life

The Disappearance (part 2 – A short story by Mark Brady)

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“Officer Dawson, our daughter is missing!” cried Joanna when the police arrived. Scott showed Officer Dawson and Officer Johnson into the living room.

“I’m so sorry, Joanna. I assure you we will do all we can,” Dawson replied after hugging her.

They looked around while filling out their forms for a missing person. They even looked up in the attic. They asked if they could have a recent photo of Tamera. They also asked if she had any enemies.

While in Tamera’s room, Johnson asked, “Are these clothes lying on the bed what she normally slept in?” They hadn’t even noticed them while they were searching for her.

“Yes, they are, but her normal daytime clothes are also here.” No one knew what to make of that.

The officers left to put out an “APB” and start the search.

“What do we do now,” asked Joanna, looking at her husband

“The officers asked us to stay here in case she shows back up. And I have a sermon to finish up.”

“You still going to preach tomorrow?” inquired Joanna. “How?”

“I don’t know, but I feel as though I have to show the congregation how we are to handle real-world struggles, and you don’t handle them by hiding. Speaking of hiding, have you seen Luke?”

They went into the kitchen and found him eating the abandoned breakfast.

“What? I was hungry!” exclaimed Luke.

***

Scott entered his study and shut the door. It was a warm, comfortable feeling place with all of the natural wood walls. He sat in his desk chair and reached for his sermon notes. The words were difficult to read through watery eyes.

“God, why is this happening? Where is my daughter? What happened to her? Help me, Heavenly Father, because I don’t know what to do, and help me, God. Give me strength for my family and my church.”

His phone rang. Caller ID displayed, “Darcy.”

“Hello.” Trying to hide the shake in his voice while wiping tears away.

“Oh my goodness! I just heard. What happened?”

“How did you hear already?”

“Officer Dawson is married to Julie, and she told Susan, who is friends with Kelly, who does my hair. I was in her shop this morning when she got the news. I am so sorry. What can I do? Organize a search party?”

“That’s not a bad idea. It couldn’t hurt.”

“I’ll get on it.”

***

Sunday Morning

“This is not a typical Sunday morning. First, let me say “Thank you” to everyone who showed up yesterday to search for my daughter, Tamera. I think the whole town showed up.” He tried to muster up a chuckle. “Joanna told me I didn’t have to preach this morning, but I feel I do, if not for anyone else, me. The message is about “faith.” More importantly, how to keep your faith when times are rough. I’m glad God directed me to prepare this message this week. He knew I would need it.

When you have more questions than answers, you lean into God more than ever. You continue to believe what you know about him. And speaking of that, get to know the characteristics of God before you go through a trial, not in the midst of one. You continue to trust that his thoughts and ways are higher than ours.”

Pastor Scott shared the event’s details, but most in attendance had already heard, with it being a small town. Most of the women and a few of the men wiped their eyes in compassion. After the service, everyone in attendance felt the need to love on their pastor and his family by waiting their turn to hug them. To find some words to encourage and support the family. Doing what a church is designed to do.

***

The rest of the day dragged by for Scott and the family. Scott asked if anyone wanted to talk about what they were feeling, but only a few words were expressed. They all found a comfortable place to curl up and stare into space, eventually falling asleep because the night before it alluded them. They all drifted off, thinking the same things, “What happened to Tamera? Where in the world is she? Did someone take her?

***

“Car 57. Please see the lady at 422 Oneida Street concerning a missing person.”

…To be continued…

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

The Disappearance (part 1 – A short story by Mark Brady)

/ Mark Brady / 4 Comments

“I love living here,” said Darcy while sitting in Bradys old café sipping her coffee.

“Why’s that?” asked Scott finishing his eggs and toast. He and his cousin Darcy often met for breakfast.

“For one thing, it’s safe. Nothing bad ever happens here. We don’t even lock our front door. And it’s not too big either. You know, people wise.”

“Yeah. And those same people also know you and your business!” exclaimed Scott. “You know the saying, ‘You have a bowel movement in the morning, and by noon, everyone in town knows what color!”

Darcy laughed. Snorting on her coffee. “There is some truth to that.”

“Ya know, I heard the other day that the town of Seneca now has 2000 people. So your little town is getting big time,” said Scott.

