“Pringles, “once you pop, you just can’t stop!
They Don’t Talk Like That Anymore:
Have you ever pursued a purpose with such determination that it consumed every fiber of your soul? When you decide that your “Why” is crucial to your mission, you become unyielding in your relentless “Quest.” Your purpose and the pursuit of serving others become vitally important. You will understand your talents and abilities are not to be wasted. You will cultivate an attitude of courage and accept the responsibility that is entrusted with your innate “Why.” Don’t become complacent with your purpose. Don’t stop taking action or attacking the walls of resistance. Keep believing in your destiny.
The movie “National Treasure” is one of my all-time favorite movies. I have so many favorite scenes from the first two movies that it’s hard to pick just one. I particularly like the scene when Benjamin Gates (Nicolas Cage) and Riley Poole (Justin Bartha) are looking at the Declaration of Independence, and Gates quotes:
“Of all the ideas that became the United States, there’s a line here that’s at the heart of all the others. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and provide new guards for their future security,”
The ensuing conversation went something like this!
Ben “People don’t talk that way anymore.”
Riley: “I have no idea what you just said.”
Ben: “It means there’s something wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action.” “I’m gonna steal it.”
I vividly remember a time when I was five years old. One Friday afternoon I was at my grandparent’s house with my mom, aunt, and grandmother. They were busy preparing for a family get-together later that night. A can of Pringles sitting on the kitchen table caught my attention. Pringles were my absolute favorite. I waited until my mom and aunt were in the other room before I would embark on an attempt to sneak a snack. However, my aunt caught me in the act. She told me I would have to wait until later when everyone else had arrived for dinner. She was surprisingly pleasant during this first encounter. I went outside to play but couldn’t stop thinking about the Pringles. A five-year-old can only kick a ball against an old wooden fence for so long! I couldn’t get the thought of those incredibly delicious nuggets of delight out of my head. Plus, I had already opened the can. And as you can remember, “Once you Pop, You Can’t Stop.” I returned to the kitchen and luckily found no one there. It was time to “carpe diem,” seize the day. I had my opportunity and I was taking it. I reached up and grabbed the can of Pringles off of the table. Unfortunately, as I was about to enjoy my snack, my aunt came around the corner to break a little boy’s heart. She wasn’t as nice this time around. She got intense and quick! She screamed with a demonic squeal. “I told you NO!” She had this demented look of deranged anger. Fortunately, the kitchen table separated me from her. I knew that if she were to grab me, she would take the can from my hand and knock me around a little. I was determined to prevent that from happening.
A standoff occurred! The kitchen table acted as a temporary barrier between us, providing me with a sense of protection. Unfortunately, I was trapped in the kitchen. My aunt was on the side of the table near the doorway. She began to move around the table, I moved in the opposite direction to avoid her. When she changed direction, I also adjusted my movement to evade capture. After a few moments of this cat-and-mouse game, I realized I needed to find a way to escape. She continued to stare at me with a crazed, animalistic look in her eyes. I was not giving up on my pursuit; my mission was already determined. Being a lot smaller than her, I managed to escape by darting underneath the table with the Pringles tucked under my arm. I entered the dining room and then made my way to the living room. From there, I just had to turn the corner and head for the front door. I could hear her screams getting closer. I was determined and desperate to reach outside where I could finally be free. The front door was open; however, the storm door was closed. I was at full speed when my hand hit the door handle; however, it was locked, and my attempt to escape was foiled. Due to my momentum, my hand went through the glass, cutting my hand wide open. Blood was everywhere. Now the “crazy aunt” was screaming in horror because I was cut pretty bad. My mom came running when she heard the screams. I wasn’t too worried about the Pringles anymore; I was headed to the hospital. It was a long night getting my hand all stitched up. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it back in time to enjoy some Pringles, potato salad, or BBQ ribs. I can only imagine my cousins and uncles all ate well that night. I’m sharing this story because when you want something badly enough, you will take on even the craziest challenges, and a crazy aunt to accomplish your mission. A person with a clear purpose will act with bravery, even if it seems foolish. A committed heart will not be satisfied with running away from a battle. Instead, it will face challenges head-on and find solutions to complex issues. A committed heart stands firm with courage, like a mighty fortress.
What purpose or cause keeps you up at night? What motivates you to act with purpose, loyalty, and courage? I have always admired the early missionaries! Their dedication and commitment to their purpose have indelibly impacted the world.
“I have sometimes seen in the morning sun the smoke of a thousand
villages where no missionary has ever been before.” Robert Moffat
Robert Moffat, Missionary to South Africa, and father-in-law to David Livingstone, is considered one of the most dedicated missionaries to ever serve on the field. He ministered for over 53 years; predominately in South Africa. When he was exhausted or the frustrations of daily life swirled, he never mentioned or hinted that he was tired. He never considered giving up. In all of the years of service, he and his wife went home on furlough just once. At the age of 75, he had to be persuaded to return to England.
Robert began his missionary journey alone. His soon-to-be wife Mary, joined him three years later. During his early days in South Africa, Robert experienced all kinds of trials and unpleasant experiences. There were times of extreme hunger, as well as times he was so thirsty that his mouth would become so dry that he was unable to speak. His first house was small and made out of poles and plastered mud. It was extremely uncomfortable. He had wild dogs and other animals coming and going, along with an occasional snake or two dropping from the ceiling.
Robert fully committed his life to Jesus Christ at an early age. This is a popular story told about him during his youth. One Sunday morning he was sitting in church with his family. When it came time to collect the offering, the ushers came by with a bucket. Young Robert asked the usher to put the bucket on the floor. He then attempted to stand in it. He was quickly scolded for his behavior and asked what he thought he was doing. His reply, “I have nothing to give to God, but myself.”
Being from a poor family, and having very little formal education, many would think he didn’t have much to offer, but he decided at an early age to give to God sacrificially all that he had. Over 53 years of missionary service, he encountered hardships and setbacks. His steadfastness influenced countless others to enter the mission field. Moffat served for seven years before he witnessed his first conversion. His dedication and faithfulness is astounding.
Every one of us has been placed in a position of influence. We all have talents and unique abilities God can use. I challenge myself every morning to look for the “smoke in the villages.” My prayer is to reach people who have never been reached. My Quest is to bring hope and truth to children who have no one advocating for them. It’s a challenge to not quit. It’s a challenge to stand strong. The good thing is it’s not our talents and abilities. It’s by God’s power. We just have to be open and available to “see the smoke,” act with courage, and be used by God.
Rich Binning is a researcher, investigator, and freelance writer based in Southeast Asia. He supports missionaries in spreading the message of Jesus Christ and works towards ending child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Rich is well-educated in Biblical Studies, Historical Studies, and Political Science, which equips him to comprehend the intricacies of cross-cultural missions and anti-trafficking efforts. He applies his research and investigative skills to offer effective solutions to complex issues.
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