Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 25

Memorial Day 2019

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen. ~ 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Social Worker and Supervisor Guidelines

Valda Haywood has spent more than three decades as a Child Protection Investigator, Child Welfare Worker, Contract Monitor, Court Liaison, Supervisor, and Administrator. Currently she offers coaching and training to social workers and social work supervisors. She has created workbooks to help child welfare social workers and supervisors, especially those in their positions, learn the nitty-gritty details of doing their jobs. I was honored to edit Valda’s books and guide her through the publishing process. The books are aimed at a very specific target market, and I believe they are very valuable to social workers working in child welfare and their supervisors.

Valda’s books are Social Worker Guidelines: Social Worker Edition (for child welfare social workers) and Success Secrets For Social Workers Supervisor’s Edition: Manual for Supervisors (for child welfare social worker supervisors).

I asked Valda a few questions about her writing experience and advice she would give to other professionals desiring to share their knowledge.

Tell me about your books.
My book provides
guidelines to social work supervisors and workers or case managers to help them
in their jobs. 

What are your qualifications to write these books?
I worked in the social work field with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services for 32 years before retirement. I was employed as an investigator, case worker for intact and placement families, supervisor and area administrator, assistant regional administrator, and acting regional administrator. I continue to work in the field of social work post retirement.

Why did you write your books?
I remember graduating
from college ready to save the world and help people become better. I worked a few practicum sites and thought I was ready. I wasn’t prepared for the reality of really working with people. I had to learn the difficult way and sometimes I failed. My hope is this book will help social work students to be better prepared to deal with the real social work field. 

Where and how do you sell your books?
Amazon and direct to customers.

Describe the process involved in writing your books.
I wrote the initial
manuscript then presented it in a training to supervisors and case workers for a private agency in the Metro East Area.

What are your goals for your books?
I would like for this book to be a part or all BSW & MSW college programs.

Do you have any advice for other professionals who would
like to write about their area of expertise?
Take advantage of all
the knowledge you have and write it down. What you write will help someone.

Spirit of Gonzales by Betsy Wagner

5 of 5 stars


Since I edited this book, you would expect me to give it a five-star rating. But the fact is that I saw the potential of the book when I first read the manuscript, and while I hope my editing made it even better, it was a great book before I did anything.

This is the story of the author’s great, great, great grandmother told as fiction. As Betsy says in the epilogue, “This story uses islands of truth connected by bridges of logic to weave together a fictional story that might hint at what happened to the pioneer families.”

In Texas, seventh graders study the state’s history, and Betsy wrote the story at a level appropriate for those students. However, it is also appealing to adults—no one I know who has read it felt that they were reading a book for juveniles.

The history is accurate, the characters are believable and likable, and the story is engaging for all ages. It will appeal especially to readers interested in history, Texas, and life on the frontier.



View all my reviews

As you can see from the review above, I worked with Betsy on this book. I edited the manuscript and coordinated with other publishing professionals to turn the manuscript into a print book and an ebook. After we completed the process, I asked her some questions. The interview follows.

I know the book has been a long journey for you. Tell me
what prompted you to write it and how you got started. My first wish was to share newly
discovered family history with my nieces, nephews and cousins. I began doing research
in the Gonzales Archives and the project grew from there.

Have you always been interested in History? Did you grow up
hearing about your ancestors’ part in Texas history? When did the “new
discovery” happen?  Our family never
talked about the people of our past. I remember my Dad mentioning the name of
Crocket Kellogg, which turns out to be his grandfather. I loved the sound of
that name, but I didn’t know anything about any of my ancestors until I
retired. As a child, and then in my teens, I became fascinated with anything
“old.” I loved old furniture, old maps, old houses, and I liked to visit with
old people.  The
discovery of the people in this story began with family files created by a
cousin in 2008.

Why did you write the book, and who is your target audience? The original purpose of the project was to preserve this history for future generations of our family. Then, during the writing process, as I shared it with friends and other writers I found that many people enjoyed reading the manuscript. Both long-term Texans as well as newcomers to our state expressed interest in the setting and events. Along the way I realized this story is a piece of the curriculum of Texas history in public schools at the seventh grade. One of Texas’ most accomplished teachers of seventh grade Texas history helped me with the book. There is a wide range of interest, starting with young people in school and going up through adult historians. The book will be appreciated by anyone interested in Texas history, providing they are mature enough to process the jagged edge of life from that time period in Texas.

