THERE'S MORE TO THE TED WILLIAMS STORY

I've really been focused in recent weeks to keep my ears and eyes open to what is going on around me.  Much more than ever.  Maybe that's what a blogger is here for.....to keep ideas moving and let the public put some kind of spin on them.  I'm so, so inclined to look at a story and dig deeper, because generally, there is  more to it than we ever know or hear.

This past week, you'd have to be a bear in hibernation to not have heard the name Ted Williams.  Williams is the golden throat, homeless, ex-disc jockey that had fallen on hard times.  He was lingering on the streets of Columbus, Ohio with a sign in hand, hoping and praying for another chance at life.  Well, it came and it came in a big way.

A number of weeks ago, a Columbus Dispatch videographer, Doral Chenoweth III, saw Williams on his way while running to a local Lowe's store.  He saw the sign, connected with Williams ever so briefly.  He returned a week later..  And now, "More of the Story".................

"Hey, I'm going to make you work for your dollar," Chenoweth said as he rolled down his window and took out his flip camera. "Let me hear you say something." What comes out of Williams' mouth is startling. It's a rich, baritone that doesn't match his craggy exterior at all.  His enunciation is crisp, his tone smooth as suede.

Williams isn't holding that cardboard sign anymore.  After Chenoweth posted the video, it went viral. Williams did interviews on national television and radio. He's received several jobs offers, including one that comes with a home.

But the other character in this contemporary parable had played this part before.  "The first time we dated, he stopped and gave a blanket from the back of his car to a man who was homeless," said Robin Chenoweth. "I thought to myself, if he has this kind of compassion for a man on the street, he's going to make a great husband and father."

Chenoweth is paid to notice people. He's a multimedia producer for The Columbis Dispatch newspaper in Ohio.  He said he stopped because he thought Williams might make a good video.  Still, he wasn't so sure after the filming.  He said he sat on the video for five weeks until he finally decided to use it because it was a slow news week. Then he watched the video take off.  "I never anticipated this," he said.  "A week ago, he was living in a tent behind a station in the middle of December, and now he's being flown to New York and his video is everywhere." 

Looking through the lens of faith
But the reason Chenoweth stopped goes deeper than his job.  It's "standard operating procedure" for him, he said, to stop and talk to people who are homeless, whether he's carrying a camera or not.  "It's part of my faith," he said after some prodding about his motivations.  "You may not be able to help someone with money, but you can at least say hello, how you doing, and look at them." 

Doral Chenoweth III, his wife, Robin, and their children Cassie and Kurtis went on a church mission trip to Tanzania.  About 14 years ago, Chenoweth said he was assigned to photograph a homeless ministry at New Life United Methodist Church in downtown Columbus. He was so impressed by the ability of the 50-member congregation to help the homeless that he and his wife joined.

Doral Chenoweth III and family

The church's pastor said that Chenoweth routinely invites people who are homeless to the church for meals and medical attention. He's also photographed people on the street and displayed their photographs to emphasize their humanity, said the Rev. Jennifer Kimball Casto, New Life's pastor.

When asked if she was surprised by Chenoweth's action, Casto said: "Absolutely not.  Doral has a special heart for people who are homeless and in need."  Chenoweth's concern for people goes beyond Columbus, and even the United States. His wife said they are regular Habitat for Humanity volunteers. They've also taken seven trips to Africa with their two children, Cassie, 12, and Kurtis, 10, to serve impoverished communities. Chenoweth has documented many of the trips on his website.

"He's taken me all over the world," Robin Chenoweth said. "He's a fabulous husband. It's the best decision of my life to be with him."   Chenoweth sounds thrilled to see where the new-found fame will take Williams.

He had a reunion with Williams after their video went viral. A local radio station interviewed Williams, and Chenoweth was there for the interview.  "We had a big hug and shook hands," Chenoweth said. "He almost cried when he saw me."  Chenoweth was watching a local radio station interview Williams when he saw something that touched him.  "He still has my business card," Chenoweth said.  "He's been carrying it the whole five weeks since I gave it to him. He was carrying it right in his fingertips."

