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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Threefold Cord (04/12/12)
I mean no disrespect for those who have a genuine, physical handicap. And the comments I am about to make should in no way be seen to minimise the difficulties they face. Indeed, the truth is that many of them handle life better than those of us that have no handicap at all. But that brings me to the point I want to make.

You see, another truth is that many of us work under handicaps of emotional creation that we don't even realise are crippling us. Let's face it, life can throw some real strange curve balls at us, many of which were thrown when we were children and didn't know how to handle them. Abuse, violence, temper, alcohol, sexual immorality; this is just a short list of the ways in which many of us have been pummelled into living our lives in an emotional wheelchair.

How do you overcome this? How do you take a life that has been one of constant struggle, beaten down time after time, and then expect it to have a good marriage, healthy kids and a positive faith?

Please don't misunderstand me here. I'm not trying to paint hopelessness onto the canvas of your minds or to turn over your pleasant tables of happy family meals. I'm just posing some honest questions; because the truth is that many people still live on a canvas that is a picture of the graphic history they have lived. And others have not had very many happy meals in their entire life. And if you don't think these people exist, you must have a blindfold on.

Here's a reality check for you, many of these people not only exist but live in your neighbourhood; maybe they even attend your church. They could even have kids who are attending the same school as yours; but sadly kids don’t only learn at school, and these particular kids are also learning some very strong home based lessons that may well cripple them in life too.

Now, maybe this portrait of life is not yours. But then again, maybe you can make an honest statement that goes something like this, "Thank you Lord for being a part of my life and healing those areas that once crippled me."

Now, if you are saying that, then there is a reason why you can say it. You have invited Jesus into your life. The love of the Father, through the doorway of the Son, has sent the comfort and teachings of the Spirit and helped to turn your life around. You are bound by the three fold cord of the Godhead to the promise of eternity, and to the constant work that They are performing in your life here and now.

My prayer is that everyone reading this can offer that gratitude. But if that is true, then I want to suggest that you should ask yourself this question, "How can I help others to come to the same place of thankfulness?"

According to the Strong’s concordance the word ‘angel’, G32, means “a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication a pastor: - angel, messenger.”

Do you see what this is saying? If you bring a message of hope, light and truth into someone’s dark and struggling life, then you are in the role of an angel. And what is even more exciting, is that the Holy Spirit and His real angels would even be there, helping in the spiritual battle.

Do I believe in angels? Yes I do. But I especially love to see the band of earthly angels who are learning to tie sailor’s knots. Through love, acceptance and grace, they are using the Three Cords to bind others to the heart of The Father, through the deliverance of the Son, by the teachings, comfort and healing power of the Spirit.
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This article has been read 1110 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Genia Gilbert
04/20/12
Your article points out the pain in people's lives well, and also points to the right help for the pain. It made me think, and that's good.
Laura Manley
04/20/12
Excellent analogies; excellent words by which to live. I am impressed with your work; it causes the reader to think and this is good to make challenges. Good job!
C D Swanson 
04/20/12
Wow - this entry is packed with sentiments that will resonate long after the reader finishes the story!

Good job with metaphors, and explanations that will have the reader pause and reflect.

Great job. God Bless~
Verna Cole Mitchell 
04/22/12
Emotional wheelchair presents an excellent picture for your comments.
Lillian Rhoades 
04/22/12
There are so many great points to ponder in your piece, but I felt it was weak on structure. Thank you for bringing up the subject. In my opinion, it's a topic that needs to be more in the spotlight.
Allison Egley 
04/22/12
Nice job.

I would have reworked the beginning a bit... Starting out by telling your readers what you DON'T mean isn't a great hook.

There are some great reminders here. Good job.
Donna Wilcher
04/22/12
This is a powerful message, and one I can relate to on so many levels. Those emotional wounds and injuries, if not healed, can be just as crippling as physical ones can be.

I love your message of hope and healing only found in God.

He has come to set us free; spiritually, emotionally and physically! Praise God!

Laury Hubrich 
04/23/12
I work with lots of high school kids that have been thrown these curve balls but who will use that for an excuse their entire lives. So, as you say, they will live in an emotional wheelchair. I love this analogy but it's also so sad. We try to help them learn to rise above their circumstances, and many times, they just don't get it. Great thoughts here.
Grace Merkey
04/23/12
This is a good thought. Our physical, mental and spiritual health are closely entwined. Angels are created beings, different from humans, I believe.
Jody Day 
04/24/12
Very nicely done. Spot on the target for theme, compelling and thought provoking. Thanks you for a nice read.
Allen Povenmire
04/25/12
An interesting article that certainly made me think. Well written and right on topic. Good job.
Catherine Maher
04/25/12
I love your analogy. Reminds me of Joni, who is handicapped yet freer than most of us in her service to the Lord.
The beginning sounded a little preachy, maybe you could be more creative at the very start to take away any defenses some might feel when reading.
Being thankful is such a need in this era. Thank you. Good work!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
04/26/12
This is a lovely sermon. I could relate to it in many ways. I am disabled and have been unable to do much physically. I have also suffered abuse that no one can see the scars but God.

My main comments would be you don't need the disclaimers like the first sentence or to tell the reade that you're about to make a comment. Just state your views. Some may find this as a lecture tone about it. You can avoid that by changing the words you to one. Even better tell it from the first person. Instead of saying How do you overcome this you could say How did I overcome this? By relating it to a personal POV whether it be you or someone else say a friend this makes it easier for the reader to connect.

You made some outstanding points. I think many people will be able to relate to it personally or through someone close. I especially liked the ending and the definition of an angel. It is a great metaphor for your point of view.