Why did you decide to self-publish Spirit of Gonzales? In my writing group some people were publishing with traditional
publishers and others were independent publishers. I listened to what they had
to say, and compared the benefits. I lost some important people in my family in
the last year I was working on the book. 
I realized they would never get to read the story, and I regretted that.
So, getting it “done” was certainly a factor in my decision. But also, I
realized 1) even a self-published book can be sold to a traditional publisher,
if that is what the author wants eventually. 2) Self-publishing allows an
author to retain ownership and maintain control over all aspects of the
work.  I preferred to own the finished
product. I may decide at some point to sell it if that opportunity comes along.

What has been the most difficult part of the entire writing
process? Is there something that surprised you about writing?  The biggest challenge for my project was to
keep it honest. I did a lot of research to be sure the fiction was historically
accurate. There were years of creating scenes, researching, and correcting the
scenes. The book was rewritten many times. The surprise was how the story went
in its own direction. What started in 2010 as a direct line to the Alamo by
2016 had taken a detour through the community of Gonzales. Sydnie introduced me
to new characters along the way, and showed me the heart and hopes of all those
people.

Compare the writing process with the publishing process. Writing was the
joy, and publishing was almost like punishment for having so much fun! Even the
editing process was fun, although difficult in that it required computer
skills. Technology is very frustrating for me. Fortunately, I met an editor who
was willing to coach me. I learned things about technology, and I was able to
accomplish what I needed to do, but the project would not have been completed
without the team of people who were able to use technology.

Where do you sell your book? How do you promote Spirit of Gonzales? I started in familiar territory. My hometown is one of the communities mentioned in the story. That community had its own role in the revolution and the local folks are interested in Texas history. I began with Saturday market days. I contacted the Chamber of Commerce and the Public Library. I was invited to speak at the library, and we bought advertising on the local radio station to create interest in that. A neighbor in San Antonio invited me to speak at her Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) chapter soon after the book was released. These groups were natural audiences for a book about Texas in the 1830s. I was in comfortable venues, and those positive experiences encouraged me to go on to more challenging markets. I plan to do some broad exposure and contact middle school librarians. In October there is a huge market in Gonzales to celebrate the very things that I wrote about, so I definitely plan to be part of that. I also plan to do book signings in various stores, but I’m trying to stay connected to the Texas history audience as much as possible. Marketing was no more familiar to me than technology, so I have to learn as I go. I have a website and the book is available on Amazon[image error], but I like the personal promotions, and most customers like to have the book signed. So far I’m pleased with the sales and my progress in that regard.

I was blessed to be part of a unique and beautiful launch party
for Spirit of Gonzales. Will you
share what you did and why?  After the book
was printed and ready to market, I wanted to gift a copy to everyone who had
helped me in the project. I planned a lunch and invited everyone who lived
close enough to attend. I put a book at each place for each guest. Then I
realized that none of the people knew each other. I decided to use the time of
waiting for the food to introduce each person and tell what they had done to
help me. I introduced family first since they were the initial inspiration.
Then I went in sequence introducing people in the order I had met them,
explaining why each person was important to me. That was intended to honor each
guest and make everyone more comfortable to know who they were sitting next to.

Do you plan to write any more books? If so, do you have an idea
for the next one?
My cousin and I are working on the research for a sequel. Spirit of Gonzales is
a sad book, but necessarily so, as the truth of Sydnie’s life was sad. I’d like
to make a companion book about another member of the family and have it end
happily.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to tell a story,
but who has no experience writing?

I’d tell them:

Be in a hurry to start, but not in a hurry to finish.   In every decision, go for quality.   Seek out people who will be supportive, in whatever way you need support.

Thank you, Betsy, for sharing your experiences and advice. I really enjoyed working with you on Spirit of Gonzales, and I’m looking forward to the next book.

Military Appreciation Month

May is Military Appreciation Month. While Veterans Day honors those who have previously served in the military and Memorial Day honors those who have died in military service, Military Appreciation Month honors those who serve today in the military as well as those who have served in the past, including those died in service.

As Americans, we often take our freedoms for granted and forget that without our military, we could easily lose our freedoms. Those who join the military risk their lives to protect our country. It is fitting that we take some time to honor and thank them for their service.

