Storms of Strength and Thanks

The wind of Friday, March 2, 2012 has blown itself into the history of we the people. For those directly impacted there is no way to express the experience of being hunkered down trying to survive the tornado that touched down destroying everything within her path. Some areas experienced hail the size of golf balls that beat the yards in such a way that it looks like the ground had been aerated. The sides of homes look as if someone had opened up a machine gun and riddled the walls. Shingles removed leaving big patches on roofs were the fortunate individuals and families. Surviving with some damage compared to those who uncovered themselves to see nothing left creates a different emotion that can leave you speechless and in shock. Property damage is in the millions, some homes will never be rebuilt, and the wind will always bring fear for some as long as they live because of just a few seconds of time. It is the loss of life that brings things to a halt and our lives to a new focus. The first responders were family members, and neighbors. The survivors immediately became responsible for everything and in most of these situations with very little to attend with. None accepting any hero status, just simple statements of doing what had to be done. The arrival of professionally trained responders, those EMT’s, Police Officers, Deputy Sheriff’s, Volunteer Fireman, State Troopers, and members of the Rescue Squads all having their own journey working their way to those impacted. Every home was an emergency and every person in need of attention. What an overwhelming task for single individuals to begin to asses and figure out. It is one thing to drive through an area where you see and can recognize the land marks you’ve witnessed for years, and something totally different to be in that same area just trying to figure out where you are. On behalf of the families who experienced those responders, “THANKS”! When you talk with medical personal they simply say we were doing that which we were trained to do, “THANKS” to you too. It is in the midst of crises that we see the first glimpse of the real character people are made of. Through these situations we are reminded of the value of friendships and the cherished gems we have in people whom we do not even know by name but where there. 1000’s have responded and are continuing to respond even as you are reading this column. In the months ahead, thousands more will respond helping others to press on, move forward, rebuild, and gather themselves with your help. The task of making sense out of this experience for some will happen quickly and for others the journey will be a long road filled with more questions that will follow because of this search for understanding. Romans 8:28 says that “we know God works all things out, together for the good, to those who are called according to His purpose”. It is amazing that in giving ourselves away we can discover our own selves. In trying to find answers we learn the key is in focusing not on our own situation but on the circumstances of others. Finding within ourselves the courage to let go of our own holds on life we can discover the path which provides peace for even times like these. Prayers for those in Harrogate, Tennessee, London, East Bernstatd and West Liberty, Kentucky. May we each love stronger, give more generously, value the real treasures of people, who they are and the gifts they bring. May we each see ourselves as one person working together on a big team making a difference where we are while we can. Until then

"Do for one what you wish you could do for all"

Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Georgia coined the phrase, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all”. On Friday, March 2, 2012 the winds came handing out tornadoes that crossed the landscapes destroying homes, property and even claiming the lives of victims in her path of fiery on that afternoon. London, Kentucky and particularly the East Bernstadt Community took the brunt of the storm leaving behind the devastation of just seconds of wind. Thousands volunteered and responded to the immediate needs providing services and goods to help those impacted and who suffered loss. Churches united under the umbrella and cause as did organizations and other institutions including Union College in Barbourville who sent student athletes to lend a helping hand. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is the goal at Hawk Creek Church in London, Ky. Their members and attenders have responded like many of you but now they are going the second mile by attempting to do for one family what they wish they could do for every family impacted. Help them back to where they were from the ground up. This singular undertaking is a big decision and one that is being made in Christian Faith, to do for one what they wish as a church they could do for everyone. Sometimes that battle that rages within us as individuals and organizations is that with limited resources we end up doing nothing at all because we cannot do for everyone. In a good effort we want to make a difference but see the difference out of reach. Truth is, the goal of helping everyone individually is out of reach for one church or organization. However, it is not out of the reach of God if we each did our single part to make a difference. It is not out of the touch of God if we each gave of our expertise, skill and talent. God can use our gift with the gifts of others and then not just a little difference is made, but a BIG difference is made. God can only use us if we are willing to allow ourselves to be used by Him. In 1985, at the age of 21, I was struck with a rare form of arthritis that took me from health teenager to a wheelchair in 30 days. I had never prepared for or even thought of such an illness happening to me. 26 years later, I am still battling sero-negative arthritis & ankylosing spondylitis. I made a promise to God that if I ever walked again I would never complain and I would let a smile on my face show. He touched me enough to get me up and going again and I am holding up my end of the deal too. Not complaining, still smiling and attempting to do my part of making the world a better place. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is my theme as I participate in my 2nd Marathon event on April 28th. I am writing asking if you will join me in helping to make the difference for one. Would you sponsor me for $1.00 a mile for the 13.1 miles in the Nashville Music City Marathon? I am not skilled enough to build a home, but I can do plenty of things to support those with that talent to build. I do not have the talent to run the electrical wiring in a home, but I can support those who have the knowhow and skill. There are plenty of things I cannot do, but by flipping the coin there are plenty of things I can do, should do, and with His help, will do. Walking for ONE is something that I can do, and will do. I might only raise $13.00 but I could raise $1300. Or $13,000. Dollars with your help. Life often hands outs things that we are not prepared for, nor were we expecting. The happenings of life can catch us off guard and while we will have immediate reactions once we have let things settle from the surprise, it is time to have a response. Today, I am ready to respond to the physical storms of March 2, 2012. I am ready to “Do for one what I wish I could do for all”. Sscriptures teaches to whom much is given, much is required. For me, walking is a gift and I will use it for someone else’ benefit. Together has a nice sound to it when spoken out loud. It also has a positive impact when demonstrated through cooperation and commitment. Will you help make a difference for one? Until then

