Just one more time

Printed photographs seem to make time stand still. Call me old school, but a printed photo is far more desirable than a digital photo. A photo on paper, to me, is more alive than a photo on a computer. Printed photographs are like holding a piece of history in your hand. Our history is but a fleeting moment in time. Photographs capture that moment. Mostly photos are only significant when we know someone in it, or have a personal experience related to the photo.

I had the privilege of packing away some old photos recently. Memories and emotions swirled around in my head, and in my heart. Some caused a tear. Some created a smile. Some caused reflection. Some made pride well up within me. I shared some of the photos as I came across them. Using my iPhone, I made digital copies, and sent the copies to various people via text message. The responses I received back were almost identical to my response when I picked up each photo. There were tears, smiles, reflection and pride from various people. Reflecting on the photos as they were packed, I couldn't help but wish for 'Just one more time'.

'One more time' to wash the mud off little hands.

'One more time' see my old horse 'Boss' sitting under my child.

'One more time' to see my grandparents pose for the camera.

'One more time' to see papaw grinning and singing.

'One more time' to appreciate the accomplishment of 25th anniversary.

'One more time' to wash away the war paint after a birthday party.

'One more time' to pet ol' Bear.

'One more time' to have my picture made with my hero 'mamaw'.

The time spent sitting in the floor packing the old photos was rewarding. There were so many 'Just one more time' moments I lost count. Don't you have some 'Just one more time' memories? If we could recapture and bottle them we would roll around in them everyday. Looking at my blessings packed into boxes, I felt rewarded. The journey's I'd been a part of was satisfying. There are many moments I could wish to have back, however the past is the past. I can only look forward to what lies ahead. Make today what I can. Make tomorrow what I can. Press forward and continue on. New memories are on the horizon. If my iPhone camera continues to work, and Wal-Mart will continue to develop, I'll have new photos to add to the thousands in my library.

Power

God is 

All Powerful, 

if there is a weakness in my relationship with Him, it is me. Sin makes me weak,  and can hinder God's blessing of power to me. When I remove my sin, God can bless me fully with His power.

Bro. Freddie Mark Wilcox - Lifesong Baptist Church, Greenbrier, AR

When I first posted this blog, below is how it was published. I had texted, and received confirmation what I had written was correct. A couple hours later I received another text, after I had published the blog. I found out Bro. Freddie Mark was at a graduation when he received my text, and answered too quickly. He sent me a corrected version, and it is written above. Wanting to make sure I'd quoted him correctly, I felt it necessary to correct the blog. My shorthand did not do so well, as you can see. I think I got the point, but wanted to be clear in presenting what he was saying. While he used the words we, us, and our, I felt it necessary to change it to me, my, and I. The need to apply this first to myself came as I sat on the pew. 

I'll leave both quotes (correct and incorrect). Sitting in church the point stirred me, and I wanted to share it. 

God is 

All Powerful, 

if there are hinderances 

that prevent Him 

from His work 

it is my weakness 

in my sins.

Paraphrase by: R Tyler

(I felt it necessary to include both versions for anyone who might revisit the sight and notice the change.)

Precepts

New York City was a place my mom, my sister, my daughter, and myself had never been. Selling a horse in the spring of 2015, I received part of the payment in airline points. There were enough points in the deal to purchase tickets for all four of us. We considered several options that were within our 'points' budget. After talking it over, we decided to visit New York City for the Christmas holiday season. As our time for departure drew near, several events occurred that made us delay our trip. We rescheduled the New York City trip for the following April.

At this time in our life it was hectic for all of us. We were being bombarded by a multitude of challenges. Just a couple days before we left, we had strong thoughts about cancelling the whole trip. However, things seemed to open up, and we proceeded with our travel plans. We left on an early morning flight, and arrived in New York City just before noon.  Coming into the city by plane we were able to see the skyline of this magnificent city first hand. We were awestruck by the towering buildings that seemed to stretch every direction into the horizon. Laguardia Airport was a small airport,  so finding our luggage and a taxi was a snap. After leaving the airport, it took about an hour to get to our hotel. Getting to the hotel, my daughter started talking about the long drive from the airport. She had followed our route on an app on her iPhone, and felt certain there were many routes that would have taken half the time. Considering taxis charge by the amount of time you occupy their car, we felt a little ripped off. To these country girls it felt like the Big Apple was saying 'Welcome, but beware'.

