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

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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)

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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.

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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.    

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