Now More Than Ever || A Devotion || Happy Independence Day...Late!

Okay, so this was supposed to go up on the 4th…that didn’t happen 😉 Hope you can enjoy it anyway 😊

Happy Independence Day! As you are reading this, I am probably over at the Denton Farm Park, giving historical tours at the Reid Plantation! It’s one of my favorite times of the year, getting to share the truth about History, address long believed Myths, sell books, and pass out FBN information! And of course, I always look forward to meeting and talking to our veterans who come through with their families. Last year, I was privileged to speak with a policeman from a neighboring community. We talked for about two hours (it was a slower day 😉), and we just had a wonderful time talking about History, police stuff, and our Savior’s goodness to us. Today, I want to share about a few conversations I’ve had…and how they matter, now more than ever.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
King James Bible

We often say as Christians, “Nothing happens by chance.” Every conversation happens for a reason, though sometimes we can totally blow it. But God has placed us in certain places at certain times for such a time as this. It’s up to us to take those opportunities.

A few years ago, I was on break at the Thresher’s reunion, getting some Italian Ice. I struck up a conversation with the woman helping at the stand, and somehow, I’m not sure, we got to talking about Creation Science. She had a child in school who was facing a lot of pressure from her teachers to embrace evolutionary doctrine, and she refused to back down, bless her. So I was able to help the mom figure out some ways she can give the teachers the answers they want on her tests while making it clear how she believes.

We talked about how evolution is a loud and proud proponent of racism, and I mentioned that it is also the only leg abortion has to stand on. Many people don’t agree with the topic of pro-life, but I’m so glad I spoke up because she had a story to share. Praise the Lord, she didn’t abort her baby, and she thanks God daily for helping her stay strong and raise her little blessing wrought through tragedy.

Another year, a young veteran came into the plantation to talk with us. He told us about his time in Afghanistan and how he was so glad to be back in the states but regrets nothing about serving his Country.

Still another time, a patron asked me why I was happily preserving the History of a racist cause. I kindly was able to tell them I was doing nothing of the sort, that the War Between the States had nothing to do with racism. We had a lovely conversation; they left with a smile on their face and some truths to pass along to their friends.

I still remember a dear black lady coming in and talking with me about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad and how North Carolina was such a big part of helping with the route. We were able to come together as fellow Americans, enjoying History, coming from different angles on the subject, and learn from each other. She knew I loved the Confederacy, but she didn’t care! We had a wonderful time!

Still, another black family toured the plantation and thanked me for preserving Southern History. “Everyone’s heritage is important; North, South, Black, White, American, and beyond. We all have a right to preserve our History. How else are we to learn from it?” Truer words are rarely spoken on the subject.

Why am I telling you this? Why am I sharing these stories?

Because now, more than ever, we need to hear them. If I was politically correct, I should have told that woman to embrace evolution and that keeping her child had disadvantaged herself and the child. According to the World, I should have told that soldier he had no right to occupy a foreign country and “force” morality on them. When talking to those dear fellow Americans, I should have begged forgiveness for “racism” I never had a part in.

But I didn’t.

Now more than ever, we need to tell the truth. We need to show how anything is possible when you seek to make a difference with compassion and kindness. Kindness goes a long way. I could have rudely told the man that asked me if I was racist that he was stupid for thinking the war was all about slavery. Would that have done any good? No. And just because he was confused doesn’t make him stupid. It’s not his fault that people he should be able to trust lied to him.

Now more than ever, people need to see that we don’t have to be mean just because we don’t agree. Now more than ever, we need to understand that just because we come from different ethnic backgrounds doesn’t mean we have to fight (and that more often than not, we don’t fight. That just doesn’t get headlines.)  Now more than ever, we need to support our military and our Police Force. They are not the enemy. They are the heroes. A bad apple is an exception, not the rule, just like in any other honorable profession.

Now more than ever, we need to remember where we came from and the price that was paid for us to be where we are today, a free people. Do you know who James Armistead is? How about Desmond Doss? Are you familiar with Charlie Colson? George Washington Carver? Pvt. Sam Davis? Chris Kyle? Cesar Rodney? Sybil Ludington? Cotton Mather? Phyliss Wheatly? D. L. Moody? The Tuskegee Airmen? Weary Clyburn? True heroes of freedom and faith, most of them. If you don’t know these names, I encourage you to look them up.

But most importantly, we need to share the good news of the Gospel with those around us. Regardless of race, religion, nationality, age, or gender, everyone deserves a chance to hear about Jesus. Share His unbounded Love! His marvelous Grace! His unending Forgiveness! Tell them how He gave His life so that everyone could be saved and live with Him in Heaven! Tell them the Truth! Give them hope! Share it with Boldness! Reflame your vision for the Lost! Fight for their souls! Be the voice of reason in the cacophony of misplaced emotion. Shine your light for Christ!

Have a Blessed Day!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22