The Unlikely Messenger

My An Arkie's Faith column from the April 26, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.

I sat in the high school auditorium, waiting in anticipation for the play to begin. I had been hearing about the play for several weeks. My oldest granddaughter, a junior in high school, had written the play over the last month. She also directed the play, with fifteen of her fellow high school students performing all the roles. 

When it was time to begin, my granddaughter made her way to the front of the auditorium and began to speak. "My name is Autumn Grant," she began. "I am the writer and director of The Unlikely Messenger. I am very nervous and excited to have you all watch the play that the drama class has worked hard on for so many hours for your enjoyment. I have a few little requests for you in the audience. Number one is, please silence your cell phones because this play takes place in the 1840s, so they did not have cell phones. It would add to the realism if no cell phones went off during the play. Just silence your cell phone so the actors don't realize that they're actually in 2023."

After the introduction, the lights dimmed and faded to black. The audience was silent as a spotlight appeared on the center aisle, and three young girls walked toward the stage, happily chatting. Another girl soon appeared, and there was an altercation. When the three girls ignored her and walked away, she picked up a rock and threw it at them, hitting Ellen in the head. Her sisters pick Ellen up and carry her home. 

The following scenes show the doctor visiting Ellen, her mother pleading with God for Ellen's life, and her father not recognizing her because of her injuries. After her family listens to William Miller, a famous preacher of the era, they are excited that Jesus is coming soon. They are very disappointed when Jesus doesn't come when they thought he would. 

God calls teenage Ellen to comfort the followers of William Miller who have been disappointed, but she doesn't feel like she can and stays away from church meetings, so she won't have to share what God has told her. She tells God, "I know what you showed me. I know you want me to share this with others, but how can I? What if I'm too sick, God? I'm only seventeen. I can tell my family, but I won't tell others. Look at me; I'm not fit to share your message. Pick someone else."

When Ellen finally decides to speak to others, she travels around New England speaking to groups, encountering interested listeners and detractors. It wasn't easy for a female, especially a teenage girl, to be taken seriously, but after her initial hesitancy, Ellen dedicated her life to God and preaching His message. 

At the end of the hour-long play, the audience cheered as the performers came out for a curtain call, showing their appreciation for the hard work of everyone involved. As my granddaughter came onto the stage and held hands with the performers, her face broke into a big smile. Now there were no more late nights writing, no more hours and hours of practice, and no more anxiety and nervousness. There was now relief and happiness, knowing that the play was a success and the audience loved it. 

The play tells the historical story of Ellen Harmon, who Smithsonian Magazine named one of the "100 Most Significant Americans of All Time." For the next seventy years, she preached across the U.S. and Australia and wrote over 5,000 periodical articles and 40 books. She is the most translated female non-fiction author in the history of literature and the most translated American non-fiction author of either gender. Historian Randall Balmer has described her as "one of the more important and colorful figures in the history of American religion." 

Ellen's story as an unlikely and hesitant messenger reminded me of another hesitant messenger's story. Moses is a shepherd who encounters a strange phenomenon while watching his flock. The Bible says that "Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. 'This is amazing,' Moses said to himself. 'Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it.'" Exodus 3:2,3 (NLT)

When Moses inspected the burning bush, God called to him from the middle of the bush. "'The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.' But Moses protested to God, 'Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?' God answered, 'I will be with you.'" Exodus 3:9-12 (NLT)

But just like Ellen, Moses didn't feel like he could do the job God asked him to do. He pleaded with God, "O Lord, I'm not very good with words. I never have been, and I'm not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled." Exodus 4:10 (NLT)

God wasn't going to take no for an answer. He told Moses, "'Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.' But Moses again pleaded, 'Lord, please! Send anyone else.'" Exodus 4:12-13 (NLT)

When Moses was finally convinced to go to Egypt and confront the Pharaoh, one of the most powerful men on the planet, God was able to use him to free over 600,000 enslaved people. He is remembered today as one of the most important prophets in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 

Gentle Reader, the stories of Moses and Ellen show us that God has always used ordinary men and women to carry out his plans if we are willing. Have you felt God asking you to do something, but because you feel inadequate, you have resisted Him? God has a plan for you. Whatever God has in store for you, remember His words of encouragement: "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) You may be the next unlikely messenger.