New York City was all we expected, and then some. The city is filled with magnificent structures, friendly people, historical sights, great food, street vendors enticing tourist to purchase their goods, a strong working class, massive shopping opportunities, a subway, security police, tourist, and an overwhelming sense of pride. What a great place to visit. The things we saw and experienced was like nothing I'd ever done before. I could tell you about the flood of emotions we felt as we visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum, about our early morning mile walk for my sister so we could eat a genuine NYC bagel, or our apprehension riding the subway for the first time, or about the view from the Empire State Building, or I could tell you about our pride when we saw the Statue of Liberty. It would be difficult to describe everything we did, and my words would somehow seem inadequate. I'd encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to go see this great city for themselves.

On the first night, we visited Times Square. It was there my eyes were opened, and my heart was broken. We were making our way through the crowds, all sticking very close together. The flow of people swerved to the side, and we followed. Getting a view of why the foot traffic veered, was an unexpected sight. Up against the wall of the building was a man doubled over on the sidewalk. There was no obvious movement. No one slowed down enough to notice if he needed help. Being from a small town, homeless people seemed to only exist in a different world. We know they exist, but mostly from what we hear in the news. Rarely do we have direct contact with the homeless. I feel the sheltered life I live, keeps me from acknowledging what life truly is for some people. What happened in this man's life to bring him to this? Where did things go wrong? Why did his hope fade? Does he have a family? Answers to these questions, for each person living on the streets, would generate a multitude of answers. I realize the homeless and poverty population in New York City exist not only here, but globally. It was this visit to NYC my heart was touched, and I was felt compelled to ask 'why'? Perhaps because of the grandness of the city, I wasn't expecting to be faced with vast differences of status all occupying the same sidewalk.

I have a warm, soft bed to sleep in every night. My pantry is full of a variety of food. I have plenty of ways to fix a hot meal. I turn my faucet on and receive an enormous amounts of hot water. I receive love and affection from my family. My closets contain summer and winter clothes, with a variety of shoes for each season. This description of my abundance applies to most all my neighbors, friends, and family. Walking down the sidewalk in NYC, I came face to face with the stark difference between my home life and his lack of. There was a need to do a heart check. Where was my heart in the feelings going on inside me? Why did my heart sink when I saw him? Why did I feel the need to reach out? He is someone's son. He could be my son. He is someone's friend. He could be my friend. He could be someone's husband. He could be my husband. He could be someone’s dad. He could be my dad. He could be someone’s brother. He could be my brother. 

My knowledge and experience with homelessness is minimal. My knowledge of government policy for the homeless is minimal as well. My knowledge of social organizations role in helping with the homeless is minimal. I mention these because, as some people read this they may wonder why I think I can approach a subject many thousands of people have already attempted to resolve. My thoughts about helping a person  in need is strictly an encouragement of very ancient precepts. I don't consider myself an expert or someone who will successfully apply the precepts every time. My heart jumped when I saw the homeless man, and my mind wondered 'why'. I couldn't answer the 'why' in my mind, but I knew 'what' I should do. 

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.
Deuteronomy 15:11

Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.  
Matthew 5:42

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' 
Matthew 25:35-40. 

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ. 
Galatians 6:2

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 
Romans 15:1

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 
Hebrews 13:16

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.  
Philippians 2:3-4

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done. 
Proverbs 19:17

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 
Hebrews 13:2

The generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 
Proverbs 11:25

While in NYC I gave to the homeless. I won't tell what I gave, but I gave. It wasn't enough to move anyone out of poverty, but it made a difference for a few people on that day. My encouragement is to anyone who reads this. This is not a policy written to which only lawyers can understand. An actuary is not needed to measure the impact it makes. This is only an encouragement  for us to make a difference where we are. That simple. If an opportunity presents itself, and you can, give. If you have an extra jacket at home, take the one off your back and give. If you've prepared an extra amount of food for dinner, give to the widow next door. If you know of a food pantry in your area, give. If you find an extra pair of shoes in your closet, give. If you're walking thru Time's Square and you have to veer to the side to keep from stepping on a homeless man, give. Give as you feel in your heart to give. Give with an open heart. The question of 'why' they are homeless probably will not be answered. If each of us give perhaps there will be fewer times we have to ask 'why'. 


per the: Coalitionforthehomeless.org

Can homelessness be solved?

It doesn’t have to be this way. With a few sensible policies, we can see an end to modern homelessness.

Policies by governments have their place. I do not dispute that. However, ancient precepts lead me to believe you and I have a personal calling to look out for the well being of our brother, father, child, mother, husband, wife, sister, friend, and neighbor.