Peacemakers

 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God." ~ Matthew 5:9

Red Cloud and White Cloud, twin Iroquois boys, jumped into fresh snowdrifts until their bronze bodies took on a raspberry tint.  Once the track was properly prepared, they’d launch their snow snakes skimming across the hard-crusted snow.

Snow snakes are sticks hand-carved from hickory and polished smooth with oil or wax.  One end of the snake is curved upwards; the other end notched making it easier to throw.  The object is to throw your snake the farthest distance along a smooth trough made in the snow. 

Their father, Long Moose, could throw his snow snakes nearly a quarter mile over the icy track.  But his were eight feet long and tipped with lead.  Theirs were merely 36”.

One morning the boys planned a completion to see who could throw their snake the farthest.  The bet would decide who could walk with Spotted Fawn to school the following week.

Each boy won 3 times.  The seventh and deciding throw was a draw; each claimed victory.  The tie sparked a heated quarrel for the prized courtship opportunity. 

Arguing quickly led to brawling.

Their mother broke from her cooking chores to intervene.  She calmly requested that the boys bring their snakes.  Rather than breaking them over her knee (as my father would have done), she showed them how to stand four snakes against each into what resembled a small teepee.

Leave your anger here she instructed.  Return after the next full moon.  If they lean toward the sun, Red Cloud wins.  If they lean toward the setting sun, then White Cloud won.  If they fell down, neither one of you is worthy of Spotted Fawn’s company.

After the moon had risen many times, the boy returned to the woods.  They gazed down at a heap of fallen sticks. 

“What did we set up those sticks for?” asked White Cloud.  “Can’t remember,” responded Red Cloud as they retrieved their snakes and resumed playing.

In Hebrew scripture, the word usually translated “peace” is shalom.  This word means much more than not being at war.  It can also be translated “salvation” or “fullness.”  Peacemakers are those who work to end conditions that constrict others’ lives.

The world so badly needs to hear the message of wholeness, of shalom, of the peace God wants for all of us.  Injustice, violence, economic and sexual exploitation, slavery in all its forms, and all the omissive evils that we see every day spring from a lust for power over others and greed.

Peacemakers implies this is not a task for any one of us alone.  Peacemaking is active.  It’s not enough to pray for peace or to try to live peaceably.  We must also work for justice, investing ourselves in our communities for the good of all.

God of all humanity, help us to live Your vision of reaching out and healing our broken world through the actions that personify the values of the eternal garden where Your will is being done.  Amen

There's Good in Every Evil

 “He’ll strengthen you with His righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10

Two years ago this month, Ava’s Dad was hospitalized with Covid-19.  Protocols banned her from visiting him, hugging him or holding his hand as the disease ripped through his body.  Ultimately, Ava got the news she’d been dreading - he wouldn’t get better.  It was time to let him go.

For teenagers like Ava, the pandemic changed life forever, from morning routines to life goals and priorities.  For a while, she smoldered with resentment; rage nearly consumed her.

They say anger is the guardian of sadness; that the only escape is vulnerability.  So, she wrote this letter confronting COVID with the silver linings she’d later glean from the experience.

Dear COVID:

We, the citizens of the world, are rising up as a global healing community.  We’re shining our Light to announce that we acknowledge YOU, have mobilized against YOU, and realize that YOU actually arrived to teach us that we must change!  We can no longer be who we’ve been because it wasn’t working.  YOU won’t survive our healing Light.

So many lives were stolen from us.  So many plans were interrupted - birthdays, travels, weddings, even funerals.  Sadly, we can’t change that.  

But we’re not powerless!  On the contrary, we’re all working together to make the world a better place.  Not those empty New Year’s resolutions - but permanent changes!

The vulnerability you caused has made us more empathetic to others’ misfortunes.  We have a greater capacity for giving than we thought possible; that expressions of kindness are the ultimate stress busters and create a virtuous cycle.  

It’s also pretty clear to us that we don’t need so much stuff, or as many conveniences as we’ve become accustomed to.  We’ve found the money for that which is necessary; material has become largely immaterial. 

Relationships have become even more valuable.  Not only do we appreciate loved ones’ presence more (simple touches feel like magic), we’ve learned the importance of telling them how important they are and how unimportant petty grievances and resentments are.

