Laugh Now Cry Later [hatred]

*****************************************
“Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it---

because it does.” 1 Cor. 14:1
*****************************************

His chest boasted the words “White Pride” boldly enough to make it impossible to mistake it for anything else. The “Laugh Now Cry Later” branded across his back challenged anyone who might dismiss him as harmless, to think again. He unabashedly wore these words with no regard for the shock he generated as he walked the beach. The message was clear and I could hardly resist the opportunity to snap the photo of the crazy juxtaposition God had placed us in this day.

Beach days with the DiDio’s run 9-5, so there’s ample time to form fast friendships. Several of these friendships, while they only lasted 3 vacation days, have made long lasting impressions. This particular day a spunky little girl named Mashay partnered up with my boys for a bulk of the day. The sweet friendship that formed through the day brought many smiles. Just one of their ventures was collecting shells which Mashay informed them would be of great value to sell on eBay.

Mashay’s grandfather introduced himself to me and asked if it was ok to take a picture of her with the boys. I agreed and we struck up a conversation. She was visiting the beach for the day with her grandparents as her dad was away for work. Her grandfather seemed to hold back tears as he was soaking in this moment watching the kids play.

Then he slowly recounted the great joy it brought him to see Mashay playing at the beach so care free. She generally stuck right by her grandparents’ side and venturing off to play was not in her comfort zone. Well, not since her mother had died a year earlier of Hodgkin’s disease. If ever a child feels unsafe and at a loss in life, surely the death of a mother must be the crowning event to send them scurrying to what they perceive as safe.

This day Mashay had left her grandparents side, for the first time since her mom’s death. She found three little boys who made her laugh and joined her in adventure. For a little while she was able to lay down her anxiety and loss and be a kid again. This day, no less, this day when this man so full of hatred and intimidation set up camp right next to Mashay’s family. The emotions that grandfather must have felt!? It’s as though God was tangibly demonstrating---evil will thrive for a time, yet my goodness prevails forever! “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it,” Mth. 16:18, NIV. We had a great conversation with our boys regarding how God had used them in Mashay’s life that day. We talked of what it meant to be God’s light when darkness would try to overpower, but failed! We assured them that God has promised us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord!

*****************************************
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world…keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven,” Mth. 5:14-16
*****************************************