Threads from Henry's Web

Author: jody

  • Book: Cast of Characters

    Cast of Characters is another great book by Max Lucado! This could parallel the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews except that this author did not leave out the little detail that the characters are less than perfect! Rev. Lucado calls Paul, Job, Lazarus, and the Samaritan woman “common people in the hands of an Uncommon God”.

    Each chapter ends with 4-5 questions for consideration and even space where you could write in the book. I recommend this book for small groups, personal study, or a jump start to a good sermon!

  • Book: Salvation in Death

    Once again, Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb, has hit a homerun with me in this newest installment of the In Death series. I have read the more than 30 previous Eve Dallas stories and I feel that I know the characters of Eve, Roarke, Peabody, Feeney, McNabb, and Somerset and yet Ms. Roberts continues to grow the characters through their experiences just as you and I would grow each year.

    This story has the Catholic Church and its structure and traditions transcending into the 21st century. As one who was raised Catholic, I was pleased to see that Eve is realistically portrayed realistically as not fully understanding the faith lived by the priests and people in this story but she is interested and thoughtful – even somewhat uncomfortable – by the faith. Ms. Roberts gave the element of faith weight and respect even as she mixed it with the evil of murder.

    If you are a J.D. Robb fan, you will love this book. If you have never read J.D. Robb, you can start with this book, understand it, love it, and catch up with the rest of us!

  • The Josh Hancock Family and Grief

    Note: My wife Jody doesn’t post here often. This is from her.

    Part of every misery is, so to speak, the misery’s shadow or reflection: the fact that you don’t merely suffer but have to keep on thinking about the fact that you suffer. I not only live each endless day in grief, but live each day thinking about living each day in grief.
    – C. S. Lewis

    On April 29, 2007, a young man made the decision to go out and drink and then get behind the wheel of his SUV and drive. He died. His name was Josh Hancock, a Major League baseball pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. Today, his father has filed a wrongful death suit against the restaurant franchise where his son had spent some time that evening drinking, the driver of the stalled car, and the owner of the tow truck company.

    A statement from Dean Hancock states: “The facts and circumstances associated with the death of my son, Josh Hancock, have caused great pain to all of Josh’s family. On May 18, 2007, I was appointed the Administrator of Josh’s estate by the Chancellor of the Lee County, Mississippi Chancery Court. As the Administrator of Josh’s estate, I have a duty to represent Josh’s family regarding all of the issues related to his death and the overall administration of his estate, including any legal actions necessary against those who contributed to the untimely and unnecessary death of my son at the age of 29. As Josh’s father, I have this same duty. Unfortunately, my duties involve pursuing legal actions against those businesses and individuals who contributed to the death of Josh.” (Source: MLB.COM)

    The death of a child is no doubt a parent’s worse nightmare. I believe it is a nightmare that neither Hollywood nor the most vivid imagination can create. The pain brings you not just to your knees but into the very pit of hell. Whether that child’s death is due to disease, an accident, war, or the intentional actions of someone else, a parent will find themselves screaming in disbelief and pain. In the days that follow it is important, even vital, to find somewhere to put blame which is part of the equation that will bring reason to an un-reasonable event.

    My youngest son, James, died two years and eight months ago. My oldest son, John, is a professional baseball player. Do I sympathize with Mr. Hancock? Yes. Do I empathize with Mr. Hancock? Yes. Do I agree with what he is doing? No. His actions are going to take enormous amounts energy and time. His actions are going to cause a great deal of pain to others and not relieve the excruciating pain that is ripping through his family nor is it going to heal his family. Time is the simple but difficult element that is going to bring healing. Finding a constructive way to remember their son and reach out to others is healthy and brings new life into the hole that was once occupied by the one that you loved more than your own life. What a voice of truth would be heard loud and clear to encourage other players, and boys who look at these players as role models, not to drink and drive!

    C.S. Lewis was wrong about a key point. I don’t have to live each endless day in grief. I live each day with the grief that James and I are separated for now. I can live – and so will James.

    Here is a link to one of the ways that our family found to remember and reach out: John Webb Winter Golf Tournament.

  • Family Time

    Family time is a phrase that means many different things to each of us. The words recall memories and regrets.

    When I ask my children about family time, it shouldn’t be surprising that it is the time when their parents gave them undivided attention that they recall most vividly. Concerts, meets, and ball games are the events that my children were a part. Knowing that I was going to be there long before the event and then coming on time and showing it was a priority was what wrapped them into secure feelings and gave a boost to their confidence and ego.

    Meal times were also big to my children. Even meals that involved a ballgame or show on television were remembered if we did it together! I dip my head in shame as I admit that my parents were correct when they said that coming to the table together with no television or distraction and giving attention to each child and the stories of their day is part of the foundation of a healthy family. This is when important questions of “why” and the impact of world and local events were also discussed. Even spiritual questions were raised. It should be said here that it was a “conversation” not a lecture on my views but time to allow the children, especially in pre-teen to teen years, to express their view and begin to look at what went into their view.

    My children are grown now with children of their own. They live in cities halfway across the continent and across the continent. Meal times are often quiet without their activities and voices coming in overlapping waves! But family time is still important. Even with the number around the table being two, it is important to come together and spend time listening to each other.

    Soon we will be coming into Thanksgiving and Christmas. Families come together in masses. Maybe there will only be two at your table. Maybe there will be a “mix” at your table that is not connected by blood but by a spirit of friendship and respect. Whatever the number, let us come together and make the most of the family time that is given to us