I listened to the third part of a series this morning on Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson. He was speaking with two political/religion historians whose names escape me just now and they were engaged in a lively debate regarding the religious/political history of America that was actually stimulating for a change.
In regards to the claim that the religious far right is always angry - Dobson stated something to this effect - "Everything I have stated on this show has been recorded and is available on tape. I've written 30 books, and I've spoken thousands of times. And, not once I have said something hateful to someone."
To my knowledge, that is correct. I've never heard Mr. Dobson speak hatefully. As the liberal spokesperson immediately and correctly pointed out, however, Dobson is not the lone voice for conservatives. And, this is the hypocrisy of the issue. Right wingers will gleefully tell liberals they must get Howard Dean, Jesse Jackson, or whoever is generally making a supposed fool of themself at the time, to shut up. But, they don't say the same thing about similarly-foolish right wingers like Ann Coulter, Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. Mr. Dobson apparently does not see this irony.
The loudest voice right now without a doubt is Ann Coulter. I first started paying attention to Ms. Coulter several months ago when Harding University dropped her from their speakers series list after an uproar caused by Harding alumni bloggers largely. Bravo for bloggers!
Coulter is in the news these days because she's been accused of
plagiarism
- a charge she has apparently done little to defend herself against. To say that Ms. Coulter is filled with anger and hate-speech is an understatement. I, for one, believe it's all a schtick of hers to make major bucks, but it is sad nonetheless - and very harmful for the religious right that is being painted in the same light as her.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Hey Ralph Reed - you Lost - get over it
Ralph Reed, former Christian Coalition kingpin lost in his bid to become Lt. Governor of Georgia last week, possibly marking the end of Mr. Reed's quest for public office. Seems those direct ties to one fairly evil-dealing Jack Abramoff were a little too much to overcome.
Any research of Mr. Reed generally reveals and reflects much of what is wrong with the Christian Coalition. What's the old saying "power corrupts" and "absolute power corrupts absolutely", well, I can't remember it exactly on this rainy, lazy Saturday, but Ralph has a fairly checkered past that is not too becoming for anyone, let alone someone directing a Christian organization. His nickname among insiders, not critics mind you, was Ralph "Greed".
Absolutely nothing wrong with Christians voicing their opinion in the marketplace - that's what it's all about. But in this day and age you throw in power, money, a few Jack Abramoffs, and stir gently - and you have Ralph Reed. Not pretty, and not a good loser either.
Any research of Mr. Reed generally reveals and reflects much of what is wrong with the Christian Coalition. What's the old saying "power corrupts" and "absolute power corrupts absolutely", well, I can't remember it exactly on this rainy, lazy Saturday, but Ralph has a fairly checkered past that is not too becoming for anyone, let alone someone directing a Christian organization. His nickname among insiders, not critics mind you, was Ralph "Greed".
Absolutely nothing wrong with Christians voicing their opinion in the marketplace - that's what it's all about. But in this day and age you throw in power, money, a few Jack Abramoffs, and stir gently - and you have Ralph Reed. Not pretty, and not a good loser either.
Friday, July 21, 2006
President Bush and the NAACP
After five years of rejection, the NAACP finally received a yes from President Bush that he would accept the civil rights' group invitation to speak at their annual convention yesterday. Better late than never? Doubtful - President Bush has never been good at playing politician and to finally agree to show up after five years of no thanks during a crucial election year is just too obvious.
I remember vividly Jim Dobson pouting because President Clinton would not invite Jim or Shirley to the National Day of Prayer during his 8 years in office. Dobson acted as if Clinton were sinning by the snub. Seems the far right has forgotten those days and I heard several times yesterday it was Bush's "right" to turn down the invitation since the group had been so critical of Bush. No hypocrisy there at all.
Tony Snow - Bush's Press Secretary - really reflected President Bush's and the Repub's attitude toward the group with these words:
"It is clear that in this nation, racism and discrimination are legally unacceptable, but there are also residues of the past that we have to address," Snow said in previewing the speech. "We have to find ways to make sure that the road to opportunity is clear for one and all."
Snow denied claims that this was Bush's way of atoning for the government's slow response to Hurricane Katrina. The Rev. Jesse Jackson and some black elected officials alleged that indifference to black suffering and racial injustice was to blame for the sluggish reaction to the disaster. In September 2005, Bush's top advisers met with black leaders to discuss their concerns.
"I think the president wants to make his voice heard," Snow said about Bush's speech. "He has an important role to play not only in making the case for civil rights but, maybe more importantly, the case for unity."
I remember vividly Jim Dobson pouting because President Clinton would not invite Jim or Shirley to the National Day of Prayer during his 8 years in office. Dobson acted as if Clinton were sinning by the snub. Seems the far right has forgotten those days and I heard several times yesterday it was Bush's "right" to turn down the invitation since the group had been so critical of Bush. No hypocrisy there at all.
Tony Snow - Bush's Press Secretary - really reflected President Bush's and the Repub's attitude toward the group with these words:
"It is clear that in this nation, racism and discrimination are legally unacceptable, but there are also residues of the past that we have to address," Snow said in previewing the speech. "We have to find ways to make sure that the road to opportunity is clear for one and all."
Snow denied claims that this was Bush's way of atoning for the government's slow response to Hurricane Katrina. The Rev. Jesse Jackson and some black elected officials alleged that indifference to black suffering and racial injustice was to blame for the sluggish reaction to the disaster. In September 2005, Bush's top advisers met with black leaders to discuss their concerns.
"I think the president wants to make his voice heard," Snow said about Bush's speech. "He has an important role to play not only in making the case for civil rights but, maybe more importantly, the case for unity."
You can just feel the apathy dripping off those sentences. After six years in office, the Prez has done nothing to bring anti-racist legislation into the 21st century. Not surprisingly, President Bush got 11% of the African American vote in 2004. His predecessor will get half that in 2008 - and deservedly so. The Republicans have written off the African American vote in favor of the far right Christian vote. And the far right wing clearly has no interest in African Americans - their interests are in whiter schools, wider roads and lower taxes - preferrably in that order.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Racism on the Golf Course?
I've talked about Jeffrey here several times. Ever since I began the process a few months ago to help him I've become more sensitive to possible racism issues. I attended the Undoing Racism Taskforce meeting here in Lufkin once and have just generally raised my antennae more on this issue. To say the process has been sobering is an under-statement.
A couple of incidents happened in the past month I wanted to share - both dealing with possible racism and both happened on a golf course, which is somewhat odd to me.
The first incident happened to me and a friend and I was ticked about it for several days. I'm not a great golfer - but I've played alot of golf - low-90's golfer - and this has never happened to me - not once.
I was playing with my friend James. James has only played a few rounds of golf, but he is picking it up fast - catching on very well. James is my friend who helped me with Jeffrey and James happens to be African American. I usually don't announce that, but it's needed information unfortunately.
I knew the golf on this day would be slow going because James is just catching on, but, due to rain, the course traffic was very light - so I knew was glad traffic would not be a problem. Plus, I'm overly sensitive to slow play because I hate getting held up - so I knew this could have been an issue with a newbie on the course that was packed. So, this was good. James started slowly, but was improving with each shot and we were actually doing fairly well on time. We teed off on hole 3, a par 3, and James found out he had lost a head cover, so we zipped back up no. 2 and found it in the fairway. We passed three guys moving to the 2nd green, one of which I knew to be a scratch golfer. So, I said -- we'll let those guys play through when they catch us.
