Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were. (Psalm 39:12)

On day two of our Hurricane Ian relief mission in Fort Myers, FL, our Samaritan’s Purse team was deployed to the home of Mary and Isaiah. Isaiah pastored a small family-style church that met in the homes of various congregants. Both he and Mary believed in the providence of God, and their smiling testimony was readily apparent to everyone who worked in their home.   

By all outward appearances, the houses in Mary and Isaiah’s community survived the hurricane unscathed. After all, minimal wind damage was sustained in this particular neighborhood.

However, the massive debris piles that lined this community’s streets told a different story and warned that things aren’t always how they seem.

Water is a formidable opponent. While only a few trees were toppled and structural damage was not immediately evident from the road, Ian’s eight-foot storm surge decimated nearly all the property in homes near the Caloosahatchee River in North Fort Myers.   

Mary began to cry with gratitude as we gathered for our initial circle-up prayer time with her and her husband. I immediately crossed to her to offer a hug, take her and Isaiah’s hands, and tell them that God sent us to help them. “You are not alone,” I said. “Help is not just on the way – it’s here. We are here to remind you that you’re not alone.”   

After praying with Isaiah and Mary, our team began ripping out floors in their guest bedroom. Our original plan was to move anything salvageable to this room while we worked on gutting the remainder of their home. The removal of the first floorboard in this space proved this plan unsustainable.   

Below the wood, four inches of standing water remained 12 days after the flood – the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow in this extensively damaged home. Our new plan was to slice and discard the plastic under the floors, allow the standing water to drain out, remove all doors and appliances, and extricate four feet of drywall – from the foundation up – to prepare the house for eventual restoration.   

While moving recoverable property, I noticed a large canvas print on the wall near the homeowner’s front door. I immediately recognized it as a replica of one I had purchased three years ago. The image depicts the front porch of a seaside dwelling with two oars and a pair of white tennis shoes resting outside the front door.   

I’ve always loved my print. I used to stare at it while I ate my dinner, feeling as if it was a promise of things to come. I will live by the sea one day, I told myself. God will take me there.   

I pulled Mary aside at the first opportunity to convey my thoughts regarding our shared canvas.  

“I have this exact same print in my home,” I told her. “I purchased it three years ago with the hope that I would one day live by the ocean. When I saw your canvas, I could only stop and smile. God knew when I bought my print that I would be here today, standing in your home to help you. I just had to answer His call to get here. We share not just the same print but the same Almighty God. Not one detail of our lives goes unnoticed. He’s in control of everything!” That thought made Mary and me both smile in agreement.   

When our team leader later advised us to take a lunch break, I insisted that Mary share my sandwich and snacks. “It’s my blessing to share,” I told her. “Don’t deprive me of my blessing!” She graciously accepted.  

While we sat laughing and chatting together on folding chairs in her front yard, my new friend told me about a song she remembered her mother singing about a stranger and a pilgrim.   

“How does it go, Mary?” I asked her. “I’ve never heard it.”   

At my invitation, Mary began singing what she remembered of the lyrics as a few of my team members came over to join us. I found the song on YouTube so we could all listen and appreciate the words that were so perfect for our situation.   

“I’m a pilgrim and a stranger, traveling through this wearisome land. I’ve got a home in yonder city (good Lord), and it’s not made by hand.” (Johnny Cash)  

After singing this song, Mary told me how she and her husband had been living in a friend’s spare room since Hurricane Ian hit.   

“My mother always told me to never wear out my welcome,” Mary recounted. “So, after church last Sunday, we told our friends that we were going to find our own meal and give them a break.”

“While we were out,” Mary explained, “I got a phone call from another friend. ‘Mary,’ she said. ‘I found you a place to stay in a condo that belongs to a co-worker. It’ll just be the two of you. You can stay there for a few months.’” 

To this, Mary’s face broke into an even wider grin as she showed me pictures of the peaceful respite God provided to this faithful couple in their precise hour of need.   

“That’s God’s grace,” I told her. “He will always take care of you!”   

At the end of the day, we were all touched by Isaiah and Mary’s faith. What started as a house filled with amassed belongings, water-logged floors, and monumental debris ended as nothing short of a miracle. Through God’s provision, our team of eight quadrupled when a busload of 24 workers from Miami showed up to help in whatever manner we needed them.   

As it turns out, those extra hands and feet were needed by a pilgrim and a stranger that God united through a painting and a shared love of Christ to conquer adversity with a remembered promise. Our real home, God assures us, isn’t made by men’s hands.   

After many hugs, tears, and the gift of a Bible inscribed with the good wishes penned by 32-sets of hands, Mary and Isaiah were encouraged by God to keep moving ahead through faith and trust in Christ. 

While our new friends were fortified by the workers who helped them with their damaged home, Isaiah and Mary strengthened all the volunteers by serving as living reminders that we should always walk by faith rather than sight. After all, we are just pilgrims and strangers – united by Christ and filled with love – traveling through this strange and lovely land.   

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3) 

On the afternoon of the first day of my Hurricane Ian relief deployment in Fort Myers, FL, my fellow Samaritan’s Purse team members and I were sent to another mobile home park in the Iona neighborhood. Like the one I detailed in my last post, this park suffered massive damage from the storm. The rising storm surge ruined what wasn’t wrecked by the winds. Few, if any, homes were spared from the ensuing chaos.   

Like before, rubble lined the streets of this hard-hit community. Unanchored mobile homes were turned on their sides by wind and water. Many anchored homes were split wide-open as if by a giant can opener, allowing passers-by to view straight into disheveled kitchens, living, and sleeping quarters. A pontoon boat stood smashed against one home that had been pushed off its foundation. A minivan rested nose-down in an adjoining lake – its bumper and muffler strewn behind its final destination when waters receded. Another vehicle remained against a lakeside pavilion with the front window smashed in – evidencing the impact of hitting the structure. Everywhere you looked, destruction was evident.   

The homeowner who had requested help was not quite ready for us to assist him when we arrived. Much of his personal belongings remained inside. Emotionally distraught, he only allowed two of our SP workers to enter his home to assess the damage. One of those individuals had opened the homeowner’s refrigerator only to be greeted by such a foul-smelling odor that she ran from the house gagging. Power had been off for 11 days at that point, and the owner hadn’t emptied anything from his fridge. When I entered to help, I wore a mask with Vicks VapoRub on my upper lip to shield me from the remaining odors in the home.   

