The Plumbline

Jackie Robinson once said, " A life is not important except in the impact it has on others. "  There is a double-meaning to impact, my friends.  The first is that place, or moment in time when two collide, striking one against another.  In the case of "collision" it is quite possible the two will not leave the point of collision without some damage.  It is a forceful coming together, not a gentle embracing of each other.  The other meaning is that of being an influence, or having an effect on the other.  The latter doesn't leave a scar, but a touch not soon forgotten - an influence not soon ignored.  I think God wants us to live our lives in such a way we influence others in a positive way, not as a series of reckless moments which leave a negative impact on those around us! We who are strong are not just to satisfy our own desires. We are called to carry the weaknesses of those who are not strong.    Each of us must strive to please our...

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. (Mark Twain)  Twain was absolutely right when he said the "crushing" is what releases the best fragrance of the flower, but I also think it just might release the richest of fragrance from the lives of those who learn to forgive even when pushed down, crushed under some weight another places upon them, or because of a weight they chose to bear themselves. Jesus came to the home of a wealthy man, invited to enjoy supper in his home.  He was surrounded by other "influential" people of the day, enjoying their meal and conversing about subjects the "commoners" just didn't engage in because they weren't as "educated" as these citizens. A woman enters - a woman known for her ill-reputed occupation in the city - carrying an alabaster bottle filled with fragrant perfume. She approaches Jesus, sits at his feet, then proceeds to empty that fragrant perfume all over...