How Can They Be So Close Yet So Far? Oh, Yeah...Faith!

UK Science Center to Probe Mysteries of the Mind

Can there be a predisposition for fundamentalism? Do the faithful cope more easily with pain? Are they faster to recover from illness? Such are the questions scientists and theologians will attempt to answer at a new study center which starts experiments into human consciousness in the next few months.

Does that mean they think fundamentalism is genetic, therefore it can be cured with some wonderdrug?

OXSCOM has received a $2 million grant for a two-year pilot run from the American-based philanthropic John Templeton Foundation to carry out a range of experiments, some of which will use pain techniques to see if the faithful cope better with pain than non-believers.

Scientists will use chilli pepper to burn volunteers' skin, said OXSCOM deputy director Toby Collins.

Then, religious icons or other symbolic artifacts will be shown to them to see if they make a difference in pain perception.

*shakes head*

It's not the image of Jesus or the symbol of the Cross that brings peace. It's the living, resurrected Jesus and the knowledge that He suffered on the Cross for our sins so that His Spirit could dwell in our hearts.

The people of faith who are survivors of the tsunami are not being comforted by pictures; they are comforted by their faith.

For crying out loud, the public are not lab rats and you can't treat them like lab rats in an experiment and hope to get ANY meaningful results.

Greenfield said its time has come because of people's propensity to go against all logic, based on certain beliefs and faiths.

She highlighted the rise of fundamentalist beliefs as a concern.

"We are very mindful as to the state of the world as to the strength of beliefs and what that can do for world peace and well-being," she said.

"What is it in the brain that, in the presence of evidence, refutes that evidence?"

Beliefs can be remarkably resilient, even against logic, added Oxford theologian, professor John Brooke, and this merits study.

He used the example of the Asian tsunami disaster to suggest that even a huge tragedy can often fail to force the faithful to flounder in their beliefs. Why is that?

This really would be insulting except these people obviously do not realize that they are being condescending and ignorant about people who have faith and spiritual beliefs. I believe science has yielded some very helpful technology (like computers, the internet and medical breakthroughs) but when science tries to understand faith and/or religion, science gets way out of its league.

I Corinthians 1: 18 - 21 and 26 - 31 (King James Version)

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

...

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

The Tsumani Topic Is IR-Related

I was telling my wife about my "Tsumani Afterthought" post yesterday. Out of that conversation came an interesting conclusion: everything about the Tsumani impact and relief response is interracially-related...not exclusively in the relationship sense (although that is a factor) but in the scope of nations affected.

People of more than 12 nations were involved. More than that, actually, because of many of the devastated locations being tourist resorts. Many "foreigners" were killed, injured and/or traumatized: Europeans, Australians, Americans and Africans, to name only a few.

Relief efforts were spearheaded by several of these "foreigner" nations. People were horrified at the incredible extent of death and they empathized for the survivors. Based on the amount of giving, from all over, it doesn't seem like people stopped to think about the color of skin, nationality or ethnicity of those they were helping.

Finally but hardly least, there were many IR couples either separated or devastated by the earthquake/tsunami. Many "foreigners" were either involved with or married to people of the affected nations. Quite a few were there visiting the native families from those countries.

So, just to clarify: the tsunami topic is not merely relevant for its "newsworthiness," but it's also very relevant to us here at IR Haven. It will be interesting to see how this continues to develop...

Best Wishes,
Allen

Tsunami Afterthought

I've been keeping up with the statistics and many of the news story angles, even some of the various international perspectives on this tragedy. Sometimes I have to purposefully take a break (unlike the unintentional break I took from blogging last weekend) from all the news and commentary because it is truly overwhelming. It is painful to realize that, before this is all over, more than 250,000 will most likely be counted dead and certainly millions of lives have been devastated.

Of course, the survival stories, public sympathy and generosity have also been reported. It is truly inspiring to comprehend the positives that have come to light recently. I won't bother with the political side, except to say that many political differences have been temporarily shelved to deal with this crisis.

But one element that has stood out to me is this: Why does it take massive amounts of death and suffering to make people start acting the way they should act all the time? People should care about each other. People should put aside differences of opinion to create positive change, regardless of whether they gain personal power or a quick buck out of it. People should be generous. People should ask themselves "what can I do to help somebody in need?" without asking "what's in it for me?" So why don't more people do that? The answer is surprisingly simple: sin. The Bible speaks well on this and does a much better job than I could.

Best Wishes,
Allen

James 4: 1 - 10 (King James Version)

1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Back In The Swing Of Things

My apologies for not blogging yesterday, I was ridiculously exhausted. You know you're "ridiculously" exhausted when somehow, in your mind, you know that you're just one step away from seeing things. It is bad when you're at work on the verge of exhaustion-induced hallucinations. Next thing you know, you're answering the phone "Hi, I'm Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?" Next thing after that, BAM! you're fired, right? I did not want that on my resume, so I just tried to quietly focus on work...

I'm also really looking to build readership of IR Haven. I've tried Blog Explosion, which has helped, as well as cross-linking with some very nice bloggers. What has worked for other people? You can either comment below or send me an e-mail. Thanks!

Best Wishes,
Allen

Earthquake/Tsunami Update: A Wonderful Response To The Question "How Can A Just And Loving God Allow Suffering?"


God Alone Knows Why There Is Suffering On Earth
(The Age - Jan. 3, 2005)

I would put the full text here but The Age's website clearly stated "This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited." So please check this link out, it's well worth the read (there may be a registration but it's free)!

Best Wishes,
Allen

Tsunami Update: Let The Media Pedantics Begin

Who thought that it was a good idea to send network morning show anchors to the devastated regions of the earthquake/tsunami disaster to interview survivors of this tragedy? Whoever thought of it should have included recommending at least some basic tact and real understanding for the producers and anchors, instead of what I saw on ABC and NBC this morning. What I saw was a Today Show anchor repeating everything that a man from Sri Lanka (who lost his wife and youngest daughter) said because she wanted to make sure people understood him. Then there was Diane Sawyer from Good Morning America looking way out of her league trying to relate to a group survivors; the syrupy tones of voice were painful to listen to.

To their credit, CBS just had their host talk via satellite to a correspondent there (Allan Pizzey - a longtime, respected foreign correspondent) who didn't interview anyone. I got considerably more information and perspective from the CBS report...

Don't get me wrong. I'm really not criticizing the anchors who went over there; they're doing what they were told to do. I think it's the producers and heads of the programming that may regret trying to get higher ratings out of a disaster in this manner. After all, the world is already watching the coverage of the recovery efforts -- why, oh, why do they need to send over anchorpeople who are used to interviewing celebrities and government officials? How can these anchors possibly hope to relate to the suffering of these poor people? It's a shame.

Best Wishes,
Allen

Before You Consider Weight Watchers, Consider This


Size Acceptance Organization Challenges U. of Pennsylvania Weight Watchers Study

I did the research on this myself. Although as a size activist I wasn't terribly surprised, it has been amazing to me the extent to which respected medical and health professionals ally themselves with the diet industry and try to help promote it. There couldn't be a financial motivation -- or is it just the

Weight Bias Among Health Professionals Specializing In Obesity? (PDF File of the shocking study by the Rudd Institute at Yale)

Within ISAA's press release is our organization's alternative to the yo-yo dieting frustration: fitness, healthy food choices and improving self-esteem. Not all that profitable, but they work.

Happy New Years -- stay safe, everyone!

Best Wishes,
Allen

More Earthquake-Tsunami Assistance Efforts

From the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website:

Sending Aid to Asia



Dear Friends,

My heart is saddened over the scenes that we have seen the last few days on our television sets as it relates to the tragedy in Southeast Asia. Tens of thousands of people lost their lives within minutes after the wall of water hit; and for most, there was absolutely no warning.

Twenty-eight years ago, I was preaching in Calcutta when a similar disaster hit South India. The government provided a helicopter for me to go personally and view the damage, which was very similar to what we see today. I committed that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association would help to rebuild one of those villages that was destroyed. A year later my son, Franklin, and members of our team went back for the dedication of the new village that we rebuilt.

Ruth and I have been praying that maybe we could do something like this again where we could find an isolated village that was completely destroyed and take the responsibility to rebuild it. We have a fund at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association we call the World Emergency Fund. Over the years when there have been tragedies and we have quietly given from this fund, whatever comes in goes out—100 percent of it. Not even a penny is taken for any kind of administration.

I hesitated to write because I didn’t want to burden you with too much mail, but I thought this was too important. If you would like to help, you can just make your check payable to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and designate it to World Emergency Fund.

