Diane Mickler's Blog

I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they are going. I’ll be a personal guide to them directing them through unknown country. I’ll be right there showing them what roads to take so they don’t fall in the ditch. These are the things I’ll be doing for them – sticking with them – not leaving them for a minute. Isaiah 42:16 from The Message

It is amazing how many times I have heard the question lately, Where do we go from here? The L. A. Fitness in East Cobb is closing its doors permanently effective Monday. Many of us are perplexed about the reason and even more perplexed about the question, where do we go from here?

Most of us have been exercising here for well over twenty years, and we have all formed long term friendships and routines. For example, we know who swims and at what time, we know what lane they prefer, we know how to share our lanes when it’s crowded, we know the swimmers that splash us, and we know the trials, tribulations, and the celebrations of those who we see on a daily basis. The question arises among us every day, where do we go from here?

This dilemma is minor compared to those who have much bigger issues when they ask, where do we go from here? It could be the loss of a job. It could be the death of a loved one. It could be the relocation of a family. It could be a serious diagnosis of a loved one. It could be the splitting of a church, and the loss of all the things dear to the members. So, where do we go from here?

It is at these times that God reminds us that every detail of our future is already known to Him. The following story is told of a mapmaker. Centuries ago when a mapmaker ran out of the known world before he ran out of parchment, he would frequently draw a dragon at the edge of the scroll. This was intended as a sign to explorers that they were entering unknown territory at their own risk.

However, many did not regard the dragon as a mapmaker’s warning sign, but instead, as a prophecy. They foresaw disaster beyond the known worlds they traveled, and their fear kept them from pushing on to discover new lands and peoples.

Other, more adventurous travelers, however, saw the dragon as a sign of opportunity and a doorway to new worlds worth exploring. Each of us has a mental map that contains the information we need for guidance as we begin each new day and each new adventure. Sometimes, just like the maps of long ago, our mental maps can have edges to them which seem to be marked by dragons or fears.

Sometimes we fear failing , being rejected, being ridiculed, being alienated, being worried about not having enough, or being fearful of losing what we have. God reminds us in our scripture that He will take our hand, He will be our personal guide, and He will stick with us as we contemplate, where do we go from here?

In times like these, I can see in my mind’s eye God speaking to His people as they stood on the threshold of the promised land not knowing what awaited them when they went into it. The simple words, “The Lord is the one who goes before you” is the goal or strategy we need to remember every day.

After mapping out your day, and asking, where do we go from here? Commit it all to God and believe that He has gone before you to prepare the way.

As for the L.A. Fitness friends, we have confidence in the future!

We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:21 from The Message

Those of us who are old enough will probably remember the character that Gilda Radner created when she was a regular on the original Saturday Night Live in the late 1970’s. The character was a compelling lady named Rosann Rosannadanna who was a totally freaked out, zany, brash, and goofy lady. She always showed up in the television news room set giving the daily news.

As her news reports became more and more unbelievable, they usually ended with Roseann recounting some improbable disaster which would befall the subject of the news report. Then, she wrapped it all up by quoting her old nanny with these words, “It just goes to show you. It’s always something. If it isn’t one thing, it’s another.”

In our everyday life, it’s easy to use the same expression, it’s always something to help us explain everything that doesn’t go according to our plan. We pray about it, and ask God to fix whatever it is, but we forget that He has His own plan.

Suffering, tests, trials, tribulations, distresses, health, finances, are all things that make Christians throw up their hands and declare, It’s always something. However, these are the things that the Christian should understand are just an ordinary part of life, and with God, what we get back is always greater than what we gave up.

Most of us are never quite satisfied with how God handles the somethings in our lives. This story is an example. A woman’s grandson was playing in the water at the beach while she stands back a bit not wanting to get her feet wet. Suddenly, a huge wave appears from nowhere and crashes directly over the spot where the boy was wading.

