On Christmas in 2004, my son received a pogo stick among his gifts.
It was definitely not the PlayStation 2 gaming system that he had hoped. As he looked at the gadget, he inquired, trying not to sound disappointed, “What is this?”
In my haste to prove this was an amazing gift, I mounted the pogo stick with the confidence of a rodeo champ on a wild stallion. That’s when things went awry: That pogo stick bounced me from wall to wall in our hallway like a ball in the vintage arcade pinball machine.
It seemed like an eternity as I was flung around uncontrollably. Finally, the pogo stick shoved me one final time against a wall. As the volleying ended I, literally, slid down the wall and onto the floor.
Pogo Stick 7, Lewis 0 - GAME OVER!
After watching me get a merciless beat down by a child’s toy, my family stood in complete silence as I slowly lifted myself off the floor. Embarrassed, I tried, unsuccessfully, not to establish eye contact with anyone. As I finally stood erect and shrugged my shoulders, the looks of horror switched to relief upon their faces.
Other than a bruised ego from enduring the unending laughter of my wife and kids that followed, I was OK. That said, I am grateful for God’s protection!
No one wants to suffer and it is a natural response to seek protection from pain and sorrow.
God’s Word speaks of God’s promise of protection. Psalm 121:3 says, “He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber.” In verse 7, the psalmist declares, “The LORD will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life.”
God does not promise to keep you from all physical harm. There are occasions when He compassionately protects us from situations where we would experience injury or loss. Throughout our lives, God continues to guard our hearts and minds providing the strength, peace, and grace needed to make it through our adversities.
Trust Him in the process. It is acceptable to seek God’s protection in all things, but understand He may not always honor the request. He realizes that we are strengthened, especially in the faith, by the tests which we must face. Yet as you endure your tests and trials recognize He is with you, especially when there is so much negative energy, unsettling events, and a high level of anxiety surrounding you.
An eternal flame has been used to memorialize the loss of people of great significance such as President John F. Kennedy. The secret to its prolonged existence is a concealed gas line underground which produces a continuous spark to re-ignite the flame should it go out briefly.
The love God has for us and His protection are like an eternal flame. The significant difference is His love never goes out and remains constant. The downpour of our disobedience, the squalls of our unpredictability and the sudden wind sheers of our stubbornness cannot weaken the flame of His love toward us. As Lamentations 3:21-23 declares, “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Despite the challenges of 2020, we should not stop giving thanks to the Lord for His undying love and faithfulness to us. This remains constant despite how inconsistent we can be toward Him. We are loved and cherished by the Creator.
As the psalmist said of God, "Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds" and "endures to all generations". Although our minds cannot comprehend such devotion, our hearts can receive His love, and we can thank Him for His faithfulness.
In Memory: I offer my prayers and condolences to the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown in the passing of its shepherd. The Most Reverend George V. Murry, S. J, the fifth bishop of the diocese, obtained the ultimate healing after a grueling battle against leukemia. I also extend prayers to Monsignor Robert Siffrin, a beloved friend of Bishop Murry, who has been appointed administrator to continue the works of the local church during this transition.
On June 5, 2020, “faith became sight” and Bishop Murry victoriously answered the summons to receive his eternal reward. Bishop Murry’s love of God and His people was evident whenever you were in his company. His sage counsel advice, jovial temperament and skillful leadership were among his endearing attributes.
At the private ceremony to welcome Bishop Murry to be reposed, the hymn “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” filled the Cathedral of Saint Columba. How befitting the stanza reflecting Bishop’s confidence in the Lord’s will even unto death:
In death’s dark vale I fear no evil
With you, dear Lord beside me;
Your rod and staff my comfort still,
Your cross before to guide me.
Even in sickness, Bishop Murry’s concern was for the well-being of the Church and community. I can imagine him echoing the words of Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
— Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II is the lead pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, chaplain for the Youngstown Police Department and coordinator of the Mahoning Valley African American Male Wellness Walk. He resides in Youngstown with Dorothy, his partner in marriage and ministry. They share the love and joy of 5 children and 6 grandchildren.
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