Silent Sermons

I've heard the adage, "teach the gospel all your life and if necessary use the scriptures".  This trip has been so amazing in so many different ways, we've visited some fun amusement parks, seen some wonderful scenery but I know we all agree that the most rewarding a memorable things have been the different families and  individual people we've met along the way. They all have different story's and backgrounds but have come into our families life at different times, often those are times when we have needed them and their "life sermons" the most. I continue to be amazed by the human spirit, it has been humbling and inspiring  to witness the devotion, commitment and genuine love of others. Some people we are able to sit with and hear their story's and sage advise, others, quietly go by demonstrating a willingness to not let the challenges and hardships of life slow them down. Regardless, they come through our families life and touch us for good and bless us more than they could ever imagine. Through these experiences we are able to see and feel  the love of the Lord more abundantly, our eyes are opened and our desire to love and except others is deepened. They are not coincidences........they are tender mercies!

We were on our way to Sun Records sitting at a traffic light when Ally spotted this gentleman across the intersection. She brought our attention to him and we were all in awe that not only was he out walking up and down the middle of the road selling fruit but he was doing it in a suit. We were so impressed that we went down a few streets turned the 34 footer around and came back. We were not able to pull over but Ally was able to buy some fruit, ask him a few quick questions and tell him how much she appreciated and admired his example. We were able to have a great conversation as a family about how it doesn't matter what you do for work but the attitude w/ which you do it. This gentleman could of been home lamenting about how the economy was so bad and there were no jobs, but instead he went to a second hand store and used some of his savings to buy a suit and went to work. What a Great reminder that we live in the best country in the world and the only limitation we have are the one's we put on ourselves!

I was not able to take Addy into Sun Records so we stayed out side and she practice walking and eating bugs. As we went down the street I saw this sign in the window and was impressed by its simple but powerful message. As I was taking a picture the owner of the business showed up and I complimented him on his sign which led to a powerful lesson and another great friend. His name is Stevie Moore founder of FFUN, (Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives) which he founded in 2003 after his son Prentice was killed at age 17 for $3.75 in his pocket. Through his commitment and service to his community he was recently awarded the Jefferson Award which is a national award. While talking to him the rest of the family came back. Stevie spent the next 30 minutes sharing with us, particularly the boys about how he works at the prison and projects of Memphis. He talked about how the young men get to prison and what they need to stay out. He shared that the average young man dies at age 21 in Memphis and what that does to a kids psyche if he sees himself only living to be 21, how that impacts their decisions. He talked about having hope, don't rob yourself or others of hope. As we talked to him we could feel his genuine love and concern for others and he truly inspired me to be and do better. I also think he scared the boys of ever going to prison!