When Daddy died, I thought, “What about our family gathering around Mamie’s table?” The picture had been so real; I couldn’t believe it wouldn’t happen. Pleasant memories with extended family had created expectations I was not to realize.

Mamie’s dining table held a Southern feast whenever we gathered. Fried chicken, homemade biscuits with melted butter and sweet tea. We drove an hour after church to my maternal grandmother’s house for Sunday dinner. Even though I didn’t linger around the table, the magic of family laughing and enjoying one another affected me. (Read More)

Larry was small growing up, but his older brother, Ron, towered above his peers. Larry didn’t fear bullies because he knew Ron was feared by any potential tormentor.

Did you know that you have a fearsome big brother who protects you? I shudder for those who pick on God’s kids because God has promised to settle the score (Genesis 12:3; Romans 12:19). (Read More)

The apostle Peter slept soundly the night before he was to stand trial before cruel King Herod. If anyone had reason for a sleepless night, Peter did. James, a fellow member of Jesus’ select twelve disciples, had just been martyred by Herod. His death had pleased the Jews, which pleased Herod so much he arrested Peter. To protect his prize, Herod had set up four squads of four soldiers each. Peter had no human hope of escape (Acts 12)!

God loves last-minute rescues! In Peter’s case, He sent an angel who had to whack resting Peter on the side to rouse him. For Old Testament Joseph, He sent a caravan when his brothers were discussing how to dispose of him. For young Mary, pregnant with Jesus, He sent an angel to clarify Joseph’s misunderstanding and stop him from divorcing her (Matthew 1:19-20). (Read More)

“You’re beautiful!” I overheard a woman entering church say to my friend. My friend really is beautiful and looks years younger than her age. Later she asked, “Who is that woman?” indicating the lady who’d complimented her. “I like her.”

Last week, I shared how a stranger’s, “You’re ugly” comment stung Larry. The above newcomer’s “You’re beautiful,” had the opposite effect. These simple two word sentences affected the hearers long after they were said. Each sentence began with “You’re” but ended with an opposite adjective that produced diametrically different responses. The power of a single word! (Read More)