Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

If I were to go missing today, this is what I look like.

Good news today on this Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The wife's sister, as expected, has been confirmed to have cancer but all the early reports indicate a very positive outlook. She will need to undergo an additional surgical procedure with other steps yet to be determined. The news is answered prayer. Have those out there who are a little older noticed that we seem to have become more skittish these days? I was almost attacked by a spider earlier today only to discover it was a black twist tie that was bent and it kind of looked like a spider out of the corner of my eye. I will admit it, I jumped a wee bit but I am glad to report the twist tie has been decommissioned and I was not bitten in the process. We old people can be funny. Don't you think? I used the photo above based on a joke I heard told by Nate Bargatze. He said when he and his sibling were younger there was a rash of reported kidnappings and his parents went ahead and made photos of them and listed the vital statistics, just in case. I thought it was a funny story, however, the number of missing people these days is very sad indeed and there are new notices almost every single day. Many of them are for teens who are runaways or just missing and there are typically a few older folks who suffer from dementia and they have wondered off. Like I say, the story he told was funny, but, the reality of this situation played out in everyday life, it is both sad and serious. I remember one of our boys ran away after an argument and some disciplinary activities. The wife and I were beside ourselves. It took us several hours but we did, with the help of others, find him. He was hold up in the woods. Scary stuff. We were out of our minds for a few hours but some have been looking for days, weeks, months or longer. May God help all those who are dealing with a missing person in their lives. Amen.

 

I continue to be overwhelmed by the number of folks who take the time to read my blogs. Believe it or not, some report they have been encouraged or helped in the things they read. I am humbled by these types of responses. One of my favorite songs out of the many favorites I have is entitled, 'If I Can Help Somebody', published in 1945, by a recognized songwriter, Alma Bazell Androzzo, (1912-2001).  It has been recorded by many Gospel artists over the years and it speaks to the pursuit in life that truly matters, that being the serving and helping of others. Here are the lyrics, (Look it up on YouTube, I personally like the Gaither Homecoming version featuring Glen Payne of the Cathedrals Quartet):

 

If I Can Help Somebody

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,

If I can show somebody he is trav’ling wrong,

Then my living shall not be in vain.

 

Then my living shall not be in vain,

Then my living shall not be in vain;

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

Then my living shall not be in vain.

 

If I can do my duty as a Christian ought,

If I can bring back beauty to a world up-wrought,

If I can spread love’s message that the Master taught,

Then my living shall not be in vain.

 

Then my living shall not be in vain,

Then my living shall not be in vain.....

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

Then my living shall not be in vain.

 

Well, well. That gives us all something to work on. It does. It really does. Beginning with yours truly. That reminds me of another song, 'He's Still Working On Me'. And, He is, but, I will save that one for another day. Join us in thanking God for His provision. And, as I often say, y'all take it easy out there, you hear? May God add His blessings. Amen.