Thanks to the substitutes

I am free today, thanks to the substitutes: Men and women who sacrificed their lives when I was either unable or unwilling to sacrifice mine. Their memories echo through the centuries. They deserve honor above all who have ever lived.

Wow, what a week! It's been pretty hairy around here. My focus right now is on my job search and finishing out the school year. I'll be back on these pages as soon as my life has settled down a little bit. I'll be sure to alert the media at large when I return :-)

God Bless.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made

"What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form, in moving, how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals!"

Hamlet, Act II, scene ii

God's handiwork can indeed be witnessed in his ultimate creation: us. The systemic nature of God's entire creation is on display in the human anatomy. Our interactive functioning mirrors that of all creation. With that knowledge, it is puzzling to me how we miss this simple but critical truth about our existence with regard to our day-to-day decision making. How often do we ignore our interrelatedness and treat ourselves and others as isolated beings? What a difference it would make if we could truly see ourselves and our world as we are!

I'm going to attempt a series of entries over the next several days addressing this principle. I don't know how faithful I'll be, as I'm in the middle of a lot of personal and professional transition. I think this information is of the utmost importance, however, and I look forward to your feedback as I post my thoughts.

Happy Mother's Day!

This is my first Mother's Day without my mom. She passed this past November. God sent His son to show us all what real love was...and then He sent my mom to show that to me personally. In honor of my mom, I'm posting what I said about her at her funeral:

Naomi, Aunt Nay, Mammaw, Sis, Mom…Naomi Fay Chapman Fights certainly wore a lot of names. All of these names represent what she meant to different people and the impact she had on their lives. The life we honor and remember today was lived, not in the spotlight, like so many of the Grand Ole Opry stars she adored as a youngster, but behind the scenes. Naomi rarely sought the attention and accolades of others, instead preferring to operate more subtly, encouraging, loving, and most importantly, living a life of faith and service to those around her. The history books won’t record the life and times of this woman, but the impact of her life on those whom she loved will be eternally etched in their lives. Now that her days here have drawn to a close, it is appropriate that tribute finally be paid to Naomi.

Proverbs 31 speaks of this “woman of noble character.” The writer here easily could have been describing Naomi. (Proverbs 31:29-31) She cared for so many. She anonymously toiled so that others might be lifted up.

Though a woman of modest means, Naomi’s charitable giving was unparalleled. Money, to Naomi, wasn’t a means for self-gratification. It was a way to help and bring joy to others. Some of you here have accompanied Naomi on her famous shopping trips, especially Pam and Alysa. You know only too well her penchant for “closing down the stores.” Yet, at the end of the day, when Naomi emerged from Walmart, or Kohl’s, or Penney’s, overburdened with bags full of merchandise, very little of what was purchased was for her. She couldn’t resist a pretty new dress for her granddaughter, or the UK shirt for her son, or even the cute baby outfit for a little girl she only knew through her sister. Naomi’s generosity was unrivaled. She proudly proclaimed her desire to share her modest gains with those she loved so she could experience the joy with them. I think everyone would agree; she accomplished that mission.

And if she was modestly blessed materially, Naomi was a wealthy woman when it came to love and happiness. All of us here can look back with warm and fond recollections of Naomi’s sharing of those gifts. To Naomi, family was everything. Above all things in the world, she valued the love of her family. Aunt Nay never forgot a niece or nephew’s birthday. She rejoiced in their triumphs: graduations, weddings, the birth of their children. One of her most fervent prayers was for the health and happiness of her nieces and nephews.

In 2000, Naomi gained special status when she became “mammaw.” Although apprehensive of flying, she was quickly in Florida to see her new grandson. In 2004, that honor was bestowed again when Olivia was born. When we moved back to Ohio later in 2004, mom opened up her home to us while we looked for a house. From then on, “Mammaw’s house” held a special place in Bryson and Olivia’s hearts. In 2007, Mammaw sold her house and came to live with us. Bryson and Olivia relished going downstairs to Mammaw’s because she always had some sort of sweet treat there for them, even when they hadn’t finished their supper. Bryson regularly asked if he could “stay with mammaw” on Friday nights. The two of them would watch “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” together. Likewise, Olivia needed her time to play with “Neemaw.” Whether it was pretend dishes prepared in the toy kitchen Neemaw got her one Christmas, or playing pretend with her Dora house, Neemaw was Olivia’s favorite playmate. The memories created there will stay with Bryson and Olivia a lifetime.

