Month: January 2008

The great Dallas sports columnist Blackie Sherrod used to have a weekly column that started with this phrase:

Scattershooting while wondering whatever happened to (fill in the name from someone from the past or a person who had faded out of view).

My version would be scattershooting while wondering whatever happened to my 2^nd book, “Bring’em Back Alive”? Has anyone heard from it or seen it? Please tell it to call home from whatever bargain bin it is hanging out in.

Yesterday I wrote a column on my struggle with how to respond to ungraceful comments about my faith. I got a thoughtful and kind response from Linda.

As a Catholic and the mother of a Notre Dame student, I have certainly struggled with my response to this situation. My 20 year old Fightin’
Irish son’s response was, as expected, anger, and confusion regarding the seemingly “it’s only Notre Dame fans who are upset” attitude of
ESPN and other media outlets. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you publishing your thoughts on the matter. I have forwarded your column to my son, and I have happily received it from other members of the ND and Christian community. You have said with your words what I have struggled to say with mine!

While I am sorry to say that praying for Ms. Jacobson was not my first response, it is never too late for prayer. I started mine right after
reading your column.

Thanks Linda. It is never too late for prayer. Sorry about the little dig about Touchdown Jesus being Field Goal Jesus last year. I have seen the Notre Dame upcoming slate of new recruits. I suspect the Irish will soon be back as a national power.

From the you never know what will connect file I give you this item. Crystal wrote that she was watching the State of the Union address when the words to a song by The Youngbloods popped into her mind. It’s okay Crystal…I have a brain like that too. She “googled” the lyrics about everybody coming together and found my iPod devotional on that very song. I had forgotten all about it. Crystal wrote this note last night.

Although a little late, I want to thank you for the intricate gathering of your words….after all, isn’t our existence and live hereafter totally dependent on our comprehension of true hope in Christ? 

Absolutely. And thank you for correctly realizing that my posts are an intricate gathering of words. Others are less graceful in their analysis of the humble ramblings. Here is a little snippet of that post.

I watch the news and my heart aches. I wish we could have peace on earth but I have come to realize that is not possible through human institutions. I truly wish it were possible. The lyrics continue with an interesting twist.

Some will come and some will go
We shall surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last

I am not sure if the writer of this song really believed that Jesus would return for us at last. Christians (present company included) maintain that Jesus will return as one of our articles of faith. But we don’t really live as if we believe that.

You hold the key to love and fear
All in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both

I believe there is one key to love and fear. But we do not hold the key. We do, however, have the opportunity to respond to the key to love and fear. His name is Jesus. Thirty-seven years ago with trembling hand I asked Him to unlock my heart and enter in. I began changing at that moment. And with each passing year I get a little better learning how to…

Love one another right now
Right now
Right now!

And finally, I am blessed that some of you have joined my team in the Mocha Club. For $7 a month we can make an incredible difference in Africa. Think about that. For the cost of a couple of mochas (hence the name) you can feed a child or prevent malaria. And this is a legit and reputable ministry. Click here if you want to join.  There is a box on the right side that says join the Fellowship of the Broken. Click on that.

Seven bucks a month. Why not love one another right now?

Every so often I take on a topic that reminds me of the Civil Defense film called Duck and Cover. They used to show us this “educational” film in elementary school. Having a serious as a heart attack announcer discussing nuclear attacks made for some really restful nights. More experienced readers recall that we were advised to “duck and cover” under our school desks in the event of a nuclear attack. Even as a 2^nd grader I knew that was nonsense. In later school years I would develop better descriptive words. I don’t recall the other kids thinking this was stupid but perhaps I just have an exceptional gift to discern the obvious.

Today’s topic is one that generates as much vein bulging controversy in the church as picking the right kind of worship music or the correct bible translation. Yes, we Christians can mount a full out expedition on any kind of molehill. But today’s issue is one that reasonable and thoughtful people can disagree about. Unfortunately, the reasonable and thoughtful ones are not nearly as likely to email me.

