Surround Me NOT

by   May 2, 2022 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Surround me

Hiking mountain trails is – or perhaps I should I say was – one of our favorite things.

If a cruise ship was unavailable, hiking would be at the top of our list.

While hiking with the husband, there were three rules – all created by me.

Rule Number 1: Go in front of me, as needed.

Rule Number 2: Go beside me, as needed.

Rule Number 3: Go behind me, as needed.

Sometimes, I need a guide.

Sometimes, I need someone by my side.

Sometimes, I need a push.

My husband learned to do all three.

A mountain hike can be a bit treacherous, which means there may be insecure footing, insecure support, hidden dangers, hazards, or perils. Exactly!

I reached a point on the trail that was dangerously steep, with not even a tree limb to hold onto. As I stood on a rock, looking down below, the ground was not even visible.

I got scared. I froze. I would just sit here forever. I would not be going moving forward on the trail, nor would I be going back down the trail, because the descent appeared to be just as scary. I remained frozen in position.

There had to be a Plan B.

Words of encouragement surrounded me from those passing by us, as I sat on the rock, afraid to look down.

 Charles suggested that he could stay behind me in case I slipped.

I was skeptical.

He suggested that he go ahead of me, so he could grasp my hand, pulling me forward.

Still skeptical.

Or would it be best if he would just go beside me?

No.

He ended up somehow managing to do all three.

I was then safely on secure ground.

He had gone before me, behind me, and beside me.

 It was not easy for him – but he thought I was worth it.

All I had to do was take his hand.

All I had to do was trust him.

Trust  – is an amazing thing.

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4

Trust in the Lord with all our heart. Proverbs 3:5

The Lord goes behind us, before us, and lays His hand on us. Psalm 139:5

The Lord our God is with us wherever we go. Joshua 1:9

God thinks we are worth it.

We may as well give up and trust Him completely!

Because we are surrounded…

Critters

by   April 30, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I came home from the grocery store last week to a surprise. My wife said that she had caught something in our house while I was out. I helped put the groceries up and then went out on the back steps to discover what she had caught. It was a large hornet.

            I know a beekeeper and ran it over to him. He confirmed that it was a hornet but wasn’t sure which kind of hornet. He wanted me to take it to the extension office to be checked. He has read stories about how the Asian hornets can wipe out a beehive. It ended up being a common European hornet.

            The hornet isn’t the only critter that found its way into our home. We are currently being visited by ants. When we had cats I understood why ants would come to visit. We had cat food in bowls just waiting for them. Now I don’t understand why ants want to come in our home. We’ve decided that they must be looking for water since it has been so dry lately.

            Whatever the ants are looking for, we don’t want them. I sprayed around the outside of the house. That helped, but there are still some wandering around…like that one! Critters!

            I went out in the garage the other day and heard a noise coming from among my wife’s plants that are in the garage for the winter. I went to investigate and the sound moved to another location.  I got a broom and started to rustle the plants, and suddenly a bird took flight. She flew into a window trying to escape, and flew back into the plants. I wanted her out of the garage. I rustled the plants some more and she flew right past my head. We had a little game of chase going on before she discovered her escape route and was gone. The wren has a nest in a flowerpot right next to the garage, so she has become a frequent visitor in the garage. I now check the garage before I close the doors to make sure she isn’t in there. Critters!

            Why do critters want to live in my house and garage? There are plenty of great places to live in the wild, yet they continue to seek refuge in my house. I know I am not alone in dealing with critters; everyone gets some kind of critters. My mother had a couple of snakes find their way into her house last year. Critters!

            When you really think about it, homes are not the only place where critters find their way in. We had all kinds of critters find their way into the schools through the years. Businesses fight the critters too. Critters don’t discriminate; they will even find their way into our churches. While schools, businesses and churches work hard to keep the critters out, churches work equally hard to get visitors…people…in. Every church in Salisbury wants to get visitors. I think our church does a good job at making people feel welcome.

            COVID has chased a lot of people away from church. It seems that some people want to re-engage with church and to get involved once again. All churches need to be ready to welcome visitors back. We need to help people get plugged back into church.

            It is easy to watch church from the comfort of your couch in your PJs. Many churches have added live streaming to make that possible. But that does not allow you to engage and connect with other believers. It is equally hard to encourage one another when you’re not there at church. We need fellowship. We need to lift each other up. We need to carry each other’s burdens. No one was intended to walk the Christian faith alone.

            If you are an active member of your church, I want to encourage you to welcome people and help them feel at home when they visit. If you are watching your service from home, I want to encourage you to consider safely re-engaging with your church again. Take the necessary precautions, but find ways to engage with other believers so you can encourage and be encouraged by each other. Jesus has always wanted everyone in heaven with Him. That means we need to invite the lost to church and help them discover faith in Christ. We can also encourage those who have been away to come back safely. And finally, we need to make sure we keep our own fire of faith burning strong. Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Racism Hidden Behind Grammar

by   April 29, 2022 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Readers often respond to the writer of an article or essay they have read. Recently one such reader wrote to a writer about an article printed in the Washington Post Magazine. Printed below is the email as shared by the writer.

