Trusting God

by   December 12, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Trusting God

            I remember when I was a kid in Boy Scouts we did some trust activities. We would stand facing one direction and we would have to fall backwards and trust that the boys standing behind us would catch us. I remember the first time doing this activity having a difficult time thinking they would actually catch me. I thought they might let me fall.

            I remember looking back a couple of times to see if they were actually there. I just knew they would pull back at the last moment and watch me fall, laughing at me as I lay in pain on the floor. When I finally mustered the courage to really let go, they caught me! It was an interesting feeling. I wanted to do it again, and they caught me the second time, too.

            I learned a valuable lesson that day. I really could trust those guys. We all liked to pull pranks on each other, but when the chips were down we really could trust each other. Something changed inside me that day; I felt closer to the guys in my group. I imagine we all felt closer to each other, which I believe is part of the reason leaders have people in a group do this activity.

            With Christmas right around the corner, I have been thinking about Mary and Joseph and the trust they were called to have in God. When Mary said “yes” to God, I can’t imagine she realized what she was going to face from her community. As a high school teacher, I sometimes taught students who were pregnant. Some of them struggled to bring their child into the world. Some had support, while others did not. Mary’s community was going to stone her death because they assumed she had been with someone. Mary had to trust God with her reputation and her life.

            Joseph had to learn to trust God in ways he never could have imagined, either. He just wanted to get married and be a carpenter for his community. It is hard to imagine what he must have felt when he discovered that Mary was expecting. Joseph had to trust a dream and Mary’s story of how she became pregnant. Joseph’s reputation was certainly impacted as the local gossips would have run him down. How do you trust God in that kind of situation?

            Joseph must have been a man of great faith. We might even say that Joseph’s faith grew strong because of what he had to endure. Imagine what faith is required to raise the Son of God. God trusted Mary and Joseph. Mary and Joseph had to trust God with protecting them and providing for them. God had to show them a safe place to go in Egypt and then guide them safely back to Israel.

            Joseph had to hear from God and then obey. When you think about it, we have to do the same thing. We have to trust God for our provision and our jobs. What do you do when you get laid off? How do you trust Him? How do you put food on the table and keep the power on? Our faith gets challenged. Will God really come through? Is God still in control?

            What do you do when someone you love gets sick, maybe with COVID? Most people recover, but what if your loved one has to go to the hospital? Sometimes our faith and trust get tested by the fire of circumstances. It’s easy to allow fear, doubt, and worry sneak in. We’ve all done it. That’s why we need each other, to challenge and encourage each other out of the darkness and back into a place of faith and trust. We need each other to overcome.

            When Joseph struggled with doubt, he could lean on Mary. When Mary became afraid for Jesus’ safety, she could lean on Joseph. Today we are fortunate to have the Word of God, which is full of promises to help encourage us and give us hope. We also have each other to lean on in the dark moments. Together we can pull each other through.

            I want to encourage you to hold onto faith and trust; they are your life preservers. God is for you. God is good. God has your best interest at heart. God is planning good things for your future. God will guide you and see you through whatever storm you are enduring. He sees you on the other side. Don’t go it alone. Lean on your friends, who will support and encourage you in your walk. I believe you are going to make it.

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

Denigrated by Tradition

by   December 11, 2020 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

The phrase “Doubting Thomas” is an all-too familiar one used to describe one of The Twelve. It has even evolved to be used to describe a person who is skeptical concerning a fact. To be thus described is a negative comment against one’s judgement or belief. But, this is where I think Biblical tradition has maligned the Disciple Thomas. After all, in John 11:16, he is the Disciple who says to the other Disciples when Jesus is preparing to go to Bethany because of Lazarus’ death, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” [Jesus]. Lazarus lived in Bethany and it was a dangerous place for Jesus. However, in this scene set by John, we see the courage of Thomas, The Twin. There is affirmation in his words, but through mis-teaching and tradition, Thomas is all-too remembered as a doubter.

Through tradition, we have come to teach that there were three wise men who visited the newborn Jesus because three gifts are mentioned. Tradition teaches through Bible classes that Jesus was a carpenter, but he was the equivalent of a modern-day handyman working with wood and stone, a more plentiful source for building in 1st Century Israel. Every image of The Last Supper is based on a late 15th Century mural by Da Vinci, which is Biblically wrong. And one more example of tradition taking over fact is the symbol for Christianity—the cross. What we show and wear is not historically accurate, but we teach it still.