Annette Walden - A person of Impact

Most individuals set out to make a difference with their lives by impacting others. The task of making a difference is not really a big plan as you begin your life’s journey. Rather, I believe many do not even think of making a splash much less sitting down and pulling together a list of do’s that need to be accomplished to place your life in the center hub of making a difference for others. If I could call my life a research project I can say that the best way to make a difference is to simply live your life treating others as you wish to be treated. If you add respect for others and differing opinions, coupled with a desire to be friendly and be a part of things as you can then you are well on your way to looking back over life and being able to see an impact.
I first met Annette Walden when she was the organist for the Order of Easter Star Chapter #89 in Pineville, Ky. I was just a little boy who sang soprano and falsetto at the time and together we formed a team for special events and programs. She was a member of the First Baptist Church Pineville and when I became a church member there we continued our practice of her playing, and me singing throughout my days of children’s choir, the adult worship choir and so many solo’s I have lost count. We were never called a musical duet, but there is no doubt about this fact. Annette could and still can make a piano talk as the keys strike the strings speaking in her own language called music. For the record, I simply accompanied her with my voice. There is something about making music that is freeing to the inner spirit. There is something about music that causes you to be able to change location as you listen and participate. Annette and I have enjoyed over the years many special moments that took us both to another place because we each shared our talents with the other. The last public performance we shared was the Presbyterian Church in Pineville. Irene Adams, who created the “Lighting of the Star” program for Pineville/Bell County asked if I would come and provide special music. With that invitation there was no question who should be the musician at the piano. It was Annette Walden. We discussed the program and thought about the music that would be appropriate and we both agreed without any debate on Let there be Peace on earth, Amazing Grace in a special melody arrangement and Annette’s favorite, Sweet Little Jesus Boy.
In February of this year Annette and I held a concert that you unfortunately missed. I know you missed it because the venue was at her home and it was just she and I. Stopping in to say hello it was without any planning, but knowing full well there would be music in the living room as of this visit. Her husband “Bob” had purchased her a surprise gift of her very own grand piano back in 1964. She had an upright piano that she loved and enjoyed playing so much, but that was all about to change with the arrival of her new gift that would bring decades of fun and pleasure. Yes, Annette filled her home on that February day with the rich sound of a grand piano and her feel for the music added the emotions that move me to a new experience because I could clearly hear her heart and soul as she played. We sang from the hymnal, the old ones and the new one and we ended our concert of two with the singing of Sweet Little Jesus Boy.
Annette Walden made a difference in my life as a little boy who never realized that she was investing herself in me. Today, as an adult, I can tell you that she has been investing in me year after year and she may be as unaware of her impact on my life today, as I was of her back in that day. Annette Walden, a person of impact and I am one life that is changed because she did her part of living strong, with character and integrity and most especially love.

Until then

Do for ONE what you wish you could do for ALL

Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Georgia coined the phrase, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all”. On Friday, March 2, 2012 the winds came handing out tornadoes that crossed the landscapes destroying homes, property and even claiming the lives of victims in her path of fiery on that afternoon. London, Kentucky and particularly the East Bernstadt Community took the brunt of the storm leaving behind the devastation of just seconds of wind. Thousands volunteered and responded to the immediate needs providing services and goods to help those impacted and who suffered loss. Churches united under the umbrella and cause as did organizations and other institutions including Union College in Barbourville who sent student athletes to lend a helping hand. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is the goal at Hawk Creek Church in London, Ky. Their members and attenders have responded like many of you but now they are going the second mile by attempting to do for one family what they wish they could do for every family impacted. Help them back to where they were from the ground up. This singular undertaking is a big decision and one that is being made in Christian Faith, to do for one what they wish as a church they could do for everyone. Sometimes that battle that rages within us as individuals and organizations is that with limited resources we end up doing nothing at all because we cannot do for everyone. In a good effort we want to make a difference but see the difference out of reach. Truth is, the goal of helping everyone individually is out of reach for one church or organization. However, it is not out of the reach of God if we each did our single part to make a difference. It is not out of the touch of God if we each gave of our expertise, skill and talent. God can use our gift with the gifts of others and then not just a little difference is made, but a BIG difference is made. God can only use us if we are willing to allow ourselves to be used by Him. In 1985, at the age of 21, I was struck with a rare form of arthritis that took me from health teenager to a wheelchair in 30 days. I had never prepared for or even thought of such an illness happening to me. 26 years later, I am still battling sero-negative arthritis & ankylosing spondylitis. I made a promise to God that if I ever walked again I would never complain and I would let a smile on my face show. He touched me enough to get me up and going again and I am holding up my end of the deal too. Not complaining, still smiling and attempting to do my part of making the world a better place. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is my theme as I participate in my 2nd Marathon event on April 28th. I am writing asking if you will join me in helping to make the difference for one. Would you sponsor me for $1.00 a mile for the 13.1 miles in the Nashville Music City Marathon? I am not skilled enough to build a home, but I can do plenty of things to support those with that talent to build. I do not have the talent to run the electrical wiring in a home, but I can support those who have the knowhow and skill. There are plenty of things I cannot do, but by flipping the coin there are plenty of things I can do, should do, and with His help, will do. Walking for ONE is something that I can do, and will do. I might only raise $13.00 but I could raise $1300. Or $13,000. Dollars with your help. Life often hands outs things that we are not prepared for, nor were we expecting. The happenings of life can catch us off guard and while we will have immediate reactions once we have let things settle from the surprise, it is time to have a response. Today, I am ready to respond to the physical storms of March 2, 2012. I am ready to “Do for one what I wish I could do for all”. Scriptures teaches to whom much is given, much is required. For me, walking is a gift and I will use it for someone else’ benefit. Together has a nice sound to it when spoken out loud. It also has a positive impact when demonstrated through cooperation and commitment. Will you help make a difference for one? Until then