Jack’s Winning Words 10/5/21

“If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.”  (St Francis of Assisi)  If Catholics had a popularity contest for saints, Francis would probably be #1.  Although born rich, he chose to live in poverty to identify with the poor.  He loved animals.  It’s said that he even preached to the birds.  In contemporary language, Francis was a social activist…not a socialist, just a caring person about needs, as he saw them. Do know any Francis-type-people? people who want no praise, but simply see themselves doing what needs to be done, because it needs to be done?  Give them a thumbs-up!  ;-)  Jack

FROM  PG:  Jack.  I really enjoy your winning words,  the time Is going so fast and they always mean a lot to me.===JACK:  Now, I have to start on tomorrow's Winning Words.  What shall they be?  I'll let the Spirit of God enter my mind, and what will be, will be.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  The Deacon at Emmanuel on Sunday preached a sermon having a lot to do with creation but also St. Francis.  From what I’ve read the Franciscans tried to reform the Church but do it in such a way that they didn’t divide it and also had some dialogues with the Lutherans during the Reformation urging them also not to divide the Church.  The Franciscans I know are very peace-loving (except some of them who aren’t aware of much about Lutherans and believe in strict separation, as some Lutherans are of that kind of mindset too, I think I’ve observed).  Anyway, glad to see appreciation of St. Francis.  He is an example for Christians, then and today, as Martin Luther is too.  May the Church continue to grow to be more healed and united.  Enjoyed your WW.===JACK:  Thanks for sharin' that information about the Franciscans.  It seems to fit with objectives of Francis when he began his walk with God.

FROM SR IN SJ:  Oh, I do! Our Sustainability Office on campus!  I called them a few days ago!. . .and YOU, too, also, Cultural Bridges, Benedictines for Peace and Justice, to add but a few more. . . .. Have a wonderful day stimulating others unto good!===JACK:  What's a Sustainability Office?  I just came back from my morning walk.  The ability to do that sustains me.  I so appreciate "Francis-people" who seek to make this world a better place fo all people.

FROM HOMELESS:  👍... yours most of the time. ===JACK:  I'm glad that you added the disclaimer at the end..."yours most of the time."===H:  Nobody's perfect. 🤭

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  I've known quite a few through the years, who would qualify'  A Deacon at FBC in Dixon, for one, who experienced a true conversion through Bill's sermon, and wow!   What a life he then led! AT first his children asked their mother what happened to Daddy, he never gets mad anymore! :-)  There are a lot of Saints on this Earth who have been an inspiration to me, including my husband!  Sarah Reed, pastor's wife in Canton, and then Elgin, (They brought us into the ministry) was my ideal as a pastor's wife, too. My daughter is named after her.===JACK:  Do you know the song..."I sing a song of the saints of God"?  If not, look it up...and learn to sing it.

FROM BB IN CHGO:  Your sister?  She never wanted the crown.  Always there with a smile, to lend a hand and, a wink/nod at an inside joke.===JACK:  Yes, I have to admit that she represents the good side of the family.