I wrote this for a book Karen and I did before my Dad passed away. If you want to know more about him, we have posted a video with a few of our thoughts about him.
Karen likes the picture. I like the picture as well, but not really for the verse it illustrates. I’d better explain that before she takes after me.
I’m not into living, but thriving. I’m not into surviving, but flourishing. I’m not into seeing what I can take, but taking what I can see. Don’t get me wrong; the picture is good because it shows a broken piece of deadwood standing against the onslaught of a relentless ocean.
We spent hours watching the pounding surf and I can’t understand why that log is still standing. But it’s making the most of what it has left. It’s no longer a living piece of a vibrant organism, easily bent by the prevailing winds. It stands when it shouldn’t and is one of the most prominent pieces of timber on that stretch of beach. It’s not what it once was; yet it still stands.
It sort of reminds me of my Dad. He’s been stripped of much of the life he has been recognized for. The disease attacked his speech and swallowing and breathing and has caused him to live much more in isolation.
He can’t even take communion or else he’ll choke on the emblems. How debilitating is that for a teacher and preacher – someone
who has used his gifts to build community?
I’ve seen Dad at low times and I know his high times are a far cry from anything he once had. Without a miracle, he’s not long for this world. Still he stands.
He doesn’t stand as a beautifully gnarled piece of driftwood on the beach. Physically he can’t do what he once did. He’s stripped raw in the natural. Spiritually though, he is still a giant among men. I’ve spent hours with him and I marvel at his unconquerable spirit.
I guess the picture can illustrate the verse well. I’ll need to apologies to Karen for my earlier comments. It’s not a matter of what we see, but rather what God perceives in us. Our role in life is easy. As Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were told: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you”. (2 Chronicles 20:17)
We stand because Christ stands: By his truth. In his righteousness. Sharing his good news. Protected by well-placed faith. Weilding the word correctly. That’s how Dad stands.
Do you feel like you’re on sand? STAND!
