A city burns and blame is cast with hot, molten anger,
seasoned with self-righteousness and smothered with pat-answer arrogance. The verse that comes to mind when assessing
the trigger and reaction that have contributed to this horrendous mass meltdown
is this: “…the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Justice is lost when anger rules. Justice cannot be enforced by anger, nor can
it be recovered by it. Righteousness is
only enforceable when reasoned restraint is applied. Self-righteousness and entitlement easily
lend themselves to lawlessness and disorder.
The Bible calls us to “Come. Let us reason together.” If we fail to “Come to the river” we will
surely, “jump into the fire” and, eventually all be consumed. God have mercy on our land.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Monday, April 27, 2015
The New Ranger School Challenge
The New Ranger School Challenge
The Army's decision to open Ranger School to women has stirred many emotions, prompted much discussion and exposed many opinions. As I have had my own emotions, observed many discussions and come to a point of opinion on the matter, I have considered sharing some of my thoughts with people I trust and respect. I love the Army. I was born into the Army community and I was shaped by its values and traditions. That love and breeding have caused me to give attention to the issues of importance that have been of concern within the Army family. Because of that love, It is with humility and sincerity that I share the following thoughts, offering them not as a political statement and definitely not with any intent to be divisive. It is that love that has compelled me to take the risk of speaking out on one the Army’s most historic, barrier crashing decisions of its existence – the decision to open one of its most legendary and demanding centers of training - The US Army Ranger School – to women.
As I pondered this issue, I reflected on other ground breaking decisions the Army has made in the recent historic past to open new doors of opportunity for women. I remember during my childhood, when my father was a very seasoned Airborne NCO, when the first two women graduated from the US Army Airborne School. In the midst of some grumbling and adjustment in the Airborne community, I was particularly struck by my parents' reaction. My mom celebrated the idea as a great achievement, while dad simply quoted a time honored Jody Cadence to make his opinion known: "If I was President and had my way, there wouldn't be a Leg in the Army today! More paratroopers means less legs - good for the Army, good for me!" Over time, the service academies opened their doors to women. I didn't particularly like the idea, an opinion that I wrestled with to some extent until reporting to West Point on Reception Day. After the first semester of my Plebe Year at West Point, while on Christmas Leave, a family friend asked me what I thought of women at the Academy. I opened my mouth to answer when her daughter, who was like a little sister to me, responded, "Aw come on Ma, you know he hates it!" Her answer bothered me because there was empirical evidence that I had observed that women were holding their own at West Point and many were excelling. Reflecting on my own Academy record, almost everybody in our class was academically doing better than me. Relationally, I was welcomed, accepted and respected by the classmates who were women that I had the privilege of knowing. Many of these women, like many of our male classmates, were amazing athletes – a point brought to my attention with some good-natured humor by one male classmate who is now in Heaven. During a discussion of women at West Point he mused, "So Sam, what was your Obstacle Course time?" My time was not nearly as fast as the excellent times of several classmates who had smoked the course and were women. It was becoming clearer to me that my perspective needed adjustment!
My perspective was sharpened even more regarding the matter of women in military service by my own short-comings as evidenced in my separation from West Point. This failure, and my parents’ encouragement in the midst of some deep soul searching, caused me to take a look at how I placed value on myself and others. I came to understand that If I allowed my failure in a pursuit, as compared to a woman’s success in a like pursuit, to call my manhood into question, or even allowed a mutual success to cheapen an accomplishment, THAT attitude would truly speak poorly of me as a person and denigrate the worthy accomplishments of other persons, as well. This wisdom gave me the freedom to celebrate the victories of others, to be all they could be, while pursuing my own path to be all that I could be.
