Lesson's Learned in a Small Town Devotional ~Interview with Mr. Chilton

This is a delightful interview with Mr. Weldon Chilton of Sanford, NC. (Mr. Chilton did a wonderful job-----as for me, show me grace..... I said "Right" about 100 times in that 14 mins!! A habit I wasn't aware I had.) 

A Pair of Tortoise Shell Sunglasses

A Pair of Tortoise Shell Sunglasses

Until my late 30s, I had been incredibly blessed to work in the same field, with the same coworkers, in the same fantastic department for nearly twenty years.  In that period of time, I worked under the leadership of only two different bosses.  Both were fair, hardworking, kind, and I considered both to be true friends.  They created a work environment that encouraged excellence, but still managed to maintain happiness and fulfillment on the job.  Yes, as I said, I was blessed.

But, as will happen in many places of employment, there was a changing of the guard and my department  gained a new boss,  a man that had a different set of values and ethics than those in his charge, a man that didn’t care to create a positive atmosphere and instead created widespread unease and distrust.  I went from a thriving flower to a shriveled pile of dry petals within the first few months of his reign. My workdays became filled with anxiety and new stresses and an incredible sadness as I watched my coworkers experience the same. 

I found myself trying to figure out what my future held for me.  Should I stay and stick it out, or should I hit the want ads and leave a job that had been like a second home to me for nearly two decades.

As with many of you listening today, I soon discovered that overwhelming mental stress will take a toll on you in ways you cannot easily control.

I began to have difficulty concentrating to the point that even my driving was affected.  I spent quite a bit of time in a mental fog.

One particularly stressful day, I left work and realized I’d forgotten my pair of sunglasses in the locker.  Determined not to return to obtain them, but in need of a pair to drive home in the bright summer sun, I made a stop a nearby pharmacy to pick up a new pair.  I walked into the store half looking for sunglasses, half trying to remember what I’d even come in to buy.  I bypassed the sunglass kiosk more than once.  I saw a store associate in one of the aisles, so I asked for her help in locating the glasses.  Much to my embarrassment, she pointed out the nearly 6 foot tall Foster Grant stand that was only a step or two away. 

I said, “Thank you,” and apologized for not noticing the obvious display, explaining that I was having “one of those days.”

I selected a pair of tortoiseshell framed glasses, grabbed a Coke and a pack of Nabs and headed for the register.  The same helpful store associate went behind the counter to ring up my few items.  After receiving my total, I began to dig around in my disheveled pocketbook in search of the correct number of bills and coins. In my peripheral, I took notice of the cashier’s actions. 

She cut the price tag off the sunglasses, spritzed them with eye glass cleaning solution, and gently wiped each lens with a soft cloth.  I slid my money across the counter.  The cashier simply said, “Here you go” and placed the sunglasses, ready-to-wear, gently into my hands. 

Perhaps it was a combination of things….the culmination of many months of mounting tensions….the resulting mental exhaustion…..  Whatever it was, this simple act of kindness, that of a woman silently cleaning my new pair of cheap sunglasses and handing them to me to wear effort-free, brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat.

I wanted to tell her “Thank you” for what she’d done.  I wanted to tell her how profoundly her display of caring affected me.  I wanted to tell her how her demonstration of a servant’s heart renewed my spirit.  But, the lump…that lump in my throat prohibited me from telling her anything.

With a simple nod and a quick exit I made my way out to the parking lot where many weeks worth of tears were spilled alone in my car.  The crying jag resulted in a release of pent up emotions and I found a bit of much needed relief.  I was grateful to God that He had placed me in the path of one of His own.

A few days later, I went back to the store to track down the cashier, to tell her all that I’d wanted to relay that day. I explained how her act of kindness towards me came at a time when I was in great need of an act of affection.  She smiled sweetly, but didn’t seem the type that needed or wanted attention for her efforts.

Two of her coworkers overheard our conversation and caught me as I walked to the door.  Both quickly chimed in that it was “typical” of their teammate to do sweet things for her customers and staff members.