Even with a crawl space to elevate his house 8-steps up from the street, the floors still had standing water that had to be pushed and shoveled out. After all the appliances were removed – including the fridge, which was now safely duct-taped shut – the drywall needed to be cut 4-feet up from the floor and removed. Before we could complete this work, the owner still had to decide what personal belongings he wanted us to take to his rented storage pod versus what he wanted us to discard. It was a slow process.  

While the owner was making these decisions, I walked next door to talk to the neighbors. The owner there had told me he had just purchased his motor home – sight unseen – on August 23rd. The property where he hoped to spend the winter months was now in ruins. When I asked whether he had flood insurance, he told me he couldn’t insure the house as it was over 20 years old.   

A vehicle rested in front of his home, covered with debris. I commented on the same. “I can see the water inside your car,” I said. “That’s horrible.”   

“That’s not my car,” the homeowner told me. “It floated here.”   

While I was astounded at this revelation, I could believe it after seeing all the wreckage in his neighborhood.   

“Let us know if we can help you,” I told the neighbor, Bob, who came out to introduce himself and his brother-in-law, who was helping him clean out the house.   

“I appreciate that,” Bob said smiling, “but we’re good!”  

That’s when I heard the music emanating from this man’s home. Beautiful music. Christian music. As Mark Schultz sang the lyrics to “I am,” I smiled, too. “I can hear you have the right music on to help you.” Bob agreed.   

“I’ll be praying for you!” I told him. “Never forget that you’re not alone.”  

We chatted for a bit longer before I returned to wait at the original house we had come to help. Our team leader returned to our SP box truck while waiting for permission to enter and do more. Most of our team was lingering outside, just itching to put their hands to work in service for our Savior. As the owner still wasn’t ready for us to enter, I walked back to my car to get my water bottle.   

While returning, something caught my eye, and I looked down to examine it. There, amidst all the chaos, heartache, and uncertainty, a 5-inch painted stone gently nestled against a driveway with the word “Peace” emblazoned upon it. I could only smile at God’s perfect timing, directing me to this message.   

With cars and boats floating down the street in the middle of the storm, I wondered at the rock’s location. There were only three possible explanations, I thought.   

1. The stone had always been there.   

2. The rock had floated there in the storm surge and rested in this location.  

3. Someone had placed the stone there as a blessing.   

When our chaplains arrived, I showed them the rock and commented on how God’s hand of peace presides over everything – even the havoc of a hurricane. The sun was shining, and God had placed us there to help. What could be more reassuring than that?   

The remainder of the day proved to be a hubbub of activity as we helped this homeowner move to the next phase of his recovery. As we clasped hands with him to bring tranquility to the trauma, I remembered the stone. It doesn’t matter how it got there, I thought. What matters is the message God sent me in finding it – and to all the others who will stop, look down, and see our Creator’s silent reassurance in the coming days.   

Our heavenly Father can bring beauty from ashes, peace to pandemonium, and smiles to homeowners who may have lost everything but still remember that God is the great “I Am.”  

 The presence of so many SP volunteers ready to help the hurting souls in this community proved the validity of that statement. I will never forget the privilege my heavenly Father granted me to witness and be part of the same. 

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) 

While the Peace Corps may say theirs is the toughest job you’ll ever love, I beg to differ. I think that description belongs to Samaritan’s Purse (SP) work.

A little over a week ago, I had the privilege of suiting up, with a few others, to enter a muddy crawl space in 90-degree temps to cut plastic and extract water-soaked subfloor insulation from a storm-damaged home. Additional team members cut and removed drywall above me to gut a house of damage caused by #HurricaneIan. I loved every moment of it! The blessings were unquantifiable.   

On my first official service day, our team was deployed to a hard-hit mobile home park in Fort Myers, FL. Several members of my team had begun working in the home the day before I arrived. We hoped to complete the water-damaged extraction that morning and move to assist another needy homeowner in the afternoon. While I had seen many debris piles along the roads, this was my first chance to walk around and talk to those who had lived through the storm.   

As a relational person, I was encouraged to hear SP leaders tell us to seize every opportunity to remind homeowners and neighbors that God loves them and sent us to help. While I wanted to do the physical work, I was even more excited about being given a directive to share our Creator’s love. That’s why I’m here, I thought. Send me! It didn’t take long for God to place my first connection opportunity before me.  

While preparing to enter the crawl space, I looked over to an adjoining property and spotted a shirtless man brushing his hair while standing outside his home. I waved to him and was greeted by a friendly “Happy Monday” in return. That was enough of an invitation to walk over and introduce myself.   

Moe lived in the concrete garage of a connected mobile home. All around us stood piles of debris – along with a 4.5-foot carved bear. After introducing myself and learning Moe’s name, I commented that I loved his bear. Moe told me it wasn’t his. “It floated here,” he said, smiling.   

“What?” I replied incredulously. “Really? Were you here when the storm hit?”   

Over the next ten minutes, Moe told me his story.   

Everyone thought the storm was going to Tampa, as that’s what all the forecasts predicted. Moe had lived through minor flooding three times before, he explained. He wasn’t worried. The most his home had ever flooded previously was 18-inches. He’d be fine. He wasn’t concerned. He told me he was a veteran and had lived through worse situations.   

And then the waters came.   

When the storm surge reached Moe’s waist, he knew he needed to get himself, his cat, and his neighbors, Bo and Buck, to higher ground. The only thing higher was their landlord’s, Keith’s, mobile home with a crawl space beneath it and steps leading up. Up is good when the waters are rising. The house he was referring to is the one our team was working on.   

Moe wrapped his cat in a towel “to keep him from clawing me to death,” placed him on his shoulder, and forced his way through the increasing current to Keith’s home. After seeing his kitty safe inside, Moe returned for Bo and Buck.   

“Bo was okay,” Moe explained, “but Buck had a heart condition and weighed about 240-lbs. He told us he couldn’t make it and said we should just leave him. I wasn’t going to do that.”   

