Tom's Good News

Wind and Spirit

Christy and I had an inspiring time on Mission Jamaica. Working hard in the heat was also very exhausting. Fortunately, they gave us the last two days for rest and reflection, and we needed both.

On our last day, we decided to cross two things off our bucket list, parasailing and sailing on the ocean. If you look closely, this picture from the beach captures both activities, and no the sailboat wasn’t pulling the parasail. They were very different experiences, but the common thread was the excitement and power of the wind.

First, we went parasailing. When they took us out, the wind was blowing strong from the east. When we got far from the shore they turned the boat into the wind. Then we put on harnesses and they hooked us up to a parachute. The wind lifted us up, and we would have blown away if not for the rope attached to the boat. They let out more rope and we rose so high the people on the beach looked like insects. Parasailing was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life.

Then we went sailing. We waded out and climbed into the sailboat. The pilot deftly adjusted the sails turning the boat out to the ocean. The wind quickly filled the sails and soon we were speeding across the waves. Each wave showered us with sea water. Sailing was also a thrilling experience, and both ended too soon.

Since then I have had a lot of time to think about the joy and exhilaration of those events. As I said, they shared a common thread of the excitement and power of the wind. The Greek word used for “wind” and “spirit” is “pneuma”. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “wind” and “spirit” is “ruakh”.

The strong wind lifted us up and powered us forward just like the Holy Spirit can empower our lives. For the Spirit to work we must climb on board with God, get connected, and trust God for the ride of our life. Our life must be turned the right way toward God, and sometimes we must adjust our sails to go in the right direction following God’s will, and yet again it takes courage and faith to enjoy the ride.

We can sit on the beach and watch all the joy and excitement pass us by, or we can join in. Imagine all of us sailing and parasailing in the winds of the Spirit. With God that is possible. I will see you in church. Remember, God loves us more than we can ever imagine, and I love you too!

Tom

Driven Forward by a Dream

Meet a new friend of mine from Copse, Jamaica. I met him when I went to work at an orphanage in a remote area of Jamaica. He inspired me with his engaging smile and positive attitude despite his being severely handicapped from birth by Spinal Bifida.

He is a former resident of the orphanage where many found a home when they were case aside by their families. He is one of the few that has left the orphanage and assumed an independent life. He lives in a small home nearby, and comes to visit the other children and teachers daily.

He was inspired and encouraged by the teachers and workers at the orphanage to follow his dreams and not wallow in his shortcomings. With his natural talent in art and handicrafts he has developed a business making jewelry and artwork. He also designed two coloring books filled with pictures of the residents of the orphanage.

I share this story, because I saw the light of God’s love shine through his smile. His faith and perseverance are wonderful examples of how to reach our potential despite our challenges. He was drawn in and driven forward by a dream of a better life. He made more than artwork and jewelry, as he moved around on his motorized wheelchair he made others hopeful as he shared faith and encouragement to others.

His witness reminded me that despite the challenges we face, we still have much to offer, and dreams can be fulfilled. Obstacles become opportunities to show the power of God working in our lives. Dreams become destiny, as we surrender ourselves to God’s purposes.

I have a dream of people loving and respecting each other. I have a dream of people growing in their understanding of God and deepening their relationship with God. I have a dream of people serving God and sharing God’s love with one another despite our differences.

What dream does God have for us? What will we do to be drawn in and driven forward by God’s dream? I believe in God’s dream, and in God’s power and love to make it come true.

Keep the dreams alive. I will see you in church. Remember, God loves us more than we can ever imagine, and I love you too!

Tom