Are you old enough to remember life before cell phones? Before you carried 2,000 books—and at least that many songs—in your hip pocket, and could be reached anywhere, anytime (whether you want to be or not)?
I write historicals. 19th century, to be exact—1860s-70s, during the Civil War and Reconstruction period—and I often marvel at how much life has changed in the past 150+ years. At other times, I marvel at how much life hasn’t changed. Or more rightly, how human nature hasn’t changed. But our way of life certainly has. Just think…
What would our ancestors from 1850 have thought if we’d told them that, in a very short amount of time (a blink in history, really), people would be sailing down an ultra smooth road in a wheeled-contraption going 65-75 mph (on a slow day) with kept-hot-or-cold-for-hours-in-a-thermal-mug coffee in a drink holder, in a comfortable temperature-controlled environment (no matter the weather), maybe eating breakfast or lunch, all while listening to a person who’s nowhere near them describe in detail what’s happening almost instantaneously on the other side of the world…or just around the corner. Or talking to a friend who may be half way around the world! And in a heated or cooled seat, no less, that may or may not have a built-in massager (just in case your back muscles get a little tired from the long trek to and from Target, bless our hearts).
Or what about people being seated and strapped into “very comfortable” chairs—when compared to crossing an endless prairie in a jolting wagon covering maybe 10-15 miles on a good day—and hurtling through the air in a metal tube while they, and 175 people they’ve never met, are served dinner and drinks as they all watch movies or read books (from one of 2,000+ titles they brought with them) as they cross an ocean in a matter of hours.
And don’t even get me started on the supply of food readily available to most of us, and the ease of that food preparation, the medicinal aids and surgical advances. And even clean running water (that far too much of the world still doesn’t have)!
It’s staggering when you think about how much has changed in so little a space of time. And technology is changing faster and faster, “improving our lives.” What a world we live in.
And yet we rarely think about all that. Because we’re so accustomed to the conveniences and “norms” of this life. But one thing we have in common with everyone who has drawn breath since the beginning of time…is the certain and eternal truth that God does not change.
In researching history for the novels I write, I’ve read countless thousands of pages of diaries and personal accounts, personal (often gut-wrenching) handwritten letters to and from senders, and whenever they record an eternal truth—whether quoted directly from the Word of God or rephrasing Scripture in their own words—there’s something inside of me that pulls taut. That connects me with them no matter how many years separate us.
Because the Word of God is eternal. It will never fail. It will never return void. It always accomplishes His purpose. It’s able to cut the heart wide open and reveal everyone’s secret life. Its roots go down deep within us, spanning lifetimes and instructing future generations.
Think of David’s words in Psalm 143…
Or God’s words to the Israelites (recorded by Moses) in Leviticus chapter 26…
Or again in Deuteronomy chapter 8…
Or words from a letter written by Paul in 55-57A.D. and found in Romans 8 (this image is from my precious Dad’s Bible, which I treasure, especially now)…
More and more with each passing day, I determine to speak the Word of God into people’s lives. And yes, into the lives of the real people from history that I write about in my Southern mansion novels, too (especially when taken directly from their own letters and journals).
Because only what we do for God will last. Only His eternal truths will stand the test of time.
One of my favorite ways to “practically” share the Word of God is to grab snapshots of Scriptures from my Bible and send them to friends I’m praying for. All of the images of Scripture above came from recent texts that I’ve sent to friends (and I keep every image of Scripture they send back to me).
In these changing times, it’s good to know that Jesus (and His Word) never change.
What’s one way you share the Word of God with people in your life (or that others have shared the Word with you)?
Blessings on your Tuesday,
Tammy
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Billy Graham once said that before the invention of the car, man could not travel any faster than a horse could carry him. We have certainly moved at a very fast pace.
I so agree, Jocelyn (and miss Billy Graham).
Love, love, love this post! So many things change in our world—things that can make life better but all of which also come with a down side. And yet God is the same yesterday, today and always. One of the things I’ve loved researching history over the years is how many letters from previous eras quote or mimic scripture even if they don’t give a book, chapter or verse. The Word of God simply spilled out into their conversations. That’s what I desire in my life—to be so steeped in the Word of God that it simply comes out in my conversation without effort. Not necessarily reciting chapter and verse but that the Word is so ingrained they are my natural words.
Well said, my friend! Past generations (especially prior to the Reconstruction Era then the Industrial Revolution) relied on the sustenance of God’s Word far more than we do today. They worked harder, too, simply for the necessities of each day. Life was much harder for them in so many ways. Yet their joy was lasting and ran deep, because (for a far greater majority than today) it found its origin and was rooted in the truths of Christ.
Thanks for sharing this. I didn’t know I needed the reminder until I was a good way into your post. It was particularly timely for me, which is just how God works.
His timing is always perfect, Joy. Even when it may feel slow to us. Blessings on your day, friend!
Wow! That was amazing to think about! We have come so far just in MY lifetime. So many changes that I’ve had to update my “contemporary” novels because some of my characters didn’t even have cell phones! 🙂
Also, having been the recipient of some of your Scripture pics, I just want to say what a blessing God’s Word is in all its forms. But encouragement from a friend who also values God’s Word so deeply is a gift.
Yes, exactly! In a way, I’m glad (for that reason, at least) that I write historicals. They don’t “date themselves” in that regard. ; ) And same back to you on having a friend who values God’s Word. Amen and amen.
I try to post at least one scripture passage with or without a picture every day of Facebook and Twitter. I get a lot of responses from friends. I hope I can encourage others and I hope putting God’s word out there will cause the unbeliever to wake up and ponder and search out the truth!
Good for you, Paula. I love this promise of God in Isaiah 55:11, “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” #truthtalks
Good post! Culture shock is something we all can still experience, even from going to a southern city to the north. As a missionary kid coming to the States for college (after being born and raised overseas) was a huge shock – which is similar to your post. On the other hand, I usually post Psalm 139:14 for birthday posts: “You/I are/am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
That’s so true, Donna. And wonderful on using that Scripture for Bday posts. A great way to share His Word!
I always LOVE getting mail…I send old-fashioned “snail mail” with Scripture, encouragement, humor, etc. Your books are always a must read with my circle of friends, and “With This Pledge” has been my absolute favorite thus far. I’ve never “experienced” the Civil War until then. Such a sweet & powerful story. Thank you for all the research & effort you put in to make the story cme alive!!! 💕💕
Becky, thank you for your kind words. So encouraging (especially as I’m finishing up Carnton 2). And I love how you send snail mail with Scripture. What a treasure!
I share scripture that speaks to me on Facebook.
Good for you, Shirley! I love seeing those nuggets of Scripture pop up on social media!