Moe tried placing his kayak’s life vest on Buck, but it wouldn’t fit. Not one to give up easily, he decided to check a boat sitting on a trailer near Keith’s home for something else to help. He found a towline inside, grabbed it, and returned for Buck.   

“Bo and I tied the rope around Buck, then pushed our way through the current and back to Keith’s house,” Moe explained. “The current was strong by then, but we were able to pull him through.”   

Moe showed me the water line in his home. The brackish floodwaters rose to 7.5-feet high – more than enough to drown cars, animals, and people – which it did.

“You saved his life,” I told Moe. “You were a true Good Samaritan.”

I asked my new friend if he knew the parable that Jesus told.   

“I may have heard it back when I sang in the choir as a youngster,” Moe laughed. “Now I’m sure you need to get back to work.”   

Sensing his desire to end our discussion, I told my new friend that we would be happy to help him if he needed us. He declined, showing me how he’d already gutted his home. I returned to my project but couldn’t stop thinking about Moe’s story.   

After our lunch break, I spotted Moe again and rushed back to speak to him. “I want to make sure you know the story of the Good Samaritan,” I implored. “Let me tell it to you.”   

Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’  

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”  

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”  

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

(Luke 10:30-37)

After paraphrasing Jesus’ parable, I explained to Moe that he, like the Good Samaritan in the story, showed great love and compassion to his neighbor – refusing to let anything happen to him and risking his own life to save Buck.   

“Like Samaritan’s Purse,” I explained as I pointed to my shirt, “God had a purpose for you being where you were at the right time to help your neighbors. God saved you so you could save others. You are a real ‘Good Samaritan,’ and I know God has great things in store for you!”   

Moe and I chatted a while longer, and when the SP chaplains arrived later, I sent them over to talk to him further. While Moe didn’t make a confession of faith during our time together, there’s no telling what seeds we planted in his heart and mind that God may convert into his eventual salvation story.   

I spoke to other neighbors that day and learned more about the trauma this community faced. A couple sitting across the street from where we worked didn’t own the house where they were sitting. Their home was destroyed. They were only resting on the porch, watching and waiting for us to complete the work in Keith’s home so they could sleep inside that night. Although we had gutted the house of its flooring, cabinetry, interior doors, and drywall up to 4-feet high, Keith’s elevated property was the only one around that still had a bed, running water, and a flushable toilet.

This couple had been living in their car with their large dog for 11 days since the storm hit. They told me they couldn’t wait to sleep in a bed again. Although I never met Keith, I know that he, too, had proved himself a Good Samaritan – not just to Moe, Bob, and Buck during the storm, but also to this husband and wife during their time of need in the weeks thereafter.

The relief work performed by Samaritan’s Purse volunteers saves homeowners tens of thousands of dollars after natural disasters. More importantly, every homeowner is loved and assisted by volunteers who are passionate about God and dedicated to His service.

Upon completion of all demolition work, homeowners receive a unique leatherbound Samaritan’s Purse copy of the Holy Scripture. We pray over homeowners when we arrive, holding hands and asking God to safeguard all those volunteering in His service.

We pray again at our work’s completion, presenting the Bible to the homeowners that God allowed us to assist. All volunteers sign this gift before the presentation – leaving a lasting reminder of God’s blessings and provision from all those whose hands served Christ in service of these homes.

This 365-degree approach doesn’t just tell homeowners they are loved. SP’s work demonstrates Christ’s love in action through the hands and feet of volunteers from all over the country. This service has the incredible power to encourage those who desperately need hope to move forward. My Good Samaritan, Moe, made a life-changing difference to his neighbors, Bo and Buck. Keith was doing the same. And by following God’s direction, He allowed me to share love, compassion, and grace with a hurting community for His glory.

All it takes is a willing heart to make an eternal difference in the world. We are surrounded by neighbors who need to feel Christ’s love. I can’t wait to do so again!  

Join Good Samaritan Moe and Samaritan’s Purse and contribute to this God-ordained work by following this link. I can attest firsthand to the difference this group is making by bringing help and hope to those in need.   

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) 

In my last post, Sleep in the storm, I wrote about how God had spared my area from the wrath of Hurricane Ian. I felt so blessed to be saved from any potential home damage that I wanted to do something to help those who were not as fortunate.   

That’s when the first email from the Billy Graham Evangelism Association hit my inbox. “Deploying the love of Christ to Florida,” the subtitle began. “A Category 4 hurricane that produced a ‘500-year flood’ has left millions of Floridians without power and many without hope.”  

“To help minister to those impacted most,” the mailing continued, “the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team is deploying 20 chaplains to multiple locations in southwest Florida. Their mission: To let them know God has not abandoned them.”  

Ever since I learned about the existence of the BG Rapid Response Team, I’ve felt called to be a chaplain. As a relational person who gravitates to the hurting, this ministry seemed tailor-made for my evangelical beliefs and deep compassion. I’ve kept my eyes on the Samaritan’s Purse (SP) website ever since. I’ve always wanted to assist SP with disaster relief work. Could God have spared me and my home so I could help in such a time as this?   

In checking the SP website, I learned that volunteer opportunities to support hurricane relief work would soon be posted. My mind began moving ahead to the possibility of action. My workplace provides time for staff to volunteer each year. Perhaps I could use those hours in this service. After investigation, I discovered that I had 12 volunteer hours to use for the journey. There were no limits on what organization I could utilize these hours for. Obstacle #1, triumphed.   

I began seriously considering the trip on my birthday. What better way could I celebrate this day than by using my life to serve others? After researching potential relief site locations, I learned that a trip to Fort Myers – the hardest hit FL city – would take me approximately 7-8 driving hours. I can do that, I thought. Obstacle #2, overcome.   

My next challenge was in finding a pet sitter. I’d been looking for over a year, but the rates were so high that I despaired of finding one I could afford. I contacted several, and nothing was coming together.   

Did I really want to drive 7 hours to sleep on an air mattress with total strangers after performing hard labor all day? I wondered. The idea didn’t sound very appealing. Could I even get time off from work on short notice?   

The challenges were mounting up. I could think of countless reasons why such a concept seemed crazy. And yet, I felt compelled to go. In my innermost being, a deep longing existed – telling me that I needed to make this trip. I could feel my heart rate increase at the concept. The idea made me happy.   

