Jan 20, 2007

“Casey at the Bat;” By Ernest Lawrence Thayer


The outlook wasn't brilliant, for the Mudville 9 - that day;
The score stood four to two, with, but, one inning more to play,
And, then when Cooney, died at first, and Barrows, did the same,
A pall-like silence, fell upon the patrons - of the game.

A straggling few, got up to go, in deep despair. The rest;
Clung to that hope, which springs eternal, in the human nest;
They thought, "If only Casey, could but get a whack at that —
We'd put up even money now, with Casey at the bat."

But, Flynn preceded Casey, as did, also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a jinx, while the latter was a cake;
So, upon that stricken multitude, grim melancholy sat;
For, there seemed but, little chance of Casey getting to the bat.

But, Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despised, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and men saw, what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second, and Flynn a-hugging third.

Then, from five thousand throats and more, there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It pounded on the mountain, and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing - to the bat.




There was ease, in Casey's manner, as he stepped into his place;
There was pride, in Casey's bearing, and a smile lit Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd, could doubt, 'twas Casey at the bat.

Ten thousand eyes were on him, as he rubbed his hands with dirt.
Five thousand tongues applauded, when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then, while the writhing pitcher, ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance, flashed in Casey's eye, a sneer, curled Casey's lip.

And, now the leather-covered sphere, came hurtling through the air,
And, Casey stood a-watching it, proud he was there.
Close by the sturdy batsman, the ball unheeded sped —
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one!" the umpire said.

From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves, on a stern and distant shore;
"Change him! Change the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And, it's likely they'd have changed him, had not Casey raised his hand.

With a smile of Christian charity, great Casey's face did shone;
He stilled the rising trouble; he ask, the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the ball did flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said "Strike two!"

"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered "Fraud!"
But, one scornful look from Casey, and the audience was awed.
They saw his face, grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles - strain,
And, they knew that Casey, wouldn't let that ball, go by again.


The sneer has fled from Casey's lip, the teeth are clenched in wait;
He pounds with a loud noise, his bat upon the plate.
And, now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And, now the air is shattered, by the force of Casey's blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land, the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout;
But, there is no joy in Mudville — mighty Casey has struck out.

__________________________________

Kids;
Some days, things don’t go well.
Some days, we make mistakes.
Some days, we don’t do what we wanted to do.
Some days, things get broke, someone gets hurt, we fail a test at school.

Lot’s of things can go wrong, but I want to read to you,
Psalm 3:5-6.

No matter what happens, where we are, or what we are doing, God watches over us. And if we fail, God wants us to try again, and keeping trying - until we get it right.

Can you kids remember that; “Don’t be afraid, keep trying.”

Let’s pray;

______________

Fear Not!

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timid-ness; but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
1 Timothy 1:7

On that fateful day, as Casey approached the mound, his thoughts were not on failure, but on hitting that baseball – out of the park.

The first ball came at a speed that was unmatched. It came straight towards him, and then at the last second, dropped, dramatically. Casey ignored it. Strike one.

The next ball came even faster, but its path was varied; and not even the pitcher could predict where it’s journey would take it. Casey ignored it. Strike two.

Now, the scene was set. Casey liked the drama of last-inning saves. He enjoyed working under such pressure. These dilemmas, brought out the very best in Casey. The third and final ball, shot out of the pitcher’s hand, like a shot out of a gun. Even though the ball was coming hard and fast, to Casey, it look huge, and his eyes were locked on the target.

Then, within mere inches, Casey knew it was time, and swung that might bat; he visualized tearing the canvas off the sphere, and sending it 100’s and 100’s of yards, deep into center field, over the wall, out of the park - and into history.

Well, that day is etched in history; for Casey’s swing was just a bit high – to the right, as the ball came low and to the left. Casey, with all his confidence, with all his skills and abilities, had failed – on that day.

Then what? What do you think Casey did, the day after, he strike out; the day after he failed?

Casey must have gone through many emotions, and must have faced: anger, guilt, shame, worry, grief, stress, and finally, fear. Fear of repercussions; fear of never living-down, letting down, all those people; fear of being labeled – as a failure; and fear of never succeeding, in anything, ever again.


Often, we fear, not being able to do something right; we fear we will not be able to pay all our bills this month. We ask ourselves; how many cavities will I have the next time I go to the dentist; what will the doctor find wrong with me, at my next, yearly check-up?