“But we still don’t have a Mcdonald’s, so it’s not that big,” responded Darcy quickly.

Scott said, “I like the town’s look, how it sits in a small valley. The hills bordering it make you feel secluded from the world but not alone. And I love how we have two creeks running through town. We could probably do without the train line running through it these days. That would make it quieter. I know it was needed when the town was first developing.”

Scott is thirty years old, has been married to Joanna for fourteen years, and was born in Seneca. He has two children. His daughter, Tamera, is twelve, and his son Luke, is eight. He has been the minister at “First Baptist Church of Seneca” for nine years. He is medium height and has brown hair. His sermons are as firey as his quick-tempered personality. The youngest of six brothers and four sisters. He had to stand firm for his portion of meals and his family’s attention.

***

“DAD! DAD!”

“Luke, what is it?” yelled back Scott while trying to locate him inside the house. He found him in his daughter’s room.

“Tamera is missing!”

“She’s probably just hiding from you. She has to be here somewhere.” He looked around his tween’s room. There were posters of Taylor Swift, piles of dirty clothes, books from school, and what little makeup her mother was allowing her to wear.

“Dad, I’ve looked everywhere in her room. I know her hiding spots!”

“Okay. I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. It’s pretty out this morning. Maybe she’s outside.” Trying to reassure his son that there was nothing to worry about.

Scott, too started looking for his daughter everywhere.

“Have you seen Tamera this morning?” Scott asked Joanna, who was in the kitchen making breakfast. She rolled her eyes from top right to top left.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t. I just figured she was still sleeping in her room since it’s Saturday,” Joanna commented.

Joanna turned off the fire from under the eggs and joined the other two, still looking inside and out. At first, the pace wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, but panic set in as their search expanded and the big hand on the clock got further into the day.

“Let’s regroup,” ordered Scott. “Everyone into the kitchen. Joanna, why don’t you start calling her friends to see if she is at one of their houses? I’ll re-examine her room to see if there are any clues. Luke, you come help me.”

In Tamera’s room. “Luke, look to see if you can find her phone. I’ll check the closet and her dresser drawers.” In the back of his mind, he was trying to recount if she would have any reason to run away. He couldn’t think of any.

“I found her cell phone. It’s still here, Dad.”

“She doesn’t go anywhere without her phone,” exclaimed Scott. “I’ve asked her many times to leave it at home on Sundays. Somehow she forgets to silence it, and I’m not too fond of it interrupting my sermons. Especially with her ringtone of ‘You Belong With Me.’ Oh goodness, my sermon for tomorrow isn’t done yet.”

Scott checked the windows. They were locked. He returned to the kitchen to check in with Joanna.

“Any luck? Has anyone seen her, or is she at anyone’s house?” Joanna held her finger up to her lips and finished her conversation on the phone.

“Okay. Thank you, and if you see or hear anything, please call us immediately. Yes, by all means, pray,” Joanna said and ended the call.

“Honey, no one has seen or heard from her. The last text messages one of her friends got were around 11:30 PM.,” she said while snuggling into her husband’s arms. Tears begin to flow. “Our daughter has disappeared. I think we should call the police.”

…To be continued…

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

As It Was In the Days of Noah

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Photo from the “Ark Encounter” in Williamstown, KY

I just finished posting (scheduling) nine blogs that will cover the month of March. Sorry, no spoiler alerts concerning them, but I will tell you it is a short story titled “The Disappearance.” I will also reveal there are nine parts to the story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have writing it. God is gracious, for it only took nine days to write it. Since they are done in advance, I will focus on finishing my next book, “Ask Flip and Invite.”

But there is one line in the story that I cannot get away from. That line is “as it was in the days of Noah.” I posted that I recently had the opportunity to tour the life-size replica of Noah’s Ark found in Williamstown, Kentucky. So I guess this phrase has been on my mind much longer. What does it mean?

Simply put, before Jesus returns to get his church, the last days on this earth will be as corrupt as when Noah was building the ark.

 “The time of the Son of Man will be just like the time of Noah—everyone carrying on as usual, having a good time right up to the day Noah boarded the ship. They suspected nothing until the flood hit and swept everything away. Luke 17: 26-27 (MSG)

In other words, no one will be thinking about Jesus returning. They will be more interested in satisfying their desires and doing what pleases them. Or taking care of business, striving to survive inflation, corrupt politicians, and making a buck.

