PASTOR OUTED

Possibly because of the Ashley Madison website, he committed suicide. I saw the interview with the family and felt genuinely sad. A bud sent me the link. 

Watching it was like watching our culture. The pastor's suicide was almost beside the point. The video had some pics of the deceased pastor, wife and two older children, up pops a McDonald's commercial--then the media interview, asking those unansuable questions. 

 What is so bad that someone like this kills himself? I don't know. Is it only guilt? Is it the condemnation he knows he would have faced? I don't know. None of us know what we'd do. Sinners saved by grace.  ALL. 

Anything related to sex is scandal scandal, scandal. Way too much. What about getting help. He's the helper. God bless his family. 

My favorite Cowboy, Gus, in the mini-series, "Lonesome Dove" when asked the unanswerable question said, "I don't know. I simply don't know." 

LORD OF THE DANCE

Reminds me of a war story. I was at FORSCOM, before Tom. I was the admin guy. We got this letter from this person who demanded to see the hymn book that had some song he objected too. Can't remember the name of the song. On A Friday morning or something like that. Kermit told me to draft up a letter. I did, one of those, "can't send you the book, government property, etc." Kermit was gone, Ed Christoph, who was Deputy, needed to sign. Ed said, "Forget the letter. Send the guy the hymn book." I did with a note from Ed, "keep as long as you like and send back." About a week later, back came the hymnal. Ed thinks, probably looked through it, saw all the old hymns were included and lost his objection. Good lesson. Ed was smart guy.  

INCOME INEQUALITY

You have got to be s...ten me. The CEO of HP got over 19mil last year. We are making big time progress in closing the gap on "income inequality.  

LIFE SKILLS

Recently my wife was telling me about some FB postings of someone on her "Journey of Cancer." She posted about her treatment plan and all the problems involved. It was pretty dismal. She had the gene that seemingly necessitated a radical mastectomy. Add to that no real family help. Heavy duty issues with a son, already acting out. Very sad. And, yet I know this person has fabulous life skills. 

As one who strongly believes that God is not very involved with us down here, mainly it wouldn't make sense. How would God choose, "Oh, that one can live, that one gets cancer, that one gets run over by a car, etc, ;" See what I mean." This isn't a repudiation of someone who has a belief of more direct involvement. People have to believe what works for them. My view is that God sets life in motion. Gives us good minds and tools and says you are on your own but I have given you what you need

MIDDLE YEARS CANCER

Read a sad, sad story about parents who lost their daughter to breast cancer. The daughter was already into a career and family. Her middle years so to speak. 

Parents were devastated and could not find anything or anybody to help them. Some of it has to do with asking for help which for some is no easy thing. A few weeks ago, I was sitting in the lobby at UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) and saw an older couple get off the elevator. The woman was in the wheelchair, her husband, I assume was pushing her. We are talking in their 80s. They needed help. I offered. No thank you. Sadly, they needed help. She looked pained. He was struggling, holding a cane and pushing the wheelchair. They needed help and didn't know how to asked or accept it. This is truly sad. 

HONORING RAZ

I am getting married on June 7th to my girlfriend of 6 years and was wondering if you would be willing to marry us.  We discussed options and dad had the great idea of asking you.  I know this is a big ask, so if you are unable to we completely understand.

Jackson, of course I will do it. I am deeply touched and honored that you would asked. It is a wonderful way to honor your grandpa who loved you with great passion. The date is on the calendar. Congratulations to you. God bless.