I Want to Hurt ~~ No More!

 I watch the absolute foolishness of cancel culture, tearing down of statues, removing the likes of Dr. Seuss ~~ and think ~~ does life not have more serious issues than these? I see with sadness the attempt to make boys into girls, and the removal of “white” altogether. Have we honestly lost all sense of what it means to live ~~ and live in a manner as our Creator intended?

These are but a few of the most insane issues of our time. I hurt for these, I hurt for the political divide, but I wish to ... I Want to Hurt ~~ No More!

My morning has been deluged with bouts of intense & overwhelming grief and tears. No, not for the above, rather for the serious & honest issues in which life … true life becomes reality.

I wonder for the above how many are living in their seventh decade? How many in less than a twenty-four hour period have been burdened with not one, but three critical and personal life events? An uncle with a stroke, struggling to regain mind and strength. A close friend whose threat of suicide is such that they find themselves in a behavioral ward. Another close friend, years younger, who has been in and out of hospital Emergency and ICU departments more often in the past two years than most will ever experience in a lifetime, or even two.

Add to these, the accumulation through the years of stories, history & knowledge given in confidence ~~ the burden of such ~~ well, if you were not broken from your own challenges, these could possibly bring the ultimate in brokenness.

So Rick, what are you driving at? Are you solely unloading your burden in order to create greater burdens for the rest?

No ~~ I write this blog because of the hope that is found in the midst of brokenness. I write with gratefulness to Matthew West, to Bart Millard & Kristian Stanfill whose music, inspired by the life of Christ, this morning has so provided sips of living water and hope even the midst of this brokenness. I’m reminded that if the “Truth Be Told”, I’m broken! That, “Even If” God does not change this moment, this intense season of grief, “My hope is (in Him) alone. I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt – Would all go away if (He’d) just say the word – But even if (He doesn’t), My hope is (in Him) alone”. And Mr. Stanfill writes, “When I was broken, You were my healing. Now Your love is the air that I’m breathing. I have a future, my eyes are open – ‘cause when You called my name, I ran out of that grave. Out of the darkness, into Your glorious day”

If you’ve lived many decades ~~ yet even for some, but one ~~ and the pain, the brokenness is such that ‘You Want to Hurt ~~ No More!’ Please let the “truth be told”. Whatever brokenness that is you, I hope that you can know that He, Christ, was broken on our behalf. That He is worthy to place both our trust and hope. 

 

She Chose Me

There are times that we see… we read … or we hear that which can bring the sense of gloom, or possibly a new and clear revelation. One such reading came in September of 2010, only days after the death of my father. A story that is told of events which occurred some sixty-three years ago this month. For in January 1958, this story tells not only of my conception into this world on Signal Hill, but the ensuing months of their struggles, their decisions of life and of … a life. That life is mine.

Much could be told of that story and that time from his perspective, yet it is the likely, though fictional, story of the fifteen year old girl, of whom I call mom, that I would like to tell.

How she must have been scared. She must have wondered, why? Why, is this happening to me? How? How will I care for a baby, for this baby? What were her nights like? Could she run? Where could she run? There was no job. And there would no longer be any school. What kind of life can I bring to this baby.

Will it be a boy? Will it be a girl? Will he, will she have light hair, or dark? Will this baby love me? Or want to be far, far from me? Will this baby be a joy? I don’t want to regret this baby. Oh God, I feel like I’m lost. I don’t know what to think. This life, this life that grows within me. I don’t know how … I … don’t … know how. How can I … how will I … ever ... care ... for this baby?

Were these her thoughts? Thoughts, which I can only imagine have flowed through thousands, no … through millions upon millions of lives before.

And though … I don’t know her exact thoughts, or those fears that must have been hers during those months in 1958. I do know EXACTLY my thoughts here in January, some sixty-three years later. Mom, I’m so very glad that YOU CHOSE ME! Life, is far from perfect. But, because you touched my life … I have likewise been able to touch countless others. And I promise this to you … Because of you, because ... of ... you ... I will continue to do so until the very end … the very end of my days.

I love you mom, Your son, Ricky

This pic ... because she loved laughter

This story was inspired by that story of Kourtney Rae Chapman. Thank you Kourtney, thank you for being vulnerable to tell your story. And likewise to sing it through a most beautiful song, “Me or You”. I know that Jack … when he is sixty-three ... will look back … look back ... and say, “Thanks mom, that it was you”!

