Introduction:
Our logo, featuring a cross with nails, is more than just a symbol for our woodworking business. It's a reminder of a pivotal night in November 2022 that reshaped our understanding of faith, trust, and purpose. Let me take you back to the beginning of this extraordinary journey.
A Night Like No Other:
Working part-time at Home Depot, I found myself driving home early one evening. The road was quiet, except for the flashing lights of a stranded truck ahead. Approaching the vehicle, I met a man whose presence would challenge and ultimately transform my understanding of God's work in our lives.
An Unusual Encounter:
Dressed in Carhart coveralls and a ball hat labeled 'Fucking Problems', the man seemed like an ordinary stranded traveler, albeit with a curious choice of attire for a deer hunter. His story of running out of gas and swapping vehicles with his wife was just the beginning of an encounter filled with paradoxes and spiritual lessons.
A Test of Faith and Trust:
At this time, my wife Lori and I were deepening our faith, grappling with questions about trusting God completely. Little did I know, this chance meeting was about to put those very beliefs to the test.
The Journey Begins:
Inviting the stranger into my Suburban, we embarked on a journey filled with discussions about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Despite initial fears and doubts, I felt an inexplicable sense of trust and safety in his presence.
Divine Messages and Lessons:
As we navigated through the night, the stranger's stories and insights began to resonate with the spiritual lessons Lori and I had been exploring. His tales, though seemingly disjointed, started to form a clearer message about trust, obedience, and God's mysterious ways.
The Cross and the Nails:
The man's bracelet, made of nails, served as a poignant reminder of Jesus's sacrifice. This symbol, he explained, was a constant reminder of the pain endured on the cross for our salvation. It was a message I needed to hear and remember.
A Revelation in Woodworking:
Our logo, featuring nails and a cross, is not just a branding choice. It's a testament to that night's profound impact on me. It symbolizes the transformation we undergo when we accept Christ into our lives, much like the wood we shape into beautiful creations.
Living Romans 12:2:
This experience brought Romans 12:2 to life for us. It's a call to not conform to the world but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. This verse guides both our personal lives and our business.
Called to God's Business:
That night's encounter was more than just a chance meeting; it was a divine appointment. It reaffirmed our commitment to place God first in our lives and our business, transforming every piece of wood into a testament of His love and our journey with Him.
Our logo is a declaration of where we stand – with God, in His service, for His glory. It's a reminder of our purpose: to craft not just wood, but stories of faith, transformation, and God's unending love.
Read our next Blog post. The Unexpected Encounter: How a Roadside Meeting Redefined Our Mission
God Bless,
Rick & Lori
