Being There

by   February 15, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

Since I retired I have attended many funerals. Friends and several church members have gone home to be with the Lord. Being retired gives me the opportunity to be there for my friends and family during their time of need. I never know what to say to the family other than I am sorry for their loss. 

I went to a funeral this week for my Sunday school teacher’s husband. I have been to their home several times as they hosted Christmas parties for our class. He always made me feel so welcome to their home. He served in many different diplomatic positions for our government here at home and abroad. He and his wife have served and traveled to many nations around the world.

His experience gave him a great understanding of politics. He personally knew many politicians, and served in multiple administrations including President Ford’s administration. He had insights about where our country is and where we are going. I enjoyed the opportunities to talk with him and get his perspective on current events, issues, and politics. He was a man who had great insight into how our country works and I know he will be greatly missed.  

I think funerals can be very insightful. I love to hear the speakers as they share stories and reflect on the individual being honored. It’s okay to laugh at a funeral if someone shares a humorous story. It’s good to share the pain of the family as they deal with the loss of their loved one. Today my heart was moved by the passionate singing of an old friend who has the voice of an angel.

It’s hard to understand the impact your presence brings at funerals for the family who is struggling with their loss. While I am a writer and I work with words all the time, I struggle to find the right words of comfort to offer families who have lost loved ones. I have come to understand that words are not necessary, it’s the love and support we bring that makes all the difference. I am always glad that I went to the funeral so the family knows my heart is with them. Someday we are all going to find ourselves standing in their place and we will be glad when others show up for us.

When it comes down to it, it’s not just funerals when we find ourselves in need of people’s love and support. We might be struggling with depression, anxiety, health issues, loss of a job, or some other difficult situations where we need our brothers and sisters in Christ to stand with us. God did not intend for us to make our life’s journey alone. We were created to be together, to come together, to stand together, and sometimes to sit and cry together as we experience the challenges life brings our way.

I like praying alone and with others. When we pray, we hope God will intervene in our situation and keep us from having to walk through the trials and challenges of life. I have witnessed firsthand how God can heal and deliver someone. What a great celebration that brings when we see God’s miraculous hand at work in our lives.

But what happens when God doesn’t move, doesn’t heal, or doesn’t deliver us? We are forced to go THROUGH the challenge. We don’t want to go through, we want to be delivered. Sometimes when we go through we learn so much about God and His incredible love for us. It also reveals the depth of love and support from our spiritual families, which means so much.

That’s what being there is all about. I need you during my challenging times to be there encouraging and challenging me to press on, to keep going, to not give up, to believe God’s promises are for me, and to trust Him when I can’t feel or see Him. Your presence with me can give me the courage to take the next step, to keep moving forward when I want to give up.

I want to encourage you to be there for the people in your life when they are facing difficult and challenging times. I need you and you need me to be there for each other. Your experiences with God can help others who are facing the same challenges you have lived through. Be there. Share your story of hope. Pray and encourage those in need. Let’s take each other’s hand and be there to help each other through life’s challenges. We are not alone and we will get through this thing together.  Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Sojourners

by   February 14, 2025 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

            In the epic poem,  The Odyssey, Odysseus returns to his home island after being absent for twenty years. Because the suitors have taken possession of his home, he must return unrecognized in order to attack them by surprise. He arrives home disguised by Athena as a beggar, and he goes to the hut of Eumaios, the keeper of pigs, in order to plan his attack on the suitors. Not knowing who the beggar is, Eumaios treats him with courtesy and feeds him and gives him a place to sleep. When the disguised master thanks his servant for being kind, Eumaios responds, “…rudeness to a stranger is not decency.”

            During the years that I taught Homer’s great poem, I required my students to memorize such lines as that of Eumaios and those of other characters from the poem.  The students then had to relate the chosen quotation to their lives by demonstrating a basic understanding of the quotation and explaining how it was still relevant in their post 2000 world. However, my students and I not only discussed what Homer had to say about hospitality to the sojourner, but also what other ancient writers such as Paul meant when they told followers to  “practice hospitality.” In the ancient world, sojourners needed safe and clean places to spend the nights because the few available inns were full of bandits, prostitutes, and vermin. So, for safety, a traveler looked for a kind person such as Eumaios to share the long, dark night. I suppose, as my students will attest,  in some ways we are all sojourners at times. At various moments in our lives, we have been that traveler looking for a haven for a night, a day, an hour even. And, oftentimes, we have looked for that friendly face to offer us warmth and kindness and understanding about our travels.

