Faith
The True Heart of Thanksgiving
I have always appreciated reality more than fantasy–actual history compared to fictional stories. There is something about hearing a true story that speaks clearly and powerfully to the heart.
Not that imaginative story-telling cannot be helpful and instructive. Jesus’ use of parables is a good example. But there is something about a real struggle and the lessons learned that reaches our inner being and shouts, “that can be you too.”
During this special week when the United States celebrates Thanksgiving, I want to share two true stories to enlarge your grateful heart. Both are a testament that thankfulness is often forged in the furnace of affliction.
It is suffering that produces the true heart of Thanksgiving.
Alice Cooper Comes Home to Jesus
I remember two famous “Coopers” in my youth. D.B. Cooper hijacked an airplane and “parachuted out” in my home state never to be heard from again. The other was Alice Cooper, a guy with a weird name who became a legendary rock star.
I hadn’t thought of Alice Cooper for many years when a friend of mine splashed a headline that made my heart sing.
Here is a thanksgiving story about how Alice Cooper came home to Jesus.
There’s Nothing Offensive About Loving Your Country
This weekend I’m helping to coordinate the South Kitsap Class of 1971 Golden Reunion in Port Orchard, Washington. One hundred and thirty-five classmates and friends will enjoy a touching and hilarious program at the main event which ends with us singing our school Alma Mater. The final slide will say “We Love you” and the concluding song is James Taylor’s “You Got a Friend.”
It’s normal to love your family, school, classmates, nation and beyond–if you’re a caring human being. But across the water in Sammamish, Washington, love of nation is being viewed as offensive.
That’s just plainly demonic.
There’s nothing wrong about loving your country.