page 14 - From TEXAS RANGERS to the FBI, find out what motivates our LAW ENFORCEMENT HEROES
Vo lume 2 Issue 2 Winte r 2 0 1 4
HOLIDAY
FOOD
featuring:
THE FUNKY DOOR
DECOR & ISSUE
A C O MM U N I T Y M A G A Z INE PUBLI SH E D B Y T R IN IT Y CHUR CH
E DI T O R - IN - C H IE F Brad F ro e s e C RE AT I VE D I R E C T O R Ha d ley F l e t c h e r C O PY E D IT O R Marily n G a r re t t C O LUM N W R I T E R Ca rl To t i C O N T RI B U T IN G W R I T E R S She lle y E . H u g u l e y Claud ia Va l d e z Marily n G a r re t t Gloria To t i Cha nd a A l l e n Chris La w re n c e C O N T RI B U T IN G P H O T O G R APHER Cris D un c a n , C J D u n c a n Ph otogr a ph y And y We s t S P E C I AL T H A N KS Be nny J a c k s o n o f B e n n y Ja c kson De sign s Ca rrie B r i t t o n , F u n k y D o or R e sta u r a n t & B istro Chris t in a G l e n d e n i n g , F u n ky Door R e sta u r a n t & B istro Ra nd y & P a t t i M a n d re l l , M.E d., R e fu ge Se r vic e s, I n c . Cris D un c a n - C J D u n c a n Ph otogr a ph y S ALE S I N Q U I R I E S 806. 370 . 0 4 8 6 s ales @re l i ve l i f e m a g a z i n e .c om E DI T O R I A L SU B M ISSI O NS ed it orial @ re l i v e l i f e m a g a z in e .c om W E BS I TE w w w. re l i v e l i f e ma g a z i n e . c om S O C I AL M E D IA IN F O R M ATI O N fac e b o o k . c o m / re l i ve l i f e magazin e t wit t er. c o m / re l i v e l i f e
flic k r. co m / p h o t o s / re l i v e l i fe magazin e pint e re st . c o m / re l i ve l i f e
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TABLE of
CONTENTS
Fall Issue 2014
page 14 - From TEXAS RANGERS to the FBI, find out what motivates our LAW ENFORCEMENT HEROS
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Volum e 2 I ssue 2 Wint er 2014
HOLIDAY
FOOD
Home for the Holidays
featuring:
THE FUNKY DOOR
&DECOR ISSUE
COVER PHOTO F U N K Y D O O R R E S TA U R A N T & B I S T R O HEAD CHEF THOMAS WESLEY CHESSHIRE II PHOTOGRAPH BY CRIS DUNCAN CJ DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Plan the perfect holiday for your loved ones this season with decadent food, time saving tips, and a helpful recipe from the Head Chef at Funky Door Restaurant & Bistro!
14 Law Enforcement Heroes Get an inside look at Lubbock’s Warrior Class and see what motivates these men to serve and protect.
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Find out how one of the nation’s top builders constructs homes that fund the entrepreneural spirit for struggling business owners in 17 countries worldwide.
Meet the local four-legged “therapists” that are providing a safe haven for the wounded whose bruised bodies, souls and minds need mending.
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21 Building More Than Just Houses
Refuge Services
25
Paying It Forward Discover how new technologies are making the fight against Cancer more humane at the Covenant Joe Arrington Cancer Center.
Centerpiece of the Season Celebrate the Season for its true values, and get a few decorating tips from a local expert.
Contributing Writers
Chanda allen Chanda Allen is the Director of the Neugebauer Congressional Committee. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University and Leadership Lubbock. Chanda and her husband, Joshua Allen have two young children.
GLORIA TOTI Gloria Toti is the Women’s Ministry Director at Trinity Church in Lubbock. Much of the time, you will find Gloria looking for opportunities to make a few more gals feel valued. Gloria & her husband Carl, along with their two sons, Nathan and Jonathan, moved to Lubbock in 2001 and fell in love with the community.
Chris LAWRENCE Chris has spent the majority of his life in the restaurant business. Prior to that, he served his country in the Presidential Honor Guard under President Ronald Reagan and later in Desert Storm. He currently serves in church ministry. Chris is married to Robin, his wife of 25 years, and has two daughters, Jordan and Cassie.
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enterpiece C of the Season f you are anything like me, you’re probably wondering how Thanksgiving and Christmas can be right around the corner. The lady at the Post Office loves to announce, in the midst of August heat, “Just 178 days to Christmas!” Not funny! Didn’t we just snap the last lid on the holiday décor tub and stuff it in the storage room?
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scene of our already busy and fastpaced lives! We drag out the tubs once again in anticipation of filling our homes with ornaments and nativities, angels and stars - all in the name of love of family and friends and “the greatest story ever told”. We sing, bake, shop, and serve in anticipation of “the day”.
For most of us, the Christmas festivities begin with the whir of the dishwasher following Thanksgiving dinner, although the Christmas trees and décor have filled the stores’ aisles since October! We waste no time in welcoming modern day carolers into our homes via iTunes —and the Christmas season explodes onto the
Of course, for most of us, this season exacerbates our level of activity. We find ourselves being stretched to the point where we often lose the joy and the true beauty of the season. We can quickly get absorbed in the mayhem of the season rather than experiencing its richness and meaning. This year, I challenge you to do
something different, and that is to stop and listen for God’s voice. This spring, I had a beautiful reminder that Christmas has the ability to spill over beyond the month of December. I found myself singing a Christmas carol out loud as I drove home, which is a pretty unusual occurrence in the month of March. As I entered our home, my husband, Carl, noticed the song of choice and brought attention to it. I just smiled at him and went on with my daily after-work routine. No bells or whistles went off; I wasn’t yet hearing. The next morning in my quiet time in the Word, I noted that my bookmark was in Isaiah 9.