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You can watch the play here.

High Bank Twin Falls

My An Arkie's Faith column from the April 19, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.

I struggled as I climbed over the rocks alongside the creek I was following. The trail had been evident initially as I meandered among tall thin trees that weren't fully leafed out this early spring. When the path became undefined, with only a jumble of rocks visible, I knew I needed to follow the small creek to my destination.

My son-in-law told me about a beautiful waterfall a quarter mile off Highway 215. Because there were no signs marking the trailhead, he had given me instructions on how to find the waterfall. "When traveling on Hwy 215 past Byrd's Adventure Center," he explained, "you will come to a sign with an arrow pointing to the right that says High Bank Canoe Launch. Continue a short way to a small bridge. On the far side of the bridge, there will be a small, unmarked area to the right with enough room for two or three cars to park. After parking, cross over the highway and follow the creek."

It was a beautiful, warm spring day as we set out to find the waterfall. We quickly found the place to park and the unmarked trail. As we headed upstream, we encountered another stream to our right with a tiny cascade. The path became rougher and steeper, with rocks and boulders directly beside or within the stream. The footing was a bit dicey, especially with my worn-out knees, but I carefully tested each step with my hiking pole as I carefully climbed over the rocks.

Before I could see the waterfall, I could hear the plunging water. At first, I could barely glimpse the falls through the trees, but when the view opened, I saw a double waterfall flowing over a steep bluff, then cascading down the grotto before plunging into a pool below. The side-by-side tumbling waterfalls dropped over seventy feet. I climbed onto a large flat rock in the middle of the stream and spent several minutes enjoying the beauty and tranquility.

Arkansas has many hidden gems, from gorgeous rock formations to scenic overlooks and beautiful forests and rivers. I have been exploring Arkansas' natural beauty for over forty years, but there's always another treasure waiting to be found. I had never heard about High Bank Twin Falls until my son-in-law told me about them. His enthusiasm made me want to see the falls for myself.

After enjoying the beauty of the falls, we hiked back down the trail to our truck. As we continued down Hwy 215 on our way to Oark, we pulled into a turnout with an impressive view of the Mulberry River below. There was another family there enjoying the view. My wife, who never met a stranger and talks to everyone she meets, initiated a conversation with them. She had noticed a Dome Life decal on the back of their vehicle, and because we follow the outdoor adventures of Kellie and Cody Oden on the YouTube channel Dome Life, we began talking to them. 

We love watching Kellie and Cody each week on YouTube and were excited to meet other people who follow them regularly. While talking, we told them about the fantastic waterfall we had just seen. They knew nothing about the falls but were interested in seeing them. We gave them directions to the falls before getting in our truck and heading to Oark General Store, where we planned to eat lunch.

After we returned home from the day's adventure, I posted photos of High Bank Twin Falls on my Facebook page. The next day, I was surprised to see a comment on the post from the fellow Dome Lifers we had met. They wrote, "I'm so glad we crossed paths and met you all yesterday. Thanks for convincing us to go find this. It was beautiful."

As I thought about the beauty of High Bank Twin Falls, I realized something. I would have never seen the falls if my son-in-law had not been so enthusiastic in his description of them. He gave us detailed directions and encouraged us to hike to the falls, so we went. Without going to High Bank Twin Falls, we would never have told the people we met about the falls and given them directions. Indirectly, my son-in-law was responsible for our newfound friends discovering the beauty of High Bank Twin Falls.

When Jesus gave his disciples and us his final instructions before he left this earth, He said, "You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world." Acts 1:8 (NCV) A witness testifies to what he has seen, heard, or experienced. Like a witness in a courtroom, we share what we've seen, heard, and experienced as a follower of Jesus. 