Uncertainty and fear, lead to Anxiety; which is the great ‘stressor’ of our time. Anxiety robs us of happiness, peace and contentment.

There is a natural (and primitive) physiological reaction, that humans execute; when faced with Anxiety, fear, and danger. It is the “fight or flight” response. But, in today’s society, this response seems to have become inappropriate. When faced with danger, ‘fighting’ is not acceptable; also ‘running/flight’ is also, not permissible – any more.

So, with our basic, human “fight or flight” response being enabled, facing danger, fear, and Anxiety, now, presents a new problem. How do we respond now?

Well, we all have faced such fears and terrors. You may have, in your life, gone through such emotions and stresses; after failing a simple, but important task. You may have been filled with that kind of fear and uncertainty.

I know I have!

But I, and all of you, have something in common; and it is found in 2 Timothy 1:7;

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, timid-ness, anxiety, or terror; He has given us the Spirit of power, the Spirit of love, and the Spirit of self-discipline.”


When we wake up in the morning, our minds should not be set on failure and fear, but on God’s Spirit - within us.

Let me reassure you of 2 things.
1. God does not want you to be afraid.
2. God has given His Spirit, to overcome your fears.

The fears you face, daily, do not come from God (x2); He, wants you, to live a life, absent of such fears and Anxiety.

John 10:10, tells us something so great, that reaches beyond our uncertainties;

“The thief’s purpose, is to steal, and kill, and destroy. My purpose is to give life, in all its fullness.”

“The thief (Satan) comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy (to absolutely ruin our lives); I (Jesus) came that they (you, all of us) may have life, and have it abundantly.”

God wants us to live a life of plenty, free from all anxiety and fears. He wants a loving relationship with us, and longs to give us, the desires of our hearts. God simply wants to see us happy.

God does not place, in the heart of man, a fearful, trembling Spirit; His will is, to fill His children ,with a victorious, content Spirit.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timid-ness; but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

In Matthew 25, we read the parable of the man who gave his three servants ‘talents’; to manage during his absence. Two of the servants double their master’s money, but the third did nothing with his.

When the master returned, he asked the third servant why he hadn’t done anything with his talent. The servant replied;

“Master, I know you are a hard man, and I was afraid of you.”

The servant was reprimanded and punished, because he had allowed fear and anxiety, to keep him from being faithful and useful to his master. Fear had ruled his heart and actions; and he did nothing.

In John 20:19, we read that the Disciples were shocked and frightened, because of the crucifixion of Christ. They hide, and huddle together, in a small, secret room – behind locked doors. They were filled with great anxiety, and feared, that the Jews would hurt or kill them.

Jesus’ own followers, these Messengers of the Gospel, had forgotten and ignored, the very promises Christ made.

In Luke 10:38, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. And as Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His words, Martha busied herself with preparations. Finally, Martha goes to Jesus and says; “Lord, doesn’t it matter to you, that I’m working myself to death, while Mary sits there loafing?”

Jesus answered her; “Martha, you get too upset, and anxious, over things that aren’t that important.”


Where did these people go wrong?
What did they do, that was not acceptable?
Shouldn’t we worry about what might happen?
Shouldn’t we prepare for the worst?
Shouldn’t we make plans for tomorrow?

The third servant of the master, was afraid of doing anything, because of what MIGHT happen. He looked to the negative side of everything, and had failed to rely upon his faith, and the mighty power of God.

The Disciples simply had given up all hope. Jesus had told them; “The Son of Man must die;” but, He also told them; “For every time you eat this bread and drink this wine, you are proclaiming the Lord’s death, until He comes again.”

Jesus chose the disciples, because of their willingness to follow Him, but, like all humans, they allowed their fears and doubts to overwhelm them.

Martha was worried, that Jesus and his entourage, would not have enough, when Jesus stopped to visit her and Mary. Martha was afraid of displeasing the Great Messiah. Martha was fearful, she could not do enough for the Christ.

But, Mary turned her considerations to Jesus, and gave to Him, her, undivided attention. Martha’s haste and hurry, showed just how insecure, she was around Christ.

Martha’s problem was anxiety; she was afraid that she would not satisfy her visitors; and this ill-founded fear, of what people would think, or say about her, and how she treated Jesus, caused her to miss the blessing of Christ’s presence in her home. Her fear caused her to separate herself from God’s Holy presence – Jesus.


