Hold Fast

Happy DAF Saturday, friends!

What’s DAF? I’m glad you asked.

I made up that acronym yesterday with Mrs. Sweetie to describe the weather in Amarillo, Texas since we returned from an absolutely amazing cruise of the British Isles. (You will notice by the way we’re dressed in the attached photos that the weather in Scotland and Ireland was a wee bit different than what we’re experiencing in Texas).

So what’s DAF?

Disrespectful Air Fryer.

That may not work quite as well in a place where the heat is moist, but it’s certainly appropriate for West Texas.

But enough of that nonsense.

In August 6, while Sweetie relaxed on the ship, I visited the city of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.

Did you catch that?

Isle of Lewis.

Yes. My people.

Now, my daughter could tell you much more about our heritage than I can. She’s done a lot of studying.

I’ve never spent much time pondering my genealogy very far back. Partly because I know that if you shake your family tree enough, you’re going to shake loose some nuts.

It has just never been a strong interest for me.

When I found out we’d be visiting the Isle of Lewis on the cruise, I thought, “That’s cool.”

And didn’t think much more about it.

But the closer we got, the more excited I became. And when I got off the shuttle bus, I had an unexplainable sense of nostalgia and connection.

Walking around and seeing my family name on signs everywhere was … something.

I sent a photo of me in front of the Lewis Street sign to some friends. One of them suggested that I should rename my blog and call it Sraid Leodhais (str-AH-ts LYOH-ish).

Hmmm …

Here’s what’s been slow simmering in my mind—waiting for today—since that day.

I was on my way to visit Lewis Castle when I had a “moment.”

I had visited a shop and noticed the MacLeod clan crest. (My peeps were MacLeod of Lewis).

The words on the crest are “Hold Fast.”

It’s a challenge: Don’t give up.

While I was pondering those words, I stopped for a cup of coffee.

And a song came to mind (shocking, I know).

Here’s my “moment.”

When I can’t “hold fast.”

When I’ve nothing left to give.

When I’ve come to the end of my initiative, my resources, my intelligence, my abilities … myself.

He.

He will hold me.

He will hold me fast.

Right there on a street in Stornoway, my eyes leaked a little and I was overcome by the love of Jesus.

And I’ve been looking forward for two weeks to tell you about it.

Because I want you to know that He will hold you fast.

He will.

Be amazing today, my friend.