So what does that perspective have to do with women in Ranger School? These lessons have helped me to look more closely at the merits of an issue beyond personal preferences, and to see what opportunities might exist in a scenario my prejudices might have prevented me from seeing. The current combat experiences of the men and women serving our nation are affording us the opportunity to reevaluate just who is fit to fight. The demands of the global war on terror have exposed many of the accomplishments of women in combat - accomplishments that strongly call for a revisiting of the roles of women serving in the Profession of Arms. The Havok Journal and the ABC News Show “Nightline” widened the circulation of the accomplishments of women in combat operations by showcasing the book “Ashley’s War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield” written by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. In his review of “Ashely’s War,” Leo Jenkins captures the deep cultural and strategic importance of the accomplishments of these special warriors by saying,
“For some, I believe this book will be an informative and entertaining look at the relatively new role of women in special operations. However, for those with the capacity to read deeper, it is history in motion. Never before have we had such a front row seat for the changing of a cultural tide. Ashley’s War highlights a long overdue paradigm shift, one where over half of our population finally gains the ability to access a corner of the world that previously had a “No girls allowed” sign affixed. With precision accuracy, this book shows the merit and value of women in direct action capacity as well as a special operations role.”
The times have changed. The requirements of what is required to defend the nation have broadened. The nation and the Army not only has much to gain from the women who take on the challenges of training like Ranger School, the nation needs women bold enough to step up to such demanding service. Just as with their male counterparts who go beyond the call of the average soldier, the women who take on the challenge of Ranger School will gain experience, knowledge and grow in leadership in a way that will benefit them and every organization to which they belong, just as the women and men who have taken on the challenge of West Point have benefited from the West Point experience and have benefited others, whether they have graduated or not. Those who oppose giving women access to such training must look deep within and make sure they are not merely defending tradition or upholding prejudice while overlooking the benefits to the military mission by opening the doors of the Army’s toughest school. It is important to realize that such steps by definition bring changes. Ranger School will be changed by the presence of women, just as the Jump School and the Academies were changed by their presence. It is also important to understand that these changes do not necessarily mean that the changes will make the program easier or of less value. By comparison, I have yet to hear any man or woman define their West Point experience as an easy one or one that had diminished value because it was coeducational. Has the experience changed and is it different than it was in years gone by - yes. But is it easy or has it lessened in significance? Absolutely not!
Of course, we must ensure that as changes are made, nonetheless, standards are maintained, readiness reinforced and that special units remain special in capabilities and strength! The dangers of today’s world, and the diversity of the threat, has made it undeniably apparent that there is a need for a diversity of rugged, qualified soldiers, both male and female, who have what it takes to function as special operators. In response, the nation’s fighting forces must ensure these women and men have the best training possible. There may be numerous ways to satisfy these needs. The testimonies of those who have defended the nation in contemporary times, in the complex battlefield of today, strongly support the Army’s action to offer Ranger training to women. It is my hope that we can look at the benefits, continue to creatively broaden training opportunities, and give the folks who are special, a chance to shine and reach their maximum potential, regardless of their gender. Even in the failures, lessons will be learned, character built and Army leaders strengthened. The Marines may have looked for a few good men, but the Army of today needs men and women of excellence, to carry out its mission in the years ahead. I have no doubt that by the time of the Graduation of Ranger Class 6-2015, whatever its composition, Rangers will still Lead the Way!
Respectfully, Sam Jackson
The Army's decision to open Ranger School to women has stirred many emotions, prompted much discussion and exposed many opinions. As I have had my own emotions, observed many discussions and come to a point of opinion on the matter, I have considered sharing some of my thoughts with people I trust and respect. I love the Army. I was born into the Army community and I was shaped by its values and traditions. That love and breeding have caused me to give attention to the issues of importance that have been of concern within the Army family. Because of that love, It is with humility and sincerity that I share the following thoughts, offering them not as a political statement and definitely not with any intent to be divisive. It is that love that has compelled me to take the risk of speaking out on one the Army’s most historic, barrier crashing decisions of its existence – the decision to open one of its most legendary and demanding centers of training - The US Army Ranger School – to women.
