Happy Daddy's Home Going Day!

Eight years ago today, I was holding my daddy's hand as he left the pain and suffering of this world and stepped into the beauty of eternal life. So today, I'm remembering him, and choosing to celebrate today in a special way. 

Just as we celebrate spring's new life, seeing the signs of life budding on the bare branches of winter's fury, and realizing what appeared to be dead and gone was very much alive; it is with hope, that we anticipate the beauty that is certain to spring forth. And it is with confidence that we know that all those who, before leaving this life, accepted the free gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus, we will embrace again! 

And next weekend, as we gather to celebrate a new life that is soon to be making his or her debut, my daddy's first great grand child will remind us that even in the natural world, the enemy doesn't destroy the seed. He doesn't win. 

Happy Daddy's Home Going Day!

I Miss Kindness

I miss kindness. 

It seems she got lost somewhere

Between sarcasm and abruptness,

Where busyness affords a quick, blunt response, and the sharp tongued is celebrated with laughter and smirks.

I miss kindness.

I miss her gentle embrace, the warmth of her smile, the softness of her whisper, and the peace she ushers in when the storms of life are violently raging.

I miss kindness,

Abandoned by a society who has lost perspective, a society who has forgotten that people need people not more possessions or activities; people need a soft answer, a meaningful gesture, compassion, and love. 

I miss kindness.

Lost she is, but not suffocated, not defeated nor completely annihilated.

Kindness lives in the hearts of those who dare to look beyond themselves. She resides in that selfless moment, waiting to shine her light in the darkest of places. Her smile extends hope to the hopeless, mercy to the mess, and grace to those who will receive it.

Ephesians 4:32

"And be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."