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Of course, verse 6 stood out to me – “Unto us a child is born . . .” - so I drew a box around the verse, closed in prayer and proceeded to get ready for my next appointment. I was still missing the message. This particular morning, I was attending a DVD study; it was Beth Moore who had the stage of my heart, and what she shared was the perfect inspiration, the “word in season” that I needed, as I would be speaking to a group of girls from the Phi Lamb sorority in another week. As if she had been listening to my song, the first scripture she read was Isaiah 9:6. I was blessed by the things I learned, but I was soon rushing off to work. It wasn’t until the end of the day, when I found myself driving home from work, that I realized I was still humming the exact same Christmas song. It was back. At this point, I stopped humming and started singing, “Oh Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord”. I sang a little louder and refocused my attention on the One to whom the song was written. I was in awe as I recounted the incidents that led to this moment of pure praise. At that point, I knew something was stirring, something I had been too busy to notice. Immediately, I turned my heart to God for direction. More than ever, I knew He wanted me to tell those precious girls that their twenty-first century lives matter to Him. Their job is to adore Him, and in turn, His response is to give peace. I thought to myself, “Got it, God.” Surprisingly enough, as I was driving out of my driveway the morning of the sorority retreat, the song was back. I was stunned but ecstatic. I not only had a word from the Lord for them, but I had a song! I shared the experience with the young ladies and then commenced to pray for peace to enter their hearts as they worshiped. I shared with them how peace was the declaration of which the angels spoke (I believe they actually shouted it at the top of their heavenly lungs) the night this particular Baby was born. I told the girls that peace was part of their inheritance package. We all sang the song in unison and sealed the song as an anthem of our souls. I thanked God for the opportunity to receive such a message and vowed to be a better listener.
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A blustery March turned into soft April, and the very day I was to begin a new semester of teaching another group, the song paid another visit. I shared the story with a new audience, and again, we also sang our Christmas worship. The message was not limited to college students; it was for these women as well, truly a message for everyone else I would meet. It is for everyone, anytime. Peace still echoes loud whispers, reminding us that we are in the storyline, and our lives matter. “Peace! Goodwill toward men!” still echoes throughout the earth. This season, let’s be reminded that peace is not to be sacrificed on the altar of activity – even of good activities with loving motives. Every day, we have an opportunity to make decisions that will add or take away from our hearts of worship. Andy Andrews says it best,
“We have the power to make choices that lead us to places that we don’t like. And, that’s great news! If we can make choices that lead us to places we don’t like, then doesn’t it seem reasonable that we can also make choices that will lead us to a place we do like?”
Although this magazine is a Fall/Winter issue —“O Come” is a timeless invitation, reminding us to leave behind the rush and the hurry so we can experience the real “reason for the season”. With a little more deliberate intention, we can slow down to feel the wind. We can focus on the reasons we have to be thankful. We can revel in the carols a bit longer. We can look into someone’s eyes as we listen. And, we can linger in the quiet and taste the grace of now, accepting the fact that we belong in the moment.
Benny is never at a loss for creativity, and as you will see, he has taken a standard table setting (left page image) and created a table for two separate occasions (below). By changing out only a few items in the centerpiece, we are ready to welcome our Thanksgiving guests... and then our Christmas guests. The simple modification allows us to create space for those heart-to-heart moments with the people we love. Simplifying allows us to do the things we long to do, rather than the things we think we have to do.
Along with the subject of simplifying, I want to begin unwrapping a first Christmas gift to you by asking Benny from Benny Jackson Designs to help us stretch our decorating ideas. Many homes and businesses in our region reflect the imprint of Benny’s ability to beautify God’s world. In preparation for the holiday season ahead, he combines the beauty of his ideas, while harnessing the most valuable resource we own —time. Peace is our goal; pressure is our enemy!
As Anne Voskamp says,
“Love is the centerpiece of the season. Christmas can never be bought. Cannot be created. Cannot be made by hand, lit up, set out or dreamed up. It can only be found.” Let’s determine that our hearts will be trimmed with divine peace. Who said Christmas has to be a fast-paced holiday? Do something different. Slow down. Adore. Love. And, let peace enter your heart as you worship.
O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord.
HOME
for the
Holidays a delicious journey by Chanda Allen
H
ome for the holidays - it’s an age-old adage that resounds with many and brings with it flavorful memories of time spent
around the dining room table, surrounded by those whom we hold dearest. The rich aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon, and sage can stir our senses to a reverie of afternoons baking for the houseful of company coming for Thanksgiving dinner or the early morning alarm set for the turkey to be served after opening Christmas presents around the tree. To many of us, good food is as synonymous with the holiday season as ornaments and carols. It’s one of the best things about coming home. But when you are away from home during the holiday season, or prefer the ease of catering or a night out rather than pots and pans, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. One such place to enjoy the samplings of fine culinary cuisine, made from scratch and a hint of home, is The Funky Door, located in southwest Lubbock.
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Head Chef:
THOMAS WESLEY CHESSHIRE II & his team of culinary creators have spent years perfecting their craft. In fact, Chef Wes credits his success in the culinary industry to his love and appreciation for the ‘culture of food’ – a most fascinating and creative art form.
As a young adult, he became fascinated with the world of culinary art and gives homage for his accomplishments in the kitchen to his love of family, the southern-comfort style, and an affectionate respect for elaborate culinary presentations. The Funky Door team, led by their Owner, Carrie Britton, General Manager, Christina Glendening, and Chef Wes, purpose to unite the world of fine food and fine art and present it in an atmosphere worthy of such rectitude. They are a vision realized from a dream to showcase love of travel, food, music, and art – an appreciation for all things aesthetic. Their menu is ever-changing with the seasons and styles that are enjoyed most by their patrons, offering culinary delights that are both unique and flavorful, such as fresh fish and produce, with local meats that are delivered several times throughout the week. Funky boasts of their fine dining and fondue selections as offering the most unique varieties and eclectic pairings of food in the Texas panhandle – and we tend to agree. Guests can anticipate live music, great food, and friendly service, and whether it’s a night out with friends, a lunch with co-workers, or just a family meal, Funky will not disappoint. With a menu comprised of their famous fondues and tantalizing weekly specials, you’re sure to find a sampling that fits any mood or occasion.