As I pondered this issue, I reflected on other ground breaking decisions the Army has made in the recent historic past to open new doors of opportunity for women. I remember during my childhood, when my father was a very seasoned Airborne NCO, when the first two women graduated from the US Army Airborne School. In the midst of some grumbling and adjustment in the Airborne community, I was particularly struck by my parents' reaction. My mom celebrated the idea as a great achievement, while dad simply quoted a time honored Jody Cadence to make his opinion known: "If I was President and had my way, there wouldn't be a Leg in the Army today! More paratroopers means less legs - good for the Army, good for me!" Over time, the service academies opened their doors to women. I didn't particularly like the idea, an opinion that I wrestled with to some extent until reporting to West Point on Reception Day. After the first semester of my Plebe Year at West Point, while on Christmas Leave, a family friend asked me what I thought of women at the Academy. I opened my mouth to answer when her daughter, who was like a little sister to me, responded, "Aw come on Ma, you know he hates it!" Her answer bothered me because there was empirical evidence that I had observed that women were holding their own at West Point and many were excelling. Reflecting on my own Academy record, almost everybody in our class was academically doing better than me. Relationally, I was welcomed, accepted and respected by the classmates who were women that I had the privilege of knowing. Many of these women, like many of our male classmates, were amazing athletes – a point brought to my attention with some good-natured humor by one male classmate who is now in Heaven. During a discussion of women at West Point he mused, "So Sam, what was your Obstacle Course time?" My time was not nearly as fast as the excellent times of several classmates who had smoked the course and were women. It was becoming clearer to me that my perspective needed adjustment!
My perspective was sharpened even more regarding the matter of women in military service by my own short-comings as evidenced in my separation from West Point. This failure, and my parents’ encouragement in the midst of some deep soul searching, caused me to take a look at how I placed value on myself and others. I came to understand that If I allowed my failure in a pursuit, as compared to a woman’s success in a like pursuit, to call my manhood into question, or even allowed a mutual success to cheapen an accomplishment, THAT attitude would truly speak poorly of me as a person and denigrate the worthy accomplishments of other persons, as well. This wisdom gave me the freedom to celebrate the victories of others, to be all they could be, while pursuing my own path to be all that I could be.
So what does that perspective have to do with women in Ranger School? These lessons have helped me to look more closely at the merits of an issue beyond personal preferences, and to see what opportunities might exist in a scenario my prejudices might have prevented me from seeing. The current combat experiences of the men and women serving our nation are affording us the opportunity to reevaluate just who is fit to fight. The demands of the global war on terror have exposed many of the accomplishments of women in combat - accomplishments that strongly call for a revisiting of the roles of women serving in the Profession of Arms. The Havok Journal and the ABC News Show “Nightline” widened the circulation of the accomplishments of women in combat operations by showcasing the book “Ashley’s War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield” written by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. In his review of “Ashely’s War,” Leo Jenkins captures the deep cultural and strategic importance of the accomplishments of these special warriors by saying,
“For some, I believe this book will be an informative and entertaining look at the relatively new role of women in special operations. However, for those with the capacity to read deeper, it is history in motion. Never before have we had such a front row seat for the changing of a cultural tide. Ashley’s War highlights a long overdue paradigm shift, one where over half of our population finally gains the ability to access a corner of the world that previously had a “No girls allowed” sign affixed. With precision accuracy, this book shows the merit and value of women in direct action capacity as well as a special operations role.”
The times have changed. The requirements of what is required to defend the nation have broadened. The nation and the Army not only has much to gain from the women who take on the challenges of training like Ranger School, the nation needs women bold enough to step up to such demanding service. Just as with their male counterparts who go beyond the call of the average soldier, the women who take on the challenge of Ranger School will gain experience, knowledge and grow in leadership in a way that will benefit them and every organization to which they belong, just as the women and men who have taken on the challenge of West Point have benefited from the West Point experience and have benefited others, whether they have graduated or not. Those who oppose giving women access to such training must look deep within and make sure they are not merely defending tradition or upholding prejudice while overlooking the benefits to the military mission by opening the doors of the Army’s toughest school. It is important to realize that such steps by definition bring changes. Ranger School will be changed by the presence of women, just as the Jump School and the Academies were changed by their presence. It is also important to understand that these changes do not necessarily mean that the changes will make the program easier or of less value. By comparison, I have yet to hear any man or woman define their West Point experience as an easy one or one that had diminished value because it was coeducational. Has the experience changed and is it different than it was in years gone by - yes. But is it easy or has it lessened in significance? Absolutely not!
