When we normally hear the phrase "shock and awe" we think of Shock and Awe (technically known as rapid dominance) which is a military doctrine based on the use of overwhelming power, dominant battlefield awareness, dominant maneuvers, and spectacular displays of force to paralyze an adversary's perception of the battlefield and destroy its will to fight. The doctrine was written by Harlan K Ullman and James P Wade in 1996 and is a product of the National Defense University of the United States. As defined - this type of shock and awe is connected with a battle or fight between two groups which typically ends in death and destruction. This is not exactly what I am referring to - rather my focus is on the results of yesterday's Chili for Charity chili cook off. The local Knights of Columbus and St Vincent de Paul Society sponsored an all day event for families - the main attraction was a chili cook off that featured 17 cooks producing 21 chilies in the competition. It was a beautiful day to be out and about for participants and observers alike. The camaraderie between competitors was excellent with competitors helping each other out - loaning equipment and supplies to each other. The battle or fight was not among those cooking - rather the battle was against poverty and unemployment - fighting the system to help the less fortunate in our county - the victory sought was raising funds to help the needy. The day progressed well - as planned - with a great turnout to support this first time effort - the fairgrounds flooded with the yellow volunteer shirts worn by the Knights and Lady Knights. The shock - for myself and friend Deanna - was in the judging when both of us won first place trophies for our chilies. What a surprise and shock that we won - and the awe of everyone involved who made that day such a wonderful experience and a success!
When we are walking alone - wandering throughout life - living an existence of loneliness and misery - not knowing where our next meal will come from - not knowing if the meal we eat will be enough to sustain us another day in a miserable situation - we are shocked and awed when God intervenes and makes things happen that changes our life for the better. We are caught off guard - pleasantly surprised when things change for the better. We - who believe - are awed by our God who loves us so much that He is always there to help - to support - to forgive - to build new - to create something out of nothing - to give us the strength and companions that together - with His blessing - we can make our life and the lives of others better! Praise Jesus!
Deacon Dale