I hope and pray you do not allow yourself to get caught up in this life but focus on seeking the kingdom of God. Doing so will serve you well.

Prayer: God, help us to stay focused on you. Knowing that we are your children and you take care of your children because your word says that you know what we have need of. Instead, Father, may we rather spread your love and the message of your saving grace. Thank you, God. Amen.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Is It Too Loud?

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Photo by: Anthony via Pexels.com

I know a lady who was once asked to find another church by the pastor’s wife! Why? Allegedly, her worship was too loud. Perhaps the “offender” took attention away from the pastor’s wife’s own loud worship, but I am not sure. Regardless, it was wrong. The lady was devested. When I got to talk to her about the situation, she said she couldn’t help her worship being that loud. She went on to share that if people knew the kind of life God saved her from, they would understand why her worship, praise, and gratitude to God were so exuberant.

Does our praise and witness of God’s love turn people off? Does it cause them not to want to be around us or in any way be like us? Does that list include friends and family members?

Like the lady above, Paul was loud about preaching the good news. About the saving grace of God. Paul knew the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus, and he wanted everyone else to know too. He, also, was appreciative of the life Jesus saved him from. To quiet him down, he was beaten and thrown into prison. Fortunately for us, while he was there, he let his pen do the talking and, while in one prison after another, wrote most our New Testament.

We certainly don’t want to water down our witness, especially to please people, but I think there is a way to balance it out where they want to be around us. We need them to be with us so they can feel the love of God through us. I know Jesus had this balance down pat. People flocked around him because he was full of the Holy Spirit. He spoke words of love. It didn’t hurt that he performed miracles too. And we can do the same. Jesus even said in John 14, verse 12:

I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. (AMPC)

So seek a balance with the volume of your witnessing life. Know your audience. Know when to turn it up and when to perhaps press mute and let your actions speak louder than words. I once led my neighbors to God by caring about them and, with my actions, doing what I could do to help them. It wasn’t long before the man of the house asked, “Why are you so different?” That’s when I turned up the volume and shared the good news of the saving grace of God that changes us.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Nine Lives?

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Photo by: Marko Blazevic

They say cats have nine lives, and in some weird cases, that may be true, but a man?

“I have fallen off two roofs, maybe three, I can’t remember. I was digging a hole for a tank, and I hit a transmission line. I was lying on the ground about forty-five feet away when I woke up. A witness said there were lots of sparks and I should have died. Then there was the time I was involved in a vehicle accident where my truck went off the road and landed in some trees thirty feet above the ground,” said a man I had recently met.

I was shocked and amazed, and my reaction showed it. Then he said there had been several other times he probably shouldn’t have survived. The phrase of having “nine lives” was spoken. I sensed the Holy Spirit, and I said. “Man! God really must love you because your life has been spared so many times!”

“I don’t know about that.” He said.

“Well, do you have a personal relationship with God?”

“No.”

I then explained how one could have a personal relationship with God by asking His Son, Jesus, into their heart. How doing so would forgive them of their sin and wrongdoing. He squirmed and acted like he didn’t want to hear this. Then I felt as though he thought if he accepted Jesus into his life, he would have to change his behavior. I explained to him that getting to know God is the best thing to do. Start loving Him back. I mentioned how a relationship with God was not about “rules” or “do’s and don’ts.”

 “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16-18 (MSG)

I went on to explain that everyone will die once, not nine times. Then they will be standing before God giving an account of how they lived their life. I explained how if one has accepted Jesus, they will continue that loving relationship with God for eternity in heaven. Or they will be forever separated from God’s presence in hell if they have not. He said he was a good man, and I agreed that he was. But I then informed him that our good doesn’t forgive us of our wrongs. That is why we needed Jesus. How Jesus was a perfect sacrifice for sin when He died on the cross.

Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And so, when he next appears, the outcome for those eager to greet him is, precisely, salvation. Heb. 9:27-28 (MSG)

He then told me that he had to return to the project he was working on. My heart was broken knowing how much God loves us all. He simply wants us to receive His love and have a great relationship with him. Before we finished our conversation, I told him that he had heard the truth and there was no way he would ever be able to tell God, “No one told me!” Now you have been told as well.

