Ecstatic Shock

 

Being shocked or getting shocked is not usually considered a good thing, but John Koenig, in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, has come up with a different perspective.

ecstatic shock n. a surge of energy upon catching a glance from someone you like, which scrambles your underground circuits and tempts you to chase after that feeling with a kite and a key.

From ecstatic, deliriously happy + static shock, a charge of potential energy that builds up invisibly until it sparks across the air.

Take away the inferred romance, and I have an instance of ecstatic shock to share with you.

It was a week in June, spent on a college campus in Michigan, cat-wrangling a group of high school students among a crowd of their peers. Church youth groups from across the tri-state area had gathered for a week-long conference of Bible study, singing, group-building, and powerful preaching. As a youth minister, I had taken my group of teens to this particular conference in order to experience it alongside the church group and youth minister (Rick Smalling) who had the most influence on me in choosing vocational ministry as a career path.

Late in the week, at the close of an evening worship service, the atmosphere was electric. Scores of teens were streaming forward to give their lives to Christ or to commit themselves to Kingdom work. Everyone around us was standing and singing, their voices full of celebration. In the middle of the noise and movement, Rick glanced back over his shoulder. Our eyes locked for just a heartbeat, but in that instant, I experienced ecstatic shock.

I felt it in my chest first  -  an almost painful swell of joy that made my breath catch and my tears flow. The thought thundered through me:

How wonderful is this  -  that we get to be here, in the middle of life-changing decisions and pure joy? And not only that  -  I get to share it with YOU, my best friend in the faith.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...My words still fall short of capturing the depth of emotion that swept over me in that sacred pause. It was as if Yahweh whispered, “This is what you were made for.” My hope is that you walk so closely with the Spirit that, now and then, you are shocked by a joy too deep for words.

One Bad Apple

 

In 2006, Felps, Mitchell, and Byington published a paper in the journal Research in Organizational Behavior with the catchy title, "How, When, and Why Bad Apples Spoil the Barrel: Negative Group Members and Dysfunctional Groups."

The truth they discovered still rings true almost 20 years later.

They divided students into teams of four and gave them 45 minutes to solve management problems. The best team would receive a monetary reward.

What the students didn’t know was that some groups included a “plant” — an actor instructed to play one of three specific roles:

• The Slacker – lounged back, feet on the table, glued to their phone.
• The Cynic – interrupted with cutting sarcasm: “Are you serious?” or “You’ve clearly never managed anyone before.”
• The Pessimist – muttering that the task was hopeless and the team couldn’t possibly succeed.

What they found was that even when the other three members were capable and motivated, the negative behavior of just one person dragged down the group’s overall performance by 30–40%.

Their conclusion was striking: a team’s effectiveness depends less on how many strong performers it has — and more on whether it carries even a single toxic presence.

The LinkedIn post I learned this from had some words to say to HR departments and corporate executives, but I would like to encourage you to think about the implications for your local church community.

And more specifically, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you whether you might be a slacker, cynic, or pessimist, and pray for a transformation to happen.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...one bad apple really can spoil the whole bunch. But that sounds kind of pessimistic. Let's all strive to be good apples: fresh, growing, and contributing to the health of the group we are in.

Start Your Mornings with This Song and What a Day You'll Have

For the past eight weeks, we’ve been exploring the debut solo album (What a Day) of Phil Keaggy, one of the true pioneers of Contemporary Christian Music. With his crystal-clear tenor voice and unmatched guitar artistry, Keaggy has won the admiration of fellow musicians and listeners alike  —  whether or not they share his faith.

How fitting that this final song arrives the week before Thanksgiving. Its melody glides into the soul like a soft breeze crossing a meadow, stirring both peace and gratitude. More than a song, it feels like a psalm.

Each morning, I will look up to the Lord

And greet the day with a song

Eternal life is what He gave to me

Now He's my source of joy

I will sing, I will play to my King

His right hand is my strength

I will stand.

I believe in a living God who loves me

I believe in a loving God who lives

My Jesus!

My Jesus!

My Jesus!

Jesus my Lord!

https://youtu.be/Fw-jSh4-sCU?si=gl1E-Yfp3MdulRuN

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...The idea of greeting each new morning with a peaceful song of praise is great, but hard to live up to. Maybe I should program my alarm clock to play this song.

On "Hallelujah"

 

The penultimate song on Phil Keaggy's debut album, What a Day, is "Hallelujah".

That is also the complete lyric.

