It was a coldish day on November 22nd, 1963 when I remember a sudden rush-rush everywhere. Teachers were sobbing as they rushed us 6-year-old kids to quickly get on our coats, line up, and were rushed outside. Out there, I met up with my older brother, Vincent, who was in the same school, in the 8th grade. I told him about our being rushed out and the teachers crying, and he told me the president had been shot. It was a day where things in the USA changed. The respect for authority was gone. It would mark the beginning of break downs, with more to come.
On September 11, 2001, the USA had another major breakdown. The world would never be the same after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers. My youngest brother worked at one of the towers and he usually changed his entrance schedule with his boss alternating between getting there at 7 and at 9. That day, he was to arrive at 9 when he saw one of the planes flying low overhead. Thankfully, he was a block away when it all happened.
Ours is a broken-down world, not just in buildings and deaths of leaders, but in morals, communication, dignity and respect for human life, as well as in relationships with others.
Has your life come toppling down lately? Like a giant tower, has every “floor” toppled after several bad experiences? Let’s see, you lost your job? You fell behind on the rent? Your schmucky boyfriend dumped you for the bratty blonde? Oh, you’re the bratty blonde?! Sorry. The nose job doesn’t look so hot? Oh, it was a bloody nose caused by…
Regardless, breaking down can be a good thing; heck, even a great thing. It won’t seem it at the moment, but it is. To everything, there is a time and a purpose. When our lives break down, it’s normal. We can’t escape them. And while we don’t condone terrorism, the actions God requires from us are: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
As individuals and nation, we tend to allow pride to reign over us. There are many things we need to break off. God tells us to break off the horoscopes, the psychics, the witchcraft, the drinking, the gambling, the illicit affairs, the lying, the cheating, etc. (Deuteronomy 18:10-13). Let me break it down for you: This is your time to break away from bad experiences and break down the walls you have put up that separate you from God; namely, sin. Read it!
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).
You do want to see His face and be heard, right? Tune-in next time!
Sam
PS Listen/watch This World by Caedmon’s Call. The world offers plenty; just not what we need. Break off with the world.