By Darrell Belrose of Port Elgin, Ontario, Canada

Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.

Gord Currie was always a welcome sight to all who knew him. He was always busy, helping wherever he could, running here and there. Gord loved the children, and they were drawn to him. He always had a smile and time to stop and say, “Howdy!” I would periodically take Gord with me on some of my speaking engagements, initially for company. But very quickly I realized that he was always willing to share a testimony, read a poem he wrote, sing a solo, or set up my AV equipment and take it down without being asked. When we had potlucks in the home congregation or “on the road,” Gord frequently volunteered to be in charge of the dishwashing. In his own humble way, he touched more lives than he could ever have imagined.

In one of his impromptu testimonies, he shared the most powerful testimony I have ever heard. He took a large geode and allowed the congregation to witness its gnarly surface and ugly, plain appearance. Gordie cracked open the rock exposing its interior and spoke of the inner beauty within all of God’s creation, full of radiance and sparkle. God’s beauty and radiance is always with us but may be hidden due to life’s circumstances. We sometimes have to listen deeply and develop friendships. Then the rough exteriors become internal images of beauty. Gordie encouraged the congregation to always look to the inner beauty of all people and find the potential that resides in all and not to be fooled by the outward appearances. My heart soared with admiration that such a humble child of God could come up with such an amazing testimony of God’s love for humankind.

Gord has passed away, but I am forever appreciative of Gordie’s witness to me that life doesn’t have to be complicated. All we need to do is to reach out and listen to those hidden stories that reside all around us.

Prayer Phrase

“Do not be afraid, for I am your God…” (Isaiah 41:10).

Voices of God

What is the voice of God saying to us? Do we hear the whispers of God’s longing for shalom; God’s dream of beauty and wholeness for all creation? Do we hear the “voice” of God calling to us in faces and eyes, in the sounds of suffering and joy, in scripture and sacred word, in tears and laughter, in silence and noise? Spend a few moments reflecting on when and how God’s voice speaks to you. When did you first feel called to join God in the pursuit of peace and justice? How does the call of shalom continue to come to you through the many “voices” of God?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.