Jewells of Thought

Life is a mixture of events in our lives. We have regiments as children to a degree to show us stability or at least most children do. There is a beautiful sentiment in the Old Testament Book of Proverbs. This verse is so extremely important for our current generations to know and heed.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

This morning as this very article seemed to be coming together in jigsaw pieces within mere seconds, the all too familiar goodness of God washed over me. This is absolutely why I love sharing these aha moments I have with God. Three very different thoughts in themselves and yet they are so good and relatable together.

A young man working hard to become an architect minding his own business after serving his country honorably. Yesterday the headline was he was being indicted for what happened on the subway last month. He is not the first one to be treated this way and possibly not the last unless his trouble will be referred to to keep others from doing as he did. Which is heartbreaking for so many reasons.

There is something about this young Marine that has touched the citizens of America not to forget those who literally survived that day in the subway. Mr. Penny was the man who was created for this moment in time. I believe his training and possible Church background grounded this man while in the outrageous lack of protected public space.

I alluded to the possibility this Marine has a connection to a family who showed him what God would mean to him possibly as he neared making his decision to serve in the military. This reminds me of a couple from my church, who went home to be with their Lord and Savior last year. He was a Marine and he made the decision to wear ink. I remember him being a man of few words, his wife would often comment on my musical performances. They were such a cute couple.

Last year I was able to hear from my preacher and from my fellow co-workers at Dialysis how inseparable the two were. They both sat together during treatment, yes they both had to have Dialysis and they were able to have it together until circumstances changed. Both of them were in bad shape but they stayed together; he was fiercely protective of her. Maybe it was his Marine training or his enduring love and faithfulness to her, but he was devoted to her.

Mr. Penny also had that sense of pride after serving and protecting this Nation from our foes. That day if you look at the video his hold on the victim was not 15 minutes. The actual time was 2 minutes and he was not the only one trying to defend the others on this subway train. He knew how to properly use a hold. He was trained in the best ways to do so under the best trainers in the world. The character of this man shows by the people calling him a hero the people who are still alive that were literally held captive in that subway.

Where does a person’s character come from? How is it measured?

In the past month, this young man has shown nothing but self-restraint and decorum. Is there more of a spiritual aspect for this man? I have seen some pictures, but I will say this is just a rumor to dance around. That just as my Marine friend from church; that he also has a tattoo. The idea is that this tattoo could be foreboding if it gets allowed into the evidence.

What would you think if he had a tattoo of a certain well-known man of the bible who was also thrust into battle? The rumor that the likeness of a painting of C. E. Brock is very intriguing. The alleged image is of Samson subduing a lion. Could this be true? This man seems to be up for a challenge and he is getting the attention of the nation helping him with his legal fees.

Just as the Bodega Owner who had to defend himself finally got released from Rickers Island, I believe this Marine will win in the end. Look at how both cases were changed due to public opinion. This story happening in real time gives me goosebumps. This was a clear case of self defense and protecting others. In those moments the fact the victim had a mile long rap sheet didn’t matter. Penny’s training and devotion to his country to protect and serve came naturally into play to save others. He and those others; did in fact do so.

Will you find yourself created For Such A Time As This?