To begin your meal, a favorite and certainly tempting selection is
garnish. They also feature an array of gourmet salads, local
the Funky Wine Platter – an array of fresh seasonal fruit, artisan
steak cuts, Kobe burgers, and hearty seafood selections
cheeses, red pepper tapenade, and cured meats served with an
made with fresh-daily ingredients and savory flavors. And
assortment of gourmet crackers and flat breads. Even the petite
don’t forget the sweet potatoes fries, incomparable with
size is more than expected and offers a flavorful sampling of the
any other.
region’s best. The Funky Door is a unique place for every occasion, Certainly you will be remise to neglect taking part in their
especially the special occasion, or if your special occasion
impressive fondue selections, either as an entre or for dessert.
is one closer to home, they also offer an impressive catering
Fondue offerings include the Spinach Artichoke Funky Door
menu focused on bringing an elegant ease to your event.
– a melted blend of smoked gouda and caraway, or the Fiesta – a mixture of pepperjack and pacifico with a kick. Entre fondues
After visiting with the culinary team at Funky, I came
are offered with steak, chicken, shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or
away feeling inspired to try a few new things when cooking
sautéed veggies.
dinner at home. They encouraged me not to make things so recipe-rigid and to strive to turn things from ordinary to extraordinary. For instance, when preparing the staple for parents of young children - mac and cheese – you could substitute for the American cheese a more unusual blend, or add chicken or lobster to make it a unique dish. One team member even challenged me to use brown sugar in my dishes to add a bit of flavor and sweetness. His mantra was to try something new and look for creative substitutions to your traditional ingredients; cooking can be either a chore or an adventure! Experimenting will be a learning experience, surely to include some trial-and-
For dessert try the Strawberry Shortcake Fondue, paired with
error, but it will improve your techniques in the kitchen
angel food squares, graham crackers, fresh fruit, marshmallows,
and help you to master your own craft for culinary art.
cherries, or strawberries; their varied selections include Bananas Foster, Deep Chocolate, Birthday Cake, or the very popular, Candy
While some may say that a good chef never reveals his
Bar Fondue – featuring a blend of milk chocolate, crunchy peanut
secrets, Chef Wes believes that a great chef is an open
butter, and caramel.
book, and he enlightened me with a few tricks of the trade for preparing my own gourmet-inspired meal during
If Fondue is not for you, Funky also specializes in an array of
the holidays. The Duck, a well-known bistro feature, is
unique selections like Squash Lasagna, featuring butternut and
accompanied with a Holiday Plum Sauce that Chef Wes
spaghetti squash in place of the traditional pasta; Tuscan Farfalle,
recommends for any grilled or roasted meat from chicken
which includes artichoke hearts, red peppers with mushrooms in a
to pork or beef, and he was gracious enough to share this
roasted garlic cream sauce; or the Funky Chicken, which highlights
fan-favorite recipe with us. It’s an easy sauce that might
a lime, green chili, and pepperjack sauce with pineapple pico
add a touch of gourmet to your dinner table this holiday...
RECIPE:
Holiday Plum Sauce
1/8 c rice vinegar ½ c port wine ½ c packed brown sugar ¼ tsp cinnamon and nutmeg 2 ripe plums
Cut the plums into 6 even wedges each and set aside. Combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. We are looking for the sugar to begin to caramelize. This will take about 4-6 minutes. Once the sauce begins to boil slowly, big bubbles will lower the temperature slightly; then add the plum wedges. The plums will immediately release their flavor and moisture. After about 2 minutes, the sauce should be nice and velvety, much like syrup. Remove the cooked plums and use them as a garnish for your dish. Do not burn! Once you add the plums, if you must walk away, remove the sauce from the heat. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon of water or two. This is a basic French gastrique sauce technique and one of my favorites! THOMAS WESLEY CHESSHIRE II
So whether you spend this holiday season preparing your time-tested recipes for those whom you love or dining out with friends and family, a common thread that binds us all is not one that can be purchased at the grocery store or wrapped in a package. It’s the time spent with others and the countless memories that are made during the season - and most often, those memories are formed over a meal shared with those who are nearest and dearest to us.
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS Bon Appetite!
&
SAY
“HELLO”
TO
LAUREN MATTER
Watch Lauren every weekday at 5pm, then alongside Bryan Mudd at 6pm & 10pm.
BY CHRIS LAWRENCE
W
e have an incredible warrior class in this country – the people dedicated to law enforcement - and we should thank God every day that they are steadfast in protecting our community from the impact of evil that exists in our world, especially today, with the breakdown of the family and the widening gulf away from the Judeo-Christian values of our founding fathers. In American culture today, and with the obsessive media scrutiny, these selfless heroes are the first to be put under the microscope of criticism and judgment. They are often unappreciated and undervalued. In Lubbock, we are blessed to have one of the finest law enforcement communities in the country. The men and women who are a part of this organization are immensely valuable to our community for its protection. Following are four stellar examples of those who work tirelessly, along with their colleagues, to keep us safe. Growing up in Plainview, Texas, Darren Walters wasn’t sure what he was going to do in life as a career. His father was a fireman in Plainview so family and friends thought he might follow in his father’s footsteps. In the back of his mind, he pretty much agreed. That was what he believed, until one day in sixth grade, when his class had a visitor. The day Officer Danny Miller showed up to speak to Darren’s class was the moment that Darren knew what he
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wanted. “That was a life-changing moment for me! I don’t recall most of what he said, but the way he looked was awesome. He just had an authoritative presence - so from that time on, I knew I wanted to become a police officer.” Getting there, though, took longer than anticipated. However, the numerous life experiences and achievements he attained en route to his dream molded Darren not only into a World Champion in Karate but also into a champion on the job with LISD. It also paved the way for him to impact the youth of Lubbock in ways he could not have imagined initially. When Darren was six years old, he began learning martial arts. The passion and hard work that he put into it at an early age not only prepared him for life as a Police Officer but also catapulted him into a place of influence few get to experience. By the time he retired from competing in 2008, that dedication and discipline had won him six State Championships, seven National Championships and Four World Championships. He is a seven-degree black belt of Shotokan Karate, someone you definitely want on your side! Today, he not only uses that skill and knowledge to teach Lubbock’s law enforcement officers how to protect themselves and others, but he also teaches classes to the public.
