The Sisters of Angelica

Traveling around the world provides a wonderful backdrop for meeting the most interesting people. I have debated writing a book about all the characters and personalities I have sat beside on my many flights across the globe.

Returning from Dallas I had the pleasure of meeting the group I call the Sisters of Angelica, (not really sisters). Four older women from the suburbs of Philadelphia who were just returning from a "pilgrimage" to visit Mother Angelica and her Eternal Word Television Network. These women were laughing, boistrous, slightly profane and at first just a little irritating. They had classic northeastern accents and typified all the negative stereotypes that might enter one's mind. They raised a few fellow passenger's eyebrows to say the least.

Sitting next to a couple of the ladies my first reaction was to take a deep breath, close my eyes and ride out the remainder of the flight the best I could. It was about that time I realized they weren't hurting anyone and if I listened real carefully I was sure to have an entertaining flight (and I wasn't disappointed). For the next sixty minutes I listened to the golden girls share their spiritual exploits (along with a few other interesting stories). It took all I could muster to sit there with my eyes closed and stoic look on my face while belly-busting laughter was begging to slip past my lips.

It was a great reminder of some important lessons about living an untethered life:

1. We shouldn't be so quick to judge others. Yes, they were a little loud. Yes, at times they may not have stopped to think about how their animated enthusiasm might be affecting other passengers, but they were having such a good time, who was I (or anyone else) to spoil it.
2. I was reminded to loosen up and live a little. These four women were so full of life (and vinegar) that it was inspiring to just be around them. They were soaking in the moments and fully engaged in the experience of living.
3. Finally, I was reminded that its the characters and personalities in this world that add some needed seasoning to the vanilla existence that so many live. Toss in a little hot sauce, sprinkle on a little oregano, and sieze the day.

So thank you to my new found friends (I did take the opportunity to get to know these beloved ladies) and the life lessons they taught me. As they return to the city of brotherly love, I hope that others will embrace the quirks and perculiarities of life just like the dear Sisters of Angelica.

Summer is coming

"Many people seem to think it foolish, even superstitious, to believe that the world could still change for the better. And it is true that in winter it is sometimes so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say, 'What do I care if there is a summer; its warmth is no help to me now.' Yes, evil often seems to surpass good. But then, in spite of us, and without our permission, there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts. One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw. And so I must still have hope."  Vincent Van Gogh

When you read the troubled history of someone like Van Gogh and then you read such words of encouragement and optimism, it serves as a stark reminder of the highs and lows we all face in life. What permutation of life came when Vincent penned those words? How many dark nights had he endured before a few calming rays of sunshine warmed him from the cold of a long winter?

I have often been criticized for my unapologetic optimism. Even when life has dealt to me from the bottom of the deck, I have always believed there is a better life ahead of me. I tire of those who claim I am not a realist, that I look at the world through rose-colored glasses. Maybe so, but I am  happier for it.

May has already been a dark, cold winter in my life. A week ago I thought I would buckle under the load. There are still miles for me to run in this current marathon I have started. There are projects to finish, foolish people to deal with, places I must go and challenges that must be faced. In every marathon there is a point where runners ask themselves, "Is it worth it," or "do I have the strength to finish?" Some drop out and others press on to the finish line.

Like Van Gogh, I know that summer is coming. The winter of my discontent will fade under the unrelenting warmth of the summer sun. If  the forecast for your life is dark and rainy, do not despair, sunshine is on its way.

I Walk Alone

I Walk Alone. There are days in most our lives where we walk alone. It is usually by choice though we hate to admit that. It is easier when troubles come to say that "God, our family, or the world has abandoned us," than to humble ourselves and ask for help, comfort or strength.

I Walk Alone. Is it a the fierce independence and stubbornness, or fear that cause us to withdraw and fight our battles alone? I will fight, I will conquer, I will overcome are powerful motivations and messages, but are they driven by strength or pride?

I Walk Alone. I find myself battling the demons of this life, the failures of my past, but most significantly there is the war that goes on within me. I lock all those challenges away in a little box that I will not share with those who can help me the most.

I Walk Alone. Its not the daily challenges that beat me down. There are no mountains that are too big to climb, or seas to vast to sail. Until this day every failure, dissappointment, challenge and loss is seen through the rear view mirror of life. The weight, burden and greatest obstacle that I face today is that I walk alone.

Character Matters

As I was driving to work this morning, sports talk radio was discussing the allegations against Lawrence Taylor. The focus of that discussion was whether character should be a considered in Hall of Fame voting, or if someone can be removed from the Hall of Fame because of questionable behavior later in life. I was disappointed in the number of people (including the radio hosts) that felt that a person should be judged solely by his performance on the field.

What message does that send to our children? As long as you are a great athelete, a phenomenal performer, or a wizard on Wall Street, somehow those issues should be viewed independently of your character. In the classic flim, "Chariots of Fire," one of the Olympic committed noted that Eric Liddle's running was an extension of his character. The two were inexplicitlly connected. Liddle's life, dedication to others and self-sacrifcie were "hall of fame performances" more than any gold trinket or cup that set on his Edinburgh sideboard.

I applaud Roger Goodell's approach since he has become commissioner of the NFL. He has made it clear that being part of the professional football fraternity is a priviledge that carries a corresponding responsibility. What you do off the field matters. Ben Rothlesburger, Brian Cushing, Michael Vick and Pacman Jones have all learned there is a price to pay for inappropriate conduct. In each cases above the conduct of these men impacted their teams.

From the time my children were small I tried to encourage them to pick hereos that were men of character. It didn't matter if they won a superbowl, held the record for sacking the quarterback or hit 70 home runs in a season - who they are is more important than what they can do on the field. We are sending a very bad message to our youth, if you are big enough, strong enough, fast enough and talented enough it doesn't matter what your character is, someone will pay you the big bucks.

I hear people praise the Nick Saban's and John Calipari's of the world because they are winners. It doesn't matter that they failed to meet their commitments to other programs, engaged in recruiting violations, or lied to the media - they are winners. When we give them a pass because they bring our teams a victory, we are no better than they are.

Character Matters and that should include the Hall of Fame.

The Best and the Worst

With all of the devastation that hit Nashville this weekend, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the loss of life and property. Major sections of our city remain underwater, people are displaced from their homes and it will take months, maybe years to restore some of the historic centers of our great city.

However, this weekend's storm reminds me of why I came to Nashville (the quality of the people who live here). There are two stories that are going relatively unreported: 1) With all the damage, people abandoning homes and property - the city is getting almost no reports of looting the stricken areas (compare that to New Orleans); 2) There have been a few reports of heroism in saving the lives of children and the elderly, but as one commentator put it, for every story we hear, there are hundreds of others who are  helping their neighbors, rescuing those stranded and giving back to their city.

I recently heard Mike Huckabee discuss why morals impact our economy and our society. He was absolutely right. In Nashville (a pretty good place to live), good people are already making a difference, changing the lives of others and pursuing the common good. Churches are opening their doors as shelters and communities are coming together to help those who were hardest hit. It is refreshing to see the best of people demonstrated in the worst of time.