This is a strange month. The days are shorter and there’s a change in the air.  It is still hot, yet there’s a crispness in the air that wasn’t present even a week ago. If you live on the West coast, whether it is California, Oregon, or Washington, you most likely are experiencing smoky skies. I looked out my front window where I often take photos of the morning sunrise and it looks like fog out there. But it isn’t fog, it is smoke. We are concerned and praying for the people who are in danger. Those whom have had to evacuate or are ready to do so. The skies look similar to the photo below.

September 11. A day our nation will not forget. It is also my father’s birthday. Though he has not been on earth for thirty years, I still miss him. My husband Jim, who never met my dad often asks me what he would have thought about the political and spiritual condition of our nation right now. I think I know what he might say. I do know he would have urged us to pray.

I remember a scene that took place many years ago now… My boyfriend–who later became my husband and father of my children–were talking about our faith in Christ and we began to wonder if we were really Christians. We talked earnestly in the darkness of the car in the driveway outside my home, and then I said, “Let’s ask Dad.” It was late–probably fifteen minutes before my curfew (midnight) and I knew my parents would be in bed, but I also knew it would be all right to awaken my dad. I walked over to his side of the bed, shook his shoulder and said, “Dad, Bill and I need to talk to you.”  He got up and came into the living room in his pajamas and listened to our concerns. He wasn’t shocked. He calmly told us what we should do if we doubted our salvation. Pray. Make sure by talking to God. So he prayed with us and we each prayed. I don’t remember his words, but sensed calm assurance and willingness to talk and pray with us. I’m reminded of a verse that Dad may have quoted to us:

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6 NKJ);

Since that late evening conversation more than fifty years ago, I have not doubted whether I belonged to Jesus and if I would go to heaven after I died.

I sure do miss my dad even today. I would love to celebrate his day with something he really liked–cherry pie or chocolate cream pie. I’d love to feel his strong arms around me in a big hug. I’d love to hear him preach again, too.  This I do know. I will see him again one day. Every day that passes brings me closer to meeting him again.

How about you? Have you ever doubted your salvation? Wondered if what you believed was really true? If you do, talk to the One who can reassure you. There are a lot of passages that recommend bringing our fears and doubts to Jesus. That late night many years ago now, reminds me of that.