Monthly Archives: July 2014

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Louis Zamperini, A True Hero, … Date of Passing, July 2, 2014

Remembering Louis Zamperini:

Forgiveness is Difficult: I am writing about the area of “forgiving” for a short ebook about the spiritual path. You cannot be spiritually whole if you are unforgiving of an offense (even the horrible ones). I wanted to include a true story about forgiveness. I remembered a story of a man who forgave an atrocity in World War Two. I listened to him once, many years ago. I was sure I could find him in an internet search.

Louis Zamperini’s Life: A few minutes later I began a google search to find out his name and, hopefully, a video clip from when this man (Louis Zamperini) spoke in a casual interview while at the Olympics when they were held in Japan. He was speaking with the announcer in a short late-night segment, at the very end of the Olympics. It was my first and only time hearing Louis Zamperini. His words impressed me. He shared about his war experiences and capture, and then how he and the men were tortured. He described some of it, water-boarding etc., and the fear he and the other POWs experienced, especially toward one of their worst torturers. It was grim.

Louis Zamperini went on to tell of his life after being freed, how he was angry, damaged, then his coming to faith at a Billy Graham crusade and how God changed him. Later, he was able to forgive those who had been so cruel to him long before during the interrogations and tortures. He also said that he had tried to meet with his former tormentor during his visit at the Japan Olympic games but was not given audience.

Louis Zamperini’s Death: I was saddened to learn that Louis Zamperini passed away earlier this month. He was 97. Somehow I missed the news report. What a man. He was kind and good. You could see it in his eyes and in his smile and by the things he said. There was a graciousness.

There is a bestselling book about his life, Unbroken, and a biography he wrote, Devil at My Heels. An interesting interview with Louis Zamperini can be viewed at this link: http://newsok.com/an-interview-to-remember-louis-zamperini/article/4986354

Louis Zamperini, a true hero.

LOVE REVOLUTION: Rediscovering the Lost Command of Jesus by Gaylord Enns (Xulon Press, 2005, 2011 Revised)

This is just one of those books! I’ve read it. Reread it.  Given away copies to my pastor, worship leader, family and friends. I’ve mentioned it when I speak, referenced it in my writings, and referred to it in casual conversations. This book’s message resonates with me. Gaylord Enns has started a movement toward the center. The message of this book cuts through the layers of separation found in religion and meets on one uniting truth. The words are for the Church found in Christ’s words to all who put their faith in Christ. We are to love one another. Profound. “A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35)  When love comes first, walls come down. The strength and validity of Christ’s command comes to Pastor Enns rather late in his pastoral ministry. He is in his prime, a well-known and respected minister in the Chico area, a loving mentor of Christian people. A personal crisis stops him in his tracks. The year is 2001, it is in the early hours on a Sunday morning before a day of scheduled preaching. But it soon becomes the day he can’t preach, is unable to preach.  Depression hit hard. Then cancer. Time away from ministry. Soul searching. A personal longing begins to gnaw at him. He wants to hear his father say the words, “I love you.” Enns’ interesting and amazing journey leads us to the words, “This is my command: Love each other.” He is startled as he contemplates these words. Why is this command is so little emphasized, ignored, almost brushed aside? A quest is undertaken. He searches for the command’s historical church context from deep in the archives. Little is found. He knows he is on to something. He writes Love Revolution and begins to share with local church leaders. The book’s message of love multiplies. Sessions are held in local churches to bring Christian people together. They are uniting in love. It is a beautiful movement of God. I know this because I attended some of these sessions to fellowship with my sisters and brothers in the faith, people I didn’t know prior to the meetings. . .   In 2008, a friend gave me this book. Its words are timely for there is much truth written in its pages. I highly recommend Love Revolution.

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