Lieutenant Darren Walters
He and his wife had a terminally ill child. They were living in Plainview at the time and were driving back and forth to Lubbock for her treatments. His daughter was only given a short time to live, but as Darren put it, “God let us have her for five months.” During that time, a job opened up at Lubbock ISD, and he applied. Everyone who knew him told him it would be too boring, just a baby-sitting job. Darren, however, needed the change and wanted to be near his daughter’s treatment facilities, so he took the job. Now second in command at LISD, he still has that protector instinct. Since day one, he has made significant investments in the schools and children. “I quickly found out how the juvenile mindset was, especially the criminal juvenile mindset. And what was really shocking to me was how many excuses were being made for these kids. They were not being held accountable. Everyone was making excuses for them, even if they didn’t want it. What I discovered was that they did want accountability. I began working my way into their minds and lives. They began to communicate with me, and change began to happen.” Darren was able to help 17-year-old Junior High kids, for example, get their GEDs through a scholarship he discovered that was available. “What really surprised me were the reactions of these kids’ parents. Some of them came and hugged my neck, but most of them just thanked me for getting the kids to move forward with their lives. This gave me the vision of why I was here at LISD.” Through his reputation in Professional Karate matches, the “tough kids” began befriending him. He became a trusted figure in their lives whom they would not have had otherwise. He became the man who originally inspired him to be a policeman. He has that same authoritative presence. He has impacted the lives of numerous kids, helping them to get and stay on course in their lives. It is very possible that another young boy has heard Darren speak and was influenced to follow in Darren’s footsteps. Lubbock is very blessed to have a man with such high integrity and character. With Lieutenant Walters leading the way, the lives of many Lubbock students will be influenced. Darren’s leadership and devotion to our youth has never been about his title or his championships. For him, its about his impact, his influence and his ability to inspire. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have and inspiration is what will lead to that change. The students of LISD have been impacted, influenced and inspired, and we are better for it.
| LUBBOCK IDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Looking back on the day he met Officer Miller, Darren decided to change his motivation in martial arts. “I made the decision to change my mindset - I wanted to become a protector rather than an aggressor.” He always knew he wanted to become a police officer, but his vision of that role was highly influenced by TV police drama: going after the bad guys and bringing them to justice. That’s how he started, but when tragedy struck his family, a new path was set in motion.
| LUBBOCK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Jeremy jones
Growing up in Matador, Texas, being a police officer in Lubbock was the last thing Jeremy Jones anticipated. His stepfather was the Sheriff of Motley County, so he knew what that life entailed, and it was not his first choice! Jeremy wanted to join the military, be part of a brotherhood, have adventure and do something honorable. Ironically, that is exactly what he has done. Jeremy started out 16 years ago, newly married, with a child on the way. He joined the force, and his first duty was on patrol with the Lubbock Police Department in East Lubbock, during a time in Lubbock when “gang violence” was on the rise. “Serving on the front lines as a patrol officer leaves no time to get comfortable. The bad guys know right away that you are the “new guy”, and they will want to try and intimidate you and put fear into your mind. They were not able to do that with me. I was determined to control my temper and emotions; in addition, I had great people to work with. They gave me valuable advice, leadership and the support I needed to succeed. It is strange to realize where I am today.” Jeremy is a born leader, and his impact is not only with colleagues and criminals, but also with anyone he meets. He is definitely one of the good guys. What makes Jeremy such a success is his humble demeanor, compassion, and perseverance – he gets the job done no matter what. He has that West Texas DNA of the persistent lawman of the past; he’s tough, he’s dependable and he’s courageous. After spending his first six years on patrol, Jeremy was promoted to juvenile crimes and, shortly thereafter, to homicide as a detective. As detective, his hard work and countless hours, along with his willingness never to give up, has taken criminals off the streets of Lubbock. After five years of being in homicide, Jeremy decided to go back on patrol, not as an escape, however, because a patrol officer sees even more than a detective. Patrol officers are generally the first ones on the scene. No one ever calls 911 and a detective is dispatched; they come later after the scene is secured. But patrol is where Jeremy was born to be. Jeremy is one of the few officers who has seen both sides and chooses to be on the scene. Growing up in a small town in West Texas, with West Texas values, adds to who he really is. This lifestyle prepared Jeremy for the role he would play in the lives of the citizens of Lubbock, Texas. He wanted to join the military, but instead, he joined LPD; we are very fortunate to have Jeremy Jones here on the front lines in the city of Lubbock.
| TEXAS RANGER
Tony arnold
The Texas Rangers are one of the oldest law enforcement organizations in America. Their mission and influence are felt in every police agency in Texas and across the country, and their ability to get the job done has become the expectation as well. They have often been compared to other world-famous law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Scotland Yard, Interpol and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Each of these law enforcement agencies has high standards and real life heroes who are upholding the law, bringing criminals to justice and protecting the innocent; the Rangers are no different. They are part of the history of the Old West, and over the years, a distinct Ranger tradition has evolved: the lore of the solo lawman, riding into town to face criminal dangers and save the day. “One Riot, One Ranger” is a legendary statement, describing the kind of man who becomes a Texas Ranger. He is personally tough, honest and conscientious, accountable both to himself as well as to the public. They are our modern day heroes, battling for the security of society, never wavering in their quest for justice. As former Ranger, Captain Bob Crowder stated, “A Ranger is an officer who is able to handle any given situation without definite instructions from his commanding officer or higher authority. This ability must be proven before a man becomes a Ranger.” Tony Arnold is a man who is cut right out of this legendary cloth. From the beginning of his career, he has striven for consistent excellence. In his rookie year, he set the tone for his career. “I strove always to keep my cool no matter what, to be courteous and to treat everyone with respect no matter who they are or what they have done. I also made it a priority to learn state laws and the DPS policies and principles that make it one of the best agencies in the world.” His advancements, from his job as a trooper to his current position as a Ranger, have been a journey that only someone of his character could endure. To become a Ranger is one of the highest honors, but it comes at a cost. When most people are just living their daily lives, behind the scenes, Tony is insuring their safety and, in doing so, giving up a little piece of himself in the process of service. He has spent many hours investigating crimes, putting himself in harm’s way and bringing criminals to justice. What sets Ranger Arnold apart from most is his ability to put his own needs and desires behind the needs of others. He deeply believes in his responsibility to do whatever is necessary to further the cause of Public Safety. The leadership he displays not only benefits the public but is also contagious to other officers and agencies. Speaking with other officers, they all said the same things concerning Ranger Arnold: “He is the best interrogator I know; his patience and meticulous work habits are invaluable to the success of solving crimes. If you are in a bind or at a crossroad in an investigation, there is none better than Ranger Arnold.” Twenty-eight years ago, Tony Arnold decided to join the DPS; Texas is a safer place because of that decision.