Well lo' and behold James starts really striking the ball well. I continued to monitor the guys behind us and I saw the other two guys with the scratch golfer were both bad golfers - like pretty bad hackers. I noticed they weren't bumping up against us - and it was clear that was the reason - the other two golfers were about like James - maybe worse. On hole 7, a long par 4, James had a bad hole, and the guys behind us just started bumping up against us really pretty good for the first time. As we were putting out - they were waiting in the fairway - so we actually just picked up and went on to No. 8 - a long par 5. I said let's tee off and see where these guys are. We both smoked 225 yard tee shots right down the middle. I noticed they were just starting to putt - so I said let's keep trucking.
As we were driving down the fairway - a young employee in a cart zipped past us - u-turned and came back to us as we approached our balls in the fairway. He said --"hey, can you guys speed up or let the guys behind you play through". Sure I said, no prob. The three behind us walked up to the tee box - and I looked back, waived them through and then we pulled behind a tree. The employee was with us was looking kind of sheepish -- and that's when it hit me - and it hit James as well. Those guys had called the clubhouse and complained they couldn't play through us several minutes prior! It was at least a 4 or 5 minute drive from the clubhouse. I immediately got pissed off, and James said "man, that just is not right". I said "you are correct". The three guys came through - the scratch golfer - who is obviously the one that called, had outdriven me by about 15 yards. He approached my ball and I said "you're the one past me". He didn't say a word - no thanks, nothing. Well, this is a first for me in 25 years of golf. Unbelievable. What possessed this guy to call the clubhouse - and was it, could it have been racially motivated. I think it was. I think this guy was either a class A butthead, scared, or just downright didnt' like the fact that he was going to play golf behind an African American. I'm still ticked by this incident.
The second incident was relayed to me by Malcolm, another African American friend that works at a local bank. Malcolm called me into his office when I was making a delivery recently and we started chatting about golf. We started talking about various area courses and he said he was "finished" with one course in particular. I asked why. He said he and some friends arrived at the course to play at 5 pm one Sunday evening - and the gal working stated the green fee was $40/person. That immediately sounded high to me for this course - even for a weekend. I asked Malcolm if he inquired about a twilight rate. He said yes, he did ask about a later afternoon rate, but was re-buffed with "we did away with the twilight rate recently". Call me mis-directed, but I think this gal simply wanted to send a message to four African American men that they weren't welcomed on this course. I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt she would have charged me $40 for the same round of golf at that time of the day.
A couple of incidents happened in the past month I wanted to share - both dealing with possible racism and both happened on a golf course, which is somewhat odd to me.
The first incident happened to me and a friend and I was ticked about it for several days. I'm not a great golfer - but I've played alot of golf - low-90's golfer - and this has never happened to me - not once.
I was playing with my friend James. James has only played a few rounds of golf, but he is picking it up fast - catching on very well. James is my friend who helped me with Jeffrey and James happens to be African American. I usually don't announce that, but it's needed information unfortunately.
I knew the golf on this day would be slow going because James is just catching on, but, due to rain, the course traffic was very light - so I knew was glad traffic would not be a problem. Plus, I'm overly sensitive to slow play because I hate getting held up - so I knew this could have been an issue with a newbie on the course that was packed. So, this was good. James started slowly, but was improving with each shot and we were actually doing fairly well on time. We teed off on hole 3, a par 3, and James found out he had lost a head cover, so we zipped back up no. 2 and found it in the fairway. We passed three guys moving to the 2nd green, one of which I knew to be a scratch golfer. So, I said -- we'll let those guys play through when they catch us.
Well lo' and behold James starts really striking the ball well. I continued to monitor the guys behind us and I saw the other two guys with the scratch golfer were both bad golfers - like pretty bad hackers. I noticed they weren't bumping up against us - and it was clear that was the reason - the other two golfers were about like James - maybe worse. On hole 7, a long par 4, James had a bad hole, and the guys behind us just started bumping up against us really pretty good for the first time. As we were putting out - they were waiting in the fairway - so we actually just picked up and went on to No. 8 - a long par 5. I said let's tee off and see where these guys are. We both smoked 225 yard tee shots right down the middle. I noticed they were just starting to putt - so I said let's keep trucking.
As we were driving down the fairway - a young employee in a cart zipped past us - u-turned and came back to us as we approached our balls in the fairway. He said --"hey, can you guys speed up or let the guys behind you play through". Sure I said, no prob. The three behind us walked up to the tee box - and I looked back, waived them through and then we pulled behind a tree. The employee was with us was looking kind of sheepish -- and that's when it hit me - and it hit James as well. Those guys had called the clubhouse and complained they couldn't play through us several minutes prior! It was at least a 4 or 5 minute drive from the clubhouse. I immediately got pissed off, and James said "man, that just is not right". I said "you are correct". The three guys came through - the scratch golfer - who is obviously the one that called, had outdriven me by about 15 yards. He approached my ball and I said "you're the one past me". He didn't say a word - no thanks, nothing. Well, this is a first for me in 25 years of golf. Unbelievable. What possessed this guy to call the clubhouse - and was it, could it have been racially motivated. I think it was. I think this guy was either a class A butthead, scared, or just downright didnt' like the fact that he was going to play golf behind an African American. I'm still ticked by this incident.
The second incident was relayed to me by Malcolm, another African American friend that works at a local bank. Malcolm called me into his office when I was making a delivery recently and we started chatting about golf. We started talking about various area courses and he said he was "finished" with one course in particular. I asked why. He said he and some friends arrived at the course to play at 5 pm one Sunday evening - and the gal working stated the green fee was $40/person. That immediately sounded high to me for this course - even for a weekend. I asked Malcolm if he inquired about a twilight rate. He said yes, he did ask about a later afternoon rate, but was re-buffed with "we did away with the twilight rate recently". Call me mis-directed, but I think this gal simply wanted to send a message to four African American men that they weren't welcomed on this course. I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt she would have charged me $40 for the same round of golf at that time of the day.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) Part 6
Well, hard to believe it's been a couple of weeks. In reality this could be Jesus Parts 6, 7 and 8 - there has been so much going on lately. Jesus and his family got moved in to their new home - a significant step up for them. I never thought I'd say this - it reflects my continued transformation from conservative Republican to moderate Democrat - but thank God for rent subsidy programs. In a perfect world we could keep these tax dollars and the church could help subsidize poor people's rent - but the church, in my opinion, is too wrapped up in membership consumerism these days - another post for another day.
Jesus has continued his quest in landing a job at Temple Inland. It is amazing how much more difficult this process is than it would seem. He finished up a second interview yesterday with them. A little mind-numbing to me that a hard, hot manual labor sawmill-type job would require two to three interviews - what in the world do you question or discuss after awhile?
I directed Jesus to my good friend and state representative Jim McReynolds' office a few days ago and Jesus had an informative conversation with Susan there. Jim's link is below:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist12/mcreynolds.htm
Susan called me back and we chatted for several minutes. The general topic of the conversation was -- is Jesus really seeking out employment as desperately as he should be? I don't know - but I know he desperately wants a good job that pays the bills, and I also know he's terribly frustrated by the plight of his poverty right now.
