In Tribute...

This weekend, our country honors Mothers.

I want to extend that "honor" to a host of women God has used in my life; too many to name them all, but these stand out. My Grandmother--who stood in the gap for me, my mom who loved and raised me; my "little" sister who shared my childhood with me; an Aunt who rescued me and cousin who was a "big-sister" to me; "Mom's" who took time to invest in me like I was their son; teachers who brought out the best in me; my mother-in-law who was a part of my life for 42 years; my daughter, an inspiration for me; friends who've believed in me, encouraged me and stood with me through the intersections and storms of life; partners in ministry who've shared a common vision with me.

All have prayed for me.

You are a tapestry of faithfulness and virtue.  Thank you for the part you've played in making my life better, and me a better man.

Mary Patricia B.
Patricia B.
Tamara M.
Carolyn C.
Patty C.
Janice C.
Erin H.
Miss Arlene
Mrs. Rattray
Mrs. McCann
Sheila Z.
Betty C.
Patty C.
Marilyn B.
Norma Z.
Stana M.
Carlene L.
Carol S.
Karen H.
BJ R.
Deb M.
Miriam R.
Becky W.
Ruthann L.
Connie S.
Nancy K.
Jill C.
Vicki J.
Beth L.
Jan F.
Lori V.
Jan K.

Finally, I honor my best friend, "for life" companion of 38 years, mother to our wonderful children and my most faithful prayer warrior.  My lovely bride who has refused to give up on me; I love you...

Laura

Thanks to all of you.

Mission Accomplished...

Hats off to our President, his administration, CIA and of course our Navy Seals.

It took a great deal of courage to authorize a very bold, boots on the ground "Kill" mission, and quick disposal of OBL's remains;  great risk for President Obama's presidency, his leadership, the potential windfall for Bin Laden's legend, the stature of our presence in the world and safety of those he ordered into action.  (Recall President Jimmy Carter's debacle in the dessert of Iran during the hostage crisis.)

I am grateful today--grateful for justice, but not giddy with joy; not dance in the street happy.  The demise of OBL is another page in a tragic commentary on the continuing cost of a life driven by blindness to God's truth.  OBL became a mass murderer because he chose to believe a lie; but he didn't start out that way.  He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father...and as heinous as his crimes against humanity are, and difficult as it is to comprehend, he was loved by God, but unredeemable, because of a decision to hate.  His end befit his crimes; his legacy will be infamy.

We projected our power, righteously and appropriately; we did what had to be done. Yet, I feel sadness that our world has come to this intersection in history; profound loss as I reflect on the thousands of lives taken; heart sick because so many survivors dreams have been crushed by this Islamic madness.

Today I don't celebrate.  Today, I am reminded to pray God will continue to heal those who grieve.  Today, I am reminded to pray God will open the hearts and minds of a new generation of kids growing up right now in the Middle East, and in households around the world...may they embrace His plan and experience His perfect love in way that will transform their destinies, the region and our world.

God bless America, our President and our efforts to lead the planet to a better place.