Chuck Locklear
fascinating characters, impactful books and messages
Finding Peace
The world just got crazy…crazier. COVID-19 has had us all on high alert. The world is full of dangerous calamities. Yes, everything happens for a reason, but not always a good reason. Yet, Jesus tells us to not be “alarmed,” with a modern translation reading something like, “Don’t freak out.” Instead, he offers us peace.
Rational Concern
So, what is the difference between being alert and aware of your situation with rational concern and being alarmed or freaking out? Let me help you draw the line.
Taking practical action is the opposite of freaking out. Freaking out is when you constantly talk, think, and post on Facebook about something for which you are fearful. If it affects your ability to live life, you are freaking out. It is good to take practical steps, like installing a deadbolt on your front door. Don’t let fear control how you live. Do what you can; trust God for the rest.
It used to be that we got our bad news from television. Not anymore, social media has upped the ante. Social media makes it worse, because when you click “like,” the algorithm is programed to send you more of the same kind of message. You pick the category . . . bacteria is killing all live stock . . . migrants are stealing our jobs. Click it and you get more posts reinforcing the message. The next thing you know you are dragged in to believing that calamity is at the door. At some point, we have to tune out and focus on something good. We have to choose peace.
Scooppie
Let me introduce you to Scooppie. Peace was not his focus. On a trip to see my aunt and uncle, we visited the Cemetery at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. That is where I met Scooppie. His grave marker read, “Do unto others as they have done unto you.”
This is a misquote of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” and an indictment of the life of this young man, Scooppie. I asked my aunt if they use a different version of the Bible at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. She asked why. Then, I showed her the grave marker. She was shocked, that this misquote was in the church’s cemetery.
Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount were not a discipline built into this young man’s life. His young life ended, when he took his gun to kill the boyfriend of his sister, but it was an ambush and he was the one who was shot and killed. To be Christ-like is to love those who are difficult to love, “Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High…” Feel free to use Scooppie as a lesson for your children on how not to find peace.
Don’t Freak Out
When the world appears out of control, remember, we can trust that God is holy, good, loving, and in control. We don’t need to freak out. Instead, we can have peace. We can remind the people in our world that they don’t need to freak out. Our God is good. He loves us, and he loves them.
Sometimes; what looks like terror might actually be triumph. What looks like heartbreak might actually be healing. It is good to remind each other by recounting the blessings of God. I know from experience, even COVID-19 is something God can work out for our good.
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed . . .”
Matthew 24:6
Copyright © 2020 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Growth Mindset.
Finding Grace
How significant is a bucket of popcorn? It may be a reminder that waiting for God’s timing is worth it. Be patient; God’s timing is not like ours.
“It is worth waiting for God’s timing.”
Parallel Parking
I remember teaching all of my children to drive a car. Parallel parking was a challenge. Actually, what was most challenging was letting go the first time they ventured out of our driveway on their own. Of all the parenting fears and worries, this one was the most stressful… up until that point. I had been in near-fatal car accidents and knew how quickly things could go dangerously wrong. Teaching them to drive required both trust and patience.
Even getting from here to there can require patience. Traffic and road construction is everywhere. Just when you feel you have successfully navigated around it, the sign up ahead, covering your path, reads, “Road closed.”
“Why Lord?” “What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch?” The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. Perhaps, we are stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten us? It has only provided more troubles. A long run of bad luck, that’s what— a slap in the face every time we walk out the door. Struggles require patience.
Seeking God’s Grace
How do find the patience to trust God in the middle of the struggles of life? We seek God’s grace. Grace means unmerited favor; we need his grace. When we ask for God’s help, often we find grace in the most unlikely places. Sometimes, you can find your way over a bucket of popcorn.
When I was a young man, I prayed for God to provide me a partner in life. I dated many girls, with lots of dead ends. What you may not know is that Lizzy first dated my best friend, Dave. I don’t remember how it happened, but, somehow, I accompanied Dave and Lizzy to the movies. I was the third wheel.
Sharing a Bucket Of Popcorn
I do remember that Dave had told me that he was not serious about Liz. Actually, as I remember, he wasn’t serious about finding a life partner at that time, but I was. Sitting there in the dark, with Lizzy in the middle. I was on her left and Dave was on her right. We had purchased a bucket of popcorn to share. Lizzy was holding it. Then, I touched her hand as she held the rim of the bucket. The next thing I knew we were holding hands. I looked over at Dave. His eyes bugged out and then he smiled… and the rest is history.
It is worth waiting for God’s timing. When we follow where he leads, even when we don’t know the way, he will provide the grace we desire. All of these years later, I can honestly say that God gave me the greatest gift of my life over a bucket of popcorn.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Learning To Trust.