But, for those of us who know the Lord personally, through placing our faith in Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God, dwells within us.

In 2 Timothy 1:7; God’s Holy Spirit is described three ways, which shows God’s presence, which is the answer to all Christian fear.

For, God is the
Spirit of Power
Spirit of Love,
Spirit of Self-Control.

One of the major fears that plague any person, is the fear of inadequacy; the fear they will not meet certain challenges or criteria. It is a far-reaching fear, that we will not measure up to the accomplishments of other people. It relies on self-doubt; as we compare our skills, abilities, and personal images, to that, of other people.

We fear the possibility of failure, and the humiliation, of personal incompetence. The Power that we are speaking about, means that God’s Spirit gives us confidence and capabilities. As Christians, we need not worry about fears of failure, because God grants, to us, His Spirit of Ability.

“As human beings, we all possess, the ability to be inadequate, but the Spirit of Power, within us, is adequate, to equip us, for doing every good thing, that God wants us to do.”


Many of our anxieties relate to our relationships with other people. We fear not being loved; some of us have a fear of abandonment, or being betrayed by those who say they ‘really love us.’ We fear conflict and tension, in our relationships with others. We will appease others, at a high, personal, cost, just to keep the peace.

But, God has given us the Spirit of Love, because Love is the key to maintaining and nurturing any relationship. Christian Love enables us to accept that person, regardless of how he or she treats us. If I truly love someone, I will not feel insecure in that relationship, and I will believe, that they, have my best interest – at heart; and I, the same.

If I have a relationship, an association, or an alliance with anyone, because of the Loving Spirit - God has given me, I will not fear - being ill-treated, fear - being abandoned, or fear - that relationship ending. The Spirit of Love keeps two people connected on many, different levels.

Love is meant to be embracing, understanding and affirming, while giving approval, being tolerant, and empowering the other person; “as I am, you are as well.” That is God’s Spirit, the Power of Love, at work within us.

The Apostle John, reminds us in 1 John 4:18;
“Such love has no fear, because, perfect love, expels all fear.”

Perfect love, rejects and ejects fear. True love, discharges and drives out anxiety. Lasting love, displaces and replaces all uncertainty.

If you are afraid of the past, present or the future; if you are fearful of what eternity will bring (or not bring); if you fear The Final Judgment, let me remind you of God’s everlasting, unconditionally, powerful, and gentle love. For, His love is made perfect, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We can dissolve the fear of not being loved, by completely trusting in the love of God. If we focus on His immeasurable love for us, and then allow Him to love others through us; then His love will quiet our fears, and grant to us, confidence in being loved by others.

This is the truth that helps free us from all anxiety about our relationships with people; as we learn to trust in God’s Spirit of Love.


The Spirit of Self-Control is the final power used to dispense fear and timid-ness. Sometimes we ‘fear’ ourselves and dread things we might do. We think that we will make a fool of ourselves in front of others. We think we might make a wrong decision, or judge someone too harshly. We may think that we lack the ability to restrain ourselves in certain circumstances.

But, God grants to us the Spirit of Self-Control. He gives to us common sense, a sense of restraint, and a sense of remorse. If you have the Holy Spirit of God, living in you, you can trust yourself to do right, and do good, and be noble. If you have the Holy Spirit of God, living in you, you can feel confident about yourself, and comfortable with yourself – to make the right decisions.

That confidence, that faith, that belief, that assurance; is the Spirit of Self-Control – given by the Holy Spirit. God offers help, for keeping your life from swerving out of control. His Spirit serves as a guardrail, if you accept His guidance for your life.

And, if we do - jump the guardrail, or slip and fall, it is that sense of remorse and guilt, that allows, and (sometimes) forces us, to be more aware next time. Regret acts as a deterrent, and permits us to be better prepared – in the future.

The Spirit of Self-Control, chases away, the fear of failure.


The Mighty Casey, the man who could do no wrong in the eyes of his team-mates, and the people of Mudville, had failed. He had the skills, and the abilities, and the right attitude, but, on that day, he simply couldn’t get the job done.

But, that’s not the end of the story.

(Casey’s Revenge)
“Casey's Revenge;” by Grantland Rice

There were saddened hearts, in Mudville, for a week or even more;
There were muttered oaths, and curses; every fan in town was sore.
"Just think," said one, "how soft it looked, with Casey at the bat,
And, then to think he'd go and spring, a bush league trick like that!"

