Original Poem: Endless Dream

 In yonder church, where shadows linger deep,

The echoes fade, and ancient pillars weep,

Where hymns once soared like larks in tranquil flight,

Now silence reigns, a solemn cloak of night.

The pews once filled with hearts devout and true,

Now stand deserted, draped in cobweb's hue,

The altar's glow, a flickering, feeble flame,

In dusty corners, whispers of the name.

Oh, sacred walls, now weathered, worn, and old,

Once vibrant with the stories still untold,

The chimes that rang with hope’s melodious song,

Now hushed and still, a dirge for days long gone.

Yet in this hush, a promise softly sighs,

A whisper borne on wings of ancient skies,

For though the world may shift and shadows fall,

God's steadfast love endures, He hears our call.

So let us bow in faith and humbly pray,

For grace to guide us on our weary way,

For in the darkest night, His light will gleam,

And in His arms, we'll find our endless dream.

Original Poem: Love’s Pure Light

 Where shadows twist and twine,

The heart becomes a crossroads divine.

Between self-love and a love that’s pure,

A battle brews, an eternal lure.

The self, a beacon shining bright,

Leading the way through the darkest night.

Yet in the distance, a figure stands,

Arms open wide, with nail-pierced hands.

Christ beckons, with love so deep,

To lose oneself, in His care to keep.

But self-love whispers, a seductive song,

A siren call that lingers long.

In the dance of light and shade,

The soul must choose, where to wade.

To surrender to selfless love's embrace,

Or cling to self, in a lonely space.

Oh, the journey of the heart, so vast and wide,

Navigating the tides of love, side by side.

In the end, in the quiet hush of night,

We find our peace, in love's pure light.

Original Poem: A Heart Divided

 In the depths of the soul, a battle wages high,

Between the love of self and the selfless sky.

Like leaves rustling in the wind's soft sigh,

We yearn for both, beneath the vast blue sky.

A heart divided, torn by two desires,

One to soar higher, fueled by earthly fires,

The other to surrender, to what love requires,

To let go of self, in selfless love's choirs.

Oh, how we wrestle, in the dark of night,

With selfish urges and the call to light,

To follow the path of love, burning bright,

And embrace the grace of Christ, pure and right.

So let us journey, through these tangled vines,

To find the peace that in selflessness shines,

To let go of self, as the sun declines,

And in Christ's love, our true self defines.

Original Poem: A Heaven’s Peek, A Private Hell

The mind is a fickle thing,

A fortress built on shifting sands,

Where wisps of whims lightly cling,

And strength lay in fragile hands.

It maps the stars with ease and grace,

Yet stumbles in the dark unknown,

A labyrinthine, a sacred place,

Where gods and devils carve their throne.

With fire, it forges dreams so vast,

Unyielding in its grand design,

Yet crumbles at the shadows cast,

By doubts that in its corridors twine.

It’s bold, like warriors in the night,

With insight sharp as ancient blades,

Yet flees from truths that pierce its sight,

And hides in self-made masquerades.

A paradox of force and fear,

Building empires, to let them fall,

A boundless sky, yet caged and near,

A titan held by chains so small.

In brilliance, it can touch the stars,

Shining through the darkest veils,

But often heals itself with scars,

Lost in its own fragmented tales.

The mind is both strong and weak,

A riddle wrapped in cosmic thread,

With wisdom deep as oceans speak,

Yet tethered by a single thread.

In you, divinity boasts its brilliance,

Yet folly finds its place to dwell,

A canvas for both fate and chance,

A heaven's peek, a private hell.

“Cancel Culture vs. Family Values: A Clash of Ethics”

Cancel culture, often understood as the collective withdrawal of support for public figures or entities based on their actions or statements, has permeated various aspects of society, including the intimate sphere of family life. Its negative effects on family dynamics are profoundly destructive and far-reaching.

Firstly, cancel culture fosters an environment of fear and suppression within families. When members fear being "canceled" or ostracized for their opinions or past mistakes, open communication becomes stifled. This atmosphere of apprehension discourages honest dialogue, which is essential for resolving conflicts and fostering mutual understanding. As a result, family relationships become superficial, marked by a lack of genuine connection and an inability to address deeper issues.