If ever there was a "churchy" word that should feel strange on the lips of any non-believer, hallelujah is it. I mean...it doesn't even come out of my mouth all that much except when singing a song or reading a psalm.

It is actually a Hebrew word...a compound word, to be exact...formed by combining hallel, meaning "to praise" or just "praise," and jah, verbal shorthand for the personal name of God, Yahweh. (For a post about Yahweh, click here.)

So hallelujah is more than just a word expressing praise and gratitude to God. It is also an invitation  -  even a command  -  to lift up one's voice in recognition of the awesomeness of the creator.

https://youtu.be/YYwfp-f_H3Y?si=w2nTN6WAyMqK4Fhr

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...Considering how much Yahweh loves me and forgives me and provides for me and guides me and, and, and ... it's a shame my mouth doesn't form the word hallelujah more often.

Recipe for a Better Life

 

Take one part Psalm 1:1-3.

How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Add a cup of John 15:13.

No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.

Season to taste with "Amazing Grace".

Was blind, but now I see.

Mix well and cook over a sweet overlay of guitars, and you've got Phil Keaggy's "Now I Can See".

I can feel a warmth inside filling me

A hand touched my eyes

Now I believe the Son did rise

And He will be my Everlasting Light

Now I can see what He wants me to see

I then shall be like a tree planted by a river

And I shall not be moved

Come and walk with Me, He said

Talk with Me, I am your friend, your friend

Greater love hath no man than this

That a man lay down his life for his friends

And He did, yes He did

This was God's love for man

He took upon Him all of our sins

And this was His plan, His plan

Now I can feel that warmth inside filling me

His hand touched my life

Now I can see what He wants me to see

I then shall be like a tree planted by a river

And I shall not be moved

https://youtu.be/zeFcbeMq3ag?si=Y4pSlNDl01dNibc-

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...While being a Christian involves looking at facts and making decisions, there is certainly an emotional element and a personal benefit. I'm not just recognizing Jesus' authority or adhering to a list of rules. I am being transformed into a better, wiser, more joy-filled person.

What a Day!

 

Different people have different ideas about what heaven will be like. In the song, "What a Day," Phil Keaggy sang about his.

When I get home I will see all

The holy men I read about

Peter and John, James, Luke, and Paul

And brother Tom without a doubt

And I do believe there will be

King David at the harp

A song of praise with every chord

What a sight to see, the redeemed and

The angels gathered round worshiping the Lord

What a day that will be

Oh, what a day that will be!

When we get home, our eternal home

There'll be no more sick and dying

No one is sad, no one is alone

And there will be no more crying

He will wipe away every tear

From His children's eyes

And put a smile upon their faces

What a happy day when we see

Our Lord in paradise

Crowned as King of Kings

What a day that will be

Oh, what a day that will be!

https://youtu.be/d6e8nfvDDGw?si=YhoeMupvGQNO6t1K

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...Nobody really knows what "so we will always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17) will be like. Will we actually get to hang out with our favorite Bible characters? Will we spend time reminiscing with our loved ones who died before us?

No one knows, but I'm pretty sure it will be wonderful. I'm pretty sure John got it right when he wrote Revelation 21:4  -  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. (CSB)

Rejoice

 

The last song on the first side of Phil Keaggy's debut solo album offers a warning, a call to action, and a glimpse into a heavenly party...

Now the time of the harvest is near

Don't be blind and take heed how you hear

Now there are many saying which way to go

And you listen but still you don't know

He's the Shepherd that will give you rest

All ye heavy laden

He who asks will receive and

All who seek will find Him

Can you dig what this means?

All the angels in Heaven above

Rejoice when there's a soul saved ...

Don't close your eyes

Let not your heart become cold

What has been said is what has to be told

Don't be deceived, let the blind lead the blind

But now receive and life you will find.

He's the Shepherd that will give you rest

All ye heavy laden

He who asks will receive and

All who seek will find Him

Can you dig what this means?

All the angels in Heaven above

Rejoice when there's a soul saved.

All true saints of Jesus Christ

Rejoice when there's a soul saved.

https://youtu.be/Y9gfCXx2nbs?si=eMdRqKoqkBUCFJIy

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...Life as we know it IS going to end, whether by our personal deaths or by the return of Jesus. Knowing that, and desperately needing the rest and peace that Christ offers, isn't there ample reason to put our faith in him and give the angels a reason to rejoice?

