Forks in the Road

"For we all stumble in many things." (James 3:2a) One of mom's present, favorite, Christian songs is Slow Fade by Casting Crowns. It speaks of stumbling and going down the wrong path. It states that a "slow fade" doesn't happen in a day, and that it happens with second glances (or thoughts), when one allows things to go into gray areas, choices are made, and the person gives onesself away. One can give onesself away in many ways...in any value, virtue, or belief one has where one allows it to be compromised you give yourself away. By not standing up for what you believe in, and or not speaking up when you see a wrong done, you give yourself away. It speaks of not letting flattery sway you in the wrong direction and also be careful with your own words that you don't speak empty, misleading, hurtful words to others. It also mentions there is a short distance between your mind/heart and head, to your hands. In other words, thoughts can quickly turn into actions, so you must be careful to continually guard your heart, mind and actions. The song also says people, daddies (or mommies), and families never crumble in a day. It's not one stumble or mistake that causes an avalance, it's the little day by day, ongoing minor stumbles that eventually build up into bigger things. And yes, it does state there are consequences for the choices we make. One of the last lines in the lyrics states be careful for our loving Heavenly Father is looking down. That's where the good news also comes in. Our Father loves and cares for us. He wants to help us get back on the right path. He's there to pick us up and hold onto us when we stumble...if we choose to let Him...and choose to get back on His path. Even though we are responsible for the choices we make and those consequences, stumbling doesn't have to lead to a "fade out" or dead end. God loves us and forgives us, and we can choose to let Him lift us and take hold of us...forever." Amen!! Love, Beau