However, in my recent readings of Genesis, I have been struck by how we have treated Esau. Yes, he traded his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup. (By the way, why was his brother cooking, a woman’s job in that society?) And, he was cheated by his mother and twin brother. Yep, to spite his parents, he married two heathen women. Then, his brother the sneak, leaves to be safe from his rage. Gone for twenty years, Jacob returns with his wealth. Frightened still of Esau, he sends his concubines and children out first, then Leah and her children, then Rachel (his favorite) with her children. A nice pecking order in case Esau had plans for vengeance. But, accompanied by four hundred of his best fighters, according to Genesis 33: 4, “And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” I see no revenge here, but Dr. Vernon J. McGehee writes that Esau possibly tried to bite the neck of his brother, thus killing him. But, during the exchanges between the brothers, Esau refers to Jacob as “my brother” while Jacob uses the distant “My lord.” When Jacob offers many gifts to Esau, the red warrior says in Genesis 33:9, “I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.”

I am aware of the oft-quoted verses from Malachi and that Esau is the patriarch of Edom, the nation that helped the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem. But, what we know of Esau from the Bible, besides the sad tale of twin brothers in  Genesis, is that he helped Jacob bury their father. What else we know is from non-Biblical sources. So, why the vilification?

Tradition! And that is dangerous. When I worked in a school outside New Orleans, I would often be told, in explaining why some action was followed, “It’s our tradition, Mr. Barbee.” The chaplain would say as an aside to me, “Tradition or examined habit?”

I think we have too many examined habits of belief in our Christianity and we should follow the Bible and use what it gives us, along with accurate histories. If we follow a tradition, we begin to believe it, then we teach it as gospel. Then, when the ones we have wrongly taught learn the truth, they may see us as liars or worse. Teach truth.

Thankful

by   December 7, 2020 with No Comments

By David Freeze

It has been one of my great privileges to write this column now for more than 10 years. I’m not sure exactly which year this tradition started, but I know this year is certainly one for the record books. Regardless, we all should be thankful each day and here are the thoughts that top my list for     Thanksgiving Day, 2020.

My first grandchild, her name is Monroe, but I call her “Booper,” now just past her first birthday.

Blood and organ donors, always needed.

Health care professionals who lead the battle against the coronavirus and all of our other medical issues.

Those who act when they hear, “Somebody’s got to do something!”

The gifts of much-needed food and cash to fill the pantries at Rowan Helping Ministries, Main Street Mission, the Salvation Army and various food drives.

Books, and the gift of reading instilled in children, opening a life of wonder and knowledge.

Ways to keep events going with proper guidelines, such as the Forum’s Butterball 5K held this morning at Salisbury Community Park and benefiting Prevent Child Abuse Rowan.

People who stay active and make the effort to improve their health during the pandemic, increasing their odds for a safe recovery.

The Salisbury Post, still our best option for local news and keeping each other informed. I start my day with it every morning. Plus all the readers and new friends I’ve met through my writing.

Worshiping with your church as members decide instead of a government mandate.

A bicycle trip around the Big Island, Hawaii, completed just before major quarantines began in March, thus completing a marvelous tour of all 50 states on two wheels.

So much major work done on the farm while other activities were limited.

The two good-smelling female runners I often meet while doing my miles on Patterson Road before daylight.

Radio and TV coverage of basketball and football that we can’t see in person currently.

Our military, law enforcement, fire and all the other protectors who put safety and freedom ahead of their own concerns.

The faith writers at the Post who allowed me to share in the new book, An EncouragingU Christmas, available at Amazon.com and Father and Son Produce. www.encouragingu.com .

Prayer, smiles and kind words, always powerful and never needed more. Especially those from good friends and family who positively affect our lives daily.

Backyard and backdoor visits from those friends, neighbors and family, especially those that are not rushed.

All the Christmas lights I can find to put up and appreciation of your displays, large and small.

With all these thoughts listed, I have many more and I’m sure you have plenty of blessings too. Take time especially today but every day following to realize and survey your personal gifts, memories and ongoing blessings. The future is bright, believe it, pray for it and do your part to make it that way.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Getting Ready

by   December 5, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer     

            Each day that I am out and about I notice more and more Christmas decorations. My community usually transforms over the Thanksgiving weekend. Typically, we travel for Thanksgiving, so when we leave, everything looks normal and when we get back home, Christmas has arrived. This year I was at home working on my outside decorations over the weekend.

            Many of my neighbors have completed both inside and outside decorations. We are a bit slower. I spent some time on two afternoons getting the outside done. Now I have to focus on the inside. We typically wait until mid-December to put the inside decorations all up. That’s a process, too.

            I enjoy putting Christmas decorations up, the problem becomes taking it all down. The outside is highly dependent on the weather. We had 60 plus temperatures to put things up outside this year, which I really enjoyed. I can struggle taking all the inside decorations down; sometimes it’s as late as mid-January.

            I have heard several people say that we really need Christmas this year. I have to agree. 2020 has been a tough year. There is something about Christmas decorations that sparks a certain joy for most of us. I think it triggers pleasant memories. We remember the special times we had with family and loved ones, and the memories warm the soul.

            There are still lots of things to finish getting ready for Christmas. For us, we have to decorate the Christmas tree. There is the shopping that needs to get done. There are the Christmas cards to be addressed and sent. We are hoping for some family gatherings where there will be plenty of good food.