Lord, I prayed, if this is Your will, You know the obstacles I am facing. If you want me to go, You’ll have to help me. Clear the way.  

That’s when I found The Pet Nanny. I’d consistently checked my NextDoor app for pet sitters in the area but never saw this business before. I texted the posted number, asking the sitter for her rates. Miraculously, they were exactly what I was hoping for and could afford. Best of all, the Pet Nanny could help me with just a few days’ notice. “You are a God-send,” I told her. “I prayed for God to help me if he wanted me to go on this trip, and that’s when I found you.” Obstacle #3, surmounted.   

The next day, I asked my boss if I could take three and a half days off the following week. I didn’t want to push it. He agreed. Obstacle #4, conquered.   

After that, I began researching cots versus air mattresses and wondered if I could even acquire such a thing on short notice. I found a cot that seemed perfect for me and ordered it. Delivery would come one day before my trip began. Obstacle #5, cleared.  

This was really happening! I could hardly believe it! What started as a simple act of praise for being spared from the storm became a mission trip in just a matter of days. I was more than thrilled to sign SP’s statement of faith, consent to a background check, and begin my preparations. God was taking me on a journey.   

Moving one step further in faith, I boldly used the notification of my trip to send a message to others I work with, announcing my upcoming absence. I included a link in my mailing to the SP Hurricane Ian response site, advising all those I work with that I would perform this service in Jesus’ name.   

The SP website is unabashedly evangelical. I had previously been cautious about announcing my faith in such a woke environment – but no more. Anyone curious about what I was doing or who I was doing it for would have no doubts after visiting the SP website.   

As Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham stated, “The damage is incredible. These people need our prayers and our support. We’re going to need an army of volunteers. Prayerfully consider joining us to help in Jesus’ Name.”  

And that’s precisely what I did! If I’m going, I thought, I want to use this opportunity to testify both in my workplace and in Florida. As I wrote in my Silent No More blog, my days of hiding my faith at work are long gone. As co-workers responded to my mailing, I was more than happy to turn any praise of my service back to my Creator. “This is my opportunity to show the love of God to others who are hurting,” I explained. There can no longer be any doubt of my where my faith rests.   

Thereafter, what began as a three-and-a-half-day trip to Florida became five days of being used by my Savior to sweat more, get dirtier, and work harder than I ever could have imagined – all in the name of Jesus.   

And so began a trip that has changed my heart and soul forever. The spiritual work God allowed me to perform was more important than the physical labor I expended. SP encouraged me to do what I was created for – show love by offering encouragement and support in Jesus’ name. “Every house has a task and a job,” one of our leaders explained. “The task is the house. The job is the homeowner. Share the love of God with them.”   

Every home we visited afforded me a new opportunity to do so. I took it upon myself to complete my task – but more importantly – my job every day. I purposely sought out connections with homeowners, neighbors, and community members wherever we were deployed. God led me to them and gave me the words to say.   

But the blessings didn’t stop there. From the moment I arrived at the SP base camp in Fort Myers, FL, I began talking to Rapid Response Team (RRT) Chaplains. “How did you become a chaplain?” I asked the first one I encountered as she walked me to my shared room. Of course, the next person to join me there was an RRT member. God was determined to surround me with them, so He sent two more to bunk with me. Every day, I sought out and questioned every RRT chaplain I met to ask about their service.   

On day two, two RRT members, Tommi and Paula, prayed over me after hearing how I spoke to all the neighbors. “You should be a chaplain,” Paula declared. I just laughed and told them of my aspirations. At the conclusion of Paula’s prayer, Tommi said, “It’s a done deal. You’ve already begun your journey.” I could only smile, thank her, and pray that her prophecy would come true.   

And so, my mission began. The lessons I learned and the experiences God gave me will take weeks to detail.   

For now, I end with this thought. If you feel led to follow God on a difficult journey outside your comfort zone, to a place far from home, with unquantifiable obstacles, go. Don’t question the prompting. I can fully affirm the grace, provision, and blessings that will follow if you are only willing to say these five simple words: Here am I. Send me! 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26: 3) 

A week ago, I began preparing for what many in the media were calling the “Storm of the Century.” Hurricane Ian was forecast to hit Florida’s Tampa Bay area as a category 3 storm, with winds of up to 129 mph or more. After rampaging through FL, storm models showed it heading straight to the coastal region of GA, where I live. With predicted wind gusts of 65 mph through my town, I wasn’t going to take any chances.   

Over the course of several days, I removed all lightweight yard ornamentation – including solar lights, yard decorations, and flags. As hurricane trackers upgraded the storm to a category 4 – with sustained winds of 155 mph – I pulled the shepherd’s hooks from my yard that were holding windchimes and plants. I even laid down my concrete bird bath and blue heron statue. Could winds like that knock down concrete? I didn’t know, and I didn’t want to find out.   

Power outages were expected, so I prepared macaroni salad and egg salad to be eaten cold, if necessary. I recharged all my batteries, got out my battery-operated lantern and weather radio, and began filling jugs of water in anticipation of public water being shut down in the aftermath of the storm. I cleared my screen porch of furniture and knew I couldn’t do anything more – except pray.   

One of my friends advised me to leave. “Nope,” I said. “I’ve evacuated before. I’m staying. God is in control.”   

My boss told me to stay safe. “I’ve done everything I can,” I replied. “I have no fear. It’s in God’s hands.”   

Two days before Ian was expected to make landfall, I photographed the 6-foot-tall canna lilies in my yard with a spectacular sunset behind them. My soul was at peace. Our Creator’s hand is on the weather. I trust Him implicitly.   

And then the winds came. Ian hit Florida with a vengeance – packing 155 mph winds and bringing storm surge and rains that flooded areas from the west coast near Sanibel Island to central Orlando. Homes were swept off their foundations. Palm trees were uprooted. Buildings collapsed as wind, rain, and stormwater swept in from the Gulf and over anything in its path.   

When the storm’s outer bands first hit my area, the 55-mph wind gusts were bending trees and causing general havoc. My power was still on when I went to bed, but I suspected it would be a rough night. I was wrong. I heard nothing overnight and slept like a baby, scarcely remembering that a hurricane was nearing my doorstep.   

