Africa – Grits with Grace

Grace, gratitude, life, missions, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, travel

We Need Rain

Posted on September 2, 2025September 1, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

It was drier than two-month-old bread. So this story is a rerun but it is so appropriate because we are so dry here in Southern Illinois. And besides that…it is one of my absolute favorite stories. Now back to the story. Word on the street is that we are in a drought. I know this because my grass is brown…very brown. It reminds me of another time and another need for rain. It’s been many years now, but the story is as fresh as today’s bread. We were on our second trip to Niger, West Africa. We would fly forever and finally arrive in the capital city of Niamey. There were two things that were always the same. It was always very late at night, and we were always totally exhausted. After a day getting acclimated, we would load up and drive all day on one of the few paved roads in the entire country.

Niger is a sub-Saharan country in West Africa. It was on the edge of the Saharan Desert—hot, dry, and dusty. Our journey would take us to a small city in the middle of nowhere. We would stay with a family there who were kind and filled with hospitality. As is customary, we would settle in and then go see the “chief” of the village. We would meet, greet, and thank him for allowing us to come and stay in the village. On this particular trip we were distributing food to several dozen families in the area. Because of the extreme dryness, food was always in short supply and because of a few years of drought—it was life-threatening.

As we met with the chief, we told him we were servants of the Creator God and asked him if there was anything that we could pray for. Without hesitation, he said, “I want you to pray for rain. It hasn’t rained here in a very long time, and we are desperate. We have prayed but no rain has come.” We prayed there and then and told him we would pray more—even asking people in America to pray. And we did, both.

What happened next is the things of legends—except it is not a legend—it is truth. After immediately contacting some of our folks back in America and praying ourselves…again…we went to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, the wind began to blow, and the temperature began to fall. Soon, there was the sound of a distant thunder. Then, as we stood in our doorway and watched, a heavy rain began to fall. David, one of our team members, was soon out dancing in the rain. All of us were dancing in our hearts.

We would later learn that our friends in America, watching the radar online, saw a storm develop from nothing and move across our area. As we danced in Africa—they were dancing in America. That very night, right at three inches of rain fell in that village on the edge of the desert. It was unbelievable. It rained for several hours and fell so hard that several walls, made of mud, straw, and manure, collapsed. A couple of storage buildings lost walls too. When light finally came small lakes of water were everywhere. We would be using the four-wheel drive feature on our trucks for several days.

I can’t remember if the chief came to us or summoned us to go to him, but that day we had another conversation. He thanked us for praying and said that our God did what their god did not do. He was grateful for us coming to the village and invited us to stay as long we wanted—and to return as often as we wanted. Such are the wonders and miracles of the one true God. This would not be the last or only miracle we would witness in West Africa. It is amazing what God can and will do if the primary focus is to glorify His name. I sometimes wonder if the people there still speak of the night of the rain. I know we do.

There is an intriguing scripture in the Psalms—a collection of Hebrew hymns in the Jewish and Christian Bibles. It is found in Psalm 37:4. It says that if we are willing to delight ourselves in God, He will give us the desires of our heart. At first that sounds like a “rub the bottle and a genie pops out” story. Trust me…it is not. You see the first part is key—when we delight ourselves in God—then our desires align with His desires and when that happens—miracles do too.

Today, let me encourage you in a couple of areas. First, if you haven’t thought much about Creator God—Jehovah God—in a while—why not revisit Him? I believe you will come to the same conclusion I did years ago. He is amazing. And then, as we journey through this these challenging days, let’s commit to making His desires, our desires. Let’s get on the same page with Him and watch, in wonder, what He can and will do. It may not be exactly what we want but it will be what is exactly right. He doesn’t make mistakes. Wrapped up in all of this is that powerful truth we end each story with. It is good news for this day and every day. We can have the confidence assurance that, “He’s got this” and He does. Bro. Dewayne

communication, friends, life, Scripture, Southern born, travel

This Little Light

Posted on July 8, 2025July 7, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16

Here they come…ready or not. There are so many special memories that I cherish from my trips to Africa. At the top of the list are the friendships we developed and the wonderful people we met. However, there are few things that were not special and at least one really bugs me (pun fully intended). While ministering in Uganda, we would stay and work on the islands of Lake Victoria. While there was no plumbing or electricity…there was an abundant supply of bugs…insects.