The water recedes, and the boy is no longer there. He just vanished! The woman holds her hands to the sky and screams, “Lord, how could you? Have I not been a wonderful mother and grandmother? Have I not given to the needy? Have I not tried to live a Christian life?”

A few minutes later another huge wave appears out of nowhere and crashes on the beach. As the water recedes, the boy is standing there smiling and splashing around as it nothing had happened.

A loud voice booms, “Okay, I have returned your grandson. Are you satisfied?” She responds, “He had a hat!” There is always something.

We all have those times when we think there’s no way this situation we are facing will end well. Things can get tough, and we are tempted to complain sometimes about our lot in life, but it is at this time that we need to remind ourselves that each day of our life is a gift from God. We will never have this day again, so instead of muttering, it’s always something, try vowing just for today I will... Here are some suggestions.

Just for today, I vow to experience and enjoy each hour to the fullest and not try to tackle all life’s problems at once. Just for today, I will be agreeable. Just for today, I won’t find fault or try to change or improve anyone but myself. Just for today, I will have a plan and a goal. Just for today, I won’t think it’s always something.

Just for today, I will do something for someone else and keep it a secret! Just for today, I will do something I don’t want to do. Just for today, I will make time to enjoy the little things in life. Just for today, I won’t feel guilty if I watch a Hallmark movie in the afternoon. Just for today, I will endeavor to enjoy all of God’s blessings and believe all the good things I do for His kingdom will return to me many times over.

It’s a great idea to look for all the positives in life, but it’s even better to choose to believe that each day is a blessing. and each day is a great opportunity to bless someone’s life.

It’s always something, but let’s make it something good!

.Lord for tomorrow and its needs, I do not pray. Keep me, my Father from the stain of sin, just for today. Help me to labor earnestly and duly pray; Let me be kind in word and deed, Just for today. Jeff Mowery

This fundamental fact of this existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything which makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. Hebrews 11:1 The Message

Just yesterday we paused to celebrate our Fathers, and I couldn’t help but think of some of my favorite guys who are not only excellent fathers, but faithful men as well. Each of them has contributed and continues to contribute to the spiritual course of our family!

I enjoy watching the old tv series like Father Knows Best, My Three Sons, and of course, The Andy Griffith Show because the shows depict the world in which I grew up. Each show depicts a father in a different light – a dad who arrives home in a suit carrying a briefcase, a single dad raising three boys alone, and my favorite, a hard working dad who loves his Lord and always makes time for his family.

On a recent episode, Andy and Opie were sitting on the front porch on a Sunday afternoon while Aunt Bee was making home made ice cream. Opie looks at Andy and says, “Pa, I hope you don’t mind if I tell you about something that happened.” Andy gives him his full attention and asks, “What is it, Opie?”

“Well,” says Opie, “Mrs. Gilbert’s kitchen window got broken.” Andy pauses and says, “Well, I guess you did that.” Opie nods. “Well then,” Andy continues, “I hope you don’t mind if I tell you that you won’t get any more of your allowance until that window is paid.” Opie nods and says, “Yes, Pa.” They smile at each other and go to get ice cream! A perfect example of a father who has passed down to his son his faith, beliefs, and discipline.

This kind of father is likened to the ones who had enough faith in their Lord to sacrifice everything for this new country two hundred and fifty years ago. They trusted God to give them the strength, courage, fortitude, and vision to fight for freedom for these United States.

Now, we are gearing up to celebrate two hundred and fifty years of the United States of America! As a country, do we have the Faith of our Fathers to carry this country forward with the same strength, courage, fortitude, and vision that was entrusted to us?

Most of us in this country today are standing on the shoulders of those praying, believing, and steadfast Fathers that have come before us. Their unshakeable faith in times of hardship, their prayers at night, and their commitment to truth are examples that have shaped our lives more than any words that were ever spoken.

The faith of these fathers of our country provided strength in trials, hope in chaos, and direction in confusion. There are some qualities of those early Fathers of our country that we must embody and pass on.