Moreover, cancel culture leads to familial fragmentation. The act of "canceling" often involves public denunciation and social exclusion, which is devastating when applied within the context of a family. Disagreements on social or political issues result in one family member being shunned or cut off by others. This fracturing not only isolates the individual but also weakens the overall family unit, eroding the sense of solidarity and support that families typically provide. Over time, these rifts become irreparable, leading to long-lasting emotional scars and a breakdown of familial bonds.

Additionally, the punitive nature of cancel culture undermines the principles of forgiveness and growth. Families are traditionally seen as a safe space for individuals to learn from their mistakes and grow. However, the unforgiving stance of cancel culture replaces this nurturing environment with one that is punitive and rigid. When family members are unwilling to forgive or provide opportunities for redemption, it hampers personal development and perpetuates a cycle of resentment and alienation. This is particularly damaging for younger family members, especially young children, who rely on their familial relationships for emotional and moral guidance.

Furthermore, the influence of cancel culture creates a generational divide within families. Older and younger generations often have differing views on various social issues. The younger generation, more attuned to contemporary social movements, all too quickly adopt cancel culture, while the older generation more often adhere to more traditional viewpoints. This clash exacerbates generational tensions, leading to misunderstandings and a lack of empathy. Instead of bridging these gaps through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, cancel culture entrenches divisions and fosters an environment of mutual antagonism.

Exploring the concept of cancel culture through the lens of scripture reveals a nuanced view on judgment, forgiveness, and reconciliation. While the Bible does not explicitly address the modern phenomenon of cancel culture, its teachings provide valuable insights into the inherent dangers and moral shortcomings of such behavior. The scriptures advocate for compassion, understanding, and redemption, contrasting sharply with the often unforgiving and punitive nature of cancel culture.

Firstly, the Bible warns against harsh judgment and self-righteousness. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus teaches, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This passage underscores the importance of humility and the recognition of our own fallibility. Cancel culture, which often involves severe and public judgment, contradicts this teaching by promoting an unforgiving and condemnatory approach to others' mistakes.

Moreover, the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11 illustrates the value of mercy over condemnation. When the Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus, seeking to stone her according to the law, Jesus responds, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." His response highlights the need for self-reflection and mercy. The lesson here is clear: humans are inherently flawed and should approach others with compassion rather than harsh judgment. Cancel culture often lacks this element of grace, opting instead for immediate and severe retribution.

Forgiveness is another cornerstone of biblical teaching that contrasts with the ethos of cancel culture. Ephesians 4:32 advises, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." This call to forgiveness is fundamental to Christian ethics, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and the possibility of redemption. Cancel culture, which frequently focuses on permanent exclusion and ostracism, disregards the potential for individuals to learn from their mistakes and change.

Additionally, the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 encapsulates the spirit of forgiveness and restoration. The father in the parable welcomes back his wayward son with open arms, celebrating his return rather than condemning him for his past wrongs. This story illustrates the power of unconditional love and the importance of second chances. In contrast, cancel culture often denies individuals the opportunity for repentance and rehabilitation, instead opting for lasting punishment.

The Bible also calls for unity and peace within the community. Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This directive encourages believers to strive for harmony and understanding, rather than division and strife. Cancel culture, with its tendency to create rifts and deepen social divides, stands in opposition to this biblical call for unity.

In conclusion, the application of cancel culture within families has deleterious effects. By fostering fear and suppression, fragmenting familial relationships, undermining forgiveness and growth, and exacerbating generational divides, cancel culture erodes the very fabric of family life. For families to remain strong and cohesive, it is crucial to prioritize open communication, empathy, and the capacity for forgiveness over the divisive tendencies of cancel culture.

The principles found in scripture challenge the foundational aspects of cancel culture. The emphasis on mercy over judgment, forgiveness over condemnation, and unity over division presents a stark contrast to the often harsh and unforgiving nature of cancel culture. By adhering to these biblical teachings, individuals and communities can foster an environment that prioritizes compassion, understanding, and the possibility of redemption, reflecting a more humane and spiritually grounded approach to addressing wrongdoing.