In the midst of my busy schedule over the past two weeks and this rather dismal thought of Jesus' desire for work - I had a big breakthrough yesterday. I was sitting by a couple of friends at a weekly Lions Club luncheon, and Jay, the warehouse operations manager for Brookshire Brothers - a major employer in the area - informed me after I asked that he was definitely looking to hire right now. Wow - amazing how news like that will brighten your outlook!
I ran Jay's contact info. by Jesus last night - and we both got excited about it. I was also thrilled that Jesus had taken my prompting and went and got telephone service. I told him I would front his cost until he became employed - but we really didn't discuss money then. He also had a new, but quite old, truck in his driveway - a semi-gift from his parents in Beaumont. He has no money for gas or insurance now - but that is still a huge plus right now to have transportation available.
The boys, Josh and Jo-el were doing well and Jackie, the daughter, remains in Beaumont with grandparents - which troubles me - but I can't start letting things totally out of my control like that bother me.
I'm feeling much better today about Jesus' outlook today. He has a decent home, food, a phone, potential transportation, and - most importantly - hopefully he gets in touch with Jay - and lands a job at Brookshire Brothers.
Jesus has continued his quest in landing a job at Temple Inland. It is amazing how much more difficult this process is than it would seem. He finished up a second interview yesterday with them. A little mind-numbing to me that a hard, hot manual labor sawmill-type job would require two to three interviews - what in the world do you question or discuss after awhile?
I directed Jesus to my good friend and state representative Jim McReynolds' office a few days ago and Jesus had an informative conversation with Susan there. Jim's link is below:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist12/mcreynolds.htm
Susan called me back and we chatted for several minutes. The general topic of the conversation was -- is Jesus really seeking out employment as desperately as he should be? I don't know - but I know he desperately wants a good job that pays the bills, and I also know he's terribly frustrated by the plight of his poverty right now.
In the midst of my busy schedule over the past two weeks and this rather dismal thought of Jesus' desire for work - I had a big breakthrough yesterday. I was sitting by a couple of friends at a weekly Lions Club luncheon, and Jay, the warehouse operations manager for Brookshire Brothers - a major employer in the area - informed me after I asked that he was definitely looking to hire right now. Wow - amazing how news like that will brighten your outlook!
I ran Jay's contact info. by Jesus last night - and we both got excited about it. I was also thrilled that Jesus had taken my prompting and went and got telephone service. I told him I would front his cost until he became employed - but we really didn't discuss money then. He also had a new, but quite old, truck in his driveway - a semi-gift from his parents in Beaumont. He has no money for gas or insurance now - but that is still a huge plus right now to have transportation available.
The boys, Josh and Jo-el were doing well and Jackie, the daughter, remains in Beaumont with grandparents - which troubles me - but I can't start letting things totally out of my control like that bother me.
I'm feeling much better today about Jesus' outlook today. He has a decent home, food, a phone, potential transportation, and - most importantly - hopefully he gets in touch with Jay - and lands a job at Brookshire Brothers.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) Part 5
Part 5 of Jesus is a mixture of good news/bad news. The good news is Jesus and his three teenage kids moved into a much nicer house that is subsidized by the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, or DETCOG as it is referred to around here, rent subsidy program. Jesus needs help in rent payment - sad but true to him. As he told me - "even at $10/hour, I can't make ends meet for my three kids". I think this house will be a much better place to establish a home in Lufkin for the DeLeon's. A second bit of good news in a bit....
The bad news is Jesus is still not employed. He called me last week from a State office where he was (begrudingly) applying for food stamps. You may recall he had an interview at a local manufacturing shop, and indications were a job would be offered. It was -- somewhat... Jack, the employer, instructed another worker to pick up Jesus last Monday at 6:00 am for work. Jesus was dressed and ready for work. Unfortunately, the other worker couldn't find his house and Jesus was never picked up. Jesus has no phone, no phone book, and he actually forgot the name of the place that Jack owns anyway. As bizarre as this sounds to me, these types of events are apparently fairly common for folks on the fringes. Jesus does not know his way around Lufkin at all because he has no car. He's not real good with remembering some details and he just simply didn't know what else to do other than wait - and no one showed up. So, he simply sat and waited.
The other bit of good news complicates things somewhat. Later that day Jesus got a call from the Employment agency that he had an interview with Temple Inland - a major area employer and Fortune 500 company. This would literally be a dream job for Jesus. Much better pay, benefits, and stability. The downside is this is shift work - meaning he may work a lot of midnight to 8 a.m. type hours. Not terrible - but with three teens at home that is tough.
I picked up Jesus at the State office and took him to pick up his driver's license - which had lapsed during this time and didn't have a correct address anyway. He filled me in on the interview process - and told me he did have a ride there and back. The next day Jesus called me from the employment office. I went and picked him up and drove him to the grocery store. The interview went with Temple well, and he has a second interview - but not for two weeks - ouch. Jesus needs work today. The dilemma now is -- does he work for Jack for a couple of weeks and hope for the Temple job - or wait? His food stamps request went through - great news - but it doesn't kick in for 40 days. They gave him $52 for emergency funds - which bought his groceries, but that's it for a month.
Another bit of bad timing is the Salvation Army is now between ministers. A new Captain is apparently on the way - but it will take him awhile to get up to speed with the DeLeon's dilemma. The Maldonado's were a true God-send for the DeLeon's - but they are moving on to a position in Waxahachie with the SA. They will be missed tremendously.
Jesus needs work, he needs money and he has little time. Things are coming together it appears - but time is not a friend right now.
I dropped by their house Friday for an update and no one was home. It bugged me all day Saturday and Sunday. I'll try again today.
The bad news is Jesus is still not employed. He called me last week from a State office where he was (begrudingly) applying for food stamps. You may recall he had an interview at a local manufacturing shop, and indications were a job would be offered. It was -- somewhat... Jack, the employer, instructed another worker to pick up Jesus last Monday at 6:00 am for work. Jesus was dressed and ready for work. Unfortunately, the other worker couldn't find his house and Jesus was never picked up. Jesus has no phone, no phone book, and he actually forgot the name of the place that Jack owns anyway. As bizarre as this sounds to me, these types of events are apparently fairly common for folks on the fringes. Jesus does not know his way around Lufkin at all because he has no car. He's not real good with remembering some details and he just simply didn't know what else to do other than wait - and no one showed up. So, he simply sat and waited.
The other bit of good news complicates things somewhat. Later that day Jesus got a call from the Employment agency that he had an interview with Temple Inland - a major area employer and Fortune 500 company. This would literally be a dream job for Jesus. Much better pay, benefits, and stability. The downside is this is shift work - meaning he may work a lot of midnight to 8 a.m. type hours. Not terrible - but with three teens at home that is tough.
I picked up Jesus at the State office and took him to pick up his driver's license - which had lapsed during this time and didn't have a correct address anyway. He filled me in on the interview process - and told me he did have a ride there and back. The next day Jesus called me from the employment office. I went and picked him up and drove him to the grocery store. The interview went with Temple well, and he has a second interview - but not for two weeks - ouch. Jesus needs work today. The dilemma now is -- does he work for Jack for a couple of weeks and hope for the Temple job - or wait? His food stamps request went through - great news - but it doesn't kick in for 40 days. They gave him $52 for emergency funds - which bought his groceries, but that's it for a month.
Another bit of bad timing is the Salvation Army is now between ministers. A new Captain is apparently on the way - but it will take him awhile to get up to speed with the DeLeon's dilemma. The Maldonado's were a true God-send for the DeLeon's - but they are moving on to a position in Waxahachie with the SA. They will be missed tremendously.
