SUNDAY, April 10

John 11:1-45. Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.

As you’re reading this, I will be approaching the eight- year mark since I got out of prison. I can look back over that time and fondly recall men who were there for me and to whom I owe my life.

Rodney wore pink shorts and played the flute. In prison, that’s a hard feat to pull off and still maintain your boundaries and not be preyed upon. He taught me much about the real essence of manhood.

Several years ago, Rodney was diagnosed with cancer. He called me once in the midst of his long and painful (and ultimately unsuccessful) treatment. I could hear the pain and weariness in his voice while he told me how grateful he was to have lived the life he had lived and how hopeful he was to navigate this portion of it with grace.

“Man, Rod,” I commented, “here I am out here, not being grateful for every single thing I have, and there you are, going through this with such courage and character. Man, dude, you’re the warrior.”

“Oh, brother,” he replied, “we’re on the same journey; just riding different horses.”

PRAY for the Diocese of Nagpur (North India)

Ps 130; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:6-11

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Apr 10, 2011 at 12:58 am

Written by Susan Hall,

I have never physically murdered anyone, but from the first time I read your writings, they spoke to me almost as if they were coming out of my own heart, my own pen. My beloved husband died in January of lung cancer, and I ache with missing him. But I know there are people out in the world with truly dreadful problems, and as long as I have my program I'm not alone and I can "manage my horse". I'm grateful for what I have in this world, *and* I'm grateful that you're still writing and inspiring me via Forward Movement.

Wow!

Apr 10, 2011 at 1:00 am

Written by Paulletta Garoutte-Aldridge,

I could feel God's love expressed in every word of this meditation. Rodney was absolutely right...we are all on the same journey but on different horses....I am so glad that my horse and Rod's horse and the writer's horse crossed paths...the experience has renewed my spirit...
Thank you God for the gift of this author and for Rodney!

Different Horses

Apr 10, 2011 at 7:26 am

Written by Bo Cox,

Thank you Susan and Pauletta. Those are nice horses you're riding, by the way. Peace, Bo

Grace-filled men....

Apr 10, 2011 at 7:57 am

Written by Lynn,

Rodney was one of the most grace-filled men I've met....Jeff..ya another one..... You are right up there Bo.... James.... my dad.... God, we need grace-filled men...I hope and pray for my grandsons....

...

Apr 10, 2011 at 8:58 am

Written by Bo Cox,

That's humbling to the point of embarressment, being perceived as such. Something to shoot for, for sure.

Riding Different Horses

Apr 10, 2011 at 9:01 am

Written by Cathy Holford,

Oh, brother,” he replied, “we’re on the same journey; just riding different horses.” What a beautiful statement

The Great Adventure

Apr 10, 2011 at 10:38 am

Written by Bennie,

This reminds me of an old Steven Curtis Chapman song by the above title. The opening line is "Saddle up your horses!" I can't help but think of my grandfather when I hear that line - he was as close to a real "cowboy" as anyone can be in this day and age.

God calls us all to saddle up each and every day regardless of the circumstances around us. We have a choice whether to look at the journey as a burden or an adventure. Unfortunately there are many days I still choose the former while my severely handicapped son is a star of the rodeo.

Happy trails, Bo!

...

Apr 10, 2011 at 11:56 am

Written by E.Linda Cushner,

I, too, recognize your writings. I remember your writings from prison and I have always been deeply moved by your words. We are all on a journey and sometimes we understand the challenges and sometimes we don't. I have to remember that God is always in control and I have to let Him have his way.
My brother went to war and came back a changed person. He was troubled, cried at the drop of a hat, drank to much and lashed out at the world . He knew the Lord but just could not get his life together. He died about five years ago and I know that he is at peace. My friend, who is an Episcopal Priest went to the funeral home and said prayers over his body. She told me that she was amazed at the strong presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. Someday I will see my brother again and I look forward to that.

...

Apr 10, 2011 at 12:47 pm

Written by Linda,

My son just recently turned himself in on some warrants. He is 37 years old, a theif and heroin addict, and has not spoken to me since February 2nd when I would not give him a ride (which was I believe to get drugs.) His half sister was the one who called and said he'd been clean 3 weeks and had turned himself in and wanted me to know, and where I could write him if I wanted. My AA sponsor feels I should not write unless he asks personally and makes ammends. My priest says I should write. My heart tells me to write, and my conscience as a Christian seems to be going with my heart, as I recall "Christ died for us while we were yet sinners." I am 14 years sober and also involved in alanon ACOA for many years. The last thing I want to do is enable him, but I do not want him to think I do not love him. I read many of your writings in Forward Day by Day over the years and am wondering what you think would be best and what I should say if I do write.

Powerful bunch of stories

Apr 10, 2011 at 10:10 pm

Written by Bo Cox,

Thank you all. Bennie, what a son; I bet you learn a lot from him. Linda, I detest war and what it does to people; I'm saddened by your brother and reminded of a few lines from a John Prine song, "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore. They're already full from your stinkin' war. Jesus don't like killin', no matter what the reason's for."
Linda, I understand the reason behind your sponsor's advice. I also know the heart sometimes knows things. You know, writing and telling someone you love them isn't the same as enabling them. Also, whether your son makes amends is out of your control. Still, that's your decision; sorry I can't.
You all touched my heart deeply today. Thank you. And, thank you, Rodney.
Peace...

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