YOU’VE deepened our sense of humanity - something that when scaled up will build kinder, more connected societies.  Our communications have become more purposeful; words more carefully chosen to elevate those around us, even strangers.

COVID, it’s now time for you to leave!  Our healthcare and first responders; mass transit, grocery, and transport workers; and all other essential workers need rest. 

We’re stronger now – better at change and resiliency; more comfortable being uncomfortable!  Working together for the common good has helped weaken YOU and will help us solve other worldwide problems requiring teamwork - like poverty, ethnic violence, and climate-based challenges.

We appreciate what YOU’VE shown us.  Our global healing community will continue to shine healing Light as YOU depart.  Ava

Almighty God, COVID crashed into our lives reminding us again that we are rarely in control.  It’s You, Lord, who’s ultimately in control.  Help us trust You to allay our fears and build a stronger, kinder, more humble global community.  Amen

Fall From Grace

 "Proud men end in shame, but the humble become wise." ~ Proverbs 11:2

The timebomb was ticking.  So softly that he couldn't even hear it.

George's ballpoint hovered over two blank lines.  The heading on the university’s “Personal Info” form read Academic and Athletic background.  Please be specific.

Maybe now he could chance it.  Now that he’d earned a million-dollar, multiyear contract, now that he'd won two ACC and one National Coach of the Year awards - that should be enough.

His pen pressed the paper.  Tic Tic Tic

For more than twenty years he’d included false claims on his resume.  He ‘decorated’ his story by claiming 3 college football letters despite never having worn a uniform.  He lettered in high school basketball (“All-League - County Champion), but his team lost in the championship final on George's missed buzzer shot.   

He also alleged to have earned a Master’s Degree from NYU-Stony Brook University, a fictitious institution fabricated from 2 schools 50 miles apart.  (He actually took two courses at Stony Brook but never graduated).

Those lies hadn’t been discovered at any of his previous coaching jobs; two sentences immaterial to what he’d already accomplished.  As a coach for more than 20 years, he’d proven he could build a career, work up the ladder, establish himself, and WIN.  He passed on the chance to come clean.

Notre Dame was looking for a new coach in late 2001.  George O’Leary’s candidacy became obvious: an Irish Catholic wholly enamored with Notre Dame.  Accolades from colleagues cited his extraordinary honesty and forthrightness.

The Irish hired him immediately over 50 other applicants.

The moment he set foot on campus all his doubts vanished.  O’Leary knew this was home.  The Golden Dome gleamed.  Everything was magic.  He gushed during an introductory news conference: “There are two great coaching jobs in all of sports: the NY Yankees Manager and Notre Dame’s Head Coach.”

Ka-Boom!!  Just five days later, George O’Leary resigned in disgrace.  His lies caught up with him.  

He stated: “Due to a selfish and thoughtless act many years ago, I’ve personally embarrassed Notre Dame, its alumni, and fans.  [Therefore], I resign my position as head football coach.”

It's not hard to figure out why O'Leary lied on his resume.  People do it all the time (cue Facebook, Twitter, etc.), for two reasons: 1) To appear more impressive to others and, 2) To feel more important themselves.  We’re all familiar with inflated, idealistic social-media personas.

True humility is seeing ourselves through God’s eyes.  George was afraid to look at himself honestly because of all the shortcomings he knew were there. 

But God’s approval isn’t something we can earn.  There’s no amount of effort on our part that’ll erase our flaws or make us perfect.  Whether we do something great or not, true believers have their Father’s love and approval unconditionally.

Jesus, Prince of all Truths, You epitomize the virtue of honesty. Please forgive my sins of pride and self-importance.  Help me be more transparent with You and with myself; that I conduct all of my affairs with honesty, integrity and fairness.   Amen

The Healing

 “Cast all your troubles on God; He loves you." ~ 1 Peter 5:7

The authenticity of this story is irrelevant.  But it illustrates a heartwarming lesson.

A prolific, early 20th-century novelist, Franz Kafka did his best to insulate himself from the dismal reality of Berlin’s spiraling unemployment, violence, and inflation.  Strolling through Steglitz Park, he chanced upon a young girl heartbroken by the loss of her favorite doll.