The fact is that Christians are getting beaten up a bit in this culture. And a lot of Christians are getting defensive about it. I understand that. Nobody likes to be mocked, ridiculed, badgered and marginalized . Okay, most of us don’t like that. The tough thing for followers of Jesus is deciding the right response to all of these verbal drive-bys. I have a hard time calling them attacks. I read the Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter. The suffering Christians around the world can use the word attack and persecution honestly. So far in America we are only dealing with bad manners and insults.

It seems like every time I turn on my television recently I see Bill Donohoe of The Catholic League complaining about something. In the past week it was comments by an ESPN announcer. This piece is not about criticizing Donohoe or the Catholic response. I am not smart enough to discern what God calls others to do. He simply represents one end of the spectrum. American Family Association also believes an aggressive approach is necessary. I often get e-mails asking me to boycott, email, complain and mobilize to help stop an offensive program or event. I rarely respond. Am I a bad Christian? Do I not care? If you haven’t already launched a angry missive full of misspellings in my direction please allow me to discuss.

ESPN morning anchor Dana Jacobson launched a profanity laced, alcohol fueled tirade at a celebrity roast for radio hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic. (Disclaimer: I used to do some freelance work for the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network but that has ended. So I don’t think my comments will be influenced by a non-revenue stream but I still believe in full disclosure) Jacobson definitely made some crude remarks about Notre Dame (Mike Golic is a Irish grad) and about the mosaic of Jesus with arms raised that has been dubbed by alumni as Touchdown Jesus (this year it would be more appropriately called Field Goal Jesus or Three and Out Jesus). Some accused Jacobson of saying something vulgar about Jesus. But that is in dispute. Yet many Christian organizations are calling for her to be fired. I struggle with that response as a Christian.

I am deeply offended when someone mocks Jesus. It hurts. Jesus is my rock and my salvation so of course I don’t like to hear comments like that. The Christian Defense League (that sounds ominous) had some strong comments.

“After meeting with ESPN officials for over an hour last week, it is clear to me that they are still in the ‘dark ages’ when it comes to workplace religious discrimination, bigotry and hate speech.  There are several reasons why I feel this way.  First, ESPN could end this controversy in a minute if they would just release the video tape of what Jacobson said or an exact transcript.  Their refusal to do so demonstrates a lack of openness, good faith and candor which is necessary for true dialogue and healing to take place.  It is painfully clear that they are more interested in protecting the corporate image of ESPN and avoiding actions taken against them, than they are in having a meaningful exchange on religious discrimination in the workplace.”

ESPN is like every company. Their corporate image is without question their biggest concern. To be fair, we in the faith community have not always dealt with some sin issues in the church with openness and good faith. Why would it be a surprise if a corporate giant does not? The press release continues:

“ESPN is also implying that the faith community should not be upset because Ms. Jacobson was suspended for a week showing that the network is treating this episode seriously. However, over and over again in our discussion with them, ESPN made it clear that Ms. Jacobson was not fired for her speech or comments she made.  She was disciplined only for her behavior.  In other words, ESPN does not believe any offensive or discriminatory religious language took place.”

Again, I am not sure what was said to Jacobson or to the rest of their employees. I do know how seriously they take workplace issues like sexual harassment  because I have sat in the meetings. Now they will likely add several pages of restrictions regarding religious speech. Over the years I have had many open discussions about faith prior to or after ESPN events. That will likely be forbidden in the future. That is sad to me. The results of the reaction to this incident might have far greater impact than one announcer’s personal status. 

One of the consistent arguments is that only Christianity can be insulted without serious ramifications. I rather like that point. The comparison of how Christians respond versus other faiths is a strong argument for the teachings of Jesus. Is it weakness that we don’t demand violence or ruin for those who offend? Or is it strength born out of grace?

Jesus gave a game plan for how to deal with those who rejected His followers.

“If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”  (Mark 6, The Message)

Why? Because making a scene would not change anyone’s mind about Jesus. However, showing grace might. Paul made the uncomfortable suggestion to the church in Rome that we should “bless” those who persecute us. I suspect that persecution was more serious to the early church than second hand comments from a bad celebrity roast. I am not sure that I am generally able to bless those who simply annoy me…let alone persecute me. But that would demonstrate grace in a graceless world and it would make a clear differentiation between followers of Jesus and other religions.