Jesus needs work, he needs money and he has little time. Things are coming together it appears - but time is not a friend right now.
I dropped by their house Friday for an update and no one was home. It bugged me all day Saturday and Sunday. I'll try again today.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
The Parking Space Mentality
As I write this I'm watching "the Secret" - an online movie that does a good job of detailing a popular subject referred to as the Law of Attraction. I'm a big believer in positive thinking and positive thoughts/actions, and I would recommend the Secret.
Invariably if you're listening, watching or reading on this subject, which I do a lot, some "guru" will mention the "perfect parking space" theory. This theory is....you pull into the mall or supermarket and you begin looking for a good parking space - or, one that requires limited walking on your part. The theory goes that - if you're in the right frame of mind - the perfect space will always open up for you. The guru always, and I mean always, states "it works for me 95% of the time".
In other words - this theory is - you're driving around the mall parking lot waiting for hidden forces to open up the perfect parking space for you because, frankly, you're lazy. And, the older lady right behind you looking for a close parking space because she's 80 and just can't walk very far is out of luck, right?
First, for the good part - this theory doesn't work for the guru 95% of the time. Well, I guess it actually could if the guru spends an hour driving around waiting for that perfect space. But, in reality it doesn't, it can't. BUT, to the guru, it does. It does because the guru believes it does, and, therefore he/she only chooses to remember the times it does. They blot from their memory the times it doesn't work. This is actually a good thing - focus on the good, and blot out the bad from your mind.
Now, here's a better way of thinking - to me any way.
Think "win/win" at all costs. If this activity doesn't benefit others around me - don't do it. If it is good for me and good for my fellow man - then it really is good. Outside of me being in poor health or being with an injury - taking the perfect parking space doesn't benefit others - it is only good for me. Now, obviously if passengers are with me - a pregnant wife, a small child, an elderly parent - this rule does not apply. The win/win now is that this good parking space benefits my passenger that needs it, and that other person would likely give us that space if they knew of my passengers needs.
But, if I'm alone - here is the attitude I take...
I pick the worst parking space and say this -- "I need the exercise. I'm in good shape because God has blessed me, because I'm energetic, and because I make the committment to good health and physical well-being. And, I choose to give up the good parking space to my fellow man that needs it much more than I do."
Try it. I guarantee you that you will go into the mall or supermarket with a good or better attitude than you would if you tried to "manifest" the perfect parking space for you.
Give and it will be given back in abundance. That is a law you can take to the bank.
Invariably if you're listening, watching or reading on this subject, which I do a lot, some "guru" will mention the "perfect parking space" theory. This theory is....you pull into the mall or supermarket and you begin looking for a good parking space - or, one that requires limited walking on your part. The theory goes that - if you're in the right frame of mind - the perfect space will always open up for you. The guru always, and I mean always, states "it works for me 95% of the time".
In other words - this theory is - you're driving around the mall parking lot waiting for hidden forces to open up the perfect parking space for you because, frankly, you're lazy. And, the older lady right behind you looking for a close parking space because she's 80 and just can't walk very far is out of luck, right?
First, for the good part - this theory doesn't work for the guru 95% of the time. Well, I guess it actually could if the guru spends an hour driving around waiting for that perfect space. But, in reality it doesn't, it can't. BUT, to the guru, it does. It does because the guru believes it does, and, therefore he/she only chooses to remember the times it does. They blot from their memory the times it doesn't work. This is actually a good thing - focus on the good, and blot out the bad from your mind.
Now, here's a better way of thinking - to me any way.
Think "win/win" at all costs. If this activity doesn't benefit others around me - don't do it. If it is good for me and good for my fellow man - then it really is good. Outside of me being in poor health or being with an injury - taking the perfect parking space doesn't benefit others - it is only good for me. Now, obviously if passengers are with me - a pregnant wife, a small child, an elderly parent - this rule does not apply. The win/win now is that this good parking space benefits my passenger that needs it, and that other person would likely give us that space if they knew of my passengers needs.
But, if I'm alone - here is the attitude I take...
I pick the worst parking space and say this -- "I need the exercise. I'm in good shape because God has blessed me, because I'm energetic, and because I make the committment to good health and physical well-being. And, I choose to give up the good parking space to my fellow man that needs it much more than I do."
Try it. I guarantee you that you will go into the mall or supermarket with a good or better attitude than you would if you tried to "manifest" the perfect parking space for you.
Give and it will be given back in abundance. That is a law you can take to the bank.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Bren, Bryan and a Million Hits
Last things first...
Receiving a million views or hits on your blog is a bit staggering to me - incomprehensible is more like it. I just looked at my viewer profile counter - 1,033 hits in about 15 months - probably well above average for the Joe Blogger out there. I post comments on several big time blogs - and people bump over and check me out - no biggie. But, I think my total comment count might be in double digits now - just barely.
But...as I type, Mike Cope's blog counter is spinning like a turnstile at a U2 concert - and will pass one million visits today at some point. Staggering. Just for grins -- I did a page "refresh" after stepping away from my computer while on Mike's blog. The count increased like 47 hits in 10 minutes - wow!
I consider Mike the godfather of bloggers for those in my denomination - the churches of Christ. Even though he wasn't the first, he is clearly the biggest. His site is here:
http://www.preachermike.com/
Mike gave a link one day to Bren Hughes blog - Piercing the Membrane. I read Bren's post - and immediately liked his style and felt a connection there. Bren oozes coolness. He's a theology grad student, member of an alternative rock band, and has a limited concern for making a buck tomorrow - all coolness to me. Bren takes a ministry position in Florida in a few weeks after getting a bit of a cold shoulder from the upper-crust seminary PHD programs. No biggie to Bren, he'll take the gig and try back later. I felt honored that me mentioned me by name as a "reader" of his - which I am. Bren's blog is here:
http://www.brenhughes.blogspot.com/
Lastly, my friend Bryan Tarpley is also a younger guy I think like. He actually thinks quite a bit more than I - so maybe I enjoy reading what he thinks about. Bryan and I go to church together behind the pine curtain of deep east Texas. I stumbled across his post on gregkendallball's blog. Greg is a unique, loose-cannon-ish kind of guy that gets lots of chatter going. I linked to Bryan's name - yep, it was my friend Bryan. He's teaching a class at our church now and Bryan and his family will likely end up being missionaries in Latin America soon. Here's his site:
http://www.teamarequipa.net/blog/bryan/
A million hits - hard to comprehend. I''ll bet it's close - I'll go take a peek.
Receiving a million views or hits on your blog is a bit staggering to me - incomprehensible is more like it. I just looked at my viewer profile counter - 1,033 hits in about 15 months - probably well above average for the Joe Blogger out there. I post comments on several big time blogs - and people bump over and check me out - no biggie. But, I think my total comment count might be in double digits now - just barely.
But...as I type, Mike Cope's blog counter is spinning like a turnstile at a U2 concert - and will pass one million visits today at some point. Staggering. Just for grins -- I did a page "refresh" after stepping away from my computer while on Mike's blog. The count increased like 47 hits in 10 minutes - wow!
