Heartlight

MO is at Black Rifle Coffee. Beyond Black is in the cup, silence is on the playlist, and God has moved the room to the curb. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus is not in Israel — not Judah or Judea or even Galilee. He is in Samaria that often forbidden area where nothing and no one properly lived — at least from the perspective of a Good Jewish person of Jesus' day. Jesus has just concluded a public conversation with a woman — ooh, that's questionable! She was a Samaritan outcast of dubious sexual practices! Ouch, that was forbidden. Yet, Jesus has answered her searching and seeking questions and then led her to faith.

I intended to find one specific photo I was looking for, but I got snagged by a video. Landon's birth video. I paused the video and looked around the room. Kids were playing, and no one was aware of what was frozen on my phone screen. I hit play and watched to the end. My heart was racing. Tears were stinging my eyes. For those that don't know, 3 out of 5 of my births have been quite difficult. A very narrow pelvis coupled with babies built with wide shoulders has made for some intense deliveries.

When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea" (Exodus 15:19—21).

Amid life's challenges, the strength of community and the power of love often guide us through our darkest moments. Imagine the journey of a devoted husband, a dedicated brother-in-law, and a compassionate board member, each facing the daunting reality of caring for a loved one battling a debilitating illness like Alzheimer's or ALS. Their stories are testimonies of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care, even in the face of uncertainty and heartbreak.

Several years ago, I received an urgent call to visit a dying man in the hospital. I didn't know Peter well, but well enough to know that he was paying a high price for his hard living. Years of drugs and alcohol had pilfered his system. Though he'd made peace with God through Christ, his liver was in conflict with his body. When his ex-wife phoned, she was standing at his bedside. Peter, she explained, was knocking at death's door. Though I hurried, he entered it seconds before I arrived.

Could you use some calm? If so, you aren't alone. We could all use these words of peace: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). How? Paul places his promise in the context of four admonitions: The first admonition is that we celebrate God's goodness — Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). The second admonition is to ask God for help — Present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).

I lay back on to the concrete and stretched my arms wide out the side. Houston's night air became shockingly fickle at times, and the darkness lent an edge to the air. Cicadas' throaty songs of the day had lulled into an abrupt hush with the arrival of darkness. My fingers spread wide against the sand-papery driveway, drinking in the warmth still radiating from the day's unrelenting sun. Strategically only inches from my hand was a frosty cup of "orange julious," as Mom called it.

My wife has a heart for single moms. She loves to include them at the table when we go to a restaurant. Through the years, I've noticed a common appreciation from them, as well. They love it when I pull out their chair. More than once, they've specifically thanked me. One mom in particular comes to mind. "My," she said, brushing the sudden moisture from her eye, "it's been a while since anyone did that." Has it been a while for you as well? People can be so rude. We snatch parking places.