We are to be witnesses for Jesus. But too often, we, as Christians, act more like lawyers and judges than witnesses. I hear Christians judging the actions of others and condemning them. They refer to these harsh, unloving actions as witnessing. But witnessing and judging are very different things.

Jesus tells us, "Do not judge other people. Then you will not be judged. You will be judged in the same way you judge others. You will be measured in the same way you measure others. You look at the bit of sawdust in your friend's eye. But you pay no attention to the piece of wood in your own eye. How can you say to your friend, 'Let me take the bit of sawdust out of your eye'? How can you say this while there is a piece of wood in your own eye? You pretender! First take the piece of wood out of your own eye. Then you will be able to see clearly to take the bit of sawdust out of your friend's eye." Matthew 7:1-5 (NIRV)

Gentle Reader, instead of being prosecuting attorneys or judges, we are called to be witnesses and tell our stories. Tell someone of your experience with Jesus that is so compelling that it makes them want to experience it. "When you speak, make sure it's always full of grace, and well flavored with salt! That way you'll know how to give each person an appropriate answer." Colossians 4:6 (NTE)

Who Do You Think You Are?

My An Arkie's Faith column from the April 12, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.

Over the past few years, one of the TV programs that I have enjoyed watching is "Who Do You Think You Are?" After a four-year hiatus, the documentary series returned last year. In each episode, a different celebrity searches to trace their family tree with the help of historians and experts, unlocking past mysteries and unbelievable real-life stories across the world and through time.

Some of my favorite episodes have featured stories where celebrities find out things about their ancestors that they never knew before. Jason Sudakis learned the details of his grandfather's death and that his grandfather abandoned his grandmother on their wedding day. Kelly Clarkson investigated the life of her three times great grandfather, who fought in the Civil War, was a prisoner of war, and later became a Senator. And Annie Lennox discovered the sad story of her great-great-grandmother who became an orphan at five after her mother, a widow, and a pauper, died. 

In an interview with Meredith Jacobs, executive producer Dan Bucatinsky said, "We've been doing this show for ten years now — we can't quite believe it — but there's a messaging in this show that I think happens that is sort of under the surface, which is that history matters, that we are all made up of both enormous and also tiny moves that occurred even 100, 200, 300 years ago with our ancestors. There has been a growing interest in genealogy."

Why are people interested in genealogy? They understand that their heritage is part of who they are today. I have been researching my family tree and traced the Lawry name back to Joseph Laurie, born in Scotland. So far, the most interesting ancestor I have found is my four times great grandfather, James Vowels.

According to a document I found, James Vowels was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution. He was born in Virginia in 1738. In 1776 he enlisted under Captain George Slaughter of the 8th Virginia Regiment. James fought in the Battles of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, Germantown on October 4, 1777, and several others. He wintered with his regiment at Valley Forge and served out the time of his enlistment faithfully.

When his enlistment ended, he returned to Virginia and married Anne Fields in April 1781. After the wedding, he again joined the Army and was at the siege of Yorktown. After the surrender of Cornwallis on October 19, 1781, he returned home to Culpepper County, Virginia, where he lived until his death on April 17, 1815.

My four times grandfather was a part of some of the most critical events in American history. He experienced the hardships of Valley Forge. He was part of the Army that forced English General Cornwallis to surrender and end the war. He helped America gain its independence. He was a true patriot. I'm proud to be a descendant of James Vowels.

As much fun as it was researching my genealogy, I finally reached a dead end and couldn't trace my Lawry family tree any farther. To continue, I would need to travel to Scotland, where the last records of Joseph Laurie were found. But I am still left with the question, where did I come from?

Who do you think you are? The answer determines how we live our lives. Our existence is meaningless if we feel we are here by an accident of forces. But if we are here because of God, our life has great worth, purpose, and a promised future beyond death.

In the Bible's account of human history, we read, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, " Genesis 1:1 (KJV), "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." Genesis 1:26 (KJV)

Who do you think you are? God says he loves you and made you in his image and likeness. Satan lies and tells you that you are just a cosmic accident.

Who do you think you are? You don't have to determine your identity because God has revealed it. God has told us that He created us. So many people are searching for their identity because they don't believe God created them.