“Sister,” or “Sis” was a special name known to her brothers and sister and their spouses. Sis never differentiated between her siblings or their spouses. Each was as blood to her. Sis was both protective of and protected by her brothers. As Jimmy struggled with cancer, she stood vigil by his bedside, sharing memories of their childhood. Though separated by miles, she took every opportunity to do the same with only elder sibling, Leeroy. Norman, despite having shot her in the belly with a BB gun (after she bit him in the leg for drowning her doll) was special to her. He was the “keeper of family stories.” How many times did she engage Norman in conversations about aunts and uncles and cousins? Gwin was very special to her as well. Closest in proximity to her house, she loved feeding Gwin whenever possible. Whenever she fixed a mess of beans or fried potatoes, she’d either invite Gwin or comment on how much he loved them. Allan, the baby brother was a source of great pride. She bragged about his accomplishments often, and relished the time they spent together at his home in Kentucky. How her eyes would light up whenever she heard that he and Bev were going to be visiting.

There was a special bond, however, with her only sister, Pam. They laughed together at how often store clerks would confuse them for mother and daughter. The bond of their relationship reflected that even if the biology didn’t. They were always there for each other. When Naomi was going through her ordeal with Bill’s family, Pam was there to comfort her and open up her home. And of course, here at the end, it was Pam who nursed her, cared for every need, and provided the loving comfort that only she could give. In between, was a lifetime of treasured memories, countless hours on the phone, marathon shopping trips, and of course their famous expeditions to Florida and Minnesota as “Thelma and Louise.” I’ll never forget how the two of them laughed and spread their joy at being together to everyone around them. Their bond as sisters could only be broken by death.

Finally, let me address the final name, the one I knew her by: Mom. Before I get to me, let me share with you the love my mom had for her “daughter,” Alysa. Many stories of horror and negativity have been passed down about the traditional relationship between mother and daughter-in-law. My mom, like most, was protective of me. Not just anyone would be good enough to care for her only boy. Alysa was that woman. She commented to me often about how grateful she was that God had put Alysa in our lives. And when she came to live with us, you might think it was Alysa who had to worry about crossing a line and having to deal with a mom defending her son. No, if Mom thought I was out of line, or not doing right by Alysa, she let me know in no uncertain terms. She loved her “daughter” (as she liked to write in greeting cards) immensely.

As for me, it’s pretty simple. Mom gave everything for me. Being a single mom, especially in her time and place, was a difficult proposition to say the least. I can’t tell you the number of children I’ve worked with over the years who’ve had similar circumstances as I did. Their troubles and struggles were lacking one thing I never lacked though: the unconditional, undying love of a mother.

Mom gave me many things: food, clothes, a roof over my head. She worked long hours at Formica and saved every penny so that I could go to college. Even in my adult life, even when she lived in my house, even when she lay in that hospital bed, on question always came from her lips: Do you need anything? Well, mom, here is my response: No, I don’t need anything because you gave me the most important thing anyone could ever have: the love of Christ. You showed me what that love looks like and modeled his grace and humility every day of your life. So no, mom, I don’t need anything else. That’ll be quite enough for me to get by. Now you go home and rest.

I love you mom.

The Quest for Popularity and Celebrity

Great read here by Greg Hengler:


The popular and famous validate us. We might all lust for the material things and the fame that they attain, but because we can not reach that goal, we take satisfaction in seeing that they made it to the "promised land" and found it empty. We need to know that it is not enough -- you can have it all and still have nothing.
Now for the politically incorrect moral of my story: We are all searching for something to validate our life. We inherently know that what the world offers is crap. When we stop trying to find validation, identity, and popularity from the world, we will be on the right road. This road will reveal that there is only one way to the Promised Land, and the God who opens the doors does not sin, fail, or die. Furthermore, following God is one of the few guaranteed roads to unpopularity. Just ask the cowboy.

http://townhall.com/blog/g/ca0ac353-0e4a-484e-9c7e-12f6b4ebda1d

Empathy v. Law

Thomas Sowell is one of the wisest men in our nation. If you don't read him regularly, start. Don't miss a word of the wisdom he regularly imparts. This week's edition:

Would you want to go into court to appear before a judge with “empathy” for groups A, B, and C, if you were a member of groups X, Y, or Z? Nothing could be farther from the rule of law. That would be bad news, even in a traffic court, much less in a court that has the last word on your rights under the Constitution of the United States.Appoint enough Supreme Court justices with “empathy” for particular groups and you would have, for all practical purposes, repealed the 14th Amendment, which guarantees “equal protection of the laws” for all Americans.

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MzM0MzdiMTVhZTgxNmE5ZGYzZWY3M2UyNDQ3NjI3NWY=

Update on DC vouchers: Flip-flops and hypocrisy

The Obama administration, responding to the outcry from angry parents, has decided to allow the DC voucher plan to continue for existing students, but not to allow any more students to enroll. Explaining their tortuous logic is Education Secretary Arne Duncan:

Education Secretary Arne Duncan had told reporters that it didn't make sense "to take kids out of a school where they're happy and safe and satisfied and learning," but Democrats effectively terminated the program by requiring its reauthorization. Obama must now convince Democratic lawmakers to endorse a gradual phase out by continuing to include grant funding in future appropriation bills.

