Strange Dream

I woke up this morning, a weird and strange dream on my mind. I had dreamt that I was with a few people and one of my younger kids inside a huge church. Darkness spoke over and over again. Not in voice, but in impressions. I spoke back to the evil as I felt its attempt to shame me and accuse me of past wrongs I had committed. I admitted the wrongs and silenced the evil. I woke up. At first I was concerned that others would think different of me, until I confessed.  The darkness had no hold over me in my confession.

Identity

In the early 80's a mini-series was produced called, "The Winds of War." I and several sailors were chosen to be a part of the Pearl Harbor attack. We traveled by bus to Long Island, California. On site they put us in costume and told us where to stand. Some had officer's clothes on, some regular sailors. I witnessed a transformation right before my eyes. Those that had put on officer's clothes took a superior role.

I think about that when I consider identity. As a young boy I didn't have an identity and worked hard to get one. I never liked what I came up with. Then someone introduced me to Jesus. From that point on I knew who I was and whose I was. I am secure in that.

Emotions

A feeling came over me. One that could be described as deep sadness. At first I didn't understand my emotions. I scanned my mind as to why I would feel that way, then I remembered the book I was reading: Redemption by Karen Kingsbury. It's a story of a married couple. He has an affair and gets caught. The beginning of the book goes into great detail describing the emotions each feels. I was truly amazed at how Karen and co-author Gary Smalley was able to bring such a depth to a story, one so deep it caused great sadness in me, even beyond the pages.

I wonder how much more our Creator is emotionally hurt by human weakness.

Reflections

I listened to the K Love radio program this morning. They talked about the most visited cities for a vacation. Charleston, South Carolina was named one of the top spots to visit. We use to live in a superb of Charleston called Summerville.

When we lived there, we visited a few attractions, like Fort Sumter, but I didn't get the full impact. Reason: I was too much into what was happening at the present time. I allowed the Navy to fill my every thought.

What if I chose to enjoy life at that time. I would have many more memories of a rich culture. I can't do anything about the past, but I can learn and make right now richer.

Freedom & a Multi-Millionaire

Howard Hughes, a multi-millionaire.

He was born on Dec 24th, and since it wrecked his mother's body, he would be an only child.

His mother had a germ phobia, always bathing him and keeping him isolated. His father was absent. Howard became a hypochondriac in order to get attention. Faking illness became a norm.

At the age of 19, Howard sued and became an adult in the eyes of the law. He then went on to buy out the tool company owned by his father and then became a millionaire.
It has been said that America would have lost World War II had it not been for the medical facilities he built.

He had everything and yet he died of dehydration, neglect and starvation.

He did not have freedom.

"Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Jesus