Remembering Challenger

Challenger
(by R.P.Edwards)

Down to earth

My feelings fall

From the heavens

From the "call"

From the promise

Hopeful flight

From the Day

Into the Night

Standing, Cheering!

Now sadness

Pain

So much fear

To fly again

But wait! O children

Look up and see

The dream lives on

In you!

In me!

Though mourning folds

Our eagle wings

With thoughts of those

No more to sing

But listen, now

And hear them say

No more restrained 

By mortal sway

"Rise up! Rise up!

Spread wings and fly!

Your dreams for fuel

Your compass, "Why?"

Striving!

Searching!

Working!

Go!

Beyond the limits!

Beyond the know!

And ne'er again

Shed tears for we

O, children, rise!

And boldly BE!

And know that death

Is but a door

So, while you breathe

Do more!

DO MORE!"

It was thirty years ago, today. I was sitting in some sort of class having something to do with my Broadcasting major at Fresno State (btw, I work in a steelmill, at least for another day). Anyway, Dr Monson, who was pretty white to begin with, poked his head in the door with a facial skin tone that was whiter still. He told us the Space shuttle, Challenger, had exploded.

Christa McAuliffe was the civilian "teacher" among the crew. It was a promo type thing; having an educator on board would help support the space program and give young minds a nudge in the direction of the hard sciences. How tragic when the thousands of television screens turned on for the big event, showed instead that disaster is always in the wings.

I'll not go on other than to briefly mention the other crew members, ALL of which I honor today. Using the above photo, we'll go from the top left on (including Christa). A link will give you some more info.

Ellison S. Onizuka

Christa McAuliffe

Greg Jarvis

Judy Resnik

Mike Smith

Dick Scobee

Ron McNair

Found another blog I wrote on the subject five years ago. A slightly different take: 
To touch the face of God

****

For Noah

Noah

(by R.P.Edwards)

Noah sleeps

In Jesus' arms

Safe from danger

Safe from harm

Free from terror's 

Bitter take

No more pleading 

Tears to make

And with a kiss

And warm embrace

He wakes to see

The Savior's face

Then gentle words

And all is joy

As love surrounds

This little boy

And to those who mourn

And rightly should

Tormented by 

The "Why?" and "Could?"

As waves of grief

Relentless roll

And sadness smothers

Heart and soul

Remember, dear ones

In your pain

Though Noah died

He lives again

And by the Savior's side

He waits

To take your hand

When you awake  

Noah Chamberlin, a precious little two year old, went on an outing with his grandmother and four year old sister. The grandmother turned away for a moment...and he was gone. A week later, after extensively searching the area, his lifeless body was found. No foul play is suspected. It was a "tragic accident."

Death and mourning are all around us. The coworker, the neighbor down the street, the long-distant friend; acquaintances all; and, when they pass, or one of their loved ones moves on, we "all," to some degree or another join in the sadness.  But, with Noah's plight, and eventual resolution; well, this one caused a heart-wrenching grieving in this writer's breast (though momentary). And why? Because in my life I have an intimate relationship with a two-year old boy; my grandson. And, the thought of him lost, alone, frightened, crying, pleading in the darkness until he succumbs to the elements is almost maddening. I can only imagine what his close relatives are, and have been going through.

Having said that; it is my understanding that his family members are people of "faith," as am I. And, although I do not ascribe to the theology that "everything" that happens is God's will; I DO believe the Lord can make good of bad things that occur.  And, if I may, I know: I KNOW! that Noah lives. I KNOW that he is well, and joyful, and delighting each moment in the presence of the Savior. And, as the grieving runs its course, let us not forget that Jesus, when walking among us, was quick to take the small children in His arms. And that He hasn't changed. And, to get to my point: Noah has made the journey to heaven quicker than most, but the journey beyond this "flesh" is an eventuality for all. And, as those who loved him most dwell on the TRUTH that their little boy awaits them, I pray their comfort may be shared with others and that their determination to see him again, is made even more sure.

