Drying

"A poor brother must brag," James 1:9.

James, ya gotta be kidding! Brag? First of all, nobody wants to get poor. Second, nobody who's poor wants to stay there. But here's the thing. A poor brother gets lifted up. That's where pride comes in - pride in getting elevated by God, James insists. God's action's the real source of joy. Well, OK. But, James, come on! The rich brother must boast, too? Seriously? In going on the down elevator? (Huh?) Everybody knows happiness is up the ladder, not down it! Still, James, why do you assert this boasting also comes from God's action? Because, better is humiliation by God's life giving hand. Than what? Than fading out right in the middle of the big deal. Drying up. And dying, ignominiously, without. God.

We share with a brother or sister today recognizing God at work in the vagaries of our lives. And, together, we give praises in the ups and downs of his blessings on our way to heaven.