Tag: Hope

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VOICES OF SERVICE: HOPE TO HEROES

I became aware of Voices of Service, an amazing acapella quartet, when they competed on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” (season 14). I instantly became a fan because of the beautiful blend of their voices and their smooth harmonies. I appreciate their mission and their hearts even more than I appreciate their voices.

The quartet from Virginia is composed of Master Sergeant Caleb Green, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Hanna, Sgt. Major Christal Rheams, and Retired Staff Sgt. Ron Henry. They use  their music as therapy for military members who deal with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. Voices of Service brings healing and hope to America’s heroes.

In the AGT finale this week Voices placed in the top 5 of an extremely close competition. This season offered some of the most talented contestants ever. So many are definitely winner-caliber.

(Congratulations, AGT contestants! Your talents have impressed and touched us these past weeks. May you use wisely the opportunities in your future.)

Master Sergeant Caleb Green explained well the Voices of Service quartet’s nobler priority than just winning top prize of a million dollars:

“We want to touch a million lives. We want to make a difference there.”  (Green)*

With this perspective and future opportunities to make a difference Voices of Service is already a winner. So are the ones they help find hope and healing.

Thanks, Lord, for blessing us with Voices of Service and for the hope they bring our heroes!

 

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am pining away; Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed.” (Psalm 6: 2)

“The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health.” (Psalm 41: 3)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” (Psalm 103: 2-4)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147: 3)

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17: 22)

“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; Save me and I will be saved, For You are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17: 14)

“Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth.” (Jeremiah 33: 6)

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” (III John 1: 2)

* Green’s quote was included in WTOP News’ “After America’s Got Talent, Virginia military singers’ mission continues” by Jack Pointer, 9/19/19.

Watch for more about Voices of Service in my next blog post.

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LIFE INSIDE PRISON: HOPE IS ESSENTIAL

“Hope is essential.” (Lester Holt)

This declaration near the close of “Life Inside” on tv struck a chord with me. I agree with its truth both inside and outside the walls of maximum-security prison.

“Life Inside” is a powerful episode of NBC’s “Dateline.” NBC News and USA Today recently collaborated for an in-depth look at criminal justice reform and mass incarceration in America.

This news article last week by Lester Holt is part of the NBC News series, “Justice for All.”

“Lester Holt: What I learned from spending two nights in a maximum-security prison; The anchor of “NBC Nightly News” embedded with inmates at the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola.” (NBC News)

More than half a century ago Angola Prison earned the nickname as “the deadliest prison in the South.” Now Angola remains the largest maximum-security prison in the country with a higher rate of incarceration than almost anywhere else. Holt went inside Angola “to see mass incarceration in its extreme.” (Holt)

Louisiana dropped from having the highest to second highest incarceration rate in the USA since in recent years Oklahoma rose to having the highest.

I thought Holt’s stories of Juvenile Lifers in Angola were especially thought-provoking. These men were youth when they committed their crimes, and many are now elderly (and dying due to terminal illnesses and old age).

Holt’s tv episode, news article, and interviews considered punishment, retribution, rehabilitation, prison reform, etc. Perhaps they leave us with more questions than answers, but they should make us think about the matter that needs to be considered. I like that he included hope as an element — an “essential” element — in this important story.

Holt learned a lot from inmates (some who will parole and some who never will) and also correctional staff….

“During my visit I learned a lot about the value of hope, like the excitement generated when incarcerated men faced the parole board. I was surprised to see corrections officers quietly rooting for prisoners they thought particularly deserving of release. Some even confided their disappointment when those inmates were turned down for parole….

I was equally surprised to hear from some of those officers that removing the possibility of parole makes prison more dangerous for all. They told me the introduction of programs and learning opportunities for prisoners, especially lifers, has improved conditions at Angola and made their own lives appreciably better.

At the prison’s automobile repair program I met a lifer by the name of John Sheehan, who teaches job skills to men who are nearing the end of their sentences. Sheehan will never leave Angola, but he tells me teaching others has given him validation.

‘You know that you’ve done something, and your life is worthwhile,’ he told me.

On the outside, criminal justice reforms are often weighed against hard data points on recidivism risk and crime. Living on the inside, I found it to be a complex world filled with contradictions and still rooted in punishment but aspiring to be a place of rehabilitation. A work in progress that is now getting the attention it demands.” (Holt)

Thanks, Mr. Holt, for your sensitivity and willingness to explore and share a powerful “real life” story and your discernment and wisdom to recognize an essential element in all our lives.

