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WEDNESDAY THOUGHT 10/22/08

Rusting Swords
 
Thank you.  One of the most wondrous transformations in my life has been from man of battle to man of prayer.  My nature is contentious, not so much quarrelsome as overwhelming, always up for a good challenge.  In the past, I saw life as won with the sword –  defending walls, overpowering enemies, saving loved ones from themselves and others.  Though I can still stare down an errant interloper (I like that phrase, thank you), I conquer mostly these days with compassion, caring, forgiveness and prayer. Or maybe I don’t conquer at all, and that’s fine with me.  
 
But here’s the best part, and the reason I opened with “thank you”:  It has been the prayers, life example, patience, compassion, honesty, openness, forgiveness, and spiritual strength of you — some whom I know face to face; others only in the spirit — that has shown me true strength, the kind that lets me lay aside my sword and trust in the gentle might and power that can come only from honest love, prayer and faith in the Lord.
 
My point?  Two of them, actually:  First, thank you for all your strengthening prayers.  They do make a difference, like spring rain on a planted seed.  Second, people do notice and garner strength from our imperfect faith strivings.  People do notice.  Be an example.  Be a beacon.  Be a lamb among wolves.  God bless.  — jri
 
“Go!  I am sending you out like lambs
among wolves.”
    –    Jesus Christ
           Luke 10:3
 
Special favor:  I have two daughters whose faith is just starting to emerge and unfold.  Please pray for these wobbly-legged Christians.  Thank you.  John R. Ingrisano