In the United States of America and in the City of Mesquite--nothing great or big happens when no one dreams or has a vision. In the United States of America and in the City of Mesquite--real and effective change and renewal will not take place by simply putting our faith in what elected officials may or may not do.
Great things historically have happened in our nation and in our city when there has been a vision and when many average citizens come together and work to achieve these great things that need to take place!
Some great things have happened over the last 20 years under the leadership of previous city councils as well as the current city council. Each of these leaders have given years of their time to help make our city better. Project Renewal has been a great blessing for Mesquite. However, Mesquite faces monumental obstacles and challenges in the coming months. We must at some point accept, that elected officials or the mechanics of government cannot fix all our problems. However, an active citizenry working hard and partnering with government--can do some big things!
Mesquite is one of many cities around the country that has the status of a "First Suburb City." First Suburb Cities are suburbs that were once sprawling and growing communities--that are now slowly dying due to more and more citizens moving to new communities that get more state funds to build--while the older suburbs lose more and more taxpaying citizens and have to endure still having to find ways to rebuild older infrastructure such as streets, water/sewer lines, sidewalks, and the list goes continues. First Suburbs like Mesquite also faces a larger integrated population that requires time for new diversity and those not used to diversity to become more harmonious. First Surburbs struggle with more and more businesses moving out and more vacant commercial and residential buildings left to just sit and degrade the neighborhoods around them.
But what if--what if in Mesquite, Texas some of these things were to happen?
What if in every neighborhood--both older and lower income along with the more affluent neighborhoods--if residents in all those neighborhoods got together and said "We are taking control over our neighborhood and we will not allow degredation, poor code issues, and crime to run rampant!"
What if more parents around our city got more involved with their child's education and school work? Or if more adults who see kids who lack parental support at school--got involved and helped those children and mentored them?
What if a "Welcoming Committee" that included some of our local leading Hispanic leaders went out into each of our neighborhoods and apartment complexes and communicated to our large Mexican immigrant population that while we encourage them to seek legal immigration status--that we nonetheless love them and that we encourage them to attend PTA meetings, neighborhood crime watch meetings--and that we appreciate the positive things they bring to our city. If you go into almost any lower income, older neighborhood--you see many immigrants who have put a lot of time, hard work, and money into remodeling their homes and thats good for our neighborhoods! What if each of our Christian Churches recruited spanish speaking ministers or evangelists and really reached out to those immigrants--surely Jesus does not look at nation of origin or citizenship status when it comes to the gift of salvation?
There has been much controversy over the light rail transportation issue--however, its been put in place and I pray that many will benefit from it in terms of those folks who need a cheaper way to get to a job around the Metroplex. Time will tell as to what will happen--but let us pray for success. However, what about the many citizens who just need a cheaper or easier way to get around Mesquite? Our Senior Citizens often benefit from MTED--one of the great investments Mesquite has made over the years! What if we extended MTED or a couple of local only buses that were for the sole purpose of getting our citzens around Mesquite? What if Creek Crossing students could get a ride over to Eastfield or to Town East Mall? What if a family with no car in far North Mesquite wanted to attend a city council or school board meeting and could get a ride there and back?
What if we truly decided to crack down hard on crime in Mesquite? What if in each neighborhood or apartment complex where there are real problems and trouble makers--citizens along with our fine police officers worked closely together to squeeze out bad elements of trouble makers in each area of our city--and send the message to all who would come to Mesquite: "If you come to make a new life--we will welcome you with open arms. If you come to cause problems--YOU WILL BE VERY MISERABLE IN MESQUITE!"
What if more and more of our local businesses joined the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce and all worked more closely to serve and help each other and through these closer working relationships--there could be more economic growth and jobs created for Mesquite citizens? That includes, many of our local convenience stores owned by foreigners who have not thus far shown an interest in giving back to Mesquite--but are rather only interested in making money by selling smut magazines, lottery tickets, gambling machines that are supposed to not be real but really are, and now beer and wine. What if we made it clear to these parasites that they need to become more family friendly and become involved in the mainstream business community--or that we will go out and protest their little non-family friendly stores?!
What if close relationships could be worked out between local business owners and Eastfield College where employees and managers could receive affordable classroom training along with real hands on training. I am sure some of this already exists--but what if there could be a lot more communication between businesses and Eastfield and more of our local workers getting college training? The entire business community--and really the entire city would win from such relationships!
What if all of our local Christian churches decided to go all out to evangelize the neighborhoods around them--especially parts of our city where there is poverty and hopelessness--imagine what could happen?
What if in every neighborhood, more neighbors were rallied to get to know each other better and there were more block parties, more crime watches started, and more fellowship taking place. And thus the command Jesus gives to "Love Thy Neighbor" could truly be invoked!
Lastly, what if more and more of our Mesquite families who tend to think they can do nothing to make a difference--could truly see that by standing up and getting involved--by serving and volunteering--by voting--and by just caring a little more--how great and wonderful things could happen! And beyond that--even former Mesquite residents who grew up in our city who were blessed by their time here--could still help some and give back.
Oh, what if my fellow citizens and neighbors? What if?
These things and many more--I dream and hope for my hometown of Mesquite, Texas! We can do more! Let us all resolve to stand up and get involved and make a difference!
Remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 29:18:
"Where there is no vision, the people will perish."
Grace and Peace,
Bruce Archer
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Future of Mesquite
No one is a greater advocate of the many wonderful blessings Mesquite, Texas has to offer! No one is more proud to have grown up in Mesquite than myself. No one is more happy to pastor a church and run a business and raise a family in Mesquite than myself. We have one of the most involved and active mayors of our city's history in John Monaco and I was proud to support his reelection this last spring. We have a very talented and capable city staff and some of the best teachers in Texas working within MISD.