Her simple act of kindness had a great impact on me that she could not have known ahead of time.  Am I aware that the little things that I do for others are having a beneficial impact that extends beyond what I intend or foresee?  As a Christian, could it be that my demonstrations of love towards my fellow man can point others toward my Savior in some way?

What about you?  In your life experiences, you have gone out of your way to do something nice for someone else.  You have been kind and generous.  Do you understand that your tiny seeds of compassion are being watered by Christ and are growing into a glorious bloom beyond your capacity to comprehend?

The Bible is clear, when we give generously of ourselves and display the love of God towards others, He can and will use our efforts to bless even beyond our own ability.  We are to concern ourselves with what we CAN do by our own means, and have faith that the Lord is doing even greater things with the product of our labors.

If you will, please turn in your Bibles to Acts 9:32 This is the NIV Version

As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda (lid ah). There he found a man named Aeneas (ah knee us), who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Now, as Acts 9:32 begins, we learn of the healing power of Jesus Christ flowing through Peter into Aeneas.  Aenas is healed from his paralysis immediately.  Because others in Lydda and Sharon saw the power of the risen Christ in this miraculous healing, they turned to the Lord.

But, I would like for you to pay particular attention to the next account of healing given.  The term “disciple” is defined Biblically as a follower of Christ.  Tabitha of Joppa is referred to as a disciple.  Her designation as a disciple already tells us a great deal about her, but the narrative goes further.  We are told that Tabitha was always doing good and helping the poor.  That is what one would expect of a disciple of Christ. 

During her lifetime, was she aware of how grateful others were for her acts of kindness? Did she know that her actions positively impacted others?  Did she ever receive encouraging feedback?  We are never told.

Tabitha died when Peter was in Lydda.  The disciples in her area sent to men to travel from Joppa to Lydda to find Peter and urge him to return with them quickly.  No doubt their familiarity with healings and stories of those that had been raised from the dead by Jesus Christ bolstered their faith that the very same could happen for Tabitha if Peter would consent to come back with them. 

Now, recall, in Biblical times, orphans and widows were among the poorest, most vulnerable in a community.  With no rights of their own, and no man to provide for them, a widow was at the mercy of others….what she received was at the hand someone that was both kind and generous. 

Tabitha had been kind and generous.  She had been kind and generous with this group of widows in that she had sewn robes and clothing for them.  Again, recall that in that day and age, articles of clothing were not inexpensive or easy to obtain.  A gift of a robe or article of clothing was a valuable one indeed…one that represented great cost, time, and effort to present. 

Tabitha had been kind and generous with a group of women that were the most in need of her affections and attention.  Her handiwork so treasured by them, that they clung to it at her death and displayed it for Peter as evidence of her sweet, caring spirit and her benevolence towards them.  Their tears spoke of the impact this Godly woman had made on their lives.

Peter prayed and with the power of Jesus Christ, commanded Tabitha to rise.  She arose and Peter helped her to her feet.  He called for the believers to come in to the room…..the Bible mentions specifically that Peter especially called the widows into the room, to present Tabitha to them alive.  It is obvious that because Tabitha had such a profound impact on these women, it was only proper that they be among the very first to see the miracle of her resurrection.

Because Tabitha’s caring service and servant’s heart was significant to a group of widows, her death prompted them to seek a miracle to restore her back to them.  Because they sought Peter and his prayers brought Tabitha back from the dead, her resurrection became known throughout Joppa and many people came to a belief in the Lord.

Tabitha could not have known that sitting, devotedly stitching together a few robes and undergarments would eventually result in a widespread faith in her Lord…..  But, she did know that a follower of Christ is kind and generous and she acted on that knowledge.  She did what she was able to do, to show others the love of Christ, and in being humble and faithful in her service to those in need, Christ was able to use her to draw many people unto Himself in a way she could never have foreseen.

For me, the experience of a cashier’s efforts to ease my day a little resulted in many positive outcomes.  My burdens were lifted that day.  My love of mankind deepened.  And, in reflection, I could see how I should never downplay the potential value of doing good for other men, women, and children in my own day-to-day life.  It became clear that I can never know what the Lord intends to do with my acts of kindness, I am only to reach out in love the best that I can and let Him take it from there.

