Danette O'Neal, PhD

The mindset of the people in Samson’s day was much like the people we encounter in this new millennium. They lack empathy for the Driven.  People can become so accustomed to you succeeding and forget that you need them to at least notice your accomplishments.

It becomes as though your are doing something ordinary and mundane when it use to be a mark of greatness. Don’t allow people to dull the luster of your greatness. Don’t allow anyone to devalue your struggle, strive, and survival! Samson became so weary and discouraged, not because of the battles, but he was exhausted because of the lack of celebration. Greatness became a normalcy and familiar occasion in his life until people just expected him to do it. He comes home after slaying an entire army with a mere bone in his hand and everyone just says that’s what Samson does. This void of celebration drives him into a place that he knew had dire  consequences, but the desperate need for attention allures him there anyway.

Delilah was not just beautiful, but she payed attention. She celebrated his great success and gave him a place of REST. Every warrior needs a place where he doesn’t have to prove himself. A place where he doesn’t have to fight to win. A place where he’s not competing for attention or approval, a place where a quiet voice whispers his name with admiration. A place where he can just be human and show his vulnerability without being emasculated. Delilah offered Samson that rare commodity, “ATTENTION”.  I know… people say that “I am paying attention!” and that could be possibly true, but are you paying attention to what’s being done while neglecting to see the agony of the one who is doing it? Delilah’s total focus was Samson… not the warrior or the battles, just him! She removed all expectations and responsibilities from his agenda and gave him a place to take his battle clothes off. Every man needs a place that he is celebrated and not inundated. So never minimize someone’s daily struggle with the idea that it’s just normal for them!

Pastor Glenn B. Allen, Sr.