So let's see if I get this: This is a successful program that produces kids who are "safe, happy, satisfied, and learning" and it wouldn't make sense to remove them. But it does somehow make sense not to let any more students take advantage of this opportunity?

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/05/06/obama_proposes_extending_dc_vo.html?wprss=44
Anybody want to take a stab at explaining this to me?

When will enough be enough?

I'm waiting for some Democrats to stand up, speak out, and say "Enough!" How long are you going to tolerate the erosion of our liberties in the name of "fairness"? This is serious stuff, folks. It's not hyperbole. This administration has thus far exhibited little respect for the Constitution, preferring instead to mold it and remake the rules to fit whatever agenda they have. That's a recipe for tyranny. Here's the most recent chilling affront to our freedom:

http://chicagoboyz.net/archives/7097.html#more-7097

Obama has nominated Cass Sunstein, who he knows from the University of Chicago, to be “regulatory czar.” Apparently, Sunstein has proposed that web sites be required to link to opposing opinions. He has argued that the Internet is anti-democratic because users can choose to view only those opinions that they want to see, and has gone so far as to say:
A system of limitless individual choices, with respect to communications, is not necessarily in the interest of citizenship and self-government,” he wrote. “Democratic efforts to reduce the resulting problems ought not be rejected in freedom’s name.

No hope and change for Mrs. Campbell

"We voted for you, we walked, we went to the parade, we stood freezing. Why?...Can you get this tape over to Obama and have him answer our questions? Why, sir, why?"

http://reason.com/blog/show/133298.html

Mrs. Ingrid Campbell has a right to wonder why her daughter isn't afforded the same opportunity the president has for his daughters, the same opportunity being exercised by a large majority of Congress who is killing this proven successful program.

This is special interest politics at its worst. Obama promised "hope and change." He captured the faith of average folk like Ingrid Campbell. But he's not going to take on the NEA in order to help her child. It's politics as usual in Washington, Mrs. Campbell. I'm sorry you sacrificed so much for so little.

The real war

Dr. Zero at Hot Air nails it:

"Collectivist politics of any stripe requires enemies, because they rely upon coercion. Socialist utopias don’t come into existence spontaneously. There would be no need for confiscatory tax rates on the wealthy, if the wealthy voluntarily used their money to buy cars and houses for everyone in the lower income brackets, without requiring them to work in return. Nobody would be talking about nationalizing health care if doctors and hospital staff were happy to work eighty hour weeks for minimum wage, and pharmaceutical companies were run as giant charities that cheerfully sank billions into developing drugs they resell at cost. Few people would leave a sizable chunk of their estates to the government, if the government didn’t seize the money through death taxes. No large group of people on Earth has every freely chosen to peacefully organize themselves into a socialist collective – they either slip into it through small losses of freedom that seem relatively painless as they happen, or they are forced into it at gunpoint. If Franklin Delano Roosevelt had proposed Obama’s current budget and regulatory plans at the outset of the New Deal, he would have been laughed out of office, and if he had attempted to impose Obama’s policies by force, he would have needed infantry platoons and tanks."

http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2009/05/02/the-necessary-enemy/

The war on capitalism is the central front in this culture war. Without economic freedom, there is no freedom anywhere. John Locke understood this which is why property was enumerated along with life and liberty as inalienable human rights. It is ironic that this group so keen to protect the "human rights" of terrorists who have conspired to rob others of their lives are also at the front of this effort to blur and even erase private property rights.

Time outs in life.

When I was coaching, there were times when I sensed that the game was getting out of hand. Times when my players were confused, daunted by the other team, just not getting the job done. It was time for a time out. Time to regroup, to regain our composure. I had five of them at my disposal every game, so I had to be judicious with their use, but other than that, nothing was lost. The clock stopped, so we didn't lose any opportunities. Life's just not that way.

When we feel confused, overwhelmed, daunted by the events and conflicts of our lives, there is no "time out" rule we can employ. The clock continues to tick, no matter how well we're doing. There are "in-game" strategies we can employ, however.

One of the things I learned in coaching was when to deviate from the game plan. That was a key decision. The real decision was whether the plan was faulty, or just our execution of it. That's a decision I often have to make in life, one I'm trying to make right now. Do I stick with the plan, even though it's not working real well right now? Do I make adjustments? Do I scrap it altogether and start anew?

These are the questions I have to ask myself from time to time. This weekend I have the chance to get away. Yeah, the clock will keep ticking, and those troubles and conflicts I'm facing will still be here on Monday, but I have a chance to change my scenery, to be amongst family and friends, and gain a new perspective. That's what the time out actually does any way. It allows the team to refocus, to gain the coach's perspective on what's going on out on the floor.

I'm going to go to the "bench" this weekend and seek out my coach's perspective. He's a great coach, after all. He's already won the game. I should be careful to listen to what He has to say.