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1928 Book of Common Prayer

A Pause to Refresh

Several years ago, I met Ben Ferguson through a priest who had become an Army chaplain after serving as my parish priest for several years. Ben was one of the founders of an organization, Adopt-A-Chaplain, “supporting our troops through the chaplains who serve them.” I worked with him to re-edit and re-publish a Christian living book that had been previously published by a traditional publisher. God, I’ve Got a Problem gives advice on dealing with life’s major problems.

Last year, Ben came to me with another project—compiling a collection of devotionals into a book. I loved this project because Ben is an excellent writer and a joy to work with, and I’m very proud of the results. Although I believe any Christian will enjoy and benefit from A Pause to Refresh, one of Ben’s primary goals is to inspire and encourage our troops, and especially chaplains. Therefore, he offers the ebook for free through Smashwords. The cost for the paperback edition of A Pause to Refresh[image error] is just enough to cover costs.

Read the endorsements from several chaplains for A Pause to Refresh , and you may see that, whether you are a chaplain or even a military member, this devotional book is for you.

“Ben writes for a contemporary audience with historical anecdotes, personal experiences, and sound Scriptural truth. I thoroughly enjoy his relevance and humor. He has a way of making a point in such a way that you want to share it with others. Each chapter of A Pause to Refresh leaves you wanting another drink of Ben’s wisdom.”

CH (LTC) Peter Strong U.S. Army

A Pause to Refresh by Ben Ferguson is exactly what the title says, REFRESHING. Ben’s collection of insights and spiritual encouragements are something that can be read individually, as a family, or even as a group devotional. The only problem is that the reader will find that he cannot just read one a day. As you finish each one, you will want to read ‘one more.’
In just three or four pages for each chapter, Ben is able to focus in on a Biblical truth and cleverly weave it in into a shared story, TV show, or personal story that will make you clearly identify with the topic. What is fantastic is that Ben is able to draw from some really old pop culture (only the Shadow knows) and also draw from some stories that will make you think you are actually there experiencing the event. And the really great quality of A Pause to Refresh is how Ben is able to give a very catching title to each chapter and then finish each chapter with a catch phrase that will make you remember the topic perfectly. As you finish reading each chapter with the catch phrase fresh on your mind, you might actual think that this is the way Paul Harvey would have written a devotional book……………..”Good day.”

~CH (LTC) Stanton Trotter U S Army

Ben’s book of devotionals is spot-on for an easy quick read that packs a punch with an impact that reaches the heart and mind on the reader. The illustrations are powerful and provide a good connection to the Scriptures while providing wonderful insight. As a bottom line kind of person, I thoroughly enjoy final closing statements with each devotional that leaves the reader with a bottom line thought and challenge!  

~CH Ray Bailey CDR U.S. Navy

The sacred, vocational call to military chaplaincy is both joyfully fulfilling and awfully lonely. It is a strange paradox for the man or woman who embraces the high calling to shepherd the souls of our nation’s sons and daughter in uniform. Pastor and author Ben Ferguson understands ministry to the military. And he genuinely loves chaplains. His collection of devotionals has been a balm to my own soul through my three combat deployments and many operational assignments. I value his friendship, insight, and wisdom—take up and read his refreshing words of encouragement and challenge!

~CH Todd Cheney (MAJ) U.S. Army

Fibromyalgia and Stroke Awareness Months

May is both Fibromyalgia Awareness Month and National Stroke Awareness Month. While these two conditions are different in many ways, they are alike in that both can be debilitating. And I am well-acquainted with both.

Fibromyalgia is not a disease, but a syndrome. There is no known cause and no specific test for diagnosis. There are, however, common symptoms that many fibromyalgia sufferers experience. Diagnosis is made from symptoms after ruling out other causes.

I was diagnosed at age 35 after years of chronic pain; I read that there is typically seven years between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis. The only reason I was finally diagnosed is that I read an article in a women’s magazine. Fibromyalgia wasn’t generally well-known then, and I saw an article about eighteen pain points. A patient with eleven of the eighteen pain points was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at that time—I have sixteen of the eighteen. While the pain points are no longer the criteria for diagnosis, they are still very common symptoms. My family doctor didn’t believe that fibromyalgia was real, but he referred me to a rheumatologist. That doctor told me how fortunate I was because most of fibromyalgia patients were totally incapacitated, and I could still work and function, albeit in a lot of pain. After more than half of my lifetime with fibromyalgia, I’m finding my symptoms worsening.

