Sue on the Way Out, Bail on the Way In

Who chooses to advertise in your town tells you something about the community. There is really only one way in and out of Brownsville. Citizens and visitors are met by Mitch, the bail bonds, on the way in and Edgar Snyder, personal injury attorney, on the way out

This is the real deal. I wish I was making it up (and, indeed, these signs are back to back).

Running the Race

The Apostle Paul was a man who loved a good fight, he loved the race, he knew what he was willing to die for and, more importantly, he knew what he was willing to live for. Some number of months ago, I heard a great story about the Persian War. I researched and reviewed this legend to relay it to you this morning (the story is based on the links at the end of the post).

If you review a map of Paul’s missionary journeys and superimpose those journeys over a map of the battles and troop movements of the Persian Wars (some 500 years earlier)… you would see that Paul’s mission trips and those battles match very closely. Paul preached and ministered in a land where magnificent and long standing myths, legends and heroes were visible and tangible in the culture, the architecture, the government and the military.

And it was in this context were Paul witnessed and proclaimed the love of God in Jesus. When and where he said things like “24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20)”

Five hundred years before Paul ministered in cities like Athens and Corinth, there were great wars and battles fought for man’s freedom. The Greeks would fight the Persians in this ancient land as a democratic rebellion against tyranny. The Athenians, in particular, were engaged in this battle for freedom and would win and lose over some fifty year period. This struggle would reach a climax when the Persians desired to punish Athens for their role in a rebellion and the destruction of a Persian city (Sardis).

A battle ensued and the Persians were met by one of their former soldiers Miltiades. The Athenians were greatly outnumbered. By some accounts 10,000 Athenians to 30,000 Persians. If the Greeks loose this battle – Greek power, culture, art, government and its influence on history is ruined. Europe is likely overtaken and the world as we know – never was.

Miltiades, recognizing that the Athenians are greatly outnumbered, sends his fastest runner – a man named Phidippides 140 miles to the city of Sparta to gain the support of their rivals to fight the common Persian enemy. However, the Spartans are in the middle of a religious festival and refuse to leave until the next full moon. Phidippides returns 140 miles over 2 days and 2 nights to fight along side his country men in the Battle of Marathon. He dons his battle gear and with his comrades looks down upon an army who inspires fear, who is better trained, and who has greater numbers. And now, their General tells them to advance at great speed toward the enemy – a very unusual tactic (to avoid the enemies arrows). Few likely believe they will make it out of this battle alive. But they are willing to die for their country and their freedom.

The two armies collide in fierce hand to hand combat with great spears, swords and the clanging of shields. Phidippides, who had run nearly 300 miles prior to this day, is among the thick of the battle. And beyond all probability the Athenians defeat the Persians and run them into the sea. Victory at Marathon is complete and now the Greeks must attempt to kill the Persian army and destroy their ships before they can board and sail to Athens.

But to no avail, more than a few hundred ships escape the hands of the Athenians. Now word must be sent to Athens to inform them of this great victory and to call them to arms to protect the city. Miltiades must turn to his fastest runner once again to cover the distance of 26 miles between Marathon and Athens. Phidippides knows he must well outrun the Persian fleets and cover mountainous terrain, he casts off his battle gear… he puts aside the memory and the fatigue of the hand-to-hand combat, the 280 miles he has already covered. The level of fatigue and exhaustion were beyond human experience, BUT his freedom and the freedom of his family and country were at stake and drove him through each painful stride. Phidippides reaches his beloved Athens and cries out NIKE! Victory! And it is with this single word, the last stride of the run and with this breath that Phidippides dies.

This is the legend heard by the Athenians, Corinthians, likely the Thessolians, the Philippians and the Romans. This is the 26 mile run – that we still use to commemorate this battle to this day - called a marathon. This is the legend and backdrop in the book of Hebrews…

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12)

And in the Apostle Paul’s words…

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4)
24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20)

Map of Paul's Missionary Journeys
Map of Ancient Greece
Illustrated Persian Wars
Marathon - Quick Overview
Marathon with Links
Pheidippides
YouTube History Channel Documentary

Hey, My Business Plan Says NO Fibromyalgia

If it wasn’t so close to home it might be funny that someone who opened a store in Brownsville to sell Civil War reenactment supplies is blaming someone else for the business failure. Well, it’s more than blame… they want $10 million. Oh, and it’s more than the business failure… they also want damages for their failed marriage and their failed health.

The story as reported by the Tribune-Review

Hopefully, the picture of the store tells the story far better than my paltry wit and sarcasm.

What is the Midnight Message of Our Day?

And so through the night went his cry of alarm To every Middlesex village and farm, A cry of defiance, and not of fear, A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door, And a word that shall echo for evermore! For, borne on the night-wind of the Past, Through all our history, to the last, In the hour of darkness and peril and need, The people will waken and listen to hear The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed, And the midnight message of Paul Revere.

Task Force Returns Call

For the record, the Fayette County Drug Task Force has attempted to return my call on two occasions at the end of last week. They don't leave return numbers.

At the same time, I had the opportunity to address drug use with the Bible Released Time class on Friday morning. One of the students in the class is one of the juveniles mentioned below. I gave the class five names and asked them what they had in common. Most of the student new exactly the answer I was after.

The names I gave them were Bible Released Time students over the last five years who were or are now drug dealers. I know at least four of the five have spent time in jail; one of the five was killed in drug related activity and one is currently being held by the U.S. Marshal Service (see Alumni posts).

The students were not very interested in talking about this; I suspect I broke some street code. We discussed how it is their responsibility to confront sin.

The very same day, one of the students in class was caught smoking dope on his porch.

Dear Fayette County Drug Task Force

I emailed the following note to the Drug Task Force today (specific names and locations redacted). I also left a message yesterday but have not heard back from them; maybe they're busy?

I own a complex of townhouses in Brownsville Borough. A number of juveniles from the neighborhood have been congregating in around this property at the invitation of two juveniles who live at ### XYZ Street (one of my rental units). I have seen them with marijuana and have smelled the smoke on two separate occasions. My other tenants have witnessed this, as well.

Another neighbor has witnessed a car pull up and one of the juveniles retrieve a package from the residence's mailbox and deliver it to the car. The two juveniles are NAME and NAME (last name is likely NAME, maybe NAME who live at ### XYZ); I don't know their friend's names yet but there are from 4-8 additional juveniles around the property.

I have called 911 on 2-3 separate occasions and have instructed my other tenants to do the same. Brownsville Borough is also aware of the situation and have increased patrols to the area.

Your assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated.