The electricity is so thick in the city of brotherly love these days that if Ben Franklin were to fly his kite he would likely be struck dead within seconds. This 2011 MLB season, we have the privilege to witness something exceptional; a Phillies’ starting rotation that gives them a legitimate chance to win every single night.
What Reuben Amaro, Jr. has assembled in Philadelphia this year may be unparallel to what any fan has ever seen. In my forty-three years, I have never laid eyes on a starting rotation with so much fire power and ability to dominate. Take your pick, any one of the top four pitchers could win the Cy Young and their fifth starter could easily win comeback player of the year. The only staff assembled in recent memory even comparable was the Atlanta Braves of the early 1990’s comprised of Maddux, Glavine, Avery, and Smoltz.
In a city renowned for the Liberty Bell, soft pretzels, and cheese steaks, Philadelphia now can lay claim to the “Philthy” Five, gunslingers come to town with a quiet resolve, unwilling to leave until business is settled.
Let’s start with two-time and reigning Cy Young award winner Roy “Doc” Halladay, who won 21 games last year, while becoming only the second man to throw a perfect game and no hitter in the same season. In his thirteen year career, he has 169 wins, 3.32 ERA and 1714 K’s which suggest we can expect more of the same this year. Then there is the 2008 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, who in his nine year career, has compiled 102 career wins and won 12 games last year with 185 K’s while only walking 18. Not to mention has been dominating in the playoffs the last two years. If that wasn’t enough there is Roy Oswalt who has compiled a solid ten year career with 150 career wins, a 3.18 ERA, 1666 K’s, and was 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA in 13 appearances after the Phillies acquired him on July 29th last year. To make it even more mind numbing, take Phils’ former #1 starter and 2008 World Series MVP, Cole Hamels, who won 12 games and struck out 211 batters last year and in his five year career has 60 wins, 3.53 ERA, and 897 K’s. Rounding out the staff is 2008 World Series Game 4 hero and dark horse, Joe Blanton, who just two years ago won 12 games and in his seven year career has won 72 games with 777 K’s and a 4.30 ERA.
It is not too far fetched to believe, barring injuries, that the top four pitchers could all win 15 games and Blanton could easily win 10.
If the gaudy numbers are not enough take this intangible into consideration: loyalty. In a day and age where athletes seldom share the stage, during their first interview together the Phillies' pitchers required it. With an all for one, one for all mentality, the four ballyhooed aces insisted the nearly forgotten Joe Blanton be included in the interview or else.
So, my suggestion for the 2011 MLB season is to simply plead the fifth and watch history unfold before our eyes as we watch a staff that prefers to let their arms do the talking.
“Good pitching will beat good hitting any time.” ~Bob Veale, 1966
Sincerely yours, Swavel
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Dream Wisely
Everyone wants to be the next Bill Gates or, in my case, the next Stephen King. Yet, no one wants to take credit for turning ketchup green or inventing New Coke.
This reminds me of a man named Charles Ponzi, who has become notorious for one of histories biggest “get rich quick” scandals.
Ponzi was born in Italy in 1882 and at the age of 21 left to find his fortune in North America. He first landed in Boston and then moved to Canada, but because of fraudulent behavior spent a few sordid years in jail. Always on the move, he developed tremendous survival skills. Eventually, he left Canada for the United States and as was his tendency, got caught up in an elaborate scheme to bring illegal aliens into the country resulting in more prison time. However, though difficult to fathom, there was another side to Ponzi, the swindler, who would lend aid to those in need. For example, in Canada he helped a poor family get back on their feet and on another occasion, gave 50 inches of his own skin for a burn victim.
By late 1919, Ponzi, ever clever and charismatic, had now constructed a legal scheme of buying and selling International Reply Coupons that could earn him 230% profit, before expenses, on every $1. He soon began to entice thousands of investors with the promise of 50% return on their investment in 45 days. Over the next seven months, Ponzi collected roughly $8 million which is approximately $100 million today.
His success was fleeting and by August 1920, the government had caught up to him as they proved that Ponzi had been repaying investors with money from more recent investors and was arrested. The move had long been called "Robbing Peter to Pay Paul," but would henceforth be known as a “Ponzi Scheme”. Convicted, he was sentenced to five years in federal prison, spending the rest of his life in and out of jail. At one point in his later life, he returned to Italy to swindle Mussolini’s government and was forced to flee to South America. Ultimately, he died penniless in a Brazilian charity hospital, a dreamer without a good exit strategy and a penchant for taking other people’s money.
He once said of himself, "I landed in this country with $2.50 in cash and $1 million in hopes, and those hopes never left me." So let us make no pretenses about Ponzi, he was a notorious con man and someone who took horrible advantage of others. But, I believe, he is someone we all can learn a great deal.
For instance:
-Success gained improperly is failure
-Don’t take shortcuts.
-Make right choices every day
-Always remain honest
-Never lend your name to a scandal
-Dream wisely
“What is right is often forgotten by what is convenient” - Bodie Thoene
Swavel
This reminds me of a man named Charles Ponzi, who has become notorious for one of histories biggest “get rich quick” scandals.
Ponzi was born in Italy in 1882 and at the age of 21 left to find his fortune in North America. He first landed in Boston and then moved to Canada, but because of fraudulent behavior spent a few sordid years in jail. Always on the move, he developed tremendous survival skills. Eventually, he left Canada for the United States and as was his tendency, got caught up in an elaborate scheme to bring illegal aliens into the country resulting in more prison time. However, though difficult to fathom, there was another side to Ponzi, the swindler, who would lend aid to those in need. For example, in Canada he helped a poor family get back on their feet and on another occasion, gave 50 inches of his own skin for a burn victim.
By late 1919, Ponzi, ever clever and charismatic, had now constructed a legal scheme of buying and selling International Reply Coupons that could earn him 230% profit, before expenses, on every $1. He soon began to entice thousands of investors with the promise of 50% return on their investment in 45 days. Over the next seven months, Ponzi collected roughly $8 million which is approximately $100 million today.
His success was fleeting and by August 1920, the government had caught up to him as they proved that Ponzi had been repaying investors with money from more recent investors and was arrested. The move had long been called "Robbing Peter to Pay Paul," but would henceforth be known as a “Ponzi Scheme”. Convicted, he was sentenced to five years in federal prison, spending the rest of his life in and out of jail. At one point in his later life, he returned to Italy to swindle Mussolini’s government and was forced to flee to South America. Ultimately, he died penniless in a Brazilian charity hospital, a dreamer without a good exit strategy and a penchant for taking other people’s money.
He once said of himself, "I landed in this country with $2.50 in cash and $1 million in hopes, and those hopes never left me." So let us make no pretenses about Ponzi, he was a notorious con man and someone who took horrible advantage of others. But, I believe, he is someone we all can learn a great deal.
For instance:
-Success gained improperly is failure
-Don’t take shortcuts.
-Make right choices every day
-Always remain honest
-Never lend your name to a scandal
-Dream wisely
“What is right is often forgotten by what is convenient” - Bodie Thoene
Swavel
Monday, February 21, 2011
Do Diligence
A few months ago, someone shared something very intriguing with me and ever since I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The word is DILIGENCE. It’s interesting how it not only applies to my present situation, but also currently sums me up as an individual.
My friend discovered this fascinating word while he was reading in Proverbs 12:27 in the New King James Version of the Bible. “The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.” Intrigued by the verse, he looked it up on-line and found this definition: “constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.”
So, here is my take after the research. The Creator of the Universe has given me something exquisite (diligence) and I better put all my heart and soul into using this precious possesion in whatever tasks He gives me. At this time in my life, it is especially important to stay the course as my family and I pursue another adoption. Often in my life, my efforts have been wishy- washy or persistent for a while until the going got tough and then eventually give in. But now, it's time to demand better. My belief is there is a girl out there that needs our family and as head of that family I must be willing to pay due diligence till we bring her home.
The act of diligence is not usually something I would consider to be a great gift like faith, hope or love, but maybe I just had it wrong. In my present experience, diligence is what makes the other three possible.
"No action, no change. Limited action, limited change. Lots of action - Change occurs." - Catherine Pulsifer
Sincerely Yours, Swavel
My friend discovered this fascinating word while he was reading in Proverbs 12:27 in the New King James Version of the Bible. “The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.” Intrigued by the verse, he looked it up on-line and found this definition: “constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.”
