The Cracked Acorn: Black Beans & Rice

Many years ago, the Great Falls Church made every effort to reach people moving into the area. In some small ways, it worked; in a shifting population, the total effect is always unknown. It was a
time of new houses, new people, and new church buildings with new names.

We(now just me) have lived over 36 years in Fauquier County, Virginia, and have seen much growth: schools, shopping places, restaurants, and buildings to meet every need…physically, mentally, and spiritually; New names: The Father’s Way, Freedom Worship Center, The Black Stockings (Two by Twos), Trinity Church, Monterey Church, Spiritual Care/Support Ministry Center, House of
Nanak, Home Church, The New Church, and the World Church.

Why does this happen over and over again? Is the answer in Proverbs 16:2? I am sure if one could talk to all these congregations, the answer would be: “We felt that we needed our very own name and church building.” One person I know well has worship in his home. He added that they had found that playing horns added greatly to the service.”

If I went into a nice restaurant and ordered black beans and rice (on the menu), I would want to receive black beans and rice. If the waitress added other kinds of beans to the black beans and
maybe chopped ham and different rice to give a ‘kick,’ hot sauce, chopped onions, and garlic.

How about trying to buy a nice men’s suit, and the owner comes out with a clown’s outfit with the red bulb nose and a flaming red hat with tiny bells…well, maybe I have gone too far. In the end, we are in the prongs of modern times that you can’t get anything broken fixed.

What you are wearing this season will not be there next season.

I finally made a visit to our attic; lots of stuff in boxes that had a purpose once up at a time, a friend at McDonald’s, when he heard of my attic visit, he invited me to his acreage and a barn filled with whatever…he said he was afraid to go near the barn! Not everything in life can be counted on.

Many, indeed most, have or will change, disappoint, and or discourage us as our lives unfold.

This is not new to most of us. What may be new is there is a way to deal with the Uncertainties of life. We must face these head-on and deal properly with each one if we are to survive this life into eternity.

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow, we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
(James 4:13-15)