Jack’s Winning Words 4/20/15
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.  Be kind—always!”  (Sent by TK)  In this day of the I-phone, the public seems obsessed to “show & know” everything.  I agree that some things should be out in the open, but there’s also a time for the closed door.  I know that the lives of many are complicated.  If someone “acts up,” it can be because other stuff is going on, so I try to give them the benefit of the doubt.  It never hurts to be kind.    ;-)  Jack

 FROM TARMART REV:  I will never forget the prayer request given from the floor of our Bible college chapel service, as a young lady asked for prayer for one of the pastor's in our city who was struggling with his wife's poor health and the church's division over his ministry. He happened to be my former pastor in another city before recently taking this pastorate. I instantly thought of students attending here from all over the country, whose parents and church personally knew this pastor and his wife, calling home to tell their family and friends the bad news of which this pastor would have preferred them not knowing his personal struggles at this time. Good intention . . . poor understanding of the impact of such a request. Life went though, with him eventually resigning and moving on as well.====JACK:  Ecclesiastes 3 gives this advice..."There is a time for everything--a time to speak and a time to shut up." (Modern translation)

FROM MICHIZONA RAY:  For some reason, this reminds me of the saying, "I'd rather see a good sermon than hear one any day!"====JACK:  Jesus said, "By their fruit (not their words) you shall know them."  He wasn't just talking about trees.

FROM BB IN ILLINOIS:  You’re the best; agree withyou completely.  Not sure if you saw any news of beloved 38 year old Chicago Chef Homaro Cantu taking his life last week.  We had reservations at his place, Moto, Friday night for my 55th birthday and I recently won a cooking day in his kitchen at a fundraiser.  Took Angelique to his place for her 18th birthday to show her how creativity and collaboration can make something artistic and fun very successful.  He was a very community oriented person with a few patents, two elementary age school children and a seemingly great marriage.  No signs of impending disaster foreseen by friends or colleagues.  You are so right…. many are fighting on the inside and the rest of us have no clue.====JACK:  I also dislike political "gotcha" segments--taken out of context.  To know the whole story, you have to know the whole story...and I don't if that's possible.  Charlie Rich sang, "Behind Closed Doors."  However, I believe in true investigative reporting that has an ethical bent to it.  And, no, I hadn't heard the story about the chef.  Sad.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  This reminds me of a very popular song by Glen Campbell I think.  It was "Try a little kindness and overlook the blindness." I don't remember it all but I did like the song...the words were very good!====JACK:  "...overlook the blindness of narrow-minded people."

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Truer words were never said.====JACK:  "When I was young, I admired clever people.  Now that I'm old, I admire people who are kind."  Abraham Henschel

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  AS SOREN KIERKEGAARD SAID, "LIFE HAS ITS OWN HIDDEN FORCES WHICH CAN ONLY BE DISCOVERED BY LIVING."  MY DAUGHTER HAS TODAY'S WW ON ALL HER EMAILS; OUR CHURCH BULLETIN OFTEN QUOTES IT, AND FOR GOOD REASON; IT KEEPS US AWARE OF THE VALUES OF PATIENCE AND KINDNESS. MY MOM USED TO SAY, "IT DOESN'T COST ANYTHING TO BE KIND", AND THAT WAS DRILLED INTO US. NO ONE BATS 100% IN THAT CATEGORY, PROBABLY, BUT WE NEED TO TRY EVERYDAY!====JACK:  Have you ever sung the song, Try a Little Kindness?  I'd print it out for you, but it must be restricted in some way.  Nevertheless, it's the thought that counts.====OAKS:  I DON''T RECALL THAT SONG. I HAVEN'T SUNG IT THAT I KNOW OF!====JACK:  You can hear Glen Campbell sing it on YouTube.  OOPS!  I was able to pull up the lyrics. 
If you see your brother standing by the road   With a heavy load from the seeds he's sowed
 And if you see your sister falling by the way   Just stop and say "You're going the wrong way"

Don't walk around the down and out   Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
 And the kindness that you show every day   Will help someone along their way

You got to try a little kindness, yes show a little kindness   Just shine your light for everyone to see
 And if you try a little kindness, then you'll overlook the blindness   
 Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets