The morning sun was beginning to peek through and over the buildings on the edge of Al Reem Island. The morning’s mist had not yet disappeared, so the brightening light had a gentleness that I only find as a day begins. The water seemed to hear the call, responding with stillness, helped by a tide caught between flooding and ebbing. There was so much promise in the scene. Hope’s grasp on my heart strengthened. Within me, I could hear a siren call to action at its best.
I paused for a moment. As I stepped into the new day, I listened to Life whisper lesson reminders that I take with me.
Promises are made on the foundation of strong emotions and convictions. My promises of love, service, and commitment come from this place. As I look further, I find myself returning to desires for a better future, aspirations of being accountable for what needs fixing in my life, and desires to be a better man. Each is grounded in the hope, belief, and confidence that I will have help along the way. I have made a promise to myself, and in turn, this promise is shared with those along my path.
Promises are believed and kept because of what is behind the individual. As I write, I hear the echo of words across time, “When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up.” (Hebrews 6.16). Promises backed up by love, kindness, community, and Divine love are never empty. There is content and force in them. The only thing missing is the warrior messenger willing to enter the arena.
Promises will be tested in the heat and fire that follows their announcement. Even as the summer day grew, I could feel the challenges waiting for me. Within and without, there are battles to be waged. With Divinity at my side, with Her promises, everything is possible when I am willing to act.