We will help immediately in a meaningful way; and of course, we will do it in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Please remember these people that have lost so much in your prayers. I wish I had the strength to go myself. Thank you and God bless you.

Billy Graham

Donate online now to the World Emergency Fund >

Or mail your check to:
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
World Emergency Fund
1 Billy Graham Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28201

In Canada:
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada
World Emergency Fund
20 Hopewell Way NE
Calgary AB, T3J 5H5


Interrace Haven is not associated with or a part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. I just thought this was a wonderful idea.

Best Wishes,
Allen

Death Toll Reaches 100,000

If it's reached 100,000 this early, this could get much more harrowing before it's all over. It's only been 3 days since the disaster...

More updates later.

- Allen

The Earthquake/Tsumani Disaster Part 2: I Can't Quite Get Past It...

...and I'm not sure I want to. Horrible as it was and continues to be, this is a world event. The planet's geographical map was forever altered and the rotation was even momentarily affected. Seismologists even registered shockwaves as far away as Oklahoma (Thanks, Drudge).

Just knowing that more than 50,000 people were killed (with that number expected to grow, perhaps significantly) is almost numbing. I feel a sense of grief for people I never met, for survivors I will probably never meet -- but nevertheless, I feel a connection and I feel a tremendous sense of loss.

I felt this kind of loss with the Iran earthquake last year, though not this profoundly, I will admit -- and I felt this way after the Columbia shuttle disaster. Only 9/11/01 affected me more than any of these; that made me physically feverish and ill trying to cope with the onslaught of emotions those attacks brought out in me and my family.

I have updated the ISAA webpage to include an appeal for people to give to one of the organizations involved in the relief efforts. It's the least I can do, besides pray for the survivors. The U.S. government is giving $35 million in assistance and other countries are giving significant donations of money, food and supplies but this will be a very costly recovery for those 11 countries.

It's going to be a long week...

Best Wishes,
Allen

9.0 Earthquake Causes Tsunamis To Hit 9 Asian Countries, Over 20,000 Killed

Vast area reels from aftermath of deadly quake

Bodies Piled on Coasts After Tsunami Kills 22,700



DEATH CAME FROM THE SEA

"Death came from the sea," Satya Kumari, a construction worker living on the outskirts of Pondicherry, India, told Reuters. "The waves just kept chasing us. It swept away all our huts. What did we do to deserve this?"

Luke 13: 1 - 5 (King James Version)

There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

I don't think that anyone who perished in this calamity expected to die that day. I didn't expect to face an 18-wheeler the other week, at which time I could have easily been maimed or perished. Everyone will die someday; that is a certainty that we can't change. What is so important is to do our best to be as ready as possible, so that when death comes, it is not an enemy but a friend.

Somebody just said to themself: "What on Earth is he talking about??"

Whether or not you believe in or accept the God of the Jews and the Christians, He exists. He has offered a way to make peace with Him and a way to spend eternity with Him after death comes. Everyone will have the opportunity at sometime in their lives to accept Him, His Son and His Holy Spirit.

Many people have been "burned" by people calling themselves Christians. Note I said "calling themselves Christians" and not "Christians." Those people are, in fact, some of the worst sinners on the planet (through hypocrisy and not living this life). I grew up knowing people like that and it drove me away from the churches for a long time...but eventually, through my longing to know REAL Christians, this God I now serve and worship sent one of them my way. That Christian witnessed to my wife about living free from sin (something not preached in too many churches) and about what the Bible says about how to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and ultimately, how to make it "home" to Heaven.

"Our paradise turned into hell," said American tourist Moira Lee, 28, who was on Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand.

I am not a minister. I am just a Christian who cares. It's times like these when I just hope to say something that is a comfort...



...in such troubling times.

Best Wishes,
Allen

A Very Merry Christmas and The Happiest Of Holidays To Everyone!

I will most likely not be blogging through the weekend so I want to wish everyone my best now. Stay safe, stay warm and stay in good spirits!

Best Wishes,
Allen

More Holiday Updates

First Light performed last night at the Alamo Recreational Center in Austin, at the Operation Christmas Gift giveaway. It went very well and the small rec center was packed (it has a capacity of 50 - 75 and I would say it was definitely maxed out) with young children and their parents.

