Growing and Growing

Since I am travelling today and do not have access to my finger-pounded-laptop, I am going to share with you a new historical perspective of Thanksgiving … one that just hit my mailbox yesterday. It does not involve the traditional pilgrims and Native Americans, but it is a legal thriller. The year was 1945 … the public trial involved accused Nazi war criminals and Nazi organizations … the place was Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg’s Palace of Justice.

Professor John Barrett shares this great story about Thanksgiving in Nuremberg. The lead prosecutor for the United States was Justice Robert Jackson. In his four-hour opening statement, Jackson considered his role a privilege for participating in the first trial in history for crimes against peace in the world. According to Jackson, “That four great nations, flushed with victory and stung with injury, stay the hand of vengeance and voluntarily submit their captives to the judgment of the law is one of the most significant tributes that Power ever has paid to Reason.“

Here’s where the story gets good … and brings you a different (and perhaps better) understanding of this day. You see, the day after Jackson finished his opening statement was Thursday, November 22, 1945 … Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Barrett reports that the Allies did not take the day off to observe the American holiday, but they did give thanks. Following a small courtroom service, which included a Thanksgiving prayer, the trial resumed.

Major Frank Wallis was one of the many trial attorneys who represented the United States. His scope of the trial focused on the Nazi rise to power in Germany and the Nazi’s plan for an aggressive war. The day after Thanksgiving, Wallis wrote a diary entry about his experience:

….Thursday, Thanksgiving day—I was reached. It is difficult to attempt to record any emotions as I stood up in the courtroom—before the prisoners dock—and the 8 judges—before some 350 newspaper men and women, the cameras and more cameras—and started to present the 1st phase of the American case—the common plan and conspiracy—the seizure of control by the Nazis, the consolidation of that control—in short what happened in Germany during the pre war era—the terror, the ruthless purge of the opposition—the destruction of organized labor, the persecution of the churches, the persecution of the Jews, the militarization of the youth and of the country—all in preparation for a gigantic war of aggression aimed at the domination of Europe. As I looked at them [the defendants]—it was with a feeling of scorn and contempt—mixed with a bit of awe—when I remembered how close they came to success in their mad undertaking. Next I was conscious that I was speaking to the world—not only the world of today—but the world of future generations—as this was history that was being made and recorded, history that would be in the school books, history that would be a source of study for years to come by International lawyers and students. However, I did not have much time or opportunity for reflection—I had a job to do—to drive a few nails into the coffins of the [expletive word for "illegitimate child"] with words—and for the next four hours I proceeded to do it to the best of my ability. I don’t think that I will ever forget Thanksgiving 1945—and I doubt if I’ll ever spend another Thanksgiving—in a strange country, in an International Court Room prosecuting such low level scoundrels—I certainly hope not.

Before you think I am a history buff or an old wartime scholar … think again. I received this post from another attorney earlier this week. And the words of Wallis immediately pierced my heart and mind. I wonder whether I am fighting for righteousness and truth and peace and justice and love “to the best of my ability.” Certainly not. I should. My words and my actions are forming the next generation. Let’s start with my kids. What about my kids’ kids? What about my kids’ kids’ kids?

Do you understand what I am saying? We all have the ability to be a Jackson … or a Wallis … to make a tremendous impact on the future. I don’t know what drives those dudes … but when you add the GodThruMan power promised in Philippians 4:13, then you can begin to truly fight for Righteousness and Truth. ( … Did you notice the capital “R” and “T” on that one? …)

Start with your family. Then your friends. Then your co-workers. Then the rest of the World. Do it with the best of your … and His … ability. You can make a difference. Be safe this weekend and Happy Thanksgiving!

So Dad and Mom had a merry-go-round of doctor visits yesterday. I told you about the delightful details. Well, Dad ended up seeing three doctors yesterday:

1. Dr. FamDoc was pleased to see Dad. He had not talked to Dad since well before the accident. FamDoc gave Dad a shot of Anti-LungJunk-Juice to prevent any pneumonia. He even gave Mom a shot of Anti-Flu-Juice just in case. [Note to Self: Get Anti-Flu-Juice shot when you return from Okie...]
2. Dr. BidenSmile … the oral surgeon … said that Dad’s jaw is not misaligned ( … I know it’s spelled right, but it sure sounds like Pres.Bush’s “misunderestimated” … ), but rather the mouth problems stem from the shattered teeth. BidenSmile says that Dad needs a few new choppers, which can be done by a regular “4 out of 5 prefer Dentyn” dentist.
3. Dr. Dentyn … Dad’s regular dentist … was able to see Dad this afternoon. Unfortunately, the fight with InsureYouCo. has begun again. Dentyn won’t touch Dad’s mouth until he knows that he is gonna get paid … either by InsureYouCo. or by Daddio-directly.

