Skiers fly through the wind like birds landing lightly on the snow; lugers plunge down the chute at 90 mph in a death defying dive; skaters slice through the ice and downhill skiers carve moguls on the mountain. The Vancouver Olympics stir memories: the magnificence of the mountains, the silence of the snow, the rush of the wind. (I started snow skiing in 1978, broke my leg in March of 1992 while skiing with my son and skied again before the year was out.)
But it is more than the majesty of the mountains and the beauty of the sport. I am captivated by the personal stories. In the classic words from Wide World of Sports, it is “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” It is the tragic story of Nodar Kumaritashvili’s fatal crash on the luge the day before opening ceremonies or Lindsey Vonn’s struggle to overcome a bruised leg and win gold in the downhill.
The Winter Olympics remind us of Dan Jansen skating for gold moments after his sister died only to crash into the wall on the final turn. Who can forget the image of Jansen sitting forlorn on the ice? Four years later he returned to capture the top medal and carried his one-year-old daughter on a victory lap in memory of his sister.
Two thousand years ago the Apostle Paul used Olympic metaphors to help us understand faith. He wrote, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
The race is different for each of us. Our challenges are unique. But we all have a race to run, a challenge to face. No one has the luxury of sitting on the sidelines as a spectator. Faith requires discipline, determination, perseverance and sacrifice. The good news is that we don’t have to face our challenges alone. We are surrounded by those who have gone before who cheer us on through our discouragements and defeats. We have One who has run the race and shown us the way. We have One who enters the race alongside us, pacing us and spurring us on to the finish.
The author of Hebrews writes, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
White Space 2-10-2010
For most of us, life starts out fairly simple. When my wife and I married we could, quite literally, pack all our possessions in the back seat of our car. But along the way, we picked up clutter. The closets and attic overflow. Periodically I move boxes around in the garage so she can get her car in. Stuff seems to multiply to occupy every nook and cranny. It is hard to throw it away. Even what looks like trash is somehow attached to memories. Every scrap of paper, baby shoe and broken toy possesses a part of my life.
The calendar is the same. Business, or “busy-ness,” expands to claim every minute. Many leave the house in the dark, stagger out to the car swigging down a last cup of coffee and maneuver onto the freeways munching a breakfast burrito. Memos, phone calls, meetings and a commute home in rush hour traffic to pick up kids and head off to practice sessions. No wonder we are exhausted.
Christians may be especially vulnerable. Richard Foster wrote, “We are trapped in a rat race, not just of acquiring money, but also of meeting family and business obligations. We pant through an endless series of appointments and duties. This problem is especially acute for those who want to do what is right. With frantic fidelity we respond to all calls to service, distressingly unable to distinguish the voice of Christ from that of human manipulators."
We need white space!
Look at Google. Someone discovered that the greatest impact is made when there is plenty of white space. Google keeps it simple. The iPod and the iPhone do the same. The iPod has one button. The iPhone has none. We need to learn how to live Google lives, with plenty of white space, space in our lives that gives us freedom. We need deliverance from crammed calendars and cluttered closets.
It takes discipline to create white space, room for flexibility and freedom, margins in which to breathe. Some have been surprised in the present economic downturn to discover a newfound freedom by scaling back, ridding themselves of clutter, finding time for family and friends.
Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust corrupt and thieves break through and steal …” Jesus knew how to order life with “white space.” He took time to listen to children, to help a desperate woman who risked touching his garment, to heal a paralytic passed over by the crowd. He had time for people, and, when he died, his robe was his only possession. He never punched a time clock. He did not wear a watch. He was never rushed or in a hurry.
It is entirely possible that, with our break neck race to “get somewhere” that we might end up “nowhere.” This might be the reason Jesus said, “… you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.” (Luke 10:41). When we simplify our lives with fewer “things” and build “white spaces” in our lives for others we discover life itself.