Tears of Honor

Yesterday I had the privilege to join with family and friends as we celebrated the life of Bill. The songs that were sung ~~~ the stories that were told ~~~ the honest message of brokenness, yet of hope ~~~ these all provided the atmosphere and the opportunity to rejoice and remember Bill’s life.

Yet, it was the very first part in the Memorial Service of ‘Billie Ralph Higdon’ which brought some moisture to these eyes of mine.

As a fellow Veteran of our United States Air Force, as well as a thirty-two year veteran in the Fire Service, I have frequently experienced the dedication and professionalism of our Military Honor Guard. Yesterday was no exception. Actually, I don’t know if I’ve ever been so emotionally effected. Perhaps some of it has to do with the events of our recent week. Yes, that has something to do with my emotion. Perhaps it has to do with myself now being an ‘old man’ --- Yes, I'm old :) and effected emotionally in a much greater way. Yet, I believe more than these ~~~ it has to do with ‘Honor’. Honor, to have likewise served this great country of ours --- the United States of America! Honor in realizing that both Billie, myself and thousands upon thousands of men & women have served these United States in order to continue to provide the most precious aspect we so enjoy ~~~ that is ‘freedom’.

Thank you to the two young Airmen who were very professional in their presentation of the colors. Thank you for the beautiful and clear playing of ‘Taps’, only but a few feet behind my ears. Might you likewise continue to serve with great honor. And thank you Billie for having served!

Respectfully,

Rick Williams, Sgt USAF 

 

Life's Observations ~~~

Calle Juarez in Puerto Vallarta

How often is our observation of life blocked by that which surrounds our moment. One such particular moment for me came on November 7^th, our first day of six weeks in Puerto Vallarta. I was returning from an evening stroll along PV’s famous ‘Malecon’. The picture to the right stood out with it’s striking detail. Though I was sadden by the reality of a young boy playing or communicating on his cell phone. “How times have changed”, I thought to myself.

It was a couple days later while walking down the same street, that the full illumination was literally brought to light. ‘Darkness’, easily “blocks” our ability to fully observe or understand the significance. But it is not alone. Our calendar and ‘to do’ list often prevent us from enjoying the most simple and beautiful aspects of life. And as ‘Jupiterfab’ has revealed in this and many of his ‘Modern Society’ paintings, technology, though powerful and resourceful, can so block our awareness of life’s wonder.

Writing from our balcony, enjoying the sounds and sites of Vallarta. None greater than our -- árbol de aves – that is, our bird tree. Where countless birds with intense colors … hummingbirds, orioles, finches, doves and more have provided a refreshing joy while observing their using this tree as a momentary place of rest in their journey. The irony of their refreshment, providing me with the same.

Life will not fully return to those pre-techno days. Nonetheless, I choose to be intentional … to have moments when I set down the cell phone, pick up the tin can, and be refreshed from that which blocks our observation to enjoy a simple and tranquil moment. 

 

Cell Phones down - in Sheffield, England

Bogota, Columbia

 

Bogota, Columbia

The inspiration of this blog came from two things ... 1) Juniperfab, an artist from Italy who currently lives in Mexico. He paints with great detail and in regards to 'Modern Society'. He writes, "The project wants to create reflection and inspiration for each of us to find a balance between real and virtual life."

Please visit his site in order to view more of his amazing art and how he captures our fascination with technology. www.jupiterfab.com/en/murals-about-modern-society 

2)  I learned long ago the value of 'simplicity' --- the value of 'wonder' --- A favorite author, Ravi Zacharias writes 'Recapture the Wonder' https://www.rzim.org/read/just-thinking-magazine/chapter-one-of-ravis-new-book-recapture-the-wonder --- Those values have been further appreciated as I sit on the patio of our condo enjoying the árbol de aves.

 

                                                               A new song ...

                                                           An old favorite ...

Does The Election Matter?

It’s Tuesday the 3^rd of November, 2020. Yesterday I made the decision that I would not succumb to any TV or media on election Tuesday, remaining distant from the chatter. Whereas many, perhaps most, are caught up in today’s very important and very divisive election. I decided that prayer was my best option.