Moved by her tears and unable to remedy the pain of losing the doll, Kafka quickly devised a solution to calm her.  He explained that the doll had left on a long journey, but hadn’t forgotten her.  The doll had written her a letter and he’d bring it to her if she returned the next day.

Back home, Kafka wrote a letter, with the same feverish intensity he’d poured into his other classics.  He wouldn’t cheat the little girl; he insisted on getting it right.  

True to form, he returned the following day letter in hand.  When the girl spotted him, she raced toward him with an intoxicating smile; as if bursting with liquid sunshine.

Kafka handed her the letter which read in part: “Please don’t cry Petra.  I’ve gone on a long trip to see the world.  I promise to write you about my adventures."

That was the beginning of many letters.

Kafka returned every day for three weeks Kafka, fascinating her with written tales of her beloved doll’s incredible journey, letting the pain evaporate in the dreamy folds of his imaginary stories.  He focused exclusively on crafting the doll’s letters - for no reason other than to console a wounded child he’d run into by accident one random afternoon in the park.

During that time, the doll grew up, went to school, met people from many cultures.  He struggled to come up with the perfect ending, worried that if he failed, its magic spell would fracture.

The doll constantly reassured Petra of her love, but hinted at various complications that made it difficult for her to return home.  Little by little, Kafka seemed to be preparing the girl for the time when the doll will vanish from her life forever.

Eventually however, Kafka read her a letter that brought the doll back to Berlin.  He handed her a new doll that he’d purchased.

“This doesn’t look at all like my doll," Petra said.

Kafka handed her one final letter that explained, “Everything you love will eventually to be lost, but in the end, love will return in a different way."  

Petra girl hugged her new friend and took it home. 

She had the letters too!  When someone is lucky enough to live inside a make-believe story, the world’s pains soften.  Too often we hold onto something so tightly, or focus so intently on its loss, that we don’t notice all the other wonderful aspects of life that remain and waiting for us to grasp.

Lord, in Your mercy and kindness help me let go of all the fears and worries, problems and doubts, guilt and disappointments that fill my heart and mind today.  Amen

The America I Believe In

 “Get into the habit of practicing hospitality." ~ Romans 12:13

His family's is a common story told by millions of Americans.  Colin Powell was born the only son of Jamaican immigrants who married in New York City, became citizens and raised a family.  By their hard work and their love for this country, they enriched our nation while instilling future generations with that same spirit of service and optimism.

Colin Powell, the trailblazing soldier-diplomat, rose from humble beginnings to become a 4-star General and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs during the 1991 Gulf War.  He worked for 6 presidents including serving as Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005.

We’re a nation that’s been touched by people from every country.  We, in turn, touch them back.  We’re influenced not just by our immigrants but by the foreigners who return home to tell of their impressions and experiences.

Among Kings and Presidents, Powell loved meeting with visiting with international student groups about their opinions of the USA.  In one such encounter, he learned that a group of 12 Brazilian students travelled by car through mid-America. 

They stopped for dinner at Outback Steakhouse.  When the bill came, they realized they’d miscalculated what currency they had and couldn’t pay the full bill.

They were not even close.  Imagine a dozen scared, Portuguese speaking kids in a chain restaurant worrying about all the horrors that could befall foreigners who can’t pay.

Fearing the worst, they finally told the waitress and asked what they could do.  She looked at them, gave a slight nod and walked away.  They didn’t know what to expect. 

She returned a few minutes later with her manager and full pot of coffee.  “I am immigrant myself,” he smiled proudly. 

Pouring each of them a fresh cup of coffee he added, “Don’ worry about check.  I hope you enjoy meal on me tonight.  I glad you visit this country I love.  Have good time and learn all about us."

They students never expected such kindness.  It was a powerful experience for all of them.  They’d met members of congress, other dignitaries and even the President.  But a restaurant manager in Chicago made the strongest impression on them and gave them their most lasting memory of Americans. 

That's the America I believe in.  That's the America the world wants to believe in. 

Undoubtedly, that’s a story those Brazilian kids told hundreds of times.  Powell added, "We're still a trusted nation; one that’s still the beacon of light to the darkest corner of the world.  We're a people of hopes and dreams ... you must never forget that."