In my mind I still hear an echo of Holt’s words, “Hope is essential,” and I add a heartfelt AMEN!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

“Remember the prisoners as though in prison with them….” (Hebrews 13:3)

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OH, HOW HE LOVES YOU AND ME: HOPE FROM DESPAIR

I have liked the song, “Oh, How He Loves You and Me“ by Kurt Kaiser, since first hearing it probably in the 1970s. It has a lovely tune with an important reminder of the great love that Jesus has for us all.

A song can have simple lyrics and still relate a powerful Truth. I believe this short simple song does just that.

The lyrics remind us that Jesus gave his life then asks, “What more could He give?” Also we’re reminded that Jesus went to Calvary to show His love for sinners (meaning all of us).

One line especially makes this song right for being included in my blog. The song acknowledges that what He (Jesus) did there (at Calvary) brought hope from despair.

As sinners we would be left in utter despair with no hope if a perfect Savior had not willingly gone to Calvary to show His love for us and pay the price required by a holy God. What Jesus did there at Calvary truly brought hope from despair.

When we have received by faith the redemption that cleanses and gives new life then we can experience a sure hope. We can agree with these simple yet powerful lyrics, “Oh, how He loves you; Oh, how he loves me; Oh, how he loves you and me.”

“We know love by this, that Jesus laid down His life for us….” (I John 3:16)

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CHURCHILL: A VOICE OF HOPE

I want to be open to recognize examples of hope, and I find them in various situations and places. I didn’t expect to find hope in a tiny magazine ad and certainly not an ad for help with speech impediments, but I did.

The ad was only about 2″ x 5″, but its photo of Winston Churchill caught my attention. I admire Churchill as a WWII hero and a great historical figure. I took a minute to read the ad and found hope.

I think too few today appreciate the greatness of people like Churchill and their tremendous contribution to the cause for freedom in the WWII-era world. However my intention today is not to share hope of the Greatest Generation and an Allied victory but to focus on this particular ad.

According to the ad,  Winston Churchill stuttered. Yet he became the voice that inspired his British countrymen during dark days of war. It is  remarkable that he overcame stuttering to deliver some of the most influential speeches in 20th century world history.

Whether or not your personal challenge is stuttering, each of us had, has, or will have obstacles to overcome. I find hope when someone clearly accomplishes success and sometimes even greatness despite the struggle.

Let’s be on the lookout for hope. It may be nearer than we think and often where we least expect it.

“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

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NEDIM YASAR: HOPE TO CHANGE A LIFE

I want to introduce readers to ROOTS, an important book about leaving a life of crime by Marie Louise Toksvig. It is Nedim Yasar’s personal memoirs….

Nedim Yasar was born in Turkey, moved to Denmark at age four, and grew up to be the subject of this book.  His story is not ordinary, because he also grew up to become leader of Los Guerreros, a notorious gang heavily involved with the drug trade and related crimes, including violence, robbery, and blackmail.

In 2012 a major turning point in Vasar’s life contributed to his story becoming even more extraordinary. He made a decision to end his gang affiliation when he learned he was going to become a father.

After participating in a successful exit program in Copenhagen, he dedicated himself to help steer others away from gang life. Yasar mentored young people as host of a local Copenhagen radio station and became a respected voice for change.

Then murderers shot and killed 31 year old Yasar in November 2018. This cowardly act just as his book was being released could cause hopelessness, because it appeared that evil had won. Yet I think there is much hope to be found in Yasar’s life-changing decision and dedicated efforts to help young people avoid his previous path.

As his child, a son, grows up, may he be proud of his father and see Nedim Yasar as a courageous hero who took a stand for his son to have a better life. Yasar didn’t choose to “disappear” into anonymity — a much safer choice — but chose to proceed publicly via his radio show, this book, and other meaningful efforts. He must have realized the dangers of sharing his personal story in a public way especially after a previous attempt on his life a year earlier.

Yasar must have had hope that his son will never fall prey to the dangerous hate-filled lifestyle that he had experienced in his own past. Yasar chose hope to change first his own life then modeled hope for his son and other young people.

The hope presented here today is the reality of a changed life. Also I find hope in the fact that hope didn’t end with Yasar’s death. The book, ROOTS, is full of hope and impacts others. The legacy of Nedim Yasar includes countless changed lives. His heritage is a son to follow his determined walk in a different direction toward a better life.