            When I think about my childhood Christmases, I remember my mom baking lots of cookies. We had chocolate chip, oatmeal, refrigerator cookies, and the sugar cookies. We got the chance to decorate our cookies with all the colored sugar sprinkles. There were always lots of cookies at my house. The only trouble was my mother’s two cookie rule. We were only allowed two cookies after a meal. Having to choose was so hard! It wasn’t until later in life that I learned that this is not a universal rule, but I still obey it.

            We still have a few weeks to get all the preparations done, and somehow, we will all make it just in time. What concerns me is that many people will not take the time to prepare their hearts for the true meaning of Christmas. It is so easy to get caught up in all the preparations, activities, and gatherings that we forget to get our hearts ready to receive the greatest gift of all.

            Many years ago my little sister gave me a gift certificate for a Christian bookstore. I bought a little book that contains the story of the birth of Christ. It combines all the gospels in a chronological order and includes many Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled with Christ’s birth. The book also contains many special Christmas carols. I pull it out every year and read it as we get close to Christmas.

            I also take time to read the story from the scriptures themselves. One other thing that I try to do during the holiday season is take some quiet time sitting by the Christmas tree. I admit that I spend some of that time admiring our beautiful tree and all the special ornaments. But I also work to quiet my heart and reflect and meditate on the true meaning of Christmas, the coming of our Lord and Savior. I allow my heart to praise and thank God for this wonderful gift.  

            I love exchanging gifts, especially if I had the time to find that special something for the recipient. I imagine God feels the same way. He has given us hope, something we all have needed in 2020. He has given us forgiveness and mercy, paying a debt we could never repay. He has given us grace, which is the power to live different and transformed lives. He has given us unconditional love, something no one in the world can give.

            I want to encourage you to quiet yourself for at least five minutes a day and meditate on the goodness of God in your life. Consider the gifts of hope, forgiveness, and love He offers you. While you are there, consider how you might share these wonderful gifts with those in your life who need it. These gifts are far greater than any you might find under a tree. I bid you peace as you endeavor to receive and share these wonderful gifts from God.

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

Underappreciated

by   November 30, 2020 with No Comments

By David Freeze

In a normal year, Salisbury and Rowan will have about 30 races. Some have a long history, a few are brand new but every single successful one requires a lot of work. I once had a woman representing a charity call me and tell me the date and location where she wanted to have a race. Then she said, “So, do you need anything else from me? You’ll take it from here, right?”

That is certainly not the case! The Salisbury Rowan Runners provide some guidelines and plenty of answers for questions, but we won’t manage the race for you. Being a race director, usually someone who either is a volunteer or adds the responsibility to their regular job, is not easy. There is a long list of to-do’s required. Those details make or break the race.

One of the best long-term race directors in the area is Rayna Gardner, head of the popular Butterball 5K. She’s won SRR’s Race Director of the Year award twice and probably deserved it more than that. Rayna, also the general manager at The Forum, adds the annual director duties on top of her other work. Always detail-focused and forward-thinking, she works through a long list of early decisions. These include confirming the date, making sure the course is available and getting an event permit from the City of Salisbury. Since 2020 is an unusual year, right off the bat decisions had to be made that resulted in the Thanksgiving Day race being moved to Salisbury Community Park. That makes for a new course and other logistical changes.

One of the biggest parts of the preparation for a good race is the initial race brochure, crammed with information to make the event interesting to local runners and walkers. Once the brochure is completed, then the race gets set up for online registration. About 80% of all registrations come in online now, with the percentage increasing each year. Participants register later and later in today’s market, making for a guessing game to get the right amounts of commemorative shirts, awards and food.

Once all this is in the works, then begins the long list of questions that come by email, text or phone where possible participants want to know things that might affect whether they attend. Rayna is one of the best at this, sharing immediately or finding the answer. This year’s race had questions about the difficulty and layout of the 5K course, availability of parking and bathrooms. And the biggest question of all; what was she doing to meet coronavirus guidelines?

Meanwhile as the registrations rolled in, Rayna worked with the race bibs and other details to make race morning easier. I could write a whole column on disasters that race directors caused, usually coming to light as race day participants began to arrive. Heading up various check-in processes is Rayna’s strength. She handles any issues and complaints, and keeps the lines moving.

Once the race was underway, she monitored course volunteers who keep the participants on course. And finally, Rayna gave out the race awards to the socially distanced finishers. Once done, with the runners and walkers headed for home, Rayna managed the removal of all the race day paraphernalia. And from experience, I hope she got a nap that afternoon.

When all was said and done, Rayna, who is super fit and resembles Jennifer Marion from TV’s Randy Marion car commercials, said, “The feeling of putting on a good race is like no other. Getting organized is a lot of hard work but when it comes together with the aid of volunteers and sponsors, we support worthy charities in our community. I get lots of help to keep the world turning during race prep.”

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