                                    Hi Damon:

I like your pieces in the WP magazine but I really stumbled reading your article in tomorrow’s edition.

Specifically:

…although it ain’s a perfect analogy: ain’t? Really poor choice.

…some of them white boys: them? How about ‘those’?

You do good work; don’t try to  sound like you are still in the street.

Regards,

            The writer shares the reader’s email in which he or she rails about the use of “ain’t” and whips to death that old horse. That is a choice any of us can make, but I see that specific complaint like a charge against a windmill. However, what I find most distressing in the reader’s email is its tone and subtle racism. 

The reader has some knowledge of grammar and punctuation-the correct use of the semi-colon in the last sentence shows this, but he missed a comma in his opening sentence. However, the condescending tone and subtle racist attitude expressed in the reader’s last sentence is startling. The reader might as well have written, “You do good work, boy; don’t try to sound like you are still in the street.”  For one thing, who is the  reader to pronounce to the writer that, “You do good work;”. The writer knows that his work is good, or he wouldn’t be doing it. This clause is pure arrogance on the part of the reader because he or she assumes a superior position and passes a judgement, not an opinion on the work of the writer. But it is the veiled prejudice that steals the show. The last clause exposes the racist attitude of a reader commenting on the written words of a Black writer. The reader shows that he or she thinks that every Black writer must have, at one time, been “in the street.” In other words, if  you are Black you come from an inferior environment, even if, by now, you do good work. How is a writer to respond to such a tone and words?  Shuffle as he looks down and says, “Thank’ ya, Massa.”

But the writer, like any writer, is free to sound any way he or she wishes. However, in doing so, the writer must be willing to suffer any just and fair consequences—such as having a helpful editor make a change or changes. But a racist attack is  never warranted, and this email demonstrates another way of expressing racism, in a sly and sinister manner.

However, the writer does err in one regard. He writes in his splendid and controlled response this: “If you were better at this than I am, you would know, as I do, that the rules of grammar are mostly suggestions. Guardrails to help us corral and curate the mess in our heads into something cohesive.”

I suggest that rules—grammar or otherwise—are rules, not guidelines. In the usage of them or those, the rule concerns case; the difference between nominative and objective case. However, this rule’s distinction, like so many others in our grammar, is being lost through careless writing or editing or both. However, does it matter if the writer gets his message to the reader? Consider this example of the lowly comma and it use: “Let’s eat Grandma.” Let’s eat, Grandma.” Grammar and its cousin punctuation matter for the sole purpose to facilitate effective communication. They are rules to be followed as closely and respectfully as possible so that all readers will find the writing to be a road map to a destination or conclusion.

But the arrogant tone and subtle racism of the reader’s email far outpace the writer’s misuse of case. The use of case is the type of error which is easy to correct, but the ugly tone derived from privilege and its cousin racism is a choice, not a mistake. But unlike the mistakes we make in grammar, it lives and breathes and hurts us all like COVID.

Now, ain’t that the truth.

A Busy Week

by   April 26, 2022 with No Comments

By David Freeze

The week just ahead has plenty of running options and I think its going to be fun. At least two well-known Rowan County runners are headed to Boston this weekend for Monday’s running of the 126th Annual Boston Marathon. Both Craige Farmer, long-time Rowan Country Parks and Recreation staffer, and Dr. Matt Storey from Novant Health will line up with around 30,000 friends for the historic Patriot’s Day start in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Most of the runners had to meet strict qualifying standards to get in. This year’s event returns with a normal field of runners after the 2020 event was virtual and the 2021 event was held in the fall with a limited field. It takes about 10,000 volunteers to support the race, which can be seen on the USA Network from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Post will have a follow-up on Farmer and Storey after the event. If anyone else locally is running, please email me at david.freeze@ctc.net

On Thursday morning, Rowan County Special Olympics will hold its adult track and field competition at Catawba College. The event is open to the public at no charge and the spirited competition will be held on the track and football field inside Shuford Stadium. Start time is at 10 a.m. and should be complete by just past noon. Special Olympics competition this year is managed by Rowan County Parks and Recreation.

The Family Crisis Council’s Stomp Out Sexual Assault 5K will be held at Knox Middle School on Saturday morning, April 23, after missing the last two years due to the pandemic. Family Crisis Council Executive Director Renee Bradshaw said, “The purpose of the Stomp Out Sexual Assault 5K is to raise funds for sexual assault services, such as counseling, group sessions, and rape bags when victims are taken to the hospital. We have 24/7 responders for rape victims that do go to the hospital. All proceeds will go to assist the victims of sexual assault. Also, our race is to raise awareness about sexual assault as April is designated as sexual assault awareness month.”

Participants will receive a quality dri-fit commemorative T-shirt, a chance at unique awards covering 14 age groups, and refreshments. A half-mile fun run will be limited to kids, 12 and under, and will be done on the track. The race is also a time for survivors of sexual assault to show their support and that they can heal with the services of Family Crisis Council of Rowan, Inc.

