A Day at the Ranch
“Whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I hope the photos in today’s post give you a little glimpse into our Steadfast Hope event held last Tuesday at the Big Oak Girls’ Ranch.
Twenty-four women gathered around beautifully decorated tables to enjoy delicious food; rich fellowship and community; two very practical workshops; and the fruitful study of God’s Word. Sponsored by the Big Oak Ranch Auxiliary and hosted by Melissa Gunnells, nineteen Big Oak House Moms attended the all-day event held on Big Oak’s Springville campus. While we were very careful to refrain from actual hugs, there was no limit to elbow and fist bumps! And thanks to recent Covid vaccinations, no face masks were required, so there were lots of big smiles and warm welcomes shared.
We entered the large fellowship hall and found beautifully decorated tables courtesy of Auxiliary members Melissa Gunnells, Leigh Moore, and Tammy Flowers. All of us were treated to delicious boxed breakfasts and lunches prepared by Leah Knight, owner of Boardboxbhm. (Instagram at Boardboxbhm.) Leah also hosted a fabulous charcuterie board and movie box workshop. Each Ranch mom left with a specially crafted Cedar Lakes charcuterie board made from trees harvested on the Gunnells’ farm and a “movie night” box prepared by each of us during our workshop.
Tammy Flowers, an Auxiliary member and local floral designer, led our flower arranging workshop. She helped each of us create a small table arrangement of fresh cut flowers and greenery. The flowers were beautiful, but not as beautiful as the laughter, stories, and encouraging conversations that happened around our tables.
Steadfast Hope was our teaching theme for the day’s event. (I’ve previously written about it here and here.) If the current Covid pandemic has proven nothing else, it has shown all of us that none of us can live without hope. We need it both personally and corporately as a society. Historically Christianity has been a great resource for hope. In the 1st century, Christianity showed a remarkable rise in growth as urban pandemics decimated the powerful Roman Empire and early Christians demonstrated an unexplainable fearlessness in the face of death.
Beyond offering hope, however, Christianity also answers the 5 important questions that all of us must answer:
Who am I? A question of identity
Where did I come from? A question of origin
Why am I here? A question of purpose
Where am I going? A question of eternity
How do I know the difference between right and wrong? A question of morality
Secularism, a religion with no god, can’t answer these important questions. If you really believe that there’s no God and you came from nothing and you’re going to nothing, then why bother to keep living in a broken world filled with sin and suffering? No wonder the suicide rates have skyrocketed especially among young people, the ones we would typically expect to be the most hopeful. Secularism also can’t answer the problems of human nature (good and evil) and ultimate oblivion.
The Ranch moms were particularly drawn to our worldview and identity discussions. They are, after all, raising teenagers in the middle of an increasingly secular culture. And it turns out that the Apostle Peter has plenty to say about both subjects. Reading his short letter to 1st century suffering and persecuted Christians scattered across the powerful Roman Empire, Peter reminds us of our true identity in Christ. We are:
Elect exiles (1 Peter 1:1 ESV)
Born again (1 Peter 1:3, 23)
A chosen people (1 Peter 2:9)
A royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
A holy nation (1 Peter 2:9)
The people of God (1 Peter 2:10)
Aliens and strangers in this world (1 Peter 2:11)
Servants of God (1 Peter 2:16)
We ended our time together with Hebrews 6:19 and three important takeaways: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Biblical hope is a “faith that looks forward.” (J.I. Packer)
Gospel hope is both an anchor for our souls and a lifeline to a world that desperately needs it.
Steadfast hope is steel to our souls.
Leaving the Ranch I was refreshed and energized as I turned onto the interstate and headed for home. Today’s verse “whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed” came to my mind and heart. I whispered a prayer of gratitude for the refreshment that comes from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19) and fellowship with His people.
Information on the Big Oak Ranch ministry may be found at bigoakranch.org.