First, these fathers of faith, obeyed God’s call and possessed a faith that moved forward in response to divine instruction. They never delayed when God spoke to them.

Next, these fathers of faith stood firm under pressure. They were not shaken by setbacks as they pursued the goal of freedom, but rather put on the full armor of God to move this country forward.

Finally, these fathers of faith cultivated a personal walk with God even amidst sacrifices. They passed on this faith to our country, and it is their greatest legacy.

The faith of our fathers is a foundation upon which this country was built these many years ago. The legacy of faith is the greatest inheritance we can pass on to the next generation, and it will last beyond time into eternity.

As we begin the preparation, remember the words of the song, Faith of our Fathers written by Frederick William Faber.

Faith of our Fathers living still, in spite of dungeon, fire or sword. O how our hearts beat high with joy, when ere we hear that glorious word. Faith of our Fathers, holy faith. We will be true to thee till death.

God Bless America!

Do not worry! Matthew 6:31

There are several friends of ours who love to do jigsaw puzzles. In fact, they enjoy them so much, that there is constantly a partially solved puzzle on a table in their homes with the missing pieces scattered all around!

I am not great at the huge jigsaw puzzles, but occasionally, while standing there, I try to find the correct piece to add just for fun! If I can see the picture on the box, I have a much better chance of getting the piece to fit. At this particular house; however, the box with the picture on it was not there! Suddenly, I had no hope of getting this one in the right place!

Life is a lot like trying to put a puzzle together without the finished picture. When things happen, we tend to do one of two things: we either blow the whole situation out of proportion, or we look at it as “no big deal!” I’ve heard these called “awfulizing or minimizing.”

In the course of our life in the ministry, I tended to be the one who awfulized a lot! Our very first parsonage was in the small town of Newborn, Ga which is a “suburb” of Covington. The house was built in 1848, was there during the Civil War, and was the birthplace of Charles Allen a famous minister.

In those days, the minister’s family did not see the parsonage before moving day. When I opened the front door on that June day in 1978, I began “awfulizing.” Needless to say I could not see the big picture.

When my parents arrived to help us move in, my mother opened the door, and immediately burst into tears! I got my “awfulizing” honestly. She didn’t see the big picture either.

After several months of “awfulizing” during which time the kitchen sink fell in, a brick from the fireplace fell into the den, and we did a lot of cleaning and crying, we finally invited the parsonage committee to come take a tour of the church’s house! We wanted to show them the big picture!

It turns out, they had no idea of the state of this parsonage! The men on the committee immediately wanted to fix everything, the women wanted to get all new furniture plus a washer, dryer, and dishwasher which we had been without. They saw the big picture, and we were able to work together.

God subtly taught me that this wasn’t about having everything we needed when we needed it, but rather teaching me how to trust Him and wait for Him to reveal the big picture. These people became our family, and some of my most precious memories are of them and this church.

As humans, we have a limited understanding of God’s big picture of our lives. Without His assistance..we never will. People today have a tendency to try and figure out why things happen as they do using our own thoughts and theories. If we want to understand the big picture, we have to go to the one who created the puzzle in the first place.

The truth is “awfulizing” and “minimizing” never go away. Just like worry, it plagues us constantly. When one issue is resolved, there is always another one waiting to take its place. It’s a fact of life, and we can’t change it.

We can only comprehend so much about God and His plans. Does anyone know where they will be in 5 years, how about next year, next month, next week, or tomorrow? We can make our plans, but who knows if they will fit into God’s big picture. We must trust Him.

Thankfully, God is a God that is unlimited. He isn’t held to time. He isn’t held to place. He knows all about the plans for our big picture – He even created it. The grace of God that brought us through the last “awfulizing” situation will be with us in the next one, and the next one.

We all have a tendency to worry about the future. Whether it’s money, relationships, or the state of the world, we worry about uncertainties instead of letting God show us our big picture in His time.

There’s a story about Death walking toward a city, and a man stopped him and asked, “What are you doing to do?” Death said, “I am going to kill ten thousand people.”

