I’ve been accused of being a “Pollyanna”. Apparently, my outlook on life is incredibly optimistic and I am usually looking on the bright side of things, rather than grumping about or wallowing in misery or self-pity. I don’t tend to worry about things, which can drive some people who are close to me rather crazy. Even if things are looking bleak, I usually say with a smile, “eh, things always end up working out the way they’re supposed to" or "everything will be just fine”.
I recall almost eight years ago, September 11, 2001 - the day of the terrorist attacks. It was crazy. Non-stop news coverage. People were completely freaking out. Kids were pulled out of school by their parents. No one wanted to leave their homes.
I went to lunch with my best friend. The terrorists wanted to induce panic. It worked…but not on me. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.
Some folks called me cavalier and un-feeling. This was not the case. Of course I was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction of property…I was exceedingly saddened by it. I prayed for the souls who never made it home from work that morning or who never made it to the airport in their destination cities. I mourned the loss of the feeling of security that we as Americans had felt for so many years. However, I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t worried.
On the contrary! I walked with my head up and went about my life. I knew the secret!
Well, it’s not much of a secret. Not really.
You see, the thing that I knew then that kept me feeling secure - and what still holds true today - is that I know who’s really in charge. I have the security of knowing that because I am a baptized child of God, no matter what happens here on earth, I’ll be fine. It will all work out in the end.
I recall what St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
And:
“Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
That’s the key! If you remember to put on your armor…you’re golden! It’s like that television commercial for insurance…you’ll have a big umbrella covering you! To quote Alfred E. Newman, “What, me worry?”
Nah.
'Cos I know the secret!
I recall almost eight years ago, September 11, 2001 - the day of the terrorist attacks. It was crazy. Non-stop news coverage. People were completely freaking out. Kids were pulled out of school by their parents. No one wanted to leave their homes.
I went to lunch with my best friend. The terrorists wanted to induce panic. It worked…but not on me. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.
Some folks called me cavalier and un-feeling. This was not the case. Of course I was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction of property…I was exceedingly saddened by it. I prayed for the souls who never made it home from work that morning or who never made it to the airport in their destination cities. I mourned the loss of the feeling of security that we as Americans had felt for so many years. However, I wasn’t scared. I wasn’t worried.
On the contrary! I walked with my head up and went about my life. I knew the secret!
Well, it’s not much of a secret. Not really.
You see, the thing that I knew then that kept me feeling secure - and what still holds true today - is that I know who’s really in charge. I have the security of knowing that because I am a baptized child of God, no matter what happens here on earth, I’ll be fine. It will all work out in the end.
I recall what St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
And:
“Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
That’s the key! If you remember to put on your armor…you’re golden! It’s like that television commercial for insurance…you’ll have a big umbrella covering you! To quote Alfred E. Newman, “What, me worry?”
Nah.
'Cos I know the secret!
"You know it ain't no use banging your head up against that cold stone wall. Cause nobody's perfect, except for the Lord, and even the best bound to fall. Remember He is de vine, and you are de branch. He'd love to get you through it if you'd give Him a chance. Just keep doing your best, and pray that it's blessed, And Jesus takes care of the rest." ~ "He'll Take Care Of The Rest" by Keith Green (For Him Who Has Ears To Hear, 1977)
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