So, here is my take after the research. The Creator of the Universe has given me something exquisite (diligence) and I better put all my heart and soul into using this precious possesion in whatever tasks He gives me. At this time in my life, it is especially important to stay the course as my family and I pursue another adoption. Often in my life, my efforts have been wishy- washy or persistent for a while until the going got tough and then eventually give in. But now, it's time to demand better. My belief is there is a girl out there that needs our family and as head of that family I must be willing to pay due diligence till we bring her home.
The act of diligence is not usually something I would consider to be a great gift like faith, hope or love, but maybe I just had it wrong. In my present experience, diligence is what makes the other three possible.
"No action, no change. Limited action, limited change. Lots of action - Change occurs." - Catherine Pulsifer
Sincerely Yours, Swavel
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Undeniable Bond
There is an undeniable bond that exists between a father and his son. When the son really needs his father to do something, he simply does it. So when my son sent me a text asking me when I was going to update my blog, I felt obligated to start again.
History backs me up on the fact that when a son needs his dad, he’s there for him.
For example, during the 1992 Summer Olympics a son and his father accomplished something far better than winning a gold medal. Derek Redmond came into the games representing the USA favored to win the 400 meters until fate intervened halfway through the event. As he attempted to turn the corner, he tore his hamstring and fell to the track in agony. Refusing to give up, he got back up and began to valiantly hop toward the finish line. His dad then appeared putting his arm around his son holding his weight while they walked together. His father only released him so he could then finish the final few meters for himself. Derek and his father reminded me of that undeniable bond and how a dad knows what he must do.
Who can forget the time in the 1980 Winter Olympics as the USA Men’s Hockey Team stunned the favored Russians in what we now refer to as, “The Miracle on Ice”. But bigger than the upset, I remember the goalie, Jim Craig, being draped in the American flag after the team won the gold medal, mouthing the words, “Where is my father?” The significance being, Craig had depended on his father for the previous three years after his mom had died and now in his greatest moment as an athlete, he needed to share it with his dad. Even in victory, a son desires his dad’s shoulder to lean on, to be accepted by the person he respects most.
Lastly, in my own personal life, although I was never an Olympian, star athlete, or a celebrity, my dad was there for me when I needed him. Whether he was supporting me by coming to my ballgames with my mom, offering to take my place when I was seriously ill, or telling me he was proud of me when I needed to hear it most. My dad has proved to be someone I can rely on when I need him most.
So, this is for you, Jordan, I will do my best to be a shoulder to lean on and a writer who can offer support, even when I don’t know exactly what you might need.
“It is a wise father that knows his own child.”
My son’s dad, Swavel
History backs me up on the fact that when a son needs his dad, he’s there for him.
For example, during the 1992 Summer Olympics a son and his father accomplished something far better than winning a gold medal. Derek Redmond came into the games representing the USA favored to win the 400 meters until fate intervened halfway through the event. As he attempted to turn the corner, he tore his hamstring and fell to the track in agony. Refusing to give up, he got back up and began to valiantly hop toward the finish line. His dad then appeared putting his arm around his son holding his weight while they walked together. His father only released him so he could then finish the final few meters for himself. Derek and his father reminded me of that undeniable bond and how a dad knows what he must do.
Who can forget the time in the 1980 Winter Olympics as the USA Men’s Hockey Team stunned the favored Russians in what we now refer to as, “The Miracle on Ice”. But bigger than the upset, I remember the goalie, Jim Craig, being draped in the American flag after the team won the gold medal, mouthing the words, “Where is my father?” The significance being, Craig had depended on his father for the previous three years after his mom had died and now in his greatest moment as an athlete, he needed to share it with his dad. Even in victory, a son desires his dad’s shoulder to lean on, to be accepted by the person he respects most.
Lastly, in my own personal life, although I was never an Olympian, star athlete, or a celebrity, my dad was there for me when I needed him. Whether he was supporting me by coming to my ballgames with my mom, offering to take my place when I was seriously ill, or telling me he was proud of me when I needed to hear it most. My dad has proved to be someone I can rely on when I need him most.
So, this is for you, Jordan, I will do my best to be a shoulder to lean on and a writer who can offer support, even when I don’t know exactly what you might need.
“It is a wise father that knows his own child.”