This became very clear at night when nature called and you had to walk to the outhouse. Obviously it was very dark so you really needed a flashlight especially since the many barnyard animals left us gifts all around. The problem was as soon as you turned on the light, all those bugs and insects instantly were drawn to the light. Turn on the light and you became the most popular guy to a zillion bugs. They literally swarmed you. That forced you to either choose being friends with those zillion bugs or turning out the light and taking your chances. Most often I took my chances. I don’t like bugs.

You see, bugs are always attracted to light. Down south where I was raised if you left the porch light on…you had bugs. That’s just the way it was. But guess what? If you turned the light out the bugs quickly left and went wherever bugs go in the dark. The bottom line is bugs are not attracted to the dark…period. And guess what again? What is true in the bug world is true in the spiritual world. You see, if we want to win people to Jesus we have to attract them. And guess what (for the third time) attracts them–the light of Jesus. There’s just something about “authentic Jesus” light that calls and draws people. No light and they will just choose to wander in the dark.

If we want to draw people to the light–we have to turn it on–we have to be like Jesus and shine like Jesus. If we live darkly–well, we won’t get many, if any, followers. So, what do you say, let’s turn on the light in this dark work and share the light of Jesus. While people can easily resist our churchy religious stuff they will find Jesus irresistible. Like the kid’s song says, “This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” Afraid to flip the switch? Just ask your Dearest Daddy for a little help. I promise you…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, gratitude, heaven, life, loving others, marriage, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

And They Sang

Posted on March 6, 2025February 16, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.” Psalm 19:1-2

I think He was just showing off. Last year, in one of our more creative moments, either my wife Judy or I thought it would be a great idea to take a little overnighter for Valentine’s Day. So, we did. There is place called Camp Ondessonk about 24 miles from our house. They have a great cabin there and we decided to rent it for Friday night. Now when I say cabin don’t think like rustic and primitive…think nice…like nicer than a Holiday Inn. Well, we made a day of it. First, we drove a couple of hours to a very special restaurant and had a great lunch. Then we drove up to Paducah for a quick visit with one of the kids and their kids. It was a great time.

Finally, it was time head to the camp and our cabin. I have to admit I was a bit reluctant at first because it was a little pricy and I said to myself, “Self, it can’t be that nice.” Well, once again, I was wrong because it really was…nice. We settled in and watched a little television. Yes, they even had internet and television…I was just hoping for running water and indoor plumbing. After a while, Judy said she was going to go out and check out the stars. It was already below freezing and at first, I thought she had dropped a couple of her marbles. Mark it down…wrong twice.

In a few minutes, she came back in and said, “Dewayne, you have to come outside and see this. The stars are brighter than Africa.” Now, I realize you probably haven’t been to Africa and looked up at the stars on a clear night. They are so amazing I figured there was at least a possibility that she was exaggerating…just a little bit. I slipped on my shoes and joined her on the deck. She was right. Without much light pollution, the stars were literally breathtaking. Imagine a field of diamonds, of every color of white and blue and all of different caret sizes. Now, imagine again and again and again. It was wonderful.

Well, we finally went back inside but before bedtime we wandered out one more time. It seemed we couldn’t get enough of God’s wonder show. Finally, it was bedtime and since we were in the middle of nowhere, Judy suggested we raise the blinds in the bedroom. We did and lying there in bed we had a front row seat to the show all over again. I just knew we were going to see a falling star or two but we didn’t but that was ok because the razzle, dazzle of the stars was more than enough. All through the night, when I woke up to rollover, there they were shouting, singing, and showing the glory of God.