*  *  *

P.S. I've got a book being released November 1, and you can win a copy. In fact, you can win THREE books. Watch the video at this link (which originally appeared on the "Truth Is..." Facebook page), share the links below to your friends on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and help me get the word out about "The Best of Truth Is..." (Please and thank you!)

Link to the FB event: https://www.facebook.com/share/17GDmA3Qi8/

Link to the Amazon Kindle pre-order: https://a.co/d/6UFy2Io

A Time and a Place

 

When Pete Seeger reacted musically to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, he created the song, "Turn Turn Turn (To Everything There Is a Season)". When Phil Keaggy took HIS turn at it, he added Matthew 6:26 and produced "A Time and a Place".

There is a time and a place for everything

This is the time, this is the place

And we can sing songs and play guitar

And shoot the breeze,

And we can talk about the human race

After all we are part of it all.

Have you considered the sparrows up above?

They do not sow, they do not reap.

And yet your Heavenly Father feeds them,

And His love for you is much more deep.

After all you are part of it all.

Said the robin to the sparrow

I would really like to know

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about and worry so

Said the sparrow to the robin

Friend, I think that it must be

That they have no Heavenly Father

Such as cares for you and me

Have you considered the sparrows up above?

They do not sow, they do not reap

And yet your Heavenly Father feeds them

And His love for you is much more deep

After all you are part of it all

There is a time and a place for everything

This is the time, this is the place

This is the time and the place for Jesus

'Cause Jesus is everything to me

https://youtu.be/cv_XZ4_1A04?si=nI3f2chgbtHW_y_D

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...We seem to rush through life. Hurrying to finish tasks, eat meals, go places, do things . . . And a lot of that hurrying is due to worrying. And a lot of that worrying is due to messed-up priorities and placing trust in our efforts instead of in our Lord.

Father, help us to slow down, make you our everything, and consider the sparrows.

*  *  *

P.S. I've got a book being released November 1, and you can win a copy. In fact, you can win THREE books. Watch the video at this link (which originally appeared on the "Truth Is..." Facebook page), share the links below to your friends on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and help me get the word out about "The Best of Truth Is..." (Please and thank you!)

Link to the FB event: https://www.facebook.com/share/17GDmA3Qi8/

Link to the Amazon Kindle pre-order: https://a.co/d/6UFy2Io

Gotcher Steps In?

 

Without a doubt, the Jesus Music of the early Seventies was definitely more oriented toward evangelism and what it's like to live as a Christian in the day-to-day than today's worship-centric Christian radio.

However, Phil Keaggy blended both concepts in "Walking With Our Lord."

Is the inventor of the ear unable to hear?

The creator of the eye unable to see?

Is His arm so short that it cannot save

In your time of need?

And at the moment you decide

You'll find He's your guide

Helping you along in times of distress

So just put your faith in Him

And give Him your heart

He will do the rest

Follow Me, He calls us

Come to Me, He wants us

Trust in Me, He tells us

Abide in Me, He loves us

When He calls, we'll follow

When He calls, we'll go

We can surely trust Him

His voice, we surely know

Walking with our Lord, talking to our God

He is compassionate

Giving you a peace

That you never can forget

Singing every heart, ringing every bell

Loving His tenderness

Giving Him the praise

And His holy name we'll bless. Oh yes!

As we experience the gift that God has to give

Holy Spirit in our lives we can love everyone

If we live our faith, we'll receive a crown

When our day is done

Follow Me, He calls us

Come to Me, He wants us

Trust in Me, He tells us

Abide in Me, He loves us

When He calls, we'll follow

When He calls, we'll go

We can surely trust Him

His voice, we surely know

Thank you, Lord.......

https://youtu.be/hTyVlZE1RVg?si=pfwwrdwIlmuNOpUn

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...Because of our bent toward living life our way instead of God's way, we need to be led by God's Spirit. If I walk the direction that makes the most sense to me ... the direction that looks like it's going to get me what I want and let me do what I want ... it won't be long before I'm not only off God's best path, but I'm completely lost in the woods.

Holy Spirit, I don't need you to walk with me. I need you to take me by the hand so I can walk with you.

*  *  *

P.S. I've got a book being released November 1, and you can win a copy. In fact, you can win THREE books. Watch the video at this link (which originally appeared on the "Truth Is..." Facebook page), share the links below to your friends on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and help me get the word out about "The Best of Truth Is..." (Please and thank you!)

