It is what it is. But, it will be what you make it. Pat Summitt Legendary Lady Vols basketball coach University of Tennessee Pat Summitt, the "winningest" coach in NCAA Division I basketball history, died today—two weeks short of her 65th birthday. This post is not about sports. If you're interested in women's basketball, you already know Pat Summitt "by the numbers". They're very impressive. She was impressive, and flags fly at half-staff today here in Tennessee in celebration of her life and legacy. There is, however, one number associated with Coach Summitt that gets my ultimate respect: 100% of her student athletes graduated from college. She set the bar high for ... Keep Reading...
When Grown Men Cry
The first time I visited Alex's home, he had built only its block walls, but I was impressed by his choice of location: a bluff overlooking Hope Mountain— in gratitude for what Hope did in his life. Our group prayed with Alex, asking God to bless the house he was building—and the home that would one day be created there. The next time Renaissance Man saw Alex, he learned of his engagement to Adriana (not her real name), and called me with the good news. You see, unlike Alex, Adriana has a rich heritage of family. When their wedding day finally arrived, our missionary friend and Alex were tasked with picking up Adriana's parents. Before Adriana's father would leave his home, he ... Keep Reading...
BEAUTY FROM ASHES
A week ago, Renaissance Man and I arrived in Brazil. A day behind schedule already, we hit the ground running, not even slowing down to rest after our overnight flight. So much packed into the first few hours . . . Re-connecting with old friends—and making new ones Rejoicing over campus improvements at the City of Youth Visiting the newest Hope Unlimited for Children thrift store Grieving with a friend who lost his wife very suddenly a few weeks ago (H1N1 flu? Test results not available for 90 days...) and rejoicing with a young staff couple over their precious 5-month-old son. . . . My tired body grasping for a balance of emotions. Early the next morning, we headed to the airport—again. And after ... Keep Reading...