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| FBI
Special agent keith quigley
The Motto of the FBI is Fidelity, Bravery & Integrity. In our own walks of life, many of us strive to meet those same criteria. For Special Agent Keith Quigley, it is as easy as breathing. That is a bold statement that he would never say of himself, but speaking with his fellow law enforcement colleagues, they would and they do. Special Agent Keith Quigley never thought he would end up in Lubbock, Texas, and he sure didn’t plan on becoming an agent with the F.B.I. Life, however, has a way of opening doors. Those who recognize these invitations change their lives and, in this case, change the lives of others as well. The decision he made has impacted Lubbock, Texas and its citizens in a positive way and made Lubbock a better and safer place to live. Keith graduated high school in Los Angeles and moved to New Mexico on a baseball college scholarship. His goals in life were to pursue a coaching job and settle down. After completing his degree, he began doing just that. He started teaching, but that wasn’t enough for him, so he started a construction business. The business immediately took off and was beginning to flourish. However, Keith’s brother-inlaw was an FBI agent, and he recognized specific abilities in Keith. Acting on this insight, he started planting the seed in Keith, encouraging him to apply to the FBI. When the possibility was presented, Keith thought about it “for about a minute, and a light went on”; he joined. Since graduating from the academy in 1998, Agent Quigley has been assigned here in Lubbock. Agent Quigley has the enormous responsibility of not only enforcing Federal Laws and providing leadership to other agencies, but also protecting our country and community from terrorist threats. This is the number one focus of the F.B.I., especially since 9/11. The agents in Lubbock work together with other agencies to ensure just that. Agent Quigley, however, addresses another area of “Law Enforcement” that many can’t stomach: human trafficking and the exploitation of children. Many tend to think it couldn’t happen in our community; however, the human trafficking epidemic is a global problem that can and does occur in almost every state and community.
NMLS: 312120 EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
Unfortunately, here in Lubbock, we are not immune to this rising crime. As a community, we must be aware of our surroundings and educate our children in the ways of staying safe. Education is a vital step, but enforcement of laws and investigating criminals is the other side of the coin. In Lubbock, Texas, we are very fortunate to have Agent Quigley on the job, bringing to justice those who would target our children. He has the ability not to let the horrors and disturbing nature of these crimes cloud his mind and life. “I never allow the things I see to knock me off track in an investigation. My main focus is on getting the criminal off the street.” In the 17 years he served here in Lubbock, he has set up a relationship of local law enforcement officials who work hand-inhand to investigate and prosecute these criminals. “I am very lucky that we have the law enforcement agencies that we have here in Lubbock. Being an FBI agent, I sometimes work alone, but when I am working with another department, we don’t miss a beat. There are some outstanding officials here in Lubbock, and it is always a pleasure working with them.” Agent Quigley has both a humble demeanor and an authoritative presence that demands respect. There is no doubt that what he is doing in life is exactly what he should be doing. Growing up in a large city gave him street smarts. Playing college baseball gave him a competitive edge. Becoming an educator gave him the skill to teach and build relationships. The F.B.I. helped him put all that together. He made the difficult life choices that brought him to West Texas where he is called to a daunting task. And Agent Quigley is here to stay: “I am a West Texan by choice and plan to stay here for the rest of my life.” Lubbock is a safer place with him on the job - and criminals beware, you are no match for the West Texas G-Man!
Gary
Henry
806.781.6000
ghenry@primewestcorp.com
Build MORE ing THAN than JUST HoUSes by Claudia Valdez
S
BETENBOUGH HOMES
tarting a business with $20 seems impossible to most, but in a poverty-stricken region, a micro loan of a similar amount can help launch or grow a business. A Burundian woman named Anastasia did just that and was able to purchase 20 chairs to rent out for weddings. Anastasia’s business has grown to include 200 chairs, 200 place settings, 200 baskets and three wedding dresses, as well as created a way for her to provide for her family. A micro loan also helped Evangelista, a woman from the Dominican Republic revive a family business. Yenis Empanada has been in Evangelista’s family for years, but through several loans from a Christian organization called HOPE International, she was able to purchase a freezer and dough press, as well as increase her inventory, to the point of fulfilling a large school contract preparing empanadas for students. Micro loans from HOPE International help break the cycle of poverty and allow struggling entrepreneurs to find a sustainable way to provide for their families. How does HOPE International fund micro loans, and how does Betenbough Homes fit into the equation? This year, Betenbough Homes has partnered with Homes for Hope, an organization that works with homebuilders across the country to construct homes that fund these small loans. HOPE International, which is the primary partner for Homes for Hope, gives micro loans to hundreds of thousands of struggling entrepreneurs in 17 developing nations worldwide. Often, people in these areas cannot physically get to a
bank nor would they qualify for a traditional loan. HOPE International loan officers meet people where they are and walk them through the loan process, even taking it a step further and at times helping set up savings groups and Bible studies. After a member of Betenbough Homes’ leadership team took a trip with HOPE International to see firsthand the effect that microfinance can have, the company decided to partner with Homes for Hope and construct a home in their Lubbock relivelifemagazine.com
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explained Holly Betenbough, Betenbough Homes’ ministry director, in the company’s Marketplace Ministry video (available to watch on YouTube or the company’s website). Holly explains that, in the beginning, the external ministry and giving of company profits were only a small part of Betenbough Homes. Kerry Ritchie, marketing director, further explained that, in a company like Betenbough Homes, you have the opportunity to touch more than employees and homeowners but also trade partners and beyond. The realization of the potential to touch thousands of people changed the focus of the company, and the first ministry team member was hired in 2004.
