One guy's thoughts on life, love, faith and his world

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

One more

The other night, I had the opportunity to watch a fantastic movie with my son called Hacksaw Ridge.  While the movie was fantastic, it was even better because of the time spent with Emerson.

The film was set during World War II in the Pacific Theater where Allies were attempting to take over a ridge to move forward to Okinawa against the Japanese. 

Based on true events, the main character of the movie, Desmond Doss, was a conscientious objector that would not bear arms but served his country as a medic during the horrific battle.  The focus tells the story of how Doss risked his life to save many others all while holding to his beliefs.  (There are no spoilers in this blog)!

In particular, there is one line spoken by Doss that I’ve been thinking about. 

“Lord, help me get one more.”

Doss prays this multiple times as guidance and protection to help him save one more life on Hacksaw Ridge.  He ends up getting about 75 more.  While many of us may never be faced with this type of life and death situation, the meaning can ring true in our daily lives.

Maybe it isn’t as drastic as saving a life, maybe it can be.  Perhaps it is “Lord, let me help one person today,” or “Lord, let me see Christ in one person today.”  It could even be “Lord, let one person see Christ in me today.”

Saying this is easy.  Living it can be a different matter entirely, especially with all the negativity in the world.  It can be easier to do nothing.  

However, if we could just get one more each day, wouldn’t our lives and the lives of those around us be in a better place?  Not five, ten or twenty but just one more. 

And maybe, just maybe, that one more that you help today will save them from their own personal Hacksaw Ridge.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Life is like a box of chocolates... Sort of

Forrest Gump was partially correct when he uttered those famous words – “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”  The detail that Mr. Gump neglected to let us know however, is sometimes you get one of those chocolates and it isn’t exactly the surprise you were hoping for.

It hasn’t been the easiest of days as of late.  It is a very difficult thing to have to look in the mirror regarding mistakes that have been made and while it is necessary for all of us to do, so we can learn and grow, it certainly does not make the exercise any less difficult.

Life is going to be easy, said no one ever.  The fact of the matter is, we are all dealing with something.  What is small to one person may be big to another.  At the end of the day, everyone is dealing with something because no one on this earth is perfect.  The fact that we all struggle at times – fairly or unfairly -  is simply a part of life. 

Consider being the hand that reaches out to someone in need, whether you know that individual’s situation or not.  What you consider small may be something very big to another person.  In my experience, I’ve come to find that most times it helps me even more than the person I’m attempting to help.  These are the things that help build His kingdom here on earth. 

Do your best to have fun along the way and keep trying those chocolates in the box from time to time, even if you get one you don’t like.  That’s called life. 

Because if you keep trying, sooner or later, you’re going to find that one chocolate that is just your taste.