Dear Philip

Philip Seymour Hoffman. Tragic.

This gifted actor was found dead of an apparent heroin overdose. Another casualty. Another life taken by the one who came to kill, steal and destroy.

My heart aches especially deep for those who seem to have it all, yet inside are still empty, still lonely, still void. Hoffman was found with a needle in his arm. Was he running away or searching? Was he crying out for help or hiding from it? Whatever it was, it was easier for him to numb it than face it.

If I could have had a moment with him, this is the story I would have told him.

…

Long ago there was a young man who lived a life of royalty and luxury. He was prestigious. He even found favor by the king. But despite all the comforts, he knew something was missing, so he searched. He searched and searched until he found the king of his homeland, the land of his people. The land where he came from.

The king told him that their home was lying in ruins. The walls of the city were reduced to rubble, leaving the city defenseless and vulnerable. Through all this, king retained his power, but the people refused to follow his command. Now, the king asked this young man to return home and begin to rebuild.

The young man was granted permission to leave. He returned home. He was heartbroken by the devastation he saw. He committed to rebuilding the land of his people.  He set his hands to work and roused his people to join him.

Immediately the accusations started. He was ridiculed and mocked by his enemies. They did all they could to undermine his effort. They would not rest until they saw his demise. The taunting was aggressive. The opposition was tireless. 

However, the adversity only invigorated him. He called on his great and powerful king. The king had a plan. Finally, the people were ready to listen.

A meticulous coalition was assembled to work and defend the city.  Their effort and determination was focused on the king and his plan to rebuild. Rebuild they did. Each obstacle was overcome. The fortified walls of the city were completed in just 52 days.

What was once deserted was reclaimed. What was ruined was rebuilt. What seemed impossible was itself overwhelmed.

The enemies of these people relinquished. They feared all these people could do united with their king.

“When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.” Nehemiah 6:16

Nehemiah then called on the prophet Ezra to read the law to his people. Worship to their rightful King was restored. All the people of Nehemiah’s homeland were blessed.

…

You may find your self wanting. You may be searching in all the wrong places. You may feel like you have been reduced to rubble. Take your pile of ruins to your King. He will rebuild you, I promise.

“The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall.” -Nehemiah