These words from Jesus seem to apply to our cultural challenges today.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’  and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.  If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.  But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

That is my struggle. How am I different if I am cynical and angry toward Dana Jacobson or anyone who makes an offensive comment? So I choose to believe her apology and I choose to pray for her. I choose to grant grace. I would gently challenge one comment she made.

“My actions at the roast were inappropriate and in no way represent who I am. I won’t make excuses for my behavior, but I do hope I can be forgiven for such a poor lack of judgment.”

At the heart of the Gospel is the fact that such unseemly behavior does represent who you are when you strip away the masks. Jesus made it clear that what is in our hearts reveals who we really are.

But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. (Matthew 15, NLT).

Sometimes what comes from deep within surprises us. Perhaps alcohol released some of that darkness. I don’t know what caused Dana Jacobson to act the way she did. I will say this from one lonely follower of Jesus.

I do forgive you. I appreciate that you make no excuses. And I pray that you will come to know the Jesus that I know. That you will meet an authentic follower of Jesus.

And to my fellow travelers in this journey I hope you are encouraged in spite of getting run over by a few secular buses recently. Despite shelves of bestsellers denouncing God faith in Him continues to grow. Despite unprecedented opposition from universities and professors Christianity survives and often thrives on our campuses. Despite the legal and intellectual efforts of militant atheists millions are choosing to follow Christ. I have often said that the greatest apologetic of all is that Christianity is flourishing in spite of Christians.

God’s plan is being accomplished. I choose to trust Him. I don’t need to make God look good. I just need to be faithful.

One reader of the humble ramblings was a bit confused by yesterday’s declaration of my affection for the Baylor Bears. They thought I was an Ohio State Buckeye fan.  I am. I am also a diehard Cleveland Browns and Texas Rangers fan. I have a nearly unlimited capacity for suffering.

I proudly proclaim that I am an Ohio State fan by birth. I was born forty-five miles due south of the Horseshoe. For pagans the Horseshoe is the magnificent Ohio Stadium nestled on the banks of the Olentangy River in Columbus, Ohio. I have been an Ohio State fan since I can remember. If I became a Buckeye by birth then I guess I became a Baylor Bear by checkbook. Eldest son Matt became the first Bear. He was followed by brothers Scott and Brett.

If I had given this much money to any other Baptist organization I would have a little plaque on a building somewhere.

                In Loving Memory of Dave Burchett’s Retirement Fund that sacrificed itself for three undergrad degrees.

But something happened during those often painful check writing sessions. I fell in love with Baylor University. I even became an alumni by choice, an award that Baylor probably would like to have back. I love what Baylor has done for my sons. All of them have grown in wisdom and stature in, of all places; Waco, Texas. I love the atmosphere and the values that the administration unashamedly proclaims. I wrote a piece defending Baylor when they told coeds they could not pose in the Big 12 issue of a men’s magazine. Baylor is very clear about who they are and what they believe. If you want to get “nekkid” in a magazine you have eleven other choices in the Big 12. Baylor is based on Christian values. If you go there you know that fact and they do not hide that under a bushel basket. How refreshing.

Several years ago a tragedy in the men’s basketball program sullied the university and their athletic reputation. Player Patrick Dennehy was murdered by a teammate and that led to a series of revelations that included cheating, deception, lying and coverups. The basketball program was nearly dismantled by sanctions and penalties. Many wondered if the program could ever recover from such a devastating series of events.

Coach Kim Mulkey’s Lady Bears started the healing process in earnest with an amazing run to the National Championship. But on the men’s side the question was daunting. Who would take on a rebuilding job that Nehemiah might have turned down? Enter a golly gee young coach named Scott Drew from a school known as Valpo. Hardcore basketball fans knew all about the Drew family and Valparaiso University. Coach Homer Drew had built the politically incorrectly named Crusaders into a mid-major power. They became a national darling when son Bryce Drew made a miracle shot in the 1998 NCAA Tournament. His son Scott was an assistant on that team. Scott Drew had taken over an established program at Valpo. Drew could refine his skills in a safe environment with helpful input from his Dad. So when Baylor came calling the smart thing to do would be to politely ask to be placed on their no call list.