I know I might overuse this verse in Grits but this time, well, it is just so appropriate not to. In the Old Testament part of the Bible, Psalms19:1-2, it says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.” I have long loved that verse but after Friday I not only love it, but I also more fully understand it. There before my eyes was part of God’s creation and their job was simply to proclaim His glory and they did it well…very well.

Judy and I are already planning another trip to one of our new favorite places. I sure hope when we go the skies are once again clear so God’s starry sky can once again proclaim His glory. Lee Ann Womack sings a song about creation and God. In that song she sings, “There is a God, there is a God, there is a God…how much proof do you need? Well I don’t know about you but Friday night was enough for me. Let me encourage you to go and find a good dark place the next time the skies are crystal clear. Then…look up. And if the world is dark enough you will see the choir singing about Him and then do two things. First, remember He who made that made you and loves you immensely. Second, remember and never forget that no matter what we are facing, He is bigger, and He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, missions, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, Trials

Miracles

Posted on August 5, 2024August 1, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

Well, there are miracles and then there are miracles. One of the great adventures that Judy and I have been privileged to be a part of are the church mission trips. Specifically, mission trips to Africa. For the past 15 or 16 years, our church has been an active participant in mission adventures. One of our favorite places to serve was and is Africa. We started in Niger and then had to move a little south to the country of Mali. We were privileged to serve there for several years.

I can’t explain how incredible it is to go on a mission adventure. I also can’t really explain the draw that so many feel led to this place called Africa. Where this story begins was a difficult place. We would stay in the bush, often sleeping on the ground in tents. The temperature would hover over 100 degrees. I have one picture that showed a thermometer with a reading 125 degrees. The food, well, let’s just say it wasn’t McDonald’s. So, what is it that causes people to step way out of their comfort zones just to serve others. This story is part of that answer.

We were on a medical trip in Mali and the days were long and fruit was plentiful. We had a full team including two medical doctors and several nurses. They would treat the physically broken and we would try and share the truth of God’s love to the spiritually broken. We would tell stories of Jesus and how He would go and help people. We then would simply explain that we wanted to be like Him and help others. We explained that people who knew Jesus in America had bought and paid for the medicine that they were receiving. It was free to them because someone else paid the price. It was always a great lead into the gospel stories because Jesus did the same for us.

Well, it was the end of a long day. Most of us had wandered back to camp and were sitting around and chatting about the day’s activities. Suddenly someone ran into the camp and shouted that there was an emergency back at the clinic. We all rushed back over and what we found was grim…very grim. A little girl, about nine if I remember correctly, had been climbing a tree. She was about twenty-five feet up in the air when she slipped and fell—landing directly on her face. Her father had carried her on a Moto (a small motorcycle) about three or four miles. She was semi-conscious and unresponsive.

Two things happened simultaneously. First, the doctors when to work and the saints went to praying. Her pupils were unresponsive and though she was breathing, her respirations were rapid and shallow. About an hour later the doctors said it was probably only a matter of time, her brain injuries seemed very serious. I slipped into my pastor mode and wondered what an African funeral was like. The doctors took turns sitting with her through the night, and then took her to the nearest first aid station. This part is fuzzy, but it seems like at some point the father went ahead and took her back to her village.

The next day we went back to work with a somewhat heavy heart. And then something happened…we heard that the little girl had woken up. We then heard that she was speaking and walking around. We then heard that she was responding and acting almost completely normal. “What is this,” I wondered. Again, if I remember correctly either that day or the next the father brought his little girl back to the doctors and there she stood. A living, breathing, miracle. It can be described as nothing else. God had heard the prayers of His children and chosen to reach down from heaven and touch this little girl and give her back her life. It.Was.A.Miracle.

