THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

In the Wizard of Oz movie, originally written The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum, we find Dorothy lost in an amazing, colorful world, completely different to her own. Declared a hero by the munchkins, she puts aside their cheers to seek out the Wizard of Oz, who can show her the way home. As I went for a walk tonight, I walked alone but no, not sad. The movie had stood in my mind and it replayed as I went on my  way. Dorothy and her friends were determined to find the Emerald City. 

Are you on a journey? Do you find yourself on that yellow brick road? As you walk along, are you walking alone or have you found friends to walk hand in hand with you, with a "no matter what" attitude that they're going to stay with you? We all need friends along for the journey we are on. Dorothy had three, in need of Courage, Heart and Brain. We all need someone to go along with us for the adventure. I was reminded tonight of the people God has brought back into my life, some great friends, so we can walk together on this journey, singing, "We're off to see the Wizard.."

The woods are full of dangers to discourage you in your life's journey, in your faith, in your career path and in your dreams for yourself and your family. Find Courage. Courage will walk with you and into the darkest moments in life. Courage helps you face difficulties that pop out from behind a tree. You also need to partner up with Heart. In this journey, we will get hurt and we need to love people, forgive and be understanding. We also need a heart of passion to keep moving towards our destiny. Lastly, we need Brain. I think with Brain, we will never lack hearing words of wisdom, knowledge, good counsel, and Godly advice.

"Follow the yellow brick road." Over and over, the reminder to remain on the path is repeated. Those voices reminding them to stay on the road know there is opposition up ahead, danger, and distractions. But, if they stay together, focused and on task, they will get to their "promised land."

Deuteronomy 5:33 says, Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy. 

Stay on the path. Psalm 27:11 says, Teach me how to live, O Lord, lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. I don't know, but this sounds like Dorothy's journey to the Emerald City is a lot like our lives each day, as well as our faith walk. 

 Psalm 17:5 says, my steps have stayed on your path. I have not wavered from following you. As I enjoyed this story again, I saw it differently than the way I absorbed it in my youth. That's me, always interpreting stories with a scriptural reference. But, it all just reminded me of the struggles, the brokenness, the challenges, and the pressing onward to get to our goal, to our intended prize, to that promised victory in the Lord.

Oz claimed to be the all powerful one, but good old Toto goes through the curtains to reveal the truth. We can go into God's presence and not be afraid. He will not only never turn us away, but He will keep His promises to us. God's love will always be seen. He gave up His own Son to pour out His blood for our sins and sickness. Red. Red ruby slippers. Click them and say, "There's no place like home." In my heart I heard it this way:
There's is power in the Name of Jesus and because of His death on that cross, He's given me the way home to my Father in Heaven. I don't have ruby slippers with the power within me to take me home, (don't we all wish) but I have faith in the power of the Blood of the Lamb who empowers me and guides me on the "yellow brick road" of my reality.