Filming a visual parable
The Rev. Tom Long, a professor of preaching at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, watched the video of Chenoweth's encounter and saw a visual parable unfold. It reminded him of Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan.

In the parable, a Samaritan stops to help a man wounded by robbers after two Jewish religious leaders -- a Levite and a priest -- pass the man by. The story was shocking because the hero was a villain -- Samaritans were a group of people hated by many 1st century Jews (imagine the parable of the Good Crack Dealer).

Chenoweth didn't see Williams as "visual white noise" to tune out, Long said. "He sees possibilities others don't see and acts on them and, wow, here we go," Long said.  Long said there's more to the story than the importance of treating people in need with compassion because miracles may happen. "His (Chenoweth) experiences expose what is already true about people, that even a homeless person who doesn't have a golden throat is nonetheless a child of God."  Casto, Chenoweth's pastor at New Life, said Chenoweth taught another lesson with his encounter with a panhandler.  "We are all broken in some way, but we are also gifted in some way," she said. "Mr. Williams is a perfect example of that."

The above mentioned  is from an CNN article dated January 6th.  Much has happened since then for sure. For one, the You Tube video has had over 13 million hits now!!!  The job offers keep coming in for Williams, which is so awesome, ......but I wonder what might also be ahead for this videographer that was moved by God's nudge. When I tried to reach Chenoweth at his office at the Dispatch, I was told that he was in New York.  I put a call into his cell and I'm hoping to hear back.  I hope I do, but if I don't, isn't it truly amazing to see God at work and how he uses people.  Both Williams and Chenoweth have had their lives altered.  Appears to me that God put them in the proper place at the proper time.  Wow, does he have great timing or what?

YGG,

John

CHANGES ARE COMING, FOR SURE

My wife, Joanne, and I were talking a little while ago about how different our lives have been in the last six months since our son, Kris, deployed and what new things will "crop" up in the not too distant future.  I'm sure we are not alone given the fact that 3,500 other Iowa Guard families are undergoing much of the same situation.  And let's not forget to mention all the thousands of other deployed soldiers that are stationed around the world.  How many do you think that is?

Well, if you take the 3,500 figure and add two zeroes behind it, you'll come pretty close. Can you imagine....over 350,000 U.S. troops are deployed in some 150 countries?  Doesn't that just seem incomprehensible?  As of August of 2010,  Afghanistan led with 98,000 military personnel, Germany was second with 57,080, Japan third with 32,803, South Korea fourth with 28,500, followed by Italy with 9,855.  Saint Helena and Antigua brought up the rear with 3 and 2 military personnel, respectively.  That's alot of lives that have made commitments and sacrifices to you and I and most likely, will be facing some difficult decisions in how their lives will play out in the coming months and years.

Let's talk about soldiers coming home from deployment first.  Many will return to jobs they once held in the private sector...some will join the unemployment ranks hoping to find a fit that will utilize the skills they've acquired....a number will have a deeper appreciation in their faith, while others will look to some other methods of coping... some will return to relationships that have gone south or marriages that will undergo huge tests....there will be marriages and births and adoptions.....and on and on and on. 

For those continuing to serve, there will no doubt be some issue that will determine the road ahead.  Where is our next outbreak of war going to come from?  I'm as queasy as the next person when I think of our next   involvement.  Many experts feel Iran is the next big powder keg ......certainly Pakistan is right there......and North and South Korea certainly have to be watched.  Who knows how many more countries are right on the edge?

North and South Korea at Odds

 I do know this....changes are happening at a terrific pace these days. Technology has been the big driver behind the wheel.  Hasn't this last generation been a bonanza for inventors?  These are the days when one-stop shopping and marrying our social media together are catch phrases.  Keeping up with the Jones' with your new cellphone is more fashionable than the home or car of years past.  On the flip side, small countries are as dangerous as ever given their threat of nuclear power.  That's a change, huh?   And the scary part is some of the leaders and countries with that same "power" are completely unfazed in their appreciation of human life.  Yup, these are all changes but it does beckon the question of whether Armageddon can be far off?

I'm not a political activist....far from it, but I am what you'd call a political realist.  The facts are....every new election calls for change.  Given that rally cry, I wonder what is truly meant, change for the better or change for the worse.  I see billions being spent on foolish, stupid programs.  Is it too difficult to imagine people with Harvard and Yale degrees to figure out a meaningful direction for our spending?  Now that would be a change.