Prayer: God, may everyone receive your love and your Son, Jesus, into their life. May they experience that love in all areas of their life. May they feel your love and go tell others so that no one will perish but have everlasting life with you.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Three Men, One Opinion

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Recently, I shared with three different men, at three different times, what was going on lately with April and me. Meaning, what God has us doing and why, as best as we understand it. I will admit it is not conventional, but when did God do things that made sense to us anyway?

In their own way, they proceeded to comment, share, or lecture me with their opinions on the matter. Needless to say, I didn’t like what they said, but I found it funny when one concluded with, “But the bottom line is between you, April and God.” If that’s the bottom line, then why did he feel the need to comment? Another said, “This is just a suggestion as a brother in the Lord.” It didn’t feel like it! The difference with the third one was that I could tell he wanted to comment on the situation, and I gave him an opportunity to by inviting him to speak into my life. He did. I still didn’t like what he said, but it didn’t hurt or offend me because I gave him an invitation.

The truth is this, none of them are walking in my shoes. What they see on the outside looks bizarre to them, and they don’t understand it perhaps. But why they felt they had to comment bothered me, so I asked God why. I woke up in the middle of the night, and their comments were still on my mind. Then, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “They commented because what you have they want. They are jealous of your situation.” I couldn’t believe it.

If God has directed you to do something, then it is best to be obedient no matter what it may look like to others. No matter if they understand it or not. They may criticize you out of jealousy but continue to walk in the way God leads. God loves obedience, and he rewards it by blessing you by, at times, making your path easy.

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 1 Sam. 15:22 (NIV)

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

He Knows (cont.)

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Photo by: ambermb

Have you ever heard someone say, “I am just worried sick!” “I am so afraid something is going to happen.” “Well, what if?”

All of these statements are rooted in fear. Fear is like a disease because it can become so powerful that it can actually cripple or debilitate someone. Fear stops people and can even prevent God from moving on your behalf. He may have the plan to help you with what you need, but if you have fear in your heart, you will most likely never try it.

I have been to countries where “fear” seemed to be one of the controlling spirits of the land. The people there would try to do things independently instead of trusting God. It was sad to witness their struggle.

I know one lady, shortly after meeting her, said to me, “My greatest fear is getting a knock on the door at 3 AM informing us that our son has been killed in an auto accident.” About three years later, her fear became a reality. The Bible addresses fear. One scripture says, “The worst of my fears has come true, what I’ve dreaded most has happened.” Job 3:25 (MSG)

The only thing greater than “fear” is “hope”! That is why the devil wants you to believe the lie that you have no hope.

“As long as you are alive, you have hope.”

Pastor Robert Morris

This is why I place my hope in the Lord, for He is the author and finisher of my faith. For God is Love, and perfect love drives out fear!

17-18 God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God, and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home, and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. 1 John 4:17-18 (MSG).

God knows what you fear and wants to help you trust him with it. Allow him so, and then his perfect love will drive it out of you as you learn to count on him.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

He Knows

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When I was a teenager, I worked in a grocery store. Next to the time clock was a sign that read, “Sometimes doing a good job at work is like wetting your pants while wearing a dark suit. You get a warm feeling, but no one else notices.”

There have been many times in my life when I feel good about the job I have done, whether in the natural sense or for God. But as I wait for an “At a boy” or a “Thank you” at the very least, I often get disappointed when it never comes. I know we should work unto the Lord and be good and faithful servants and probably never desire approval, but there is something inside me that wants to hear it once in a while. I’ll still go on and do an excellent job on future tasks, but it would be nice to be recognized once in a while for using the gifts and talents God has blessed me with.

I strive to do the very best I can. To serve others and to provide what is needed. Is getting a little appreciation for that asking too much? I don’t think so. Yet it seems as if others just don’t notice or take the time to stop what is important to them to say, “Thanks.”

I move on. I continue. I keep doing my best, knowing that one of these days, when I stand before God, all will be seen. All those big and little things I did for people, whether publicly or in secret. Afterward, I will receive the crown of life as one who has accepted Jesus into my life. Then I will gladly lay it down before my King, Jesus. For none of what I did would even matter if it was not for what He did for us. Giving his very life, that is.

