I'm always pleased and proud to tell people where I'm from - that 'I'm from Texas.' But, tonight, as I watched the national broadcast coverage of last evening's explosion in West, Texas, I could not help but 'well up' inside. A commentator asked a local resident if they were 'thankful' to have survived the ordeal, and his response was - 'oh yes, I thank the LORD.' When I heard this, I smiled - for in the face of this horrific reality there burst forth the twang of his central Texas accent, in no way a distraction, bringing to sadness some joy. So that I turned to Belinda to say, 'now THAT'S how we give thanks in Texas - and I pray to God that as long as we stand this might never, ever change.
Thank you, LORD, for your mercy and love. God bless the people of West, Texas - and God bless America, too. Not because we are good, or because we are better, but because you are God and we are not - and because life, love, blessing and promise always comes from YOU. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 3:20-21)
Pastor Sam