 I'm trying hard to connect deeper to the world that we live in.  I'm sure I'm not alone in that thought.  Yet, I come back to the basics and my little world and some of the changes that are in store for our family. Here is what lies ahead for us...our oldest son coming back from overseas deployment, another son graduating AIT, our youngest son about to enter his senior year of high school.....a new job for my wife that has challenged her, yet rewarded her .....and me....continuing to blog about our experiences to an uncertain future.

Uncertainty is alright though.  It's during these times that you can reflect and transform your life.  You can appreciate what life is all about and the purpose of it.  It's here that you and I will both be able to see that....

God moves.  He is a moving God.  He is never still.  He is always effecting change in every sphere of Creation.  I think knowing that helps, how about you?


YGG,

John

TONY THE VET'S CROSS COUNTRY WALK

Many years ago a TV personality by the name of Art Linkletter hosted a show called, "House Party".  One segment within the series was a piece entitled, "Kids Say the Darndest Things".  I'm not sure where these young guests came from, but I will tell you that they came up with some great one-liners.  I would imagine some of their comments made their parents blush.  However, shouldn't adults be part of that mix as well since they say some unusual things too.  I'm not a psychologist but it might be wiser to categorize us all capable of saying and doing the darndest things and that would just about size it up.  And when I say doing, here might be the latest.

On September 11th of this past year, Antony A. LoBue, also known as "Tony the Vet" launched his year-long Walkathon Across America for the Support Our Veterans Association (SOVA).  LoBue, a senior and wartime veteran with disabilities, plans to walk across the United States.  He left San Diego and plans on arriving at Ground Zero in New York City on Sept. 11, 2011, the 10-year anniversary of  that fateful day.   LoBue, recently founded SOVA as a veteran, consumer-driven, grass-roots movement that will work to help all veterans, their families, veteran support groups and communities.

Tony the Vet "Carrying the Flag"

LoBue served in various capacities while in the service.  He was a 1LT Commander in the Army from 1964-66 stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.  After active duty, he joined the Texas National Guard  where he was CPT Commander at Temple, Texas until 1969.  After leaving the Army,  Lobue was active in a variety of positions ranging from an English instructor, to a Peace Corp Volunteer, to a Fundraiser and Real Estate agent.  Not one of those jobs smacked of political activism.  Yet....as the years continued to pass him by, LoBue continued to feel a pull in advocating for veterans benefits.  LoBue talked about what made him decide to do this.  In a sense, he says, he’s trying to “give myself away.”  LoBue says, “I needed to revolutionize my life by having a singular purpose with great passion.  And I decided to do something to help veterans, since I am a senior, disabled and a veteran."

The 3,600 mile journey that Tony began last year will no doubt be a long one in a variety of ways.  LoBue walks 10-15 miles a day on a route he plotted some time ago.  Each day of this venture, LoBue is hoping to open the eyes of someone that can come alongside either in support of the walk or in furthering the exposure for increased Veterans benefits and support.  As I checked in today, LoBue was somewhere near VanHorn, Texas maintaining a pace that will enable him to arrive in New York at his expected time.  Yes, people do say and do the darndest things.  In this case, Tony the Vet is demonstrating that doing is much better than saying.  Tony has a Facebook page that you can follow his journey @Tony the Vet....Best to you Mr. LoBue.

The Route to New York.....Arrival Date 9-11

YGG,

John       

A FAMILY JOURNAL: FATHER TO SON FOR NEW YEAR'S-VOLUME 8

The journal you are about to read is part of an ongoing dialogue.  The words are a conversation between "the family" of
the soldier experience.  It's Dads, Moms, Sons,  Daughters,  Relatives and Friends sharing their thoughts of a particular day and/or it could be the soldiers journal entry detailing his or hers.  I believe there are many, many people keeping a journal through the Afghan War.  If you want to share an entry of yours email it to jkmyfathersvoice@gmail.com  Your post will be strictly confidential,  no names will be used.  In addition, locations overseas will not be mentioned for security purposes except the country of origin.  Some editing may be done to further protect the journal participant.

