This has been a rough week. Questionable police shootings in Baton Rouge, LA, and Falcon Heights, MN, fueled protests that ultimately resulted in an ambush of police officers in Dallas, TX. Most of those who died over the last days were probably among those celebrating at the beginning of the week with July 4th picnics and fireworks; unaware that their lives were about to end. Three states . . . three tragedies . . . many mourning the loss of life for those gone too soon. Once again we are divided, not just over politics, policies, or laws, but by race. Will we ever overcome that age-old demon resulting from the days of slavery? Can we ever come together, try to understand our differences, and work to overcome them? Are we doomed to always be the melting pot that never really melted?
Coming from two different ages, races, and backgrounds, Deidre and I realize as many don’t that this melting can be accomplished because we have done it. Our closeness and love for one another comes from a power greater than ourselves. We were drawn together by our Christianity; by God, and our relationship has blessed others and been such a blessing to us.
We were led to write our first book, For Such A Time As This . . . We Are But Small Voicesand then update it to our current work ONE GOD, Two Voices to try to explain what we experienced together, with our students, and our families. We sought to explain how coming together resulted in so much more than we could have ever experienced apart. We wanted to encourage others to take a leap of faith and get to know other people that don’t look like them, and learn that judging by the outside never gives you an accurate picture of what is inside. How many will read our work? That’s up to God, but we hope it helps to move us forward and not back. We don’t need more white hoods, a resurgence of the Black Panthers, or anything else that divides rather than unites us. We need our nation on its knees before a Holy God, asking for forgiveness for removing Him from our daily life, and allowing all forms of negativity to be ushered in instead. Will you join us?
This past Sunday was Father’s Day and for those of us still fortunate enough to have our dads, it was a day of good food, funny gifts, and just good times. However life goes on, and in the midst of marketing our book and living our busy lives, the “Voices” have had several reasons to celebrate lately and we are so thankful! Let me share my (Sue’s) blessings first:
Richard and I experienced a busy week of VBS – “Submerged” – at our church and saw many children learn about Jesus’ love for them. The Bible stories, songs, and crafts were wonderful, as was their mission-giving, which topped $1,500 for our Preschool Scholarship fund. I, the director, had to submit to a pie in the face as a reward for their generosity . . . but it was well worth it!
Then, our son married his beautiful fiancé last week and we became instant grandparents! Now we are vacationing at the beach, recharging for my next book appearance in Wytheville, VA, at the Chautauqua Bazaar, June 24-25. Life is good as my heavenly Father has shown His love in many ways recently. He is always with me, in good times and bad. It’s easy to understand His closeness in the good times, but we have to hold onto the reality that when we hurt, grieve, or simply don’t understand during the hard times, He is just as close.
When it comes to celebrating the blessings in our lives, I think about how there is still so much to be grateful for even in the midst of worldwide pain, agony, and degradation. Life itself can be the greatest form of a paradox to me. Right in the thick of brutal murders, natural death, and disasters, there is also a simultaneous steady flow of celebrations such as births, graduations, and marriage.
Thus, my mind ponders on, “How do we look beyond our pain in order to enjoy and appreciate the happy moments that life brings to us on a daily basis whether they belong directly to us or not?” That is why Sue and I wanted to use our voices on this particular blog to offer God another public “shout-out” for all He continues to do with us and through us.
Monday was my mother-in-law’s 88th birthday. Over the weekend, our family had the opportunity to surround her with good food, lots of laughter, praise, and fun. I reflected on how “our” mother is still so full of glee, and the sheer glow of life still reveals itself as she ages. I couldn’t help but also reflect on how so many others didn’t make it to see such a milestone including the many youth that I have had to witness being buried at such a tender age (One God, Two Voices – Ch.VI; p.80). Even after such a thought, I still had to lift up my hands in praise each time I looked at the circle of love encompassing my mother-in- law.
The previous weekend was also full of love, laughter, and fun as we watched our niece exchange her wedding vows at the beautiful Butler Chapel located on the campus of Campbell University in Dunn, NC. The atmosphere was full of God’s glory, peace, and joy as we all recalled how His presence was felt during this sacred ceremony that God has defined and ordained from the beginning of time between one man and one woman. Amen! Afterwards, taking pictures, eating dinner, and dancing at the reception were also enjoyed by many there, including my husband who had the honor of dancing with the bride after giving her away at the ceremony. I was also privileged to light the candle representing the Hester’s side which symbolically joins the bride and groom together as one united family.
One of the greatest moments I experienced was when I watched my husband during the “father-daughter dance.” He first danced with our niece and then he danced with our own daughter. I felt lots of warm tears rolling down both cheeks on my face, but I felt so much joy and peace. How beautiful our niece looked as she rested her head on her uncle – a picture of peace and security. I also felt a sense of serenity and confidence believing that I would also live to see the day when our own daughter would be able to favor her dad in a similar way at her own wedding.
What a time we had during both occasions! Whether it was laughter over how good the wedding and birthday cakes tasted, the smiling faces of our children and grandchildren jumping up and down on the trampoline while we talked between bites of hotdogs, baked beans, and grilled meats during the birthday cook-out, or tears of joy during the wedding ceremony, it all reflected God’s powerful unfailing love.
