Stayin’ Strong

Alright, now then, Butterbean, go right over there an’ be ‘a-grabbin’ yourself a real good porch rocker that ain’t ‘a-squeakin’ like a lil’ ol’ cricket ‘a-singin’ in a coffee can ‘cause we’re ‘bout to be ‘a-makin’ a lil’ ol’ journey into a truth that’ll be ‘a-nippin’ at your heels like a feisty lil’ ol’ barnyard goose. The Lord done made a lil’ time to be ‘a-tuckin’ 1 John 3:13 right on into my heart the other day where it’s ‘a-sayin’, “So do not be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” That there verse slid in quieter than a lil’ ol’ raccoon ‘a-sneakin’ toward an unlatched trash can lid, and it done reminded me that followin’ Jesus sometimes puts a big ol’ target on right your back faster than ‘a-wearin’ a corn‑covered shirt inside a chicken coop.

Now, by thunder, let me be ‘a-tellin’ you a story about a farmer who done kept ‘a-tryin’ to haul his prize rabbits to the county fair. Every time he done loaded them up, them there lil’ ol’ rabbits arrived ‘a-lookin’ lazier than a lazy ol’ hound dog ‘a-snoozin’ on a porch swing in August. They’d be ‘a-floppin’ out, half asleep, barely twitchin’ a whisker. Folks was ‘a-sayin’, “Them there lil’ rabbits ain’t ‘a-winnin’ nothin’ but a nappin’ contest.”

So, the farmer done thought he’d try ‘a-givin’ em’ some o’ that there fancy feed. He even done tried some pep talks. He tried playin’ lively music, too. Ain’t nothin’ worked. Finally, his ol’ neighbor said, “Put a fox in the trailer with ‘em.” Well, that lil’ farmer thought his neighbor had done lost his marbles, but he went an’ tried it anyway. He put one real scrawny, half‑toothed lil’ ol’ fox right over in the back corner o’ that there trailer.

Buttercup, those lil’ rabbits done stayed real alert for the whole ride. They arrived at the fair ‘a-standin’ real tall, ears perked real high, hearts ‘a-pumpin’ like one o’ them there Pentecostal tambourines. They was the liveliest doggone lil’ ol’ rabbits anybody had done ever seen. Turns out, a lil’ bit o’ pressure done kept ‘em from ‘a-goin’ real soft.

Spiritually ‘a-speakin’, Butterbean, sometimes God gits to lettin’ a few lil’ ol’ “foxes” be ‘a-runnin’ ‘round in our lives, too. Maybe it’s a coworker who done pokes at your faith like a lil’ woodpecker ‘a-peckin’ on a tin roof. Maybe it’s a rude neighbor who is done ‘a-makin’ fun o’ your love for Jesus. Maybe it’s a smart-alec family member who done got to thinkin’ your faith is nuttier than a lil’ ol’ squirrel pantry. Whatever form it done takes, ‘a-gittin’ picked on goes to keepin’ us more alert, more prayerful, and ‘a-leanin’ real hard on Jesus instead o’ coastin’ through life like a bunch o’ sleepy lil’ ol’ rabbits ‘a-layin’ up under a hay bale.

Jesus done said in John 15:18-19 that if the world hates you, remember it hated Him first. In other words, “You are in real good company.” Bein’ picked on for Jesus’ sake ain’t no sign that you’re ‘a-doin’ somethin’ wrong. It’s real often proof you’re ‘a-walkin’ with the One who done did everything right.

Father, be ‘a-helpin’ me to be ‘a-stayin’ real steady when life gits ta’ feelin’ like a trailer plum full of foxes. Be ‘a-givin’ me courage, wisdom, and joy even when I’m ‘a-feelin’ mighty misunderstood or teased. Be ‘a-keepin’ me real close to You and ‘a-helpin’ me to be ‘a-shinin’ real bright for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, bless my boots, Butterbean, you jes’ gotta’ be ‘a-thinkin’ ‘bout them there lil’ ol’ foxes that jus’ might be ‘a-wantin to be ‘a-chasin’ you, ‘a-nippin’ at you, and ‘a-keepin’ you on your toes, but they’re also done ‘a-keepin’ you real strong. You jes’ gotta’ be ‘a-lettin’ every doggone challenge keep right on ‘a-pushin’ you deeper an’ deeper right into Jesus. And when you done finally git’ ta’ reachin’ Heaven’s happy shore, you’ll be arrivin’ more fresher, more stronger, and more faithful than you’d done ever imagined.

With joy,

Gwen