Reality Hits You Hard Bro!

“Reality hits you hard Bro!” says George Lindell, as he dramatically shares the events in a multiple car accident in Phoenix. His interview has become a viral YouTube video that has spread across the www (watch it below). As we laugh at his unique description of the accident he summarizes the unexpected realities of life, “Reality hits you hard Bro”.

When we are standing toe-to-toe with an unexpected life reality, the challenge can rise like Goliath towering over us. We feel threatened, insecure, anxious, demoralized, frustrated, angry, sad, depressed and probably a lot more emotions. For some the hard hitting reality might be health issues, relationship stress, family finances, unfulfilled expectations, hopes and dreams, or even consequences to our choices. I’ve felt Goliath’s stinky breath (I am sure an ancient giant Philistine doesn’t bother to brush his teeth after morning tea and toast) in all of the above. Tomorrow is the funeral of my best high school friend in Rhame, ND, Lee Brooks. He battled a rare blood disease the past couple of years and is leaving behind 3 boys about the same age as our kids. I remember Lee as an athletic, talented, witty, and loyal friend. His reality hit hard when he was training for a marathon, and he didn’t have the stamina and strength he was used to and went to see a doctor. Goliath mocked him in the doctor’s office that day.

You remember Goliath. He made his enemies tremble in fear, hide behind their tents, and silently take his mocking abuse, but there was one who rose to the challenge. A shepherd boy armed with a sling and five smooth stones. Over the past two years, the blogs from my friend, were increasingly hopeful, full of strength, humor and optimism, even while receiving debilitating treatment. His words reflected his reliance upon a true source of strength and encouragement, God. Through the love and support of family and friends and his own faith he was able to stand toe-to-toe with his Goliath. Although his body succumbed, his spirit stood strong in faith.

The shepherd boy took one small stone placed it in his sling and called out to Goliath, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand…then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands”. – 1 Samuel 17:45-47 The rest is legendary battlefield history.

Tomorrow as I remember my friend, I will remember him as a farmer boy, full of life, optimism, and courage who faced Goliath and proclaimed the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into my hands. Today in God’s presence Lee has his new eternal body full of strength and vigor and no Goliath to be seen or heard and Lee states to the defeated Goliath "Reality hits you hard Bro".

Captain Ahab & Stinging Nettles

“I’d strike the sun if it insulted me.” In the classic American novel by Herman Melville, Captain Ahab leads his whaling crew on a ill-fated mission of personal revenge against the great white evil leviathan, Moby Dick. In his steadfast resolve he stands on one leg and shakes his fist in defiance of those he loves, his crew, reason, reality, nature, and even against God. Defiance to his last breath makes Captain Ahab a tragic figure in literature.

We can see the seeds of defiance within us even at an early age. As parents we have all had our jaws drop to the floor when our two-year old looks us squarely in the eye and emphatically states “NO” back to us. Teenage years are known for testing, challenging, and even striving against anyone in authority. As adults the seed of defiance can mature into a thriving thistle covered in beautiful flowers. One painful memory I have while hiking through the vibrant mountain meadows in Northern Utah is brushing up against a Stinging Nettle. As a kid I thought I had been bitten by a rattlesnake as the pain ran up my leg or through my arm. As the pain subsided my attention moved from the beauty around me to primarily avoid any more stinging nettles. Likewise when we brush up against defiance it stings, distracts us, and we become cautious to avoid it.

What if we have a few thistles within us? If we spot a hidden thistle of defiance within us whether it is against others or even in rebellion toward God, we can pull it out through submitting to the healing, restoring grace of God our Father.

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. – 1 Peter 5:5-6

Throughout the entire Bible we find key words to align us with God’s will, purpose and plan for our lives: humility, submission, to submit, obedience, fear of the Lord, repentance, wisdom. As Captain Ahab stubbornly pursued his selfish quest, he was given many pleas, warnings and headings to redirect his misplaced passion. He ignored them all. If we listen, the Holy Spirit, our counselor, will guide us to those hidden thistles of defiance within us, and in His grace and through obedience they can be pulled up from the roots.  We can then experience the hope and love of Christ in all the meadows of our lives.