As the days passed, the man warned everyone he could think of about Death’s plan. At the end of the day, the man saw Death again and said, “You said you were going to kill ten thousand people, and yet seventy thousand died.” Death replied, “I killed only ten thousand. Worry and fear killed the rest.” 1502

Notice what Jesus said about the things we worry or “awfulize” over most: Do not worry. Your heavenly Father knows that you need these things. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Proverbs 31:33

God’s plan for each of us is perfect because He has the ultimate perspective.. The big picture is in His hands. We just need to watch while He finishes the puzzle!

So shall my word be that goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

One of the most helpless feelings in the world is to be driving in a sparsely populated area and notice that the gas gauge is almost on empty! No gas stations in sight! You wonder how in the world you ignored the gauge when there were plenty of gas stations around? Nobody likes to be running on empty in that situation.

Just before World War II at the Tournament of Roses parade, the Standard Oil Company had a beautiful float entered in the parade. It was covered in red roses. The theme that year was, “Be Prepared.” In the middle of the parade, the oil company’s float came to a screeching halt and the rest of the parade stopped with it!

What happened? The float committee which had, spent countless hours making sure every flower was in place, which had spent literally days making sure that the music was just right, that the sound system was adequate for the task, had simply forgotten to fill the float engine with enough gas. That’s right, the Chevron oil and gas company float had run out of gas! It was running on empty!

The directors of the Chevron float had done everything well, but they had neglected to use their company’s vast resources of oil. They had neglected to do the one thing needed to finish the work of that day. The parade waited while somebody ran to get a gallon of gas.

There are times in this life when we might feel that we are running on empty. There are times when the unexpected circumstances of life take all our energy and leave us feeling empty. It can be spiritual, emotional, or physical depletion that can leave us feeling exhausted, confused, and just basically wiped out.

Forrest Gump ran, just because he liked running, for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours across America. Maybe for sometime now, we are like Forrest Gump, just going through the motions, with no meaning or purpose. We do it just because we think it’s what we are supposed to do. We are running on empty.

The late Adrian Rogers once shared how we live our lives like a car. We fill up the tank and take off never thinking of our need for fuel/power again until we are running on fumes and the tank is empty.

This life is not easy, there is so much pain, suffering, heart break, and sickness that we forget to remind ourselves that every day is a gift from God that we will never have again. I think God would have us fill up our tank every day by remembering the value of this day. Don’t run on empty.

First, resolve to experience and enjoy each day and try not to tackle our whole life’s problems in one day. Next, be agreeable. Try to be courteous and considerate of everyone in your path. Don’t run over those who might be running on empty.

Then, try to have a plan and a goal for the day. We might not follow it exactly, but have one anyway. Having a plan and a goal will save us from two of the most bothersome enemies – hurry and indecision.

Finally, don’t be afraid to love or risk. Endeavor to enjoy all of God’s blessings and believe that every seed we sow in God’s kingdom will be multiplied back to us many times over.

When we let ourselves run on empty, it’s like working outside God’s will for us. We wear ourselves out and end up having nothing to show for all our efforts.

We get out tank filled when we allow ourselves to stop, renew our fellowship with God, and allow Him to direct us.

God knows how draining life can be, so don’t run on empty -remember to fill up!

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

In the early years of our marriage, Randy and I pretty much lived a pretty frugal life while he finished Emory and I taught school. Vacations were pretty much non existent, but the summer that he graduated, we (he) decided to take a road trip in our little Datsun pick up truck up to some northern states of America.

This part of the country (as I later learned) was chosen because of the battles which had been fought during the Civil War. Randy was a history/political science major until his plans changed, and he still has a passion for any kind of history.

As we stood that day on the fields of Gettysburg, and I listened as he outlined that battle for me in detail, I could not fathom all the soldiers who laid down their lives for their comrades.

Many years later, as we stood on the shores of Normandy looking in awe at the now serene stretches of beaches, it was unfathomable that this was the setting of one of the biggest battles in World War II. The total loss of life was estimated to be over 200,000.