The calendar is the same. Business, or “busy-ness,” expands to claim every minute. Many leave the house in the dark, stagger out to the car swigging down a last cup of coffee and maneuver onto the freeways munching a breakfast burrito. Memos, phone calls, meetings and a commute home in rush hour traffic to pick up kids and head off to practice sessions. No wonder we are exhausted.
Christians may be especially vulnerable. Richard Foster wrote, “We are trapped in a rat race, not just of acquiring money, but also of meeting family and business obligations. We pant through an endless series of appointments and duties. This problem is especially acute for those who want to do what is right. With frantic fidelity we respond to all calls to service, distressingly unable to distinguish the voice of Christ from that of human manipulators."
We need white space!
Look at Google. Someone discovered that the greatest impact is made when there is plenty of white space. Google keeps it simple. The iPod and the iPhone do the same. The iPod has one button. The iPhone has none. We need to learn how to live Google lives, with plenty of white space, space in our lives that gives us freedom. We need deliverance from crammed calendars and cluttered closets.
It takes discipline to create white space, room for flexibility and freedom, margins in which to breathe. Some have been surprised in the present economic downturn to discover a newfound freedom by scaling back, ridding themselves of clutter, finding time for family and friends.
Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust corrupt and thieves break through and steal …” Jesus knew how to order life with “white space.” He took time to listen to children, to help a desperate woman who risked touching his garment, to heal a paralytic passed over by the crowd. He had time for people, and, when he died, his robe was his only possession. He never punched a time clock. He did not wear a watch. He was never rushed or in a hurry.
It is entirely possible that, with our break neck race to “get somewhere” that we might end up “nowhere.” This might be the reason Jesus said, “… you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.” (Luke 10:41). When we simplify our lives with fewer “things” and build “white spaces” in our lives for others we discover life itself.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Less Judgment More Jesus 2-3-2010
Ten years ago I met Sharon. Not face to face. In fact, I have never seen her. She worked for a printing company in Illinois that helped publish some of my books. She was great to work with, helping finalize the lay out and look for my books. She did such a good job that she was promoted to a higher position in the company.
I had not heard from Sharon for several years. Recently, knowing that I wrote Christian books, she contacted me. She was going through a difficult divorce, a painful end to a difficult marriage. She was filled with shame and guilt, and moving to the small town in Illinois where she worked. She wanted to find a church that might help her, but she was terrified of the condemnation and rejection she might find. I tried to help her, encouraged her and prayed for her.
She wandered by a local church, liked the looks of it from the outside, and sought a personal visit with the pastor to explain what she was going through. It took courage for her to do that. She was afraid, but she found acceptance and support, and started to attend. A few weeks ago, she joined.
With much weeping, she shared what she was going through with her new found friends in a Bible study class, then, during worship, presented herself for membership in the church. She was surrounded by believers who hugged her and welcomed her. The pastor asked her to say a few words. She told the congregation she was going through a difficult trial. She said, “Then I talked about how worldwide the church is so good about making sure everyone knows John 3:16, which I quoted. I mentioned how that is good, but we need to keep going because John 3:17 says "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." I told them that the world has enough condemnation -- it needs more Jesus.”
Jesus maintained a high bar for marriage. “What God has joined together,” He said, “ let not man put asunder.” But whenever he encountered people who were broken and wounded he always responded with compassion and redemption. When a woman was caught in adultery and thrown at his feet, he challenged her accusers. “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Convicted by their guilt, the crowd melted away. Turning to the woman, Jesus asked, “ Does no one condemn you?” She replied, “No one, Lord.” “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:3-11).
We need to do all we can to help every marriage survive and thrive. But divorce is a reality in our world. Most, if not all, of our families have been affected by it. We need to embrace and help those whose dreams have been shattered. Like Sharon said, the world needs less judgment and more Jesus.