When I awakened the following day, I was shocked at the change in the weather. A 20-degree temperature drop was ushered in as the winds continued to hit the coast near me. More importantly, Ian had taken a dramatic turn, moving out to sea through the night. My area would be spared. What’s more, previous forecasts predicted 6-8″ of rain. We received nothing but a gentle watering of less than a quarter inch.   

Some might say Georgians were “lucky.” I know better. We were blessed by the hand of God. Other areas – especially hard-hit Fort Myers, FL – were not so fortunate. With a current death toll of 77 persons in FL and NC, anything could have happened here in GA. We could have been pummeled, but we weren’t. I could have lost everything as others did. Instead, everything I own was spared. I didn’t just sleep through the hurricane; I was protected through it.   

Jesus helped me sleep in the storm.   

Note: The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has already deployed crisis chaplains to Florida to help residents cope with the devastation that hit their state. Samaritan’s Purse has sent tractor-trailer loads of supplies and equipment to help areas that were hardest hit by the hurricane. Volunteers are working to assist with mudding out houses, tarping roofs, and sharing God’s love through their hands and feet. Please consider donating to help Samaritan’s Purse assist those in need as they recover from the devastating effects of this massive storm.   

But for the grace of God go I – and you.   

In the first part of this series, I discovered that both my local Lutheran church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) advocate for full inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in “Pride” events and church leadership. In part two, I discussed the current trend for churches to declare abortion as a “religious freedom” – even going so far as to bring lawsuits against states that are now banning the practice. What’s next? A pentagram placed next to the cross?  

For one Texas church, that concept came close to becoming a reality.  

The First Christian Church (FCC-Disciples of Christ) in Katy, TX, recently promoted their “Drag Bingo” night as a family-friendly event – with an adults-only show occurring at 8:00 pm on September 24. While such an event was already controversial, media outlets soon revealed further details that made the offering all the more disturbing. One of the performers hired by the church, Jaysen Kettl, was convicted in 2004 of planning a school shooting.  

At age 17, Kettl pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder at Vidor High School. Legal records evidence Kettl’s violent tendencies as he and another student planned to enact torture by “nailing people’s hands to a table, chaining them to trees – before they killed certain people.”  

A recent review of Kettl’s social media accounts shows his continued penchant for evil practices. In one photo, Kettl is pictured holding a red skull, wearing pentagram earrings and a t-shirt with a Baphomet image surrounded by a pentagram. Baphomet is a created deity allegedly worshipped by the Knights Templar and later used in occult practices.   

Rather than cancel the event when word of Kettl’s background spread nationwide, FCC Katy simply replaced Kettyl and continued their affair without missing a beat. Drag Bingo was sold-out, after all, and the “show must go on!”  

By selling $20 Bingo cards and $400 tables, Drag Bingo was not just a social event meant to bring community members together. FCC Katy is not shy in promoting their “intentionally progressive” church agenda – and this event was no exception. Proceeds from the show will be used to sponsor FCC’s “TRANSparent Closet” as part of their LGBTQ+ ministry. FCC describes the TRANSparent Closet as a “FREE clothing boutique designed for trans and exploring teens, youth, and young adults to have a safe place for clothing needs and beyond.”  

Rather than support impressionable youth in further developing their Christian faith, FCC Katy wants to provide “undergarments, style accessories, makeup, and more.” Per the church website, “We would love to host you and have one of our stylist help select just the right things for you. ” 

Make no mistake. This “boutique” is not a thrift shop for the impoverished but rather a church-sponsored gateway to confuse and misguide innocent youth into practices that take them further away from God.  

I can’t help but ask, whatever happened to bowling nights and youth group meetings for young people to learn more about how to become true “disciples of Christ”? Instead of potluck suppers, this so-called “Christian” church features photos from their booth sponsorship at the “Pride Festival.”

Lest anyone suspect that this ministry exists to save lost souls, one need only gaze at their tent – adorned in rainbow flags, pencils, and a “Love is love” banner – to know that talking about Christ is the farthest thing from this so-called religious intuition’s agenda. One might never suspect the booth belonged to a church were it not for the FCC sign, which proclaims it to be “Radically welcoming. Intentionally progressive” – with not a cross in sight.  

Further investigation reveals that FCC’s “Minister of LGBTQ+ Ministries and Social Media” is openly gay. He even writes a blog entitled “Gay by the grace of God” about being – you guessed it – a “gay seminarian.” If I could ask this leader one question, it would be for him to show me where the Bible says that God gives grace for someone to follow an unGodly lifestyle. Our Creator provides us with grace to cover our sins – even though we don’t deserve it – not continue them. I think this statement alone disavows the title and “calling” of this would-be seminarian.

Knowing where to begin to unpack all the above information is difficult. As a devout Christian who believes in the unerring word of God, I find it hard to stomach all the ways that today’s churches have descended into the sins of pride, perversion, and popularity.  

While I understand the penchant to be inclusive and accepting, Christians should never give up the unique attributes that separate us from the rest of our culture. The Apostle Paul provided this admonition to the Ephesians: “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Chapter 4: 19-24)

How then, one must ask, can it be acceptable for a church leader to be living a lifestyle that affirms sensuality and impurity? Scripture clearly tells us that it’s impossible to follow both fleshly and spiritual desires. How can a church affirm, endorse, and – worse yet – bring impurity into its own halls as a form of entertainment and still call itself a church? More so, how can a church claim to be Christian while promoting an ideology that corrupts children by removing their innocence?

Paul takes this further: “But among you, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place but rather thanksgiving. For of this, you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.”

Christians are not called to “embrace diversity” to earn acceptance by the masses. Nor should our purpose on earth be to simply “enjoy life.” And yet, these principles are featured prominently as part of the mission of FCC Katy – as I suspect they are at many other “Woke” churches. The concept of serving God in faithfulness and purity seems to be gone from these religious institutions. If they want to become “Do-gooder” clubs where everything is acceptable, they should call themselves that to end the confusion and degradation of the gospel. Such concepts are not what Christianity is all about.