Anytime we try to establish our identity and do not understand it biblically, it results in problems. New Age philosophy teaches that God is in us and that everything is universally connected through God. Pantheism is the belief that nature is identical to divinity and that, as a part of nature, each person is God. Who do you think you are? If you believe you are God, nothing can control your behavior.

Another identity that many people assume is that of a highly evolved animal. They believe we are just animals who have evolved with opposable thumbs and intelligent brains. Who do you think you are? If you feel you are only a highly developed animal, there is nothing to control your behavior.

The question should not be, who do you think you are, but who does God say you are? The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:1 (VOICE), "Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It's true; we are His beloved children." God says that we are his children!

All people are equally made in the image and likeness of God; Male and female, young and old, black and white, rich and poor. All have dignity, value, and worth. One of the greatest lies is that some people are more valuable than others. Because we are all God's children, you are not more valuable than anyone else, and you are not less valuable than anyone else.

That is why I don't believe in the survival of the fittest. I don't believe in Darwinian evolution, which says those who are strong survive, and those who are weak are worth less. Adolph Hitler based his plan for the Aryan race on his study of Darwin's theory. Christians shouldn't believe in racism, sexism, or class distinctions, because we all are made in the image and likeness of God.

Gentle Reader, who do you think you are? Your answer will profoundly affect your life, actions, and salvation. "We are God's creation. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:10 (NIRV)

The Mulberry River

My An Arkie's Faith column from the April 5, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.

My daughter's family loves to be on a river. They own rafts, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. Over the past few years, I have taken trips with them on the Caddo, Ouachita, and Buffalo Rivers in Arkansas. The river has a relaxing, hypnotic quality. You can see the beauty of nature while floating a river that you can't see any other way. I love the serene tranquility and peacefulness of a river float. It is like everyday life doesn't exist while floating on a river.

I always look forward to our family river adventures. My son-in-law planned a spring break raft trip on the Mulberry River this year. I was excited to see the Mulberry as I had never been on it. 

My wife and I have spent time in Eureka Springs most years for the past forty years. Our route to Eureka Springs would take us up Highway 23 and the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. The Pig Trail winds through the Ozark National Forest with almost every kind of scenery imaginable, from rivers to waterfalls to mountain views. 

One stop we always made on the Pig Trail was the Turner Bend Store on the Mulberry River. The Turner family opened the Turner Bend store in 1911 on the banks of the Mulberry River. Whenever we stopped at Turner Bend, I would see all the canoes and kayaks at the campground, and I thought it looked like fun. The milky blue-green water of the Mulberry, its lush, forested banks, and its gorgeous Ozark scenery are exquisitely beautiful. But we never explored the area because we were going to Eureka Springs. 

We got up early Saturday morning and headed to the Mulberry River. My son-in-law had rented the rustic Riverside Retreat cabin on its banks. After the terrible storms of the day before with tornadoes that devastated Little Rock and other areas of Arkansas, the day was bright and sunny. The skies were a deep blue, and the scenery was beautiful. Lush green pastures and hillsides with dogwoods and redbuds told us it was spring.  

When we arrived at the cabin, there was a flurry of activity. Kids and adults were preparing for a day on the river. When everyone had packed their lunch and filled their dry bags, they picked their paddles, put on their life jackets, and prepared to launch the rafts from the cabins private put in. I watched and took photos as the two rafts floated into the Mulberry River. I would not make the nine-mile float trip to the Campbell Cemetery takeout. 

I was disappointed as I watched the rafts float out of view. But I had made the decision not to float the river. I have bad knees and am often in pain. Our last float trip had been on the Buffalo River, and I struggled with pain in my legs as I paddled my kayak. I was in a lot of pain, but seeing the stunning views along the Buffalo was a bucket list experience. Since the Buffalo River float trip, the pain in my knees has increased. As much as I wanted to float the Mulberry River, I knew it would be too painful. I pushed away the disappointment as I left the riverbank and headed to my car. I wouldn't sit at the cabin all day and wallow in self-pity. I was going to go exploring.