I consider Mike the godfather of bloggers for those in my denomination - the churches of Christ. Even though he wasn't the first, he is clearly the biggest. His site is here:
http://www.preachermike.com/
Mike gave a link one day to Bren Hughes blog - Piercing the Membrane. I read Bren's post - and immediately liked his style and felt a connection there. Bren oozes coolness. He's a theology grad student, member of an alternative rock band, and has a limited concern for making a buck tomorrow - all coolness to me. Bren takes a ministry position in Florida in a few weeks after getting a bit of a cold shoulder from the upper-crust seminary PHD programs. No biggie to Bren, he'll take the gig and try back later. I felt honored that me mentioned me by name as a "reader" of his - which I am. Bren's blog is here:
http://www.brenhughes.blogspot.com/
Lastly, my friend Bryan Tarpley is also a younger guy I think like. He actually thinks quite a bit more than I - so maybe I enjoy reading what he thinks about. Bryan and I go to church together behind the pine curtain of deep east Texas. I stumbled across his post on gregkendallball's blog. Greg is a unique, loose-cannon-ish kind of guy that gets lots of chatter going. I linked to Bryan's name - yep, it was my friend Bryan. He's teaching a class at our church now and Bryan and his family will likely end up being missionaries in Latin America soon. Here's his site:
http://www.teamarequipa.net/blog/bryan/
A million hits - hard to comprehend. I''ll bet it's close - I'll go take a peek.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) Part 4
I picked up Mike Thursday evening and we drove the short distance to Jesus' home. We met the kids - who are just really warm and friendly. Mike, Jesus and I chatted for about 30 minutes - and ended with a short prayer. After numerous conversations with Jesus, I learned for the first time with Mike that Jesus had been injured somewhat in Hurricane Rita - and was having some lingering vision problems. We left in somewhat of a fog wondering what to do next. I'd like to get Jesus into a opthamologist long-term, but this dilemma really just kind of added to the overwhelming-ness of it all. I still felt employment was job No. 1.
One thing I've learned through the process of helping Jeffrey and Jesus is -- you become unbelievably sensitive ways in which you can help people in despair - and you in a way are a lightning rod of resources to these people. It's really unbelievably impressive - not that you, yourself are doing something - but that God is working through you for their situation.
We got a huge break Wednesday in Jesus' employment situation. I was working on a project with Jack - a man I've known several years. Jack manufactures synthetic marble in a warehouse here. He told me yesterday he was looking for help. Again, the lightning rod of sensitivity bolted me upright.
I immediately started asking several questions and realized quickly Jesus was the man for this job. Jack was more than eager to meet Jesus with his shop foreman. So, this morning I picked up Jesus at 7:00 and drove him over to Jack's shop - a really nice facility. I introduced them and we spoke briefly. Jesus went into a bit of a rambling mode and I kind of helped direct the conversation back to the issue at hand. I knew this was not my purpose here - so I bowed out and left it up to them.
Say a short prayer with me that we get Jesus this job today.
One thing I've learned through the process of helping Jeffrey and Jesus is -- you become unbelievably sensitive ways in which you can help people in despair - and you in a way are a lightning rod of resources to these people. It's really unbelievably impressive - not that you, yourself are doing something - but that God is working through you for their situation.
We got a huge break Wednesday in Jesus' employment situation. I was working on a project with Jack - a man I've known several years. Jack manufactures synthetic marble in a warehouse here. He told me yesterday he was looking for help. Again, the lightning rod of sensitivity bolted me upright.
I immediately started asking several questions and realized quickly Jesus was the man for this job. Jack was more than eager to meet Jesus with his shop foreman. So, this morning I picked up Jesus at 7:00 and drove him over to Jack's shop - a really nice facility. I introduced them and we spoke briefly. Jesus went into a bit of a rambling mode and I kind of helped direct the conversation back to the issue at hand. I knew this was not my purpose here - so I bowed out and left it up to them.
Say a short prayer with me that we get Jesus this job today.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Jeffrey - Part 4
Hard to believe it's been two months since I posted about Jeffrey. The last time Jeffrey came around, which was early May, I told him he really needed to not loiter around our building - I was beginning to sense this was not a good thing. It would eventually catch up with him. This was an early-May Saturday we were last speaking and I told him to come around the following Wednesday. I picked Wednesday solely because it was at least several days out - it had gotten to the point where I had really done all or most of what I could for a person that just couldn't really get moving forward - particularly in the desire category.
Well, Monday morning comes rolling around and Jeffrey comes back. I suppose he decided he would visit me - but I was out doing work in the field - so he just kind of hung around awhile. The office I rent is comprised of 4 suites which all have exterior entrances and a covered area. Jeffrey was hanging out in the covered area when another tenant called the police. The police came by pretty quickly and questioned Jeffrey. He stated he had an appointment with me. One policeman came in my office to confirm this. My assistant reported there was no appointment but that I had been helping Jeffrey some. Not surprisingly, the policeman instructed us not to help anymore - it only encouraged people like this. They gave Jeffrey a citation for loitering and told him if he came back around he would be put in jail.
I later found out Jeffrey had been hanging around the office all day Sunday as well, and I really am still not sure why. The easy answer is Jeffrey was on cruise control and had no interest in work - and there is significant truth in that. Another part I'm sure is that Jeffrey liked me. I didn't judge him and tried sincerely to help - and he liked that. But, what good I was doing Jeffrey was beyond me. In hindsight I guess I'm glad I just tried to be his friend.
Part of me also understood fully that this was a talented, but direction-less man that had been turned away countless times by all sorts of people - and he just sank into a self-pitying lifestyle that was compounded by the racism prevalent in this world. Throw in the fact that he relocated here from Houston five years ago and never developed a local contact base - and you have a perfectly healthy, bright individual essentially living on the street.
Late one evening a few nights later I saw Jeffrey walking down the street with his gear as I was heading home after another long day of work. I kept driving....I really didn't know what else to do - and that saddened me.
I haven't seen Jeffrey in over a month.
Well, Monday morning comes rolling around and Jeffrey comes back. I suppose he decided he would visit me - but I was out doing work in the field - so he just kind of hung around awhile. The office I rent is comprised of 4 suites which all have exterior entrances and a covered area. Jeffrey was hanging out in the covered area when another tenant called the police. The police came by pretty quickly and questioned Jeffrey. He stated he had an appointment with me. One policeman came in my office to confirm this. My assistant reported there was no appointment but that I had been helping Jeffrey some. Not surprisingly, the policeman instructed us not to help anymore - it only encouraged people like this. They gave Jeffrey a citation for loitering and told him if he came back around he would be put in jail.
I later found out Jeffrey had been hanging around the office all day Sunday as well, and I really am still not sure why. The easy answer is Jeffrey was on cruise control and had no interest in work - and there is significant truth in that. Another part I'm sure is that Jeffrey liked me. I didn't judge him and tried sincerely to help - and he liked that. But, what good I was doing Jeffrey was beyond me. In hindsight I guess I'm glad I just tried to be his friend.
Part of me also understood fully that this was a talented, but direction-less man that had been turned away countless times by all sorts of people - and he just sank into a self-pitying lifestyle that was compounded by the racism prevalent in this world. Throw in the fact that he relocated here from Houston five years ago and never developed a local contact base - and you have a perfectly healthy, bright individual essentially living on the street.
Late one evening a few nights later I saw Jeffrey walking down the street with his gear as I was heading home after another long day of work. I kept driving....I really didn't know what else to do - and that saddened me.