Of course, we must ensure that as changes are made, nonetheless, standards are maintained, readiness reinforced and that special units remain special in capabilities and strength! The dangers of today’s world, and the diversity of the threat, has made it undeniably apparent that there is a need for a diversity of rugged, qualified soldiers, both male and female, who have what it takes to function as special operators. In response, the nation’s fighting forces must ensure these women and men have the best training possible. There may be numerous ways to satisfy these needs. The testimonies of those who have defended the nation in contemporary times, in the complex battlefield of today, strongly support the Army’s action to offer Ranger training to women. It is my hope that we can look at the benefits, continue to creatively broaden training opportunities, and give the folks who are special, a chance to shine and reach their maximum potential, regardless of their gender. Even in the failures, lessons will be learned, character built and Army leaders strengthened. The Marines may have looked for a few good men, but the Army of today needs men and women of excellence, to carry out its mission in the years ahead. I have no doubt that by the time of the Graduation of Ranger Class 6-2015, whatever its composition, Rangers will still Lead the Way!
Respectfully, Sam Jackson
Thursday, April 23, 2015
You can't be serious! Christians have to love Isis?
Questions have arisen and push back has occurred in response to my statement that followers of Jesus should love our enemies, even Isis. Let me state that my love towards Isis, our enemy, is not to be mistaken with approval or naive wishful hope that if we just think positively, everything will turn out okay. My heart is inextricably riveted to the promotion of justice and the protection of the innocent. Though I set my mind many years ago to "study war no more" in my personal vocational pursuits, I did not adopt the philosophy of pacifism. I believe that the Scriptures teach that governments field armies and law enforcers for the purpose of protecting nations from evil doers, with the justified use of deadly force when called for. I still posses a warrior's heart and a military mind, yet those characteristics have been willing submitted to the call of the ministry and constrained by the love of Jesus Christ. He calls me to hate the sin but not the sinner. He also has given me the freedom to be angry at evil yet not to sin in my anger. That freedom demands that I use all the holy resources at my disposal to combat evil, which means I must resist personal hatred towards people and yet with unfettered energy direct holy anger against the deeds of evil doers, calling those who are authorized to awaken from their slumber and to do their duty to put down those who would prey on the innocent. It is a challenging balance and a taxing burden. But in the words of the old hymn, "I can hear my Savior calling, "Take thy cross and follow me." For me, that cross involves preaching, teaching and advocacy against evil, rousing those with other callings which include the implementation of deadly force, to take their positions as those called to wield the sword. I respect those who voice the difficulty of this position. Nevertheless, all followers of Christ must count the costs of discipleship and maintain the standard of having earnest Jesus-like love for our enemies. Even as the sword is wielded in opposing their aggression we must pray for their change of heart, their turning from evil and their adoption of the salvation that cleanses the heart and changes the direction of lives. This is our standard. This is our call!
Opposing Terror As a Follower of Jesus
As a follower of Jesus, I am committed to live my life in full devotion to God, loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I am likewise called to love all others as I love myself, even my enemies. Loving someone who has by their own word identified themselves as one's enemy does not mean standing by idly while they commit atrocities that are unconscionable. For that reason, I believe the time has more than arrived for all people who love good and hate evil, to at the very least, speak out regarding the endless slaughter of people who refuse to bow to the will of ISIS. This week, more Christians were killed by the ISIS onslaught, not because they were actively engaged in combat against ISIS, but because they refused to bow to ISIS, pay tribute to ISIS or renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. I was particularly moved by the words of Coptic Christian Bishop Antonios, who issued the following statement, which appeared on another website, speaking on behalf of the Ethiopian Church regarding this evil action:
"[W]e continue to look at these events with the eyes of faith. The chain of martyrs has not finished, and will accompany the whole history until the end. Christians do not seek martyrdom, they want to live in peace and joy. But if martyrdom comes, it is comforting to see that it can be accepted with the same peace which was accepted by the Copts who pronounced the name of Christ and they relied on Him as they were being slaughtered. The Church has never complained of martyrdom, but has always celebrated martyrs as those in whom, while they are being killed, the great and consoling victory of Christ shines."