Christians are admonished to preach the gospel of Christ – which teaches that we must first accept that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) If we don’t believe ourselves to be sinners in need of a Savior, we are then free to elevate ourselves, our “good deeds,” and yes, even our acceptance of anything and everything in the world as more desirable than following the will of God. If there is no sin and everything is acceptable, why would we need Jesus? Does the sacrificial blood of Christ mean nothing to these churches? How can they call themselves “Christian” without understanding the purpose of Christ?  

Scripture tells us to come out of the world – not become part of it. Matthew 5:13 tells us, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”  

I go into great detail about how Christians are told to leave their sinful nature behind in my blog about the church’s blanket acceptance of LGBTQ+ principles. In short, God does welcome everyone into His family – if we will acknowledge our sins, accept Christ as our Savior, and ask Him to make us a new creation. 

Furthermore, Jesus did not tell everyone to keep sinning. As Christ admonished the woman caught in adultery, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) 

Both the Old and New Testaments warn against homosexuality and sexual perversion.  

• “‘Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” (Leviticus 18:22) 
• “‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.” (Leviticus 20:13) 
• “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6: 9-10) 
• “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4) 

For a church to speak differently is to blaspheme the word of God. For a church to call itself Christian while refusing to call sin “sin” must break the heart of our Creator.  

We serve a divine Father who sees all and has infinite patience with us. John 3:17 tells us, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” 

Nevertheless, salvation is not a cloak we can place over ourselves on Sunday and take off while sinning on Monday. We must follow our Savior every day and put God above ourselves. Proclaiming that we are Christians while clinging to our sins is the ultimate hypocrisy. Refusing to give up our worldly ways exemplifies our lack of understanding of God’s gift of eternal life.

“You who take oaths in the name of the Lord and invoke the God of Israel – but not in truth or righteousness – you who call yourselves citizens of the holy city and claim to rely on the God of Israel – the Lord Almighty is His name. You have neither heard nor understood; from of old your ears have not been open.” (Isaiah 48:1-2)  

While God is patient with our sinful ways, there will come a day when His patience will end. Ultimately, each of us will have to stand in judgment before our Creator. Either we will claim the blood of Christ that covers all our sins, or we will learn that our refusal to accept Jesus as our Savior will separate us from Him for all eternity.  

“For My own name’s sake, I delay my wrath; for the sake of My praise, I hold it back from you, so as not to destroy you completely. For My own sake, for My own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.” (Isaiah 49: 9,11) 

We forget the sovereignty of God when we worry about the praise of man. We serve a holy and just Creator. He gave us the Bible as the guidebook for our lives. To skip over the parts of the Bible that we don’t like is to forget that we are made by and must one day answer to Him.  

“I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:6-7) 

Today’s Woke church needs to wake up. Churches that lead people astray, gloss over sin, destroy the innocence of children, teach affirmation rather than sacrifice, idolatry over divinity, and pleasure over piety will one day learn how very wrong they were.  

I am no saint, nor do I fault anyone else for their sins. Rather, I thank God daily for my forgiveness while asking Him to help me to do better, to serve Him more fully – with my entire being. I can’t do that by elevating my wishes over His.  

I pray that today’s churches will see their folly in seeking the popularity of people rather than the sovereignty of our Savior.  

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) 

In early August, I participated in a virtual department meeting that changed my mindset in an irrevocable manner – not for what was shared but for an image that was seared into my head during this extraordinary session.   

As a remote employee, I enjoy scrolling through live connections with my fellow team members to see who participates in the Zoom calls and what types of backgrounds they may use. Most people blur their environments, some show their home offices, and still others – like me – use favorite landscape photos as their backdrops. You can tell a lot about a person from what type of background they utilize in such an environment.   

In this particular instance, what started as usual soon altered to become one of the bravest acts of faith I’ve ever seen in the workplace.   

While waiting for the last few stragglers to join our meeting, one of my team members pointedly stated that he had forgotten to add his new background. His screen blipped for a minute while he uploaded the image – and then the world tilted on its access.   

An illustration of a cross stood boldly illuminated behind my team member’s headphoned profile. I was stunned. Without saying a word, this unspoken profession of faith in Jesus Christ spoke volumes in a company where liberal policy abounds and alternate lifestyles are celebrated at every opportunity. I could hardly believe what I was seeing. I took a photo with my phone to remember forever and celebrate this public declaration of faith.   

While the meeting proceeded without missing a beat, the moment that image took shape will forever change how I feel in the workplace.  

I’ve been indoctrinated for many years now – steadily watching the propaganda machine tell me that I should laud ideals in opposition to my faith. While I will never do so, like many other Christians, I have learned to watch what I say and do in the workplace to avoid offending and being sent to HR. I’ve been subjected to training asking me how I would react to men using the women’s bathroom. I’ve been asked to choose the correct multiple-choice answer on how I would treat a male co-worker who has decided to dress in women’s clothing. And I’ve been asked to celebrate images of team members marching in Pride events with their rainbow-clad children. All of this has led to increasing discomfort.  

All of this has led to increasing discomfort. And yet, I know I can never speak out against these offenses and still retain my job. Not in today’s world. Not in a “woke” organization. 

In one moment, all that fell away. Seeing that cross gave me hope that taking a stand for one’s faith might be allowed. With an HR member on the call, I wondered how long this cross-backed image would remain. It stayed up throughout the meeting. A month later, this same team member not only retained his chosen clipart but also used it while speaking and sharing a presentation with our group. I could no longer remain silent.   

At the session’s end, I sent a message to my team member to advise him of how much his background choice meant to me.   

“Please allow me to thank you, personally, for having the great fortitude to use a cross as your virtual backdrop,” I began. “My faith governs everything I do and I’m not ashamed to say so. But using the cross in such a highly visible place really stirred my soul. I want you to know that your imagery has made a difference – not just to me but to who knows how many others. Thank you for your faith. I’m incredibly proud of you.”  

My teammate’s response verified his beliefs. “I’m honored and blessed to meet a fellow believer,” he began. “We need Christ in these desperate times that our world is facing. He is the answer, and it gives me great comfort that nothing takes him by surprise.”   

Not content to put the cross by his head to broadcast to all his co-workers, my Christian brother also provided written testimony in response to me. My follow-up did the same in return.   

