Photo: Mitch Teemley
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were: any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee”
~John Donne
There is also a bell that tolls even before the loss of physical life, one that tolls for every soul that is lost. The souls not just of terrorists, traffickers and rapists, but of those outwardly decent people, religious or irreligious, who began to die the moment they became disconnected from their Source.
For at the very foundation of Donne’s words are Jesus’ words that we are all branches, not merely of an inanimate mass, but of a living Vine. And when any of us becomes disconnected from that Vine, from our Creator, our soul begins to die.
We’ve all seen broken branches that still have green leaves, perhaps even bits of fruit formed before they broke away. And yet we know these are only echoes, fading snapshots of a life that was. Some can be saved, regrafted to their source, others cannot.
People, too, can retain the appearance of Life, but be cut off from their Source. So let us care enough to look close, to watch for the vital connection, not just the outward appearance. For the loss of every life—and every soul—diminishes me. Therefore, God grant that I may remain involved in mankind…
At every level.
Mitch Teemley 
So true. Those who are the closest are so easy not to see. Like we have the wrong glasses on. Thank you for sharing.☺
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Excellent reflection on that passage from John.
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Thank you, Brother Anthony.
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Well said, Mitch. “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in God.” Augustine
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Thanks, David, and amen.
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Yes!!!!
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AMEN, brother. Awareness of that connection is – I’m afraid – far too rare today.
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john 40 says to stand on the word, if you believe, eagle soar wings, as a behemoth.
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I don’t understand, Rudy. The Gospel of John doesn’t have that many chapters, and those are random words taken from different places in the Bible which don’t mean anything put together. What are you trying to say?
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stand on the word, if you believe, wings soars as eagles.
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Thank you Mitch, for this excellent, Convicting reminder.
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My privilege, as always, Matilda.
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That imagery of a broken branch appearing alive but dying without connection to the source is very powerful, Mitch. Lessons of truth are to be found everywhere.
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They are indeed, Abe.
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Amen, Mitch. Great message! God bless!
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Thank you, Nancy!
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Love this! Awesome truth here!
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Thanks for the timely reminder!
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My pleasure, Ann.
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I loved the vine analogy. So poignant!
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There is such a deep resonance with truth in your post. And, as you share it it stirs in us. Thank you for this beautifully written reminder. Especially at this time in our world. ❤
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I’m so glad it spoke to you, LaDonna.
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❤❤
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Mitch,
God help us stay connected!
In Christ,
Gary
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I love the connection of these two different quotes.
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