Link to the FB event: https://www.facebook.com/share/17GDmA3Qi8/

Link to the Amazon Kindle pre-order: https://a.co/d/6UFy2Io

The Ever-Present King of the Jews

 

The second song on Phil Keaggy's debut solo album (What a Day) is titled "King of the Jews" and in just over two minutes points out some reasons why a person might want to do what the final line suggests: "Let Him in, don't depart."

He will never leave you

He will never leave you

He is by your side everyday

Every night.

He will never forsake you

He will never forsake you

He'll always abide everyday

Every night.

He is always near,

Call His name

He'll be there.

Jesus is faithful and true

Jesus is faithful and true

Show you right from wrong

Keep you wise, keep you strong.

Jesus, King of the Jews

Jesus, King of the Jews

Nailed to a cross

Where He died for the lost.

Knocking at your heart

Let Him in, don't depart.

https://youtu.be/RqT73bVhF4Y?si=_SEHYe0Zw2SidZnI

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...[Jesus is] with you always, remaining with you perpetually  —  regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion  -  even to the end of the age. -Matthew 28:20 (AMP)

From Rock Guitar Hero to Jesus Music Pioneer

 

Phil Keaggy had a decent following and an expanding reputation as an amazing guitarist as part of a late-60s / early 70s rock power trio, Glass Harp.

Then he met Jesus. And nothing has been the same since.

As a musician, Keaggy began expressing the joy of his newfound faith through the songs he wrote and performed. That didn't fit so well in the context of Glass Harp, so Phil went solo and ended up being part of the Mount Rushmore of Jesus Music/Contemporary Christian Music.

Mount Rushmore of Jesus Music:
Larry Norman, Andrea Crouch, Honeytree, Phil Keaggy

Keaggy's first solo album was, as the album cover states, "written, arranged, produced, and performed by Phil Keaggy." Every note, every word, every percussive tap and melodic pluck was Phil Keaggy expressing his love, joy, and hope in the Lord.

Today, and for the next eight weeks, Truth Is... will meditate on the songs of that album, What a Day.

First up, "That Is What the Lord Will Do for You":

Winter's here, autumn's gone

Leaves have fallen

It's the season before the dawn

Spring is calling

And as winter comes to an end

Spring brings life again

Born again, given life anew

That is what the Lord will do for you

Just in case you haven't heard

In the beginning was the Word

And the Word was with God

And the Word was God

He gives life to all mankind

He gives sight to the blind

Able to see, able to start anew

Life and that is what He'll give to you

And it's free

All you have to do is believe

That He loves you

Died for you, is ever more alive for you

There is something about the wind

And how it blows

Where it's coming from and then where it goes

There's no doubt when you hear it

There's no doubt when you're born of the Spirit

Born again, given new life anew

That is what the Lord will do for you

https://youtu.be/UVCEL-POPrI?si=w1crHFfHKTNLc_us

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...Having been "born again" for more than a few years, I must admit that this sense of resurrection and joy and being filled with the life of Christ is something that is not "one and done." Every day, Lord Jesus, keep me aware of how dead I was without you and how you conquered death...not just for yourself, but for me, too.

The Secret to a Clean Slate

 

Take a break.

Try to set aside all the things flying around in your head right now. I have something for you to focus on for a couple minutes.

Think of the things you've done that you know God's not happy with. The old-school term is sin. Think about that.

Think about how the things you have done or left undone are the reasons Jesus went to the cross. Think about all the things that give God every right to turn his back on you.

Seriously. Make a list if you have to.

And now...consider how the death of Jesus wipes that slate clean.

As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:12 (CSB)

Now...take another break.

Think of the things people have done that you are not happy with...how people have disappointed you, disrespected you, and even betrayed you.

Seriously. Make a list if you have to.

Is there anything on this second list that is worse than what's on the first?

Be honest.

Is there anything on the second list that would send anybody to hell faster than what's on the first?

And now...consider what your attitude should be.

I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
Shouldn’t you also have had mercy
on your fellow servant,
as I had mercy on you?

Matthew 18:32-33 (CSB)

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...Forgiving others their wrongs against you is not only "fair play". It is absolutely necessary if you want Yahweh to forgive you. "For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses." (Matthew 6:14-15 CSB)

Bound to Come Some Trouble

 

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens — Jesus the Son of God — let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (CSB)

These verses remind me of the Rich Mullins song, "Bound to Come Some Trouble."