I haven't seen Jeffrey in over a month.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) Part 3
Jesus (pronounced Hay-zeus) called me yesterday - out of the blue. We hadn't talked since our encounter at the eye doctor. I was surprised, but welcomed his call. He was having a tough time.
You may recall Jesus is a single dad with three teenagers at home. They moved here from Beaumont after having been displaced by Hurricane Rita. They were living on the edge to begin with - Jesus has moved around some and had just gotten settled in Beaumont when Rita took his only car and his job for several months. They decided to make a go of it here after fleeing the hurricae - and it has been tough. He finally found a part-time maintenance job, but lost it when the company cut back staffing again. It is brutally tough finding a job without transportation.
Jesus is trying to re-establish his family in a better home with subsidized rent - and that's why he called. I picked him up at the Salvation Army and went to look at the home with him he was trying to rent. He was worried because the government home inspector was coming Monday morning and there were several things the home needed. Jesus is very resourceful and he had already done things like get all bedroom windows operational as most had been painted shut over the years. I think my tour with him helped calm his fears somewhat - then we went to grab lunch. After a hearty lunch I took him home and met his three kids again -- Josh, Jackie and Jo-el - all very friendly and attractive teens. My heart aches for these kids - they are just at the absolute bottom right now. They love school - but they have nothing else to speak of. I chatted with Jackie a bit and told her she would love high school next year as she'll start her freshman year in a few weeks. Jesus and I worked up a bit of a game plan and I left to get back to work.
Even though this project stripped out about three hours of my day - I took opportunity to call a couple of employers to get some feedback from them on getting Jesus employed full-time - that is priority number 1. I'm a bit puzzled why this has taken him so long to get a job since he's a very a smart, resourceful man and a hard worker. But, you factor in 1) no transportation; 2) no local contacts; 3) and, parenting three teens full-time - and your day gets shot in a hurry.
Later that evening I took Mike - a good friend and elder in my church - to visit the DeLeon's to get his perspective. More on that later.
You may recall Jesus is a single dad with three teenagers at home. They moved here from Beaumont after having been displaced by Hurricane Rita. They were living on the edge to begin with - Jesus has moved around some and had just gotten settled in Beaumont when Rita took his only car and his job for several months. They decided to make a go of it here after fleeing the hurricae - and it has been tough. He finally found a part-time maintenance job, but lost it when the company cut back staffing again. It is brutally tough finding a job without transportation.
Jesus is trying to re-establish his family in a better home with subsidized rent - and that's why he called. I picked him up at the Salvation Army and went to look at the home with him he was trying to rent. He was worried because the government home inspector was coming Monday morning and there were several things the home needed. Jesus is very resourceful and he had already done things like get all bedroom windows operational as most had been painted shut over the years. I think my tour with him helped calm his fears somewhat - then we went to grab lunch. After a hearty lunch I took him home and met his three kids again -- Josh, Jackie and Jo-el - all very friendly and attractive teens. My heart aches for these kids - they are just at the absolute bottom right now. They love school - but they have nothing else to speak of. I chatted with Jackie a bit and told her she would love high school next year as she'll start her freshman year in a few weeks. Jesus and I worked up a bit of a game plan and I left to get back to work.
Even though this project stripped out about three hours of my day - I took opportunity to call a couple of employers to get some feedback from them on getting Jesus employed full-time - that is priority number 1. I'm a bit puzzled why this has taken him so long to get a job since he's a very a smart, resourceful man and a hard worker. But, you factor in 1) no transportation; 2) no local contacts; 3) and, parenting three teens full-time - and your day gets shot in a hurry.
Later that evening I took Mike - a good friend and elder in my church - to visit the DeLeon's to get his perspective. More on that later.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Lord is Near
Philippians 4:6 is one of the more quoted New Testament verses. "Don't be anxious." Yet, these are anxious times to me it would seem. Gas prices are up. "Up" is too kind a word to describe college tuition prices these days.
So, why wouldn't we be very, very anxious - nervous if you will. Don't forget the verse before Philippians 4:6 - verse 5 states very plainly - "the Lord is near". He is here...calming nerves, providing guidance and counseling, ready to hear us. But, we can't forget He's right here - and not way, way out there somewhere.
5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
So, why wouldn't we be very, very anxious - nervous if you will. Don't forget the verse before Philippians 4:6 - verse 5 states very plainly - "the Lord is near". He is here...calming nerves, providing guidance and counseling, ready to hear us. But, we can't forget He's right here - and not way, way out there somewhere.
5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Tribute to Megan
It's hard to believe, I mean really hard to believe...it was just yesterday I was walking you to kindergarden class. Now, you're heading on to college. To graduate salutatorian takes much more than just smarts, genes or test-taking skills. Above all I've come to realize it takes an incredible mental attitude - and I applaud you for keeping that through the ups and downs you've experienced. It also takes a mom that is so in tune with what classes and teachers to take - it truly becomes a collaborative effort. So, say thanks to Mom one more time. This English/Biblical text major has me nervous, but pre-med had me nervous too - I'll learn to deal with it. I will miss you Megan, but I love you and am very, very proud of you for being you.
Here's her story.
http://www.lufkindailynews.com/
Here's her story.
http://www.lufkindailynews.com/
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) Part 2
You may remember Jesus DeLeon from my April 24th post. Well, I'm in the eye doctor's office this morning, and lo' and behold but who walks in and sits right beside me? It's Jesus!
I immediately said "hey, Jesus, how ya' doin'?!" I think I startled him a bit at 7:45 in the morning - but remembered me pretty quickly and we began to chat. Jesus needed glasses and fortunately the Workforce Center was picking up the tab. I asked him how he got here and he said a friend brought him and pointed outside. He did say he had secured a part-time job as a maintenance man at a local apartment complex which was great news, really good to hear and not surprising. He gets there by City bus and the Workforce center provides him a daily bus ticket.
I told him I had dropped by a time or two and ran into his son. He seemed kind of embarrassed by that for some reason so I scaled back my conversation. I was really hoping he'd be around when I came back out but he was gone. I need to go visit Jesus in the evening when I might catch him there. Made my day to hear he's hanging in there and working now.
Bizarre coincidence or God continuing to move in my life?
I immediately said "hey, Jesus, how ya' doin'?!" I think I startled him a bit at 7:45 in the morning - but remembered me pretty quickly and we began to chat. Jesus needed glasses and fortunately the Workforce Center was picking up the tab. I asked him how he got here and he said a friend brought him and pointed outside. He did say he had secured a part-time job as a maintenance man at a local apartment complex which was great news, really good to hear and not surprising. He gets there by City bus and the Workforce center provides him a daily bus ticket.
I told him I had dropped by a time or two and ran into his son. He seemed kind of embarrassed by that for some reason so I scaled back my conversation. I was really hoping he'd be around when I came back out but he was gone. I need to go visit Jesus in the evening when I might catch him there. Made my day to hear he's hanging in there and working now.
Bizarre coincidence or God continuing to move in my life?
