friendship – Imaginations & Revelations of Jeff Riddle

May 28, 2017

The Way of Peace

In this day of so much miscommunication, Hope still shines brightly. Honest and open communication is the key to any successful relationship. Unfortunately, miscommunication can be the source of terrible strife and division. All the way back in the garden, the truth of what God said was twisted and misperceived, casting mankind into this perpetual battle with sin. Eve and Adam were pure and innocent in their understanding right up until their teeth crushed through the skin of that luscious fruit and the juice of sin and selfishness lustfully drizzled down their chin. At that point, “Me, Me, Me” suddenly became the center of the universe.

But I believe it has always been in the heart of our Heavenly Father that the source of all of our knowledge and understanding would come from our own personal relationship with Him. Our Father has always been about walking hand and hand with us in the garden. Jesus made the way, paying the ultimate price. Out of His great love, He created us and then He rescued us, all for the sake of relationship. The pathway upon which we walk is communion, in other words, we talk and relate to each other honestly, respectfully, continuously.

However, our prideful and self-centered tendencies are to go it alone, to look lustfully at the tree and say, “I can do this myself.” There lies our tumultuous struggle, not only truth versus lies, light versus darkness, but more blatantly truth versus our perception of truth, in other words, the way we want the truth to be.

“Did God really say…?”

This very question still challenges our innate ability to communicate and to hear from God. The same concept can be applied to our everyday relationships; our family and friends, our workplace, even our church. Open, genuine and purposeful communication is the key to freedom. Miscommunication is the devil. It makes us prisoners to our fractured soul. In the garden, it caused doubt resulting in sin. Sin opened their eyes to nakedness or shame. Shame produced fear which resulted in hiding from their very own Father who loves them. We are all well aware of the end result, our own sinful nature that loves darkness and is afraid of being exposed to the light. The process remains the same; misunderstanding, lack of communication, vain imaginations and straight up lies continue to destroy lives, families and even cities and nations.

So what opens the door to truthful communication? Regretfully, often times it can be conflict. We sail along on rough seas ignoring and pretending the boat is not sinking; that is until the storm overtakes us. The wind blows, the thunder claps, our emotions become the rudder of our conversation and we will defend our self-centered belief system even to the death. I suppose conflict might be necessary when nothing else can tear through the walls of fear and pride but the problem with conflict is it always creates an atmosphere of chaos. Chaos will ultimately end in two polar opposite choices. One steers us to peaceful waters, understanding and reconciliation. The other’s outcome is a total shipwreck leaving behind the carnage of anger, bitterness, and an unwillingness to forgive. Relationships drown in a sea of pride and resentment.

Good news though…a lifeboat is on the way! His name is Jesus. Through the fog of chaos and confusion, He brings courage. The struggle to bring light into darkness is traumatic and requires much courage. The key is love but it takes courage to turn the key. This door is the way of humility and surrender, putting other’s interest first. It’s the way of the cross. Humility and weakness carry truth much further than pride and arrogance. Humility is the foundation of confidence and will always create an atmosphere of peace. Peace, however, doesn’t always look like calm waters. Jesus was sound asleep, perhaps dreaming of green pastures and quiet waters when his disciples frantically screamed something like, “We are all going to die!” Jesus however, arose from a place of peace, looked confidently at the storm and said, “Peace be still!” Winds died down. Waters became calm. Hearts again were at rest. Blue sky and sunshine emerged from the dark clouds. So may this thought be etched upon our hearts and a standard by which we all live,

Peace begets Peace!

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91)

The meaning and purpose of life is two things, love God, love others. Love’s torment is passionately desiring God’s very best for ourselves and everyone around us. Love is the activity of thankfulness and was never meant to be passive. Love courageously initiates the relationship, especially in stormy waters. Love listens intently and patiently. Love speaks truth gently and cares deeply. Even in the midst of lightning flashing and thunder’s rumbling, love stays because love wins. Love wins!

Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

(Luke 1:78-79)

January 22, 2015January 22, 2015

Mr. Walker

I first met Mr. Walker in 1975. My College roommate and best friend, Primo invited me to go home with him to their ranch in South Texas. His Dad, Mr Walker was of that unique breed of men that humbly command respect. Standing tall and confident, with a firm handshake and a bright smile, Mr. Walker warmly welcomed me into his family. To describe him would be to describe the icon of a South Texas rancher, business man, family man who quietly but powerfully moved mountains. Under his sweat stained hat his piercing steel blue eyes seemed to look straight into the souls of men as he launched into a barrage of questions. Mr.Walker always wanted to know everything about everyone he talked to. Where you came from. What you are doing. Everything about your family. What do you think about this or that? He was always truly interested in you personally. I remember watching him work with the men on the ranch repairing fence, digging postholes and welding gates and thinking how at home he looks here. I remember seeing him dressed in a suit, elbow to elbow with the Governor and many men of great power, and again I thought he is so at home here. The cultural contrast coupled with how comfortable he was in any situation or with any crowd has had a tremendous impact on my life.

A few years later I found myself living with the Walkers at the ranch house. My friend convinced me that I could build the perfect abode to house him and his brand new beautiful bride. Early every morning, which actually seemed like the middle of the night to me, Mr. Walker would turn the light on and say, “Jeff, time to get up!” Every morning I was greeted with the same question, “Jeff what do you want for breakfast, eggs and onions or onions and eggs?” Someone had given him a big burlap sack full of onions. Totally thrilled by this, he was determined to make sure not one went to waste. Luckily, I didn’t have a girlfriend and I liked onions. I remember while working on the house, Mr. Walker would blow in unannounced just like the wind. I would look up to find him walking, cat like, up and down the rafters carefully inspecting every board and every nail. Then with a nod of approval and the slightest wave of his hand, just like he came, he would disappear in a cloud of dust.

During this time, I got really sick. I was imprisoned by an old army cot and a five gallon bucket. I lost around twenty pounds in just three days but stubbornly would not allow anyone to take me to the Doctor. Then came Mr. Walker, a man with so much wisdom and grace that my only possible response was, “Yes Sir.” I seemed to say that a lot when he was around. After five days in the hospital and a near death experience, by God’s mercy I revived and returned to the land of the living. Mr. Walker’s firm and persuasive words probably saved my life.

When it’s time to work cattle at the ranch everything else gets put on hold and all hands are on deck. Picture this, we are deep in the heart of South Texas brush country where everything sticks you, pokes you and bites you. It’s really hot, it’s dry and it’s dusty. A couple of dozen seasoned cowboys and cowgirls ranging in age from eight to eighty mill around like some pre-game ritual. The helicopter tips it’s wing saying good bye as the last of the herd is driven into the outer trap. The pens full of cows of every color and size push and shove to and fro in blind anxiousness. In the center of all this stands Mr. Walker. Atop the cutting chute like a Captain at the helm or better said, like a maestro conducting his orchestra, he turns, he looks and he nods as if to say, “Let this dance begin!” At once everything comes to life. Methodical like the tango, he watches, he points, he shouts, he opens, he closes, he directs, he moves, and he laughs. To see this is to see a true master at work, an art form, and a thing of beauty to behold.

One particular day there was this white eyed, high horned cow that put everyone, big and small, on the fence. Clothed in sweat, blood and mud, I clung fast to the fence when Mr. Walker leaned down and said in his best Texas drawl, “You better watch out for that one Jeff, that’s ole Myra Breckenridge.” After all these years he still makes me laugh.

Sundays were a day for church and rest for the Walkers. Recovery might have been a better word for me as Saturday night and Sunday morning had absolutely nothing in common. Whatever the cost, we were there, propped up by those hard, cold pew benches, mumbling songs from the hymnal and saying our amens at the First Baptist Church. This was pre-Jesus for me but praise God a few rogue seeds were scattered in my direction. Afterwards our safe haven was the front porch of that clap board house on that dusty street in the sleepy town of Laredo. Mr. Walker would bring arm loads of fried chicken with all the fixens and we would feast together, enjoy each other’s company and laugh a lot. That smell still brings back lots of good memories.

It has been forty years since we first met, an entire generation. A few months ago, by happenstance, (Ha), I ran into Mr. Walker, with his wife and daughters at a restaurant in San Antonio. Just like old times we enjoyed a meal together and laughed as we told old stories from years gone by. Mr. Walker, in true form, asked me tons of questions and somewhere in the mix he managed to remind us all of this story.

As it was, I had worked all day framing up Primo and Carlynn’s love nest. When it was time to go home, my truck wouldn’t start. This was way before cell phones and in fact, I think that the Pony Express might still have been in service. So I just girded up my well worn cowboy boots and jogged all the way back to the ranch…nine miles! Is that funny? He thought so and just laughed and laughed.

