My friends, writing after the events of the last week has required extra reflection, meditation on God’s Word, and focus on God’s trustworthiness. The Holy Spirit has been faithful in reminding me of the truth that guides me forward. I’m here again to express the fruit of my reflections, meditations, and focus on God. You don’t have to look far to see the multitudes that are trying to do the same. And then there are those who love to spew hate and downright evil. Lord help us pray for our enemies because it does not come easily.

My last blog on September 5^th was about “my many whys”. Then, 5 days later, it happened: the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Why Lord? Why? Why? Why? And in my many whys, the Lord began a process of revelation for peace, hope, comfort, to move forward with great expectation. Yes, the Lord is doing a mighty work, and as my sister Karen and I (and many others) discussed this, we agreed that the devil will not gain credit by seeing it as an assassination. Charlie Kirk was martyred in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God!

Quickly, after the shock of this news, my heart was burdened for his wife, Erika, and their two small children. The thought of this kind of pain was deep, dark, and heavy as I tried to imagine myself going through such a tragedy. I could only allow those thoughts for a moment. They were entirely too heavy. Then the Holy Spirit’s faithfulness reminded me of another great promise of God. Isaih 26:3 NKJV “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You”. So get your mind in focus, Reba!

I quote another statement from my September 5th blog… “And when we have those questions that we don’t understand the answers to…, “We don’t have to understand the why of God’s ways.” Sometimes we accept it, as my Dad said, “Because He said so, that’s why.” That is why our comprehension of His trustworthiness is of paramount importance. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”  Bigger questions, bigger trust!” We can only imagine Erika’s big questions, but growing bigger trust.

As the Lord walked with me on the shores of the vast ocean,  I was washed in His Love, surrounded by the incredible beauty of His creation. His creation…hard to describe in words, but it speaks volumes to soothe our aching souls. Psalm 19:1 NKJV “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.”

 It appeared that I walked unaccompanied on the beach; my husband found relaxation in his preferred spot… the shade. As I have frequently done in the past, I offered to take pictures of those I passed by so they could have a better shot of themselves together, including the various hues of aqua, turquoise, and deep ocean blue of the water and the skies above. Frequently, their pet was included, as we were in a section where dogs were welcome. I wondered what Howie would have thought of the ocean and sand. For a moment, I felt a wave (no pun intended) of sadness and longing for my pup. Again, I brought my thoughts into focus.

As I did so, I was back among people from everywhere (even three young ladies from Sweden) who were also soaking in this piece of heaven. As always, seeing everyone’s response to my offer to stand in as a photographer brought much pleasure. Such a small gesture of kindness on my part, but so graciously received and greatly appreciated on their part.

Some were eager to chat, and discovering more about them was another added pleasure. What I found even more interesting was how a surface-level conversation with total strangers could lead to a discussion about the Lord. Yes, His name would just pop right out of my mouth! 🙂 That is not surprising for anyone who knows me. After all, He is what it is all about, right? Opportunities everywhere to speak of Him. The words to an old song started playing in my thoughts…”This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long.”

This one young woman in particular was open to talking. Since making some tough decisions about her relationship with her boyfriend, she was at a difficult crossroads in her life. I directed the conversation to the most important relationship first: her relationship with Jesus Christ. This is an overall summary of our discussion of our Savior…

I shared with her my experience with a loving God that showed me that I could never measure up to His righteousness, no matter how “good” I tried to be. If I could be good enough, then Jesus wouldn’t have come to pay for my sins, right? He is the only way to the Father, John 14:6. Another essential aspect of the Christian life that we talked about is forgiveness. “When” we sin, not “if”, we are to confess it. God sees all sin the same. There are no “big” sins or “little” sins to God. Most of us can get confused when it comes to conviction. The Lord convicts us of our sin for correction. If we confess (to acknowledge and agree with God that one’s actions are sinful), He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin, 1 John 1:9. The enemy uses it for condemnation. He tells us we’re not real Christians if we sin again; that we were never Christians to begin with. You know, Satan’s twisted lies…doubt, confusion, and defeat are his weapons, and his goal is to kill, steal, and destroy! Same old tactics throughout the ages.