Memorial Day started during the Civil War when women began decorating the graves of soldiers who had died in that war as a way of honoring their dead. Today we celebrate Memorial Day as a holiday set aside to honor all American personnel who have died in every war in this country’s history.

When Dwight D. Eisenhower was President of the United States, he made it a habit to tour the great battlefields which are part of our history. Fields such as the battle of Gettysburg, the Battlefield of Valley Forge, and hundreds of others like these have become hallowed soil where thousands of Americans have died either to preserve freedom, prevent aggression, or keep in tact the union of American states.

During a tour of the Battlefield of Valley Forge where the President was being shown from one historic spot to another, he made this statement at the conclusion of the tour: “This is where they got it for us!”

What did he mean? He meant that those men and women and thousands of others in all the wars that America has fought, purchased by their blood, the freedoms that we enjoy today.

These battlefields of the world today are hallowed and holy to every American, and we should pause to give them our highest honors humbly realizing the sacred trust that these, our war dead have handed to us.

How do we honor today the freedom that has been bought by the blood of these courageous men and women? First, live a life that an American ought to live, one that is based on Christian principles. Remember that our forefathers founded this country on those principles.

Next, be aware of the price of freedom. When we get too many generations away from those who fought and died for our freedom, we tend to forget and take our freedoms for granted. We think every country lives this way, but life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are precious gifts.

Finally, remember that we have an obligation to teach our children what it cost others for the freedom they enjoy. Don’t allow the history of this great country to be forgotten.

Billy Graham tells a story of a young Korean boy whose spine had been torn away by a shell blast. He was unable to change his position; and if he lived, he would spend the rest of his life lying on his stomach. The medics patched him up, and as Mr. Graham held his hand the young man said, “It was worth it all if it will keep America free.”

Remember the courage and bravery of our soldiers and spend some time today thanking God for their courage, bravery, and service. These people are part of an elite group that must never be forgotten. Remember, they “got our freedom for us.”

The battlefields of the world today are, or should be, hallowed and holy to every American, and we pause on this Memorial Day to give them our highest honors, humbly realizing the sacred trust that these, our war dead, have handed to us. Billy Graham

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don’t get tired. They walk and don’t lag behind. Isaiah 40:31

I am not sure where the time has gone, but it is sobering when the kids that Randy had a hand in baptizing, confirming and marrying years ago now have children graduating from high school, college, and celebrating other milestones in their lives. These families have soared on eagles’ wings in so many ways, and we are so happy to congratulate the graduates and their families this year!

The verse above is one of the most famous in the Bible because it offers a message of endurance and hope. It promises that those who trust in God will have their energy renewed enabling them to overcome challenges without becoming weary.

In Exodus, God asks the people of Israel to remember the days in the wilderness where there was nothing to drink. He opened up a spring of fresh water and stepped in to save them. He swooped down and bore them on eagles’ wings, in other words, He delivered them.

These graduates have had family, teachers, friends, and in most cases, a loving church that has born them on eagle’s wings during these years. They have been protected, guided, and loved.

That sounds wonderful, but what does “I bore you on eagles’ wings” mean anyway? Take the Mama eagle for example. She will make a nest eight feet by eight feet and fill it up with sticks, leaves, and animal fur in order to make a cozy nest for her chicks.

There will come a time, however, when the chicks will begin to get a little less comfortable. At that point, the Mother eagle will take them to a great height and drop them. The eaglet will begin to flutter. He’s never done this before, and he doesn’t know what to do! He continues to flap his wings, but he’s headed down fast!

As the little eagle plummets to earth, Mama eagle watches, and what does she do? She swoops down and catches the little eaglet right before he hits the ground. She takes the eaglet back up to the original altitude, and she drops him again. Once more, she watches as he falls and just before he hits the ground, she swoops down to save him. She bears him up on eagles’ wings!