Many of us have been to Africa many times and we have seen more than one miracle. Sometimes it looked like this, sometimes it was God acting to avoid a tragedy and sometimes it like a frog strangling rainstorm when it hadn’t rained for months and months. But each time it was obvious that God was still God and He can do what He wants, when He wants. After all, He is God. For the skeptics out there, who think that God doesn’t do the miracle thing—that it died out in the old days—well, that little girl would beg to differ with you.

Tucked away in the book of Luke, incidentally, written by a physician in Jesus’ day, are some words that say it all. It says, “For nothing shall be impossible with God.” Nothing. Period. Seven words that can shake your world and this world. So, what is rocking your world today? Family or health? Wondering about tomorrow or the next meal? Worried about our country? Well, I don’t know what God has planned—after all I’m in sales and not management—smile. But I do know that nothing is too big for Him to handle. Just like that little girl in Africa who discovered she could lay down and rest in Him—so can you. After all…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel

Live Your Dreams – Vivez Votre Reves

Posted on February 22, 2024February 21, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

It was an old message for today. My home office is my man-cave. It is a great place to work and a great place to remember. It is filled, and this is not a metaphor, with things that remind me of some of the adventures that my wife Judy and I have been on. It also contains things that are a part of my life story…things from my childhood, things from my Air Force days, and things about my Jesus journey. And this last one is what this Grits message is about.

So, there is a 16×20 picture that hangs over my man-cave size television. The picture was taken I’m guessing ten years ago. The location is Mali, West Africa and more specifically under a tree in a small village in the bush (or wilderness). In the picture are eight people—five are Africans and three are American. We had been called there because one of the African men believed he was demon possessed and he wanted the American missionaries to pray for him. So, we did.

After we prayed, we assured him that our God loved him dearly and wanted to set him free not just from a demon but from the sin that held him in bondage. He was grateful for the prayer, and we were grateful for the opportunity to pray. So, in this picture, one of the African men had on a bright yellow t shirt. On the back of the shirt, and facing the camera, was something written in French. It said, “Vivez Votre Reves!” Well, all these years I never thought about what that shirt said.

The other morning, I was chatting with my Dearest Daddy about what He might want Judy and me to do in the coming and remaining days of our lives. And without really thinking, I glanced up at the picture that I have seen a thousand times and pondered, wondering what the shirt said. Well, I got my iPad out and opened Google Translator and typed in the French phrase. Within a half a second, I had my answer both to what the shirt said and maybe part of what God wants us to do. The translated message on the shirt said, “Live Your Dreams.”

Well, I was amazed. To me it was one of those God moments when I was praying, and God gave me a quick answer. Now in case you are wondering, I am one of those people who believes that whatever Judy and I dream should have God written on it. In this case, God seemed to be saying, “Follow Me, dare to dream and dare to trust Me.” Wow. I think that is pretty awesome. The bottom-line, as always, is that while we may not have the details about tomorrow, we do know the One who holds our tomorrow…and He can be trusted. No matter what, no matter when, we have the confident assurance that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, gratitude, life, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, Trials

Praying Mantis

Posted on January 10, 2024January 6, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—because I am God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3a

He was coming after me. Over the years, my wife Judy and I have made many trips to Africa. We have spent time in Niger, Mali, and Uganda. All were unique in their own way, and all were very special. Our time in Mali was especially so. We were working with one of our favorite missionaries. She is the real deal kind—the kind that if you were to stick her finger…she would bleed Jesus. Those trips were also highlighted because we worked with a group of One-Story girls. These college age young ladies gave up the comforts of home to spend a couple of years living in the African bush telling people about Jesus. They were incredible.

So, on one of these trips the team had one of those especially good days. We were able to minister and share with a lot of folks. We would start early and go the entire day. We would do mostly medical missions and storytelling and encouraging. When we got back to wherever we were staying we would have supper together. Then, when the African sun had finally called it a day, we would gather under a large open air bamboo….uh, thing. We would sing, share stories, and have a brief devotion before joining the sun and calling it a day too.