I want to share Nedim Yasar’s story and promote the hope at the heart of his changed life. I believe that his murderers did not win. Nothing can stop real hope. Hope always trumps hate… always.

A quote by holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom comes to mind: “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

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THE SINGING CONTRACTORS: BUILD, SING, SHARE HOPE

Two ordinary guys from Indiana… boyhood friends, husbands, fathers, skilled carpenters,  experienced contractors… blessed with God-given talent using their voices to sing Christian gospel songs and hymn classics accapella on job sites… cell phone video has gone viral with millions of viewers!

Maybe they don’t sound like ordinary guys at all. The story of the musical journey of Josh Arnett and Aaron Gray really is remarkable.

Two ordinary contractors singing to share hope and almost immediately gaining a following of thousands of fans (of whom I am one) is more extraordinary than ordinary. Theirs is a true story, and they are real… real in their song choices, real in their Christian faith, real in their ordinary roots.

What else would singing contractors call themselves except The Singing Contractors? If you haven’t heard them yet, then go to youtube.com or their official website at thesingingcontractors.com.

“I am a little overwhelmed by how good God has been to us,” admitted Arnett.

Gray added, “As far as the fame, it’s never something we wanted or asked for, it’s just something that God has placed in our laps, and we’re just trusting that we can get His message of hope out there.”

Responses have been remarkable and indicate their music and message offer more than mere enjoyment.  At least one life has been touched in a real life-and-death way, as indicated by the following communication they received.

“Thank you so much for singing that song. It’s made me question myself and stop myself from committing suicide….” (unnamed source)

The Singing Contractors agree that is a wonderful story and say if they have done nothing else in this world and saved one life, it is worth it all to them!

It seems The Singing Contractors are good at building more than homes. They are building an important legacy of hope as they share the message of their music.

Maybe Gray and Arnett are two ordinary guys from Indiana, but they trust an extraordinary God. That makes all the difference.

 

“By wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3, 4)

“Sing to the LORD a new song;
Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. (Psalm 96:1, 2)

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ZACH WILLIAMS: HOPE IN THE CHAIN BREAKER

Zach Williams was a rock musician bound by chains of alcohol and drugs. He is now free of those chains, but his freedom didn’t happen in his strength. His new freedom — and a better life — happened by the power of Jesus Christ, THE Chain Breaker.

The song he co-wrote, “He’s A Chain Breaker,” reveals Williams’ personal experience. Real change and new freedom is visible in the transformed Zach Williams, who is now a Christian musician.

See if you can relate to the words of the song below. If you can, then consider accepting a better life in Christ free from chains.

HE’S A CHAIN BREAKER:

“If you’ve been walking the same old road for miles and miles;
If you’ve been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies;
If you’re trying to fill the same old holes inside;
There’s a better life,
There’s a better life.

If you’ve got pain,
He’s a pain taker.
If you feel lost,
He’s a way maker.
If you need freedom or saving,
He’s a prison-shaking Savior.
If you’ve got chains,
He’s a chain breaker.

We’ve all searched for the light of day in the dead of night;
We’ve all found ourselves worn out from the same old fight;
We’ve all run to things we know just ain’t right;
And there’s a better life,
There’s a better life.

If you’ve got pain,
He’s a pain taker.
If you feel lost,
He’s a way maker.
If you need freedom or saving,
He’s a prison-shaking Savior.
If you’ve got chains,
He’s a chain breaker.

If you believe it;
If you receive it;
If you can feel it;
Somebody testify….

If you’ve got pain,
He’s a pain taker.
If you feel lost,
He’s a way maker.
If you need freedom or saving,
He’s a prison-shaking Savior.
If you’ve got chains,
He’s a chain breaker.

If you need freedom or saving,
He’s a prison-shaking Savior.
If you’ve got chains,
He’s a chain breaker.”

(Songwriters: Jonathan Lindley Smith, Mia Fieldes, & Zach Williams)

“Out of my distress I called upon the Lord.” (Psalm 118:5)

“For the law of the Spirit of Life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2)

“So if the Son makes you free you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

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TIM TEBOW: HOPE TO LET GOD DEFINE

“TIM TEBOW WAS ASKED ABOUT PEOPLE NOT LIKING HIM; NOW HIS INSPIRING RESPONSE IS GOING VIRAL“ (Mike Oz, Yahoo Sports, February 18, 2019)

Tim Tebow, minor league baseball player in the New York Mets organization, may go on to the major leagues this year. Tebow does his best to be his best, and he intentionally helps many others especially through his foundation. However, there seem to be some who don’t like him no matter what he does.