That’s exactly what God does for us. The new chapter awaiting each graduate is one that offers new beginnings. One chapter is closing but that ending offers a springboard into a new and purposeful journey. In this new chapter, I believe, He would have us stay rooted in our faith and focus on our personal gifts in order to serve others while glorifying God.

God wants a long life filled with joy and happiness for each person and specifically each graduate. Just like the Mama eagle, God understands that each one of us will fall in life, and He will be there to catch us when we do. No matter what it takes, God will bear us up on eagles’ wings, and He will teach us to fly.

The best commencement address I’ve ever heard was delivered this past week at the University of North Carolina by Eric Church. Armed with only a guitar, he used the six strings of the instrument to deliver his 13 minute address with a faith and confidence that humbled his audience.

He spoke first of the need for a solid foundation as the graduates depart for careers. The foundation is our faith, and he encouraged the graduates to never let the world undo it! He emphasized the importance of family, and the need to remember them even when the busyness of the world and/or a career gets in the way. Remember your people!

Eric talked about the hard seasons that will surely come, and the people in this life that will stand by us no matter the difficulties. He encouraged the graduates to be a part of a community in order to have a place to belong and never forget to give of yourself.

Finally, he implored them to be original. Don’t follow the ways of the world. If the chord sounds wrong, don’t play it. Rather, write your own song. God will bear you up on eagles’ wings as you find your way.

One of my favorite hymns was written by Father Michael Joncas, a Catholic priest and composer. The hymn was written in 1976 and is based on Psalm 91. Its famous chorus promises that God will raise you up on eagles’ wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand. This is my prayer for all the special graduates in our lives.

God bless you all! We are thankful for you and excited for all the things ahead!

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out; His merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They are created new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness! Lamentations 3:22-23

A few years ago, Randy and I made a trip through Yellowstone National Park on our trek out west, and one attraction was at the top of our list – Old Faithful.

There are more than 300 geysers in Yellowstone National Park which accounts for approximately half the known geysers in the world. One of these geysers, however, stands above the others – not because it’s the largest and not because it’s waters reach the greatest heights, but it is by far the most popular.

Its popularity is due to one thing – it’s dependability or faithfulness. People stand in long lines under the hot sun to see it because, according to a precise schedule, it shoots a stream of boiling water more than 120 feet into the air. You can almost set your watch by it. According to an old prospector who traveled the region with Native Americans in the 1800’s, the geyser was given that name because it is regular in its eruptions. That’s why it’s called Old Faithful. People are attracted to faithfulness.

Faithfulness is defined as the quality of being steadfast, loyal, and consistently dependable, in relationships, duties, or obligations. It implies an unwavering adherence to promises, vows, or truth.

Faithfulness requires making 100 percent of your effort 100 percent of the time. The Bible is full of those who showed unwavering faithfulness to God and to His promises. Ruth showed unwavering faithfulness to her mother in law and followed her to a new land. Noah’s faithfulness was shown during the building of the ark. Daniel stayed faithful even in the Lion’s Den and refused to stop praying.

We see faithfulness put to the test in this world of ours today. Right now, we are in the midst of a mid term election, and citizens are desperate for politicians who will carry out all of their campaign promises. Anything less than that will never be good enough because it reflects their failure to be totally faithful and completely dependable.

Faithfulness requires several things of us. First, we must be loyal and committed to God. We have to keep His covenants, and act in line with His word no matter how difficult it may seem at the time.

Next, we must be faithful in the small things in life. Faithfulness in the little things is how dependability begins, grows, and matures. Rev. James Merritt tells this story: “The other day, I asked my beautiful wife if she married me for my looks?” She replied, “No, I married you for your brains – it’s the small things that matter.” Longfellow once wrote, “Most people would succeed in small things if they weren’t troubled with great ambition.”

Finally, we must show perseverance in turning menial jobs into vitally important ones. Even though we weren’t all born with the same talents, each of us are gifted in some way. Every one of us are born with an equal responsibility to utilize his or her abilities at full capacity.

