Standing for Peace, Unity, and Love

In 1983, I was stationed at Hahn Air Force Base in West Germany. At that time, East Germany was still part of the Soviet Bloc, but tensions had started to calm down. In fact, our biggest threats came from terrorists. We were all aware of the Baader-Meinhof Gang, also known as The Red Army, and their bombing attacks. Plus, in that same year 241 service men were killed by Hizballah terrorist in Beirut, Lebanon. The bombing sparked a strengthening of security on the bases.

 I mention all of that to give you a backdrop for a poem that I wrote during that time, which seems especially fitting as we face new threats and uncertainties.

 The Knight Rides

The knight rides through the dark,

Upon his sturdy steed.

Never straying from his course,

Destruction is his deed.

Soon his voice will sound like thunder,

And our world will shake.

His sword is swift, and with a flash

Many lives he’ll take.

He doesn’t care whom he kills,

Man, woman, or child,

And all the world will feel

As if we’ve been defiled.

The world will be burning,

With no one left to care.

Darkness will befall us,

With no one left to spare.

This evil knight keeps coming,

Astride his metal horse.

Is there no one to stop him,

And stray him from his course?

 So, that has been on my mind lately. Threats are escalating between the countries, and it seems like we may be on the verge of World War 3. Let us pray that will not happen. I do not believe most people want things to come to that. I would love to see a world where people support and love each other, instead of being dragged into conflict.

 As Christians, we need to set the example for the rest of the world. By uniting in support of others, praying for our leaders and for peace, we can show the world the true meaning of Christian love and compassion. Let us be like the good Samaritan, offering help to strangers without question. Though we may not be able to change everyone’s heart, we can start with our own actions.

Have a blessed day.

Layman Ray

Writer's Block

I keep seeing the cursor blinking on my blank screen. Every blink seems to be saying, “Writer’s Block.” I stare at my computer trying to figure out how I want to begin, and still nothing has come forth. I have also started typing multiple times just to hit the delete key and then stare at the blank screen once again.

As I look over at my bookshelf, I see the inspirational books of so many great Christian writers. There are books by C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, Billy Graham, Charles Colson, Erwin Lutzer, Dr. David Jeremiah, Voddie T. Baucham Jr., R. Albert Mohler Jr., Greg Laurie, and so many others. Some authors may not be as well-known, yet they have written things that have brought me new insights that I cherish. I have read some of these books multiple times.

Of course, my shelves hold several Bibles. The one I have read the most has been The New International Version, a gift from my wife. I have read it several times. When I read it, I often discover something new that I have missed before. I can only explain these things as God revealing something new to me. We have an amazing God.

The Bible never ceases to amaze me with its rich history and intricate connections between books, which can only be described as divinely inspired. There are the prophecies that cannot be explained, except as a supernatural gift. Then there are the awe-inspiring words of Jesus that show his pure genius. Finally, the love and sacrifice of God leaves me in awe every single time.

Still, I sit here going through a mental block.

Maybe, just maybe, this writer’s block is a nudge from God to pause and reflect, to immerse myself deeper into His word.

If you find yourself staring at a blank screen, remember—you’re in good company. God’s revelations come in His time, and they’re always worth the wait.

Have a blessed day, Layman Ray