PODCAST
You Are Not A Lone Reed
October 11th, 2025
Numbers 14:31-38.
A film from the 1990s depicts two bookstore owners battling to stay in business. Joe owned a large, corporate chain of bookstores. Kathleen owned a small, local children’s bookstore, started by her mother years before. Kathleen was determined not to close her doors just because a big rival opened next door. She drummed up interest, rallied picketers, and drafted editorials in the local paper. One such article compared her to a “lone reed” in the “corrupt sands of commerce.”
While it seems brave and a bit romanticized to imagine ourselves as courageous warriors standing alone, facing the battle of the day all alone, we really aren’t lone reeds. Our lives are woven into the lives of those around us. Like a ripple in a pond, our choices and consequences radiate out, touching others.
The Israelites were spared. They had consequences—the ones who refused to enter would never enter. They received their punishment. However, their lack of faithfulness affected the lives of their children, too.
Take stock of your choices today. How do your choices touch the lives of others? This week be mindful of how your faith and actions reverberate through others.
Author: Stefanie Hendrickson