There was an introduction and a scripture and prayer (in English and Spanish, one of the church brothers acted as an interpreter). A group of young girl cheerleaders from a school (whose name I didn't catch) came forward and did a couple of cheer routines. Then First Light performed "Joy to The World" (mostly acapella; our band's leader played guitar and sang with us). There was an 8-minute video presentation about Operation Christmas Gift before First Light came forward and did three more songs (which were well-received by the audience).

Then came the preaching of the gospel by one of the associate ministers from our church. He started by calling the young cheerleaders to the front and asked to lead them in a cheer by spelling out "J" then "E" then "S-U-S." The cheerleaders gleefully complied and it was both cute and inspirational. It also set the stage, so to speak, for the preaching, which was also interpreted into Spanish.

First Light was called upon to sing the invitation song ("Just As I Am") and then to play music as the gifts were distributed to the children. Afterwards, the children got goody bags with cookies and candy.

It's always a joy to see happy children's faces at Christmastime, especially since without this effort, some (maybe most) of these children might not have gotten any presents. But the most important thing is not the gifts, it's the love behind the giving -- and that would not have been possible without the love of Christ that's in the hearts of all those who participated in this effort.

And a final IR tie-in: there were children of different nationalities there. We even sat next to an IR couple (Black man, Hispanic or possibly mixed- woman) and their 4 or 5 mixed race children. My oldest son befriended one of their sons and two of their other children befriended one of the other bandmembers (who has two Hispanic-Black biracial sons herself).

The whole event was a lot of fun and truly accomplished something worthy by evening's end. I'm proud to share it with you all.

Best Christmas Wishes,
Allen

Holiday Updates

My apologies for not blogging in several days. Quite a bit has been going on to keep life busy and hectic...but that's actually not a bad thing!

Late Wednesday evening, we got our van back and Thursday morning, we turned in the rental car. Overall, I enjoyed the little Nissan Sentra and I'm still very happy with the service and choices of Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Tuesday we'd had a rehearsal for this Sunday's Christmas musical program at church and Wednesday, we had rehearsed at church for the same. Thursday evening, we actually had a night to relax. Friday, Angel and I went to a Christmas dinner for the young married couples of our church (which was wonderful). Saturday was dress rehearsal and then yesterday was the program itself! So, as you see, we've been kinda busy.

Tonight we'll be rehearsing for a First Light performance tomorrow night at a toy giveaway which is part of Operation Christmas Gift. For months, the toys and donations have been collected and now, it's time to distribute them to needy children here in Austin. Recently, our pastor and a group from the church went to Belize and Guatemala, Central America, to distribute the gift -and toy-filled shoeboxes there. First Light participated in last year's event and it was very rewarding. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's event, Lord willing.

Then later this week, we'll begin the Christmas festivities, visiting with relatives and friends. We'll be staying in Central Texas, just as we did for Thanksgiving.

I'll update again as possible.

Best Wishes,
Allen

Another Installment Of "Dairy-Free Cooking With Allen"

Okay, first, my wonderful wife surprised me yesterday by picking up a great new product from the makers of Silk soymilk:
SILK NOG! I had some, and while it is not as thick as regular eggnog, the taste is right-on!

Secondly, I tried out a dairy-free variation on a favorite old recipe that I learned from my late father: Croissant Chicken

Ingredients:

• Pillsbury croissant rolls (8 count)


• 1 small can of chunk chicken (any brand, I prefer a mix of white and dark meats - how IR of me!)
• 
  
• "Better Than Cream Cheese" by Tofutti (8 ounce container but you only use 4 oz.). If your grocery story doesn't carry it, ask them to order it!


• 1/2 teaspoon Natures Seasons


• 1/4 teaspoon paprika


• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper


• 2 tablespoons Dairy-free margarine

Cooking instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees


2. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and either use a non-stick spray,Crisco or vegetable oil to grease the foil


3. Place 4 oz. of "Better Than Cream Cheese" and the two tablespoons of dairy-free margarine in a microwavable bowl, cover and nuke for one minute to soften cream cheese and butter.