Hey Sonpo:

Well, 2011 is here...but of course you already knew that since you're 10 and a half hours ahead of us.  Sure seems strange as we go headlong into the new year with so many of our soldiers gone.  It has been good to see some of your buddies coming home on leave now.  I can only imagine what must be going through the minds of the families and the soldiers on those reunions.  Hopefully, we can experience that in the near future.

I wanted to reflect on a couple of things from this past year.  First off, you have changed immensely.  I think of the young man we saw off to Basic in September of 2009 to the man you are now...WOW!!  It's unbelievable to think that you are 20 years old and that you are setting sail on your life-long dreams.  And secondly, it appears that God is creeping back into your life.  Your card to the family at Christmas time spoke volumes to the maturity you now exhibit.

I want to continue  encouraging you in your spiritual journey.  Which leads me to a point and a book that I want to share.  An old saying, according to some experts, states that there are no atheists in a foxhole.  Hardship, horror, fear, loneliness and rage have driven many warriors to reach for their spiritual side.   A book written by Charles Sasser, "God in the Foxhole",  talks about many experiences he saw during wartime.  Every one of his stories presents accounts of God's amazing grace covering and protecting soldiers. One particular Bible verse that Sasser mentioned often struck a chord with soldiers was Matthew 17: 20;

".....I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you."

The Foxhole Provides Reflection Time

So, I'm leaving you with that Bible verse.  Something you can hang on to.  I'm not sure how much time you've spent in a foxhole or out overnight during your missions.  I can imagine though, that there are any number of experiences you can share with your fellow soldiers about God's grace and protection.  I pray that you become bold in that mission.  Remember that you are not alone!!!

So...that's my New Year's musings.....not resolutions, but thoughts in areas we can continue to grow together as a family.  Happy New Year!!!  213 days or 30 weeks to go however you look at it!  Praying for your safety, son.  Praying for you daily......

Love, Dadpo

                                                -30-

THE REST OF THE STORY: THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

It's been amazing the number of times that I'm uncertain what to blog about next, that low and behold, something crops up right in front of my face.  Frankly, there haven't been many days that I can't think of something to write about.  There are times, though, I need something to connect the dots.  Here's an example.

For some time now, I've wanted to address the patriotism of singing and placing your hand over your heart when the Star Spangled Banner is played.  As a youngster, I always stood and showed reverence when the anthem was sung.  Rarely did I sing (I'm probably tone-deaf anyway) and placing my hand over my heart was the furthest thing from my mind.

A Visual For Francis Scott Key

When our two boys, Kristopher and Jonathan, joined the military that all changed.  I became much more aware of the surroundings that I was in when we attended their various events.  I started placing my hand over my heart and I sang, albeit, just loud enough to make myself heard, but soft enough to not draw attention to my lacking musical quality.  I guess you could say I've become more patriotic.  At least I hope I have. I have a keener sense of what our country's past, present and future is all about.  You could say I'm into the whole anthem experience now, but just don't ask me to sing it before an athletic event.

So, as I said, the idea sat there on my to-do list waiting for something that could enhance the story.  Today, of all days, it happened.  Jerry Hansen, of Le Mars, Iowa , sent out a Facebook message about the Star Spangled Banner. Hansen, is a member of the 113rd Calvary Facebook group that I recently joined.  I thank him for this message pass along.

You probably know something about the Star Bangled Banner. But there's alot to it.  I'm going to share with you a video from Dudley Retherford, senior pastor from the Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch, California.  Retherford helps us understand what Francis Scott Key observed when he penned the song.  Here, is the rest of the story......

The next time you attend an event where the Star Spangled Banner is played, I hope you think a little longer and a little deeper about the significance of the words of the song.  Perhaps, you'll be moved to raise your hand and place it over your heart and sing.....even if it is off-key.


YGG,

John


    

CHILDREN'S MEMORIES OF DEPLOYMENT

How far back can you remember?  Think about that for a minute and conjure up a memory of your age at the time.  Where you 2, maybe 3 or perhaps even a little bit older?

