We have opportunities today that will never come again. Kitty’s brother, J, who is of brilliant mind, sent information to me that states: “At three minutes and four seconds after 2:00 a.m. on the 6th of May this year, the time and the date will be 02:03:04:05/06/07. This will never happen again.” We should seize the day and do what we can now to save our nation from the pessimistic fears of defeat.
The unimaginable pain and suffering in our day defies comprehension. The news may come by radio, television, newspapers, magazines, e-mails, phone calls, telegrams or in person. If it is really bad news it doesn’t matter how it is delivered. It is still heartbreaking.
Recently I listened to a powerful sermon by the great American preacher, Dr. Hayes Wicker, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Naples, Florida. My brother, “Whitey”, sent it to me.
Dr. Wicker’s message, “Making By Breaking”, was based on an Old Testament passage from Genesis 32:24-31. If you have forgotten, that is the story of Jacob wrestling all night with God. Daylight was near and Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless You bless me.” As a reminder of that night of wrestling with his own thoughts and the will of God, Jacob’s hip socket came out of joint and he limped the rest of his life.
There are some things in life we must hold to. We cannot let them go. It is painful to even think of that possibility. In recent days I have heard about things that cause my heart to weep.
I just read about Pfc. Michael Slater, a heroic young man from our community, being killed in Iraq. I will pray for his parents, Chuck and Pat, and his sisters Samantha and Shannon. When I hear such reports I feel like weeping with the families and friends of all those, no matter what their nationality, who are killed as the result of war. Ancient writing teaches that “we should weep with those who weep.” Many things happen that bring sorrow to a nation.
Diseases are taking their daily toll in our country and other nations. Young people are enslaved and children are murdered and wails of sorrow are heard throughout the world. I have been a speaker on every continent and in many countries and have some slight understanding of what may be going on.
Last week I met two young men who are in military service. I meet them either going to or coming from some battlefield. I usually say, “I deeply appreciate what you are doing. Thank you for your sacrifice and that of your family to keep us free.”
Blood that is kin to the blood that flows in my veins has been mixed with the dust and mud of foreign battlefields. Tears may come when I think about the ultimate sacrifices being made by women and men who serve in our military forces. Some politicians may turn their backs on them, but such cowardly actions should cause us to weep for our beloved nation.
There is too much pain and suffering in our world for any of us to give up and hide our faces in the sands of despair. Weeping may be part of the day and night, but joy comes in the morning. For you who have been weeping and who often cry out in pain, may you experience freedom from suffering and may joy come in abundance to you.
Publisher's Note: Bill Ellis
Award Winning Syndicated Columnist
P. O. Box 345
Scott Depot, WV 25560
304-757-6089