Years ago when the U.S. Marine Corp was first formed, officials gave considerable time to contemplating a fitting motto. They finally chose the Latin phrase semper fidelis, a phrase now engraved on the mind of every Marine. The phrase means Always Faithful. Just like the Marines, we must always be faithful to God regardless of the cost.

Just like Old Faithful, God wants to be able to count on each of us to be dependable and faithful. He deserves only our best!

Great Is Thy Faithfulness was written in 1923 by Thomas O. Chisholm, a former Methodist minister. Despite poor health and financial difficulties, he wrote the hymn as a personal testimony to God’s daily steady faithfulness.

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father. There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not. As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

I’ll pour robust well being into her like a river, the glory of nations like a river in a flood. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you. Issaiah 66:13

The coming week will be filled with special thoughts and deeds for our Mothers. There are many things we can say about Mothers. We can talk about their love, their gentle spirit, their endurance, and their kindness, but there is one thing that I hold dear about these special people, and that is their “being there”heart.

They are there when we are born, when we cut our first tooth, take our first step, start school, graduate, start a job, and the being there characteristic just goes on and on.

There are many examples of the being there quality of Mothers. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the ultimate example of being there. She was there when He was an infant, there when He performed His first miracle, there when He faced his trials, and she was there when He died upon the cross.

Lately, I have been humbled by the being there quality of another much less famous mother by the name of Elsa Mendoza. Elsa is the mother of Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback of the Indianna Hoosiers who won the Heisman Trophy and led his team to a National Championship.

A few days ago, Fernando was the number one draft pick of the NFL picked to go to the Las Vegas Raiders as the first overall pick. Normally, the players and their families gather together in the arena of the chosen city to await the results of the draft, but because it has become increasing difficult for his Mom to make trips, the family gathered at home with her. She is confined to a wheelchair, and the disease contines to progress. In other to allow her to be there for this moment, the family opted to stay together at home to await the results.

Elsa was diagnosed with multiple schlerosis in 2008, but she and her husband did not tell their three boys until 2019 when a Covid diagnosis exacerbated the MS. Elsa balanced work, raising her boys, and setting an example of “being there” for them even while living with MS.

Being a mother is not an easy job, but if we view our role as an assignment from God, and we view it as having eternal consequences, it becomes an honor. Mary’s assignment was serving as the earthly mother of the Son of God and to be there for Him.

Our roles might never be equal to that, but we all need to possess qualities to be there for our children and others, First, being there for our children involves a committment to be the best we can be. Set a great example, and never settle for less.

Next, being there includes loyalty. Being there as a mother might involve putting your children ahead of other minor things, and always accepting the assignment as a priority. It is worth the sacrifice.

Finally, being there includes dependability. They, as well as others, should know that we can be counted upon to live up to the trust and expectations placed upon us. It’s an assignment that has to be taken seriously.

During the second World War millions of Jewish people were killed during the holocaust. Solomon Rosenberg, his wife, two sons, and his parents were arrested and placed in a concentration camp. The rules of the work camp were simple, as along as you could work, you were permitted to live. When you become too weak to work, you are exterminated.

Rosenberg watched his parents marched off to their death, and he knew the next one would be his younger son, David, because he had always been frail. Every evening Rosenberg would return to the barracks after hours of labor and frantically search for his wife and sons. When he found them, they would huddle together and thank God for another day of life.

One day upon his return, he found his oldest son crying. He told his father, “Today, David could not do his work, so they came for him. He was afraid and cried.” Rosenberg was frantic, and said, “Where is he? “Momma took his hand he told his father and said, “There’s nothing to be afraid of, David. I will go with you.”

When God gives us an assignment, He will enable us to do things we never thought possible. Faith enables us to get above circumstances and look to Christ who is over all.

This is the being there part of Motherhood. God says, I will be there with you.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms in my life!

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Some of us are old enough to remember the days before seat belt laws. Even though their history began nearly two centuries ago, it has only been in the last few decades that the safety feature has become a mandatory law.

