ENCOURAGEMENT
          FROM THE FLOCK

                                                                    
                                                  
"September's Dawn"
       

My dear sisters and friends of Bible fellowship Church,
      

September's arrival is automatically a herald for a change in the seasons. Even before the first golden-edged leaf spirals downward from the tree, we are shifting gears. Beach towels and swimsuits and bare-footed dashes across parks and sidewalks splashed with the essence of coco nutty sun block give way to backpacks, crisper mornings, quicker evenings and the smell of new tennis shoes. But this year, the new dawn of September brings with it a certain assurance of dark recollection, as we inevitably mark the first anniversary of our nation's tragedy. 

Who among us could have possibly conceived the extent of savagery involved in the brutal, premeditated, murderous mayhem we witnessed, as the events of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 unfolded? All of America reeled, dumbfounded with horror, disbelief and a consuming sorrow that could not be consoled. And yet, in the days that followed, America rose up with a unity, camaraderie and strength that would not be defeated. Patriotism soared, flags flew, and with notable frequency and publicity, people called upon God to bless America.

Recently, I found myself sorrowing in the dark recollection of my own life's errors and tragic choices. The dreams and hopes of my youth, once so shiny and pure and strong, were hi-jacked by selected sins and destructive transgressions with the sole purpose of annihilating everything God wanted me to do and to be. 

While sitting in church with my mother, 1 recalled how, as a little girl I had always had such a strong belief In what was right.  I wanted to know God's ways, to love Him and be used by Him. Yet in virtually every way, I had violated all I knew to be right as I crossed the bridge from childhood into adulthood, and as I sat there in the pew, my tears poured out uncontrollably, and I was so very, very sorry.

September 11 has always been an important day to me. It was on that date that 1 was born on a Sunday in 1960. It was on that date that my own daughter was born in 1998. September 11 was a day to celebrate a new beginning, a day to rejoice in God's creative magnificence. How much more shall it be so this year! How much more do we know, now, about the blessed assurance of second chances from God and ,about new opportunities to pick up the palate of faith, hope, and love - and let Him paint a mural with it!  

How much more is this a day to offer ourselves, our loved ones, and our world a juicy piece of goodness from God's bottomless bowl of the fruit of the Spirit? How much more shall we revel in generous helpings of God's mercy and grace? How much more shal1 we sing and dance, delighting in His intimate friendship and infinite love? We have a hope and a destiny - and they belong to our God. 

We can be thankful that Jesus has redeemed us, and we can
freely praise Him, our Savior and our God!  We can give Him the paintbrushes of our lives, believing in Him and allowing Him to create in us His masterpieces.

With all my love and His,

Jaye Grant

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