OK. So, it's been a while since I've published a few of my thoughts onto the Inter-web. A long while. My time has been filled with less writing and more reading/digitally publishing the wonderful written work of others (not a bad gig).

Other than messing on the computer and taking care of my boys, what has been on my mind? Good question. My answer to that excellent inquiry is this: Trust.

On so may levels, trust is fundamental to a healthy relationship. Love remains primary, but faith (I consider that practically synonymous with trust) comes in a quick second. See, trust is falling apart all around me theses days. A close relative and her hubby of almost ten years are separated. Long story, and too personal to put on the web, so I won't, but basically--they aren't sure if they can trust each other any more. Lies and broken promises have become battering rams to the heart.

A close friend is going through the same thing with his wife of, oh, I don't know--20+ years of marriage. She hurts with her words (I'm sure he isn't innocent, either) and therefore the vital runner up recipient "trust" is coming in first to last.

A girlfriend and her husband closed on a house just to find out that the previous owners had been dishonest. A few days after the deal went through, the couple found out the house has high radon levels (needs to be vented, which equals about $1000+). Instead of telling my friends the results of the test, the previous owners concealed the information until after the papers were signed, then cut the cords to the hot tub and ran out of town taking with them the appliances the families had verbally agreed upon leaving.

And this is the short list! I'm frustrated, people. Whatever happened to "my word is my bond?" When a man and woman stand before judge, friends, family, and uh, GOD, do we not take seriously the vows we recite? Am I mistaken or did such honor and integrity exist in our world at one time?

It did! Heck, read the Old Testament and see. When the Lord made a promise He kept His word. Likewise, the Israelites (God's chosen people) learned from their heavenly Dad. They knew the enormous importance of following through to the "t" on a claim made. Even if it meant giving up the life of your only child (I feel for you, Jephthah the Gileadite--read about J's commitment to keeping his word in Judges 11).

So, where does that leave us? With our world going to hell in a hand basket and so many people backpeddling on their promises so fast they stumble and fall, who is left to trust? Is there anyone?

The truth: no. No man is worthy of our trust. But just because our world lacks the conviction of following through with a promise doesn't mean we are left to walk in such a way, right? Or are we simply expected to follow in the misguided, death-filled footsteps of those around us? Is there no hope for me--someone who wants, no--rather longs to trust?

There is.

There is ONE who has not changed.

There is ONE who has never backpeddled on His word.

There is ONE who deserves all our trust, and in turn, aids us to love and maybe even trust those who are untrustable.

Do you know the ONE I speak of?

Ask me; I'd love to tell you all about Him.