As you go about your day, when you have the opportunity to lighten someone’s load, will you do so more readily?  Will you trust the Lord to do great things with your humble efforts as His disciple?

Lessons Learned in a Small Town devotional~ A Pair of Tortoise Shell Sun...

Silver Microphone ~by the Fingerprints many decades ago

My presentation on the Ballad of Naomi Wise for college....MANY years ago!!

I'm Right Here Behind You

I’m Right Behind You

Lord,

Thank you so much for giving us a moment together to share in Christian companionship.  We appreciate all that you do for us on a daily basis.  Mondays can be a challenge as we transition from a moment of rest back into a busy school or work week.  Give us the strength we need to be a bright light and good witness for you as we go about our tasks.  Let others see You in us this week.

In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen

My family had just enjoyed a few days at Disney, had returned the rental van, and had parked ourselves on benches to await our train when we heard there was going to be a delay of a few hours.  Anticipating a long, cramped ride home, my husband, my brother, my son, and I decided to leave my parents resting in the shade as we stretched our legs and explored the area.

On foot we went sight-seeing in the sleepy little neighborhood that cozied up to the tracks.  As is typical in that area of the country, each white house we saw had a handkerchief lawn with bright green grass, immaculate shrubbery, the customary palm tree, stucco exterior, and red tile roof.  Each house.  Each block.  House after house.  Block after block.  While beautiful, the absence of diversity drove me quickly to boredom.

When walking down one street we found ourselves back on the railroad tracks just one block over from the station, I spied my opportunity to end the monotony.  I could see that only track lay between myself and the station.  On one side of the track was a thicket of pines, on the other an open field.  Because no houses bordered the track, I decided that the distance between where I was with my husband and where I would be with my parents on the other end was a very safe environment in which to travel alone as a female, particularly because I was in a quiet neighborhood in broad daylight.

So, I turned to my husband and informed him that I planned to walk the track back to my parents alone and that he could continue to walk around the area with my brother and son.  Naturally, he asked if I would like for him to go with me.

Now, I always say my first full sentence as child had to be “Me do it” because I am very independent.  I assured him that I was perfectly capable of walking straight down a track for just one block all by myself.  He shrugged and replied, “Suit yourself.”

I let go of his hand and told him I’d see him in a bit and headed toward the station.  I began to walk, content and warm in the sunlight, not a care in the world.  When I was about half way to my destination, off to my right…on the side with the open field, I saw a car veer off the adjoining side road and straight into the field headed my direction.  Quickly heading my direction.  A car filled with what appeared to be at least 4  men.  4 strange men in a car headed my way….me, a tiny woman on a train track alone in a strange neighborhood with no husband by my side and no safe train station close enough to duck into.  Just me, 4 men heading my way, and the ominous, overwhelming realization that I’d wished I had not chosen to go on this journey of unknowns alone.

When suddenly, I heard just one sentence calmly spoken from just a few feet behind me in a familiar voice….the words were simply “Don’t worry.  I am right here behind you.”

As quickly as my fears of imminent danger had risen in my heart, they subsided with the sound of that reassurance.  My husband, Kevin, had decided to let me enjoy my independence—well, at least in my mind---while he devotedly followed me at a distance, there to aid me should I need him.

Earlier I had assured him that I didn’t need him.  I cannot begin to tell you how happy I was that he knew better and had kept a watchful eye on me.

Where did the car full of men go?  Why had they pulled off the road that day and into the empty field?  I do not recall.  I am sure I was so overcome with relief and the deep realization of what could have happened that I noticed little beyond incredible gratitude. 

From childhood on, I have had an independent streak.  A “Me do it” attitude.  Has that carried over into my spiritual life?  Have I tried to do things on my own without permitting the Lord to come along with me?  Have I assumed I can tackle this world alone, without Him?

What about you?  Are you plunging into unknown areas of your life and not allowing the Lord to walk alongside you?  Did you know that He not only offers to openly travel through this world by your side, He has promised never to leave you alone?

