By Brenda Cannon Henley
The Bible has so many straightforward instructions and commandments by which we can pattern our lives. Some are just a few words but carry great meaning and in-depth advice. I have seen enough examples of some of these truths put into practice that I have no hesitancy in saying, “Yes, God is blessing this person because of his or her adherence to God’s word. One such example is my Aunt Anna Lee. She is 98 years young and is perhaps the best Christian I know. She knows the Scriptures deep within her heart and even in declining health, she can be heard quoting verse after verse committed to memory long years ago. She will often reach over and put her hand on my arm while I am visiting her in Georgia and say, “Sweetie, let’s pray.” And she will talk at length with Someone she knows and knows well. She is simply a good human being always willing to help others in need. Her investments in her community and church are legendary.

I believe her long years on this earth are a direct result of her deep love for her mother and father, other family members, and friends of a lifetime. One of those simple truths I mentioned earlier is found in Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and mother that your days may be long upon the land that the Lord your God has given you.” In fact, the entire book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom and sound instruction about relationships and especially those with parents.

On the other hand, I was stunned this week to read a lengthy Facebook post, supposedly quoting a blog site, where a young so called intellectual lambasted his own father, a good, honest workingman for his lack of wisdom, ignorance, and willingness to believe lies told him by others. In fact, the article started out maligning all that do not believe as he does and saying that he basically is so much more intelligent than his father and uncles. He made fun of the length of time it took his father to obtain an education, his choices in the political arena, and so many other points that derided and hurt his dad.

I thought to myself, “What a contrast with a good, godly woman who loves others and would never have ever hurt someone he is supposed to love.” Come to found out, his wife, also a supposedly brilliantly educated counterpart, is just as bitter and filled with contempt for those who are not like her. And, many of her facts are without basis.

My first thought is, “I surely do hope you have good life insurance and a sound burial plan because you may be needing it sooner rather than later.” But then as I mulled it over and remembered once again that God’s ways are not like our ways and what we would deem a good punishment is perhaps not what He would mete out to mean spirited people that think they are so much better, smarter, and wiser than others.

I have lived long enough to know that God has His reasons for everything and that sometimes, and in some situations, living a long, long time within terrible circumstances may be a worse punishment than going on Home to Heaven for believers. I also wonder how these uncaring folks think they got where they are today. I would be quick to point out that had the generations that came before them worked hard, made wonderful inventions, served the Lord, were dedicated, and loved others, there would be little left for them to enjoy or inherit.

Entitlement is a wave sweeping across our great country and often affluence without investment is unbelievable to me.

May we honor our parents and be respectful to all those we meet.
[11-7-2016]

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788, or
[email protected].