I continued by sharing with her how the Lord saved me from my sinful ways and that I am a work in progress through the Holy Spirit living in me. We both knew that the Lord wanted to clear up any confusion in her mind and that He was touching her heart. So she allowed me to pray with her right there in front of God and everyone. It was as though she, I, and the Lord were the only ones there. She got “washed” on the beach, also.

It was a very special moment for me because I had asked, as I regularly do, for the Lord to send someone in my path so that He could use me for His purpose. Taking pictures was the avenue He used. I am humbled that He would trust me to follow His lead, and the Holy Spirit was the guide and sustainer. He trusts me because He knows I trust in Him. She and I shared our contact info and are keeping in touch. I trust the Lord to complete the good work He began in her, and to water the seeds that are planted in her heart. A continual “washing” in God’s Word, His promises to us, and the working of the Holy Spirit as we surrender to Him.

My thoughts go to the multitudes Charlie Kirk spoke to, bringing them out of those confused, dark places. No wonder the enemy tried to shut him up! But actually, it backfired on satan again, just as God had preordained (for the saving of many souls). Charlie’s ministry has exploded into the greatest movement our nation (and others) has ever seen, and we get to be a part of it!

Now back to the beach…

As each evening approached, David and I excitedly returned to the beach to experience the sunset. Yes, I mean experience it.

Although we view sunsets from our home regularly and have a sincere appreciation of them, there is something exceptional about them in that environment. The openness of the sky and the vastness of the horizon make one feel incredibly small. And when it appears that everyone around you is experiencing the same appreciation of God’s creation, it evokes a feeling of oneness with God and mankind. No killing, sadness, hate speech, politics, or anger. Simply all eyes on the magnificence of the works of our Creator’s hands. Another washing, so to speak. I found a change in my heart, which is the fruit of my reflections, meditations, and focus on God. The peace that surpasses all understanding that I long for.

Now, as I think of Charlie Kirk and his martyrdom, I don’t have to ask why. I have consolation that God is in control of this whole universe and His ways are always good. We can trust Him to be showering Charlie with his rewards for a job well done. And He is continuing the work that He began in Charlie. It is already evident across the globe!

I am reminded of another unexpected soothing of the soul. During my first walk on the beach, shortly after hearing the news of Charlie, I discovered this piece of a sand dollar.

 I thought of the numerous pictures I had already seen of Charlie’s family on the beach. I imagined the walks, talks, sunsets, and “washings”  they experienced there. I knew that this heart-shaped piece was representative of the Lord’s and Charlie’s love for his wife, Erika, his children, and all who loved him. As I took the picture, I noticed the cross lying across the heart. The cross of Jesus covers it all. It “washed” up on the beach as if a treasure from our Lord. Thank you again, Lord, for surprises from Your creation.

I could never finish writing about the meaningful events and open-door opportunities to reach out in kindness or pray for a stranger that have happened since first stepping on that beach. And I would also be negligent if I didn’t mention that those opportunities are for us every day. We don’t have to be on the beach to “wash” others with our words, actions, and the Love of God. The avenue He used for me to connect with strangers was my offer to take their picture while admiring the beauty of His creation. But on our way home, He allowed me to pray a prayer of blessing over someone at our hotel.

I will gladly tell of this event in my next blog. Until then, let us do as 1 Peter 3:15 instructs. This is the Amplified Version: “But in your hearts set Christ apart (as holy-acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives) as Lord. Always be ready to give a (logical) defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance (elicited by faith) that is within you, yet (do it) with gentleness and respect.”

By this, we can “wash” others with the Word and Salvation of Jesus Christ, no matter where we are, as in my upcoming hotel event.

God bless you wherever you are. He sees you, He loves you, and He is pursuing you,

Reba