I had not heard from Sharon for several years. Recently, knowing that I wrote Christian books, she contacted me. She was going through a difficult divorce, a painful end to a difficult marriage. She was filled with shame and guilt, and moving to the small town in Illinois where she worked. She wanted to find a church that might help her, but she was terrified of the condemnation and rejection she might find. I tried to help her, encouraged her and prayed for her.
She wandered by a local church, liked the looks of it from the outside, and sought a personal visit with the pastor to explain what she was going through. It took courage for her to do that. She was afraid, but she found acceptance and support, and started to attend. A few weeks ago, she joined.
With much weeping, she shared what she was going through with her new found friends in a Bible study class, then, during worship, presented herself for membership in the church. She was surrounded by believers who hugged her and welcomed her. The pastor asked her to say a few words. She told the congregation she was going through a difficult trial. She said, “Then I talked about how worldwide the church is so good about making sure everyone knows John 3:16, which I quoted. I mentioned how that is good, but we need to keep going because John 3:17 says "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." I told them that the world has enough condemnation -- it needs more Jesus.”
Jesus maintained a high bar for marriage. “What God has joined together,” He said, “ let not man put asunder.” But whenever he encountered people who were broken and wounded he always responded with compassion and redemption. When a woman was caught in adultery and thrown at his feet, he challenged her accusers. “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Convicted by their guilt, the crowd melted away. Turning to the woman, Jesus asked, “ Does no one condemn you?” She replied, “No one, Lord.” “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:3-11).
We need to do all we can to help every marriage survive and thrive. But divorce is a reality in our world. Most, if not all, of our families have been affected by it. We need to embrace and help those whose dreams have been shattered. Like Sharon said, the world needs less judgment and more Jesus.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Dealing with Disaster 1-27-2010
Images of Haiti’s devastation continued to stream into our living rooms. I was tempted to change the channel hoping it would go away. Apparently others felt the same way, since it slipped from the front pages of the paper in less than two weeks and ceased to dominate the nightly news. For those in Haiti there was no option. The channel could not be changed. Not only did the images remain, but the air was filled with the stench of death and the groans of the grieving.
Two stories emerged in the aftermath. One is the story of heroism, sacrifice and miraculous rescue. The other is a story of violence, gangs fighting in the streets with machetes and broken bottles. Disasters peal back the social façade to reveal the true character of individuals and nations, whether self-sacrifice and courage, or selfishness and anger.
As rescue teams from the United States, Britain, Europe, Brazil, China, Jordan, and others work side by side, they are discovering acts of heroism and sacrifice by local Haitians. Sasha Kramer works for SOIL, an organization in Haiti that seeks indigenous solutions to environmental problems. She described Haitians helping one another, sharing food and directing rescue workers to others with worse injuries than their own. She said, “In the darkest of times, Haiti has proven to be a country of brave, resilient and kind people. It is that behavior that is far more prevalent than the isolated incidents of violence.”
We will all experience disaster. It might come in the form of a natural catastrophe like the one that has pummeled Haiti. It might come more quietly and personally as a terminal disease. It could come in a car crash with the sudden smash of glass and metal, towering flames that consume a home with its lifetime of belongings, a pink slip signaling the loss of a job, the betrayal of a spouse, or the death of a child. Disasters come in many forms, but, sooner or later, they come to us all.
Jesus concluded the Sermon On the Mount with a story that reflects this truth. He described one man who built his house on sand. Another established the foundations of his home on rock. When the storm came, the house built on sand collapsed. The house built on rock survived. “Everyone,” Jesus said, “who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24).
When the disaster hits, it is too late to build the foundations. Foundations must be built before the storm comes. We are all building the foundations of our character each and every day, by the little things we do. When we cheat and lie, we are building on sand that will collapse in the tough times. When we practice Jesus’ instructions contained in the Sermon on the Mount (truthfulness, forgiveness, daily acts of compassion, sacrifice and faith) we are building on the rock that will carry us through.