My memory banks take me back to an age around 4 years old.  I can recall some wallpaper in our house in Goldfield, Iowa with cowboys and horses and ropes, a real good Western theme.  There's not a whole lot more I remember about the house or life in the town while we lived there.  I can remember some of the people, but mostly because my folks kept in contact with some of them.  We moved to the big city of Clarion just before I started kindergarten.

So again, I ask you.  How far can you go back in your memory?  Was it some traumatic experience that you recall, some miracle happening or just a run of the mill remembrance?  Isn't it amazing how our minds work?  Some things seem like they happened yesterday and others are completely wiped from our thoughts.  What's up with that?

Anyway, the reason I bring this subject up is that I think alot about how children are affected by the deployment of our 3,500 troops.  I think of the army husband who watched his wife deploy and who is left with three teenage daughters to raise.  Gosh, that must be difficult, trying to be a mother and a father at the same time and having to deal with his children's emotions and everyday struggles.  I think of the father who has gone and left a young son in the care of his mother...knowing that he missed some important part of his youngsters growing years.  I wonder how these children channel their emotions and feelings knowing they have a big security blanket gone.

Memories That Last A Lifetime

I attended a seminar this past summer that spoke to the resources available for families and educators.  I was amazed to find out, that the military can't  let the school systems know who deploys from their communities.  I guess it makes sense, but I was still surprised.  So, in many cases, children go undetected within their schools....and guidance counselors often time find out when a student's grades suffer or they become a behavioral problem.  I do know in one case where the parent went and met with the guidance counselor up front to let them know a deployment would be happening in their family. Kudos to them for taking the initiative to think ahead.

It's not that parents are unconcerned about the wealfare of their children.  Most are not even thinking that far down the road until issues begin to appear.  If you know of someone that is struggling with family concerns, let them know that help is available.  There is a DVD titled, "Military Youth Coping with Seperation...When Family Members Deploy"  It's a great help in walking through recipes of help.  You can find this and other resources at the Military Youth Deployment Support Website.

Most of all, remember the memories you help make during a deployment period will be important to your child's growth. Make the hugs and kisses when their soldier returns home the focal point when they look back on this period in their life. Make a memory.....a lasting one...a healthy one......and a happy one!!!


YGG,

John

         

BE THE LIGHT....PAY IT FORWARD

If you've never seen the movie, "Pay it Forward" you ought to because it's a MUST see.  It has some very inspirational challenges within its two-hour body of work.  One of the main characters is a young child by the name of Trevor who comes up with a grand idea for an elementary school class project.  Trevor's plan is a charitable pyramid scheme based on good deeds rather than profit. He calls his plan "Pay it Forward", which means the recipient of a favor does a favor for a third party rather than paying the favor back. Trevor does a favor for three people, asking each of those people to do a favor for three others and so on....

Yesterday our family went to Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines to partake in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.  It was indeed a great day with beautiful music, connection with friends and a beautiful candlelight conclusion.  But it was the message in between it all, that connected most with me.

See the Light, Can You find the Dove?

Pastor Housholder's central theme was being the "light in the darkness".  Look around you and there are plenty of reasons to be sarcastic, angry, hurt, afraid....anything negative you want to think about.  Sure you probably have every right to feel the way you do...for just one second.  Let's just get straight to the point.  Look around you again.  Look for the light that shines around you.  If you've lost a family member, your job, your house, your health....it might be hard to see that light.  Just keep looking.  In that search you'll find the good that exists, the people who love you and just maybe the reason you were put on this earth.  Soak that in.  Keep doing that, soaking all the light you can.  Now, take that good that you've realized and be the "light" for someone else.  Pay it forward, again, and again and again....go way past that 3 person thing.

Several years ago, there was an elderly lady that went by the name of Granny Dot.  She was the "light" to thousands upon thousands of military men and women.  Not just at Christmas time, but the whole year round.  Her story came to light, no pun intended, to a bigger degree this past Veterans Day.  I thought I'd keep it in my back pocket until today and share it with you.  The interview is a little long, but to me, it epitomizes the message from Trevor and Pastor Housholder.  Enjoy the interview.....Merry Christmas to all and BE A LIGHT FOR AND TO SOMEONE.           

YGG,

John