Jessica, while at a red light, feels moisture drip upon her cheeks. She can’t believe the hurt has reached her eyes. Roger, holds his head in the stream of water showering upon him while he mumbles words. A prayer perhaps? He hopes the sound of the falling water conceals his pain, his desperation. Cassandra stares at the dark ceiling, instead of sleeping, longing for an answer. An answer that would change her life. Manuel walks aimlessly, at times looking up, hoping any minute now God would heal him.
Just stories lines, or glimpses of real life? Perhaps they feel real because you have been there, or you are there now. No matter where you are, or what you are going through, know this; YOU ARE NOT ALONE. You are not the only one who has ever walked the path you are on, even though it feels like it. There are others, who are there now, or who have found the exit.
Where are these people? Who are they? Include in your prayers to God to lead you to them. They might be in your church, or they might be your neighbor, or across the aisle at work, but the truth is they walk among us. They can help you. They can listen to you. They can pray for you, or with you. But in order for that to happen they have to know. They have to know what you are going through. Take a chance on being honest when someone ask you how you are. And if you are one who hears a story of real life going on dare to listen int
ently. Believe with them for God to deliver them, answer them, or heal them. Life is hard, but it is even harder by yourself.
If you struggle finding someone, or trusting someone enough to open up with the truth, you are still not alone. There is no where you can go to escape the eye of God, or His love. Have faith, have hope for your exit may be within the next mile.
Copyright © 2016 Mark Brady, All rights reserved
I exited the train. Looking forward to being home. That is when I saw them. A young man, a young son, and a young dog all standing up against the fence holding onto it with their hands, and paws, waiting. Undoubtedly waiting for a young wife, a young mother, a young friend. The image was strong, and unfortunately one only a few others noticed, and commented by their, “Ahhh”s. What a welcoming site for the one being waited on to arrive. A young woman coming home to the love of a husband, the love of a child, and the love of a dog.
Like most kids, I was afraid of the dark. I would turn off my bedroom light and run and jump in bed from about three feet away so the monsters under it couldn’t grab my ankles and pull me under. I was especially afraid of the darkness that dwelled inside my closet. Embarrassed to admit it, but I was 40 years old before I could leave the closet door open on purpose at bedtime. Too many horror movies I guess.
As I was reading from the book of Psalms chapter 139, this past week, from The Message I was reminded of, “The Spook Light”. What? There is a light near the Oklahoma / Missouri border, just south of Joplin, MO. that has baffled people for 100s of years. This light will appear on this one road in front of you, and if you drive to get closer it will disappear, but then appear behind you. I saw this light when I was a young child. I was supposed to be afraid, but instead, I was intrigued.
When the serpent was talking to Eve, why didn’t she run? Today if a serpent was around, most of us would run. Before Eve’s eyes were opened she didn’t know any fear. She didn’t need to, with the exception of fearing God, meaning respect Him, and His words. Here in front of her was sin, evil, the downfall of mankind and the world, yet she wasn’t afraid.
brady, mark a. 