“Amen,” I replied. “I couldn’t agree more. We need our Savior more than ever right now. I would be nothing without Him.”   

As a result of this experience, I’ve recommitted to standing for my faith – not just here in this blog and to those I speak to outside my work environment. I now purposely show my dining room wall art while on camera in meetings. My framed message attests to 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18: “Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That is my new unspoken yet intrepid stance.  

If someone is offended, that’s on them. I won’t be afraid to give a voice to my faith in the workplace any longer. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

As I affirmed to my team member in our chat, I now proclaim to all of us. “Remember. God put you here for a reason. I’m excited to see what He has in store for you next!”   

We are Jesus people. Stand up. Let it be known! 

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)  

It’s no secret that I love nature. God created the world we live in to be full of light, color, and beauty. Creation didn’t have to be paradisaical – and yet it is. Whether it’s the iridescent wings of a hummingbird, the lime green of a tree frog, or the flaming orange and pink of a brilliant sunset, the world’s magnificence often takes my breath away.   

I especially love the sky. I’ve often told friends who feel overwhelmed to go outside and look up at the heavens. Something about the grandeur of the sky makes my problems feel small and insignificant.   

I’m often awe-struck by sunsets or cloud formations while driving and have struggled with capturing these images without wrecking. While the moving photos never do the reality justice, I feel compelled to try to share what I see with others to remind them of God’s presence in our world.   

In 2019, a resident of San Salvador did just that. Mónica Aramayo photographed a cloud formation that she hoped would “bless” anyone who saw it. Many who viewed her image attest to it showing the outline of a standing Jesus – complete with outstretched arms, blessing the earth. While skeptics were quick to say that her portrait was photoshopped, others compared it to that of the famous mountaintop statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro.   

We serve an image-less Savior, and there’s a reason for that. We tend to praise what we can see with our eyes. In contrast, the essence of faith is that we believe without seeing.   

God went to great lengths to remind us not to create idols to worship – yet many still do. For this purpose, the altar of Mary and created saints grace the churches of many large and small cathedrals worldwide. Statues of saints are sometimes carried during feast days, and many devout parishioners have prayed before the same, lighting candles and reciting prayers to what they see and believe.   

While scripture tells us that Moses spoke face-to-face with God (Exodus 33;11), we know that this passage refers to a direct conversation rather than a visual one – “as a man speaks to his friend.” (Exodus 33:11) This understanding is confirmed in a later passage when Moses asked God, “Please show me your glory.” (Exodus 33:18)  

God responded to Moses by explaining, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” (Exodus 33:20)   

Instead, God agreed to allow Moses to experience his Creator in a controlled encounter.   

“And the Lord said, ‘There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove My hand and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.'” (Exodus 33:19–23).  

Imagine the thrill of that phenomenon. Remember, there will come a day when all who believe in the gospel will spend eternity with our Creator. What a magnificent future Christians have to look forward to!  

We don’t need a photographer to show us that God lives among us. Just look around, and you’ll see Him. Our Father demonstrates His power in mighty thunder – His gentleness in a cool breeze. We see His majesty in the mountains and His grandeur in the sea. God’s fingerprints dwell in all creation, from the tiniest molecules to our unquantifiable galaxy.   

We need only open our eyes to see our Creator – in everything. 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)  

I never thought I’d say this, but Joe Biden is right – we are in a battle for the soul of our nation. His administration’s anti-Godly, anti-nuclear family, pro-abortion, pro-LGBTQ+ policies stand directly opposed to the Christian values that I and many other conservatives hold dear. We can’t be afraid to denounce them.

I recently witnessed a friend’s meme come to life. On one side of the meme, Biden stands above his 2020 campaign slogan, “Battle for the Soul of the Nation.” The other side of the design depicts the devil. Both stand above the query, “Who won?”

On September 1, 2022, Biden’s answer to that question rang out loud and clear during a televised speech. His red and black backdrop, dark lighting, and dehumanizing rhetoric stood as not just the embodiment of this meme but also a reminder of the anti-Christian agenda this administration has enacted against our country.

President Biden is the most pro-abortion, pro-LGBTQ+ president in American history. Despite his claim to be Catholic, the Biden administration has consistently pushed radical policies that oppose Christian principles. Here are just a few of the legislative enactments and priorities he’s championed during his tenure:   

1. Rescission of the transgender military ban   

2. Revocation of the Mexico City Policy that prevents U.S. monies from providing support to foreign agencies that fund abortions   

3. Formation of an LGBTQ+ Gender Policy Council in the White House  

4. Revocation of the Hyde Amendment, which prevented taxpayer monies from being used to fund abortions 

5.  A continued push to pass the Global Respect Act, which “gives the U.S. President power to impose visa sanctions on foreigners he judges ‘complicit’ in human rights violations against individuals who identify as homosexual or trans.” As Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY) stated, this bill could easily be used to target social conservatives and Christians. 

6. Repeated drive to pass the Equality Act, which would allow LGBTQ+ rights to transcend religious protections, effectively criminalizing any objections to these practices by charities, doctors, churches, or parents   

7. The signing of an executive order which allows transgendered men – biological males identifying as women – to compete in women’s sports  

8. State Department funding of a program (DRL FY20 IRF) to provide up to half a million dollars to organizations that are “committed to the practice and spread of atheism.”   

9. Avowed fight to maintain abortion – despite the Supreme Court’s legal decision to overthrow Roe v. Wade

10. Endorsement of gender sex-change operations for minors 

As Representative Glen Grothman (R-Wis.) explains, “I would say that the activity of the Biden administration is not ‘kind of;’ it’s all the way, what I would call anti-God, anti-Christian.”  

In further evidence of the same, the president’s speech on September 1 served not just to vilify a potential contender in the 2024 election but to demonize all conservatives who stand in opposition to his radical policies. While speaking at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Biden used his prime-time broadcast to call all those who support President Trump – the Make America Great Again (MAGA) Republicans – white supremacists and violent extremists who pose a “direct threat to our democracy.”

Not content with that despicable characterization alone, Biden continued by saying that anyone standing opposed to his policies represents an “extremism that threatens the very foundation of our republic.”  