Let’s pray that InsureYouCo., which provides no dental coverage, will cover the dental work for Dad as it was “incident” to the original accident.

I am sorry I did not say “I love you” at the end of our phone call. We are wired differently. You see, I am really, really busy right now. I show you that “I love you” by working really, really hard so that I can take a few days off to go see your family. But you feel loved when I actually say the words, “I love you.”

So there is no confusion … I LOVE YOU!

Self

Before you hit play, make sure you keep your laughter to a minimum. This is a serious message! No, really! If you look closely, you might find your church … your ministry … your family … and even you!

. . . was the title of an email I just received. My former boss, Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), is retiring after 6 terms in the United States Senate. Here is the piture of Senator Pete and his lovely bride Nancy.

God delights in us, including the details. Ever heard those words? Understand what they mean? Here’s an example with today’s update on Dad:

• Dad arrived home last Thursday. He begins outpatient therapy next week and he continues to have many rounds of doctor visits scheduled over the next few months.
• One of the discouraging aspects of outpatient care is that some of these physicians are not able to see Dad for 2-3 months. Dad was really upset last week when he learned that Dr. NewFace ( … the plastic surgeon … ) was scheduled in late February 2009 and Dr. BidenSmile ( … the oral surgeon … ) was scheduled in February 2009.
• But God delights in our lives … in the details: Dad received a call yesterday and BidenSmile was able to schedule an office visit TODAY!!! And another call yesterday let us know that NewFace moved Dad’s appointment up to December 19, 2008.
• Here’s the kicker: Dad felt some “new feelings” above his right eye this morning … feelings he had not felt before … not like little-boy-stomach-somersaults-when-Stacy-holds-your-hand-on-the-playground feelings … but maybe-nerves-regenerating feelings!

This morning, Dad is also scheduled to see his family doctor, Dr. FamDoc, just to get him up to speed on what’s happened to Dad over the past two months. We will let you know later today how everything went.

[Note: Are you worrieed about "details" in your life? Try a little prayer ... "God, your Word says that your pleasure is not in the strength of the horse nor in the legs of a man, but that you delight in those who love and fear you ... those put their hope in your unfailing love. Lord, I put my hope in you ... I pray that you would __________________. Thanks. Amen."]

Did you read the GTM post below? It gets better!!!

We probably have to rename that one: GodThru(Wo)Men to be accurate. I know that you won’t believe this, so I will share with you the email I just received from LadyWord ( … yep, the wifey-poo of WordSr and mommy-poo of WordJr … ):

Hi! This is LadyWord.

Earlier today, I was working at church and sent your dad an email about some church stuff. . . . Anyway, I also wrote on my message to him that I continue to pray for him. I wrote that I would specifically pray that he would know that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Now — I wasn’t at church yesterday since I was at home with WordJr. So I didn’t hear that verse at church yesterday. And your blog about “God Through Man” wasn’t up yet, either. So I hadn’t yet read about that verse being used at church yesterday. I just felt that that is what I should be praying this morning. Cool, huh? I’m excited to know that God can let me in on what He is doing, and I could share it with Pastor Ray, even though I couldn’t be at church yesterday.

See ya.

That is amazing, LadyWord! Thanks for letting us know and WOW-ing our readers!

It happens, you know. Compared to a month ago, Dad looks and sounds great. He is SuperMan … he is SuperDad … he is MyHero …

They were with us on Day 1 … we did not know them at first … one of them is a self-confessed G&G Addict … I suppose the other is in denial ……they are DAngelLove … they have been praying for us since the beginning.

The first week after Dad’s accident … what we call it the ViolentSilence … I received this email from Mrs. DAngelLove:

I read your blog every day and send your dad’s name up to God several times a day. I’m so happy that he is slowly improving. Yes, slow is best.

Do you have any more news on the young skateboarder, [ ... Sk8ter ... ]? I’ve been praying for him several times a day too.

My heart broke with the news of the mother and her four young children. Please drop a little update to let us know how they are doing. I’ve added them to my prayers.

Bless you for all you do. Thanks for helping all of us know how to best pray for your family.

Love, [DAngelLove]

This email, like so many others, had a name but neither a voice nor a face. That uncertainty would soon change:

• Two weeks ago, we heard the angel’s voice on the phone. Mrs. DAngelLove called and asked whether they could stop by the hospital.
• Dad and Mom were lucky … they got to meet DAngelLove first … a loving couple who brought hugs, kisses, prayers, smiles and books ( … they are in the BookBusiness … ).
• This weekend, on Day 60, DAngelLove ( … all decked out in heavy coats and warm mittens … ) joined Dad on his walk around the block. If you look closely, you may be able to see them.

DAngelLove, thanks for loving us … even though we were strangers to you.

World, we know there are other angels out there … you have emailed us and written cards and letters … We would love to see you, hear you, or meet you in person … and especially thank you for your love and prayers. Send us a pic or drop us a note.