The Plumbline

Companies do indeed invest big money into making sure that they are recognizable in the community they serve by the "brand" they have invested time, talent, and energies into creating. They flash their names and photos on billboards, run numerous commercials, wrap vehicles in their 'branding', and send out mailers advertising their product. All these efforts are aimed at one thing - getting us to notice their product and show an interest in it that rises above the interest we have for any other 'similar' product. It is kind of like what God said through Moses so many years ago - "Set yourselves apart..." God was telling us to be known by our "branding" - that which makes us uniquely different from those around us and makes people want what it is that we possess. "Set yourselves apart for a holy life. Live a holy life, because I am God, your God. Do what I tell you; live the way I tell you. I am the God who makes you holy." (Levi...

Evidence of victory - the Gold Medal of an Olympian victory.  I haven't caught much of the Winter Games so far, but I know the Canadians won against the Swedes in hockey because my Canadian relatives posted the win!  It amazes me to see an 18-year hold slalom down the hillside at rocket speed and come across in gold medal timing.  The games are tough, the competition among the best of the best, and the changes of winning only tenths of a second away from losing.  As the games draw to a close, the winners head for the winner's circle - taking their place on the first, second and third place platforms.  The Gold Medal is the prized and most coveted of all - one which holds the greatest honor and reward.  Yet, so few actually achieve such a huge honor - though many will have worked with unceasing dedication to their sport.  One evidence of victory display is the prized medal - another evidence of victory display is the transformation of a life by the sac...