What a powerful testimony! Sharing the way of the Cross, which calls Christ followers to resist evil, yet to remain composed, courageous and resolute when evil rails against us! I love my enemies enough to not sit by silently while they decimate whole cities, countries and regions! I believe we must stand with our courageous persecuted sisters and brothers in prayer and advocacy! We must speak out against the great evil that is causing such pain and terror! We must spur our government to action and persuade all nations who truly value justice to stand against anyone who would force their will and their ways on others by the sword.
Let us pray for peace, but let us also work for justice and not be known as the generation who silently ignored a holocaust by submerging themselves in entertainment and self-absorption. Consider what you should do in response to this greatest evil of our generation. As for me and my house, this communication is just the beginning!
"[W]e continue to look at these events with the eyes of faith. The chain of martyrs has not finished, and will accompany the whole history until the end. Christians do not seek martyrdom, they want to live in peace and joy. But if martyrdom comes, it is comforting to see that it can be accepted with the same peace which was accepted by the Copts who pronounced the name of Christ and they relied on Him as they were being slaughtered. The Church has never complained of martyrdom, but has always celebrated martyrs as those in whom, while they are being killed, the great and consoling victory of Christ shines."
What a powerful testimony! Sharing the way of the Cross, which calls Christ followers to resist evil, yet to remain composed, courageous and resolute when evil rails against us! I love my enemies enough to not sit by silently while they decimate whole cities, countries and regions! I believe we must stand with our courageous persecuted sisters and brothers in prayer and advocacy! We must speak out against the great evil that is causing such pain and terror! We must spur our government to action and persuade all nations who truly value justice to stand against anyone who would force their will and their ways on others by the sword.
Let us pray for peace, but let us also work for justice and not be known as the generation who silently ignored a holocaust by submerging themselves in entertainment and self-absorption. Consider what you should do in response to this greatest evil of our generation. As for me and my house, this communication is just the beginning!
Opposing Terror As a Follower of Jesus
As a follower of Jesus, I am committed to live my life in full devotion to God, loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I am likewise called to love all others as I love myself, even my enemies. Loving someone who has by their own word identified themselves as one's enemy does not mean standing by idly while they commit atrocities that are unconscionable. For that reason, I believe the time has more than arrived for all people who love good and hate evil, to at the very least, speak out regarding the endless slaughter of people who refuse to bow to the will of ISIS. This week, more Christians were killed by the ISIS onslaught, not because they were actively engaged in combat against ISIS, but because they refused to bow to ISIS, pay tribute to ISIS or renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. I was particularly moved by the words of Coptic Christian Bishop Antonios, who issued the following statement, which appeared on another website, speaking on behalf of the Ethiopian Church regarding this evil action:
"[W]e continue to look at these events with the eyes of faith. The chain of martyrs has not finished, and will accompany the whole history until the end. Christians do not seek martyrdom, they want to live in peace and joy. But if martyrdom comes, it is comforting to see that it can be accepted with the same peace which was accepted by the Copts who pronounced the name of Christ and they relied on Him as they were being slaughtered. The Church has never complained of martyrdom, but has always celebrated martyrs as those in whom, while they are being killed, the great and consoling victory of Christ shines."
What a powerful testimony! Sharing the way of the Cross, which calls Christ followers to resist evil, yet to remain composed, courageous and resolute when evil rails against us! I love my enemies enough to not sit by silently while they decimate whole cities, countries and regions! I believe we must stand with our courageous persecuted sisters and brothers in prayer and advocacy! We must speak out against the great evil that is causing such pain and terror! We must spur our government to action and persuade all nations who truly value justice to stand against anyone who would force their will and their ways on others by the sword.
