written by Jackie Cona

Biography

My name is Jackie Daniel Cona. My husband and I are new parents to a baby boy.  I work as a music teacher and love to run.  Keith and I belong to a community group and have attended Browncroft for three years. We were married last December by Pastor Blake. 

Reflection

Last week I saw a news special about the execution of the Washington D.C. sniper.  They asked him, “Do you have any last words?” He remained silent.  I couldn’t believe it.  Who wouldn’t say they were sorry before their last breath on earth after such horrific actions?

I was reminded of this incident when I read this passage of Judges. Samson’s character cannot be compared to the sniper, but clearly Samson made a different choice before his own life ended.   He sacrificed his own life to bring victory over the Philistines. It mirrored Christ’s sacrifice for us so we could live in him. Samson obtained mercy and cried out to God in his last few minutes. The strength that he lost by sin he recovers by prayer.

Every living person is in the same camp as these two men in one way.  We have all failed our God and other people at times.  The time to ask for mercy and to have atonement with God should be a little earlier than our deathbed.  After losing a friend recently to cancer I think about how life can become shorter than we expect.  Today is a great day to seek our Savior and make things right. 

Your fellow traveler,

Jackie