4. Drain most (but not all) of the water from the can of chunk chicken and mix it into the margarine/cream cheese mixture


5. Add Natures Seasons, paprika and black pepper, blend thoroughly


6. Open Pilsbury croissant package and separate croissants into four rectangles (one rectangle is two regular croissants, make sure to leave them together!) on the foil-covered cookie sheet


7. Spoon about one heaping tablespoon of the chicken/cream cheese mixture into each of the croissant rectangles


8. Fold all four corners around the chicken/cream cheese mixture and twist the croissant dough together at the top to hold it all together; do this for each of the four croissant rectangles


9. Garnish the top of each closed croissant with a small amount of non-dairy margarine (less than a teaspoon's worth)


10. Cook in the oven at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes or until croissants are golden brown. Serves four.

Good side dishes are ranch style beans, french-cut green beans or any variety of vegetables, plus bread if you like (technically, a croissant is bread but I've had this dish with bread many times).

Enjoy!

Best Wishes,
Allen

An IR True Story

My wife was out and about Christmas shopping yesterday with my oldest son, Adam. They were in line at a Hobby Lobby store waiting to pay for their items and my wife shows Adam a $100 bill. He looks at it and says "Wow! That's Ben Franklin!" My wife says "Yes, that's right. Did you know that Ben Franklin is one of your ancestors, on your father's side?" He responded "Wow! Does that mean we're important people??" To which my wife said "Honey, Ben Franklin is a lot of people's ancestor."

There was one more thing that made the whole thing all the more funny, though. Out of the corner of her eye, my wife saw an older gentleman in line behind them (who happened to be white) -- and he was looking at them very strangely after my (black) wife told my (biracial) son that he was related to Ben Franklin.

They say for everything else, there's Mastercard...but this was priceless!

Best Wishes,
Allen

Mixed Feelings Update

The soreness and stiffness in my left shoulder has subsided, which is a relief. I'll admit I was a little worried after my friend brought up concerns but today, I am just fine and I'm grateful to my Lord and Savior about that.

Yesterday, I went ahead and got a new rental car through Enterprise Rent-a-car. I really like them. I'll be driving a Nissan Sentra for the next week or until the van is fixed and returned.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

I don't know why but I'm a little surprised there have been no comments on my near-death experience. Have there just been that few visitors to the site, is the commenting software not working, or are y'all just speechless? Is it difficult to leave comments on serious, life-or-death blog entries?

I mean, had I been killed, that would have effectively killed IR Haven, too. Just wondering.

Best Wishes,
Allen

Reflections On Yesterday

Okay, so I've had 24 hours to think on what happened yesterday and I'm still taking it all in. It's amazing how something that only took seconds to happen can occupy a significant part of your attention, memory and emotion -- when it's something that could have killed you.

I mean, I joked about it in the blog because, well, it was laugh or cry, y'know? And I really didn't feel like crying; I was just stunned at the near-absurdity of it all.

I've had some interesting reactions from friends after I told them. Some said "you should have gotten the trucker's name and license plate number" or that I should have said something to the trucker. To that, I responded "I was just grateful to be alive!" It really didn't enter my mind to get any info from the trucker. I must be a lawyer's biggest disappointment. I probably would have had a legitimate claim but I'm not interested in suing anyone or extorting money (some say "damages") from anyone. I guess I'm weird like that.

Physically, I'm a little stiff in my left shoulder today but it's really not bad.

I've been warned it might get worse and I suppose it might. I've just been trying to take it easy on it. First Light performs at church tonight and, Lord willing, I'll be fine for that.

My thoughts keep coming back to two things:

1. The mercy of the Lord on my life; and
2. Why was that 18-wheeler in a residential neighborhood?

I'm probably never going to know the latter, so I'm better off just focusing on the mercy of the Lord and His Will for my life.

Again, I come back to the absurdity of the situation: how many people actually get run over by 18-wheelers at crosswalks?? It can't be a high number!

But it nearly happened...only the Lord spared me from falling over completely and getting run over by the tires (sorry for the grisly imagery) or something worse, had the truck been going faster. Still, it doesn't matter if the truck is going five miles an hour; if it runs over you at that speed, you're still either badly injured or dead.

But I'm not. The driver stopped the truck. I assumed he heard the sound of me hitting the side of his truck and that's why he stopped. Another friend of mine got very concerned when she considered that in order for it to be loud enough for the driver to hear or feel, it might have been a harder contact that I realized. She thought that the adrenaline in my system from running (and near panic) was why I didn't feel anything -- which may be true. I just don't know. She was concerned I might "feel it" in a week or so. I don't know that either.

Sorry this is a longer than usual blog entry. I don't usually ponder why I'm still breathing and its significance. I just know that God spared me another day to work out my soul salvation.