There's bound to come some trouble to your life
But that ain't nothing to be afraid of
There's bound to come some trouble to your life
But that ain't no reason to fear
I know there's bound to come some trouble to your life
But reach out to Jesus, hold on tight
He's been there before and He knows what it's like
You'll find He's there

There's bound to come some tears up in your eyes
That ain't nothing to be ashamed of
I know there's bound to come some tears up in your eyes
That ain't no reason to fear
I know there's bound to come some tears up in your eyes
Reach out to Jesus, hold on tight
He's been there before and He knows what it's like
You'll find He's there

Now people say maybe things will get better
People say maybe it won't be long
And people say maybe you'll wake up tomorrow
And it'll all be gone
Well I only know that maybes just ain't enough
When you need something to hold on
There's only one thing that's clear

I know there's bound to come some trouble to your life
But that ain't nothing to be afraid of
I know there's bound to come some tears up in your eyes
That ain't no reason to fear
I know there's bound to come some trouble to your life
Reach out to Jesus, hold on tight
He's been there before and He knows what it's like
You'll find He's there

https://youtu.be/60soztE8GOE?si=QWQBhBbMQUHDCQiN

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...From time to time, each of us feels like we are alone in our life experience, like there's nobody who could possibly understand or empathize. Well ... hold on tight, because ... you know ... Jesus.

The Parable of the Eagle and the Crow

 

I stole the following from a digital creator on Facebook by the name of Greg Street. Where he stole it from or whether it is original with him is a mystery that will remain unsolved.

The crow is the only bird bold enough to sit on the eagle's back and peck at its neck.

Relentless. Annoying.

But the eagle... stays calm.

The eagle doesn't flap. Doesn't fight. Doesn't waste energy. It does one thing: It rises.

The higher the eagle soars, the thinner the air becomes. The crow? It can't handle the altitude.

Eventually, the crow gasps, loses strength...and falls off; not because the eagle attacked, but because the eagle ascended.

Let the crows talk. Let them peck. You don't have to respond. Just keep going higher. They can't follow you forever. Your growth will suffocate their noise. So don't engage. Elevate.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...It's no fun being pestered by the crows of this world, but if I can use it to motivate me to fly closer to the Lord? Hit me with your best shot.

Pearls B4 Swine: The Parable of the Owner's Manual

 

Big thanks to Stephan Pastis and Pearls Before Swine for today's lesson:

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 [NLT])

On the Purpose of Adversity: Just What I Needed

 

You know how sometimes you read something or run across a video at just the right time?

That happened to me this morning when I read the following in James Watkins' updated version of Thomas à Kempis' The Imitation of Christ.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:2-4

It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities, for they often make us realize we are only strangers and sojourners on this earth and that we can't put our trust in worldly things. It is good that we sometimes endure opposition and are judged unfairly. When we experience this trouble, it is for our good. For these things help us to be humble and shield us from conceit. For when people speak evil against us falsely and give us no credit for good, then we seek more earnestly the approval of God.

So, we need to rest wholly upon God, rather than needing to seek comfort from the hands of people. When people who fear God are afflicted, tried, or oppressed with evil thoughts, they realize how much they need him, since without him they can do no good thing. Then those with heavy hearts groan and cry out from the troubled heart. There are even times when God's children grow weary of life and desire to depart and be with Christ. All this teaches them that on earth there is no perfect security or fullness of peace.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...The more I entrust my sense of well-being and happiness to what happens to me or what people say about me or do to me, the more miserable I will be. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."

The Parable of the Takeoff

 

I was embarking on a short-term mission trip to do some work at a children's home in Central Mexico. Itinerary: flying from Minneapolis/Saint Paul to Dallas to San Luis Potosi.

Speeding down the runway of MSP, it seemed like we were having trouble reaching escape velocity. We were bumping around the cabin, the plane was rattling and shaking, and I couldn't help but imagine hearing Fred Flintstone yelling "Pedal faster, Barney!"

And then, in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye you might say, the wheels left the tarmac and all was smooth and quiet as the plane entered its natural habitat of the air.

Right then and there, I wondered, "Is that how it's going to be when you come back, Jesus? Will all the turmoil and trouble of this life-as-we-know-it just . . . just be done as we enter into the realm of existence we were created for?"