My son’s dad, Swavel
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Slow Burn
One of my favorite after Christmas activities is to burn the trash. It is a quiet moment I can enjoy as the wrapping paper slowly burns. The burning paper, as it emits differnet colors like a kalediscope, reminds me of how fleeting and temporal things are. Yet at the same time encourages me how I need to stay bright. This process also reminds me of one of my favorite movies, A Christmas Carol.
I made some observations from the 1951 movie, A Christmas Carol, which I believe relate. One of the scenes is when Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present. The scene begins as Scrooge enters a room and the ghost, who appears to be a king on his throne, is seated next to a fireplace surrounded by a feast.
Scrooge responds negatively to the ghost after he has been shown the positive aspects of Christmas, “I am too old, I am beyond hope, go and redeem some younger, more promising creature and leave me to keep Christmas in my own way.”
The Christmas spirit replies, “Mortal, we spirits of Christmas do not live but only one day of the year, we live the whole three hundred and sixty five. So is it true of the child born in Bethlehem, he does not live in men’s hearts only one day a year, but in all the days of the year. But you have chosen not to seek him in your heart. Therefore you shall come with me and seek him in the hearts of men of goodwill.”
Of course at the end of the movie, Scrooge decides to change his life for the better and set fire, so to speak, his old way of doing things. A line that exemplifies this is when Scrooge apologizes to his nephew, Fred, admitting the error of his ways, “Can you forgive a pig headed old fool for having no eyes to see with, no ears to hear with, for all these years?”
But my favorite part is at the very end, when the narrator states….
“Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; ………….and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!”
Just imagine, if we all lived life with such enthusiasm, it would be like a slow burn no one could refute.
Swavel
I made some observations from the 1951 movie, A Christmas Carol, which I believe relate. One of the scenes is when Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present. The scene begins as Scrooge enters a room and the ghost, who appears to be a king on his throne, is seated next to a fireplace surrounded by a feast.
Scrooge responds negatively to the ghost after he has been shown the positive aspects of Christmas, “I am too old, I am beyond hope, go and redeem some younger, more promising creature and leave me to keep Christmas in my own way.”
The Christmas spirit replies, “Mortal, we spirits of Christmas do not live but only one day of the year, we live the whole three hundred and sixty five. So is it true of the child born in Bethlehem, he does not live in men’s hearts only one day a year, but in all the days of the year. But you have chosen not to seek him in your heart. Therefore you shall come with me and seek him in the hearts of men of goodwill.”
Of course at the end of the movie, Scrooge decides to change his life for the better and set fire, so to speak, his old way of doing things. A line that exemplifies this is when Scrooge apologizes to his nephew, Fred, admitting the error of his ways, “Can you forgive a pig headed old fool for having no eyes to see with, no ears to hear with, for all these years?”
But my favorite part is at the very end, when the narrator states….
“Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; ………….and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!”
Just imagine, if we all lived life with such enthusiasm, it would be like a slow burn no one could refute.
Swavel
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Crooked Logic
Ever find yourself going back in time? It happens to me every year when I get the Christmas decorations out of the shed. The whole experience always makes me get all nostalgic. It seems to me we all have our favorite decorations that make Christmas, well Christmas for us and until we find said items the festivities cannot truly begin.
In our family my youngest daughter has her Hallmark China Christmas ball, my son has various Chicago Bears ornaments, and I have a homemade snowman from a childhood friend. But, my wife has a special candy cane we always must locate before anything can really begin. Allow me to explain.
Several years ago, I came home one December day to find my six-year-old, eldest daughter had been out Christmas shopping and had selected a unique gift for her mom. Alisha was so proud of the lawn ornament sized candy cane she had purchased that despite the persistence of her brother and I refused to exchange it for a more suitable gift.
When Christmas arrived my wife opened her gift from our daughter as I snickered and smugly opened a can of chips Alisha had given to me. At the time, I appeared to have the more appropriate gift. As it turned out six months later, our daughter, Alisha, at the age of seven would change her address to Heaven.
Each year I am reminded as I look at the candy cane, that hangs in our house in a place of prominence, that the most unlikely gifts truly hold the most eternal significance. God, like the shepherd's cane, seems to use crooked logic to remind us what is most important during the Christmas season, His son, Jesus. It truly is the best gift that we could ever give or receive; yet so often to our discredit we would rather receive a can of chips.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15
Swavel
In our family my youngest daughter has her Hallmark China Christmas ball, my son has various Chicago Bears ornaments, and I have a homemade snowman from a childhood friend. But, my wife has a special candy cane we always must locate before anything can really begin. Allow me to explain.
