J. Davy Crockett III

There was a large crowd gathered at the funeral home, including politically prominent men and women, professionals, and working-class folks, to pay their respects. The deceased had been a successful lawyer for decades, even serving in the state legislature, before becoming a circuit judge, where he served with distinction for many years. But time is relentless, and the judge died “in a good old age, full of days” (1 Chronicles 29:28).

Recently, there have been news accounts of several high-profile figures who have been seriously injured by falling while doing routine tasks around their home or workplace. In a moment of distraction or carelessness, debilitating and life-changing consequences can occur when one falls. On a personal note, while recently completing a simple little project at my home, I tripped over what I had been working on and took a tumble, resulting in a serious sprain of my left hand and wrist from which it took weeks to fully recover.

I often drive through an established residential neighborhood to avoid a highway frequently choked with traffic. It is a more pleasant way to get to my destination. Some time ago, as I made my way through the neighborhood, I noticed a vacant lot being cleared for a new dwelling to be built. I didn’t know then, but this somewhat common scene would prove a poignant spiritual reminder.

Each October, the “queer” community observes “LGBTQ History Month” by remembering milestones important to their demands for widespread acceptance of deviant sexual behavior. As legal standing has been achieved, sexual practices that were once considered taboo in organized society are now flaunted in parades, publications, and the public marketplace. Society’s attitude has become “if it feels good, do it,” regardless of the impact on our health—physical or spiritual.