God Loves Diversity
“Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” I think too many Christians either didn’t go to Sunday school or have forgotten the important lesson that this song teaches. We learn from this song that God is love and loves diversity. We were made in the image of God. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin, your social status, or the balance in your bank account. God loves you.
Sharing Thanksgiving Dinner
At Thanksgiving, our church gives out turkey dinners. I’ve got to let you in on something. I think doing this gives me more joy than those receiving the dinners. The same is true when we give out boxed chicken dinners on Sunday. I’m not sure who gets the biggest blessing, the receiver or the giver.
With each chicken dinner, there is a piece of fruit or maybe a cookie in the box. That fruit goes beyond wanting a hungry person to eat. The purpose is so that the hungry person will enjoy the meal. The purpose is to bring joy to their life.
Likewise, Jesus met Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. Jesus did not just pass by this sinner. He looked Matthew in the eye… and saw a man that needed help. Later we learn that when the Pharisees saw this, they asked, “Why does your teacher eat and with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard their question and answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Jesus then said something interesting, “Go and learn what this means.”
Needy People
I think Jesus was saying his lesson was not just intended for health care professionals. His lesson applies to other needs as well, even to housing. It is not those with fine houses that need our help, but it is the homeless that need our help. It is not those in church that need our help, but those in our community, in our neighborhood. Jesus, then, confirmed this message with this final statement on the subject, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
On Sundays, when our church gives out boxed chicken dinners, it gives us the opportunity to share the Gospel and meet people in our community. It is a reminder of the diversity of God’s creation. It is a reminder to look deeper and see the humanity of that needy person that God has put in our path.
Your Challenge
I challenge you to look deeper and see the humanity of the needy person that God has put in your path. Look past the color of their skin, social status, and bank account. If you don’t see a needy person in your path, you aren’t looking hard enough. Celebrate the diversity. Look them in the eye, see deep within them, and discover what it is you can do to bring joy to their life. Then, love them like Jesus loves you.
“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9)
Also, see Needy People.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
A Wonderful Life
My in-laws loved each other. Though it was not always obvious when you were are around them. It was easier to guess that they drove each other crazy. “Carol are you smoking again?” “Leonard, why don’t you just stop that.” Now that Leonard is gone, Carol misses him tremendously. Isn’t that just like life? Only afterwards, did she realize that they had a rich and wonderful life.
Let the word “love” come out of your mouth often.
Cherish One Another
Instead of cherishing one another, we are often critical. It is my guess that we all have longed to see our moms hold our dads’ hand and to hear her say things like, “How did I get so lucky to have found you?” To see her stroke his hair and hear her say, “And, how did we get such incredible children?” To see the two of them sit down for a meal together and hear these words, “Oh, we had such fun, didn’t we? You have given me a rich and wonderful life.”
Maybe your parents never said those things. Perhaps, their life together told a different story. They often lost patience with each other. They prioritized their complaints over their compliments.
Clearly, we all need to be more charitable. Do we offer compliments easily? Or, do we think, “Maybe I will embarrass my children if I speak openly of my love for my wife?” The truth is likely that our words will be a gift.
Public Praise
Public praise is an act of love. The psalms exhort us, again and again, to publicly praise God. Psalm 34:3 says, “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
If we want to be the sons and daughters of God, we must express our love of God, but also of each other.
We can best express our love toward God by demonstrating love to those we can see. We should easily say to all whom will listen “I love him” or “I love her.” Let the word “love” come out of your mouth often. Even if you don’t feel it, speak the words anyway… and they will change your heart.
“If a man says, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
1 John 4: 20, KJV
Also, see Don’t Fast-forward Through Life.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
The Meaning of Virtual
These days we’ve become a loving community, virtually, a place where people can share their needs, challenges, and celebrations. We have added love to the meaning of the word virtual.
There are prayer requests of all kinds: for broken arms, skin cancer removal procedures, sinus headaches, kidney stones, Cathy’s nephew, Tony’s niece, and lots of prayer requests for family and friends with COVID.
There are prayer requests for safe travels and flooding. Then, there was this great quote from a dear sister, “When one hurts, we all hurt. When one prays, we all pray. When one sings praises, we all sing with you.”
There are birthday celebrations. “Happy birthday Dina,” and “Happy birthday Michelle, have a blessed day.”
There are many praise reports. Thank you Jesus that Liz, Donna, and Marie are doing better. “Yes, Jesus is good to us, all the time.”
Most recently, there was the announcement of the Turkey giveaway. We were blessed with 75 Turkey dinners, again this year.