Several years ago, I came home one December day to find my six-year-old, eldest daughter had been out Christmas shopping and had selected a unique gift for her mom. Alisha was so proud of the lawn ornament sized candy cane she had purchased that despite the persistence of her brother and I refused to exchange it for a more suitable gift.
When Christmas arrived my wife opened her gift from our daughter as I snickered and smugly opened a can of chips Alisha had given to me. At the time, I appeared to have the more appropriate gift. As it turned out six months later, our daughter, Alisha, at the age of seven would change her address to Heaven.
Each year I am reminded as I look at the candy cane, that hangs in our house in a place of prominence, that the most unlikely gifts truly hold the most eternal significance. God, like the shepherd's cane, seems to use crooked logic to remind us what is most important during the Christmas season, His son, Jesus. It truly is the best gift that we could ever give or receive; yet so often to our discredit we would rather receive a can of chips.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15
Swavel
Monday, November 29, 2010
It Still Rings True
When it comes to being thankful, I need look no farther than my left hand when I catch a familiar glimpse of my wedding ring. I have worn a gold band proudly for twenty-one years and can never recall a day I have not worn it. To me, it is a reminder of a commitment to my wife that I will remain true.
Several years ago a car commercial by Hyundai was asking, why commitment doesn’t play a larger role in our lives? They flashed a picture of a bride onto the screen and said, “If you don’t like your spouse, get a new one.” Quite frankly, I don’t know why our culture places such a low priority on commitment. Perhaps it stems from the fact that we tend to be a microwave society and want everything immediately.
Here is my synopsis on marriage. The stats, from what I can gather, tell me one in two marriages will end in divorce. That is a flip of the coin. Marriage is a risk, like playing the stock market. So in my case, I am going to fully invest in my marriage. My wife and I have buried a child together and buried the hatchet on several other occasions. We have survived the worst and have grown through it.
One of the best moments of my life, was when my wife came down the aisle. Over time I have realized every day I am given a gift from God to love my wife a new, just like He loves me. How can I show her mercy, grace, love and listen to what she is really trying to tell me. Huge task I know, but that is what I agreed to when I put on my gold ring and that is why it takes a lifetime to complete.
During this Thanksgiving season, I will give thanks for the one woman who slipped a special ring on my finger, some twenty years ago. It will take death to remove it and in my case, weight loss.
“What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.” ~ Leo Tolstoy
Swavel
Several years ago a car commercial by Hyundai was asking, why commitment doesn’t play a larger role in our lives? They flashed a picture of a bride onto the screen and said, “If you don’t like your spouse, get a new one.” Quite frankly, I don’t know why our culture places such a low priority on commitment. Perhaps it stems from the fact that we tend to be a microwave society and want everything immediately.
Here is my synopsis on marriage. The stats, from what I can gather, tell me one in two marriages will end in divorce. That is a flip of the coin. Marriage is a risk, like playing the stock market. So in my case, I am going to fully invest in my marriage. My wife and I have buried a child together and buried the hatchet on several other occasions. We have survived the worst and have grown through it.
One of the best moments of my life, was when my wife came down the aisle. Over time I have realized every day I am given a gift from God to love my wife a new, just like He loves me. How can I show her mercy, grace, love and listen to what she is really trying to tell me. Huge task I know, but that is what I agreed to when I put on my gold ring and that is why it takes a lifetime to complete.
During this Thanksgiving season, I will give thanks for the one woman who slipped a special ring on my finger, some twenty years ago. It will take death to remove it and in my case, weight loss.
“What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.” ~ Leo Tolstoy
Swavel
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Whitens Teeth
Have you ever read something that made you say “duh”? The other evening I was at the kitchen table when I read this, “God is complex” to which I replied, “really”? Then later that evening I made another stunning discovery when I found myself reading a tube of toothpaste. Allow me to explain….
This is what I read: Whitens teeth; releases pure oxygen bubbles for a clean fresh sensation; and deep cleaning action removes plaque. Then I read the dentist’s advice which was to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly. All this made absolute sense.