Just knowing and acknowledging that God is always there with us makes all the difference in every situation whether it is happy or sad.
We cannot forget that in both the good times and bad, God is on the throne and He still reigns.
“Choose this day who you will serve . . .But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Now more than ever it is time to choose the Lord’s way over the will of man. With each day, the news brings word of more ungodly decisions that seek to remove or dilute the rights of parents, educators, and Christians. One of our major platforms is to encourage Christians to work their “sphere of influence” – the workplace, ball field, grocery store, or gym – and urge others to stand for God’s way and take this country back for Him. As we spoke to many people at the CHAPS Home School convention in PA recently, we repeatedly exclaimed to many that the legacy we are currently leaving our children is unacceptable! If we are indecisive about current issues affecting them, the world they inherit will not be a positive one. None of us want that, but few people realize that they can be an individual part of the solution.
This situation reminded us of part of the commencement speech we heard at Larry’s recent graduation from the University of Mount Union. Dr. Richard Drake spoke on several topics, encouraging the about-to-be graduates on their next steps after college. However, the most memorable one for Deidre and me was the statement he made about driving the interstate and noticing the “highway of flattened squirrels” along the way. He told the audience he felt their demise was directly related to the fact that they could not make a decision about which way to run in order to avoid the approaching car. Their indecision led to their death which resulted into a really ugly “SPLAT!” on the highway of life.
We feel that indecision is prohibiting many people from making changes that could positively affect our country, our culture, and our children. Some would say, “It’s too late.” We disagree – it’s never too late as long as we’re still here. Reflect on our title for this blog and make a resolution – even in June! Joshua’s example to stand for God’s ways regardless of any hardship enabled him to lead well and be blessed. Our choice to do likewise will also allow us to live a life that results in positive change and blessings from our Father as well. May God bless you as you DECIDE to stand for Him and His ways.
Regarding the new law which forces public schools to allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity, we emphatically say, “NO!” So do many other people with whom we have spoken in the past few days as we ministered with our book in OH, WV, and PA.
We are a part of this “last day remnant” who will continue to take a stand based on God’s word. As educators, we fear that impressionable children are given no time to think through this gender identification situation and consider who they really are in God, before being accepted and manipulated by misguided adults.
Now even President Obama’s administration has become involved in the gender identity bathroom controversy. A joint letter from the Departments of Education and Justice have been sent to schools last week with guidelines to ensure that transgender students have a supportive school environment without discrimination. All this does is encourage mass chaos with bullying, ridicule, and division instead of the protection the Federal government envisioned. Unbelievably, anyone can choose which bathroom to enter in any school. It seems emotion has taken over. It promotes “how I feel” over “who I am.” Gentlemen, you remember middle school and high school – which bathroom do you think teenage males would choose to enter?
In the public arena, you could have adult males entering restrooms where women and children would definitely feel unsafe. They would not even have to be dressed as a female! All this for what is estimated to be .03% – .05% of the population, based on a 2011 survey by the Williams Institute.
More importantly, how does a Holy God feel about this? It’s time for those of us who still know right from wrong, and have a shred of common sense,to begin speaking out loudly and consistently. Let your “voices” be heard!
We want to hear your voice too! Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
The Voices are tired, but happy – we had a great weekend: TOGETHER!
Deidre’s son and our Godson, Larry D. Hester, Jr., graduated Saturday, May 7, from the University of Mount Union and the entire family (Deidre, Larry, Sr., Shamona, and Saniyah) was here to enjoy the ceremony. The Voices appreciated both the baccalaureate and commencement services and gleaned some ideas we wanted to share. Rev. Joyce Lawson’s baccalaureate address to the graduates presented the idea of being ready to move when and where God calls. She also told these young people that sometimes patience is required so that we don’t get ahead of God’s leading, timing, or His provision. The crux of her message about moving in God’s timing led Deidre and me to reflect afterwards that the Old Testament story of Abraham’s first son, Ishmael, was the perfect example. Had Abraham and his wife Sarah waited on God to provide the child that was promised instead of taking charge and allowing Hagar to bear a child as a surrogate, a lot of history would be changed. This child, Ishmael, is regarded by the entire Arab nation as an ancestor to the prophet Mohammed. This nation continues to war against the Jewish people who descended from Isaac, Abraham’s legitimate heir. Christians are also paying the price as additional heirs to the promise of God.
We would like to encourage our readers as we were reminded, to not get ahead of God’s perfect timing. In this age of instant gratification, waiting for anything can become extremely difficult. Almost daily we hear, ” Have it Your Way,” “It’s My Money and I want it now!” and “Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary.” These advertisements and more daily experiences have made the reality of waiting a lost art.
Getting ahead of God because we do not trust in Him to do what He promised can lead to death, pain, or injury that you will deal with for the rest of your life. Think about it – do we really need to “revisit Ishmael?”
To that we say, “Wait on the Lord: and be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart: wait, I say on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14). Are you willing to wait? Let us hear from you.
One God, Two Voices 