Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: RED (02/01/18)
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TITLE: Scarlet Letters from Heaven | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
02/07/18 -
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I cannot say when dear Pook vanished. It might have been a gradual leaving, or maybe all of a sudden. He disappeared, and a baby brother moved in to cry all night and send me running for cover.
As with all humans, life happens. Broken family, many moves, and too much responsibility meant adulthood swept in prematurely. With little focused guidance or proper direction, it was difficult not to stumble or make stupid decisions. In blessed retrospect, now I can see clearly that flags of caution were everywhere along my winding path.
How did I miss the red alerts that were as obvious as a field of crimson poppies waving in the breeze on a bright day, or as conspicuous as a beautiful Cardinal perched on a snow-laden branch?
Why couldn’t I spot warning signs that would have kept me from rushing headlong down wrong roads? Somehow, that particular color blindness inherent in our youth makes us miss some of those niggling flags meant to slow us down, while old age and experience seem to bring into focus that unique 20/20 hindsight.
The truths we desperately need on life's journey can become covered by worldly facades of tinsel and false promises, and we miss the boat. Tiresome symbolic expressions aside, something of profound importance has recently been revealed to me in a new and precious way.
I have another friend I cannot see with whom I can sing and talk and ask endless questions. The camaraderie and constant communion are sweeter than a million imaginary pals. He ALWAYS has been there, but because my vision was often blurred, His presence was not as exquisitely real as it is now. He is in every heartbeat and breath.
As Christians, we know that when our Savior physically left, He promised to send the Comforter. I have respected that and embraced the idea, but Father, Son, and Holy Spirit seemed more like a divine memorized list that rolls out of our mouths for a three-pronged balance to our brand of theology.
The truth is when we open our eyes and honestly see that He’s real (and right here), it’s profoundly and sweetly different!
Metaphorical red flags, red lights, stop signs and detour instructions present themselves as nagging feelings to tell us things are not exactly copacetic, and we may need to fine-tune a few things along our personal paths to stay in God’s will.
Some warnings are blatantly apparent and when ignored have dire consequences. Trauma, drama, and sadness come crashing in, and many forget that wisdom tried to intervene but was ignored. For example, we know that alcohol and driving do not mix, nor drugs and good sense, nor promiscuity and finding God’s best for us. And yet…
As I listen to inspired teaching by a Canadian minister on the absolute reality of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling in followers of Christ, a warm security-blanket kind of comfort settles over and around me. I am that trusting child again with my very best friend that I cannot see. He gives me advice and clarifies my confusion as we laugh and get through the day and night. We walk and talk in the garden when that lovely dew is still on the roses.
I have learned to read and heed those red letter alerts He nudges me to see that keep me on the right path. The best part is, He will not disappear, and He most certainly is not imaginary! He has been there all the time.
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John 14:26 (NLT)
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
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