Fortunate to have traveled to many ends of our world, I have been witness to those who lack the freedom’s we so often take for granted. And yet, even in those countries, those lacking freedom’s we so cherish, yet when they are found to be in Christ continue to have hope … hope precisely because of the freedom that He so grants. One such person who lacked that very political freedom, yet had freedom in Christ, is my dear brother Dr. Asabi Pierre Misambo. Escaping such a country, in turn arriving and becoming a citizen of these United States of America. Now, able is he to cherish both … the freedom found in Christ … and the freedom of his newfound citizenship.

Still … my question is, “Does The Election Matter”? Will God not be in control tomorrow, as I believe that He is this day, regardless of the victor?

By asking the question am I saying that our being involved is null and void? Absolutely not! Having been granted both freedoms, we must “be involved”. Martin Niemöller, friend of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, recognized his misguided involvement in his famous quote: “First they came for the socialist, and I did not speak out --- because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out --- because I was not a trade unionists. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --- because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me --- and there was no one left to speak for me”. Surely, be involved! Surely, speak out!

Tomorrow I will awake, most likely view the results --- hoping that they are conclusive. Yet regardless of the victor, I will continue to place my hope in Christ --- not in Trump, nor in Biden. And once again, as Paul directs, I will pray … First Timothy 2:1-2, ... for those in authority, that we may lead peaceful & quiet lives in all godliness & holiness. And on the fifth of November… I hope to do the same. 

 In thinking of this blog I was inspired by back to back songs while listening to the radio. The one has become a staple to many churches around the world. Matt Redman writes, "The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning, it's time to sing Your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me --- Let me be singing when the evening comes." Amen to that! Tomorrow will be a new day.

The second song by 'King & Country' says, "And life is a race we run, So run till the race is won, Don't you ever give up ... Oh no never give up --- And oh, to everyone who's hit their limit, And even when you think you're finished ... It's not over yet ... It's not over yet"

 

 

At the conclusion of this blog ... I still do not know who America has chosen as their President.

What I know ... God is still in control ... & to Him will I pray. Amen!

Peaceful Protest --- A Dung Hill Narrative ---

Mixing Dung & Grass

On a 90-degree day in March of 1999, Eric and I stood under a shade tree taking a necessary break during our construction project in San Luis, Mexico. I smiled as I watched children play while rolling down a small 5-foot hill some 30 yards from our site. I turned and said to Eric, “You know what they’re rolling on, don’t you?” “It’s a dirt mound, right?”, he said. “No”, I said, “Actually it is human dung that has been dried”. At first glance, most who read the above will say the obvious, “Gross!” Yet what you don’t realize is that this is the product of their livelihood. You see they live in what is called the “Ladrillos”, that is brickwork or brick makers. And the primary ingredient in the bricks that they make, is in fact dried human dung. 

... Bricks after being fired ...

Why do I tell the above story, because so very often we miss the beauty that is directly in front of us. I believe that the greatest factor of such is that our life is so extremely fast paced and so consumed with an excessive amount of our personal “To do” list, that we often walk about life with proverbial ‘blinders’. At other times, it’s not so much that we miss it, rather we decide that it is outside or contrary to the narrative that we want to tell. And that, yes, is your prerogative. But then, please don’t call yourself, “Our Town”.

 

I’ve lost count on how many times that I’ve mentioned the cool ‘community’ touch and perspective that the paper, “Our Town”, provides. Unfortunately, this time I believe that they missed the dung hill! Directly adjacent to Silverton’s “Peaceful protest”, were a group of 40 plus community members adding a “Peaceful prayer” to this event. Thankful, that these protesters had a platform to express their dispute and that they honored our community as they truly maintained a “peaceful” resolve. Yet, I ask myself, “Why did you (Our Town) fail to mention the full extent of what happened in “our town” that Friday afternoon? 

My hope is that in “our town” we can cherish the vast differences which lie within our borders. That we not allow “Diafonophobia” (that is the fear of disagreement) to be master of our thoughts and of our story within this great community.

Note: This was written in response to two articles within the Silverton, Oregon 'Our Town' newspaper published June 2020 --- Vol. 17 No. 12. These articles reflected on the protest being held at the old Eugene Field School. But the paper --- again 'Our Town' --- neglected to provide any reference to the 'Peaceful Prayer' occurring prior to the protest, only a 100 yards away. That, in my opinion is a shame.