Let us pray for peace, but let us also work for justice and not be known as the generation who silently ignored a holocaust by submerging themselves in entertainment and self-absorption. Consider what you should do in response to this greatest evil of our generation. As for me and my house, this communication is just the beginning!
"[W]e continue to look at these events with the eyes of faith. The chain of martyrs has not finished, and will accompany the whole history until the end. Christians do not seek martyrdom, they want to live in peace and joy. But if martyrdom comes, it is comforting to see that it can be accepted with the same peace which was accepted by the Copts who pronounced the name of Christ and they relied on Him as they were being slaughtered. The Church has never complained of martyrdom, but has always celebrated martyrs as those in whom, while they are being killed, the great and consoling victory of Christ shines."
What a powerful testimony! Sharing the way of the Cross, which calls Christ followers to resist evil, yet to remain composed, courageous and resolute when evil rails against us! I love my enemies enough to not sit by silently while they decimate whole cities, countries and regions! I believe we must stand with our courageous persecuted sisters and brothers in prayer and advocacy! We must speak out against the great evil that is causing such pain and terror! We must spur our government to action and persuade all nations who truly value justice to stand against anyone who would force their will and their ways on others by the sword.
Let us pray for peace, but let us also work for justice and not be known as the generation who silently ignored a holocaust by submerging themselves in entertainment and self-absorption. Consider what you should do in response to this greatest evil of our generation. As for me and my house, this communication is just the beginning!
Opposing Terror As a Follower of Jesus
As a follower of Jesus, I am committed to live my life in full devotion to God, loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I am likewise called to love all others as I love myself, even my enemies. Loving someone who has by their own word identified themselves as one's enemy does not mean standing by idly while they commit atrocities that are unconscionable. For that reason, I believe the time has more than arrived for all people who love good and hate evil, to at the very least, speak out regarding the endless slaughter of people who refuse to bow to the will of ISIS. This week, more Christians were killed by the ISIS onslaught, not because they were actively engaged in combat against ISIS, but because they refused to bow to ISIS, pay tribute to ISIS or renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. I was particularly moved by the words of Coptic Christian Bishop Antonios, who issued the following statement, which appeared on another website, speaking on behalf of the Ethiopian Church regarding this evil action:
"[W]e continue to look at these events with the eyes of faith. The chain of martyrs has not finished, and will accompany the whole history until the end. Christians do not seek martyrdom, they want to live in peace and joy. But if martyrdom comes, it is comforting to see that it can be accepted with the same peace which was accepted by the Copts who pronounced the name of Christ and they relied on Him as they were being slaughtered. The Church has never complained of martyrdom, but has always celebrated martyrs as those in whom, while they are being killed, the great and consoling victory of Christ shines."
What a powerful testimony! Sharing the way of the Cross, which calls Christ followers to resist evil, yet to remain composed, courageous and resolute when evil rails against us! I love my enemies enough to not sit by silently while they decimate whole cities, countries and regions! I believe we must stand with our courageous persecuted sisters and brothers in prayer and advocacy! We must speak out against the great evil that is causing such pain and terror! We must spur our government to action and persuade all nations who truly value justice to stand against anyone who would force their will and their ways on others by the sword.
Let us pray for peace, but let us also work for justice and not be known as the generation who silently ignored a holocaust by submerging themselves in entertainment and self-absorption. Consider what you should do in response to this greatest evil of our generation. As for me and my house, this communication is just the beginning!
"[W]e continue to look at these events with the eyes of faith. The chain of martyrs has not finished, and will accompany the whole history until the end. Christians do not seek martyrdom, they want to live in peace and joy. But if martyrdom comes, it is comforting to see that it can be accepted with the same peace which was accepted by the Copts who pronounced the name of Christ and they relied on Him as they were being slaughtered. The Church has never complained of martyrdom, but has always celebrated martyrs as those in whom, while they are being killed, the great and consoling victory of Christ shines."
