My faith is something I speak of quite infrequently for I despise hypocrisy, and I know myself to be lacking in far too many areas to attempt to give even a modicum of guidance or advice to anyone in my day-to-day speech or even in my writings. But I do at times tend to share my faith with those closest to me. And of course any who find themselves reading my ramblings on this page from time to time. But such words are meant as reminders to me, as reminders of those blessings I tend to find myself overlooking at times. Times of hardship and turmoil and sorrow can cause us to lose sight of those blessings still before us. I am no different than many others in that I have at times fallen into dark places, of my own making and of others’, and I have had to fight to make my way out.
Lately I have been fighting such an uphill battle. I have made clear my belief in Evil and the fact it preys on the unsuspecting person’s belief that man is inherently good. Evil would have us believe it does not exist and all men have within them a heart of good. But I know that to be so very false. I, and others like me, have seen Evil in the hearts of men of all walks of life. Evil dwells among us and hopes we would make excuses for it. It hopes to break those good among us and cause us to despair. I refuse.
There is so much going on in my life that I could lament; but my faith, my family, my friends, and all they represent, all that makes me who I am compels me to keep fighting the good fight. I do not have to be good in any innate sense. My hope lies outside myself and at times shows itself through me and my brothers. The enemy comes upon us in many ways and through many channels, but it is up to us to remain focused and deliberate. For there is far too much hanging in the balance.
Watch out for each other, brothers and sisters. Be a source of strength for one another when the other’s strength does wane. We have a duty and a calling to fight the good fight, but we also have a duty to help each other when the fight becomes a bit too much. The weight of the world is taken up by my kind far too eagerly. We pride ourselves on being there for those who cannot fend for themselves. But we many times buy into the fallacy that we are something other than that which we protect. We are not. We have just answered to a higher calling.
But even knights can lose their way. Even knights can at times despair. Even knights can fall.
Be a comfort to one another, even if it is only to check in from time to time. I am thankful to so many for words of encouragement over the years, but especially the words I have received from many friends and those I consider brothers in recent days. Keep the prayers going. And if any of my friends and extended family should ever need me, I hope you know I will always be there to lend hand or ear or simply a presence perhaps to share a few beers.
Wayne A Delk 