This all reminds me of Jesus’ words in John:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13 34-35, NIV
Loving one another is Jesus’ indicator of our success. The focus of our lives should be on people, not accomplishments and things. Our focus should be on sharing love, not just with our family, but also with our neighbors.
This is the reason I love this prayer request from Devin asking for prayer for his dad’s boss’s son, hurt in a bad motorcycle accident. My guess is that Devin doesn’t know the son hurt in the motorcycle accident or, if he does, not well. But, Devin rides motorcycles and identified with the young man because of a common connection.
God sent his son to earth so that he could connect with us, so that he could understand our hopes and dreams, understand our challenges and fears. It is true for us as well. God has placed us into our world so that we can connect with those around us. So often, we spend a lot of time wrapped up in our own wants and concerns, our own families, our own careers, and our own aspirations. But, let us not be so centered on what is ours to not stop and pray for our “dad’s boss’s son.”
In the end, no activities or accomplishments will stand up to how well we loved. Not only must we add love to the meaning of virtual. We must add love to in-person, to our words and our actions. We must add love without judgement or condemnation. Indeed, we must love God with our whole hearts and others as he has loved us.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Victorious Living.
Rocket Science
A baking soda rocket can teach a lot of science.
In the 17th century, discoveries by great scientists contributed big gains to our knowledge of motion. Galileo Galilei discovered that moving objects don’t need the continuous application of force to continue moving, if there is an absence of friction and drag. Isaac Newton advanced Galileo’s discoveries formulating three basic laws foundational for all rocket science.
Newton’s Laws
First: Objects at rest remain at rest and objects in motion remain in motion in a straight line unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
Second: The greater the mass of an object, the more force it will take to accelerate the object.
Third: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
What we know is a drop. What we don’t know is an ocean.
Isaac Newton
Teaching Rockets
You can explain to your student(s) that the first law tells us how a rocket, resting on the launch pad needs the exertion of an unbalanced force to make it move. The amount of that force (produced by rocket engines) needs to be greater than gravity that is holding the rocket. As long as that force continues to work, the rocket will fly upwards. When the engines stop producing force, the rocket will fall back to the ground.
You can also use rocket science to teach about outer space. For example, the atmospheric drag (also called friction) is eliminated once the rocket reaches the space. The lessons are limitless.
Materials needed
- Empty plastic bottle
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Cork
- Paper towel
- Plastic straw
- Scissors
- Scotch tape
- String
- Wooden dowel (for launching pad)
3, 2, 1, Blastoff!
Push the wooden dowel into the ground to make your launch pad (the dowel only needs to be taller than the bottle). Tape a straw to the side of your bottle. When you are ready to launch, you will slide the straw over the dowel, with the bottom of the bottle facing up.
Check that your cork is a snug fit for the bottle. If it’s not, you can use duct tape to make it fit better. Decorate the bottle rocket as you wish.
Pour vinegar (3 to 6 ounces) into the bottle.
Place baking soda (1 – 2 teaspoons) on a small piece of paper towel. Wrap the baking soda with the paper towel to make a small burrito. Hang the burrito in the bottle above the vinegar with the string.
Close the bottle with the cork. Shake it to start the reaction and place it upside down on the launch pad.
Limitless God
Isaac Newton was widely recognized as one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all time and among the most influential scientists. He was a key figure in the philosophical revolution known as the Enlightenment. He once famously said, “What we know is a drop. What we don’t know is an ocean.”
Science can teach us about our God, the creator of heaven and earth. It is important for us to learn and discovery as much as possible about his creation. My guess is that even rocket scientists never stop learning.
“If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
Psalm 139:8
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Why Algebra?
Faith of a Child
My grandkids were so excited on Palm Sunday because they thought Jesus was coming back, when they heard Jesus was riding into town on a donkey. They were like, “Today! Today’s the day he comes back?” They were very disappointed when they realized Sunday wasn’t the actual day. The faith of a child is what we all need.
Jesus said suffer the little children to come to me. Every child is a gift from God. This Sunday we had two baby dedications at church. The story of Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter one demonstrates purpose of dedication.
Hannah’s Cry
It starts with a man named Elkanah who had two wives. This seems like a bad idea to me. I can’t image being able to keep two wives happy. However, each year Elkanah and his families journeyed to the Tabernacle at Shiloh to worship the Lord. On the day he presented his sacrifice, Elkanah would celebrate the happy occasion by giving presents to Peninnah and her children; but although he loved Hannah very much, he could give her only one present, because she had no children to give presents to. Peninnah made matters worse by teasing and laughing at Hannah because of her barrenness.