These team times were very special moments. As the days passed, we as a team became closer and closer together. There were about twelve or fourteen of us…so not too large. Of course, that didn’t include other guests. Sometimes Africans from where we were staying would join us, and of course some or all the interpreters. And then there were the other guests. Their names would make you think they were members of the team…but they weren’t. Praying may have been part of their name but, it wasn’t on their agenda. They were…praying mantis.

These large insects—about the size of a small eagle—would be drawn to the light as we sang and shared. Slowly they would start circling, choosing their targets. Now, I don’t know if they intended to bite someone—I don’t think so, or if they intended to carry someone off to their secret lair. Regardless, it was just a little spooky. Finally, and who knows why, I was picked by one of them. Repeatedly, this fellow would dive and try to land on me—particularly my face. Ok…it was weird. I was grateful when the prayer time was over. I confess I cheated and kept one eye open looking out for my newly found friend.

Judy and I headed back to our hut and prepared for bed. We had a mosquito net over our bed to keep out those pesky insects and their friends. Soon it was lights out and off to sleep. Sometime later, we were awakened by the sound of something larger than a mosquito. Lion? No. Tiger? No? Elephant? No. It was the…praying mantis. Apparently, he followed me home and waited for the lights to go out before once again taunting me. It turns out there was a small hole in the top of our mosquito net, and he found his way in and then…it happened.

As Judy and I lay in the African night, from out of the darkness (no electricity) the praying mantis landed square on my face. Now what happened next can’t be written because it goes beyond the 26 letters in the English alphabet. I jumped up and started clawing in the darkness trying to find my stalking insect. I finally grabbed him (gross), wrestled him to the bed (remember they are the size of eagles…smile), raised the net and chucked him outside somewhere, anywhere but where he was. And then I did some praying of my own. “Lord, please don’t let him find the hole again.” Thankfully, he didn’t, and thankfully that was the last I saw of him.

Well, the next night I had a testimony to share at story time. We all had a good laugh (and by the way…they really aren’t as big as …eagles but it sure seemed that way.) I remember telling my teammates how grateful I was for answered prayer…and honestly, I was. Until you’ve had something like that land on your face, in the dark, in Africa—well you just can’t appreciate a God who answers unusual prayers. But you know, that’s the kind of God that He is. Nothing is too big…and nothing is too small for this Dearest Daddy who calls us His own.

One time God was talking to Israel through the prophet Isaiah and He said no matter what we face…when we are over our head in trouble, or maybe between a rock and a hard place or even the occasional fiery furnace—He will be with us. Why? Because He is our Savior, our Lord, our God. Wow…what a great scripture and I can add to that list “face eating praying mantis.” God is always there with us and for us and no matter what, He’s got this. Take that, Mr. Mantis. Bro. Dewayne

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fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, Trials

Chilled to the Bone

Posted on November 8, 2023November 6, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

If it wasn’t the coldest night of my life…it was close. Back in 2008 we began a journey of doing mission work in West Africa. While I had traveled to several, and some would say many, countries nothing compared to West Africa. Even a trip to the third world part of Bulgaria with the Roma people couldn’t compare. When we arrived in Niamey, Niger late one night, I thought I and my teammates had landed on the far side of the moon. It was that different. Rarely am I had a loss for words, but that trip like no other caused me to appreciate my home country but also the people and places on a continent called Africa.

Niger is in what is called Sub-Saharan Africa. The Sahara Desert is a stone’s throw from Niger’s capital city. After we had taken a day to acclimate, we headed north into the desert to a small town literally in the middle of nowhere. We were visiting with a couple of single guys who were living there and doing some work with the local people. The goal was to share with the people about someone many of them had never heard about. That someone was Jesus. We were really limited to what we could do, but we did prayer walking and would try and talk with some of the folks through an interpreter. It was incredible.