I do realize that seeking recognition is of the flesh. It is the very desire that got Satan kicked out of heaven. Therefore it should come with a warning label: “Seeking recognition from others could be hazardous to where you spend eternity.” The desire is most likely based on pride, so it would be good to ignore that feeling anyway.

So do your best with everything you do, even if no one notices. It might not be what you want, but at least it will provide a warm feeling.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

But the Menu Board is Lit

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If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know April and I went to Louisville, Kentucky, for Christmas. April’s sister had to work the day shift at the hospital, so she wasn’t hosting Christmas lunch, and her family had prior plans with a friend. So after we left the church, we had no place to go for dinner.

There were several eating establishments by our hotel, but none appeared to be open. Then I noticed cars in line at the drive-through for McDonald’s. We both looked at each other and said, “Nothing else is open!” We took our place at the end of one of the split lines. We started reviewing our choices on the lit-up menu board. Then I noticed no muffled voices were speaking to the people in the cars ahead of us. I commented to April, “I don’t think they’re open.” She replied, “Well then, why are cars in line?” “Because the menu board is lit,” I replied.

Apparently, when McDonald’s closed, they forgot to turn off the menu boards. I have noticed Americans will get in a line even if it is not the right line. I know I am guilty of that. I recall what my senior year English teacher, Ms. Tibbs, once said, “Drive your own bus! You don’t know where someone else driving their bus may be going.” I think she was trying to teach us not to follow the crowd.

We got out of the line, went next door to a gas station, and bought some noodles. But on the way back to our hotel, we noticed Waffle House was open. We went in. Being there on Christmas day reminded me of Randy Stonehill’s song, “Christmas At Denny’s.” Considering it was the only restaurant open, the food was outstanding! Later that night, we had dinner with April’s sister and family. On our way there, we noticed new cars in the drive-through line at McDonald’s. Yes, the menu board was still lit!

Tragically, too many people mindlessly follow the crowd. Whatever the multitude is doing or just bought, they too must do or have.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Mat. 7:13 (NKJV)

Sometimes it may feel you are alone if you have chosen to accept God and His gift of forgiveness for your sins. But you aren’t alone. Don’t fall into the temptation to be accepted by being a part of the crowd. You can ask God to help you stand alone if needed, and He will. Jesus went to the cross alone. He knows what it feels like to be rejected, despised, and hated. The menu board may be lit up, but you don’t have to place an order. Doing so could cost you where you spend eternity.

Copyright © 2023 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Celebration of Life

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I have attended several funerals in my lifetime. I have noticed people are starting to call them “Celebration of Life” services. I attended another one this past weekend. (This post is being written on Dec. 21st.) It’s a nice gesture. Family and friends gather, quiet music is played, then there is a briefly given Wikipedia-type history of one’s life. A list of the loved one’s accomplishments, activities, interests, and community involvements. Then, again with music, photos are displayed.

The gathering I went to had a twist. The one being celebrated was still alive. He knows his days are numbered due to being terminally ill with stomach cancer. He told his wife he did not want a funeral but asked her to gather his friends and family to say their goodbyes in person. She did, and they came. Some traveled long distances to be there.

I like the man’s approach, appreciation, and perspective on life. He knows that life is best with people. He expressed his love to each friend and family member. Stories were told, usually followed by laughter, and of course, food was shared as well.

The man is also ready for the moment he journeys from earth to heaven, where he will look up and find himself standing before God and then give an account of his life. I know he has accepted Jesus into his heart, and his life produced good fruit.

If you have not accepted Jesus into your life, and haven’t asked him to forgive you of your sins, now would be a great time to do so. My friend has an idea of when he will pass, but most of us don’t know. With that said, you should take care of this now! And what a way to start the new year but with a new outlook on your relationship with God.

So Happy New Year, everyone. May you be blessed by God abundantly and discover an exciting and adventurous life with Him. Go live life God’s way and celebrate every moment.

13 Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
    including every hidden thing,
    whether it is good or evil. Ecc. 12:13-14 (NIV)

Copyright © 2022 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.