The cabin was on a gravel road named Shores Lake Road. I surmised that if the road was called Shores Lake Road, it must go to Shores Lake. So, I headed down the road to see what I could find. After driving for half an hour, I came to an overlook pullout. I parked the car, exited, and walked to the rock wall. A beautiful milky green lake spread below me as I looked over the wall. "That must be Shores Lake," I thought. After taking photos, I climbed back in the car and continued down the steep road to the lake below. "I may not be out on the river enjoying the float," I thought, "but I am seeing this beautiful lake."

In my explorations, I drove along the Mulberry River on Hwy 215. With bluffs on one side of the road and stunning views of the river on the other, it is one of the most beautiful drives in Arkansas. I ended up in the little town of Oark. When I saw the Oark General Store, I immediately recognized it from an article on the website, "Only in Arkansas." 

"The Oark General Store opened for business in 1890 in order to supply the small community with groceries and necessary supplies. It has been in business ever since and proudly claims the title of the oldest, continually operated store in the state of Arkansas. When visitors step inside the store, they are immediately immersed in history. Old pictures of the area line the wall depicting ways of life before pavement. If floors could talk, these original wood planks could take us back to a time when the general store was a hub of activity for the isolated people of the area. Now, over a century later, this unique sense of history seems to make people stop, relax and take time to visit."

As I sat in the quaint little store and enjoyed my butter pecan ice cream, I thought about how much I enjoyed the afternoon even though I had been disappointed earlier when the rafts floated away down the Mulberry River without me. I could hear Mick Jagger singing in my head, "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need."

Over the years, I've often thought of Psalm 30:5 (NKJV), which says, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." This verse is an excellent reminder that no matter how disappointed or sad we may feel, it won't last forever. We don't have to let that disappointment keep us living in grief or regret. 

Gentle Reader, disappointment is a powerful emotion that can keep us stuck focusing on what we have lost and yearning for dreams that didn't come true. It prevents us from believing God has good plans for us and suppresses our ability to let go of what we thought was supposed to be. We can allow disappointment to make us unhappy, or we can trust that God has good plans for us. "' I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

A Hard Rain

My An Arkie's Faith column from the March 29, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.

In 1962 Bob Dylan wrote one of his most famous protest songs, A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall. The song opens, as most older Dylan songs do, to the mellow strumming of an acoustic guitar and an introduction to that iconic voice of his. The song's first two lines are questions, "Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son?" and "Oh, where have you been, my darling young one?"

By opening verses with questions like these, Dylan sets up a response to what he has seen, who he has met, what he has heard, and what he will do now. The song is full of dense imagery that suggests injustice, suffering, pollution, and warfare. Because the world focused on the atomic realities of the Cold War at the time Dylan wrote the song, some have suggested that the refrain of the song, "it's a hard rain's a-gonna fall." refers to nuclear fallout. However, Dylan said, "No, it's not atomic rain, it's just a hard rain. It isn't the fallout rain. I mean some sort of end that's just gotta happen".

Two lines particularly move me, "I met one man who was wounded in love," followed by, "I met another man who was wounded with hatred." I think that we have all, at some time, been wounded by someone we love. But I am even more sure that we have all experienced the wounds inflicted by those who hate us. Describing those who don't acknowledge God, the Bible says, "their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip." Romans 1:29 (NLT)

Dylan's song came to my mind as we were experiencing torrential rain here in Arkansas. Daddy and I were driving to Hot Springs for a doctor's appointment. As we left Mena, the rain fell so hard that the streets began to flood. Visibility was abysmal as wave after wave of rain seemed to crash to earth. The windshield wipers slapped at the rain in a vain attempt to keep the windshield clear, but it was a losing battle.

As we cautiously made our way through the Arkansas countryside, every stream was out of its banks, and often it was hard to tell where the stream was supposed to be. Ponds were overflowing, and rivers of rushing water flowed down driveways. Occasionally we would drive through a section of road with water standing on it and had to slow down to prevent hydroplaning. The sound of hitting those patches of water and the feeling of losing control of the car was unnerving.

