Tag Archives: coming to grips with reality

Hidden Blessings

As I woke up this morning, I couldn’t believe my baby girl turned 9 years old today.  Hidden by the frantic pace of life on the East Coast, lies the blessing of life, memories and time on my side.  Beyond the obvious, God has blessed me with a loving wife, 3 healthy children and a new perspective.

While I never become a famous golf course architect, successful golfer or wealthy businessman, God replaced my aspirations with things money can’t buy.  Failing to break through in the golf world, God began to steer me toward a desire for teaching.  This passion led to impacting nearly 1,000 students over a 10 year run, leaving memories that will last a life time.  Although I wish the ending was different, God had a purpose for the pain I endured, Romans 8:38-39.

Through the ups and down, God has been teaching me the “Just Ask” approach to prayer.  Though my daily scripture reading varies, I have learned to write down specific requests in my journal before going to work each morning.  To my amazement, just when I think something wasn’t meant to be, the Holy Spirit has been intervening lately, turning an ordinary day into just another blessing from above, James 1:18.

by Jay Mankus

Waving the White Flag

A sign for surrender, waving the white flag acknowledges that you have been beaten.  This clear signal indicates that you weren’t strong enough or your opponent was far superior.  Either way, coming to this point in life takes courage, with many failing to come to grips with reality.  Arrogance and stubbornness often get in the way, as history reveals the graves of soldiers who went down fighting.

In the Steven King mini series The Stand, Jamey Sheridan plays Randall Flagg, the character who reveals himself as Satan.  While the technology and special effects are lame for this 1994 production, one thing is obvious through the 4 episodes.  The lies of the devil are only effective for a limited time as even devout followers begin to question their leader.  Just as a church loses respect for a pastor who sins publicly, Satan’s repetitive schemes create doubt in the minds of those who pursue power and pleasure.  However, the only real question is, “are you willing to wave the white flag?”

Sure, everyone is raised a little different, with various beliefs, morals and values.  Yet, when you recognize you are no match, what will you do?  Will you continue to fight a losing battle or yield to the conviction within your heart?  Does the praise of others motivate you or can you swallow your pride to do what is right?  In the end, the choice is yours, Deuteronomy 30:15.  Don’t let peer pressure sway you from waving the white flag, by giving your life to Jesus, John 3:16-17.

by Jay Mankus