Seasons Come and Go

Maybe it is due to another year having passed and the fact that I am reaching an age where my body is telling me, “I'm not as young as I used to be.” Maybe, its the fact that so many people, young and old alike, in my life, are dying or being presented the likelihood of death in the near future. That is sobering and often leaves us with emotional unrest as we contemplate our own mortality. Whatever it is, I have been heavily consumed with Ecclesiastes chapter 3 as of late. I encourage you to go back and read it for yourself but that is the passage where Solomon, the wisest person to ever live (a gift or a curse from God depending on the perspective), summarizes life on earth and the entire existence of the human race in the context of time or seasons. It is where we get the cliché phrase, “There is a season for everything.” Or, “...going through a season.” What most people miss or overlook is what happens in the middle of that chapter. We, more often than not, cling to what is said in the beginning or we clutch tightly what we are left with in the end but rarely do we give proper attention to what is being said in the middle. In the midst of this gripping analogy and metaphorical work is a profound statement that gives reason and meaning to literally everything. When you go back and read through the entire chapter, once you get through the whole chapter I want you to think back over everything that was said about life and humanity, the world and our place in it. Then, I want you to go back and focus in on, reading slowly so as to clearly pick up on the gravity of what is being stated, verses fourteen and fifteen. It reads in the ESV, “I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.”

That is profound! We tend to forget who God really is. In our mind's eye we condense God down to a list of rules or a sense of feeling. We busy ourselves and then squeeze God in with some inspiring quotes or favorite scripture references printed on our t shirts or shoes. We fail to acknowledge just how big He truly is. We fail to subject ourselves to His Kingship. The truth is that our lives are what should be condensed. He is eternal. He cannot be condensed. However, we are temporal and by nature of our created, finite being, we are already condensed. We are a vapor the Word says. Yet, we act and live as if the whole world is to be at our feet, to meet our demands, to bend to our will. How arrogant we are! People come and people go. Life is far to fragile and short to be consumed with the temporal. That is what Satan wants.You and I, we have an eternal destination and this life is just a stop along the way. What we do with this life has little if any real impact of the world when we are gone. We won't even be remembered in a few years. But, “...whatever God does endures forever;” He created you! He did that! “(He) knit (you) together in (your) mother's womb.” How you come into people's lives and how you leave them will impact them and point the way down the path you choose. Where will your life lead them? Our life is made up of seasons and each time those seasons change God gives us another chance to be the signpost that points the way to Him. Don't mourn those that leave you behind and don't mourn those that you yourself leave behind. Instead, mourn the missed opportunities to point the way to eternal life with Jesus that you failed to take. For, “...God seeks what has been driven away.” Are you drawing people in or driving them away?

Looking Ahead

A legacy is what you leave behind when you leave, whether that is upon your death or just a transitional period in your life. It is what people will remember about you after you have gone. Leaving a legacy involves far more than handing down a monetary inheritance or passing on a good family name. A lasting legacy, one that continues for eternity, is one that isn't set in stone but rather, it is written on our hearts, and the hearts of those we leave behind. So, then, what legacy will you leave behind? What will others say about you after you are gone?

As our children grow up, they may not see faith as something precious and invaluable. Especially if they have been raised in the church and surrounded by Christianity their whole lives, the value of a godly heritage may not be immediately apparent to them. However, as they grow up, the hope is that they will remember the “stones” of faith we have gathered for them, taught them, and lived as examples for them.Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV) says, “And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come,

‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” Just as the Israelites were instructed to carry stones from the middle of the Jordan, and set them up as a memorial of God’s faithfulness, we too can gather “stones.” Our stones will certainly look different. The key here is recognizing that our stones, no matter the circumstances of the journey, are a launching point towards the future, not a place to relive the past.

I think we can all ask ourselves the questions, “What are the foundations of my legacy? Are they superficial things of earth or everlasting things of heaven?” When we die, everything we owned or did becomes useless unless it brought value and joy to others. To leave a godly legacy, we must focus on living life God’s way. Someone has wisely said, “The test of your leadership is not while you are living. It comes after you are gone. Then what will people do with what you gave them?” The way we live now and the choices we make today affect those around us now, in their future. Our legacies live on the lives of others. I think of the great people of the NT who died tragically because of their faith and belief. Their legacies are very clear, and inspirational, because they lived for Jesus Christ. They lived for His glory, not their own. So, what impact will your life have on the future of your family, your community, or this congregation? What legacy will you leave behind?