community, specifically in Quincy Park. The company’s trade partners also stepped up in a big way by donating labor and materials in order to maximize the net proceeds for the home. The home was completed in June, and net proceeds will provide around 1,000 loans for future struggling business owners! Giving is not new to the Betenbough Homes’ company culture. In fact, it is the core of the company and the reason company leaders and employees feel that they are called to build homes – to help impact others. The company does this in many ways, including providing community grants to nonprofit organizations in the three cities in which it builds – Lubbock, Midland and Odessa, TX. Betenbough Homes has given to countless organizations, and employees often participate in service projects in all three regions.
Betenbough Homes now has an entire ministry team dedicated to planning mission trips, employee celebrations, such as baby showers, and helping determine which organizations qualify as ministry partners and recipients. As employee-owners, employees also have input as to the choice and extent of ministries to be supported around the globe.
“You don’t compartmentalize your life, so it was a whole process for us to learn that,” 22 22
Live Life Magazine rrEELive Life Magazine
At Betenbough Homes, employees and their families have the unique opportunity to participate in a company-sponsored mission trip once a year. After an employee has worked at the company a full year, he or she is eligible to go on a mission trip once a year, every year while employed; 124 employees and their families have visited orphanages and other ministries in Africa, Poland, Haiti, India and many other countries. Betenbough Homes has partnered with hundreds of nonprofits around the globe and continues to search for opportunities to bless ministry partners or organizations through monetary donations or service projects in which employees can participate. Betenbough Homes’ employees fulfill their mission to build,
Betenbough Homes’ employees fulfill their mission to build, serve and impact in many ways. Their individual passions shine through in their work and personal lives, many of them having fostered or adopted children. Other ministry stories are not uncommon, such as that of hospitality manager, Margaret Trantham. She shared how she first got involved in helping women who are victims of human trafficking:
Margaret has helped set up trainings for Betenbough Homes employees, further raising awareness and resulting in fellow employees joining her in the effort to fight this crime.
Betenbough Homes also enjoys putting on several community events throughout the year. Events have included Santa photos, Easter celebrations, summer concerts and community barbeques.
“A trade partner called and requested me to rescue a young lady whom he found in a parking lot in Lubbock. She had been beaten up and was under a blanket in the parking lot all night in 20 degree weather. I spent the day helping and caring for this young lady. This incident made me want to learn more about the world she lived in. Shortly after this experience, Voice of Hope and law enforcement agencies offered training for minor sex trafficking concerns, and I attended that training.”
PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION
The company has been recognized as one of the Top 100 builders in America for four years in a row. To date, they have built over 5,000 homes in West Texas, and in 2013, Betenbough Homes received the “Hearthstone Builder Humanitarian Award” for a lifetime of public service. For more information on the Betenbough Homes mission or for more company history, visit betenbough.com.
Paying it
forward by: Chris Lawrence
“Cancer is something that no one deserves; it is the simple reality of what you have. Now we have to deal with it.” “If you believe you can beat it, you’re halfway there. That’s my state of mind when I meet a patient.”
I
t is human nature to believe that it will never happen to you or someone you love; it’s always someone else. But we all know that life isn’t fair. Quoting my father when I would say, “That isn’t fair, dad!” he would always reply, “The fair is the third week in September, Chris”, the reference made to the Tri-State Fair.
That always made me laugh, but I realized how true that statement was. I use it myself all the time. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and it is not fair. However, under the direction of Paul Anderson M.D., for the past 19 years, fighting back is exactly the purpose at Joe Arrington Cancer
DOCTOR PAUL ANDERSON, M.D.
Every day, many in America hear those life-changing words, “You have Cancer.”
Center. The staff is wielding every tool at their disposal and utilizing every asset on the cutting edge of technology to improve health and save lives. The investments that have been made over the years in state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained and caring staff make Joe Arrington one of the premier Cancer Centers in America. relivelifemagazine.com
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“There are so many misconceptions about radiation, and they are very seldom first hand accounts. They are embellished horror stories by a third party: ‘It’s going to burn me! I will lose my hair! I will get nauseated!’ The misconceptions consume them and fuel their fears, driving negative thoughts and attitudes throughout their treatment. The truth is that the things we are doing today were impossible just ten years ago.”
The future is looking bright. CT guided imaging and treatments, such as Brachytherapy, along with high speed computers and advancements in software, has allowed more advanced planning and better results. The result is a more site-specific focus of treatment, creating less toxicity in the body, with people able to tolerate treatments better because they don’t get as sick as they used to.
Speaking with Dr. Anderson, I could immediately sense his passion for the people who come to Joe Arrington for treatment.
I pursued it and am so blessed to be here today following that calling. I have that same drive today; the patients keep me passionate about what I do.”
“I remember why I became a Radiation Oncologist,” he said. “It was when I was younger, and I was helping my mom out with a friend of hers who had breast cancer. This was my first experience with cancer or someone who was battling cancer, and it made a deep impression on me. The process of joining someone you love in this fight is very difficult. But when I met this particular radiation doctor, a light went off in me. He was awesome and really cared, and he spoke to us - I mean really spoke to us - and showed compassion and was able to calm us and let us know what to expect. It blew me away! ‘That’s who I am,’ I thought, ‘and that is who I want to be.’ I love people and wanted to be there for them; that experience inspired me. When I went to medical school, I knew exactly what I wanted;
One of Dr. Anderson’s concerns is the patient’s state of mind. How they deal with the reality of cancer mentally is crucial in completing their treatment.