In the face of public condemnation following his heated rhetoric, the president attempted to walk back his comments by saying, “I don’t consider any Trump supporter to be a threat to the country.” Biden’s statement directly contradicts his speech in which he declared, “MAGA Republicans have made their choice. They embrace anger. They thrive on chaos. They live not in the light of truth, but in the shadow of lies.”   

In a follow-up speech in Massachusetts on Labor Day, the president repeated his original accusations, affirming his strong stance against those who oppose his provisions. “Extreme MAGA Republicans don’t just threaten our personal rights and our economic security. They embrace political violence,” Biden said.  

In opposition to Biden’s mischaracterization, MAGA Republicans do not “embrace political violence,” nor do we live in “the shadow of lies.” Quite the opposite.

We believe in Judeo-Christian values and celebrate the rich heritage of our nation, founded on principles of limited government and freedom of religion. We believe in the sanctity of all human lives – and that our Creator formed all of us as equals. We affirm that each of us has God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We believe that no one – least of which our government – can take away these rights that were endowed upon us by our Creator.   

And so Christian conservatives are faced with a choice. Do we stand intimidated by the hateful rhetoric emanating from the highest office in our land, or do we continue to stand opposed to the anti-Godly, anti-Christian policies that are becoming bolder and more brazen every day?   

Jesus once warned His disciples against the forces of the world that threaten to consume us. Matthew 10:16 says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” We are never to back down in the face of opposition to either our faith or our values.   

Proverbs 6: 16-19 reminds us that “There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”  

I, like the Psalmist, believe the following: “I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes, they flatter too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds, they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do not reject what is wrong.” (Psalms 36:1-4)   

That being said, “As for me and my house, I will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)  

Joshua’s statement is more than a Bible verse to me. It represents everything I stand for. I will serve the Lord with every fiber of my being in opposition to anything I perceive as evil and anti-Godly. I’m a defender, protector, and fighter for God’s truth. I will retain my dove-like innocence while staying as cunning as a serpent. I pray that more Christians will do the same. 

We are in a battle for the soul of our nation. That much is abundantly true. May God humble, preserve and protect us in our spiritual campaign. 

And may we all be prepared to stand for our faith, no matter how the world and anyone in it may try to demonize it. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

On August 11, 2021, I moved to my new home and began a yearlong undertaking to transform my yard. As someone who craves time in God’s majestic creation, I knew I wanted a place where I could sit, worship, and feel close to my Creator. While I loved the house I bought, the yard lacked the beauty and design I craved. I knew it would take a lot of work, but the potential was there. I saw the space as a blank canvas in need of artistic development. 

Several of the changes to my property required professional assistance. I had the vision, but I also knew my limits. An old rusted shed with a decayed floor needed to go. A dilapidated and poorly constructed fence required replacement. Large bushes and palms needed to be moved, and a screen porch needed to be built. I could see the end product in my head, but I couldn’t bring it into existence without contractual help. 

But above and beyond the skilled labor I hired, one project I planned to undertake was removing all the accumulated yard waste that the previous owner had dumped behind my fence. A roughly 15-by-6-foot space was piled high with hewn logs, palmetto fronds, and various assorted plant debris. I saw the section as an eyesore and snake haven. Neither could exist in my world. 

Further, my placid treescape was overrun with wicked, thorny vines that obscured the area’s natural beauty. While I had several contractors willing to help me remove the rubbish, their exorbitant fees were more than what I was willing to pay for a job I could do myself. 

And so I began my quest. Like a knight hacking his way through a thorny forest to reach his fairy tale princess, I started cutting, heaving and hauling my way through the jungle that was this space. Vines stretching 10 feet in circumference and 40 feet up into the trees slowly surrendered their hold beneath my dedicated labor. Each time I found a tree trunk, I’d rejoice. Every 15-foot pile of debris removed made me happier. 

It wasn’t enough just to cut and discard the ugly growth. After clearing enough of a section to get a foothold, I used all my strength to pull down the vines wrapped around upper branches. Not content with what I could pull down, I climbed an extension ladder to reach over my head to prune the growth as far up as possible – praying that I wouldn’t fall off the ladder. Hour by hour, pile by pile, one weekend at a time, it took months to reclaim the natural beauty of this terrain. At the end of every weekend, I was exhausted but happy to see the progress I’d made. 

When the area was finally clear, I was stunned at the results. Previously invisible tree trunks now stretch skyward in majestic glory. A view I didn’t know I had now graces my yard with its beauty. 

Nevertheless, the work is far from done. The thorny growth continues to push forth from its below-ground tubers. While I’ve cut off the heads, the bodies are very much alive, underground – so deeply embedded in each other that I can’t fully dig them out. 

Since completing my clearing project, I’ve now made it my mission to hack away at whatever protrudes forth. Beginning next winter, I will continue chopping the bulbs to try to uproot and kill them. For now, if I want to maintain my unencumbered view, I must commit to keeping it this way through dedicated, repeated labor. 

While cutting a path through the vines to unmask my trees, I considered how the devil works to plant, cultivate, and grow barriers to keep us from enjoying our salvation. We may not always appreciate the evil seeking to grab hold of our hearts and minds, but Satan does. Seeds of discontent, dishonesty, and despair can cripple our testimony and prevent us from growing in service to our Savior. We may not even be aware of the strength that roots of anger and anxiety are establishing in our soil until they have taken over, pulling us down and obscuring our ability to impact the world around us. 

It’s not easy to break through sin’s hold on our lives, but we can’t allow it to get a stronghold. Every one of us has the potential to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. Our mission should always be to stay rooted in Christ, grow in God’s goodness, and flourish in faith. If we’re not doing so, it may be time to look at what we’re allowing to grow around and in us. Cutting away whatever is holding us down is hard work – but the results are always worth the labor. 

We must equip ourselves with the armor of God to do so. Ephesians 6 tells us, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (V. 13-17)

As Christians, the transforming power of God’s grace should be evident to everyone we encounter. If it’s not, we should examine our lives to determine what is keeping it hidden. It’s a continual job to keep the devil’s vines from growing and overpowering us, but one that each of us is capable of committing to, in Christ. 

If we are devoted to God’s labor, the results He will produce will be more beautiful than any of us can ever imagine.