After a really wonderful time, we prepared to say our good byes. He reached up and pulled me close. I knew well the look in those steely blue eyes. Then he spoke firmly yet lovingly. He said, “Jeff, I have always thought of you as my son.” Mouth open, eyes leaking, I leaned in to embrace him as he said, “I love you son!” By now my voice was cracking but I managed to say, “I love you too!” Little did I know this would be my last visit with Mr. Walker on this earth. However God knew. He set it up. My Heavenly Father loves me that much.

I write this to honor Mr. Walker and his family. I will rejoice with those who rejoice and I will mourn with those who mourn. And as I reflect back over these many years, I can see now how Mr. Walker really believed in me. He always wanted the best for me. He helped to reveal the treasure in my life. My relationship with him and his love for me influenced me and inspired me to reach higher and to run farther. I am just a very small chip in the wall the Lord built through Mr. Walker’s life. I can just imagine the thousands of lives that he touched and the legacy he continues to leave behind. I am forever grateful.

We love you too Mr. Walker!

Post Script: Two nights ago I was at the barn feeding the horses. Like most nights, I looked up at the starry host in total amazement and awe of God’s creation. Suddenly I could see Mr. Walker walking side by side with Jesus. As always, Mr. Walker was flooding Jesus with a bevy of questions. As they walked, they smiled. All I could do was laugh! Laughter is good medicine.

January 5, 2015January 5, 2015

A Good Friend

This morning I had an informal meeting with a good friend and as most mornings, I was running a little late. I can get easily distracted with this that and every little thing, besides, somehow the clock just seems to turn much faster these days. As I hurried to meet Him, there He was, standing some distance away under the most majestic looking Oak tree. Some people might be a little frustrated at having to wait, but not this friend, He just smiled the biggest smile ever and gave me a huge welcoming hug. Something inside me melted and all I could feel was ahhh! Don’t you love those special people in your life? Every time they meet you they are genuinely happy, ecstatically so, at merely seeing you. I truly love that! So together we began to walk down a well worn trail, through overhanging trees and entered into a lush, green pasture. Quietly, even silently, we just enjoyed each others company. After a while, He spoke up and asked me, “If you could go anywhere, where would you like to go?” I said, “I really like the beach and the ocean. I might like to live there someday.” He said, He liked the waves because they were always moving and always changing. He liked the wind, the way it felt on His face. He liked all the fish and birds and sea creatures everywhere. As we kept on walking, I noticed my soul was at peace. The trail led us to a gently running stream. It’s banks were lined with mountainous Cypress trees. Enormous rocks rose from the midst of the water and stood stately like statues, ever watching, ever guarding. As my eyes turned back to Him, I was a bit surprised when He pulled out His fly casting rod and said, “Let’s fish awhile.” I stood back a distance and marveled at a Master at work. He can totally make that fly dance across the water, almost musical in nature. The fly would tumble forward in a continuous rolling motion before gently touching down precisely on the mark. Oddly enough, he developed that move by watching the waves roll onto the beach. Honestly, I was completely captivated and somewhat awestruck. Time stood still as I gazed upon a man in long shorts, with stringy dark hair, standing in knee deep water having the time of His life! He was filled with so much joy and totally consumed in the moment. I want to be like Him. He wasn’t worried about politics, or the failing economy, or oil prices, or food shortages, or world crisis. Instead His soul was at peace, completely confident, strong yet humble, wise and compassionate, happy and full of life. Being close to Him makes me feel happy and at peace. Later, we sat on a rock where I listened and I could hear His heart on a few things. At one point, I even saw a tear trickle down his face. He told me how he helped His Father build His house and spoke of the exactness of every little detail. I said, “That house sounds wonderful and I would love to see it sometime.” He said, “Come see it anytime you want.” That left me speechless. About that time He brought out lunch, figs of all things, and some kind of juice called Guava berry. It was sweet and tangy and kind of like sparkling water. It was very refreshing. All in all, it was the best of days, spent with my very best friend. He is just so trustworthy and giving and fun to be with. He has forever engraved a picture in my heart of His glistening eyes, His strong hands and His perpetual smile. I am completely overwhelmed by his friendship and by his love. Most assuredly, He is the Prince of Peace.

	Joni Starr on Now We Wait
	Joni Starr on A Bridge of Hope
	mrjriddle on Mr. Walker
	Scott Cornelius on Mr. Walker
	mrjriddle on Mr. Walker