            Homer’s use of the lowly swineherd as one of two servants to help his long absent master is, I think, a choice of genius. As many readers may know, a pig parlor is not the most elegant place there is. Raven’s Rock, the home of Eumaios, was a smelly and rather vile place a long distance from the manor house. The swineherd undoubtedly would have smelled much like his charges. And, because of his position he would have held a low rung in the social order of his time. Yet, this low-ranking citizen, like the widow in the Gospels, gives out of his poverty, not his wealth. This seemingly low citizen is the one of the two servants who had remained loyal to his master and helps him rid the manor of the selfish suitors.

            All of this and more has been on my mind as I watch many concerned citizens try to build support in our country to help those in the caravan.  These last few days of damp, cold wind have, for me, been a reminder of the need to help. However, I worry that too many church attendees will choose to turn away from this need. I know that some church groups have stepped up and offered to help by word or deed or both.  I appreciate that some church groups are helping the hungry and homeless in other ways. What I can’t understand is how some church groups find reasons not to help.

            Practicing hospitality causes inconvenience. It means changing routines. It means inviting strangers who may be downtrodden into our spaces. It means being empathetic. Practicing hospitality means sharing time and talk with people who are in need of a hand up. Practicing hospitality can cause you to, as I heard a pastor say last June, “think of what you can give instead of what you don’t have.” Practicing hospitality is an opportunity for personal growth in a faith walk. Practicing hospitality means that we Christians step up and take care of the less fortunate. To do otherwise means that we are just “pew sitters” who attend service to feel better about ourselves. Are you the Christian more worried about the new floor in the fellowship hall or the one who cares about some homeless child?

            Early in The Odyssey, the sage Mentor speaks to the citizens of Ithaca (Odysseus’ home island) about the suitors taking over the manor of Odysseus and the injustice of their action. Mentor laments

the violent plundering of the great leader’s home, but he then goes on to say, “What sickens me is to see the whole community/sitting still, and never a voice … raised.” 

            There is a need in our community. If you choose, you can find many reasons not to help end that need. However, I offer you one good reason to step up and help. Again, the answer comes from ancient literature written by a tax collector turned disciple: go read Matthew 25:35-40. Then ask why you should not step up and help.

Winter Flight, Why it Matters to the Community

by   February 13, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Winter Flight, Why It Matters to the Community

    Several hundred runners and walkers will toe the starting line in one of North Carolina’s most storied races on Sunday afternoon. Olympians have won here and there are great human interest stories each year. It is the only race on the local calendar that attracts people to Salisbury just for the chance to run our most historic event. One year, entrants came from California and Minnesota, as well as five other states.

     But just as important is how this great group of races come together and why it matters so much to our community. As I mentioned last week, the Winter Flight mystique involves a challenging 8K historic course that many runners come back to test themselves on each year. There is an easier 5K course geared toward less competitive runners and walkers. And the fun run, free and open to any age, is a half mile on the Shuford Stadium track.

       While the races are exciting, the biggest victory comes from what Winter Flight makes possible for our neighbors in need. Thanks to events like this, in fiscal year 2023-2024, Rowan Helping Ministries was able to provide:

🍽️ 80,730 meals served to our community in Jeannie’s Kitchen

🛒 1,107,700 pounds of food distributed to 4,235 households in need

🎒 30,469 weekend food bags given to over 900 food-insecure Rowan-Salisbury Schools students

🏠 Homelessness prevention for 944 Rowan County households, totaling $440,192 in financial assistance

🛏️ Shelter and shelter services for 668 men, women, and children

🩺 Medical, mental health, and behavioral health support for 302 guests

📚 Life skills education for 415 guests, including resume building, financial planning, and stress reduction

    Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Kyna Grubb shared, “Winter Flight is a lifeline for so many in our community. The proceeds help families keep the heat on during the coldest months and ensure that our community’s children have food on their tables. We are grateful for the Salisbury Rowan Runners, whose dedication and generosity make this event such a success year after year. By participating or donating, you’re helping us provide warmth, shelter, and hope to those in need.”