So long as we have principled leaders of humility and grace … and generous restaurateurs in America, we’re going to be just fine.

God of all nations, we pray that those who seek to make a home in this country may find us welcoming and willing to help them find a path toward citizenship.  Give us courage to open our doors to our neighbors and grace to build a society of justice.  Amen

The Keepers

 “Sweet friendship refreshes the soul." ~ Proverbs 27:9

I grew up in the 50s with practical parents.  My mother reused aluminum foil.  My Dad was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.  I saved the wire from spiral notebooks.

Families like ours had little spare money for treats like cinema trips and vacations.  Before most homes had televisions, people listened to the radio or read the newspaper; they played board games rather than computer games; and instead of fast food we had fresh food from local fish markets or butcher shops.

People did their washing by hand instead of in a machine; laundered items hung to dry outdoors.  Refrigerators were still a luxury item for many people, so food had to be bought daily.  It was less common for married women to work outside the home.

Church was as much a social center as it was a sanctuary.  Going there offered the opportunity to talk to neighbors; to create and build friendships.  It was somewhere to pray, worship and study the Bible.  It was a place where family values were formed; amid times of joy and sadness.

Extended families gathered there.  Older generations were respected there.  Charity, acceptance and hope ruled there.

My parents placed little value in acquiring material things. Like most, they were hardworking people whose priorities were family, God and country.  They believed their handshake was a binding contract.  They took all the negatives in their lives and lived above them or with them. They didn’t complain because, in many ways, they didn’t know any better.

All of these puzzle pieces formed my future, in little, almost imperceptible ways.

As a child it sometimes made me crazy.  All that re-fixing, eating leftovers, reusing.  I wanted just once to be wasteful.  Waste meant affluence.  Throwing things away meant you knew there’d always be more.

But then my mother died, all alone on that winter’s night, in the warmth of her hospital room.  I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn’t any more.

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away never to return.  So, while we have it, its best we care for it, and fix it when it’s broken, and heal it when it’s sick, and love it.

That’s true for marriage … and old cars … and misbehaving children … and dogs losing their eyesight … and aging parents … and lonely grandparents.  We keep them because they’re worth it.  Like a friend we grew up with or a colleague that changed jobs or a cousin that remembers your birthday.

These are the “KEEPERS” in our lives.  They’re like stars - you don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.  Keep them close!

Lord, thank You for the friends in my life; those who love, encourage, and support me through all the twists and turns of life.  I'm so grateful that I don’t have to do life alone; that you’ve shown me examples of Your love through my dear friends.  Amen

"Pity the Fool"

“The Lord gave and has taken away.  Yet I praise His Holy name." ~ Job 1:21

Once crowned the “Toughest Bouncer in America,” (Yep there’s a $10,000 prize for that), Lawrence Tueraud grew up in a 3-room apartment with his mother and 11 siblings on Chicago’s south side.  He learned to be tough in school, where children constantly ridiculed his mother's piety.  He was suspended from elementary school 17 times for fighting to defend her.  

Tureaud attended vocational high school where he played football, wrestled, and studied martial arts.  A college football scholarship was revoked for fighting after his first year.  So, Laurence enlisted in the US army and served as a MP Officer.  Once discharged, he tried out for the Green Bay Packers but failed to make the team due to a knee injury.

Tureaud next worked as a bouncer at the Rush Street’s Dingbats Disco.  That’s where he created the persona of Mr. T, wearing the gold neck chains confiscated from customers leaving them behind after a fight.  Along with controlling the violence as a doorman in over 200 fights, Mr. T was mainly hired to keep out drug dealers and users.

He won the “Toughest Bouncer” contest two years in a row and gave the winnings to his church.  Yes, that Mr. T - the one-time pro-wrestler, A-Team operative and Rocky Balboa opponent.

He’s older now.  The chains are gone. (He stopped wearing them after Katrina, feeling it would be a sin against God to do so while so many people were suffering).  But he’s every bit a tough!

The A-Team member and boxer Clubber Lang in "Rocky III" has a new show, "I Pity the Fool."  He motivates workers to be better at their jobs, reunites families who've grown apart, and helps inspire people to be better human beings.