Every year it was the same. One year Hannah was crying so much that she couldn’t eat. “What’s the matter, Hannah?” Elkanah asked. “Why aren’t you eating? Why make such a fuss over having no children? Isn’t having me better than having ten sons?”
I know ladies. . . typical man.
Hannah’s Prayer
That evening, after supper, Hannah went over to the Tabernacle. She was in deep anguish and was crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.
And she made this vow: “O Lord of heaven, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you, and he’ll be yours for his entire lifetime.”
And, God granted Hannah’s request. She gave birth to a son and named him Samuel, which means “asked of God.”
And, Hannah kept her promise to God. When the baby was able to eat solid foods, she took Samuel to the Tabernacle in Shiloh.
She said to Eli the priest, “I am the woman who stood here that time praying to the Lord! I asked him to give me this child, and he has given me my request; and now I am giving him to the Lord for as long as he lives.” So she left him there at the Tabernacle for the Lord to use. That’s real dedication!
Real Joy
Now, we don’t ask parents to leave their child at church for the rest of his or her life. We do ask parents to make a declaration that they are giving their child back to God; that they will raise him or her to know the love of God; that they will bring the child to church where they can worship with the family of God.
Jesus first entered our world as a tiny infant, born in a stable in Bethlehem. It was just a few miles south of his tomb in Jerusalem. He emerged from the stable as a fragile, vulnerable, refugee and was met by an audience of shepherds. On Easter, he emerged from the tomb as the Everlasting Good Shepherd.
We must come with the faith of a child, leaving all of our adult baggage at the door. This will start us on the road to experiencing joy. Then, maybe we’ll be as excited as my grandkids when we hear Jesus is coming back.
Also, see Faith Makes All Things Possible.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Band-Aids are Magical
Have you ever put a Band-Aid on someone’s finger? I have six grandkids, so I have the opportunity to do this on occasion. Yes, Band-Aids are magical. The hurt seems to go away instantly. The magic starts when I pull the box out and take the bandage out of the wrapper. I take the backing off, hover bandage over the wound, carefully aligning it, and lovingly wrap it around the finger.
We don’t often do that for each other after we get older. Instead, we say, “I can put it on myself.” But, do you remember a mom, dad, or grandparent putting a Band-Aid on as a child? If the answer is yes, I bet these memories are precious, making you feel safe and secure. Think about how much joy this moment brought to your mom, dad, or grandparent, being able to take care of her or his child. Now, imagine how your heavenly father feels when we let him take care of us.
“Our father in heaven wants to care for you… even in seemingly minor situations. But he also wants us to take care of others. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
1 John 4: 12
If our life demonstrates love, we are showing that we are in God, and he is in us.
My challenge for you, find an adult who needs a Band-Aid . . . and ask if you can put it on for them. Does that sound uncomfortable? I bet it does. Maybe you don’t have to literally put a Band-Aid on someone. Maybe there is something else that is difficult or uncomfortable or even embarrassing that you can do for someone. Start with your spouse or maybe someone in your family. But don’t… stop… there. Find someone not in your family, someone that is different from you and put on that Band-Aid. Like me, you will discover that Band-aids are magical.
Also, see A Rich and Wonderful Life.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
It Is Okay To Smile
A Rock In Her Pocket. . .
She’s asleep. I empty her pockets and smile.
Rocks are a treasure she carries for a while.
I launder her clothes and marvel at how she continues to grow.
As this school year draws to a close,
I pause to wonder, “Does my child’s teacher know. . .
The fear this Mother’s held inside as she’s watched her child grow?”
September of 1990 was quick to arrive.
Strangers stood behind those school doors as my first-born child walked inside.
The year progressed. There were many things to remember: a library book, something beginning with “A,” a school bag, a box of juice, and she’s sent on her way.
I pause and silently pray, “Lord, be with this child’s teacher today.”
Patience and insight are needed in excess.
She returns after saying good-bye,
“Will my teacher like my dress?”
This teacher is a hero through many eyes.
She has not despised my daughter’s strong will.
But ever so gently bent it to conform to that necessary rule.
Like a rock in my daughter’s pocket,
Her teacher has become a priceless jewel.
Smile. . . God Has Done Great Things
This poem was written, by Lizzy, on the occasion of our oldest daughter’s entry into kindergarten. This daughter sends her youngest to kindergarten this year. The poem still makes me cry and reminds me of the great things God has done in my life.
“Consider what great things the Lord has done for you.”
1 Samuel 12:24
Every new school year holds blessings and challenges. As retired educators and empty-nest parents, Lizzy and I have seen many first days of school. . . and many blessings and challenges. Our advice, embrace them both. Never fail to recognize the blessings: the great things that God is doing. There is magic in learning. See the sparkle in the students’ eyes as they discover something new. Set aside time to celebrate each and every accomplishment.