“The believing part is difficult for some people. First, there is the shock of being diagnosed and the instant fear of death. Then there is what I call the ‘misconceptions’ of radiation treatment. People prepare themselves for the physical aspects of treatment, but the mental aspects are the ones that bring a lot of patients down.”
“When a person starts treatment, they are looking at an average of 6-8 weeks, or 30 to 40 treatments.” “Faith plays a huge role in getting through treatment. Working in a faithbased facility makes my job easier,” noted Dr. Anderson. “I would say that a majority of patients here have a strong faith and lean on God. I let them know that God will play the biggest role in treating and healing them. There are times when patients are not Christian, but we treat them the same; a lot of the time they will re-evaluate their faith when they get sick, or find God.” Much of the suffering and death from cancer could be prevented by clearly defined systematic efforts on the part of individuals to: • • • • •
REDUCE ALCOHOL USE REDUCE TOBACCO USE IMPROVE DIET ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AVAIL ONESELF OF ESTABLISHED SCREENING
The most common cancers are lung, breast and prostate. However, Dr. Anderson said that prostate and breast cancers are not life-style related, so it is crucial that one gets screening regularly for those two. Early detection is critical for survival. The tests needed are a mammogram for breast cancer, most specifically after age 40, and a PSA test for men after age 50. Lung cancer usually starts showing up in someone who is in their forties. The best way to prevent this is Do Not SMOKE!! It is a choice to take control of one’s health; there are great resources and diagnostic tests to catch this disease early. Accessing this information could save your life. If you or anyone you love ever hears those dreaded words, “You have cancer” remember you are not alone in this fight; Joe Arrington Cancer center is there for you. Their mission statement reads: To extend Christian ministry by caring for the whole person — body, mind and spirit — and by working with others to improve the health and quality of life in our communities. With the leadership of Dr. Anderson and the incredible team they have at Joe Arrington, the people of Lubbock and the surrounding area are in very good hands; we are blessed to have them. PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION
1,665,540 585,720 159,260
new cancer cases expected to be diagnosed in 2014 Americans expected to die of cancer in 2014
Cancer Statistics 10 MUST-KNOW for 2014 According to the American Cancer Society.
20%
decline in the cancer death rate for men and women combined from 1991 to 2010. More than 1.3 million cancer deaths have been averted as a result of this decline.
expected number of lung cancer deaths in 2014. More men and women die of lung cancer than any other type of cancer. Additionally, 116,000 men and 108,210 women are estimated to be diagnosed with lung and bronchus cancer in 2014.
30%
of all cancer deaths can be attributed to smoking. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
233,o00
men expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 – the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, aside from skin cancer.
232,670 136,830 $216.6
women expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2014; about 2,360 cases are expected in men. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with the exception of cancers of the skin.
BILLION
colorectal cancer cases expected to be diagnosed in 2014. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. overall costs of cancer in 2009, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
1in235
children who will be diagnosed with cancer before age 20. A total of 15,780 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in children and adolescents in 2014. relivelifemagazine.com
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Providing a
Safe Haven f o r Vets, Others t o Heal
Re fug e Se
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o take refuge is to find a safe place, and on the Texas South Plains, Refuge Services, Inc. and its four-legged “therapists” provide a safe haven for the wounded - not for people whose injuries need a band-aid or cast but for those whose bruised hearts, bodies, souls and minds need mending.
Since 1999, Refuge Services has been taking traditional therapy out of the office and into the equestrian arena by providing horseassisted therapies to individuals of all ages through hippotherapy, therapeutic riding and equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP). These unique approaches treat a variety of issues, from disabilities to mental health and behavioral diagnoses, as well as emotionally hurting individuals and families.
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“Our heart i s t o heal families,” says Patti Mandrell, M.Ed., LPC, EAP (Advanced) who cofounded Refuge Services, a non-profit organization, with her husband and horse professional Randy Mandrell, EAP (Advanced).
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“This kind of therapy isn’t about horsemanship. It’s about
helping families & individuals find themselves by participating in activities with the horses.”
Hippotherapy (from the Greek word “hippo” meaning “horse”) incorporates physical therapy conducted by medical professionals, such as speech, physical or occupational therapists, utilizing the qualities of the horse as a therapy tool. The horse’s movement as it walks mimics the rider’s own pelvic movement, improving a client’s body strength, balance, muscle tone, posture and coordination. “You can have a kid come out and get on the horse, their legs be out straight [from the horse’s side], and then, by the end of the session, they have a totally relaxed posture because that horse is
moving t h o s e muscles that they cannot move themselves,” says Randy, director of equine services, who manages Refuge’s 40-acre equestrian facility housing more than 20 horses. Therapeutic riding gives the rider a bond with the horse and helps the rider take control of situations he/she can control and let go of those he/she cannot. “These lessons flow into their everyday lives and enable them to improve social, mental and motor skills,” says Patti. “It can help riders who have attention and self-control problems, as well as self-esteem and self-confidence issues. But it also benefits riders with physical disabilities, by improving balance, movement and strength.”
On the other hand, EAP, a trifold counseling approach, involves a licensed therapist like Patti, a trained horse professional like Randy and, of course, the horse. Dismounted therapy uses activities on the ground, rather than on horseback, to help individuals, married couples and families learn about themselves and others, and to process (and discuss) feelings, behaviors and patterns. “The horses pull a lot of feelings out,” says Ethan, who at age 16 was in the foster care system and struggling with drugs when he came to Refuge Services for help. “Feelings I had when I was coming here were anger, sadness, depression - just angry at everyone. The feelings that come out of a group session with the horses pulls out all of the negative, and once all the negative has come out, then you can work on the positive. If I had not ever come to Refuge, I think I would have been in jail.”
I Pledge Allegiance “How people handle situations with the horses is very reflective of how they handle things in life,” states Patti. One special group of individuals seeking hope and healing at Refuge Services through Operation Refuge includes United States military veterans, many of whom are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other combatrelated conditions. (According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.)