Thank God Scott Drew did not do the smart thing. For reasons only he understands Drew took the job and brought his faith, charm, hard work, recruiting skills and unbridled optimism to the banks of the Brazos River. Knowing what the team has overcome is why this year’s Baylor team cracking the Top 25 and winning that amazing 5 overtime game on Wednesday against a ranked Texas A&M team is such a great story. 

I am proud of Baylor and I am thrilled for the players who believed in Scott Drew’s dream. Stories like this are what make sports so great. Baylor basketball is a metaphor for the Christian journey. You can suffer catastrophic failure on that path but with faith and hope you can find redemption.

Grace always takes me by surprise. I am not conditioned by this world to expect acceptance when I have failed. I am conditioned to expect condemnation, shame, and rejection. But anytime I fail there is the Father God patiently and lovingly waiting for me to return. Like the father in the story of the Prodigal Son, God is waiting to race to greet us when we turn away from self  and toward Him. There is no cleanup required. A heart of repentance is all that He asks. His grace is sufficient…and always amazing. 

Baylor basketball is a great story of redemption, faith and hope. Isn’t it nice to have a good story for a change? Sic’em Bears!

It is usually not a good thing when you read about some Baptists having a long session marked by aggressive behavior. But last night it was a very good thing. The Baylor men’s basketball team worked 5 overtime periods to beat the Aggies of Texas A&M and gave the long suffering Bears an incredible win. My Bears are now ranked in the Top 25 for the first time in forty years. Sic’em Bears!

I like to review past columns now and then. This one caught my eye as I scrolled through the humble musings archives. The article tweaked my interest because I had just experienced a very bumpy flight through gray clouds last weekend. Here is that earlier post with some updates.

I fly way too much. I have amassed nearly five million airline miles over the past twenty-five years of traveling. That is a lot of bad omelettes, delays, and bruised knees from incredibly unaware passengers who recline their seat backwards at warp speed. But there is one part of flying that still fills me with awe.

Take-offs on cloudy, nasty days always reveal the nervous flyers. As the plane thunders down the runway and rises into a soupy and overcast mix the nervous flyers grip the armrest tightly and glance anxiously out the window. They look at the seasoned flyers reading the paper or napping and wonder what is wrong with them. Nerves are not soothed by seeing nothing but gray through the tiny portals. These takeoffs are usually accompanied by bumps, shudders, and stomach churning drops. The pilots always cheerfully glosses over the turbulence ahead. “We will have a little light chop as we head out”, the captain tells us before takeoff. Not long after lift off you begin wondering what “heavy chop” might feel like. Today was one of those takeoffs. The Tennessee skies were dark and we bounced through the expected turbulence of winter weather. Trust me, that is not the part that creates awe everytime I experience it.

Stormy airplane travel seemed a fitting metaphor for the past eighteen months of the journey with the striking Mrs.Burchett. It has now been almost two years since we heard the word that changed us forever.

Cancer.

Few words have more gut punching power than the “C” word. Looking back I can see that our journey through Joni’s breast cancer treatments in many ways paralleled a stormy takeoff. Just like the captain of our plane, Joni and I faced the inevitable clouds ahead with limited visibility. We could not begin to see what we faced in the coming months. The captain trusted his instruments and had faith in them to direct the flight safely. We trusted our God and the doctors as we took off in darkness to travel through our cancer journey. As the airplane hit the bumps the pilot did not let off the power in fear. In fact, bad weather often requires more power to offset the wind gusts. Joni and I learned that we had to similarly go full throttle with optimism, hope, and trust in a God who is sovereign and trustworthy. We determined to do our part and rest in Jesus. Cancer is hard. The burden is heavy. But Jesus made it easier to bear.

I will not try to claim that Joni and I have been giants of faith. We are not like the Top Gun pilots who never show fear and are always incredibly cool. We hated the turbulence. The bumps were nervewracking. Twice we hit huge bumps that knocked the emotional breath out of us. 

A nervous flyer puts his or her faith in a pilot they almost surely don’t know. We put our faith in a Saviour that Joni and I know and trust and who has been faithful for many years.

