MOMS AND DEATH ROW...

OK, just being honest here - it used to bug me to read all the quotes from presidents and world leaders in every field who talked about the influence of their moms. I thought it was something of a conspiracy created by either moms or Hallmark or politicians to make them look more "normal (now, there's an interesting thought - normal politicians :)).

I understand it. As long as you have a mom, you have a fan. You can say and do anything and she will love you. I'm sure I'm just slow but that thought never smacked me in the head till the very day my mom died. I knew I'd love something special but I suppose it struck me seriously when I realized I'd lost "my fan". I have supporters, people who love me (and my share that hate me too), people who go out of their way to help me, and folks who admire my abilities. I have a wife I'd die for, two sons who know my love for them, a daughter-in-law who I couldn't be prouder of, a father who gave me a name that I can take anywhere and know it is pure, a sister who thinks I'm more talented than I am, a brother who is my best friend (put that in there just for you Missie), nieces and nephews who are going to change the world, church relations both past and present who have made my "working" life pure joy...but I only had one real fan!

You be a murderer on death row and she'll say: "He was always a good boy..."

A fan...someone behind you...we need more fans in the world. There are plenty of people who will upset your apple cart. Even more who could care less about what is happening in your life. But how many encouraging, truly out of the way, I love you with all my heart and am proud of you, encouraging words are spoken? You and I both know that people have enough sorrow, problems and trouble in life already, enough to keep them worried and solemn and sad. Most folks don't need somebody else to "keep them humble." They need someone to lift them up!

So, who will you be a fan of today? Who will you go out of your way to tell today how much you think of them, the work they are doing, the life they are living, the perseverance they are exhibiting? Who? GO TO IT AND DO IT NOW!

Did you? I know you read this and wanted to – wanted to do something neat and nice and encouraging – a word or note...a deed or quote. One more chance…DO IT NOW! When you do - giving freely, openly and lovingly - you'll make a friend for eternity. DO IT NOW!