that God is in charge. I love the scripture that reminds me that every day is made by God…He is the owner and therefore the planner. It also means that He is in control…He.Is.In.Control. There is something peaceful in knowing that God is and if He is…well, worry shouldn’t rule us. But it gets better.

Not only does He make every day, but He also makes us an incredible promise. If you are a Bible person you probably know this one. In the book of Romans, Chapter 8, it says, “All things work together for the good of those who love God and who are called according to His purpose.” Wow. While that doesn’t mean that everything is good…we know that…it does mean that God can bring good from every circumstance. What that also means is we have a promise from God that no matter how wonky 2023 may be, He can and will bring something good from it. Now the truth of that should certainly bring some inner peace into the chaos of our lives.

So, the bottom line is, “Happy New Year!” The God who makes the day makes the year and the God who makes the year manages the outcome. Hey, sprinkling a little truth into a murky future can change a lot of things. Now all of that isn’t a promise of easy but it is a promise of His faithfulness and that no matter what, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Christmas, Family, friends, gratitude, Holidays, life, loving others, missions, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, wisdom

Figuring it Out

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

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5

It was a close call, but grace stepped in. Every year, our church sends a group of missionaries to help process Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes in Atlanta. “Atlanta,” you say? “I didn’t know they needed missionaries in Atlanta?” Well, missionaries, at least to some degree, are folks who take a good message or do a good deed to a needy place and trust me that is anywhere and everywhere. But in this case, it was also an opportunity to be a part of something very big that would impact thousands and thousands of people with the joy of a gift in the shape of a shoebox filled with items of love and the joy of a gift in the shape of a cross and an empty tomb—the message of Jesus.

Well, last year I almost didn’t make it. I almost missed the boat. The week of the trip, two families in our church lost loved ones and as pastor and friend, I was asked to do the services for their loved ones—two precious mothers. As it turned out the services would be held almost immediately after my return from Atlanta. Add to that, each service would require more than a few hours of preparation. I believe each funeral service should be crafted in prayer and made as personal as possible and that requires time. So, I told Judy I just didn’t think I could make the trip. It would just be easier if I stayed back and worked. She wanted very much for me to go but also knew the importance of the task at hand.

After some discussion, the decision was made…she would go, and I would stay. I had made this trip several times and I knew it was going to be meaningful but easier just sounded easier. But then she said something that caused me to re-evaluate. It was something like, “Now, don’t be upset when I come back and tell you what a good time we had.” It was a moment of clarity. It caused me to remember the times before and that feeling of making a difference, the times of fellowship with the team, and at that moment, I knew I needed to go. This time easier just wasn’t the best choice.

I began immediately to prepare the services and asked God to multiply the time that I had. Then, Tuesday morning, the next day, with almost thirty others, I boarded the bus and headed to Atlanta…and it was an incredible trip. The journey, the destination, the work was all just incredible. We got back in town Thursday evening, and I went straight back to working to finish the two funeral services. In my heart I knew I had made the right decision. The first service was Friday, and it was my privilege to stand before a group of people and share about a life well lived and a great God who loves us—a bunch. The other service wasn’t till Sunday and, unknown to me, I would not be there for that one. I would be at home with the flu. Fortunately, the work for the service was done and someone else would use that work. God knew all of this and used all of this. Amazing.

Each day we are challenged to make decisions. Sometimes they are obvious and sometimes they are not. Sometimes the choice is between easy and hard. Ask God for wisdom to make the right one. Oh, you will miss it sometimes regardless, but I have learned that He has a way of honoring our hearts and intentions. I just know that this time the easy thing was not the right thing…it was just easy. I returned from Atlanta not depleted and tired but filled and refreshed. Helping others has a way of doing that. And, God, well, He always does all things, well!

James, the half-brother of Jesus, says in the Book of the Bible that bears His name, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” You gotta love that. Need wisdom? Just ask. Will He be upset because you “bothered” Him? Absolutely not. He is like a dearest daddy just waiting to help and the reason why He is like that is because that’s what He is—our Dearest Daddy. So, as you journey life today and you come to those crossroads called decisions, no matter how simple or complex, just ask and He will be there for you. Don’t worry, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne