Out Our Way: Elsie and Habakkuk - Habakkuk 1:1-4/2:1-3

Out our way, they say you can't judge a cowboy until you see him ride. By that standard alone, I barely make the grade. My balance is less than the best and, to be honest, ole Doc is a bit like riding a jack hammer. In short, I bounce a lot more than a good rider should. But you should have seen me when I first started!

We were serving a small church in rural Wyoming and one of my parishioners told me of his family ranch on the Wyo-Braska border - the sand hills where Wyoming and Nebraska meet. His mom, Elsie, raised Morgans and was offering riding lessons to those who wanted to learn. I jumped at the chance. Elsie decided to put me on Autumn, a large sorrel mare who was somewhat of a legend in the area for her speed and stamina. She also sometimes had a hard mouth and, though well-trained, could take advantage of the beginning rider.

There were a group of us riding over the Empire Ranch area and one of the other students lost control for a second and her horse bolted. All the other horses, including Autumn, bolted as well. I was bouncing, lost my stirrups, my seat and was barely hanging on when Elsie rode by and shouted, "You can do it!" Somehow, instead of falling off, I managed to regain my seat and stirrups and control. I turned Autumn into a circle and she slowed down and then came to a stop. It was a valuable lesson which I never forgot - and especially Elsie's encouragement in the midst of my terror, "You can do it!"

Few folks these days are familiar with the minor prophets like Habakkuk, but the words of hope he recorded in the midst of a terrifying time speak to our own time if we will listen. With so much misinformation and spewing of bias in the media, hate ads, and even friends who proudly announce their political affiliation and make sure you know that if you disagree with them you are a moron - or worse - these are indeed frightening times. Then here comes Elsie and Habakkuk riding beside me in my terror calling out, "You can do it!" i.e., you can survive this.

Hauling carts earlier this past week I was stewing over a Facebook post in which a friend proudly noted her party affiliation and support for a questionable organization that had been making headlines. I was angry because my prejudices were 180 degrees the opposite of hers. Then God spoke.

"The question is not are you supporting the Democrats or the Republicans, following Biden or Trump; the question is are you working for the Kingdom of God and following Jesus Christ?" Oy! Got me, Lord! Obviously, as a Christian, my getting so angry at those whose political views oppose my own was the equivalent of having lost my seat and stirrups and very nearly the reins. Can I get back on and ride it out? Well, here comes Elsie and Habakkuk riding beside me and shouting "You can do it!" 

The Lord told Habakuk to tell the people who despaired for their nation and the future to hold on. God's deliverance, "though it linger ... will certainly come and will not delay!" I am no prophet and have no secret knowledge about the election results. I only know that we are divided as a nation and people will be fighting against the results regardless of which side wins. It is going to be a rough ride, I expect. But I ride for the Kingdom and not the GOP or the DNC. Though the country twists and bucks, I will hold firm as Elsie and Habakkuk ride beside me and encourage me "You can do it!" Yahoo, Powder River! Let her buck!

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Brother John

--

The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].