Out of my past I can still see the faces. I hear the mumbling of voices as I close my eyes and allow my mind to visit that brisk, autumn day so many years ago. I remember how cold it was as the sun was setting behind the rolling hills far in the distance. The clouds, a deep reddish-pink, gave us hope that tomorrow would be a better day.
As my fellow comrade and I huddled close together in the hole that we had dug, commonly referred to as fox hole, we found ourselves talking about past, childhood experiences and what we wanted to be when we grew up. We talked about the fun times that we had growing up in the same neighborhood, attending the same school and riding the same bus. We did everything together. We were inseparable, because we were best friends. But now we were watching each other’s back like it was our own.
We knew the rules of engagement and what our abilities were. Secure in these abilities we knew that under no circumstances would we ever go beyond what was allowed in combat. We always performed our duties with dignity and the utmost integrity. We were, as some called us, a couple of good ole boys.
Catching up on old times, reminiscing the past, we lost sight of our flanks. We failed to notice the activity just beyond the top of the knoll, when suddenly without warning; gunshots rang out that echoed through the trees. I heard, “I’ve been hit!” But the words were coming from my own mouth. As I fell backward to the ground I caught a glimpse of my buddy out of the corner of my eye. My heart went out to him as he groaned and gasped next to me. They had moved in so quickly that we didn’t have time to raise our weapons to counter the attack and return fire.
As I lay there with my eyes straight ahead, I could see three figures moving slowly and cautiously toward us. The shortest of the three stood above me and leaned over a bit looking deep into my bloodshot eyes. We were paying the price for our lack of vigilance. The rifle that he carried was as tall as him. As he smiled I could see a silver cap on his front tooth as it glistened in the light of dusk.
What was he going to do? Was he going to take us prisoners, or finish the job that he and his group started out to do? As he raised the barrel toward my head I could faintly hear my name being called in the distance. I paid little attention to it as I contemplated my next move, which was to reach for my pistol that was snuggly tucked into the holster at my side. Again I heard the voice calling, but this time it was more pronounced and bold, “Dennis, come home!” Finally, I screamed at the top of my lungs, “Coming Mom!” It was my mother calling me for dinner. My playmates and I would have to finish this battle another day.
Childhood memories are many and full of adventures—some good; some bad. The memories of my mid-twenties are certainly not worth dwelling upon, because I was running with the wrong crowd; riding my Harley Davidson for all it was worth in a pack of other riders; looking for trouble.
These aren’t fond memories, nor do they represent what I hold dear. They are just that; memories. I will not give those days any recognition or glory by writing about them, because they were sad and restless days. I wanted to belong and feel apart of something. I felt lost and undone; looking for myself without too much success. The things I was doing and places I frequented were not conducive to my search for happiness. The peace I desired was beyond the temporary counterfeits that Satan was supplying.
I’m glad God’s grace rode with me and protected me from serious harm. I believe He saved me for a purpose. One important purpose is to share helpful thoughts with you, through my writings, what God gives me in my quiet times with Him. I want to impress upon my readers that God is bigger than any problem that comes our way.
(1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” vs.7 “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
When I gave my life to the Lord and He took me out of the sinful environment that I was stuck in, He gave me insight that one day I would do a work for Him that my mind could not comprehend or conceive of at that time. Step by step He has led me in several areas of ministry through the years, but this ministry of giving to you God’s inspired thoughts, and Bible scriptures pertaining to these thoughts, is amazing and lovely!
Each morning I get up and hurry to my computer to see how many people have found my blog. I am touched each day to see the number of souls that God is bringing to it. Individuals in countries around the world are finding me. Tears are filling my eyes as I type, because I see the fulfillment of what God spoke to my heart years ago; the work He had planned for me.
If I could encourage one person and help them find their way to Jesus, I will have fulfilled God’s plan not only in my life, but theirs. There is nothing more important than finding Jesus and making Him Lord of our life.
More writings will come, and the rest of God’s plan will be revealed to me as I walk by faith and allow Him to direct my path. It is wonderful to be His hand extended to a world that is looking for answers. (John 14:6), “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
In that God saved my soul through Jesus His Son, and blessed me with the born again experience, I found the peace that only God gives. He then gave me the desires of my heart. He blessed me with my soul mate and three wonderful children. I enjoyed every moment of their growing up; watching them play cops and robbers; cowboy and Indians; and yes, army, just as I had done in my youth. I thanked God then and I thank Him now for the new life I have in Jesus Christ. He has blessed me abundantly.
As I watch my grandchildren play, I smile; recognizing the innocence that children represent, and remembering the love that Jesus showed in (Matthew ). “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ ”
I praise God for saving my soul when He did. I’m happy that the bad memories of rebellion are few and far between, because of the love that God showered upon me one night when I knelt by my bed and cried out to Him for help. He was there, waiting. I am truly blessed!
God’s blessings can be yours if you repent of your sins and invite Jesus into your heart. He will give you new direction and abundant life like He did me. Just try Him; you won’t regret it. Just bow your head; and say these words: Dear God; forgive me of my sins. I invite you into my heart. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and bring peace to my soul. I will live for you and tell others of your wonderful mercy and grace. Amen
Congratulations! I’m proud of you! The angels in heaven are rejoicing! God has adopted you into the family of God. You are now His child. He is responsible for you and loves you dearly. Wow! You are a born-again-Christian. It was that easy. God bless you!
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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