A viral phenomenon on Facebook

A pail of water on the rocks
poured out on someone’s head
is raising funds for A.L.S.
to honor those now dead.

This viral challenge you have seen
includes some friends you know.
They’ve gotten soaked or sent a check
to beat this heartless foe.

It robs you of your arms and legs.
In time it steals your breath.
This dreaded thief called A.L.S.
has one cruel goal. Your death!

Lou Gehrig bravely took his swings
until he had struck out.
But sadly far too many folks
don’t know what he’s about.

But that has changed thanks to this craze
that’s drenched our friends with cold
in hopes we’ll wipe out A.L.S.
intentionally and bold.

Who would have guessed an ice cold bath
would aid this uphill fight?
Yet still we pray we’ll find a cure
for this most deadly plight.

Looking for answers in Feguson, Missouri

Yes, young Michael Brown’s been buried
and there’s violence in the streets,
but the issues are not simply black and white.
Like an iceberg, what’s apparent
doesn’t show what might be seen
as we search for what is wrong and what is right.

Racial tensions neath the surface
cannot lightly be dismissed.
After fifty years of protests they remain.
But the problem’s more than color.
There are fifty shades of gray
that run and bleed like posters in the rain.

Who is guilty? That’s the question.
But the answer’s not that clear.
The accomplices are fear, distrust and hate.
Will a verdict be forthcoming?
Will the demonstrations cease?
Can’t we all just get along? We’ll have to wait.

Reflecting on the suicide of a much-loved celebrity

Goodwill hunting was his life.
Six decades marked by pain and strife.
He searched for meaning, love and peace
and dreams that never came.

This one who made us laugh was sad.
Denied affection from his dad,
young Robin turned to comedy
with hopes to turn the tide.

This child of privilege hunted still
and hoped his empty heart would fill
with true contentment, honest pride
and joy (fueled by success).

But in the end it all leaked out
as “father wounds” gave way to doubt
and in the process drugs and booze
dismantled peace of mind.

Depression filled his days with night
as darkness robbed his eyes of light.
The Robin Williams we admired
lost the will to live.

If only he had found the love
that he (from childhood) dreamed of.
A love that Father God extends
through friendship with His Son.

The famous firefighting bear turns seventy!

The candles on his birthday cake
could start a forest fire.
But that would break my dear friend Smokey’s heart.
Since August 1944
he’s worn his ranger hat
convincing us that we must do our part
protecting forests where we live
and campsites where we tent.
He knows the devastation fire can cause.
A spark left unattended
can become a wild blaze
when we ignore ol’ Smokey’s safety laws.
On this his milestone birthday
it’s ironic and it’s sad
that wild fires still are burning strong.
Way out west the firefighters
risk their lives to douse the flames
that have ravaged towns and forests far too long.
Let us pray for all impacted,
those who fight and those who grieve
having lost their homes and livestock and their hope.
Yes, these hurting folks need knowing
there’s a God who understands
and can give them peace of mind so they can cope.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=goEozOAQ6yI

And I don’t just mean on television

“America’s Got Talent”
unifies our God-blest land
as we watch each week with family in our homes.
Just like Ted Mack and Major Bowes,
this talent search reveals
the fruit of hours spent practicing alone.

But the talent in America
extends beyond TV.
It is seen wherever older folks reside.
The talent that I’m speaking of
is Grandma Sonya’s voice
or one arm push-ups that are Bert Pound’s pride.

And don’t forget Ruth Eckels
whose dramatic flair inspires
or Grandpa Warren’s awesome sleight of hand.
There is Robin Hays’ saw playing
and Dwight’s accordion
and the “Antique Kids” who dance without a band.

There’s also Joe’s wood carving
and Fern’s needle pulling thread.
Oh, how Nancy’s photos capture Nature’s glow.
To Owen’s watercolors,
add Miss Nina’s poetry.
I can’t believe the gifts of these I know.

Yes, America’s got talent
and too often we forget
the seniors who still have so much to give.
By example they can teach us
and the skills that they possess
will inspire us to start to really live.