By bare hand..

Testimonies are the life support of religion. Any religion.

In my early inquisitive years, I sought testimonies wherever I could find them. In books, in churches, and in conversations with the young and the old.

Thomas Merton, an intellectual who became a Trappist monk, led me to more spiritual contemplation with his writing.

Philip Yancey, Chuck Colson, Charles Stanley, Joyce Meyer, Frederica Matthews Green, St.Theresa of Avila, C S. Lewis, Catherine Marshall, Thomas Dubay, and so many more all had different perspectives & experiences that one can appreciate.

I even road- tripped with a friend to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Georgia.

What a weekend!

A weekend of silence, prayer, and monks– who are living testimonies to one facet of faith.

It was a non- electrical experience. The monks chanted the Psalms acapella in a sanctuary lit by the sun, moon, & candles.

There’s something about the chanting that delights and lifts the soul. And the solemnity is a break, a respite, a refreshment from our profit- driven culture.

All kinds of people visited the monastery and left some of their thoughts in a notebook placed in each guest room. More testimonies that our world should always include sanctuaries for our spiritual health.

And testimonies. True stories of how faith triumphed over difficult and downright impossible situations.

There’s a hymn I can’t recall at this moment, but it basically claims that where true love and charity dwell, God himself is there.

Anywhere.

Including at the kitchen table.

Once I shared toast and jelly with an African bishop who didn’t speak English too well. But a definite respect and kindness existed between us. Two very different people bridged by our faith. A visible testimony.

There is a warrior song ( the Marines) with lyrics that emphasize evil will be dealt with ” by gun, by sword, or by bare hand.”

Most of we civilians fight back with our bare hands. Every honest endeavor is a punch against the darkness that seeks to corrupt and destroy. And every success is a potential testimony that could be shared.

Warrior on!

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