Hope Moment: "I was blind, but now I see." (Part One)
(June 23, 2018)

Some reading this note know that a little over two years ago, I lost almost all my sight in one eye. Who would have known that I would catch the heel of my shoe as is I moved backwards carrying a fairly large piece of furniture? I can tell you the distance from a standing position, falling backwards with both hands unavailable to a cement driveway, is fairly short.

Of course, I could not let my mom’s prize buffet suffer damaged, so in the two second plunge, I decided, my body could withstand the blow. I wasn’t too shocked when I heard (and felt) at least three distinct popping noises coming from somewhere in my back. I was shocked however, to know that such sounds could come from the mouth of a 68 year old man after the incident.

The episode ultimately ended up in the emergency room. Then around 3 in the morning another trip to the hospital took place. The eye specialist said the optic nerve was dead in my left eye. They suspected it was a small blood clot. Three days later, I left the hospital with their diagnosis, “...your eyesight is gone...for good.” Side note: the exams revealed something else more troubling which will most likely be the focus of a later Hope Moment.

I wish I could report that the Great Physician has turned it all around, and that I have full vision in both eyes (for which I still pray). Nothing has changed since I left my bedroom to travel to the hospital that early morning hour regarding any change for the better in my eyesight.

I would like to report, however, that I now “see” some things much better. Your time is precious so I will conclude my story in my next “Hope Moment.” I can say that I have a fuller understanding of what is written in the Gospel of John 9:25. “...I was blind, but now I see.”

You have heard it, and perhaps you have said it, “...this is the absolute end!” I leave you with this truth: “The death of anything in physical life germinates the seeds of the spiritual life to come.” The catch is....you have to see it. 

(...to be continued)

- WP

Always remember: Where There's Life, There's Hope

Hope Moment: I once was lost, but now I'm found."

(June 22, 2018)

“I once was lost, but now I’m found.” That old song becomes new each time I hear it and speak it. God’s grace really is amazing!

There was a time when I really had lost my way. Oh, I didn’t see it that way most of the time as the sights, sounds, and emotions of life filled my life. Then it happened, over and over again. My mom said and sang it. My pastors spoke about it - over and over again.

Moms & dads, never tire of repeating that old, old story. Pastors and mentors, don’t become weary of sharing it. I can say for a fact that the knowledge of the great of God came first to me through the lives of people that loved me. Yes, I heard the “old, old story about a King that came from glory,” but it became a reality as I witnessed first hand the amazing grace lived out.

Then it happened, once and for all, I believed it as the Great Comforter came to me in His quiet persuasive way. I knew then that I was lost just like every other person who had come short of God’s love and missed His perfect plan. The awareness of my lost-ness made it possible for me to be found, and be at peace in the arms of a forgiving Heavenly Father.

I must add before I conclude this “Hope Moment,” that I wish I could say that I never again lost my way. Sadly it is the condition of man to fall prey to selfish actions. I can say, however, with full assurance, that Jesus continues to find me when I take my eyes off of Him. He saves me! He, my friend, never gives up on you either.

As I listen to the sound of rushing water, I am made more aware of God’s Holy Spirit, rushing to me, refreshing, renewing me, and reminding me that He has found me once again.

I pray that, today, you will be comforted again in the “found-ness” of God’s love for you.

- WP

"Where There's Life, There's Hope"

Hope Moment:
(June 8, 2018)

Hope is the Golden thread that weaves it’s way through life connecting “what is” to “what will be.” Hope transports the individual from the hurts, and staleness of the present into the astonishing belief in the very real place called Heaven. Life itself is proof of the existence of hope.

Consider this scriptural translation in regards to our ever present hope:

“All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:22-25‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Never give up hoping.

Always remember: Where There's Life, There's Hope

- WP