Crash Dummy
Author: Chrissy S.
A few years back my "sister" volunteered me to do service work with her. So, when I flew into town I was like all right Kris- cool, just a few hours and then we can hang out and enjoy our short time together. Now guys, before we dig into the message I should tell you that this sister of mine is not my biological sis, but she is a friend that is as close as a sister. Unfortunately she lives across the country, so I see my good friend and sister, about 5 days every year or two (rare occasion I tell ya!) The day of the service work, it rained and rained and rained. It was a terrible day to hang out, swim and enjoy the supposedly sunny Florida. So after all, the service work turned out like a good rainy day plan. When we got to the place, we checked in got our shirts. I still have my shirt to remind me of the times. We were there with her Girl Scout troop at the "South Florida's Coast for Kids" program. Inside the convention center was a ton of cool things for little kids and services and products the parents could look into. Kris and I had been assigned to the safety booth. After about an hour of taking kids through a bike course with helmets on, we were dressed in crash dummy outfits to go walk around and tell kids to wear seat belts. My name was Larry and I was to go around the place and hug people, give high fives and make it through the crazy crowds. I can tell you that inside those things it is hot and the pressure is extreme. I remember having gloves on and trying to tie my shoes. I remember hearing so many voices and trying to comprehend them all.
I was only in that suit for about 1-2 hours, but in comparison I am in those shoes 24 hours a day. You see, as a Christian striving to live with faith in Christ, I am a crash dummy. The world tries to test me and tempt me. The devil tries new systems of temptation and destruction on me. Trials pound down on my back. I hear many voices, but I sit in the heat and pressure unsure what to do, not understanding what is the best to take. Sometimes I stop to give the Lord a high five or hug. Sometimes I stop for a picture with Him. But the rest the time I carry around trying to live by myself. In that walk, my shoes repeatedly un-tie and almost fall off as I struggle to carry on the responsibilities that I walk in.
Another thing I remember about that Service work, afterwards, I realized it would have been easier to have a guide take us and lead us through the crowd- since it was hard to see and hear the area around us.
Just like that, I think sometimes we look at stuff and go, "WHOA!! What way do I go? The crowd is over there, but well - hmm I dunno. "
Guys, I know you have all heard about the amazing Father, but I think it is important to remind you that He is omnipresent- He is always there waiting for you to come to Him. God will lead you and protect you. If you lean on Him, He will hold you up.
Psalm 4:8 "I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe."
I can't promise that the Lord will keep you safe from every possible disaster, but I can promise that His love, hope and guidance will always be there to grasp onto.
This week, when you feel like a crash dummy being tested in the race on the road of life, come to the Father and seek Him for the endurance, hope and peace. May His love be with you!
