Keeping Faith

(Photo from rickandbubba.com)

I think Bubba said it best this morning, "We all take the time to get our finances in order, our bills in order, our homes...but it doesn't mean a thing if we don't have our spiritual investments in order. (no, it doesn't mean a thing). In all this, look in the mirror and change your life. Don't let Bronner's life be in vain, make a change in yourself today."

It's true. At the risk of sounding "to preachy" this morning, We all take for granted how short life is, our relationships with those we care about. We get caught up in the day to day and forget that there may not be a tomorrow on this Earth. We live in a world of uncertainty. One that was created in perfection but now is in tainted by Satan's works :turmoil, sin, divorce, moral failures, war, tragic world loss, handicaps,disabilities, deformities, etc. The world is broken today, not whole as it once was. It is a sad reality looking at it all, so I think we have become accustomed to it all, numb is probably a better word. We do not even give these things a passing glance at times. But when we stand in the midst of a storm, one that continues to rain upon us, one where we cannot find the way out of the storm, we feel defeat. Broken. We must look to the only One that can calm the seas, stop the rain, heal the broken hearted. The One that forgives all of our sins, if we ask Him to. We must all make the choice.

The Lord will guide you continually
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be watered like a garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Isaiah 58:11

"Perhaps because our brokenness brings us to the end of ourselves, it is here, in these jars of clay that we offer up to his very special grace, that God's all surpassing power is make known and he, indeed, makes us stronger i our broken places." Verdell Davis

It is true. God says, "I will be with you whenever, where ever, and forever". We must submit and hear the word of the Lord and know that at is His will. For everything there is a reason, a reason that we may never know the answer to. But I know in my heart that the Burgress family are strong in their faith. That they can and will (in lieu of flowers they have created a memorial fund to give back to ministries in honor of Bronner) use this to minister to others. I feel certain that they will.

Years ago, before the birth of Bronner, I had the pleasure of photographing the children of "Rick and Bubba Show" for a magazine that I was working for. I learned alot in that time (3 separate meetings for the story) What I took from that experience was that these children were so loved. There were fleeting moments of chaos and disorganization, but it was all on the children's agenda. They were the focus of the lives of these families. The parents had such patience and love, as we do as parents. I know that Bronner's life was full at even an age of two. Full with love and devotion.

And so, go out today and love your children, squeeze them a bit tighter, tell them how much they mean to you, do this with all of your relationships. Don't get caught up in the possibility of tomorrow, live for today. Let God into your life. And live. Truly Live so that you can be an example to others. Let the way you live be your testimony. Be positive, let go of resentment and pride. Live. Ok, now I will step off of my little box but not before this final scripture,

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14

This from the web site:

There will be a memorial service Tuesday at 2:00PM at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation be made to the Bronner Burgess Memorial. This donation will be used by Rick & Sherri to create a memorial fund to give back to ministries in honor of Bronner. Click here for more information on making a contribution! To send your condolences to the family, please send those to prayers@rickandbubba.com.

Click for Video of Bill "Bubba" Burgess speaking of the tragedy.

Additionally, a wonderful testimony of the crusader of Christ that Rick Burgess is, even in the face of tragedy, go to scottdawson.org and click on strength to stand conferences for a video message from Scott Dawson regarding Rick Burgess.