Two stories emerged in the aftermath. One is the story of heroism, sacrifice and miraculous rescue. The other is a story of violence, gangs fighting in the streets with machetes and broken bottles. Disasters peal back the social façade to reveal the true character of individuals and nations, whether self-sacrifice and courage, or selfishness and anger.
As rescue teams from the United States, Britain, Europe, Brazil, China, Jordan, and others work side by side, they are discovering acts of heroism and sacrifice by local Haitians. Sasha Kramer works for SOIL, an organization in Haiti that seeks indigenous solutions to environmental problems. She described Haitians helping one another, sharing food and directing rescue workers to others with worse injuries than their own. She said, “In the darkest of times, Haiti has proven to be a country of brave, resilient and kind people. It is that behavior that is far more prevalent than the isolated incidents of violence.”
We will all experience disaster. It might come in the form of a natural catastrophe like the one that has pummeled Haiti. It might come more quietly and personally as a terminal disease. It could come in a car crash with the sudden smash of glass and metal, towering flames that consume a home with its lifetime of belongings, a pink slip signaling the loss of a job, the betrayal of a spouse, or the death of a child. Disasters come in many forms, but, sooner or later, they come to us all.
Jesus concluded the Sermon On the Mount with a story that reflects this truth. He described one man who built his house on sand. Another established the foundations of his home on rock. When the storm came, the house built on sand collapsed. The house built on rock survived. “Everyone,” Jesus said, “who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24).
When the disaster hits, it is too late to build the foundations. Foundations must be built before the storm comes. We are all building the foundations of our character each and every day, by the little things we do. When we cheat and lie, we are building on sand that will collapse in the tough times. When we practice Jesus’ instructions contained in the Sermon on the Mount (truthfulness, forgiveness, daily acts of compassion, sacrifice and faith) we are building on the rock that will carry us through.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Why Haiti 1-15-2010
Images of the destruction in Haiti continue to pour in: grief stricken men and women clawing at the debris to unearth family members, dust covered children wandering bewildered among the rubble, unburied corpses piling up in the streets. This poor nation, ravaged by hurricanes, has been virtually reduced to dust. Why this poor nation? Why here? Why now?
Like most, I was shocked to hear Pat Robertson conclude that Haiti was struck by this catastrophe because it was cursed due to a pact with the devil in its history.
Jesus had a different answer. When a similar disaster leveled buildings in his day he said, “Do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower fell in Siloam and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you no.” (Luke 13:4-5). When He encountered a man born blind, his disciples assumed that the man’s blindness was the result of sin. They asked him, “Who sinned, this man or his parents that would be born blind?” Jesus responded to them and said, “It was neither that this man sinned nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent me.” (John 9:3-4). Jesus then proceeded to cure the man’s blindness.
Innocent people fall victim to war, natural disaster and disease. Catastrophes like the earthquake in Haiti will occur. It is part of the natural condition of the world in which we live. Our task is to respond, as thousands are doing, to help those in need. We must work the works of God by giving, going and praying.
We must work the works of God by giving. I am glad that my home church, Lake Pointe, urged members to give immediately. The day after the earthquake our pastor sent an email offering to channel funds immediately to disaster relief partners with global experience and a proven track record.. Other churches and organizations are doing the same. Unfortunately, there will be scammers and frauds. But trusted organizations with proven track records can help us get the right resources to the right place. A few will give large gifts. But the greatest help will come from all of us giving something. But the rebuilding will take a long time. We need to prepare to give after the crisis has slipped to the back pages of the news. We need to give immediately and we need to continue giving.
We must work the works of God by going. Right now Haiti needs the trained first responders. Too many of us rushing to Haiti with shovel and hammer in hand would only add to the problems. They need medical professionals, fresh water, food and sanitation. Once the first responders clear the debris and establish the systems for recovery, others need to go. Many of us can go and many of us ought to go. The recovery needs will extend for months and years.
