Amanda and Mama Fox

"Amanda" (substitute for actual name) is the cross country coach for the Middle and High schools in The Dalles, Oregon. Though a teacher, she has participated in many, gruelling cross country races, and keeps herself in a toughened, physical condition as an excellent example for her students. But, as we shall see, being a good example is only one reason for her disciplined life style.

At a mile and a half, cross country, race two weeks past, the young athletes were giving their best (or at least thought they were), exhausting their young bodies to the breaking point. Young men and young women (in their appropriate divisions) strained and pumped flaxen legs from one point to the next, trying to maintain strides and distances, wondering if they could make it all the way? Suddenly, at the halfway point, here was their coach, Amanda, shouting their names and adding strength and adrenaline merely by being there!

As the runners neared the three quarter position, here was Amanda - again - yelling support and calling their names! Then she popped up again as they neared the finish line, shouting and yelling words of encouragement and support. Then, as each runner, crossed the finish line, here she was again with hugs and smiles and "I knew you could do its".

All through that gruelling obstacle course race, Amanda was all over the mile and a half area, and the Lord only knows how many miles she ran that day, but everywhere, shouting names and yelling encouragement!

Just like Jesus does for us as we run the Christian race!

And the mama fox? Where does she come into this true story? One of my dearest preacher friends grew up in old Virginia, where foxes and hunting hounds are part of growing up. Brother Flexon tells of watching their hounds on the chase, and after a young fox. He was scared half to death, running for dear life, and those old hounds were gaining on the little fellow. His route was circuitous, naturally returning to the place where his mother kept watchful eyes on the scene before her. On the next round, just when she knew the little fellow was about to collapse, the wizened, experienced mother headed him off to their lair while she took up the place in front of the hound.

She had done this many times before. She was a veteran, and had whipped those dogs many times before. She easily led that old hound away from her babies, and on a race that was not even a contest for her.

Our Christ is so much like this! The devil gets on the trail of many of us by siccing his old, Hell hounds on us, and we are pressured by them, and do not know what to do or where to go. Just when it seems that we can go no further, either Jesus or His faithful Holy Spirit sets us out of harm's way and leads the Hell-hounds far away from us. He knows when we can take no more. He knows when and where we need encouragement.

A Titus... Please!

We want no visitors in the early mornings. We want no observers in our disheveled states. To my knowledge, the decorations of slumber...the embellishments of sleep...are not subjects of art or publication.

We are a mess in our weaknesses. We do not want anyone to see us in our frail moments. We do not want anyone to even be around us during our anxious and strained tests when the flesh is strong and the spirit is weak. (I wonder about the person who said that "misery loves company"?) None of us should be judged at our best, but "Please, Lord! spare us from seeing ourselves too much at our worst."

It greatly helps us to read that Paul was human. He stated in 2nd Corinthians 7:5, "...our flesh had no rest...we were troubled on every side...fightings and conflicts were all around us, and dread and fears were within". Every time I read over this part of Paul's ministry experiences I wonder, "How could things get any worse?" All of us knows how bad things can be at times.

We must be reminded that it is not great personalities, and great gifts, and great environments and great opportunities that make us great Christians. It is always great grace that molds and shapes and develops us through suffering and testing and hard places.

But Paul said something else about this terrible testing time. He said, "God comforted us by the coming of Titus".

Years ago I was in a college committee meeting on the campus while my younger brother was a student there. Remembering how college students were always short of cash, and as we were standing around ready to leave, I embraced my brother and pressed a good sized bill into his hand. He looked surprised and, with tears in his eyes while trying to return it said, "Oh, I can't take this, Lester. I've been asking God for some badly needed funds." Then he looked more startled when I replied, "R.G., God just answered your prayer."

God sent Titus. It was Titus. I was Titus. Too often "Titus" is right there, standing by our sides, holding our hands, looking into our eyes, embracing us, steadying us, easing the pain, sharing our sorrow, smiling at us, weeping with us. I have yet to meet a single person who turned down a little appreciation. It is the universal gift of propriety. Appreciation is always appropriate.

There are thousands of Christians who are struggling because they think that they are not counting for much in their families, or in their churches, or in their schools or places of employment. I would urge any of us to become "Titus-type" encouragers, and uplifters and appreciaters. Anyone can do it, and there is not a more neglected job in the church than it is. It can be done anywhere, everywhere, anytime and all the time!

Be a grateful person! Be a gracious person! Graciousness is finding fulfillment in someone else's happiness and enjoyment and well being.

"Dear Lord, Increase the Tituses among us. Amen".

Copyright by W.L. Boone.