Student Is the Proper Word
In writing a series of devotionals to those on the front lines, we will use the word “student” often, speaking both to teachers and parents. For parents, you may primarily be interested in one student, your own (or multiple students if you have more than one child in school). For elementary teachers, you likely have influence over 30 students, and for high school teachers, you may connect with 150 students daily. Regardless, “student” is the proper word, because we must all focus on the growth and learning of students if we want these young people to prosper.
Parents and educators have tremendous influence over student achievement. One way, is in the words that we choose to praise our students. (We’ll look at other influencers throughout the year.) Instead of focusing on how smart they are, let’s focus on how much they have learned or how much effort they put into accomplishing a goal. In doing so, we will develop, in them, a “Growth Mindset.” (We’ll introduce you to Carol Dweck, the pioneer of this concept in September.) Effort is much more necessary for success in life than potential. Successful people must overcome many obstacles, and put in a lot of effort to achieve their goals.
Speak Life
Remember, what you speak into their lives becomes true. Speak words of life. What you tell children, they become. If you say, “You are lazy.” They will be lazy. If you say, “You are a hard worker.” They will put extra effort into all that they do. Choose your words wisely.
Face the challenges together, teacher and parent. Smile and support one another. Acknowledge the anguish, when you see it, on tiny faces. Then, come up with and execute a plan. Perhaps, it is a nightly routine of doing homework at the kitchen table. The struggles will pass and you’ll look back with fondness as you remember your needless fears. This has been true for us.
Joy will greet you if you look for it. Be reminded of this promise in the book of Psalms:
“. . . weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5
Arise each day knowing that you are strong, stronger than you think. . . that God has given you just what you need for this time and for this place. Smile and enjoy the children, for they are God’s gift to cherish for a moment. Cherish even the small things. . . like a Rock In Her Pocket.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Finding Wisdom & Brain Development.
The Struggle Is Real
While the Struggle is Real, I am thankful for a song to sing, even if it is as silly as, “If I Only Had a Heart.”
When a man’s an empty kettle
He should be on his mettle
And yet I’m torn apart
Just because I’m presumin’
That I could be kind a human
If I only had a heart
Just to register emotion, jealousy, devotion
And really feel the part
I could stay young and chipper
And I’d lock it with a zipper
If I only had a heart
—Wizard of Oz
I recently found a copy of my high school newspaper, The Free Wood, from March 1978. There was an article about a play I performed in, “The Wizard of Oz.” Guess which character I played. Yes, I had to squeeze myself into a metal costume for every performance. And, from the newspaper photo, it is clear that I was a lot thinner in 1978 than I am today.
“God will change your despair into delight.”
The article included a picture of me, Tom Maxwell, who played the Cowardly Lion, and Ellen Cross, who played Dorothy. Wow, we were young. Of course, in the caption, they incorrectly switched Tom and my roles. I could never play a cowardly lion, or could I?
Cowardly Lion
This got me thinking about some of the challenges I have faced in life. Did I face them with courage or as a cowardly lion would? I’m sorry to say that sometimes these challenges kept me up at night, because of the despair that filled my heart. No, I’m not a tin man. I have a real human heart.
Fear over the loss of a job, medical problems, like neuropathy, a father in the hospital dying, a mother with complications from brain surgery, a child with a broken heart, times when the bills were bigger than my income, all of these things caused me great stress. I’d like to say that I faced them courageously, trusting God, but I fretted and worried. “God, where are you?” “Do you not see what is going on?” “I can’t do this without help.”
Worry Is Useless
I am hopeful that you can learn from my experience; my worry was useless. I know this now looking back. Regardless of my concern, the dreaded event occurred. We can’t stop time. The struggle is real, but I now know, that God was with me, and saw me through, though he required me to do my part. Strange if you think about it. There is a God in heaven and he cares about us. With billions of people on this planet, he cares about you. I can say from experience that this is true.
In Exodus 14:15, God spoke directly to Moses, saying, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” Don’t look back. Don’t fret and worry. Move forward. That is the lesson you should learn from the Tin Man. “Go forward.” In all of the challenges that I have faced in life, I just moved forward, one baby step at a time. And, as I did so, obstacles receded, and God provided answers. When you do nothing, then nothing can be done. But when you take a step forward, God will steer you to the next step, and eventually to victory.
The Struggle
God will change your despair into delight. When you are facing a challenge, trust him. For me, high school was a long time ago, and the Wizard of Oz is only a distant memory. Yes, the struggle is real, but you can rely on him for courage to go forward.
Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear
Also, see Victorious.