Then I read some more stuff that made absolutely no or little sense. I read the ingredients: sodium monofluorophosphate, hydrated silica, sodium bicarbonate, titanium dioxide, calcium peroxide, pentasodium triphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, carrageenan, cellose gum, FD&C blue no. 1, D&C yellow no. 10. This was far too complicated leaving me in a state of “huh”.
My bottom line is this, I understand the directions because they were simple and full of common sense, yet the ingredients were highly confusing. After a visit online I received a better comprehension, but it was still beyond me. So, despite the fact I have no idea what half the ingredients are I faithfully use the toothpaste. Why? I trust the results and the maker to do what it claims because the toothpaste makes my breath fresh, whitens my teeth and fights cavities. Good enough for me.
So, even if I can’t fully understand God with my finite mind I trust Him because I see his handiwork all around me such as the sunrise, the stars in the sky, the change in the seasons and how His mercies seem new to me every morning. Call me simple but if I can trust toothpaste to whiten my teeth I can trust God to do whatever He wants in my life.
“If we could always predict what God would do, then God isn't God. But since we can't put Him in a box and He works in such wondrous ways, He's proved Himself to be God.” Author Unknown
Swavel
This is what I read: Whitens teeth; releases pure oxygen bubbles for a clean fresh sensation; and deep cleaning action removes plaque. Then I read the dentist’s advice which was to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly. All this made absolute sense.
Then I read some more stuff that made absolutely no or little sense. I read the ingredients: sodium monofluorophosphate, hydrated silica, sodium bicarbonate, titanium dioxide, calcium peroxide, pentasodium triphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, carrageenan, cellose gum, FD&C blue no. 1, D&C yellow no. 10. This was far too complicated leaving me in a state of “huh”.
My bottom line is this, I understand the directions because they were simple and full of common sense, yet the ingredients were highly confusing. After a visit online I received a better comprehension, but it was still beyond me. So, despite the fact I have no idea what half the ingredients are I faithfully use the toothpaste. Why? I trust the results and the maker to do what it claims because the toothpaste makes my breath fresh, whitens my teeth and fights cavities. Good enough for me.
So, even if I can’t fully understand God with my finite mind I trust Him because I see his handiwork all around me such as the sunrise, the stars in the sky, the change in the seasons and how His mercies seem new to me every morning. Call me simple but if I can trust toothpaste to whiten my teeth I can trust God to do whatever He wants in my life.
“If we could always predict what God would do, then God isn't God. But since we can't put Him in a box and He works in such wondrous ways, He's proved Himself to be God.” Author Unknown
Swavel
Friday, November 12, 2010
What Color is God?
The answer to what color God is lies in the title of my favorite book, “The Color of Water.” It is one of the most interesting titles I have ever heard. Why, I’ll tell you.
The title of this book was derived from a conversation the author, James McBride, had with his mother when he asked her what color God was and she responded, “the color of water.” The subtitle and premise of the book is this: A black man’s tribute to his white mother. The book is a unique blend of his mother’s life one chapter and then his the next. This book is a testament to how life can seem so messy at times, but as we progress we see the work of art our life becomes.
McBride wrote this book to honor his mother, even though while he was growing up he didn’t understand her and a lot of the things she did. She was a Jewish woman born in 1921 who was considered dead by her family when she married an African American man. The author was raised in Brooklyn’s Red Hook projects with an eccentric mother who was widowed twice and was the mother of twelve children. Her two driving forces were God and that her children get an education, primarily college.
There are few books I actually read all the way through, yet it was a welcome elixir for my soul at a time after I had suffered great loss. This book brought me back to reality and also helped me escape my hardships at the same time.
Although I enjoyed reading this book, I probably would never have picked it up had I not met James during a service call, while I was an exterminator several years ago. He was a unique and engaging man in his forties with a quick wit, someone you would want to hang out with. After we talked for a while he gave me a signed copy addressed to all the members of my family. Usually an author’s signature is not something I value, but genuine thoughts like his are. It was his personal touch that helped me embrace this book.
So that is why "The Color of Water" is my favorite book. Not because James McBride is a renowned jazz musician or a onetime writer for the Washington Post, but because he became real to me and I wanted to know more from someone whose perspective fascinated me. It was as if he were speaking the words to me and only me. His book encouraged me to keep on trying despite how hard life can be at times and never be afraid to ask questions, even if the answers are illusive.