The Bible is clear, the Lord wants to help us in our time of need.  He wants to be by our side during the trials of our lives.

We cannot predict from one day to the next what we may encounter.  Fortunately, many times the unexpected can be something delightful like a visit from an old friend, or a good report from a medical test.  However, not one of us will get through this life without an unexpected, stressful event or circumstance taking us by surprise.  Perhaps it comes in the form of a health issue, or a child that is making self destructive choices.  Maybe our challenge is aging parents or a broken relationship.  Maybe betrayal by a loved one.  No matter the nature of the difficulty, the intense heat of a firey trial can be overwhelming and isolating if we try to walk through it alone.  Are you in the midst of a heartbreaking situation right now?  Are you trying to walk through it alone?  Or are you grasping the outstretched hand of the Father?

I would like to relay, as a summary, a familiar Bible story from Daniel Chapter 3:

 King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge golden statue and set it up in Babylon.  He then summoned all the important government officials to come to the dedication of the statue and they stood before it.

Then the herald  proclaimed, “Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do:  As soon as you hear the sound the music, you must fall down and worship the image that the King has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

 Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the music, all the people fell down and worshiped the statue.

 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews.  They said to the King, “May the king live forever!  Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears music must fall down and worship the statue, and that whoever does not do so will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image you have set up.”

Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and he said to them, “Is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the image I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

 The men replied to him, “King , we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand.  But even if he does not, we want you to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the image you have set up.”

 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with the men. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded  soldiers to tie them up and throw them into the blazing furnace.  So these men, wearing their clothing, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.  The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who put the three men in it.

 Then the King leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So they came out of the fire, and the government officials crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

 Then the King said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied my command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.  Therefore I decree that anyone who says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be destroyed, for no other god can save in this way.”

Do you know the One that was in the blazing furnace with these men? Though the furnace heat was hot enough to kill those near the entrance, weren’t these men of God kept safe within?  Did the fact they were supernaturally protected account for the unsinged hair and the absence of the smell of smoke on their clothes?

Did you notice that God protected them from within the fire?  He could have kept them completely out of the furnace had He chosen to…but, instead, He went into the fire with them and protected them from harm.  They did not have to face the heat alone and the evidence of God’s supernatural protection was upon them.  The complete trust the men had and their willingness to rely on faith in their trial made a believer out of a previously unbelieving king.

In my train track experience, I was able to see a Biblical truth in what God revealed to me in the events of that day.  Upon reflection I knew that I had often told God I could manage on my own, but had found myself repeatedly grateful  that He was by my side when I was unexpectantly tossed into a firey furnace.  His ever present help in my times of need came has always been as sweet a relief as hearing my husband’s words of “Don’t worry.  I am right here behind you.”

Knowing that the Lord not only wants to help you in your trials but is fully capable of protecting you from being consumed in the fire, will you permit Him to walk by your side?  Will you pray for His guidance, His presence, His help?  Will you then testify to how He delivers you from your tribulation so that your testimony might bring a non-believer into full faith in our Lord?

Father,

We realize that our sins break Your divine laws and that the penalty for our transgressions is eternal death and separation from You.  We are grateful that You sent Your own beloved Son as a sinless sacrifice for us….that His death atones for our sins….that because He paid the penalty of death with His death we are given an everlasting life.  We openly confess our full faith in our salvation through Jesus Christ.  Help us, daily, to grow in our personal relationship with Jesus, so that we will better know the One that died so that we will live. 

Thank you for your promises that we do not have to walk through this world alone.  We are grateful for the Bibilcal examples you have given to us of your mighty power to save and are humbled by the fact that even in our own lives, you give us the opportunity to personally witness Your faithfulness to us in our time of need.

It is in the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

The same Christ that is present in the Old Testament, revealed in the New Testament, and displayed in Creation is the same Christ that is interwoven in the fabric of the lives of His people today.  God is the Master of the Universe, yet cares deeply about every tiny detail of your day.  Seek the Biblical lessons He is teaching you in all of your experiences.   

Im Right Behind You ~ The Devotional from Lessons Learned in a Small T...