Growing up, I can’t even remember seat belts in our cars, and I know even if they were there, we didn’t use them. In retrospect, if we had used them, my sisters and I might have avoided being thrown around in the car as a result of my Mama’s driving! It’s a miracle we survived!

I can’t imagine getting on a plane and not seeing the Fasten Seat Belt sign illuminated, and the crew’s persistent reminder to “keep your seat belts fastened.” The precaution is taken because we never know when turbulence might hit, and we need to be anchored in and connected to the movement of the plane.

Turbulence is defined as violent irregular motion characterized by rapid shifts in velocity and pressure. In avaition, it is characterized by abrupt jolts causing the aircraft to rise, drop, or shake unexpectedly. We might use synonyms such as instability, disorder, unrest, or agitation to describe the effect of turbulence in life situations.

Randy and I were living in Bowdon in 1978 when a young history professor from West Georgia College in Carrollton began to visit our small church regularly. His name was Newt Gingrich, and later that year, he went on to beome the representative for the 6th district in Congress. We enjoyed following his career and always appreciated his friendship and support.

When we moved to Marietta in 1988, he renewed his friendship with Randy, and during the the 1990’s, he invited us to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. as his guests.

This trip involved a flight from Atlanta to Washington, and although, I was no stranger to flying, I do not do well with turbulence. The flight was relatively uneventful until we got close to the airspace around D.C. Suddenly, the plane began to drop sharply, bounce back up, and drop again.

There were loud gasps of panic, and I’m pretty sure one of us might have screamed a time or two!! I remember grabbing that seat belt and trying to get it a little tighter!!

It was at this time when the pilot came on the intercom and in a calm voice said, “Hello, this is your captain, we are encountering some turbulence.” Well, no kidding!! This was not news to anyone.

He calmly explained our situation, and that we were going to drop below the turbulence. I had my doubts at this point, but as it turned out, he knew what he was doing. The crew managed to take us through the turbulence, land the plane safely,and get us to our destination in one piece.

The same scenario can be true in life. We never know when some unexpected turbulence will come out of nowhere to disrupt our flight pattern, and we need to be anchored in with a close relationship, or a seat belt, to our protector and our Lord. We need a skilled pilot to get us through the turbulence and land us safely.

Like many of us in life, I was unprepared for the turbulence that day. So, how do we prepare for the turbulence that will certainly come our way in life. First, it’s good to be prepared. Just like a seatbelt prepares us for a sudden accident, being prepared helps us to be ready when things change. Most of us are either going into or coming out of tough times, so prepare yourself spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically the best you can!

Next, be attentive to those around who are suffering. God says that what we give will be pressed down for us, shaken up, and then turned into a double portion of blessing for us. Helping others is one of the greatest ways to get out of our own turbulent times. It feels good. It reminds us of God’s love for us!

Finally, be faithful and listen to God’s direction. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Keep believing that whatever turbulence is affecting your life now will end. Sometimes the greatest blessings come from our most negative circumstances.

It wasn’t really necessary for the pilot to come on the intercom that day to tell us that we were experiencing turbulence during our flight to D.C. I think we all were pretty sure of that. He could have just manuvered out of it and landed the plane, but I was really glad to hear his reassuring voice.

It was good to know that he was still in control, and he had a plan for our safety and well being. God works a lot like that pilot in our lives.

There is always a reward for enduring the turbulence. To say that this event was a once in a life time experience is an understatement! I will never forget that time, and the faces that sat with us that day at our table. Randy was in heaven because Hugh O’Brien, aka Wyatt Earp, sat there next to him. I couldn’t believe Madelyn Albright sat across from me!

When Billy Graham walked out to center stage after President and Mrs. Clinton had been seated, the turbulence of the day was forgotten and the promise of God calling us to prayer was real.

The turbulence of the journey there was worth the blessings we received that day. So it is with life. The turbulence just means “we are still flying!!”