vg@volkhardgraf.com
Walking The Good Road
Following Jesus: "Creator-Sets-Free"
A fashionably dressed presenter rips open an envelope and announces the newest winner of the “something-or-other” award. The camera cuts to the audience, now standing and applauding. The winner makes her way to the stage to receive her trophy. This scene, repeated several times a year is about as American as apple pie. While I …
The movie "Hacksaw Ridge," based on the real-life story of Desmond Doss, tells his story of patriotism and love for country, despite being a conscientious objector. He had vowed to God that he would never take up a weapon but still wanted to serve his country. As you might imagine, not only was his patriotism questioned. Desmond suffered severe ridicule, was beaten and hurt by his fellow soldiers and court-martialed for not following orders. I'm not ashamed to admit, it moved me to tears.
He wasn’t a newcomer to the area. In fact, people knew that he came from a town with a dubious reputation. People were sure, nothing good could ever come from there. He was simply known as the son of the local carpenter. The townspeople had seen him work in his father’s shop many times.
But at least one guy with a rather strange reputation, living the life of a hermit, surviving on a diet of wild honey and grasshoppers, seemed to know that there was more to him than met the eye. He didn’t mind telling others how special this carpenter's son was. He was so different, he might as well have been from another "time zone."
Whoever thought first of using their refrigerator as a picture board had a brilliant idea. As I grab some milk for my coffee, I am surprised about the images we have collected on ours over many years. Little ones, who by now are married and have their own kids. Youngsters in their sports uniforms. Graduates …