But what about the part of stormy takeoff that still inspires awe? When you lift into the clouds you can’t see what lies ahead. The ride is bumpy and a little anxious (or maybe a lot anxious). And then it happens. You break through into awesome sunlight. There is nothing quite like that experience. The sunlight is breathtaking. It is hard to believe that moments ago you were in a confusing darkness. That is how Joni and I feel at this point in our journey. We have broken through the storm clouds of the past months into the sunlight of hope and life together. A nervous flyer wonders if they will ever clear the storm clouds. At times we felt the same way. We filed a flight plan based on a God who is worthy. I am not sure exactly how we got through the clouds. I just know that God was there for every bump and shudder along the way.

If you are flying through turbulence remember that sunlight may be just ahead. Go full throttle with the power of a God who cares. Don’t back off in fear. Rejoice in the trial because it can refine you and equip you for service. And I pray that you soon will rejoice as you break through dark clouds into magnificent sunlight.

When last I left you I wrote something that some of you somehow interpreted to mean that an article would appear the next day. Here is what I actually wrote:

The article on Dan Fogelberg seemed to connect with a lot of men and we will review those thoughts tomorrow.

I guess I can see how you might read into that statement that I would post something the next day. I think using the word tomorrow might have been the problem. So now I must face the issue that all Christian people face at such a moment. How can I save face?

Uhhhh….what I meant to write was how should I explain my obvious lack of follow through on my cyberword? I had a couple of thoughts. One would be to suggest that I am so godly that I view time like the Lord.

Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. (2 Peter 3, The Message)

However, I suspected my readers would toss the BS flag on that one. So I have opted for honesty. I erred. I should not have promised a next day article if I couldn’t deliver. Please forgive me. I am no threat to FedEx.

So here is the Dan Fogelberg followup only seven days late. Allow me to start with a bit of the original post.

But the song that I will remember Dan Fogelberg most for is his song written about his dad called “Leader of the Band”. His father was a musician and he passed that talent down to Dan. Parts of the lyric made me think of my Dad while he was still alive.

The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul

My Dad helped define who I have become both good and bad. I am blessed that there was far more good than bad in my father. I remember all that my Dad taught me.

I thank you for the music and your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom when it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness and the times when you got tough
And, papa, I don’t think I said ‘I love you’ near enough

My Dad knew how much I loved him. Still I wish I had told him more. But this is the portion of the song that continues to impact me as a son.

My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I’m just a living legacy to the leader of the band

My Dad was a wonderful, kind, loving and flawed man. I have the flawed part down. I hope I am following his legacy of joy, kindness and love that he modeled.

The Psalmist writes that as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. I am so blessed that I had a dad that allowed me to understand how that looks. Not every man does.

Reader Paul wrote this in response to the article.

The humble ramblings have been silenced by the untimely passing of my computer’s hard drive. It seemed like it had so many gigs left to live for and so much data still to explore. It did manage to live long enough to watch it’s warranty expire just days before. But now I have a shiny new hard drive and I have managed to reload and recover most of my data. In my writing absence I was blessed by many of your comments.

Faithful reader Kathleen wrote this very kind assessment.

I chuckled today when both the Barna organization and Chuck Colson announced amazing new findings about how we Christians are viewed by the unbelieving masses, citing the books “unChristian” and “The Faith” as revolutionary expose. I haven’t the heart to tell them they could have saved themselves a lot of pondering and research simply by reading “When Bad Christians Happen to Good People.”

That seems to be my lot in this publishing world. I am, apparently, a prophet who doesn’t make a profit. My dear friend John (Thirty days till pitchers and catchers report) Frost sent me a note about the hot new book UnChristian.

I’m sure you’re familiar with “Unchristian” by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons.  It is an amazing book researching the attitudes and perceptions of Christians.  There are so many concepts that are similar to your first two bestsellers.

That is sarcasm at it’s best. My second book is apparently in the witness protection program. Somehow kind reader Ernie found a copy somewhere.

I’m reading your books simultaneously, what a great read! Much needed. Every Church should have them in their library.  

Thanks Ernie. Not sure reading the books simultaneously is a good idea but you know your own limits. Kenneth sent this note about When Bad Christians Happen to Good People.

