Jack’s Winning Words 5/12/17
“Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean.”  (Christopher Reeve)  After his horrific accident which left him paralyzed, “Superman” was tempted to give up.  He even talked with his wife about euthanasia.   We take so many things for granted.  But there are times when accidents happen—the unexpected.  C.R. says that it is then that you’re going to have to decide.  He chose the ocean.    ;-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  Rather an amazing coincidence that I used Christopher Reeve in this week's S.S. lesson, as an example of people who, when Plan A in their lives has to be turned over to Plan B, due to disaster or circumstance, choose to act with tenacious courage, and make life count and inspire others,in the situation they find themselves! (My Bible message was on Philip, the Evangelist, in the book of Acts) who fled persecution in Jerusalem, to Samaria, where his ministry was extremely fruitful..)  When the unexpected happens it is good to have a Plan B, using our faith to deal with it in a positive way...which is not to glibly say in any sense of the imagination that this is easy! But It can be done.====JACK:  The best teachers of going to Plan B are those who have walked the talk.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  We've had plenty of those moments lately.  My brother lost his wife last Fall and has basically given up.  He's 62.  He refuses food and as a result has fallen a number of times.  He just released himself again from the hospital.  My sister is out in Oregon with him but he has completely given up.  Not much the drs or us sisters can do about it.  I choose the ocean even with all the waves and storms.====JACK:  Empathy is sometimes impossible, but sympathy is possible (and necessary) in some instances.  I'm reminded how the disciples called out to Jesus during a storm when they were in a small and fragile boat..."Don't you care?"  All we can do is assure those who are afraid..."Jesus cares...Continue to hold on to that faith."

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i really liked Reeve as both an actor and a "normal person".  loved the movie Somewhere In Time mostly shot on Mackinaw Island and the Grand Hotel. and  before he became Superman.   he was a pretty avowed atheist however.  or at least he claimed to be. ====JACK:  Not always...but I've often found that some who claim to be atheists have not had an discussion about "what we talk about about when we talk about God"...with is the title of a book by Rob Bell.