The show is dedicated to his Mom; about how he loved and respected her; how she taught them to pray, thank God for what little they had, and to actively live their faith.

Those beliefs drove him during his battle with (ironically) T-cell lymphoma.  He survived the mental anguish of chemo, radiation and a crisis of faith by studying Job’s biblical lessons.  “No matter what challenges confront me, I’ll not turn away from God, because,” said Mr. T said, “God will never turn from me!”

Never known for his timidity, Mr. T is definitely not shy about being a Christian.  Today he uses his Twitter @MrT to almost exclusively promote thoughtful, scriptural reflections.  

Unlike many Christians on Twitter, he doesn’t tweet to insult culture, “take back America for God” or any such nonsense.  No, while he once spent all his time pitying fools, now he seeks to bless and educate them with biblical wisdom stronger than his biceps and a commitment to spreading love, courage and hope.

“Father, give me strength today, not the strength to lift 500 pounds, but the power that my words might motivate, might inspire somebody, might draw someone closer to You.  When they hear me, Lord, let them hear You.” Amen ~ Lawrence Tueraud

"Scrubby"

 “A joyous heart heals like medicine.” ~ Proverbs 17:22

A Christmas miracle in August?  Wait!  Whaat?

Amid the parched scrub of northern Arizona, a tree grows proudly in the median of I-17’s freeway.  The 20-foot juniper is nearly as wide as it is tall.  They're common in these parts, but this one stands alone; surrounded only by low grasses and rocks.  It looks out of place, as if waiting to cross the highway in search of its brethren.

For over 30 years, the juniper mysteriously transforms itself into a symbol Christmas cheer.  Huge ornaments, candy canes, and even a giant star mysteriously appear on its branches.  No one knows for sure who does it.  One evening before Thanksgiving the decorations appear.  After New Year’s Day they’re quietly removed.  A crude rain barrel irrigation system is also suspected to have been installed by the unknown tree guardian(s).

Some decorations remain year-round.  Since the time of Operation Desert Storm, it became memorialized with American flags and yellow ribbons for troops serving abroad.  Purple ribbons were added for the 19 "Hot Shots" firefighters who lost their lives in Yarnell.  New ones are added periodically after fading in Arizona’s harsh sun.

Northern Arizona’s ‘badlands’ aren't known as a Christmas destination.  Rather, they’re known for wildfires.  The tiniest spark can spread angrily, destroying all in its path.  Flames whip the sky, launching embers that ride the wind until they cling to something flammable.  A juniper tree is an easy target.

In August 2011, a wildfire broke out 200 feet south of the “Mystery Tree” forcing the highway’s closure.  Onlookers watched in horror as flames crept closer to their beloved tree. 

The fire burned surrounding vegetation and scorched some of the tree’s lower branches.  It got close enough to melt the tree's plastic irrigation tubing. 

But the flames died within a few yards of the "Mystery Tree."  It survives today.

Some claim it was protected by nearby rocks or by wind currents.  Maybe it was just dumb luck. Surely God has more important things to worry about than some tree in a very secluded spot.

But for locals, their juniper tree was a sign of hope.  If its survival wasn’t a miracle, it definitely gave them something to smile about during challenging times.

The state’s official balladeer even celebrated the kindness of the person or persons decorating the scrub tree by writing a ballad called "Scrubby” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XUdyws_1aI bringing themes of peace, love and even the birth of Christ into the last verse:

“Hopefully the mystery of Scrubby will never be solved.  Let’s let it be, the identity of whomever is involved.  For it shows the joy of giving, in a pure and selfless way.  Like the baby Jesus gave to us, on that first Christmas day.” ~ Dolan Ellis (2013)

He nailed it!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the tidings of great joy and peace that floods the hearts of all who are called by Your name.  Help me to share this joy of knowing Jesus with all those who You place in my path.  Amen

Boys With Purpose

“Don’t be deceived: “Bad company and poor examples ruin good morals." ~ 1 Corinthians 15:33

Dionne had trouble remembering the days when men jumped to their feet when a woman entered a room, or when they skipped ahead to open the car door.  “It was a matter of respect,” she told her 10-year-old grandson, Ayden.  “Unfortunately, these days with single or both parents working, and such busy family schedules, the emphasis on manners has faded.”

