In 2016 a local business, VHC Brands, suffered a catastrophic fire. The smoke could be seen for miles and all anyone could do was watch helpless as the fire ravaged all which they had worked so hard to build.
So many things run through your mind as you watch the fire feed on your life work. Emotions struggling to take center stage and you are lost in the sheer magnitude of the task ahead of you.
True character shows up during times of trial and we find out what we are made of. The owners and staff pulled themselves together and got busy. Faith in the Lord leading every step and guiding all decisions and with calm determination (and sometimes not so calm, let’s be honest) a new path was put in place and first steps taken to a better vision.
Perseverance through a trial is the fire that forges our character and strengthens our bond with God. He makes us into the people he wants us to be by forcing us to stand the test and come out on the other side a better person. I’ts not easy, no one likes it, we are all better for the journey and when we arrive out of the flames, we have a new finish to the gears that run our lives.
While Ken Kline, one of the owners took a walk on the grounds after the building had been demolished and frame taken down, he started picking up old nuts and bolts, odds and ends of pieces which were left strewn around. A YouTube video of him was shared and I saw it. I asked if I could have one of the pieces. I knew exactly what I wanted to make for him.
When you unscrew the bolt from the “paperweight” you will find an old fashioned wax seal with the company letters surrounded by laurel leaves.
The top is engraved with the letter “K” with 24k gold inlay. Engraved around the facets of the head is the company name and the scripture reference Romans 5:1-5. This scripture teaches us about trials and the rewards of perseverance.
Romans 5:1-5 KJV
- Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
- By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
- And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
- And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
- And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Click here to watch the VHC Brands video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBSyhzsSO-E