We must work the works of God by praying. We need to pray for God’s intervention for the victims. We need to pray for God’s comfort for the grieving. We need to pray that God will use this tragic disaster to change Haiti. We need to pray for a new future for Haitians: for schools and education, for jobs and careers, for hope and a faith. We need to “work the works of God.”
To give immediately to Haiti relief go to www.lakepointe.org/give or www.redcross.org. Contact Bill Tinsley at bill@tinsleycenter.com.
Like most, I was shocked to hear Pat Robertson conclude that Haiti was struck by this catastrophe because it was cursed due to a pact with the devil in its history.
Jesus had a different answer. When a similar disaster leveled buildings in his day he said, “Do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower fell in Siloam and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you no.” (Luke 13:4-5). When He encountered a man born blind, his disciples assumed that the man’s blindness was the result of sin. They asked him, “Who sinned, this man or his parents that would be born blind?” Jesus responded to them and said, “It was neither that this man sinned nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent me.” (John 9:3-4). Jesus then proceeded to cure the man’s blindness.
Innocent people fall victim to war, natural disaster and disease. Catastrophes like the earthquake in Haiti will occur. It is part of the natural condition of the world in which we live. Our task is to respond, as thousands are doing, to help those in need. We must work the works of God by giving, going and praying.
We must work the works of God by giving. I am glad that my home church, Lake Pointe, urged members to give immediately. The day after the earthquake our pastor sent an email offering to channel funds immediately to disaster relief partners with global experience and a proven track record.. Other churches and organizations are doing the same. Unfortunately, there will be scammers and frauds. But trusted organizations with proven track records can help us get the right resources to the right place. A few will give large gifts. But the greatest help will come from all of us giving something. But the rebuilding will take a long time. We need to prepare to give after the crisis has slipped to the back pages of the news. We need to give immediately and we need to continue giving.
We must work the works of God by going. Right now Haiti needs the trained first responders. Too many of us rushing to Haiti with shovel and hammer in hand would only add to the problems. They need medical professionals, fresh water, food and sanitation. Once the first responders clear the debris and establish the systems for recovery, others need to go. Many of us can go and many of us ought to go. The recovery needs will extend for months and years.
We must work the works of God by praying. We need to pray for God’s intervention for the victims. We need to pray for God’s comfort for the grieving. We need to pray that God will use this tragic disaster to change Haiti. We need to pray for a new future for Haitians: for schools and education, for jobs and careers, for hope and a faith. We need to “work the works of God.”
To give immediately to Haiti relief go to www.lakepointe.org/give or www.redcross.org. Contact Bill Tinsley at bill@tinsleycenter.com.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Blessed 1-11-2010
A few years ago I stopped using the word “blessed” or “blessing.” I thought it seemed shallow and artificially religious, something you say to sound religious when you don’t know what else to say. I wasn’t even sure what it meant. But, as I have grown older, I have changed my mind.
Growing up in Texas, I learned that when someone asked, “How are you?” they rarely wanted an honest answer. Anything other than “Fine,” or “Great,” tended to throw the conversation off course. When I lived in Minnesota, an understated culture, I discovered that the appropriate response to “How are you?” was “Not too bad.” When I tried to use that response in Texas, it raised all kinds of complications. But, whether in Minnesota or Texas, I discovered that African Americans had developed an entirely different response. When I asked my African American friends, “How are you?” they often responded, “I’m blessed.” I like the African American response best.
Jesus used this term when he introduced the Sermon On the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit … blessed are those who mourn … blessed are the meek … blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness … blessed are the merciful … blessed are the pure in heart … blessed are the peacemakers … blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.” (Matthew 5:3-10). He used the word makarios which some have translated “happy.” But, I think blessed it the right word.
Being blessed has nothing to do with prosperity, health, comfort or security. It is all about a relationship with God that blesses us whatever our circumstances happen to be. In fact, those who suffer poverty, illness and difficulty are more likely to experience God’s blessing than those who are wealthy and well off.