It’s even more difficult when the kids don’t have role models at home to look up to.  Not having positive role models can lead kids to figure things out on their own, which often ends up with them making bad decisions that could hurt them in the long run.

Over the past several months, Ayden and dozens of his 5^th grade classmates attend a popular after-school program and learn how to properly shake hands, open doors, make eye contact and address someone older with respect.

Raymond Nelson, a support specialist for at-risk kids, started the “Gentleman’s Club” to provide attendees with life lessons on etiquette.  To emphasize the point, the students show up each week for the meeting in suits and ties.

Nelson asks local businesses to donate suit coats, blazers, ties, bow-ties, dress pants/shirts/shoes, to his club for kids who don't have their own so no one would be left out. 

The purpose of creating the club was to instill in the boys the principle of “look good, feel good, do good.”  He teaches the boys not only how to look and feel good; but to be respectful to each other, their classmates, and teachers.

Many of these boys don’t have a dad living with them so Raymond became a father-figure to them.  He earns no extra pay for this; only the joy of seeing the improvements in their self-esteem and discipline.  It doesn’t hurt that the girls frequently comment on their style and manners too.

Due to its popularity and success, the idea quickly spread.  Nelson renamed it “Boys With Purpose.”  However, the family environment and encouraging lessons haven’t changed.

Gentlemen’s Club Pledge

Today I pledge:

·   To be the best me I can be, to demonstrate integrity in all that I do, treat others with respect, remembering always that I must respect myself first.

·   That I and I alone am responsible for making good choices.

·   To demonstrate those behaviors that are consistent in following my own dreams and aspirations.

·   To be grateful for this opportunity to be led by those I admire.

Please do your part in teaching our children the manners that God our Father would want all of us to display in our living.  Remember, “Today our children are our shadow . . . tomorrow they’ll be our reflection."

Father God, O God, help me never to allow any habit to get such a grip of me that I cannot break, especially those that would injure my body, my mind or my relationship with You.  Help me keep my body fit and healthy and my mind clean and pure.  Amen

The October of My Years

 “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I will sustain you." ~ Isaiah 46:4

I can’t remember the first time I saw the sun. Memories only go back to when I was about three years old, and by then I was only about three feet tall. Our home was small, our neighborhood was quiet, my parents were busy.

I’m much older now. It shows in my face. I feel it in my bones. No part of my body performs the way it did when I was twentysomething. My reflexes are slower, I have more aches and pains and I do all my own stunts – but never intentionally.  (laugh please) 

Yet, choosing the right roads into senior-ity matters far more than birthdays or the bumps we encounter. The Bible (Job 12:12), reveals that old age “brings more wisdom and understanding;” wisdom that allows me to see the obvious, or to use common sense without second-guessing myself or the outcomes.

I’m actually gaining time.  More time?  Seems like it should be just the opposite. But, now at this stage of my life, I’m not as hurried as I used to be. I’m not dashing out the door to make it to school or work or the gym.  

Instead, I have time every morning to read and meditate on the Word. I can kneel and pray for as long as my rickety old knees can stand it. I have time to really listen to God.

I now have time to really listen to people. I'm at a point where I have more empathy for others; providing a leveling perspective to the chaos often churning around them.

As a younger man, most of my ministry was in raising a family. Now my ministry extends into other areas as God opens new doors and opportunities. Even though my hearing is not as good, I’m more in tune with His voice. My mind isn’t as sharp, but I’m more grateful for His blessings. My reactions are slower, but I’m quicker to rely on Him. My eyesight might not be perfect, but I view God’s enormity more clearly than ever before.

I guess you could say, that as I'm growing old, I am also growing up. 

Every season of our lives has purpose. God doesn’t cast us off in our later years just because our vigor is fading. He uses us, no matter our age, to continue His work. 

I stand closer than ever, at the edge of eternity’s pool. As I begin to walk out on the creaky diving board of advanced adulthood, I have no fear. God stands with me, holding my wrinkled hand with a strength that only the love and focus of His grace, and my experience, bring.

Almighty Father, we know that old age comes from You, leads to You, and will touch me at Your will. Grant me to serve You, proclaim You, and glorify You through all the time that remains in my earthly life. Amen