One of the hardest things of this disease is that the disease is “invisible.” Other people often don’t realize how terrible someone with fibromyalgia feels because they don’t see overt signs of illness. Others may think the person is a hypochondriac rather than an individual with a debilitating illness. If you learn one thing during Fibromyalgia Awareness Month, I hope you will learn that someone who seems healthy can be suffering with debilitating pain and other severe symptoms.

While fibromyalgia may take years to be diagnosis, stroke strikes fast and requires immediate action to save lives. Learn your risk factors and stroke warning signs so you can get help for yourself or someone else who suffers a “brain attack.”

I have detailed my own experience with stroke extensively on this blog, beginning with My Stroke: The Beginning. You can follow the links at the end of each post to read the entire three-part series. Search for “stroke” for many other articles about my experiences and about stroke in general.

My stroke was as a result of a chiropractic manipulation, and I did not get treatment for several hours. I spent a week in an acute care hospital, a month in in-patient therapy, three months in three-days-a-week outpatient therapy, and years in less frequent outpatient therapy. On the other hand, when my husband started to exhibit slurred speech and weakness on one side of his body, I called for help immediately, and he was in the ER in less than an hour. He recovered completely with no additional treatment after one night in the hospital and no therapy. His stroke may have been less severe than mine was, but I’m convinced that his rapid and complete recovery was largely due to my recognizing the symptoms and getting him treatment immediately.

Look at the image above and see the main symptoms of a stroke. If you see someone exhibiting any of these signs, get help immediately. You may save someone’s life.

National Day of Prayer 2019

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Please join in praying for our nation today and every day.

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, we look to You alone for the future of America. By Your providence, You have placed each of us here at this time in history to be in this nation. Thank You for this blessing. Thank You for America.
BUT ABOVE ALL, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. It is in His name, we come to You as we intercede in prayer for America.
FORGIVE US, OH LORD, for the sins we have committed against You in America. We are failing You by dishonoring one another through our harsh and bitter words about each other. We are failing You through broken relationships. We are failing You by devaluing human life from conception until death. We are failing You with the division in our nation.
LORD, WE TURN FROM these sinful actions and refuse to live this way. Please forgive us now and help us to choose love over hate, unity over division, and life over death.
WE CHOOSE to live by Jesus’ words: Love One Another. Therefore, upon the authority of Your Word in John 13:34, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you,” we pray for a future America that will choose to love willfully, sacrificially, and unconditionally just like Jesus loves us.
WE PRAY FOR THE CHURCH in America to love one another. Empower each church to be full of love for one another. Ignite a revival of love for one another. Since we are to be known by our love, help us to love one another.
WE PRAY FOR EVERY FAMILY, EVERY WORKPLACE, EVERY COMMUNITY, AND EVERY CITY IN AMERICA to choose love. We believe there is power in love. We believe love is the better way. We believe love is God’s Way. Oh Lord, change families, workplaces, communities, and cities through the power of love. Raise up a Love One Another movement across America.
WE PRAY FOR ALL ETHNICITIES AND PEOPLE IN AMERICA to love one another. Lord, tear down every wall of division and change any attitude that divides us today. Bind up our nation’s wounds and may the transforming love of God lead us to the day when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
WE PRAY FOR YOUR LOVE to surround America. We pray for Your love to surround and protect us in every public setting and private place. Protect us from harm.
WE BELIEVE ALL OF THESE THINGS, OH LORD, represent our deep need for the next great move of God across America. We ask You alone for the next Great Spiritual Awakening in America. Please, oh God, wake up Your church and revive Your people today. We ask You to begin a mighty spiritual awakening in every town, every city, and every county in America.
WE NEED AND DESIRE THIS SO MUCH, THAT BEGINNING RIGHT NOW, we are choosing love and forgiveness, love and restitution, love and healing, love and unity, and a future that will be transformed by the power of unconditional love. When we belong to You, we belong to love. We choose to Love One Another!
IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, the only Savior and Hope in this world we pray. Amen.