Bradshaw added, “The Family Crisis Council has a 24/7 Crisis line, and a 24-bed emergency shelter for people fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. In 2021, we sheltered 89 women and children, assisted 650 community clients with counseling, group sessions and referral services and assisted a total of 739 clients. In addition, our court program assisted 533 clients with (50b) protective orders.”

Based on Rowan County 911 call logs, the sexual assault rate increased 26% from 179 in 2020 to 226 in 2021. All levels of runners and walkers are encouraged to attend. The Knox/Greenway course is scenic and fast with the finish on the track.

Next up will be the Teens with a Mission 5K at First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury on April 29. For more information on these and other events, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org

I’ve been back on the road now for most of this past week. The kidney stones and stents are gone as is the blood infection, confirmed on Thursday. Just after watching the Boston Marathon on Monday, I will have a follow-up visit with Dr. William Brinkley about my blood clot issues following last summer’s southern border bike ride. I’m hoping for the best and just fine with the fact that this coming summer’s ride will not be in extended extreme heat.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

My Favorite

by   April 25, 2022 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 KJV
As we left the little church on our wedding day, the organist played the sweet hymn, “Savior like a Shepherd lead us… much we need Thy tender care…”
Though we had picked the song, I had no idea how prophetic it would be. Now forty-eight years later, I have Psalm 23:3 written on a notecard to remind me everyday: He will not only lead me, but strengthen me to do His will.
I used to think my strength was limited when our children were young. But now the older I get, the more I realize how truly weak I am. Yet my soul feels renewed day by day. It’s the quiet knowing that all will be well as I draw on the Lord. He assures me that He will not only strengthen me for the task at hand, but will lead me down a path that will honor His Name. Isn’t that the goal of the heart tuned to the Savior? To point all things back to Him?
Even when I’m the weakest I’ve ever been, HE can still help me walk worthy of His calling. For this wonderful Savior of ours loves it when we lean on Him for the strength to serve. When we’re too weary to take another step, He will hold our hand.
“He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths bringing honor to His Name.” -Psalm 23:3 NLT
Oh! How sweet is that?

He is the Author

by   April 23, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

He is the Author

            I was lucky to be able to spend some time with my family on Easter day. The food was excellent and the weather cooperated. We spent the day outside, catching up with each other. It was so good to see my parents and siblings and to spend time talking with them. It was nice to take a deep breath and slow down.

            I haven’t seen my nephew who lives in Puerto Rico for a couple of years. He loves the island life. He teaches surfing and kiteboarding. To see his smile and to hear him talk about life on Puerto Rico was great. My favorite story was hearing about the time he was kiteboarding and came within a few feet of a whale that was flapping his tail on the water.

            One of my nieces lives out west as a midwife. She radiated joy. She shared a few stories and told me a little about her boyfriend. She listened as I shared a few stories of my own. Another niece was there with a new baby. She and her husband were glowing new parents. They talked about their new little one, their new home, and asked for some advice about gardening.

            The best part of the day was the Easter egg hunt. A bunch of us scattered eggs across the yard. Then the eighty-plus crowd and the few small children were allowed to begin collecting eggs. Later, the rest of the adults joined in. The eggs contained candy and fake money. The money could be used to “buy” prizes. It was so fun to watch the “seniors” take their money to the tables and get their prizes. I think they were as excited as the kids. The laughter and memories of those few minutes was priceless.

            COVID has stolen so many of these kinds of family moments from us. It is good to find ways to gather, especially outside, where we can safely be together and share these kinds of family moments. The Fourth of July is another one of those family moments where we can gather outside and re-connect. Families and friends need these opportunities to come together to share our love and our stories with each other.

            I started my Easter Sunday at church, where we had a really nice service. My pastor’s wife painted a picture while the pastor gave his sermon. The two intertwined to illustrate God’s unfathomable love for us. As he spoke and shared the scriptures about God’s love, she painted a picture that illustrated God’s great love for us. It was powerful, meaningful, and moving to experience.

            But there was a moment during the worship that grabbed my imagination. We were singing a song that I have sung many times. There is a line in the song that says, “I know the author of my story and He’s mine.” The line captured me, and my imagination kicked into overdrive as I thought about the words.

            I could see myself sleeping in bed. Then I could imagine God pulling up a chair beside me and pulling out a pen and notebook. His glasses were on the end of his nose so He could focus on His writing. He would occasionally look at me with the biggest smile as He wrote what was going to happen in my life. I could imagine the joy on His face as He looked at me and then wrote my story.

            I thought about those images all day. I thought about the joy He has just looking at us. I saw the same joy as I looked at my niece and her husband as they looked at their newborn child. The Bible is clear that God is planning a good future for us. It makes it easy to imagine that God takes great joy in writing our future. He smiles as He plans the things we will discover, the hidden treasures…just like those Easter eggs. I think we often fail to realize just how much pleasure we bring to Him just by being ourselves.

            I want to encourage you to stop and think about the fact that God loves you and that He is actively creating a future for you that is bright and hopeful. He looks at you and is filled with joy. He sees the best in you. He believes the best about you. He is planning wonderful things, not only for this lifetime but for all eternity, for you. The truth is God loves you and He can’t wait to spend all eternity with you. Enjoy the good story that God is writing for you.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

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