I grew up listening to Billy Graham each week and looked forward to listening to the Hour of Decision. Dr. Graham’s messages, books and, most of all, his conduct always inspired me. He ended every broadcast by saying, “God bless you real good.” It wasn’t proper grammar, but we all understood what he meant and, when we listened to him we always felt blessed.
Liturgical churches still conclude their worship services with the “benediction,” a blessing of the worshippers as they leave the worship experience. In African American churches the benediction is often the high point of the service. Some churches end with a rush toward the doors to get a jump on parking lot traffic and early seating at nearby restaurants. It feels good to take time to be blessed.
When God called Abraham to follow Him, he promised him He would bless him and make him a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:2). God’s blessing of Abraham and his descendents sometimes resulted in great difficulty. (I like Tevye’s honest response in Fiddler On the Roof as he and his family are displaced from Russia: “Lord, I know we are your chosen people, but sometimes I wish you would choose someone else for awhile.”) Perhaps the secret to following Jesus is discovering how to live life every day with awareness that we are, indeed, blessed, and seeking ways to bless others.
Growing up in Texas, I learned that when someone asked, “How are you?” they rarely wanted an honest answer. Anything other than “Fine,” or “Great,” tended to throw the conversation off course. When I lived in Minnesota, an understated culture, I discovered that the appropriate response to “How are you?” was “Not too bad.” When I tried to use that response in Texas, it raised all kinds of complications. But, whether in Minnesota or Texas, I discovered that African Americans had developed an entirely different response. When I asked my African American friends, “How are you?” they often responded, “I’m blessed.” I like the African American response best.
Jesus used this term when he introduced the Sermon On the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit … blessed are those who mourn … blessed are the meek … blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness … blessed are the merciful … blessed are the pure in heart … blessed are the peacemakers … blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.” (Matthew 5:3-10). He used the word makarios which some have translated “happy.” But, I think blessed it the right word.
Being blessed has nothing to do with prosperity, health, comfort or security. It is all about a relationship with God that blesses us whatever our circumstances happen to be. In fact, those who suffer poverty, illness and difficulty are more likely to experience God’s blessing than those who are wealthy and well off.
I grew up listening to Billy Graham each week and looked forward to listening to the Hour of Decision. Dr. Graham’s messages, books and, most of all, his conduct always inspired me. He ended every broadcast by saying, “God bless you real good.” It wasn’t proper grammar, but we all understood what he meant and, when we listened to him we always felt blessed.
Liturgical churches still conclude their worship services with the “benediction,” a blessing of the worshippers as they leave the worship experience. In African American churches the benediction is often the high point of the service. Some churches end with a rush toward the doors to get a jump on parking lot traffic and early seating at nearby restaurants. It feels good to take time to be blessed.
When God called Abraham to follow Him, he promised him He would bless him and make him a blessing to the nations (Genesis 12:2). God’s blessing of Abraham and his descendents sometimes resulted in great difficulty. (I like Tevye’s honest response in Fiddler On the Roof as he and his family are displaced from Russia: “Lord, I know we are your chosen people, but sometimes I wish you would choose someone else for awhile.”) Perhaps the secret to following Jesus is discovering how to live life every day with awareness that we are, indeed, blessed, and seeking ways to bless others.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Same Kind of Different 1-6-2010
My son-in-law came home for the holidays engrossed in a new book. Although he enthusiastically joined in our family traditions, whenever he found some quiet moments, he kept returning to his book. So, I downloaded a copy on the new Kindle that my wife gave me and immediately found myself hooked as well. Apparently the book has been out since 2005. But sometimes it takes a book that long to find me.
Same Kind of Different As Me is actually two stories. One, the story of an illiterate black man named Denver who was raised in the cotton fields of Louisiana and ended up homeless on the streets of Fort Worth. The other, an upwardly mobile white man named Ron Hall who graduated from TCU and made a fortune in the art world. They each tell their story, and the remarkable intersection of their journeys.