Whether it’s riding on the horse or simply walking beside it, Patti says there is something healing about the rhythmic movement of the horse. “All I can say is, it heals,” explains Patti, who began her counseling career at Trinity Church in 1995. “That’s why I love this work [equine-assisted therapy] because I get further faster... One session of EAP is equivalent to three or four sessions of traditional counseling, which I used to do a lot of.” Serving a 37-county area, Refuge Services partners with local and regional programs such as Children’s Homes, in-patient treatment centers, surrounding school districts, and private counseling services, as well as through direct referrals from parents and doctors. They also contract with local and regional licensed counselors.
“EAP has been very effective in treating PTSD,” says former Army Staff Sergeant Tony McIntire, who served in the US Army and the Army National Guard for 17 years and is also an intern at Refuge Services while working on his master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. “It brings a different approach. Most vets don’t want to sit in a circle and ‘feel.’ EAP is outdoors, and it’s more of a ‘man’s man’ approach, even with the females.”
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Funds raised at Refuge Services’ annual “Boots and Buckles Benefit” allows Refuge Services to offer Operation Refuge free of charge to veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and to active military personnel. The scholarships pay for 10 therapy sessions, whether as a couple, a family or an individual, or even as a group. “We don’t ask vets to rehash everything, unless they feel like it is helpful to them,” says Patti. “We provide the space. We make observations about how their interactions with the horses relate to life. There’s no formula, no trick. It meets every person where they are.”
A Hero’s Story While writing grants for Refuge Services, Viet Nam veteran Mike Henderson accidentally experienced the power of EAP, which impacted his untreated PTSD. “I told him the best way to write about Equine Therapies is to experience it, so he began side-walking with clients during their sessions, which means he would walk alongside the horse with his hand on the horse’s side or hip as the therapist walked on the opposite side,” recalls Patti. Henderson says it was a long time after the Viet Nam War before he was diagnosed with PTSD. His wife Leona knew something wasn’t right, but Henderson thought he was “like everyone else.” It turned out, he says, “I was not.” And his inability to communicate or identify his feelings was affecting his relationship with his wife and children. “It wasn’t very good,” says Henderson. “I would be feeling something; she’d be feeling awkward about it; I wouldn’t be able to express it; she wanted to help and didn’t know what to do, but when she tried to do something, it just seemed to make things worse.” But working with the horses and gaining an understanding of the nonverbal cues “turned on a light” in Henderson. “There were a lot of times I didn’t understand myself. ‘Why is this happening; why am I feeling this way?
Why is it when I have these interactions with people, I feel so strange; I don’t feel comfortable? I see people around me, and they seem to enjoy interacting with each other. But me, I don’t.’” “As I was sitting on the horse or even walking beside the horse, you get into that rhythmic movement, and I began to process things mentally, emotionally, internally, and without consciously knowing what was going on,” Mike recalls. “I began to relax, to calm down, not have all that stress.” And it was the nonverbal results that his wife Leona could see after he would return from an afternoon at Refuge Services that testified that there was “no horsing around” when it came to the impact of EAP. “I could see it in his face, I could see it in his body, that he had physically relaxed. It was a good thing to see.” The Hendersons highly recommend this therapy for military couples. “For couples, it really makes a difference. It’s a tool to begin to understand each other, to understand how they operate, how they communicate, how to help the other person communicate as opposed to being a barrier to that communication,” says Mike. EAP, as Leona experienced it, helps the whole family, even if the vet is the only one going for treatment, she noted. “He [or she] comes home a better person, a more relaxed, a healed person, an understanding person, and that will transfer to all his family members. ‘Awesome’ is just the best word there is for it.” Refuge Services also provides two other opportunities for veterans and active military personnel: the Veteran Horsemanship Training (VHT) Program, where men and women learn the art of horsemanship, which helps to further develop leadership and communication skills learned through the military; and Veteran Service projects, where veterans work alongside other veterans weekly to maintain and improve Refuge’s facilities, aiding in serving clients with a wide range of disabilities. “One of the struggles veterans have when they return is feeling that civilians spend a lot time worrying or fretting over insignificant things, whereas veterans have been used to dealing with life and death situations,” says McIntire. “So, getting to do something that means something again [through the service projects] helps them see how it’s helping others and helping themselves.”
To learn more about Refuge Services or to make a donation, call Refuge Services at 806-748-7202 or log onto http://www.refugeservices.org.
When Safe Isn’t Safe “He said, ‘That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag’.” Luke 19:26 (MSG)
I recently had a conversation with someone who was telling me about a personal epiphany about fear. He had come to a realization that fear of taking risks was causing him to tolerate unfulfilled values in his life, such as travel, because of the inherent risk involved. I began to think about the role that risk-aversion plays in all our lives. It can keep us from venturing out of our comfort zones and into our opportunity zones.
Just A Thought
“A turtle travels only when it sticks its neck out.”
-Induk Pahk, The Wisdom of the Dragon (New York: Harper & Row, 1970), 70.
If we just follow the lead of our fears, we would never fall in love, pursue our dreams, launch that business, start that ministry, give that offering or visit a foreign country. If we consulted our fears, we would never share our faith with a stranger, give our time to a cause, speak our minds or lend our advice to a friend in need.
What is risk? Risk is defined as “the possibility of suffering harm or loss; danger. A factor, thing, element, or course involving uncertain danger; a hazard.” The following poem appeared in Ann Landers’ column. Each line contains a truth and a test: To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk rejection. To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure. But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person, who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow, or love. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave. Only a person who takes risks is free. We settle for so little because we avoid risk. Imagine, if Peter failed to step out of the boat at Jesus’ command – he would have missed being the only man other than Jesus to walk on water. The majority of risks we avoid are the very ones that will fast track us to a new plateau. It’s been said there are three kinds of people: 1. Risk-takers, who reach out to new possibilities. 2. Care-takers, who defend the status quo. 3. Under-takers, who bury everything. What fears have been holding you back from stepping out of your boat? What would be different in your life if you consulted your faith instead of your fear?
Just a thought!
— Carl
Toti
carl.toti
@carltoti