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers, a preacher from the late 20th century, must have been one of the deeper thinkers of his day. His book My Utmost for His Highest has some profound thoughts and ideas in it. I found this daily devotional site, which takes one excerpt per day from his book and presents it, along with tags to other similar subjects of Oswald, if one desires more study. I've been reading it almost daily for about 5 months now - and have enjoyed every reading. Here's the link
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Jeffrey Part 3
Jeffrey and I left the Workforce center, aka the Unemployment office, around 11 am. I talked him into letting me take him to the Salvation Army. I introduced him to the captains - Mario and Lola - told him to eat lunch with them and hang out and I'd be back. About mid-afternoon I picked Jeffrey up and took him to Godtel. He mumbled to me earlier in the day he had tried Godtel and didn't like their "rules". Godtel is our only homeless shelter in Lufkin, which is pretty sobering really. We have a shelter for abused women and a few other little operations, but they are tough to get into - and that means trouble for homeless people.
Yes, Godtel does have fairly strict rules. Mandatory Bible study at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; required job searching all day long; and, inside and ready for bed by 9 p.m. After 17 years, Martin the Director, knows what does and doesn't work at Godtel, so I certainly respect his rules and understand full well as he does that many simply can't abide by any rules. I talked Jeffrey (and Martin) into giving it another try.
During the day I talked with an African American friend James, a successful local businessman that has lots of social worker skills. Wednesday morning Jeffrey came calling again, so I loaded him up and took him to see James. Jeffrey warmed to this setting in James' office moreso than I had seen before. James began a probing conversation that was really nothing short of amazing - trying to determine what was really going on in Jeffrey's life.
Well, to cull a two hour conversation down into a few words - James finally got a phone number out of Jeffrey and called it. The person on the other end was Jeffrey's father. James found a caring man who preceded to unlock alot of hidden-ness Jeffrey was unwilling to talk about. Jeffrey has a mother and father living here locally who work hard at their business and have exhausted all possibilites trying to discover "what's wrong with Jeffrey". They finally asked him to leave the house, and he's been here, there and everywhere for a few years now. It was sobering knowing he's not only a mystery to me, but also to his own father. One fact we learned that didn't surprise me one bit -- Jeffrey is only a few hours shy of a college degree.
I learned alot through this process I'll write more on later. James and I bonded through it and I've joined a local task force on racism. More thoughts later.... and, another update on Jeffrey.
Yes, Godtel does have fairly strict rules. Mandatory Bible study at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; required job searching all day long; and, inside and ready for bed by 9 p.m. After 17 years, Martin the Director, knows what does and doesn't work at Godtel, so I certainly respect his rules and understand full well as he does that many simply can't abide by any rules. I talked Jeffrey (and Martin) into giving it another try.
During the day I talked with an African American friend James, a successful local businessman that has lots of social worker skills. Wednesday morning Jeffrey came calling again, so I loaded him up and took him to see James. Jeffrey warmed to this setting in James' office moreso than I had seen before. James began a probing conversation that was really nothing short of amazing - trying to determine what was really going on in Jeffrey's life.
Well, to cull a two hour conversation down into a few words - James finally got a phone number out of Jeffrey and called it. The person on the other end was Jeffrey's father. James found a caring man who preceded to unlock alot of hidden-ness Jeffrey was unwilling to talk about. Jeffrey has a mother and father living here locally who work hard at their business and have exhausted all possibilites trying to discover "what's wrong with Jeffrey". They finally asked him to leave the house, and he's been here, there and everywhere for a few years now. It was sobering knowing he's not only a mystery to me, but also to his own father. One fact we learned that didn't surprise me one bit -- Jeffrey is only a few hours shy of a college degree.
I learned alot through this process I'll write more on later. James and I bonded through it and I've joined a local task force on racism. More thoughts later.... and, another update on Jeffrey.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Media Hound
One of the highlights of living in a city of 40,000, versus, say, living in Dallas (our previous hometown) is the local news. Sorry, but I'll take a lead story where Frank, the local town eccentric, passed away any day of the week over another drive-by shooting incident -- any day.
So, while it's a little less than glamorous, your's truly was caught on film at the first two lead stories from our local news station yesterday. I am a local Donald Trump.
The lead story was taken at Lufkin High, where my oldest was recognized as one of four senior commended scholars. She was highlighted, and I was one of several proud parents looking on. Clip time - at least 10 seconds. The second story was our local Lion's Club, of which I am an esteemed Board member, is hosting our annual rodeo this week. Read with gripping interest here: http://www.lufkindailynews.com/
Well, you could barely see me in a corner shot for like 2 seconds - but, no matter, there I was in both lead stories. Wow, you like me - you really, really like me. Maybe I should run for the local daylilly club presidency.
So, while it's a little less than glamorous, your's truly was caught on film at the first two lead stories from our local news station yesterday. I am a local Donald Trump.
The lead story was taken at Lufkin High, where my oldest was recognized as one of four senior commended scholars. She was highlighted, and I was one of several proud parents looking on. Clip time - at least 10 seconds. The second story was our local Lion's Club, of which I am an esteemed Board member, is hosting our annual rodeo this week. Read with gripping interest here: http://www.lufkindailynews.com/
Well, you could barely see me in a corner shot for like 2 seconds - but, no matter, there I was in both lead stories. Wow, you like me - you really, really like me. Maybe I should run for the local daylilly club presidency.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) DeLeon
As I noted in my last post, Jesus and I struck up a conversation as I was waiting on Jeffrey to fill out some paperwork at the unemployment office. Jesus was a warm man, very open for direct and heart-felt conversation. He had walked about 40 minutes to the unemployment center and had done so numerous times over the past few months. Fortunately, Jesus (a single parent) and his three children had housing. They had been living in Beaumont for a few years - Jesus was working with several of his brothers in a family painting business.
Then came Hurricane Rita. The storm spared Jesus, his family and their home, but not his only vehicle - it was gone and insurance wasn't covering it. The DeLeon's had made it to a Lufkin shelter barely ahead of Rita, and Jesus was skilled enough to secure FEMA-paid housing for his family. But, he hasn't found work. No, he feels he can't go back to Beaumont and his family business. He will start anew. He is a fine painter and drywall repair-person, but everyone with a job requires you get to the job site on your own - and Jesus has no car....
Our conversation was interrupted by a case worker. She informed Jesus he had come on the wrong day - his meeting was not until the next day. "No problem" Jesus stated, "I'll come back tomorrow". I quickly asked him "what now"? He shrugged and suggested he would simply walk home and then walk around this afternoon in a ongoing quest for work.
I went and informed Jeffrey I'd be back. He wasn't thrilled as his life's belongings were in the back of my truck. I told him not to worry - I'd be back - I don't know if he believed me or not. I took Jesus home and told him I'd be back tomorrow at the same time to give him a ride back to the unemployment office. He said he really wasn't looking for a lot of help - just a job. I said I wanted to help my find a job.
I came back the next day and Jesus was gone. I drove all the way to the unemployment office looking for him walking - but no Jesus. A few days later and I've gotten too busy to go visit Jesus. I need to find him and help him - it's really making me uneasy knowing Jesus wants so desperately to provide for his family. I wished I had a car to loan him or give him.
I'm working on it, and God is working on me.
Then came Hurricane Rita. The storm spared Jesus, his family and their home, but not his only vehicle - it was gone and insurance wasn't covering it. The DeLeon's had made it to a Lufkin shelter barely ahead of Rita, and Jesus was skilled enough to secure FEMA-paid housing for his family. But, he hasn't found work. No, he feels he can't go back to Beaumont and his family business. He will start anew. He is a fine painter and drywall repair-person, but everyone with a job requires you get to the job site on your own - and Jesus has no car....