One more thing: "knowing" is what makes the death of a loved one so difficult. Imagine then the Creator's grieving when those He loves (for He intimately knows ALL) are given no worth. Let us pray then, as many as love Him, that we begin to see ALL others...with HIS eyes. 

"For God so loved the world..."

(from John 3:16)

****

36 weeks; the barbarism of the Left

36 weeks

(by R.P,Edwards)

36 weeks

Almost there

That is, if mother

Cares to care

For one child, her arms

Await your fill

The other pays more

To have you killed

Just a short blurb on the subject (since I yoyo back to it so often).

Went to my local abortion clinic a few days ago. A lot of business. One, a "not so sure" woman, was gently intercepted by a ministry that has been in the baby-saving business for a couple decades now.

The "abortion-bound" agreed to a free ultrasound and, upon a little sound-wave producing light, a baby in the neighborhood of 36 weeks gestation was revealed! The child will live.

Just another case of the barbarism that masquerades as enlightenment. How utterly debased are those who tout their sophistication and supposed benevolence and yet support and enable the slaughter. Like the polished and perfumed southern aristocracy who drank their mint-juleps as their "property" wallowed in the shadows, so is the left. Sadly, as in the South before the blood-letting known as the Civil War, many Bible believers (and there were many) chose to block out the scriptures that spoke of the possibility of natural freedom to go along with the "equality" that comes with belief in the redeemer.

It is my hope that at least in the coming election the "Christians" will rise above their fleshly predispositions and vote for liberation. And, if one is a Christian and married to the Democratic party; then get some godly candidates to fill that glaring void of conscience. 

PS 36 weeks, or 3 weeks: The magnitude of the crime is no less. It is only more visible.

****

Iowa stand

Inspiration

(by R.P.Edwards)

"From where does inspiration come?"

Asked the apprentice, midst his chores

As he watched the artist shape the stone

A masterpiece...and more

The kindly elder paused, and turned

To meet the child's gaze

 "For the greatest inspiration, lad,

Begin with prayer and praise."


Iowa stand
Iowa do
The nation needs a heartland
And the nation looks to you 
Iowa speak
Iowa say
"I stand for God and country
And I know no other way.
I stand for God and country
And I know no other way."

(From "Iowa stand")

A man can only give what he has been given. My simple offering, contribution, for this troubled time is a simple song called, "Iowa stand." It's an encouragement for the caucus goers of the Hawkeye State to coalesce around a strong, qualified candidate who shares their values; former governor, Mike Huckabee.

However, having said that, this "song" is apolitical in that no "candidate" is mentioned in it (although the video gives a gentle nod). It is, rather, an appeal to a significant portion of this Heartland state to use their influence to help America remember, and return.

There is much more that can be said, but let me conclude by saying; I began this piece with a poem about inspiration. Dear reader, I believe it applies here. I take no credit for any good that comes from the melody and verse; for I think the Lord is in it (I'm sure others will strongly disagree; such is America). It's quick construct and execution seemed to be "more than me." And, if that is indeed the case...I hope the blessing continues.    

****

 

 

Pomp and Circumstance circumspection

Graduate

(by R.P.Edwards)

Recognition

For work and way

A needful notice

Of you this day

But remember, madam

Remember, gent

Your talents, gifts

From God

Are lent

Your toil was long

And hard

And dear

Your perseverance

Brought you here

And we salute you

Madam, gent

But your strength and breath

From God were lent

So celebrate!

On this, your day!

As cap and gown

Are stored away

Then turn your steps

Yes, turn and do

Bring forth the harvest

Sown in you 

But remember often

 As decades go

And OTHERS reap

From what YOU know

Remember, finally

 Madam

Gent

Your precious life

From God

Was lent

 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge 

(Proverbs 1:7)

Attended a graduation ceremony recently. An undergraduate degree was awarded to a loved one and it was celebratory and yet somber at the same time. Celebratory; for great effort and tireless pursuit were needed to lift this weight along with the others already placed securely upon the shoulders. Somber; because of my mourning over the rudderless state of the vessel that welcomes the innocents and schools them, for years, in the bastard art (pardon me) of navigating with a broken compass.

