A couple of days ago I was coming in from parking my car in the garage and there scurrying down my driveway (which is about 50 feet off the main street in my city) was a mother, woodland duck and four baby ducks. They were waddling…  as if annoyed by my presence… up the middle of my driveway. Yes, you guessed it… they were heading for the busy main street. My heart moved with compassion as I pondered what was about to happen. How strange…what are they doing here in the middle of this busy city, there are no ponds, no fountains with enough water to call home.

Many of us when roaming in unfamiliar territory may find ourselves running straight for a very destructive end as well. …my mom used to say “don’t run in the woods in the dark as you can not see the cliffs or drop offs and you may run into them”. All of us face new territory… transitions in our lives are always an opportunity to grow. Always use wisdom to think before you act, make wise choices.

People need a permit in New York to get a pistol and we all know that it is illegal to drive a car without a drivers license (or permit) which requires a test to ensure roadworthy skills. When we go to the altar to get married to our future mate we need a license … to marry. It boggles my mind how anyone, anywhere without any restriction can be a parent, whether in your right mind ,  emotional setting or bedlam. Funny- how parents who are opting to adopt undergo intense scrutiny yet “the parents of a child” are not given the same scrutiny whatsoever.. of course unless brought to the attention of family court…or parties involved make a complaint. Yesterday…a three month old child was shot and killed by his father…this was a domestic violence situation. This is insanity.  It has been said …”if she is being beaten she must deserve it, she must like it”, the mindless comments go on and on. No one deserves to be beaten, ridiculed, mocked, belittled,emotionally tortured or imprisoned in their own home. My heart goes out to the poor mother of this child -it was not her fault-she was trying to end a nightmare in her home…domestic violence. This poor, sweet angel was just relying on his parents to nurture and take care of him, trusting them to love him unconditionally. The fact that children go through the tyranny that they do… when living in domestic violence- was just brought to the forefront by this helpless, tiny, martyr. Bless this family , O God.

When I was in England, we strolled through the majestic grounds of the Blenheim Palace. As we strolled our eyes beheld a magnolia that was purchased by a royal family donated to the garden… in full bloom, it was a breathtaking sight. Hiding behind the magnolia tree was finely, groomed hedgerow that led into the gate to another garden… hanging above the entrance was a sign that read: Secret Garden. There was such peace in that place. Here the rhododendrons lined the walk in clusters of pinks, whites and purples. The grass did not even look real it was so carefully cultivated. It was a safe place. Each one of us has a safe place to go within ourselves, when it seems you can not go on, when things are so crazy, so lonely….there is a secret place in knowing the Lord in having His presence with us in being able to retreat to that safe and peaceful place in the Father’s arms. There, He takes away the hurt and the pain. Come to His Secret Garden and find refreshing.

Tip from Dr. Cloud: Many people conceal their negative feelings of anger, sadness, and fear resulting in depression,anxiety,and fear of relationships. Negative feelings, however, are valid, and they must be dealt with so that they won’t cause problems. Sadness signals hurt and loss. It helps us grieve and let go. It is always the path to joy because it signals a hurt that needs to be processed. Another aspect of sadness is tenderness. If we can’t feel sad, we can get cold-hearted. It’s OK to be sad, grieve and let go!

There is an old saying-“There are no atheists found in foxholes”(author unknown). I am convinced of God’s power in my life and for that I am very grateful. I do not know what I would do without Him. I would truly be undone! God’s power is unlimited-He needs no teachers to guide or correct Him.Who can understand how God scatters the clouds and speaks from His home in a thunderstorm? And when He sends lightening from heaven -it can be seen at the bottom of the ocean…..depths that man has yet to explore. Power….that man has yet to explore. I know my brother is in a peaceful , wonderful place…a place filled with God’s power, no more pain, no more tears….best fishing ever….a place filled with generosity…filled with love…(because you are there Freddie)! Help God to send us some rain on this dry weary land. I will love you forever……til we meet again. Ask God to please send us more people like you.