All his past fame was forgotten- he was now a hopeless "shine."
They called him "Strike-Out Casey," from the mayor down the line;
And, as he came to bat each day, his bosom heaved a sigh,
While a look of hopeless fury, shone in mighty Casey's eye.

He pondered in the days gone by, that he had been their king,
That, when he strolled up to the plate they made the heavens ring;
But now, his nerve had vanished, for when he heard them hoot;
He "fanned" or "popped out" daily, like some minor league recruit.

He soon began to sulk and loaf, his batting eye went lame;
No home runs, on the score card, now were chalked against his name;
The fans without exception, gave the manager - no peace,
For one and all, kept clamoring, for Casey's quick release.

The Mudville squad began to slump, the team was in the air;
Their playing went from bad to worse - nobody seemed to care.
"Back to the woods with Casey!" was the cry from Rooters' Row.
"Get some one who can hit the ball, and let that big dub go!"

The lane is long, someone has said, that never turns again,
And Fate, though fickle, often gives, another chance to men;
And Casey smiled; his rugged face no longer wore a frown-
The pitcher, who had started all the trouble - came to town.

All Mudville had assembled - ten thousand fans had come
To see the twirler, who had put big Casey on the bum;
And, when he stepped into the box, the multitude went wild;
He doffed his cap, in proud disdain, but Casey only smiled.

"Play ball!" the umpire's voice rang out, and then, the game began.
But in that crowd of thousands, there was not a single fan
Who thought that Mudville, had a chance, and with the setting sun
Their hopes sank low- the rival team was leading "four to one."

The last half of the ninth, came round, with no change in the score;
But, when the first man up - hit safe, the crowd began to roar;
The roar increased, the echo of ten thousand shouts was heard
When the pitcher, hit the second, and gave "four balls," to the third.

Three men on base - nobody out - three runs to tie the game!
A triple, meant the highest niche, in Mudville's hall of fame;
But, here the rally ended, and the gloom, was deep as night,
When the 4th one, "fouled to catcher," & the 5th, "flew out to right."

A dismal groan in chorus, came; a scowl, was on each face
When Casey, walked up, bat in hand, and slowly - took his place;
His bloodshot eyes, in fury gleamed, his teeth, were clenched in hate;
He gave his cap a vicious hook, and pounded on the plate.

But, fame is fleeting, as the wind, and glory - fades away;
There were no wild, and woolly, cheers, no glad acclaim - this day;
They hissed & groaned & hooted, as they clamored: "Strike him out!"
But, Casey gave no outward sign, that he had heard this shout.


The pitcher smiled,, and cut one loose - across the plate it sped;
Another hiss, another groan. "Strike one!" the umpire said.
Zip! Like a shot, the second curve, broke just below the knee.
"Strike two!" the umpire roared aloud; but Casey - made no plea.

No roasting, for the umpire now – his, was an easy lot;
But, here the pitcher, whirled again- was that a rifle shot?
A whack, a crack, and out through the space, the leather pellet flew,
A blot, against the distant sky, a speck, against the blue.

Above the fence, in center field, in rapid whirling flight,
The sphere sailed on - the blot grew dim, and then, was lost to sight.
Ten thousand hats were thrown in air, ten thousand threw a fit,
But, no-one ever found the ball, that mighty Casey hit.

O, somewhere in this favored land, dark clouds may hide the sun,
And, somewhere, bands no longer play, and children have no fun!
And, somewhere, over blighted lives, there hangs a heavy pall,
But, Mudville hearts, are happy now, for Casey hit the ball.

_______________

When you experience fear and anxiety, remember that the Spirit of the Lord, has given you the tools, and the means, by which to overcome, those very things that threaten our existence as Christians.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timid-ness; but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

The Power of God will bring you through all circumstances; and grant to you that sense of sufficiency and that sense of ability.

The Love of God will act as an example of how to treat others, and you are to be treated. He will grant a sense of security, in every relationship you have.

The Discipline of God, prompts us to follow the model of the earth-bound, walking Christ; then we take those thoughts and reasonings, and make decisions, within our own Christian lives


Robert L. Perry concludes this;

“You need not fear inadequacy – just let God make you adequate - for relationships with people; let God love them through you. You need not fear yourself – let His Spirit of Self-Control, make your judgement sound, and your life disciplined.”

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timid-ness; but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

Let’s pray;
_______________