I think the biggest reason for that is because they don’t measure up to a standard he strives to meet. Rather than raise themselves up they had rather tear him down. Tim Tebow dares to stand for his principles, he genuinely strives to make a difference, and he hopes to inspire others to do and be their best.

While at Mets camp one recent weekend Tebow was asked about people not liking him. His response was so powerful that sports blogger Mike Oz said it was “like right out of a book of inspirational quotes.” I share it today, because I think Tebow is one sports figure worthy of being quoted and is a good example to kids today — to all of us! Here’s what he had to say….

“It’s really about keeping perspective and not letting other people define you, because they sure want to. Shoot, I try to encourage young people all the time to not let the world or outside sources define you, because you are always going to have critics and naysayers and people that are going to tell you that you won’t, that you can’t, that you shouldn’t. Most of those people are the people that didn’t, that wouldn’t, that couldn’t.

Don’t be defined by the outside sources. You go after your dreams. Succeeding or failing is not making it to the bigs, or it’s not necessarily fulfilling that. It’s having to not live with regret because I didn’t try. I just feel for all the young people who don’t go after something, because they are so afraid of failing that you are going to live with a lot more regret than if you would’ve and you failed. I’m very passionate about that.

I think the reason people don’t go after things is because how much you will be criticized. What if I fall flat on my face? Fear and doubt and all these things creep in. I just don’t believe that is the healthiest way to live. I don’t want to have to live with fear or doubt everyday regardless of what everybody here says about me. It doesn’t define me.

I’m grateful that doesn’t define me. There is one thing that defines me and that’s what God says about me. Besides that, I get to go live out my dreams and help as many people along the way as possible.” (Tim Tebow)

Lots of people are taking note of Tebow’s words. In fact the video of his comments received one million views by that Sunday night, two million by the following Monday morning, and was rapidly climbing. Wouldn’t it be nice if Tim Tebow’s attitude  spread as easily as his words have gone viral?

I agree with Mike Oz’s assessment: “Whether Tebow ultimately  becomes a successful baseball player in the big leagues remains to be seen. But there’s no arguing that his dedication and attitude are at an All-Star level.”

 

“Blessed are you when people  insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” (Matthew 5:11)

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”  (Colossians 3:17)

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.” (Titus 2:7)

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

“Let all that you do be done in love.” (I Corinthians 6:14)

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RESCUED FISHERMEN: HOPE IN A GREATER PLAN

I remember reading the US NEWS & WORLD REPORT article entitled “Costa Rican Fishermen Rescued by Cruise Ship After 20 Days Adrift” (Alexa Lardieri, Dec. 24, 2018)… and thinking of hope.

Two fishermen found themselves lost at sea for twenty days, out of gas with little food and water gone.  This was their desperate circumstance when rescued by a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that “happened” along.

Their memorable near-death adventure lead them near Grand Cayman Island between Jamaica and Cuba. After leaving Costa Rica they cast their nets, and both men fell asleep while winds increased.

They awoke to find they had been blown far from their nets and ran out of gas trying to return to land. They had enough food and water for seven days. When food supplies were depleted, they fished for food, but the need for water became critical.

When rescued one of the fishermen was unable to walk and was carried aboard the cruise ship. Health care professionals examined them and provided needed care, food, and water.

Both fishermen disembarked the ship in Jamaica with both of them walking. The ship’s crew donated about $300 USD to help provide them with clothes and food.

The Royal Caribbean ship, Empress of the Seas, had not been scheduled to travel the route where the men were rescued. They were supposed to be enroute to Cuba, but storms and dangerous weather forced them to change course.

A ship spokesman commented, “Pure luck, lining of the stars, God, whatever you choose to believe, the facts are we would not have been in that area at the time had we not switched to go to Jamaica, and you can’t help but think there was a greater plan, but I’ve already seen a Christmas miracle.”

I agree with the miracle aspect of this deduction. I believe these two fishermen survived this near-tragedy because of a divine plan. I do not believe in coincidence; I believe the ship was divinely appointed to be in the location to rescue the men.

I hope they are thankful to the One Who coordinated their rescue on the Carribean Sea. I hope they trust the One Who can lead them through rough seas in storms of life and Who can see them to safe harbor when it really counts at the end of life’s journey.