    The 2025 event is officially called The Forum Fitness Winter Flight 8K/5K and Fun Run. The Forum is the title sponsor among 50 total sponsors. Other major sponsors include the City of Salisbury, Debbie Suggs Catering, The Trophy House, First Horizon Bank, David Post Law, Global Contact Services and Millbridge Ruritans. Catawba College has hosted the event for 36 of the 42 years and offers the perfect setting. The gym will be the center of activity until race time and offers race day registration, pre-registered packet pickup along with several vendor exhibits. Among those vendors planning to be on hand will be Skinny Wheels Pedals and Pints, Rowan Moves and GNC.

    Each participant in the 8K and 5K gets a wonderful commemorative hoodie and fantastic refreshments.  About 180 awards will be given over the three races in the post-race ceremony.  The 8K is the North Carolina State Championship at that distance and separate awards will be given to the major winners in that race. The top male and female finisher in the 8K will get $100 each while the first Rowan County male and female finisher will get $50. The first runner to the mile, male and female, gets $25. Should a new male or female course record be set, that winner would get $750.

    While the accomplished runner has plenty of reasons to chase overall and age group records, the real heart of the race is the regular runner and walker who takes on the distances to challenge themselves. The weather forecast looks great and what better way to spend a wonderful Sunday afternoon of exercise with a bunch of new friends while benefiting Rowan Helping Ministries. If you’ve never walked in one of these events, come see us in Goodman Gym on Sunday from noon to 1:50 pm and we’ll get you signed up. Runsignup.com will offer online registration through the morning. Donations can be made at runsignup or at the event.

     If you have further questions, go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or call me at 704-310-6741.I hope to see you at Winter Flight.

Things Without the Lord is a Waste

by   February 12, 2025 with No Comments

By Ed Traut

Ecclesiastes 5:19  Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God.

  • The persual of contentment or happiness – so many of us search for it.
  • True happiness comes only from God whether we have or don’t have.  Sometimes we can have and not have the ability to enjoy.
  • When we can accept and be grateful for which boundary God has given us and what He has allotted to us, true contentment comes.

Prayer:  I praise Your holy name for Your goodness and Your provision, I am content and I say with David that Your boundaries have fallen in lovely places.  Amen. 


Ed Traut
Prophetic Life

Sleepless in Salisbury C

by   February 10, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Today is brought to us by the letter C. And also by the Creator of the Universe Who has this to say.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

What a peaceful thought to dwell on tonight. Jesus actually extends an invitation to us and offers rest from our weariness. It will take a conscious effort on our part to shut down our mental list making. But His offer stands.

Here’s a bonus verse found in Psalm 27: 8. It is also my prayer for you.

“My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”

The Road to Big Rock

by   February 9, 2025 with No Comments

By Ashlie Miller

If you listen closely, you will likely hear something beckoning you outdoors after a long, cold winter (for us anyway). It may be birds chirping a song, anticipating their fellow fowl friends returning from migration. Perhaps the whispers of daffodils are summoning you to the dirt, spade and seeds in hand. Or, in the case of some of my children, it may be a call to an adventure in the woods to “Big Rock.” 

It may not be an original name, but many of us had our own trips to “Big Rock” as children. It had been some time since my last trip, but when my youngest lost something special to him, I knew it was time to venture back. One morning before church, I promised him I would look for his lost treasure – an owl-shaped pendant souvenir from a trip to the zoo perfectly camouflaged for leaf-hiding. I allowed him and his big sister to lead the way. They took me through their path to reach the mountainous boulder – over banks of rocks, through the outer rims of neighbor’s yards (sorry, neighbors!), and up an imposing bank of more rocks covered in ivy. Don’t worry; we did not trek up the ivy-covered stones. Instead, we walked across a rotting beam nestled by a storage building. OOF!

After overcoming my initial embarrassment of minor trespassing and gingerly walking over dangerous terrain, I reassessed our path. After scouring the leafy forest debris for the little owl – which I did find – I suggested a new route to and from the boulder. It was easier to navigate, had less danger potential, and was more beautiful to hike through.