Could not put it down once I started reading it, and it has been a great inspiration to me in my walk with Christ. There is an abundance of truth in your words and perceptions. I pray that God will open the eyes of more “Bad Christians” like me so we can get this Revolution started.

While I suspect we are a few sales short of a revolution I am blessed by your comments. I am always amazed, honored and touched when God somehow uses my books or blogs to impact others during their journey. The article on Dan Fogelberg seemed to connect with a lot of men and we will review those thoughts tomorrow.

You bless me with your comments. Thanks.

Gilda Radner developed a very funny character named Rosanne Roseannadanna. She would go off on ridiculous tangents (not unlike this space on occasion) and then defend herself to colleague Jane Curtain.

“Well Jane, it just goes to show you, it’s always something!”

Yesterday was one of those “it’s always something” days. The day started with the unexpected and untimely demise of my computer’s hard drive. I spent my morning trying to revive it. That was a lovely start to the day.

Last night my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes lost (again) in the BCS National Championship game. Earlier in my life journey those two events would have sent me into a multiple day funk of bad moods and bad manners.

This morning I am not depressed. I wish my hard drive had lived a longer life. It would have been fun if Ohio State had won. But this season of my life is shaped by one very big word.

Perspective.

One year ago on this date we were getting ready for my Mom’s funeral. My bride was in the middle of her battle with breast cancer. Our friend Susan Flickner was only days away from going to be with Jesus. I wrote these words almost exactly one year ago.

I reflected on a difficult year past and a difficult start to the new one. For some reason a favorite old hymn came to mind. This is a song that has an amazing story. A song born out of tragedy and soul crushing grief. Horatio Spafford was a real estate investor in Chicago in the nineteenth century. His first tragedy was losing nearly all his wealth in the Great Chicago fire in 1871. Spafford was a friend of famed preacher D.L.Moody and the ministry of the great evangelist helped him to recover. Two years later, knowing that Moody was going to speak in England, Spafford decided to take the family there. At the last minute a business conflict delayed Horatio’s trip so he sent his wife and four daughters ahead.

On November 21, 1873, while crossing the Atlantic on the S.S. Ville Du Havre, the ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel and two hundred and twenty six people lost their lives, including all four of Spafford’s daughters. Somehow his wife, Anna, survived. On arriving in England, she sent a telegram to Horatio with the words “Saved alone”.

Can you imagine the devastation that Spafford felt? There was no internet or phones to comfort his wife. No direct plane flights to get there in hours. Horatio could only book his own ocean passage that would, ironically, pass the spot where his daughters had perished. It was in the Mid-Atlantic that Horatio Spafford penned the words to the song “It is Well with my Soul”. Imagine his anguish as you read these words.

When peace, like a river,
attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot,
Thou hast taught me to know,
“It is well, it is well with my soul”

Chorus: It is well (it is well)
with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

So as I face this tough patch of highway I remembered the words of Horatio Spafford.

“Whatever my lot,
Thou hast taught me to know,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”

And that has been a comfort through the sadness of last year and has become my anchor for little speed bumps on life’s highway like the ones that happened yesterday. An unknown author once wrote that we have no right to ask when trouble comes, “”Why did this happen to me?” unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. The man of many sorrows, Job, once said a very similar thing in the midst of his inconceivable grief.

His wife said, “Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you? Curse God and be done with it!” He told her, “You’re talking like an empty-headed fool. We take the good days from God—why not also the bad days?”  Job 2 The Message

I am pretty sure that I would not phrase it quite that way to the lovely Mrs.Burchett. But his rationale was right on. We accept so many blessings and good days as our birth rite. Jesus never promised that there would be no bad days.

So armed with a perspective that I didn’t really sign up for I weathered yesterday okay. I am still proud to be an Ohio State fan. I am proud of Coach Jim Tressel, his integrity and his steadfast faith in Christ. I am proud of the players who worked so hard to get there. Don’t let the guys who can’t jump off the couch without pulling a muscle get you down. You have accomplished so much. Hold your head high today.

My hard drive may or may not be healed. I can deal with that. Because my wife is at my side and feeling good as I begin this year. And it is well with my soul.