Author Archives: victormorris

Supermarkets, Sundays and Sanctity

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I grew up in the suburbs of Richmond, Va. One fond memory is of a well-known Richmond institution—a family-owned chain of grocery stores called Ukrops. First opened in 1937, the stores were a regional phenomenon, known for quality products and attentive service. (You get a glimpse of their approach when you understand that their bag boys were known as “courtesy clerks” and they were required to take your groceries out to your car, no matter what the weather was like.) Their in-store delis were incredible. They became hot meeting places for people up and down the social scale. Indeed, their sandwiches were so good that many corporate executives would plan lunch meetings at the local Ukrops deli—power lunches in a grocery store! Can you imagine?

However, in my mind there was one overarching feature that stood out about the Ukrops stores: They exemplified Christian virtue. The Ukrops family were Christian people. And their Christian morals and principles carried over into how they ran their stores. The stores were clean, friendly and pleasant to be in. They did not sell alcoholic beverages. It was an annual tradition for the local newspapers to print a story about the grocery chain when the Sports Illustrated swimsuit was released—because Ukrops would not sell that particular issue. There were signs posted in their stores encouraging people to attend church. And get this, none of their stores were open on Sunday. Continue reading →

Personal Responsibility for Sin

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Question: “We live in a time when it has almost become common to hear about school shootings, deranged killers in malls, or people going ‘postal’ at work. Something must really be wrong with the people who do these things! It seems that most of them have been mistreated or abused in some way—by family, bosses, coworkers, others at school, etc. Does this explain why these people go on these killing rampages? And does it excuse what they do?” (L. in Pennsylvania)

My Answer:  I remember the horror at hearing about the Columbine shooting in 1999. Thirteen people senselessly killed at the hands of some misguided, disturbed, and (yes) very evil teenagers. My sense of outrage and sorrow over this tragedy was compounded by the way some people dealt with the event. At the time the media was tripping over themselves trying to find an explanation. It was Hollywood’s fault. It was the fault of the NRA and those rabid 2nd Amendment folk. It was their parents’ fault. Perhaps most commonly heard was the hindsight analysis that these two boys had been bullied, made fun of, and picked on. Here was the reason for their outrageous behavior. I distinctly remember one lady in our church almost defending the killers—she understood what it was like to be the brunt of bullies. She felt sorry for them.  Continue reading →

Remember…

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Today I write with no glib words, no zany humor, and no flowery expressions. I write with sobriety and solemnity. Today…I call on all of us to remember.

Today is April 8. I want to take you back to another April 8, on a Sunday, exactly 68 years ago. It is 1945, and although their end is rapidly approaching, for the moment the National Socialists still reign supreme in Germany.

In your mind’s eye see a prisoner, a German man incarcerated in a German prison. He has a squarish face, rather common looking. His rimless glasses help give him an ordinary look. He seems so average. Yet, his appearance belies the uniqueness, indeed, the brilliance of the man.

Although a political prisoner, a prisoner of conscience (these words have never been applied more truly), this man is also a Christian—and a pastor. He has gathered about him in Schoenberg Prison a group of faithful believers to worship and study together.

This imprisoned church has just finished its Sunday morning worship. The pastor has just said the final “Amen.” Suddenly two soldiers appear at the door. They call out the pastor’s name and deliver an order: “Make ready and come with us.” The small group of believers looks at their pastor with a mixture of terror and compassion in their eyes. They know the meaning of these words. This is the standard summons issued to a condemned prisoner.

The pastor rises and prepares to leave with the soldiers. However, just before he exits, he turns and says to one of his flock: “This is the end—but for me, the beginning—of life.” Moving words from a deeply spiritual man.

The next day, Monday, April 9, 1945, the pastor is executed by hanging. Continue reading →

Can the Devil Read Our Minds?

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Question: “My wife said that she had been told somewhere that we can think a prayer or request  of God in our mind, but if we wish to rebuke Satan we must say it verbally, out loud. What does  Scripture teach? The question actually is, can Satan read our minds?” (G. in Roanoke)

My Answer: This is probably one of the most commonly asked questions that I have heard
through the years. Many people wonder about this. Some even worry over it. What does the
Bible say?

First of all, the Bible doesn’t give a clear answer. There is no where in Scripture where it says
that the Devil can or cannot read our minds. However, with that said, there are some passages
that give us some insight into this matter. Continue reading →

The Most Real

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I remember a number of years ago when we were still living in the mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania. Sue (my wife) had an appointment down in Uniontown, at the bottom of the mountain. I drove her to town, dropped her off and then went for a drive. After running a couple of errands, I thought I would find somewhere to relax and spend some time in much needed prayer and meditation. Having decided this, I drove onto the grounds of a monastery and retreat center that is located in town.

Before this, I had never explored those grounds. They are truly beautiful. This land had once been the estate of one of the local coal barons who prospered in the area decades ago. There is a stately, almost majestic quality to the landscape. Ancient trees overhang neatly trimmed lawns and dot the ridges of rolling hillocks. Scattered among these lovely old trees are a number of shrines and statues of various saints. There are also park benches placed at various spots, inviting you to stop and meditate. I took advantage of one such spot. Continue reading →