I later thought about how that was a good metaphor for the Christian life:  the grief to be spared if we had counsel from others who had trekked similar paths. Who could benefit from the wisdom of our own experience, both successes and failures? What encouragement could we give or need through shared experiences? It is very against the grain: appearing vulnerable as if needing input or offering helpful advice. Many want to ride out their Christian journey on their own merit and discoveries. While the idea of discipleship is not new, many push back on the idea as though it were condescending. I’m not the first nor the last Christian told they did not need to be discipled by anyone. 

Why am I so resistant to letting others share the journey with me? Do I want to hide the struggles that others could help me overcome or at least pray through? Could they have known something similar to what I am facing? Are those things in my past that I have overcome not worth sharing with others to speak life into the darkness of their lives?

The journey brings much joy and plenty of rough hills we must climb. However, there are many obstacles we do not have to run into and can avoid if we know they are ahead of us and encouragement to receive in the unavoidable.

How are you helping someone new to the journey of faith in Jesus or simply immature after years of following Christ? If you are new to Jesus, how are you allowing yourself to be discipled by an experienced believer?

Ashlie Miller writes from many adventures in her backyard of Concord. You may connect at mrs.ashliemiller@gmail.com.

A Closer Walk

by   February 8, 2025 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            I was out walking the other day thinking about my Sunday school lesson. I wanted to teach about the importance of having a closer walk with God. I started to hum while I was enjoying the beautiful day. After having such a cold spell, it was nice to enjoy some warmer weather. The humming led me to question what song was running through my mind.

            “Just a closer walk with thee…” The words to an old hymn were tumbling around in my head. The refrain from that song was definitely going into my Sunday school lesson. I am still humming that song. I wonder if it is just a really good song or something that we all desire.

            If we truly desire a closer walk with God, then who has to change to make it happen? Has God pulled away from us or have we pulled away from Him? God made a way for us to have a relationship with Him through Jesus His Son. The invitation is available to every human being to have a closer walk with God. This leads to a tough question: If He is available and made the way for us to develop a closer relationship with Him, why don’t we all have a close relationship with Him?

            The choice and responsibility for a closer walk falls on us. God has done His part, now it is up to us. What is keeping us from having a closer walk with Him? My pastor mentioned a few weeks ago that everyone is given the same amount of time, the same 24 hours in a day. We choose how we will spend that time. The difference between someone with a close walk with God and someone who is distant from Him is how each person chooses to spend their time. The song says, “Just a closer walk with thee, grant it Jesus is my plea…” It seems that God has granted it, we just aren’t drawing closer to Him. 

            Each of us must look at how we spend our time. Many years ago I was trying to drive a point home to my students that they had time to pursue interests in their lives if they were willing to give up something else. When I said that to my students I heard God whisper in my spirit, “You have this desire to write, could you give up watching some TV so you can do it?” His question took my breath away in front of my students.

            I pondered that question for several days until I made a decision. It was a small but difficult sacrifice to give up watching shows I liked to pursue my dream to write. That was over 30 years ago and I am so glad I made that choice. I enjoy the creative process of writing my weekly column and wish I could find the time to write more books that are swirling in my head.   We’re all busy, even overwhelmed; how do we add more of God to our lives? Some people’s lives are filled with being a caregiver to children or their aging parents. Some people are like my current students who are going to school, working, and trying to be there for their family. Some people have demanding jobs or are overwhelmed by the challenges of everyday life. There aren’t enough hours in a day to get it all done. Believe me; I understand every one of those and many other situations.

            The question still lingers: do we want a closer walk with Him? How can we make room for Him? How can we change? What can we do to invite Him in more? Could we give up some of our social media time? Could we watch a little less TV? Could we turn off the music for just a little while and make room for Him? Could we say a prayer while we are waiting for the light to turn green? Can we invite God with us while we exercise? Can we choose to talk with Him while we wash the dishes or fold the laundry?

            I want to encourage you to consider how you might make room for God in your life. We want a closer walk with Him and He is waiting for us to invite Him into our daily routines. It will be tough because the enemy to your soul will do everything to stop you from getting closer to God, but it will be a change that you will be glad you made. How do I know that? Because you will have a closer walk with Him!

