Sometimes we meet someone who really reminds us of the primary reason we do what we do. I had heard about Boomer Bennett before I saw him. There had been no pictures or physical description of him, but I recognized him as soon as he walked in. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Boomer started stealing when he was 4. He got involved in a gang at a very young age and excelled at that life, eventually becoming a gang leader. Boomer earned his third strike from the California justice system in 2004 and went to prison. Prison didn’t stop gang activity; it just changed the environment. Boomer and his circle did not hold any value in our traditional things of value; work, relationships or moral values of any kind. It just wasn’t their way of life. But after a prison riot, he gave his life to Christ. He told…
2021 September
Caleb may have been the first to symbolize the sheepdog connection. Caleb was called to serve. His name has origins relative to that service. The name means one from meager origins, lowly esteemed like a dog, but operating with reason and courage. One said the meaning of the name reflected the dual attributes of insight and courage needed to selectively and surgically tear an enemy apart. A sheepdog. He can be your best friend or worst enemy. Loyal to everything & everyone important to you; deadly to those that threaten what or who you love. Caleb made his grand entry into history as a determined 40-year-old supporter of Moses. Caleb recognized a man worth supporting and signed up. He and Joshua led S.E.A.L. Team Six of the era. Numbers 13 & 14 provide the first glimpses of his character as one of 12 commissioned by Moses for that historical 40-day…
Nearly 40 years ago I read the book, “A Day no Pigs Would Die” by Robert Peck. It was a true story of growing up under the guidance of a sometimes harsh, but constantly wise and strong father. As young Robert was venturing out of his home county for the first time to go to the state fair, his father told him, “Never miss a chance to keep your mouth shut.” A bit like Ecclesiastes 3. (1) There is a time for everything. (7) … a time to be silent and a time to speak. On Sunday morning, 3/25/2012, in Boiling Springs, South Carolina, Jesse Gates came to a church about 10:00 and complained of heart trouble. He asked the pastor to call the local news channel. The pastor did the right thing and called 911 instead. EMS responders checked and released him without treatment, so Gates (a sporadic attendee…