On the eight-hour drive into the desert (and keep in mind we flew for hours and hours to even get to Niger) our missionary casually mentioned that we would need to buy some blankets because it was likely to be cold at night. I laughed. If you are like me you think Africa and the Sahara and then you think hot, dry and then hot again. I told her I doubted very seriously that I would get cold. She just smiled. Late in the afternoon we arrived at Tchin-Tabaraden. In case you are wondering I am pretty sure we could see the end of the world just outside of town. Smile.

We had a great time talking with the two guys that lived there and before long it was time to set up our sleeping arrangements. We were going to sleep out in the courtyard. There was a small house, but we chose to sleep under the stars. We set our cots up and each one of us had a blanket. I was sure I wouldn’t need mine, but being the team player I hung on to it. Before long, it was dark…really dark. There was no running water and no electricity. After a while we decided it was time to settle down for our long winter’s nap. It seemed just a bit cooler.

Soon the stars were simply brilliant. I am sure there are places in America without light pollution that really shows off the stars. With that said, there is simply nothing as beautiful as the stars above Africa. Then, slowly a huge full moon came up over the horizon. If you can imagine it, it was almost too bright to sleep, and I am not kidding. Then it happened.

It? What was it? It was the desert cold. Slowly, almost without warning, the dry “winter” air settled in. In just a few minutes I had spread the blanket lightly over me. In another few minutes, I had tucked the blanket around me. A little later I was trying to figure out how to put the blanket under me and over me. Apparently, there was too much of me and too little blanket. Then, well then, I just got bone chilling, you’ve got to be kidding me, am I really in Africa, COLD. Let me just say, I spent a large part of that night wishing for daylight. Oh, how I couldn’t wait to see my old friend the sun. It was the coldest night I have ever spent.

Finally, at about the 4:30 in the morning the mosque right across the street began the first call of prayer for the day. Of course, I had long beaten them to the punch. I had been praying since about midnight for the sun to come up. I figured if Joshua could pray for the sun to stand still, maybe I could pull off it coming up early. Nope. When the sun did come up and began to warm the compound, the first thing I did was apologize to the missionary for doubting her forecast of a chilly night.

Ironically, that wasn’t quite the end of the story. For our second night at the compound, we decided we would cram into the little house where certainly it would at least be warmer. Well, the joke was on us. Just like that, the weather turned and that night in the little house, no one used a blanket. In fact…it was downright warm…too warm. After the freezing night and then the too warm night, back-to-back, you might be wondering would I go back? Well, the answer is absolutely. Over the years, it has been my privilege to return time and again and each time the blessings far outweigh the hardships. No contest. I long for the day when my feet will be on African soil once again, sharing the Good News.

We have made wonderful friendships, experienced many diversified cultures, and seen countless people come to know Christ as Savior. We have seen more than a few miracles and watched as God changed lives—most notably the fair skinned men and women from America. I am sure it is impossible to go on a trip like this and not be changed. It has a tendency to put things like we have experienced recently in perspective. We whine because bathroom tissue is out of stock. Go to West Africa…they don’t even have bathrooms. Smile.

Well, there you go. As we enter this most wonderful time of the year, be sure and be thankful for all the blessings you have. Paul, a guy who wrote a bunch of the New Testament in the Bible said, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” That’s right, Paul.

You see, many of those people who lived in Tchin-Tabaraden didn’t face one cold night, or warm night, they experienced them all and without a blanket or the air conditioning humming quietly. We are indeed blessed. The old hymn says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” That is good advice and there is nothing like a trip to a third-world country to help you do it. I am grateful that we never travel alone. Our Dearest Daddy goes with us each time. He provides rest in the midst of restless nights and no matter the obstacle or hardship, we know, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

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

Rooms

Posted on August 16, 2023August 15, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” Matthew 6:8

I read it…and I just didn’t like it. We live in a house with what seems like a lot of rooms. I heard Pastor Andy Stanley say that we know we are blessed because we even have rooms for our cars. They are called garages. I suppose my favorite room is the kitchen because that is where my wife Judy cooks our delicious meals. She is a very good cook, and I am a very good eater! My second favorite room is my home office or, you could say my, “Man Cave.”

