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".