Love In Action 9/11/2022

 Good Morning,

I just sat down to write and there is a a hot cup of Door County Black And Tan Coffee warming me up on this rainy Sunday morning. 

Today I will do two things with my writing today and the first one is to remember what happened on September 11th 2001. Commonly known a 9/11 . Four coordinated suicide terrorist attacks were carried out by the militant Islamic extremist network al-Qaeda against the United States. There were 2996 deaths from that terrible attack. To this day people are still dying from injuries and dust related to the attack. My prayers are with those who survived and for those who lost loved ones on that fateful day. 

We will never forget.

My second thought of the day is to write about a friend of ours named Howard. This 89 year old guy is a member of our church and is a bundle of energy to this day. Howard is now confined to a wheel chair and has lost his sight in both eyes. But let me tell you a little bit about him. He receives a ride to church service on Saturdays and to Bible study from another loving couple who have befriended him and watch out for him. Howard still sings with a few men who lead worship at our Saturday night service. He also attends and contributes to our monthly prayer meeting. Some of you reading this were prayed for by Howard and you will never know it. He is still very lively and enjoys a good steak dinner. 

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 

What I admire most about Howard took place over many years. Howard was married to his wife Mary for over fifty years. Mary has gone on to be with the Lord  now for several years. Howard was himself a lot healthier back then. His lovely wife was crippled up and also confined to a wheel chair. Howard made sure to dress her up and bring her to church every week. As her health became worse and she needed more care than Howard could give, Mary went to live in a nursing home facility. Howard was there to visit with her every day for several years. Through good weather and bad weather he was there for her. Now and then we would all go out to a small diner and for awhile Mary could still do that. Howard was there to cut up her food and clean her face with a napkin. 

If you would spend five minutes with Howard you would know that He loves God and is a good man. Despite being blind and at the mercy of caregivers, family and friends, he still has a joke on  his lips and kind words come from him. He still builds up those he encounters. When I see Howard I see years of devotion and love when I recall how he took care of Mary.

Men, we could all learn a lot from Howard about faithfulness and attitude. When I think of all the men who influenced my life I will always have a soft spot for this image of love in action.

Marty