What a powerful testimony! Sharing the way of the Cross, which calls Christ followers to resist evil, yet to remain composed, courageous and resolute when evil rails against us! I love my enemies enough to not sit by silently while they decimate whole cities, countries and regions! I believe we must stand with our courageous persecuted sisters and brothers in prayer and advocacy! We must speak out against the great evil that is causing such pain and terror! We must spur our government to action and persuade all nations who truly value justice to stand against anyone who would force their will and their ways on others by the sword.
Let us pray for peace, but let us also work for justice and not be known as the generation who silently ignored a holocaust by submerging themselves in entertainment and self-absorption. Consider what you should do in response to this greatest evil of our generation. As for me and my house, this communication is just the beginning!
Monday, March 30, 2015
Getting up for the 1001st Time!
The last 3 to 4 years have presented Luz and me with
challenges that have not been easily detected by visual observation but that
tested us emotionally to the core. There are a variety of ways one might choose
to deal with such tests. While the Lord
provided us with much strength and determination to overcome, I found that I
did not have enough energy emotionally to manage all areas of my life well. I
found that slowly and steadily my physical fitness began to decline until I found
myself in a state of being that was not at all satisfactory. If I was going to overcome, I had to make a
few decisions.
I had to first determine to get back in the saddle and
endure what was certain to be a rough ride back to fitness. I have generally been a lifelong practitioner
of physical fitness with a few unauthorized hiatuses along the way. This last hiatus had been very costly. I began my journey back late last year after
Luz and I celebrated our 25th Vow renewal. Everything about the return was painful and
unpleasant. By the time 3 months had
passed and I had my annual physical, I had barely reached the shape I had been
in a year before, which was still very much characterized by being out of
shape. I took that as a significant
warning bell that could not be ignored.
So, I pressed on. Now after
another 3 months, I can feel and see progress.
Not the progress of an infomercial with drastic, “no sweat” before and
after results, but real progress based on consistent, faithful, hanging in
there commitment to a process. It’s not been
a particularly exciting, interesting or pleasant process. It has been sometimes hard, mundane and
taxing. Yet, so many important facets of
life are made up of elements which are hard, mundane and taxing, yet beneficial
and fruitful. I don’t look or feel like
a 20 year-old but feel pretty good for a fellow in his early 50’s.
Why am I sharing this?
Because I have been encouraged and inspired by others who share their
journeys and struggles yet hang tough and exude joy and confidence all along
their challenging journeys. They are the kind of folks who live by the axiom, “You
may fall down 1000 times, just make sure to get up 1001!” I also share because I rejoice in having
grasped a hold of the grace of God which doesn’t count my failings against me,
but endows me with a renewed spirit that is extended to me by faith, giving me
hope, endurance and the power to press on.
Romans 5:1-5 says,
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
How does this apply to the situation I am sharing? Because of
the benefits of faith, I can stop worrying about my challenges but rather enjoy
God’s peace. That peace allows me to
truly grasp the reality of faith, which brings joy and hope even to the point
of rejoicing even if I am suffering knowing my character is being developed and
from that process of maturity, hope and love overflow as powerful by products
of God’s work in me. Therefore, when
challenges seem to overwhelm, I don’t need to drop out, I can instead, regroup,
refocus and press on in faith with joy and peace of mind in the midst of life’s
struggles and storms.
It is my hope that if you find yourself in a personal
struggle that has you feeling whipped and knocked out of the race, you’ll bet
back up, dust yourself off and begin your comeback with resolve and
determination, knowing that God has not abandoned you, but rather has given you
all you need to start afresh and press on with courage, dignity and
victory. The battle will be long, and
the progress may be slow but as we enter holy week, I ask you to remember this
encouraging word from Hebrews 12,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Hang tough and press on, knowing that Jesus endured and
prevailed for our benefit. The fruit of His ultimate victory continues to
manifest itself wonderfully as people of faith continue to endure and overcome,
having embraced the love and hope that comes through faith in Him! I am continuing to learn this lesson and hope
that my learning serves as an encouragement to others among you who struggle
too! Keep getting up. Keep pressing on!
Grace, mercy and peace to you all in this most holy season!
Your friend and brother,
Sam Jackson
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