The rain was relentless as we drove on toward Hot Springs. Water rushed through the ditches like a mighty river, flowing over driveways as the culverts were overwhelmed with more water than they could channel away. My head hurt from the tension of straining to see in the onslaught of rain. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tight that I had to remind myself to relax. But then we would hit another patch of water on the road, and the stress would return. 

A few miles from Hot Springs, the rain finally let up enough so that my windshield wipers no longer had to be on high, furiously trying to keep the windshield clear. I was thankful for the reprieve. The rain was heavy as we returned home, but nothing like the torrential rain we had experienced earlier. I was grateful when we made it back to Mena.

Because I had cleared my work schedule for the doctor's appointment, I decided to drive to De Queen to pick up a load of glass. The rain was just a drizzle as I went south on Highway 71. But before long, another band of torrential rain came through. I was second-guessing my decision to drive to De Queen.

 

When I arrived at my storage unit, I had to carefully pick my way through the driveway because it had washed out, and there was a gaping channel that my little S-10 pickup could not cross. I loaded my truck in the pouring rain and was soaked to the bone by the time I finished. As if on cue, the rain let up as soon as I finished loading my truck. Thankful for the reprieve, I headed back to Mena. Everywhere I looked, I could see the evidence of the hard rain. It would be a day I wouldn't forget for a long time.

All day the area had been under a Flood Warning, meaning that conditions were ripe for possible flooding. I thought about Job 12:15 (AMPC), which says, "He sends forth rains, and they overwhelm the land or transform it." I had seen hard rain overwhelm and transform the landscape.

Most of us have had life experiences when it seems that troubles come in like a flood. It may be a health crisis, accident, job loss, or relationship breakdown. The truth is, life is hard. It beats you down, wears you out, and disappoints you. One of the things you can be sure of in life is that, in the words of Bob Dylan, "a hard rain's a-gonna fall." But just as sure as a hard rain falling are God's promises. "When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)

Our enemy is powerful. He is a roaring, rushing flood with the intent to destroy us. He rushes about with deceit, distraction, discouragement, and destruction. Like flood waters, he values nothing, nor does he play favorites or give anyone a break.

But there is a way to withstand the enemy. When Satan tries to erode our faith with the brutal rains of trouble and discouragement, we can trust in God. When the spiritual flood waters come, God has promised us safety. But just like an earthly flood, recognizing the warnings and seeking shelter is critical.

Gentle Reader, you know that hard rains are a part of life. When the rains come, hold on to the promise that God has given us in Isaiah 43:2 (NLT); "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." A hard rain's a-gonna fall, but "be satisfied with your present circumstances and with what you have; for God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down." Hebrews 13:5 (AMPC)

A Rare Quality of Light

My An Arkie's Faith column from the March 22, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.

I found what seemed like the last parking space and hurried into the Ouachita Center. The program would start in five minutes, and I had difficulty finding a seat. I was excited to see Tim Ernst's presentation and happy that so many in my community had come to see him.

I have been a fan of Tim's work for many years. I have several of his hiking guidebooks. Thousands of people have used his hiking guides to find the best that Arkansas offers as the natural state. His iconic photos of the beauty of Arkansas have appeared in hundreds of national, regional, and local publications. They hang on many homes and businesses' walls, including mine.

Jerry Butler in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette describes Tim this way. "Ernst is to Arkansas' wilderness what painter John James Audubon was to America's birds and what journalist David Attenborough is to the nature of the planet. Like them, Ernst has created visual images that inspire awe for the beauty of the natural world."

As Tim began his presentation, he said, "people want to know what I'm looking for. It is great light! You can take an ordinary subject, and if you have great light on it, it can be a very interesting image. You can take a picture of an icon like Hawksbill Crag, and if the light is just kind of ordinary, so is the snapshot." In my mind, I could see so many photos I have taken that are just ordinary snapshots. Nothing eye-catching about them, even though the scenery is beautiful. It is the light that makes the difference.

