Courage and Little Children
“Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.” -C.S. Lewis So there I was...My younger brother, 6 at the time, was packing his action figures into a bandanna and wrapping it around a long stick in his bedroom. He was just punished by my parents and had the only entertainment in the house taken away; his Playstation. Now I heard the whole ordeal and was just happy for once I wasn't a part of it. Being a "good" big brother I went in to "console" him and gloat in my own personal victory. However, when I walked in and saw him adding small snacks to his makeshift luggage my heart pondered and got excited all at the same time. "What happens next is going to be epic" I whispered to myself. I then asked the question of the day; "what are you doing?" "I'm running away!" Jacob responded and bolted out the door. Just as any brother would respond I remained calm knowing his luggage would not sustain him in the wilderness of Grady County and he would likely return within a couple days. Loaded with the knowledge of a 12 year old and wisdom of immaturity I leisurely made my way outside to the front porch where my parents were recovering from the argument of the century with Jacob; laughing hysterically the whole 40 feet out the front door. Just as I exited the door and sat down next to my Mom who had her head in her hands, I assume she was contemplating trading my brother for another model or giving me an allowance, my Dad asked "what is your brother doing?" There's Jacob, frantically running down the dirt driveway and screaming for dramatic effect the whole way. I replied with the upmost confidence "He's running away!" Without the wealth of knowledge of the situation that I held in my hands my Dad tore off the front steps and ran with the speed of a sprinter across our front lawn to meet my brother in the road. He's a big guy and even I was impressed as he leapt like a ballerina across the ditch while at the same time grabbing my brother by his arm, and pulling off his belt. Never a violent or angry man he swung three times and each time action figures and snacks would fly into the air like shrapnel from a scene of Die Hard. Finally the epic battle was over; my brother and Dad picked up toys and snacks while making their way back down the drive. Now for Mom and I it was a different story. We were so enthralled with the situation that we had been rolling with laughter the entire time from the front porch. Dad made his way back, my brother inside, and we tried to stop. We just couldn't!! Still today it was one of the funniest moments of my life and I can see it in my mind plain as day, the whole thing like a scene from a movie playing in my heart. I'll never forget my mom laughing, my dad's glorious leap, and my brothers' walk of shame back to the house. Now back to C.S. Lewis who brilliantly wrote “Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.” While I give my brother grief even to this day about the "run away from home story" I have always admired his courage. Hindsight tells us he was unprepared, lacked execution, and no match for my father, but the amount of courage it took to gather, prepare, and execute his last full measure of stupidity was truly courageous. These qualities, I think are why Christ states "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17). There is an innocence noted here and a courage to face a situation unafraid, gather as much as we can, and charge the front lines of the battle. Too often we take too much in consideration when the Gospel says "Go and Tell", "repent and be baptized", or "be a living sacrifice". The modern church lacks the reckless abandonment of our preconceived notions that lead little children to trust in Christ and follow his will. We get caught up in what we like, what we don't like, our preferences, entertainment, comfort, and a myriad of other excuses of which keep us from seeing God's true glory in our lives and that of the church. I believe God has big plans for Centerville UMC, I have not hidden this belief or faith of the future of our congregation. We have seen your love and devotion to our family and hope you know we are devoted to you in love, life, and deed. We are in a good place as a congregation and ready to see God's desire for our community of Faith come to pass. We believe and know you do to, the best is yet to come and we will see "his greater works" (John 14:12-13) in time. My only request is that we come to his will as little children, abandon what we know, gather your gifts, prepare for what's to come, and execute our mission with faith. Nothing good that happens is easy, but children and the world need stories of brave knights and heroic courage. Will you go to battle with me?
Keep The Faith, Pastor Tommy
Essentials 360 Bible Reading Plan Week of February 21st
Sunday ..........Matthew 23
Monday.........Matt. 24
Tuesday ........Matt. 25
Wednesday...Matt. 26
Thursday.......Matt. 27
Friday ............Matt. 28
Saturday .......Romans 1
