Did you notice this morning that Louis Elek mentioned he once was a horse jockey? (Thank you, Louis, for sharing some of your life story with us today). I suppose knowing this prior to today has had me thinking about horses lately. Also, yesterday was the 134^th running of the Kentucky Derby, a sporting event that evokes nostalgic memories for me of my years spent in Louisville. I’ve always admired horses—from afar. Let me be clear: I know virtually nothing about horses first hand. So if I write something out of sheer ignorance, please forgive me and teach me what you know. One thing I did learn at age six from painful personal experience is never to stand directly behind a horse or you will get kicked in the gut. Therein lies the root of my phobia with these beautiful animals.  

I am reminded of a book entitled The Man Who Listens to Horses by Monty Roberts.  A real life horse whisperer, Roberts rejects the conventional and at times cruel practice of “breaking” a horse. He uses no harsh methods that subdue the animal into submission. Rather he gently uses body language, gentle gestures, tender touch, and a soft tone of voice to engender trust in the horse. His training methods with horses have astounded even the most skeptical. He can take a wild, high-strung horse who has never been handled and persuade that horse to accept a bridle, saddle, and himself as rider in only thirty minutes. He does so within the confines of a small corral where he is alone with the horse and gently overcomes the horse’s fear and earns the horse’s trust.  

Roberts has had a lifetime of experience with horses, having started riding at age two and then later, at age thirteen, spending time alone in the Nevada deserts to observe mustangs in the wild. His technique, what he calls the “join up” with a horse, so impressed the Queen of England that she came to adopt his method with all royal mounts. What’s even more interesting is that he has applied his understanding of the many facets of nonverbal communication between humans and animals to human relationships as well. As a result he has worked with over 250 notable corporations, including GM, IBM, Disney, and Merrill Lynch in helping develop work environments that foster collaboration, respect, and understanding.  

It seems to me that those of us in the Christian church could use a little horse sense. Sadly, we have learned some harsh and at times brutal methods of communicating our faith. We often speak of evangelism as “soul winning,” as if it were a contest we had to win. We think we must browbeat the sinner into seeing the light, letting them know how sinful and miserable they really are before they meet Jesus.  And tragically, our judgment of another serves only to crush the person’s spirit and leave them burdened with a truckload of guilt. Moreover, even within the fellowship of believers, what if we sought to develop relationships based on mutuality and collaboration? I wonder sometimes—what if we employed Monty Roberts’ process of “joining up” with another’s fear and mistrust? What if this softer approach would lead to a deeper mutual respect and civility where we earn another’s trust and grow deeper in understanding? Who knows? What do you think . . .? 

Grace and peace, 

Ron

10 Good Reasons to Treat Your Mom 

It is your mother who brings you to see the light of this world. It is she who looks after the helpless you and serves you with all her heart and does everything to make your life comfortable. Just for a day, at least, we shall stop taking our mothers for granted. 

Mother's Day is one occasion that gives you the opportunity to do something for your mother. And if you start wondering about the reasons you need to treat your mother, you would end up with nothing less than a zillion reasons. Let's just remember the most important reasons for which we need to be grateful to our mom and that would be enough to arrange a lavish treat for her on the special occasion of Mother's Day.

• Since your childhood you have watched your mom washing and ironing your clothes, keeping your school uniform sparkling and spotless, and your jumpers without a single crease.
• You have been lucky enough to be picked and dropped to and from your school every single day right form your first day at school.
• Whenever you had a fight and for the slightest reason or if you needed a reason to cry on someone's shoulders, your mom was the one giving you the comfort and patiently listening to all your heartburns and grumbling.
• Just remember the innumerable times you wanted a fresh new set of designer clothes and your mother dug out her pocket money to fulfill your wish.
• The food world in which you gorged ever since you were a child and grew up on, was cooked day in and day out by your beloved mother. Just think of the hundreds of incredible dishes she prepared for you, the tasty lunchboxes she fixed for you, the cakes she baked, the snacks, the cups of tea and delicious suppers. It surely makes your mouth water even now.
• Your mother is always there for you through every thick-and-thin of your life. She is the person you can depend upon to stand by you anytime you need her.
• Remember all those difficult undecided moments of life and you needed someone who could make you see reason and pour some worldly-wise advice in your ears. It was surely your mother who lent you patient ears and then pulled you out of the mess in your life.
• Think about the tons of love she professes for you everyday through all her acts, big and small. It can't even be measured. It can only be felt.

What your mother does for you is absolutely beyond assessment but when the enormity of her love and sacrifice is felt you realize that surely your mom deserves a special treat this Mother's Day. It would only be a small way to show your gratefulness to her. 

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day.  Take the time to let your mom know that you appreciate her sacrifice, caring and love she has given to you through the years. 

Pam Harris Named Prayer Shawl Ministry Coordinator

     TBC's prayer shawl ministry was conceived in March when Ann Johnson, who had been gifted with a shawl and received a special blessing from it, wanted to share that feeling of comfort with others.  TBC Seniors then decided to sponsor this ministry. 

     Last Wednesday evening church members who wanted to be involved in TBC's prayer shawl ministry met to discuss packaging, distribution, funding, and recordkeeping.  Pam Harris agreed to be the coordinator for this very meaningful program.   Initially, shawls will be given as healing shawls to people of any age who are ill and/or experiencing grief, bereavement or depression.  Shawls may be crocheted, knitted, quilted, sewn or crafted in either traditional shawl style or afghan/lap robe size.   Many prayers are said for the recipient while the shawl is being made (whether the recipient has been named or is yet unknown).  A gift card containing a blessing and hopes for comfort and healing will be sent along with the shawl.    

     Ken Perry and Pam Edmondson are designing the gift card; Barbara Matthews, Ann Johnson, and Tracie Johnson have agreed to assist in delivery of the shawls; however, members may also obtain a shawl to deliver themselves to a friend or loved one.  Those working on crafting shawls at this time are:  Marie Brown, Donna Lanning, Juanita Lawrence, Thelma Pleasants, Barbara Matthews, Pam Harris, Pam Edmondson, and Ann Johnson.  If you would like to participate in this ministry whether by prayer, financial support, coordination, or crafting please let Pam Harris know.  This would be an excellent opportunity to learn to crochet or knit!

     If you have someone in  mind who may benefit from this special gift of love and comfort, please pass that information along to Pam Harris.  We currently have eight completed shawls and quite a few more in progress.

Due to the mission trip to Grifton this past weekend the monthly Baptist Men Meeting will be cancelled for next week, Saturday May 9th.  Mark your calendar for the next meeting June 7th.