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Truth is...He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. (Revelation 21:4 NLT)

Psalm 151

A Psalm of Dewey
When everything seemed to be imploding

Yahweh makes all things good!
And if I keep saying it
I may start to feel it
Yahweh makes all things good!
And if I keep saying it
I may start to see it

I am surrounded by naysayers
Monday morning quarterbacks
who don't even wait for Monday
And the worst thing is that they're probably right
I have been conciliatory
when I should have been challenging
Timid
when I should have been bold

And yet

I have been vocal
when I should have been silent
Reacting
when I should have been listening

You have been gracious to me in the past, Lord Yahweh
There have been times when I saw no way for good to rise from the ashes that covered me
and you were faithfully working all things together
for the good

Do it again, Father God!
Make it so!
Cause all your people to rise in awe and wonder
at how you bring beauty from ashes
Hope from despair
Life from death

Take my tears and cleanse me
Cleanse me and the naysayers
Cleanse me and the ill-timed quarterbacks

Yahweh makes all things good!
And if I keep saying it
I may start to feel it
Yahweh makes all things good!
And if I keep saying it
I may start to see it

Take the "Im" Out of Your Impossible

 

IMPOSSIBLE

by Harry Baker

I'm finding it too easy to tell myself things are too hard,
When facing the end that it's too late to even make a start.
But if we take impossible to mean that we don't have a chance,
We have lost sight of how unlikely it was we would get this far.

The way the single fish outwits the shark by sticking with its school.
The way the crescent moon outspins its dark to once again be full.
Even winter, given long enough, begins to lose its cool.

That which was once exceptional now barely registers at all.
To think the earth exists at this specific distance from the sun
Down to the angle of the axis on which everything is spun
The fact that trees happen to breathe that which we need inside our lungs
It would all seem impossible if it had not already been done

We are impossible to everyone who's ever come before
And everyone who's yet to come will push impossible some more
Just as, indeed, the do's we did outdo the don'ts we didn't.
So everything's impossible until it isn't.

The thought of rivers changing course before somebody gave a dam,
Or that the tide might turn from shore before a line's drawn in the sand.
We cannot know how far our actions go, the impact they might have.
Sometimes, the only thing that we can do is to do what we can.

And I am tired of that doom and gloom and self-fulfilling prophecy.
I am trying to find room to bloom and self-fulfill the opposite
When it's an act of revolution to try to stay remotely positive
There's nothing wishy-washy about opting to be optimists

Whether a brighter future's possible we may not truly know
But the first step toward that future is imagining it so
So as, indeed, the do's we did outdo the don'ts we didn't.
So it remains impossible until it isn't.

And when it's over, and we're no more than old bones within the ground.
Still the soil knows to sow its seed from what is broken down,
What is lost, is always lost, until the moment it is found.
And these things only ever go one way, unless we turn them round.

We are so constantly surrounded that it's easy to forget.
This world was built upon impossible. That has not stopped us yet.
So yes, indeed, the do's we did outdo the don'ts we didn't.
It only stays impossible until it isn't.

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Truth is...Every once in a while, I come across something that just needs to be shared with as wide an audience as possible. So pass this along, won't you?

Charlie Chaplin Speaks!

 

I read somewhere that...

Charlie Chaplin once stepped onto a stage, told a simple joke, and had the audience roaring with laughter.

He paused, then told the same joke again. This time, only a few chuckles.

He tried a third time. Silence. No one laughed.

Then, with a gentle smile, he said something more profound than any punchline:

“If you can’t laugh at the same joke over and over, why keep crying over the same pain?”

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Truth is...I don't know if this story is true, but the lesson it teaches sure is. I also read "somewhere" (2 Corinthians 5:17) that if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

The Parable of the Swift

 

With thanks to the David Attenborough Fans Facebook page for the inspiration

Consider the swift.

I'm not talking about people who can run quickly. I'm referring to the bird.

The swift is a superb flyer; sleeping, eating, bathing, and even mating on the wing. They are the fastest birds in level flight, with an impressive top speed of 69mph. Late April to mid-August, they live in the UK, but spend their winters in Africa, migrating 3,400 miles twice a year.

If you ever see a swift lying on the ground, wings spread as if ready to fly...don’t be anxious. It isn't necessarily injured or dying.

It’s a creature of the sky that has accidentally found itself in a place where it’s challenging for it to take off on its own.

Its short legs and long, slender wings make it extremely hard to lift off from a flat surface.

All it needs is for you to gently lift it; just a little, in an open palm...

And it will fly...on its own.

Sometimes, people are like that.

We aren't deathly ill or fatally depressed. We don't need anyone to "fix" us. We just need someone to express some faith in our abilities. We just need someone’s hand to lift us up to where we can get our bearings.

A quiet “I’m here” to encourage us for a moment — until we feel the wind beneath our wings again.

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Truth is...This is just one more reason I'm happy to hear Jesus say, "I am with you always."