Maybe I was drawn to the book because Ron Hall spent his childhood summers on a farm near my boyhood home of Corsicana. His descriptions of Corsicana resonated with my memories growing up on Collin Street, one of the signature brick streets that reflect the glory days when the city boasted more millionaires per capita than any other town in Texas. Maybe I was drawn to the book because Ron and Denver intersect in the slums of Fort Worth east of downtown where my wife started her teaching career forty years ago.
But the true stories of Ron Hall and Denver Moore are not the main stories in the book. They represent other stories: the story of our country and its culture. Ron represents those who rise from middle class with professional opportunities that can lead to great wealth. He also represents the dangers of that path that include temptations for greed, materialism, shallow and broken relationships. Denver represents the alarmingly huge segment of our population that falls between the cracks, victims of prejudice, oppression, injustice and neglect. He also represents the dangers of that downward spiral that includes temptations of bitterness, anger, isolation and despair.
But the greatest story underlying and connecting all of these is God’s story. Ron’s wife, Deborah is the entry point for his work, one person who was open, willing and obedient who became the catalyst for connecting these two broken men from different ends of the social spectrum.
In a day when many look to government to heal our wounds and solve our social problems, Same Kind of Different As Me, serves as a reminder that the real solution to our personal and social problems lies within us. It is often buried beneath our own prejudices and fears, but it can be unlocked and released with the keys of acceptance, trust, faith and love, all the things Jesus demonstrated and talked about.
Same Kind of Different as Me is a great book to start the new year and the new decade. God wants to use each of us, whatever our race, whatever our circumstance, whatever our background to make a difference in the world. You can learn more about Ron and Denver’s stories by visiting their website, www.samekindofdifferentasme.com.
Same Kind of Different As Me is actually two stories. One, the story of an illiterate black man named Denver who was raised in the cotton fields of Louisiana and ended up homeless on the streets of Fort Worth. The other, an upwardly mobile white man named Ron Hall who graduated from TCU and made a fortune in the art world. They each tell their story, and the remarkable intersection of their journeys.
Maybe I was drawn to the book because Ron Hall spent his childhood summers on a farm near my boyhood home of Corsicana. His descriptions of Corsicana resonated with my memories growing up on Collin Street, one of the signature brick streets that reflect the glory days when the city boasted more millionaires per capita than any other town in Texas. Maybe I was drawn to the book because Ron and Denver intersect in the slums of Fort Worth east of downtown where my wife started her teaching career forty years ago.
But the true stories of Ron Hall and Denver Moore are not the main stories in the book. They represent other stories: the story of our country and its culture. Ron represents those who rise from middle class with professional opportunities that can lead to great wealth. He also represents the dangers of that path that include temptations for greed, materialism, shallow and broken relationships. Denver represents the alarmingly huge segment of our population that falls between the cracks, victims of prejudice, oppression, injustice and neglect. He also represents the dangers of that downward spiral that includes temptations of bitterness, anger, isolation and despair.
But the greatest story underlying and connecting all of these is God’s story. Ron’s wife, Deborah is the entry point for his work, one person who was open, willing and obedient who became the catalyst for connecting these two broken men from different ends of the social spectrum.
In a day when many look to government to heal our wounds and solve our social problems, Same Kind of Different As Me, serves as a reminder that the real solution to our personal and social problems lies within us. It is often buried beneath our own prejudices and fears, but it can be unlocked and released with the keys of acceptance, trust, faith and love, all the things Jesus demonstrated and talked about.
Same Kind of Different as Me is a great book to start the new year and the new decade. God wants to use each of us, whatever our race, whatever our circumstance, whatever our background to make a difference in the world. You can learn more about Ron and Denver’s stories by visiting their website, www.samekindofdifferentasme.com.
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