Dr. Ronnie Floyd
President, National Day of Prayer Task Force
Senior Pastor, Cross Church

Stop Child Abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Although the month is nearly over, it’s not too late to raise awareness of the crucial problem. Child abuse not only causes immediate pain at the time it happens, it damages the child even into adulthood. People can overcome the trauma of child abuse, but often they don’t. The cycle continues as the abused becomes the abuser. People who were abused as children often end up addicted to drugs or alcohol, committing crimes, living on the streets, hurting those they love. We need to help those who have already been traumatized, but we also must stop child abuse before it happens.

My sister was reported for child abuse by someone who thought that requiring my niece to put her dishes on the tray of her wheelchair and take them to the sink after dinner was abuse. That was not abuse—it was empowerment. Today that little girl is a loving and happy adult who does more than most people with handicaps less severe than hers.

On the other hand, I once failed to report child abuse because I didn’t recognize it. I was young and naive and didn’t realize that anyone can be an abuser. I taught a third-grade Sunday School class in a church with a high concentration of military members. One Sunday, I had a cup of coffee sitting on the table beside me before class. A little boy came up to tell me something and in his excitement talking with his hands, he knocked the cup over and spilled hot coffee on my dress. I grabbed some napkins and started cleaning up, at first not paying attention to the boy. Then I noticed he was backing away from me with his hands held up in front of him—saying over and over again, “I didn’t mean to. It was an accident.” I assured him that the fault was mine; I should not have had a cup of hot coffee on a low table in a room full of rambunctious kids. It was years later when I became aware of child abuse that I realize that child expected me to hit him or hurt him someway for an accident. Had I even known what child abuse was, I would not have thought it possible in this case. The father was a high-ranking, respected military officer and a leader in our church. The mother was a delightful lady who volunteered in many capacities. Never would I have imagined that they could have been abusers. Of course, I don’t know if it was one or both parents or someone else, but someone had obviously hurt this child often enough that he recoiled from me. The father was transferred to another post, and I never saw the family again. I’ll never know what happened to that boy. I’m praying he is the one of the ones who broke free, but I wonder if he’s in prison or on the streets supporting a drug habit or abusing his own children or grandchildren now. It breaks my heart to think that I might have done something to help and failed to do so because I didn’t know.

That’s why everyone needs to be aware of child abuse. Although our family was unhappy that my sister and her husband were investigated when they were doing something helpful for their daughter, I would rather that happen than that a real case of abuse go unreported because someone isn’t sure and doesn’t want to cause problems.

Lord God, who loves children, protect all little ones created in Your image, from abuse. For any who are being abused, wrap them in Your loving arms and let them feel Your comfort. Rescue them from their situations and heal them from their trauma. For anyone who has been mistreated, please don’t let abuse by earthly fathers or others separate them from the love of You, their Heavenly Father. Heal them from the abuse and whatever evils may have resulted from it. Stop the cycle so that they do not abuse those they are supposed to love. Open the eyes of all of us to see, our hearts to care, and our wills to take action when we see or suspect abuse. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Your Son Jesus Christ, who said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.” Amen.

Devotion for Easter Sunday

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. ~ John 20:1-31

It’s
hard for us to imagine the impact of the resurrection on the disciples. They
had given up hope and buried their dreams of the Messiah with the body of
Jesus. Although He had told them He would be put to death, they didn’t
understand. They had seen Him perform many miracles, yet they didn’t expect Him
to rise from the dead. Praise God that He did. The resurrection is at the
center of our faith. On the cross Jesus became sin to take our punishment. In
rising from the tomb, He gave us victory over death.

Lord God, we praise You and glorify You and thank You for the resurrection and the promise it gives us. We worship You, we praise You, we glorify You, we give thanks for Your great glory! In the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, now and forever. Amen.

He is risen. He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Devotion for Holy Saturday

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. ~ John 19:38-42

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were both believers, but they held important positions and kept their discipleship secret. They were more concerned about losing power or prestige than making the name of Jesus known. However, that changed after the crucifixion. They publicly asked for and received the body of Jesus, anointed it for burial, and buried it in a new tomb. Even though they must have thought that Jesus’ death meant He could not be the long-awaited Messiah, they loved Him enough to ensure that His body was treated properly and with respect. They found their courage in Jesus’ time of need.

Lord, I want to be like Joseph and Nicodemus after the crucifixion—ready to attach my name to Jesus, ready to show the world that I am His follower. Guard me from being like Joseph and Nicodemus before the resurrection—too concerned about what others thought to identify themselves with Jesus. In His name. Amen.