Yes, it's a God thing again. Absolutely fundamental. The recognition of the greater SOMEONE. Of Nature's God, the Creator, the Supreme Judge of the World, Divine Providence (Jefferson's words). A Higher Learning that bows the knee and does not aspire to godhood. That's what it USED to be, and still is in lessening numbers (I speak from imperfect knowledge). And so, these PC Petri Dishes continue to introduce and grow infectious cultures that are then injected into society and, since elites bond with elites, places of power--in particular--and we all--by extension--are sickened. And oh, how we reek of rebellion and recklessness and rot.

However, trying to be less of a faultfinder (I know, too late), I did feel a swelling with the playing of the traditional graduation march, Pomp and Circumstance and, although God was not officially recognized in the celebration, I could tell from some of the words spoken that His influence was apparent. AND, since this is the Midwest, the ROTC had an honored place as well.

Conclusion: I DO have hope for academia. But it will begin with a spiritual revival. I shall pray towards that end.

****

Jihad; abortion is not an option

Hope Clinic, Illinois

Cordial Killing

(by R.P.Edwards)

Cordial killing

Nice and neat 

Until the Lord

Our judgment metes




When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them
(Koran 8:12)

¹⁷ Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
(Romans 12:17,18)

And so you see the difference. For "we" believers, who like some divine "backing" for our religious actions, the two writings above show the stark contrast between Biblical Christianity and Koranical (is that a word?) Islam. I'll side with the one that doesn't advocate killing.

However--and this is more along the lines of the lead-in poem--I was recently pondering our peculiarities when it comes to death and its administration. The setting: our local abortion clinic (shown above). Unusually warm for this time of year, business was good. Yes, a lot of folk coming to remove the in-utero inconveniences before Christmas and New Years. Some saints on the sidewalk were singing, praying, pleading, preaching. Believers on the other side were escorting the "clients" to the executioner's layer. For the most part, all was low key, predictable, repetitious.

So I mused a bit about the obvious: If the "radicalized" (devout, rather) Islamists wanted simply to kill Americans, then becoming an abortionist would be the way to go. Good pay. Respect in certain quarters. And only a few harmless barbs from "them" to deal with.  But, as their "book" instructs, "terror" is the thing. Terror motivates. And, as I observed, there was no terror on the lot this day. Murder, yes. Terror, no.

Conclusion? I never advocate terrorist-like activity, but, until Americans start to actually understand the evil that is abortion (like our ancestors who finally saw the light on the slavery issue) and let their passions rise a bit, I don't see much change happening. Cordial killing will continue unabated, week after week after bloody week. But, don't expect it to make the evening news any time soon. That slot is reserved for those pesky, unconventional, terror-desiring Jihadists.

**** 

 

The Real Fix

 Evil fruit

(by R.P.Edwards)

Evil comes

And we're surprised

We plant it all the day

So when it grows

And bears its fruit

There's nothing 

We can say


Righteous exalts a nation, 
but sin is a disgrace to any people
(Proverbs 14:34)

The story behind the above headline: Republicans offering "prayers" of support and sympathy is not even close to being a "fix" when it comes to preventing massacres, such as just happened in California.  So, what IS the solution? More gun control.

What a crock. You see, I look at this with the eyes of a "believer" of a different stripe. Rather than the "murder is good" inclinations of the followers of the prophet; I follow the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. And, the volume that tells of Him (revered in times past before the "new" religion of secularism took hold) warns of consequences when a nation turns its back. Of course, God was not the author of the tragedy, but since we have so little time for Him, the bad stuff that is the opposite of Him...can be expected to show up more often.

So, were the "prayer" requests and offerings by republican political celebs in line? Of course! Events like this that remind us of our inadequacies and frailties SHOULD push us to our knees; to the place of reaching for the true helper and healer.

But, when it comes to those whose hands drip with the blood of the unborn and whose moral endorsements are anti-god, when they offer clueless criticism of the deity and those who would seek Him, a scripture comes to mind:

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness;
Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
And clever in their own sight!

(Isaiah 5:20,21)

****