As the room darkened and Tim's presentation of Arkansas Nightscapes began, I was in awe. The stunning nighttime photographs began appearing on the screen. Many of the photos had a recurring theme, the Milky Way. "It is easy to see the Milky Way if you can get away from city lights," Tim explained. "Go out after midnight when there is no moon. Sit out for 10-15 minutes so you can acclimate to the darkness. Then look towards the southern sky."

I have experienced the majesty of the Milky Way in a very dark sky several times. My brother-in-law's cabin in the mountains above Leadville, Colorado, sitting at an elevation well over 10,000 feet, has amazingly crisp, clear night sky views. I have seen the sky there with incredible clarity, as no light source is visible when the cabin lights are off. 

Last year, I was able to experience the darkest night skies I had ever seen. I was in the Big Bend Ranch State Park, miles away from any light source. It is hard to describe the night sky in a place with no light. The darker the night, the brighter the stars. The sky seemed to expand with more and more stars. As I sat in the darkness and my eyes adjusted to the velvety blackness, I saw a blanket of stars stretching into infinity. The Milky Way rushed across the sky, looking like a bold brush stroke from the hand of a divine painter. As I looked up into the night sky, countless stars and constellations welcomed me into their world. The serenity and quietness of the moment enveloped me. The starry night sky seemed to wrap me in comfort and peace with its immense canopy and brilliant pinpricks of light.

Another place I have seen the majesty of the Milky Way in the night sky is on The Buffalo River. One night at Tyler Bend is still vivid in my memory. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, it seemed that more and more stars exploded into view, with the Milky Way dominating the sky. The Buffalo National River is an International Dark Sky Park, one of 201 certified Dark Sky Places worldwide.

Today less than 10% of Americans can enjoy a view of our galaxy, the Milky Way. That means more than 90% never see a picture of the sky taken for granted for almost all of human history. Stargazing has been a human pastime since ancient times. This night sky view inspired countless artists, poets, musicians, mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers. Something about the vastness of the night sky leads to thoughts of how our universe came to be and how insignificant we are. David wrote, "When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?" Psalms 8:3,4 (NLT)

There is something magical about witnessing the night sky and reflecting on the beauty of the universe and its Creator. A dark night sky with its starry brilliance is the perfect way to shut out all the distractions of the world around us. "Look at the myriad of stars and constellations above you. Who set them to burning, each in its place? Who knows those countless lights each by name? They obediently shine, each in its place, because God has the great strength and strong power to make it so." Isaiah 40:26 (VOICE)

Most of us lead such busy lives that we never fully realize how much we need to spend time alone with our Creator. Mother Teresa said, "Listen in silence because if your heart is full of other things, you cannot hear the voice of God." I know that I need quiet times in my life. The Bible tells us that Jesus would often seek quiet times with his Father away from the distractions of his busy life. "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed." Mark 1:35 (NKJV)

Gentle Reader, I would encourage you to find a place away from the artificial light of this world and experience the night sky the way people have experienced it throughout most of history. Stargazing has been a human pastime since ancient times. The ancients interpreted constellations and arrangements of the stars and planets they saw in the night sky to have essential meaning for themselves and their families. Look up at the night sky and think about the majesty of the universe and its Creator. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made." Psalms 19:1 (NCV)

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For more information on the books and photography of Tim Ernst, go to https://timernst.com/

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice

My An Arkie's Faith column from the March 15, 2023, issue of The Polk County Pulse.

"Captain Rostron rushed into the chart room and worked out the Carpathia's new course. As he figured and scribbled, he saw the boatswain's mate pass by, leading a party to scrub down the decks. 

Rostron told him to forget the decks and prepare the boats for lowering. The mate gasped. Rostron reassured him, 'It's all right; we're going to another vessel in distress.' In a few moments, the new course was set—North 52 West. The Carpathia was 58 miles away. At 14 knots, she would take four hours to get there. Too long."

