Legacy signals
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It took about fifteen to twenty minutes to get back into the city; what was left of it. The rumblings had subsided somewhat and chaos reigned in the area. It was impossible to make their way very deeply into the city, for the ground had opened up into deep caverns. Those living in the north end of the city, the only part of the city to survive, were making their way to the edge of the ruins and were groping about, looking for where to go next. Of those who would escape that day, most had already left the city. Few could now be found as they had gone off in search of a way up the hills since the roads were impassible and driving was not an option, and staying in any part of the valley was thought to mean certain death as the quakes continued.
The couple set about directing as many as they could find, to the plastic streamers they had set up. There are many paths in the area and the couple had been on most of them. The only one they had found that led to the top was the one they had just taken. In the past, they had not marked it for they knew it and it was for them, a wonderful secret. After all, it gave them a place to go to where they could enjoy the time alone where few would be able to disturb them. Most paths appear easy at first and turn rugged and impassible; but, this one is just the opposite. It looks too difficult at first and so, others would normally not go that way; but, once you get started, it turns out to be not too bad after all. Our secret . . . well, not for much longer.
rnDecision time. The couple know that time was short. They know that some are trapped and must be helped. He can help. There are also many who are on the wrong path and these people must be directed to the correct path. she can help. The only way to do this is to split up. The woman can warn others on the path while the man could go into the wreckage and help others to escape from the hell which has come upon them. Fear enters their hearts as the idea is voiced between them. The woman wants the man to come along with her, for she is not comfortable continuing the journey alone.
If others had desired to make the journey, then they would be here now, wouldn't they? She would be happy to help them if they had just shown up when the two of them did. But, time is short and we must save ourselves, she thought.rnWe must go on together she says and the man feels that he wants to keep her happy and feeling secure. He considers returning to the safety of the hill with the woman he so loves; but, something stops him. He knows that he must go back into the city.
At first, the lady had resisted his suggestion to separate. It was hard for both of them. They were all they had in a way. What else mattered? Who else cared? They could save their lives. Yet, they had to take the risk. They took courage again and recaptured their faith. They agreed that she would search the beginnings of the paths for those who would return from their dead ends to look for the right path and she would point the way to salvation. She knew that she had a role to fulfill and she knew that he did too. Each must fulfill their purposes here. She let him go; but, not without a kiss. "I know", she said, "sacrifices must be made". "I love you so much". "I love you too babe". On that note, they parted.
Many souls were saved that day because of the love and diligence of the two friends. They were able to free a number of people from the bondage they were in. Sadly, many would not accept the help which the man offered. They simply gave up and refused to help themselves. Some few did accept the help and climbed to safety. He helped all that he could.
The woman had even greater success as she directed others to the correct path. Surprisingly though, most of those she spoke to would not believe and they chose other paths which seemed easier or that held out a promise of a better solution for them.
The rumblings continued as she searched for lost souls. She is caught up in the moment and happy to be helping others to escape the danger. She was certain that her man was busily engaged in blessing lives too; although she did not realize that one cave-in had trapped him and another had taken his life.
The woman continued her work. There were few left to find now and yet, she would not leave until the man returned. Together, they would go to the place they had stowed their goods. Together, they would celebrate the victories over death and the saving of lost souls. Oh, how she loved him and he loved her. They had spent many a fine day together. Their lives had been filled with challenges and trials like many lives are; and yet, the peace and love and happiness made their lives so complete. As great as that is, there is nothing sweeter than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There can be nothing sweeter.
The ground shook more now and she knew that she should leave. She would not leave. She would stay until the man returned. Suddenly, the ground opened up and she felt herself falling . . .falling. In a moment, it was over.
Then, she felt a hand on hers. He was there; her man. He lifted her up as the Lord smiled down upon them. They had lost their lives in the service of their fellow man and in so doing, they had found their lives again. They were now united in a state of greater joy and happiness than they could otherwise have possibly enjoyed.
rnAnd so it is in this life that opportunity comes in strange and varied packages. Those who are prepared will win the day and step up to the challenges and assist others through them. Life is truly a blessing and is so enriched as we share our love and blessings with others. Love is meant to be shared after all and lives are there to be blessed. This is true opportunity and is the key to true success in life. For did not Jesus teach that the first two great commandments were to love God with all of our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves?
Had the two simply gone on to save their own lives, would they not have lost themselves? But, now, they sacrificed and took the risk and have found the greater joy in losing self lovingly helping others.
May this little story be a reminder to each of us to unselfishly bless our neighbors whoever they are and where ever we happen to find them. God bless you.