While it is true that it is where I do a lot of my studying and writing, its walls are full of memories. The walls are filled with different things and all of them spark different emotions and memories. Over here is a map with red pins that shows all the places where Judy and I have travelled. Over there is a shotgun that belonged to my Daddy. On another wall is a picture of me and group of friends praying for a man in Africa. And finally, on two other walls are two large pictures—one is a print of a family in their southern yard just living—playing and working. The other is a beautiful mountain scene that we purchased during our time in Germany so many years ago.

Rooms can be very special for various reasons. I was reading this week and by way of illustration a writer told a story of a young boy who had a dream that he was in heaven. Someone showed him a room filled with cars, boats and other toys but piled on the other side of the room were arms and legs and other body parts. I know…it sounds gruesome. When the boy asked his guide what it meant he was told that they were answers to prayers that people never prayed. I guess it makes for a good story but honestly—I didn’t like it.

“Why” you ask? Well, the idea that the God that loves me and cares for me would let me walk around blind or crippled only because I didn’t ask just doesn’t work for me. I mean He loved me enough to send His Son to die for me…for the whole world…and then would allow His kids to remain broken and lame only because they didn’t ask just doesn’t work. Oh, and then, Jesus said that He knows what we need even before we ask. No, I think God is an opened handed, loving Father who cares for us.

Of course, I also believe that prayer is far more than a wish list. I believe the scriptures teach about prayer being more about fellowship and an intimate relationship between God and His children. Prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind or persuading Him to do this or that. No, prayer is about changing us…to believe…to trust…to love the One who made us. I know there are a lot of scriptures in the Bible about prayer, but we only get a clear picture when we put them together. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle comes to life when all the pieces are in place…so it is with prayer.

Well, I don’t think there will be those kind of rooms in heaven but if there were…I know one I do think would be there. And that room would be a gallery of pictures of all the things our Dearest Daddy did for us that we never even knew about. It would be a room filled with unnoticed miracles, love notes, and blessings and it would have to be a big room because He is a busy God…loving, blessing, and caring…for each of us.

I’m grateful for the open-handed love of our great God. If we take the time to pause and look, we will see more and more of what He does for us every day. Judy and I are learning that so often joy is in the journey, and do you know what? I am learning that the power of prayer is in the intimacy, the relationship that can only come from time spend together with the One who made me…made us. Oh, and when we are talking, and I’m sharing my concerns, I just know He is there listening and sometimes whispering…telling me not to worry because, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, life, loving others, missions, prayer, thankful, travel, Trials

Can You Say That Again?

Posted on June 22, 2023June 21, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Strange things happen in Africa. For the past 12 or 13 years, our church has made regular trips to Africa. We began in Niger and later moved down to Mali. The last six years or so we have been working in Uganda. Regardless of what country, you can always count on Africa to give you plenty of unusual and strange sights. So, in some ways I wasn’t surprised.

We were on an island in Lake Victoria, Uganda. On any given trip we visit at least three or four different islands offering free medical care, children’s ministries, ladies ministries and visiting the people in their huts to tell them the stories of Jesus. The point of it all is to let them hear the Good News that there is a God who loves them—a lot. It was later in the afternoon, and we were winding down for the day. The medical clinic was finishing and four or five of us men were sitting in the shade under the “front porch” of one of the buildings.

So, we were talking and like I said you see some different things in Africa, so I wasn’t surprised when my friend said, “Look, there goes a woman with a peg leg.” Well, I turned around to look and didn’t see what he was talking about. I did see a lady some distance away but couldn’t see her peg leg. I mean, the only peg legs I knew about were in Peter Pan, so it piqued my curiosity.