It was early morning, and the stars shone brightly in the moonless sky. As I traveled to pick up a load of auto glass, I listened to the audiobook, A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly. The book tells the story of the fateful night of April 15, 1912. Most of us know the story of that night the Titanic sank or have at least seen the movie. But A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice tells the story from a perspective I have not read before.

In alternating chapters, the book follows the captain of the Carpathia, Arthur Rostron, as he attempts a heroic rescue, and Kate Connolly, a third-class passenger on the Titanic, as the survivors try to stay alive. The book tells the stories of heroes like the captain, and others who did little or nothing to help. It salutes a man who did what he could to bring others to safety. It is a unique and inspiring look at the rescuers from the Carpathia who managed to get over seven hundred people to safety. It is also a tragic and heartbreaking look back at that terrible night. 

Shortly after midnight, Captain Rostron of the Carpathia wakes to a distress signal from the Titanic, which has struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Though information is scarce, Rostron is determined to answer the call for help. He begins to strategize the response of his ship, which is over four hours away. Although the captain is unsure of the amount of damage, he is determined to aid the Titanic's passengers. Braving icebergs himself, he pushes the Carpathia to the limit.

With the Carpathia four hours away, there are more questions than answers: Will the ship hold together if pushed to never-before-tested speeds? What if he also strikes an iceberg? And with the freezing temperatures, will there be survivors by the time the Carpathia arrives?

Kate Connolly, a passenger on Titanic, is enjoying her time in third class with newfound friends. But in the middle of the night, strange sounds lead her out into the corridor, looking for answers. She eventually learns that the ship is in trouble and has little time to escape. The third-class passengers are not warned or helped, but Kate manages to board a lifeboat in the chaos. But after seeing the Titanic sink into the abyss and hearing the cries of hundreds of people still in the water, she wonders if rescue is possible.

As the Titanic sank, her wireless operators tried heroically to find another ship near enough to come to its rescue. They contacted the Carpathia about 58 miles away a little after midnight. The Titanic's message said: "SOS--SOS. Come at once. We have struck a berg."

The radio operator of the Carpathia reported the message to his first officer. Together they barged into the room of Captain Arthur Rostron, waking him from a sound sleep. When he heard the news, the captain said, "All right, tell him we are coming along as fast as we can."

The captain gave every command he could think of to prepare for a rescue mission. The crew rigged lights along the ship's sides and opened all gangway doors. They readied block and tackle to hoist boats aboard and slings to lift the injured.

The captain had ordered full speed ahead, but the Carpathia had a top speed of 14 knots. At that speed, it would take 4 hours to reach the Titanic. Captain Rostron was determined to do better. He ordered all off-duty stokers to the engine room to get every ounce of steam the boilers could make. All power went to the engines. From its top speed of 14 knots, the Carpathia kept increasing speed. Traveling 3 knots faster than her top speed, the Carpathia sped to rescue the perishing.

The captain ordered extra lookouts in the crow's nest, the bow, and the bridge. He steamed faster than full speed into a field of icebergs at night to rescue a ship that had already struck an iceberg. He called the stewards together and explained the plight of the Titanic and the mission of the Carpathia.

One thousand five hundred people from the Titanic died that night because they could not get into the lifeboats. Of those who could get into the lifeboats, the Carpathia rescued over 700. No other ship arrived in time. The leadership of Captain Arthur Rostron in the hours following the sinking of Titanic remains to this day, a masterpiece of crisis management. From the moment Captain Rostron was informed of the distress messages received from Titanic, every order he issued was intended to get to the stricken ship as quickly as possible while preparing his ship to receive survivors and give them the care they needed.

Gentle Reader, It was no doubt that many survived due to Rostron's quick thinking, preparations, and the speed with which he got to the scene. Like Captain Rostron, we can make a difference when people around us need help. 

"Go and rescue the perishing! Be their savior! Why would you stand back and watch them stagger to their death? And why would you say, 'But it's none of my business?' The one who knows you completely and judges your every motive is also the keeper of souls—and not just yours! He sees through your excuses and holds you responsible for failing to help those whose lives are threatened." Proverbs 24:11-12 (TPT)