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

Sleepless in Salisbury B

by   February 7, 2025 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Do you ever lie awake wishing your brain would just shut down? [See previous post.] Tonight’s “B” passage is from 1 John 3: 1:

“Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the sons of God.”

How far would a loving parent go for their child? How beautiful to think that the Lord of heaven would reach down to draw us unto Himself… so much so that He calls us His own. Consider what that means in the grand scope of things. He doesn’t just love us, He SO loves us, according to John 3:16 and the poster in the endzone. Imagine that love stepping in to face your demons. I don’t think they stand a chance.

Rest in the Father’s love tonight.

Time to Sign up for Winter Flight

by   February 6, 2025 with No Comments

By David Freeze

Time to sign up for Winter Flight!

    Salisbury and Rowan runners have known about the Winter Flight races for a long time. Most races have a much shorter lifespan, simply because there are challenges to put just one event on. This race has a life of its own and to keep it going for 42 years through sickness, weather, course changes and more as it has evolved into one of the best races in the Southeast is quite special. This year, Feb. 2nd is race day and momentum is building for the historic event.  At present, we know that it is at least the fourth oldest race in the state, but I am pretty sure it is now the third oldest now after another dropped off. Definitely being the oldest 8K (4.97 miles) in N.C. status keeps bringing back some of the best competitors, a fun environment and some wonderful personal stories. Plus the 8K is also the state championship event at that distance. The race usually has several runners trying for 8K age group records.  

     Here are just a few highlights over the years. The first Winter Flight was held in 1981, then was not held in ’82 or ’83 and was reborn in 1984 as a combination of 5- and 10-mile races. These races originally started and finished at the mural in downtown. The race was moved to Catawba College in 1986, also the year that the venerable 8K distance was introduced. The 8K events were very popular then but have been replaced by the shorter 5Ks as the main race distance for the masses over the years since. The Winter Flight races were postponed by a measles epidemic in 1989, and heavy snow in 1996 and 2005. I remember SRR members having to call race registrants with a plan for the postponement and new race days due to the snow.  In 2001, SRR went online with races and registrations. In 2002, the only course change since 1986 occurred due to new construction for Shuford Stadium at Catawba. The race was actually moved to Millbridge and the Sloan Park area due to COVID for only the 2021 version. 

    Course records remain with Olympians Hans Koeleman of the Netherlands with his sizzling 23 minutes and 34 seconds in 1988 and Joan Nesbitt of Chapel Hill in 1992 at 26.48. A Kenyan runner took the male record several years ago but was disqualified for illegal substance abuse in various races more than two years later, so it has reverted to Koeleman, a former Nike executive. Queens College cross country coach Luke Greer came within seconds of the record two years ago.

    In 2003, the Salisbury Rowan Runners began making significant charitable contributions from the race. All proceeds from the 2025 event will again go to Rowan Helping Ministries. This year’s Forum Fitness Winter Flight event kicks off on Feb. 2nd with a free half-mile fun run on the track and open to any age at 1:30 p.m. Wheelchairs hit the street at 1:58 p.m., followed by the 5K and featured 8K race that will start at 2 p.m.

     Registration is available at www.runsignup.com and by printing the form at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. Winter Flight offers tremendous opportunities for participation to runners and walkers of all abilities and age. The fun run is open to anyone, the 5K is a moderate distance open to anyone running or walking. The 8K is geared to those who can complete the course in 90 minutes. Special thanks to the City of Salisbury for services provided that allow us to have the race and to Catawba College for hosting it. Come join us for a big day! My granddaughter, both daughters and at least one ex-wife are all registered and ready to get their commemorative Winter Flight hoodie.

    The Salisbury Rowan Runners annual meeting and pasta dinner is open to anyone on Saturday evening, February 1strd from 6-8pm. Club members and race sponsors are free, club member relatives are $5, and others are $10. Regionally known running authority and Charlotte native Steve Staley will speak at 6:30pm. Race registration, packet pickup and new memberships will be available also. For more information go to www.salisburyrowanrunners.org or call 704-310-6741.

1 … 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 … 186