I turned back around but didn’t say anything. But it stuck in my mind. After ten minutes or so, I just had to ask my friend about this strange sight. I said, “Tim, did you say something about a lady with a peg leg?” His expression told me I must have missed something. He gave me a perplexing look. All he could manage was a “uh?” I said, “You know, a few minutes ago you said you saw a lady with a peg leg.” He responded with, “No. I said I saw a man carrying a stringer of fish.” Silence. Snickers. Laughter.

Yup. Somewhere in the process of the conversation what was said and what I heard were two totally, and I mean totally, different things. There was no lady with a peg leg, only a guy with a stringer of fish. You are probably wondering how I got “peg leg” out of “stringer of fish.” All I can say is strange things happen in Africa. I’m glad there wasn’t a crippled lady but the idea of a peg leg like Captain Cook’s sure did intrigue me.

And do you know what? Sometimes I think this happens with God and me. I think He is saying something, and I totally miss it. Does that happen to you? I think it’s more common than we think. We think we hear Him say, “You have the right to be mad” and in fact He’s saying, “Forgive.” We think we hear Him say, “Take” and He was actually saying, “Give.” Oh, and then we thought He said, “Quit” and He was saying, “Serve.” And it just goes on and on. We hear “Leave” and He is saying, “Stay.” We hear “Go ahead” and He is saying “Stop, wait, don’t.” Seems strange things don’t happen only in Africa. Smile.

So, I’m not sure what caused the totally humorous miscommunication in Uganda. It may have been my hearing, could have been the village noise…who knows. There may not have been a fix for that, however, when it comes to hearing God clearly there is something that will really help. It is His Word. In so many situations (though I’m not sure peg legs are one of them) the Bible gives us clear guidance.

Here is one thing you can count on. The voice of God (what we think we hear God saying) will not, ever, never, contradict the Word of God. If you think you hear Him saying, “Revenge” when someone has hurt you, you probably have “Peg Leg Syndrome.” If you think you hear Him saying, “Be afraid” when circumstances are frightful, you probably have “Peg Leg Syndrome.” You get the idea.

Talking about the Word of God, Paul said that it is good for learning, good for insight about what is wrong in our lives, good for correcting us when we are wrong and good for teaching us about how to live right. The Bible is an amazing Book. It has stood the test of time and, while there are different translations, there is not a version 4.3 because God got it right the first time.

So, if you are talking with your friends and someone mentions a lady with a peg leg, you might want to ask for some clarification. And if you think you heard God say something that sounds a little not like Him, check the Book, and go to the source. Peg leg stories can be funny, but withholding forgiveness when it is ours to give, hating instead of loving, leaving too soon instead of staying…well, that can cause a lot of pain. And if you find yourself singing and living that 1974 hit “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” it might just be a bad case of Peg Leg Syndrome. Just pull out the Book, read a little and rest in Him. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, life, missions, prayer, Scripture, thankful, travel, Trials

Praying Mantis

Posted on November 7, 2022November 1, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—because I am God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3a

Hi Grits Family! Hey, my wife Judy and I are going to be “out of pocket” aka “not available” to write this week. 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” next week. God bless. Bro. Dewayne

As Judy and I lay in the African night, from out of the darkness (no electricity) the praying mantis landed square on my face. Now what happened next can’t be written because it goes beyond the 26 letters in the English alphabet. I jumped up and started clawing in the darkness trying to find my stalking insect. I finally grabbed him (gross), wrestled him to the bed (remember they are the size of eagles…smile), raised the net and chucked him outside somewhere, anywhere but where I was. And then I did some praying of my own. “Lord, please don’t let him find the hole again.” Thankfully, he didn’t, and thankfully that was the last I saw of him.

One time God was talking to Israel through the prophet Isaiah, and He said no matter what we face…when we are over our head in trouble, or maybe between a rock and a hard place or even the occasional fiery furnace—He will be with us. Why? Because He is our Savior, our Lord, our God. Wow…what a great scripture and I can add to that list “face eating praying mantis.” God is always there with us and for us and no matter what, He’s got this. Take that, Mr. Mantis. Bro. Dewayne