Our conversation was interrupted by a case worker. She informed Jesus he had come on the wrong day - his meeting was not until the next day. "No problem" Jesus stated, "I'll come back tomorrow". I quickly asked him "what now"? He shrugged and suggested he would simply walk home and then walk around this afternoon in a ongoing quest for work.
I went and informed Jeffrey I'd be back. He wasn't thrilled as his life's belongings were in the back of my truck. I told him not to worry - I'd be back - I don't know if he believed me or not. I took Jesus home and told him I'd be back tomorrow at the same time to give him a ride back to the unemployment office. He said he really wasn't looking for a lot of help - just a job. I said I wanted to help my find a job.
I came back the next day and Jesus was gone. I drove all the way to the unemployment office looking for him walking - but no Jesus. A few days later and I've gotten too busy to go visit Jesus. I need to find him and help him - it's really making me uneasy knowing Jesus wants so desperately to provide for his family. I wished I had a car to loan him or give him.
I'm working on it, and God is working on me.
Jesus (Hay-zeus) DeLeon
As I noted in my last post, Jesus and I struck up a conversation as I was waiting on Jeffrey to fill out some paperwork at the unemployment office. Jesus was a warm man, very open for direct and heart-felt conversation. He had walked about 40 minutes to the unemployment center and had done so numerous times over the past few months. Fortunately, Jesus (a single parent) and his three children had housing. They had been living in Beaumont for a few years - Jesus was working with several of his brothers in a family painting business.
Then came Hurricane Rita. The storm spared Jesus, his family and their home, but not his only vehicle - it was gone and insurance wasn't covering it. The DeLeon's had made it to a Lufkin shelter barely ahead of Rita, and Jesus was skilled enough to secure FEMA-paid housing for his family. But, he hasn't found work. No, he feels he can't go back to Beaumont and his family business. He will start anew. He is a fine painter and drywall repair-person, but everyone with a job requires you get to the job site on your own - and Jesus has no car....
Our conversation was interrupted by a case worker. She informed Jesus he had come on the wrong day - his meeting was not until the next day. "No problem" Jesus stated, "I'll come back tomorrow". I quickly asked him "what now"? He shrugged and suggested he would simply walk home and then walk around this afternoon in a ongoing quest for work.
I went and informed Jeffrey I'd be back. He wasn't thrilled as his life's belongings were in the back of my truck. I told him not to worry - I'd be back - I don't know if he believed me or not. I took Jesus home and told him I'd be back tomorrow at the same time to give him a ride back to the unemployment office. He said he really wasn't looking for a lot of help - just a job. I said I wanted to help my find a job.
I came back the next day and Jesus was gone. I drove all the way to the unemployment office looking for him walking - but no Jesus. A few days later and I've gotten too busy to go visit Jesus. I need to find him and help him - it's really making me uneasy knowing Jesus wants so desperately to provide for his family. I wished I had a car to loan him or give him.
I'm working on it, and God is working on me.
Then came Hurricane Rita. The storm spared Jesus, his family and their home, but not his only vehicle - it was gone and insurance wasn't covering it. The DeLeon's had made it to a Lufkin shelter barely ahead of Rita, and Jesus was skilled enough to secure FEMA-paid housing for his family. But, he hasn't found work. No, he feels he can't go back to Beaumont and his family business. He will start anew. He is a fine painter and drywall repair-person, but everyone with a job requires you get to the job site on your own - and Jesus has no car....
Our conversation was interrupted by a case worker. She informed Jesus he had come on the wrong day - his meeting was not until the next day. "No problem" Jesus stated, "I'll come back tomorrow". I quickly asked him "what now"? He shrugged and suggested he would simply walk home and then walk around this afternoon in a ongoing quest for work.
I went and informed Jeffrey I'd be back. He wasn't thrilled as his life's belongings were in the back of my truck. I told him not to worry - I'd be back - I don't know if he believed me or not. I took Jesus home and told him I'd be back tomorrow at the same time to give him a ride back to the unemployment office. He said he really wasn't looking for a lot of help - just a job. I said I wanted to help my find a job.
I came back the next day and Jesus was gone. I drove all the way to the unemployment office looking for him walking - but no Jesus. A few days later and I've gotten too busy to go visit Jesus. I need to find him and help him - it's really making me uneasy knowing Jesus wants so desperately to provide for his family. I wished I had a car to loan him or give him.
I'm working on it, and God is working on me.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Jeffrey Part 2
Monday morning rolled in and there was Jeffrey at a few minutes before 8 knocking on my office door. I met him outside - we chatted uncomfortably for a few minutes....the area was beginning to bustle as Monday mornings do - people looking oddly at me talking to a poorly dressed man with his gear surrounding us. I told Jeffrey to let me make a few calls and come back to see me in two hours.
What to do...who to call....I called my state representative's office - who happens to be a good friend and co-deacon at my church thankfully, but he was in special session. I called the Workforce Center/Unemployment Office; called our local shelter - Godtel; called a local Christian service organization that does great work - Love Inc.; and, made a few other attempts at what to do - the question of the morning. To say this morning rocked my typical Monday morning schedule was an understatement of huge proportions.
A co-worker came in and said there was a homeless man behind our building brushing his teeth. Good Lord, I thought, I need to act now. I went out back, and told Jeffrey to come with me.
As we headed toward the Workforce center I began the first of numerous conversations with Jeffrey. He was very quiet, mumbled most of his responses and generally acted in a peculiar way that obviously played a part in him being on the street, and having spent a good deal of time there over the past 3 to 4 years.
We arrived at the Workforce center and I began helping Jeffrey get into "the system". He seemed somewhat interested in the process. An hour later, he headed back to meet with a counselor and I sat down - absolutely exhausted for a Monday morning at 9:00.
Jesus (Hay-zues) was seated next to me and he immediately struck up a conversation. In a thick, but clear and understandable Spanish accent - "hey, what about those tornadoes, man?" Jesus and I quickly were in a warm conversation. Our conversation would likewise take a turn toward the weird. Wow - so much excitement for a Monday morning - I can't handle it. Stay tuned for Jesus......
What to do...who to call....I called my state representative's office - who happens to be a good friend and co-deacon at my church thankfully, but he was in special session. I called the Workforce Center/Unemployment Office; called our local shelter - Godtel; called a local Christian service organization that does great work - Love Inc.; and, made a few other attempts at what to do - the question of the morning. To say this morning rocked my typical Monday morning schedule was an understatement of huge proportions.
A co-worker came in and said there was a homeless man behind our building brushing his teeth. Good Lord, I thought, I need to act now. I went out back, and told Jeffrey to come with me.
As we headed toward the Workforce center I began the first of numerous conversations with Jeffrey. He was very quiet, mumbled most of his responses and generally acted in a peculiar way that obviously played a part in him being on the street, and having spent a good deal of time there over the past 3 to 4 years.
We arrived at the Workforce center and I began helping Jeffrey get into "the system". He seemed somewhat interested in the process. An hour later, he headed back to meet with a counselor and I sat down - absolutely exhausted for a Monday morning at 9:00.
Jesus (Hay-zues) was seated next to me and he immediately struck up a conversation. In a thick, but clear and understandable Spanish accent - "hey, what about those tornadoes, man?" Jesus and I quickly were in a warm conversation. Our conversation would likewise take a turn toward the weird. Wow - so much excitement for a Monday morning - I can't handle it. Stay tuned for Jesus......
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