The Blind Side

Finished reading "The Blind Side" yesterday. "Blind Side" is one I probably wouldn't have been aware of if not for the motion picture release that's receiving such acclaim--which our family is going to see tonight.

It's the true account of a wealthy white family in Memphis adopting a giant of a black kid at age 16 named Michael Oher (pronounced "oar"). Turns out that Michael has an amazing aptitude for football-- his adoptive family didn't know that when they fell in love with him. Oher begins playing his Jr. year of high school and then becomes the single most recruited young man to major colleges. Eventually he is drafted by the Baltimore Ravens (boo, hiss), and becomes one of the highest paid players in the NFL.

The book contains great insights into adoption, mixed socioeconomic cultures, and the transforming power of love.

An amazing book with one caveat--there's a lot of football in it.

Praying for direction

This past week, Julie and I met a 12 year old girl we've been asked to consider bringing into our home for the next year . . . to live with us . . . until hopefully she can be reunited with her mom. We're working with the Christian Children's Home of Ohio throughout this process.

The visit rocked us a bit. Our time with the little girl was fine (I can't imagine being 12 and walking into this kind of meeting). It was the hour before, with the five case-workers, counselors, etc., that wasn't what we anticipated. There's a bit more involved than simply bringing her into our home. Turns out she needs to be in Wooster or Ashland one to two times a week for therapy. Ouch! It's a 50 minute drive each way for us and then 1-3 hours wait while counseling takes place.

We're continuing to pray . . .

Michelle Evans

This past weekend I interviewed Michelle Evans in each of our gatherings at RiverTree. Michelle is the Superintendent of Canton City Schools and also a Jesus follower who is part of RiverTree.

The time I spent with Michelle was pretty amazing. There are 10,000 children in the Canton City School system. Upwards of 75% of the students qualify for the Federally assisted lunch program . . . 3 out of 4! We talked at length about how the church could love on these kids in Jesus' name.

At the close of each service I asked 8-10 people to come up front, lay hands on Michelle's shoulders and pray for her. One of the coolest things took place at the end of our 11:30 Sunday service. Two of the people who came forward to pray were leaders from other school districts--the Superintendent of Northwest School District and the Assistant Principal from Jackson High School.

Love it when we come together . . .

A New Thought For Christmas

Well, it's that time of year . . . new Christmas CDs are hitting the market

"A New Thought For Christmas" is Melissa Etheridge's most recent offering. And I like it!

I think the best word to describe it is "raucous." Cutting vocals and edgy guitar riffs.

Check out "It's Christmas Time" and "O Night Divine."

The Glass Castle

Without question, "The Glass Castle," by Jeanette Walls, has been one of my best reads of the year.

"Castle" is Jeanette's memoir about personally growing up in poverty all over the United States. Walls brings insight to the plight of the homeless in America and to the children whose parents sometimes make horrible choices that place them in such situations. At the end of the book I found myself asking questions not only about what to do with parents who place their children at risk but also about those children who are incredible survivors.

"The Glass Castle" is a compelling and often gut-wrenching read that is not only true but unfortunately . . . more common that we might like to believe.

Pick this one up.

Pierced

My daughter, Tabitha, turned 11 yesterday.

Julie and I waited for her bus at the end of the driveway. When she got off we told her we had a birthday surprise for her. She began guessing what the suprise might be?

When we arrived at our local mall we went straight to Claire's Boutique. As we approached the entrance to Claire's, Tabs asked, "Am I getting my ears pierced?" (Tabs had been begging us for at least two years to let her get her ears pierced.) "Yes, that's your birthday surprise!" To which Tabs responded, "I don't want to get my ears pierced." Ummm, we had no plan B.

Tabs was suddenly struck with utter terror at the possibility of pain. I tried to reason/manipulate . . . "Tabs, if you don't get your ears pierced today then you're going to have to wait until your 16th birthday." "Okay daddy." "Hmmmm." (Once again, Tabs had been begging us for at least two years to let her get her ears pierced!)

The girl at the counter (with multiple piercings), explained the piercing procedure. "It really won't hurt honey. And, I'll have my assistant help so that we can do both ears at the same time."

Tabs acquiesced.

As my 11 year old daughter sat in the piercing chair I fought back tears. Not only because she was white as a sheet with terror but also because this was a rite of passage--my little girl was continuing on her journey of growing up.

In the end she chose her November birth stone for her first pair of earrings--citrine, which is yellow, and also her daddy's favorite color. It really didn't hurt much at all . . . at least not for Tabitha.