“The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.” James Bryce
Swavel
The title of this book was derived from a conversation the author, James McBride, had with his mother when he asked her what color God was and she responded, “the color of water.” The subtitle and premise of the book is this: A black man’s tribute to his white mother. The book is a unique blend of his mother’s life one chapter and then his the next. This book is a testament to how life can seem so messy at times, but as we progress we see the work of art our life becomes.
McBride wrote this book to honor his mother, even though while he was growing up he didn’t understand her and a lot of the things she did. She was a Jewish woman born in 1921 who was considered dead by her family when she married an African American man. The author was raised in Brooklyn’s Red Hook projects with an eccentric mother who was widowed twice and was the mother of twelve children. Her two driving forces were God and that her children get an education, primarily college.
There are few books I actually read all the way through, yet it was a welcome elixir for my soul at a time after I had suffered great loss. This book brought me back to reality and also helped me escape my hardships at the same time.
Although I enjoyed reading this book, I probably would never have picked it up had I not met James during a service call, while I was an exterminator several years ago. He was a unique and engaging man in his forties with a quick wit, someone you would want to hang out with. After we talked for a while he gave me a signed copy addressed to all the members of my family. Usually an author’s signature is not something I value, but genuine thoughts like his are. It was his personal touch that helped me embrace this book.
So that is why "The Color of Water" is my favorite book. Not because James McBride is a renowned jazz musician or a onetime writer for the Washington Post, but because he became real to me and I wanted to know more from someone whose perspective fascinated me. It was as if he were speaking the words to me and only me. His book encouraged me to keep on trying despite how hard life can be at times and never be afraid to ask questions, even if the answers are illusive.
“The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it.” James Bryce
Swavel
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I Shall Not Want
Who has not gone to a funeral and flipped the bulletin over to read the most famous passage on comfort of all time, Psalm 23. You need read no further than the first line, “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want…..” For some reason, it has become a theme in my life that I have begun to embrace. Here is why.
When I look at this passage, I am reminded how much I am like the stinky sheep the shepherd in this verse is tending. I do not have it together, not even by a long shot.
Here are the two things I want to say about sheep:
The bad news first, sheep stink and they tend to do their own thing. They are irrational and blind to the needs of others. Sound familiar. Hey, that is what I do a lot. I sure don’t like being called out, but it certainly is the truth. Often because of their foolishness, the shepherd must waste his time rescuing them from barb wire fences, mud, or from walking around in circle. Sheep are easily led astray and often are lured to their death by their enemies.
Now here is the good news, when they listen to the shepherd they tend to ‘go all out’ because when they believe something they are all in. I think that is the, "I shall not want" part. When I do what I want, the end result is often difficulty, but when I do what the shepherd wants life becomes good.
So where am I going with all this sheep stuff, actually it’s pretty simple. Whether we like it or not, or at least for me, I know I am a mess on my own, but when I follow the Good Shepherd, Jesus, everything turns out alright. For me it is not a case of what I know, but who I know. I think all sheep like me should adopt Lord Alfred Tennyson famous quote, “Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die”.
Swavel
When I look at this passage, I am reminded how much I am like the stinky sheep the shepherd in this verse is tending. I do not have it together, not even by a long shot.
Here are the two things I want to say about sheep:
The bad news first, sheep stink and they tend to do their own thing. They are irrational and blind to the needs of others. Sound familiar. Hey, that is what I do a lot. I sure don’t like being called out, but it certainly is the truth. Often because of their foolishness, the shepherd must waste his time rescuing them from barb wire fences, mud, or from walking around in circle. Sheep are easily led astray and often are lured to their death by their enemies.
Now here is the good news, when they listen to the shepherd they tend to ‘go all out’ because when they believe something they are all in. I think that is the, "I shall not want" part. When I do what I want, the end result is often difficulty, but when I do what the shepherd wants life becomes good.
So where am I going with all this sheep stuff, actually it’s pretty simple. Whether we like it or not, or at least for me, I know I am a mess on my own, but when I follow the Good Shepherd, Jesus, everything turns out alright. For me it is not a case of what I know, but who I know. I think all sheep like me should adopt Lord Alfred Tennyson famous quote, “Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die”.
Swavel
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