Dana's Christian Journey

Since the day we brought John Turner home from the hospital in March of 2004, he has always had fans in his corner. Our church, our neighborhood, our school, Terri’s family, her first husband Roger… it has always amazed us. Nearly all our neighbors once went to the ballpark to watch John play little league baseball. We took up a whole section of the stands and cheered loudly.

It was no different this week for his high school graduation. Terri, her husband Daniel and many from his extended family, Roger, John’s brother Nick and sisters Blake and Lisa, his best friend Isaiah, his favorite waitress at the local Waffle House…. and of course, we were there. Susan fought back tears most of the evening. We are all so proud. This fall John has decided to wrestle at the junior college in Iowa we recently visited. So many of you have prayed for John over the years and we ask that you continue… as life tends not to get easier.

It was a beautiful ceremony at the football stadium in Foley, Alabama as around 350 students reached an important milestone. Two brief speeches were given by the president and vice president of the senior class. The vice president was of Hispanic descent and closed his talk with a beautiful prayer, praising God and asking Jesus to direct all his classmates into the Father’s purposes. The full stadium, made up of black, white, Hispanic, and Asian citizens said ‘Amen’ at the close.

God only knows the faith of each individual, but the entire evening I felt He was being honored. When the graduates tossed their caps into the air and the music played, it seemed as if everyone was proud of everyone. On the field, differences of skin color or social status did not matter, all were hugging, shaking hands, and celebrating the moment. I know there is no perfect high school or perfect town, but it just seemed the prayer of the young vice president set a tone. We need God in our midst.

Jesus, the hope of the world, lives in the hearts of those who believe in Him and receive Him as Lord and Savior. He is the hope of glory… and He is in our midst.

“God’s plan is to make known His secret to His people, this rich and glorious secret He has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.” Colossians 1:27 (Good News Translation)

This time each year our family has a flurry of birthdays. Macy turned a big 5 this week; my mom celebrated her 88th birthday on Mother’s Day; and my brother Delane turned 60 on April 30th.

I guess I should finally admit Delane was the best athlete in the family. He won many honors in the city as a high school football player, but when age 60 arrives, you’ve got to find other passions. For several years Delane has written poetry. He usually just shares his poems with loved ones, but recently he self-published a second collection.

Of course our mother thinks he is another Robert Frost, just like she thinks I am another C. S. Lewis. We both try not to let her praises go to our heads, but it is hard.

For almost four decades Delane has worked with teenagers and young adults who struggle with mental illness. He knows the huge needs families face and the challenges in our society to provide help. I am proud of his life and the way He points to God as our true Helper.

Here’s a recent poem entitled: ‘I Used To’:

I used to get up early,
And go to my favorite spot,
With my trusty rod and reel,
With hopes of catching a lot.

An old man with gray hair,
Who fished on the nearby dock,
Would calmly field my questions,
And say, ‘Cast over by that rock.’

‘Patience is very important,’
Was his advice most days,
‘Not only in fishing but in life,’
He would wisely say.

I am the old man now,
With years of fishing past,
Passing on that same advice,
To youngsters as they cast.

You will catch more fish,
If you wait on them to bite,
And better handle problems,
Being patient throughout your life.

Pray that God will give you patience,
And He will graciously supply,
All that you faithfully ask,
On that you can rely.

“My child, if you take My words to heart,
if you set store by My commandments,
tuning your ear to wisdom,
tuning your heart to understanding,
yes, if your plea is for clear perception,
if you cry out for understanding,
if you look for it as though for silver,
search for it as though for buried treasure,
then you will understand what the fear of the Lord is,
and discover the knowledge of God.
For the Lord Himself is giver of wisdom,
from His mouth issue knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 2:1-6

One of the blessings in dealing with sickness is to realize how many people truly care about you. My wife, our kids, our grandkids, my siblings and parents, co-workers — past and present, brothers and sisters in Christ’s church — here and all over the world, former students and players, friends, neighbors… But I believe one stands above all on earth: my mother.

Mama is my greatest fan. She cares… no matter what. She sends notes; she cheers me up; and she prays non-stop for me and all her children. Of course, when we were young, she disciplined us and prepared us to be good citizens. She always has a song about Jesus on her lips and has a special place in her heart for the poor.

How do we truly honor the one who cares most for us? A card or flower or meal or book can never fully communicate what we feel. In person or in our memories, we all can thank God for giving us solid examples of what it truly means to care.

God uses a mother’s care to describe His own. “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13) His capacity is unlimited. “Cast your cares on the Lord, for He cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7) What a beautiful truth God wants us all to take to heart: “I care for you.” If we are intensely praying for a loved one, we can know God also cares for that loved one. His love is infinite.

Perhaps in our youth, we could sometimes fool our mothers. My cries while being disciplined were often exaggerated; I wanted it to stop! Like Nannie, her mother, Mama was full of mercy. We tried to take advantage…

God is also full of mercy, but He is never deceived. He knows every thought, motive, and trick. “You cannot fool God, so don’t make a fool of yourself!” (Galatians 6:7) As with our earthly parents, love is often shown through discipline. God disciplines because He cares!

“Thank you, Lord, for caring. Thank you for our mothers and a day to honor them. Teach us to care more deeply. Amen.”

“’My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one he accepts as His child.’ Endure hardship as discipline.” Hebrews 12:5-7