Articles
Redeeming Every Moment
Redeeming Each Moment
They say people heard a crack, a popping sound days before but no one will ever
know with certainty. History documents that on November 18, 1999 at 2:42 AM
the tiered logs of Aggie Bonfire came tumbling down in a jumbled pile that
collapsed upon the 58 students and former students gathered together,
assembling this traditional construction. A pile of timber that had stood over 50
feet rushed downward in a moment. But why? Past successes had boasted of 109
feet being a proven prospect. All was for naught, the final effort would be one
noted for tragically claiming despairing headlines.
58 had been ready. 27 were injured. 12 gave their lives. Foolhardy? Rash? The
offer of sacrifice, a thrill? Nonbelievers find it easy to cast judgment. Irreverent
whispers secretly share crude jokes that are “justified” to lighten a mood. Merits
of a fall? A hobby? A pastime? A teambuilding opportunity? Enthusiasm can give
way to excitement for games yet played. Notwithstanding, the participating
precious souls, born by our Creator, will be called back to His worthy arms.
Defining moments will fill our lives. Phone calls by loved ones in the morning’s
early hours can set hearts at ease. Tragic context is lightened by loving
compassion that can help heal the soul that grieves. A witnessed response is
telling. As a testimony to our roots, do we proclaim aloud His glory? Sincere love,
the gifts of our Creator, harnessed hearts can move with one accord. Even
beautiful stories in nature tell of such things. The wind’s caress of guidance sends
each folio to its place. Is our path one directed by Most High?
Knowing the best things to say can challenge us with a test. But truth, while from
the heart, can often scar upon retreat. Tender souls, like soil, can feel enrichment,
empowered afterward in their timeless growth of life. Be cognizant, words that
flee in moments can easily quell worry or lead to the death of hope. Word, with
kind spirit, shows strength and will to renew. Does our speech invite others to
attend?
Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the
springs of life.
Pray for experiences touched by wisdom. Seek utterance seasoned with grace. Try
mantras leading to goodness. Deceitful words birth traps as “flies caught with
honey.” Untrustworthy speakers call for study to discern the soul seeking peace -
or one, insincere, with disregard to others. Answers lie in the wake and direct the
seed within a heart. Do we ignore glaring issues needing redress?
When racked with pain, do we succumb? Downcast with grief, do we withdraw?
Proper response does strengthen our cause. Rash words drive the innocent to
darkness. Or do we neglect Jephthah’s terrible tale? (Judges 11:35-40) Honest
eyes see honest problems which then can find more perfect solutions. Does a
cloud mist the path to understanding? The Word is spoken truth. When fields
remain fallow, life is not beheld. True belief must be tended before mature
transformation can take place. Holy efforts attest to intent with His clarion
exaltation.
Eph. 1:7-9 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8
which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to
us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in
Christ.
Proverbs 19:1 - Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than
one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that
they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in
heaven.
Soiled dressings of past injury can impede righteous vision. Failure, a
commitment to allusions, never conspire to join a bond’s good hopes. Trust, once
known, can be undone. To the world, what visage do we offer? As the sifting of
the tare, the heating of the ore, or the honing of the blade, how do we stride anew
the steps which lead our fate? Hesitation fails one forward and deliberate
sidesteps will lead astray. Our holy Lord is perfect and loves the world of His
design. His sanctity of faith appeals for a spirit to aspire, met with the promise of
cost.
2 Peter 3:10 - But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the
heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be
burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it
will be exposed.
Our dreams should intertwine with beauty in our service to the Lord. Complete,
holy, enveloping - do we long to grow by His design? Wonders of the Spirit are
countless, from the Beginning (Gen. 1:2) to this time. If we choose a path of
contrast, will the truth our eternity secure? How we live now should reflect our
Lord’s glory in every way.
2 Cor. 3:16-18 - But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the
Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of
glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Our camaraderie builds our confidence. We must be wary of an arrogance that
slips in with dire consequence. Is our faith sufficient to each cause? Enough to
appease the truth? Do we ignore a fatal pop? Our mold remains pliable but the
shaping should be firm, lest we extinguish the essential, eternal flame, that in
hope sends out its call.
- Ryan Griffith