Best Wishes,
Allen

Phillipians 2: 12-13 (King James Version)

The Apostle Paul, speaking to the Church at Phillipi

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Moment Of Abject Stupidity...

Okay, I'm "man enough" that, when I do something dumb -- and live to tell about it -- I'll own up to it. I had one of those "moments of abject stupidity" on the way to work this morning...and obviously, I lived to tell about it, so...

As you know, our van is in the shop but I have a job close enough to walk to. So I head out a few minutes early and walk towards work. My only remaining obstacle is a major intersection with a crosswalk. I take my time getting there, figuring I'll probably miss the light and wait till the next change of light to cross the road. Suddenly, the light changes and the walk signal bids me to cross. I decide I'm close enough to try and make it (this is one of the dumb things I did) and begin to run towards the intersection crosswalk.

My second mistake was not checking for traffic trying to turn right at the intersection. You know, the kind of traffic that doesn't watch out for pedestrians?

I've taken about four steps into the intersection when an 18-wheeler slowly wraps around from my left, encompassing the entire intersection.

This is a classic "I can't believe this!" moment, because my own momentum is enough that I really can't stop or go back to avoid a collision. I see the truck -- the irresistable force -- heading towards me -- the not-so-immoveable object -- in slow motion -- and there really isn't anything I can do!

A moment later, the side of the truck bumps my left shoulder, knocking me sideways and I nearly lose my balance and fall over. The truck driver, upon hearing the "bump," immediately stops the truck, allowing me a second to regain my balance and move out of the way. Realizing I was fine and would remain so, I went to show the truck driver I was okay so he could leave (and he did). It didn't even hurt where the truck bumped me. Yes, once again proof that God watches out for us even when we aren't doing such a great job looking out for ourselves.

Moral to the lesson I: I still had to wait on the light to cross the intersection.

Moral to the lesson II: I think it was actually harder to explain the "moment of abject stupidity" to my wife (over the phone) than to experience it.

Moral to the lesson III: Avoid "moments of abject stupidity" if at all possible.

Best Wishes,
Allen

Follow Up (Part Two)

So, as we were driving to the burial service (after the funeral/homegoing), we notice a high-pitched shrill coming from our van. It was odd and only seemed to happen when we accelerated, which led me to believe it might be the brakes, but the warning shrill from brakes usually comes days before you actually need to replace your pads, so I figured it was safe to proceed.

We got to the husband's property where the burial was to take place (he'd had the foresight to make burial plots for himself and his wife, side-by-side) , attended the graveside service and prayers. The Lord blessed the husband to be strong. He even had a few words before one of the associate ministers gave the benediction. Then everyone came to offer personal words and condolences to the family. I just wanted to give my brother in Christ a heartfelt hug. I knew I had no words that could express more. When I looked in his eyes, I could see that he "got" me. Angel and I joined the choir for a closing song, which felt good.

Then we packed back into the van and started heading home. Now the hiigh-pitched shrill was replaced by a low-pitched shrill and the van felt like its gears were slipping. I also couldn't get it to accelerate over 20 miles an hour! So, I silently prayed and the Lord blessed us to get back to the husband's property.

I found the two brothers (no, literally they are brothers) who had worked so faithfully on our van and told them the van's symptoms. After driving it and trying to reverse in front of them, they were able to quickly determine that it was the transmission...the same transmission that had replaced the bad transmission before! But the good thing about it is that the parts are still under warranty, so even though it will take several days to get it repaired, it won't cost anything to do so.

We just had two hurtles to overcome and our brothers in Christ (the same brothers) helped with both of those hurtles. I knew that our car insurance covered towing but because of the remote location, I knew it would take some time for a tow truck to find us. And it was getting late and cold. One brother offered to stay with the van until it was towed while the other brother drove my wife, kids and myself home. And while the vehicle is being repaired, at least my job is within walking distance from home (about 1 mile, which I can walk in 15 minutes).

So, the moral to the story is: We got home, safe and sound, thanks to our brothers in Christ. What a great God I serve, that He can change people's hearts to be capable of such compassion, understanding and love -- regardless of nationality (our brothers in Christ happen to be African-American). Once again, I am humbled and grateful and I just have to share the blessings the Lord has done for me.

Have a great day!

Best Wishes,
Allen