Who Pulls Your Strings?

By Del Duduit

You are no dummy! (Sorry David Pendleton – I should have said you are no wooden-American.)

You can make your own decisions.

You make hundreds of them every day. Some are simple while others may take serious thought. You might spend the time to consider the consequences of a commitment you are about to make, or you may just toss the chance to the wind and roll the dice.

In the end, no matter what you choose, there are ramifications.

These outcomes can be good, or bad.

There have been times when Angie and I have made some impromptu decisions – such as the time we decided to back off the wrong exit at Ohio University when we were both young and stupid. Then there are matters which require longer and more exhaustive considerations. For example; where to eat for dinner when we take a road trip. (That process can take hours.)

But when I watched David’s ministry Saturday night in Waverly, I was amused, encouraged and blessed. I was also reminded how important it is to make the right choices in life.

David is a world-class talented ventriloquist, and he stopped by the New Covenant CCCU in Waverly Saturday night, amidst an unexpected snow storm which probably deterred some folks from coming to the performance.

Follow me on Twitter here.

Angie had previously written a piece on David for SohioChristianVoice.com so I won’t go into the same detail. Follow this link to her story.

I took a different perspective. David has a unique and fun way to establish a simple message – that we are all formed in the likeness of Christ. But it’s what we choose to do that makes the ultimate difference.

In the end, no matter what you choose, there are ramifications

I hope I don’t spoil this for anyone, but I was touched toward the end of his performance when he summed up his message in a nutshell. Take a moment to watch this moving scene here.

My interview with Aunt Tilly prior to the show was right on target. (take a moment to watch.)

Without David’s participation and manipulation, Tilly is a lifeless piece of wood — though she might take offense to that.

He made the decision to give her an existence, if only for a few moments to illustrate and drive home a life-changing point.

Point: You and I are nothing without Christ. The Lord made us in His image, but it’s up to us to choose to follow Him.

Decisions can be tough to make. But when you consider the significance of eternity and where you will spend forever, to me it’s a no-brainer.

David uses his rare and magnificent talent to tell of God’s saving grace. I appreciate his gift and was amazed!!! His lips NEVER MOVED, even when Tilly or Mack sang a song.

You were made and designed to give God glory. You have a special gift to use.  What are you doing with your talent?

Some can sing, teach, visit, encourage, or even use the written word.

I have been blessed to use my God-given talent to write about his love and witness to thousands (my ego talking) who might read my posts. But if it blesses only a few, I’m good with that too.

I have written for years, but when I listened to the call and made it a ministry last year, that is when the tide turned. That is when I started to have an inner peace. That is when an entirely different world opened up for Angie and me.

Who pulls your strings? Who gives you life? Who is your puppet master?

When David wraps up the show, all of his characters and friends are packed away in a cramped suitcase.

Do you let God breath into your soul and give you purpose? Or do you permit the enemy to shove you in a box and keep you down in the darkness? This is where the devil wants you to stay.

“But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of they hand.” Isaiah 64: 8

I like that verse, and it applies to David’s message. However, let me put it more into his vision. I am the puppet and Christ is the Master. I’d rather look like Mack Elroy than a ceramic vase, just saying.

I made this statement earlier in the post — “In the end, no matter what you choose, there are ramifications.”

A choice to follow Christ will mean life everlasting. The other option spells doom.

Let the Lord put His big hand behind you and lead you down the way to true happiness and joy. It’s the best decision you will make.

Let me know your thoughts on this post.

For more information on David Pendleton, visit his website at www.anythingcantalk.com.

Here is another brief clip — enjoy and thanks for reading this blog.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBHjw-cBZKE

Del Duduit is an award-winning writer and author who lives in Lucasville, Ohio with his wife, Angie. They attend Rubyville Community Church. Follow his blog at delduduit.com/blog and his Twitter @delduduit. He is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary Agency.