Jack’s Winning words 12/3/15
“Don’t allow yourself to be overcome by evil.   Take the offensive.  Overcome evil with good.”  (The Bible)  I’ve been struck by the fact that so many mass shootings have happened at places where people were trying to help people…the disabled, planned parenthood, churches, schools.  The response to terror, whatever that terror might be, is to overcome it with good   The Twin Towers were replaced with a building, even taller.  If “helping places” are targeted, let’s  take the offensive and be determined to make a stronger effort to be “do-gooders.”    ;-)  Jack

FROM TL IN MICHIGAN:  Jack, thank you for your message to my heart and mind...encouragement that we need.  You are a true Shepherd  Thank you for being there with the dawn of each NEW day. ====JACK:  First, I write for myself, thinking that what's on my mind might also be on the mind of others.

FROM HONEST JOHN:  Let's start putting good up front in the news====JACK:  I recently listened to a talk by the head of one of our local TV stations.  She addressed  the same issue that you raised.  In the "business" world you lead with what the public wants.  They get what they want...sad to say.

FROM BM:  Amen! We must overcome evil with good. Thank you for these appropriate & timely words.====JACK:  The do-gooders have their work cut out for them.  Paul encourages the Galatians (and us)..."Don't become weary in well-doing."

FROM CHESTER THE GOD:  Thanks. I needed that.====JACK:  Sometimes Winning Words can be more refreshing than Mennen's Skin Bracer.  Did you know that Mennen was the middle name of a Michigan Governor...G. Mennen (Soapy) Williams?

FROM TARMART REV:  That would certainly be a welcomed trend nationally in regards to our news media --giving more coverage on those organization's working hard to improve instead of complain. America does have a lot good going for it that never gets reported on all fronts. ====JACK:  We've been taught to not "toot our horn."  Therefore, it's left to someone else to find the good that's being done (like in Willmar) and tell about it.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  It's hard even to think of a reply to this one.  Perhaps the only reply for me is, "You are so right!"====JACK:  Here's a quote that I've intended to use sometime...except I think that only a few oldsters would understand it.  "Today's headlines are tomorrow's pantry shelf liners."

FROM BB IN ILLINOIS:  Enjoyed your positive thoughts this morning.  I thought the announcement of the Zuckerberg donation to charity yesterday nicely offset the bad news.  Ugh.====JACK:  There are good stories out there.  A pastor friend of mine receives (each year) a large sum of money from an anonymous donor.  The simple instruction is this:  "Divide the sum into smaller amounts and give the gifts to people you think can use the money."

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  There doesn't seem to be an effective defense against these "deranged" people who are willing to die to achieve their vendettas. What is puzzling is why there are seemingly so many of them who feel life as they see it is not worth living, and angrily vow to take others out with them...Life everywhere has become more violent and guns are readily available. All we can do is pray, and work for good in our little corner of the world! We can't fathom the mentality of a woman who would leave her own daughter with a relative, and go out to shoot innocent victims!!  We are  told  our God can....====JACK:  I've read that some people are turning away from religion and a God who would allow atrocities to happen.  Yes, these are sad times.  I find some solace in this chorus of an old country hymn...  "Farther along we’ll know more about it,  Farther along we’ll understand why;  Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,  We’ll understand it all by and by." ========OAKS:  YES, MY OWN GRANDKIDS WRESTLE WITH THAT.  I SAY MAYBE THOSE WHO ARE TAKEN SO YOUNG AND VIOLENTLY ARE IN A PLACE PREPARED FOR THEM THAT WE WOULD GLADLY GO TO, IF WE "KNEW FOR SURE" IT EXISTED. UNFORTUNATELY THERE ARE NO DETAILS  OR   DIAGRAMS WITH THE ABSOLUTE PROOF THEY WANT...IT AMOUNTS TO HAVING FAITH, AND THAT'S BECOME HARDER WITH  THE SAD STATE OF OUR WORLD!====JACK:  Time teaches us that we don't have all of the answers.  The experiences of life teach us faith and trust.  Bonhoeffer wrote about "Cheap Grace."  Many people are looking for bargains.

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:  a more agressive strategy is needed...====JACK:  It ain't gonna happen as long as we look for political solutions instead of those that express humanity.==== LIZ:  you are kidding, right? would kindness have prevented ww2? if a burglar came broke into your home, would you offer him/her milk & a cookie?  human nature is ugly sometimes. naivete is dangerous. ====JACK:  Take it up with Jesus.  He's the one who talked about loving your enemy and praying for him and turning the other cheek.  I hear what you're saying.  Someone said, "When I get to heaven, there are going to be a lot of questions that I have for Jesus."====LIZ:  i don't take the bible literally.====JACK:  Then, figuratively, what do you think Jesus meant?  This has been a puzzle to many.

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  "The Shadow knows!"====JACK:  I'm not so sure that even the Shadow knows what evil lurks in the heart of men (and women).  But we have an omniscient God, and there will be a judgment...and, thankfully, GRACE.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  The evil doers have to be confronted also.  Our generation knows that or else we would be speaking German or Japanese today.====JACK:  What do you suppose Jesus meant when he said to "turn the other cheek?"  That has baffled many people, including theologians.

FROM PT:  Excellent counsel, counselor!!!! Appreciate your encouraging words each day, Jack! You’re a blessing!!====JACK:  I got up in the middle of the night to write this substitute for what I had intended to send out.  "God works in mysterious ways!"