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

Turn Toward the Light

 “Instead of turning away from God, draw nearer to Him." ~ Hebrews 3:12

Whether you believe prison exists as a deterrent, a place for penitence, or an avenue to recalibrate a broken moral compass, most everyone would agree on one thing: it stinks.  There’s something about unmeasurable time that is a torture to mind, body and soul.  Perhaps it's because there’s no love there, no hugs or kind smiles, no-one to tell you everything will be okay.  Worse yet, a social faux pas could result in getting the business end of a sharpened toothbrush.

Shockingly, however, some on the outside feel compelled to scramble over the walls and willingly leave freedom behind. 

One such Florida inmate was sentenced to 15 years on a manslaughter charge for shooting an unarmed 19-year-old.  He became a free man, however, after accepting a plea deal for eight months’ probation in exchange for his guilty concession.

After enjoying only 3 days of fresh air, he begged guards to lock him up again fearing the victim’s family members might retaliate against him.  When he was turned down and told to file a police report, the former inmate scaled a 12-foot fence and broke back into jail. 

Attempting to scale a second one topped with razor-sharp wire, he fell and suffered severe lacerations.  Guards escorted him to a local hospital for treatment. 

His outrageous actions were a violation of his probation.  So, in the end, he got his wish. 

In an ironic twist, a Florida judge sentenced Sylvester Jiles for trespassing on jail property and resisting an officer.  He’ll serve the remainder of his 15-year manslaughter sentence in prison. 

Jiles was led out of the courtroom after breaking into an angry, profanity-laced tirade.  His outburst was in stark contrast to letters he penned to the judge earlier, claiming he’d found God and wanted to move to Georgia to start anew and set a positive example for his children.

Have you ever watched someone profess their faith in Christ, followed by dramatic lifestyle improvements?  It’s exciting to see such newfound joy.  But when a difficult trial hits, their faith shatters. 

The book of Hebrews reminds us that we should think again before walking away from Jesus.  Doing so is tantamount to reentering prison.  To leave Jesus is to go back to a life of condemnation, slavery to sin, and the fear of death.

Jesus is the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being.  The covenant He brings is full of love, redemption and forgiveness.  It would be foolish to turn your back on such a great salvation and Savior.

Difficulties come in all shapes and sizes.  Sometimes it isn’t a drastic tragedy, but the busy chaos of managing life.  So, turn toward, rather than away from, the light of Christ in all circumstances.

Jesus, I need you. I’m weary and my burdens are great.  I’m not sure how much more I can bear.  Will You help carry these burdens for a while?  I need your rest for my soul, Your comfort for my heart.  Amen

"Moonshadow"

 “Give thanks the Lord with all your heart." ~ Psalm 9:1

This isn’t a story of heroics, but of utter foolishness … and much more!

As a sophomore in college, a friend and I decided to spend one Saturday afternoon exploring a cave that he’d been mapping for his geology class.  He was an experienced caver; me an enthusiastic novice.  Not taking the necessary precautions spelunkers take – we were fools!

About an hour in and after swimming a short traverse underwater, all 4 of our “waterproof” light sources failed.  Total blindness – only texture, temperature, and noise remained intact.  The underground became a blank page, or one scribbled with words we couldn’t decipher.

Completely disoriented, we tried shaking our flashlights and headlamps to coax out any remaining juice.  No luck!  We decided to swim back in the direction we’d come from, imagining the mental map that’d gotten us there in the first place.  On the other side, we belly crawled, following a shallow stream we prayed would lead us back out of the cave. 

Prayerfully, I slipped into a kind of meditative calm, allowing my thoughts to soften and unspool.  My mind floated through the tunnels in a peaceful detachment, scrambling for any data that would help us regain our bearings.

We eventually emerged safely; exhausted, famished and oh so grateful – a bonus we didn’t actually deserve.

Outside, a full moon cast a milky glow in that night sky.  Having experienced total darkness for nearly five hours, it was the first time I remember getting a good look at the moon unhindered by artificial lights.  It was as if its sight bellowed a song in the eyes of those willing to raise our heads skyward. 

A Cat Steven’s song immediately came to mind.  He too was able to see his shadow cast by the moon; an experience which filled him with wonderment and serenity.

Cat Stevens’ personal favorite, "Moonshadow" was formally released in 1971 as part of his fifth album, “Teaser and the Firecat.”   It spoke of an unabated appreciation for life, imagining that if he had to live without eyes, then he would no longer have to cry.

The vocalist predicted he’d still find a reason to relish his life even devoid of those essentials.  (He wrote the lyrics while recovering from Tuberculosis and shortly before converting to Islam).

Fans found him “leaping and hopping on a Moonshadow,” infused with joy not due to any material gain, but rather life’s simple pleasures, such as seeing his own shadow cast by moonlight.

Gratitude is a CHOICE, a quietness that God whispers of His love as our truth.  When we invite the stillness in, when we savor moments as if each was the greatest gift of all, there’s an appreciation that makes the soul robust, strong enough to greet both storms and sunny days just the same.

Father God, let me never forget all that You do for me.  Sustain me with the hope of my salvation and the other countless blessings You provide with your continuous presence.  Deliver my life in testimony to your incredible blessings.  Amen

Be Here Tomorrow

 “Lord, rescue me from that which troubles me." ~ Psalm 31:15

Twenty years ago on an overcast September day, a 19-year-old teen suffering the psychotic effects of bipolar disorder, looked in the mirror and hated what he saw.  He HAD to die!  Suicide would lift from his family the burden of dealing with someone so crazy.

He wept openly on the bus toward a chosen destination, hoping that just one person would notice his tears, approach him and ask: “Are you okay?  Is something wrong?  Can I help you?”

Following a common pattern among people considering suicide, he reasoned that “If just one person cared enough to ask, he wouldn’t go through with it.”  

No one did.

He paced the famous span about 40 minutes before a European woman, approached and asked him to take her picture.  She handed over a camera and posed.  Kevin took the photos and returned the camera.  She thanked him and went on her way. 

“That’s it!  Nobody cares,” he said to himself.  Leaving his backpack behind with a note inside to his Dad, Kevin quickly leapt off the bridge, falling headfirst into the choppy sea 220 feet below. 

Kevin tumbled roughly the height of a 25-story building.  In the 4 seconds before impact, he realized he’d made a terrible mistake; he didn't really want to die.

He hit the water at 75 miles per hour fracturing an ankle and shattering vertebraes T-12 and L-1.  His legs now unusable, Kevin pulled himself 70 feet back to the surface using only his arms. 

His eyes opened to a foggy hell; a broken body racked by fierce currents in the chilling water.  The asthmatic teen gasped for air as his strength drained rapidly.

Struggling to remain afloat, Kevin felt something circling beneath him.  Suddenly, it didn’t matter how cold the water felt or how much trouble breathing he was having because he sensed he was about to be eaten by a shark.

But the creature didn’t bite him.  It gently nudged him to the surface and held him there.  It wasn’t a shark.  It was a Sea lion.

Officials say more that have 1,300 have leaped off the bridge – only 16 have survived.  Most drown.  But, within 12 minutes of the jump, a Coast Guard rescue team got to Kevin and pulled him out of the water.  He bares a few scars, but otherwise his body is whole again.

Today, Kevin Hines devotes himself to stopping suicide.  He successfully fought to get a barrier constructed under the bridge to deter people from jumping.  He became a suicide prevention motivational speaker urging people to get treatment for mental illness and helping them realize that suicide is not the answer.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline number is: 1–800–273–8255.

Healing God, we pray for all whose lives have been touched by suicide; especially for those who have died or tried.  Give us the courage, patience and wisdom to be present for those in distress, to offer a listening ear and hope-filled heart.  Amen

A Friend in Deed

 “A friend is born for adversity." ~ Proverbs 17:17

For Gary, shopping during the pandemic felt like an ethical dilemma.  When it came to online shopping, convenience and wide product variety clearly stood out.

Still, Gary tended to favor in-store spending experiences.  Friendly, well-informed sales associates, combined with an up-close look at products, created a more personal shopping encounter.  He was willing to forego convenience and savings in exchange for supporting his local community … and a little less social isolation.

And so it was that Gary found himself shopping for a few items at the local hardware store last summer.  A former Marine who lost both legs above the knee after stepping on a landmine in Vietnam 40 years ago, Gary wobbled down the aisle in a decrepit wheelchair ready for surrender.  He’d requested a replacement from the VA more than two years prior.

In the lawn-supplies aisle, a bolt on the chair’s right wheel snapped sending Gary tumbling.

Before he could panic, a red-vested employee named “Joseph” came to the rescue helping Gary into a nearby patio chair.  He then assembled a team of helpers who immediately started working on the wheelchair like a well-oiled pit crew.

They ask no questions, didn’t feel the need to fill out any forms or phone the boss for permission.  Someone needed help, and they seemed privileged to be given the opportunity – clearly different from his disappointing VA misfortune.

They stayed well past closing time to repair his wheelchair.  By the time they finished, the store was closed and half the lights were out. 

Gary and his wife returned the following day with cookies and a framed photo of the ‘wheelchair repairmen’ as a sign of thanks for their kindness.  They blushed at the notoriety.

The VA took notice after the ‘rescue’ made the local news.  He received a new chair with an apology for it’s unfortunate delay.  “I guess I better order a new one right away!” Gary chuckled.  Then he added, “Isn’t it a little sad that events like this become newsworthy just become someone was nice?”

Hundreds of strangers had already offered to buy Gary a new wheelchair.  He asked that instead they contribute to a nonprofit foundation helping other wounded vets.

Compassion for others' need lies at the heart of happiness and thriving societies.  The very act is reward enough; being there for others means they’re more likely to be pay it forward too.

Note the not-so-subtle hint to Shop Local/Shop Small.  By supporting local economies and smaller businesses, we help build more vibrant and unified communities (neighbors in need also).  When buying from business owners you trust, shopping seems more enjoyable because you know where the products originate and the neighbors behind them.

Father God, sometimes we detach our capacity as humans to be kind and caring.  We pray for flourishing communities, where neighbors help each other without expectation.  Where we learn from each other and all are welcome.  Help us be better stewards of Your love to every person whose path we cross.  Amen