May we all see the miracles in our lives and respond to the Miracle Giver with thanks, devotion, and love.

“Stretch forth Your hand from on high; Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters….” (Psalm 144:7)

“… Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name. You are Mine!  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior….” (Isaiah 43:1-3)

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HUNTER WOODHALL: HOPE TO INSPIRE

  1. According to Arkansas’ KATV News, there’s a men’s track & field coach who admits his “mind is blown.” This describes Coach Chris Bucknam’s reaction to a sophomore sprinter for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Maybe it’s not that unusual for a coach to be impressed by or even awed by an extraordinary athlete. While Hunter Woodhall is an extraordinary athlete, he’s clearly an unusual one. Woodhall is an athlete who happens to be the first double amputee to earn an NCAA Division I scholarship in track and field.

Woodhall explains a greater purpose than winning races, “This whole journey and this whole reason I’m in college is to show people what’s possible.”

I believe what’s possible in his life will bring inspiration and hope to many — from athletic hopefuls to amputees needing a dose of hope and lots of folks in between.

As a two-time Paralympic medalist, Woodhall achieved first team all-American honors at the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Outdoor Championships last spring while competing with traditional (non-amputee) runners. He already has earned a first place finish and has reached his own personal best indoors this winter.

He has earned such athletic success despite being a double amputee. Both his legs were amputated below the knee when he was a baby due to underdeveloped fibula (from knee to ankle).

Woodhall wisely claims, “No matter what situation you’re born with, no matter what situation you’re in in life, you’re the only one that can stop yourself from accomplishing your goals.”

He competed in several sports including skiing, soccer, and football before committing to track. Woodhall explained, “When I got my first pair of running legs, it’s just like this feeling of freedom. It’s hard to explain.”

When he chose to start sprinting in high school, there were doubters about his potential to win.

He admitted, “It was just people being content that I was showing up. ‘The kid without legs was running,’ and I would kind of get the sympathy clap.”

Doubters soon witnessed this unusual runner surpassing all expectations to win. Spectators watched him run and win! They watched him run faster and faster to win again and again! They watched as Woodhall ran to become state champion and as he kept running to become a state superstar.

There seemed to be no stopping him, so next he wanted to run in college competitions, however he needed scholarship offers. University of Arkansas happened to be “one of only a handful of power programs bold enough to recruit him.”

Woodhall understood, “It was really just a lack of knowledge of the situation. No one without legs has ever ran division one.”

Coach Bucknam noted his speed, of course, but he perceived that Woodhall had more to offer than speed alone. In addition were his mental fortitude and confidence.

Bucknam explained, “You gotta take some risks anyways if you want to be good, right? We were willing to take a risk with him.”

Woodhall liked what he saw at U of A and decided, “From my visit, being on campus, just the whole entire experience showed me this is the place I need to be. These people are going to fight for you.”

Bucknam admired not only Woodhall’s speed but also his boldness to compete in the SEC (Southeast Conference).

Woodhall recognized, “If you want to be the best, you gotta go to where the people are the best. You gotta beat the best,”

NCAA granted Woodhall special permission from the NCAA (think waiver) to compete with traditional runners. He struggled during his freshman season last winter, but this season is bringing improvement.

“He’s an NCAA all-American, and we just know the sky is the limit now,” Bucknam commented.

Striving to reach or exceed that limit seems to be something Woodhall is motivated to do for others. “If there’s somebody in the stands that maybe doesn’t believe in themselves or for whatever reason if they can see me run or whatever else I do, if I can inspire them to say, ‘you know what, let me go do something,’ that’s special to me…. That means more than times, medals, places, anything like that.”

Woodhall’s amazing attitude is full of hope… hope to run… hope to win… hope to inspire…. He’s an example to others who need hope to get in life’s race and maybe even dream of winning their own races. I think Hunter Woodhall is a champion worth cheering on — both on the track and in life.

(Quotes of Hunter Woodhall and Coach Chris Bucknam are from KATV News)

As I share Hunter Woodhall’s story I am reminded of the following verses that inspire me. “…let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1, 2)

I am proud of Hunter’s amazing attitude as well as his athletic success. He definitely has potential to be an even greater sports star, and I anticipate seeing his star shine brighter before dimming. My prayer for him is that he will succeed not in races but more importantly in life. To me that means he’ll finish well by obtaining the reward that God has for him at the end of life’s race.

In the meantime I’ll be cheering him on. Run, Hunter, run!