But make no mistake: We do have real problems and challenges in Mesquite!
We are struggling to have more activities and places to go for families that have small and pre-teen children. We have a greater crime situation than I think we'd like to really embrace and accept. We have many infrastructure deterioration problems in our older neighborhoods--with old sewers, water pipes, streets, sidewalks and more simply wearing out after many years of use. And yet, more and more of our citizens who would help pay for such infrastructure overhauls with their local tax dollars keep moving to new communities. We have more and more Section 8 residents who unfortunately do not all appreciate being able to live in our city and they cause a lot of problems! And we have many unemployed neighbors who desperately need work--even a part time job!
These are all big issues. What do we do?
First we have a "Can Do" attitude! A very wise man once told me that our "Attitude determines our altitude!" We need to have an attitude that says "We are still a great city and we are going to overcome our struggles and challenges with God's help and we will prevail!"
Second, we must actually recognize and be willing to admit we have real problems and challenges and not try to gloss them over or point to other positives instead. The book "Good To Great" teaches us that one of the critical areas of success for great CEOs who transform companies for the better--is the ability to recognize the reality of a situation and deal with it just as it is!
Lastly, WE HAVE TO ACT! And when I say act--WE CANNOT SIMPLY RELY ON THE GOVERNMENT TO FIX EVERYTHING! We don't have enough tax dollars to pay for the vast resources it would take to really address every issue impactfully. But we do have many citizens in every neighborhood who can stand up and say "This is my neighborhood and I will no longer be ok with the status quo." And then more and more citizens begin to partner with local government and things really begin to change slowly but surely!
And with such action--we will need future elected leaders willing to take bold and sometimes uncomfortable stands to deal with difficult problems!
And of course, we need to keep praying for our city! For prayer is powerful! And of course, do a lot more "Loving Thy Neighbor!"
These are not all nicely, laid out plans. But they are a start. Let us begin!
Bruce Archer
But make no mistake: We do have real problems and challenges in Mesquite!
We are struggling to have more activities and places to go for families that have small and pre-teen children. We have a greater crime situation than I think we'd like to really embrace and accept. We have many infrastructure deterioration problems in our older neighborhoods--with old sewers, water pipes, streets, sidewalks and more simply wearing out after many years of use. And yet, more and more of our citizens who would help pay for such infrastructure overhauls with their local tax dollars keep moving to new communities. We have more and more Section 8 residents who unfortunately do not all appreciate being able to live in our city and they cause a lot of problems! And we have many unemployed neighbors who desperately need work--even a part time job!
These are all big issues. What do we do?
First we have a "Can Do" attitude! A very wise man once told me that our "Attitude determines our altitude!" We need to have an attitude that says "We are still a great city and we are going to overcome our struggles and challenges with God's help and we will prevail!"
Second, we must actually recognize and be willing to admit we have real problems and challenges and not try to gloss them over or point to other positives instead. The book "Good To Great" teaches us that one of the critical areas of success for great CEOs who transform companies for the better--is the ability to recognize the reality of a situation and deal with it just as it is!
Lastly, WE HAVE TO ACT! And when I say act--WE CANNOT SIMPLY RELY ON THE GOVERNMENT TO FIX EVERYTHING! We don't have enough tax dollars to pay for the vast resources it would take to really address every issue impactfully. But we do have many citizens in every neighborhood who can stand up and say "This is my neighborhood and I will no longer be ok with the status quo." And then more and more citizens begin to partner with local government and things really begin to change slowly but surely!
And with such action--we will need future elected leaders willing to take bold and sometimes uncomfortable stands to deal with difficult problems!
And of course, we need to keep praying for our city! For prayer is powerful! And of course, do a lot more "Loving Thy Neighbor!"
These are not all nicely, laid out plans. But they are a start. Let us begin!
Bruce Archer
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Let There Not Be Division Among Us
As we approached the spring time elections this year, I was so very hopeful we could avoid the ugliness and division that we all witnessed last year between the city council race with Brian Hutcheson vs Gary Ward. Both camps felt like there were wrong done to them--and there probably was. However, the mail piece titled "The Mesquite Times" that accused Gary Ward of vile and awful things was probably the lowest point of Mesquite politics that I have ever witnessed. There are indeed today, a number of Mesquite citizens who did not vote for Gary, who nonetheless condemned that publication. Gary Ward has made his share of mistakes and through years of politics, has made his share of enemies. But the combat vet from Vietnam and the 37 year Fire Fighter who rescued many Mesquite families over the years did not deserve such a terrible thing done to his good name. I am proud to say--that while he is not serving on the city council--I can report that Gary Ward is still serving Mesquite well along with his sweet wife Nadine and they daily work and make a difference for Mesquite.
Deep divisions were made in that campaign. However, there are always two sides to a battle and Brian Hutcheson has expressed that he felt like there were unfair things done and said about him. Hutcheson has also said that he was not involved with the publication that smeared Mr. Ward and that he would never operate a campaign that way. I nonetheless did express my hurt to Mr. Hutcheson last year that a handful who did support him took the route they did against Gary Ward. And then it was time to put the past behind us. I have appreciated the rapport I've had with Mr. Hutcheson since he took office and we've worked together on a few projects for the betterment of our city. When the election is over, I judge elected officials by what they do or don't do from there on out while they are in office. Some have criticized me for reaching out to people who were once combatants in a campaign. I respect all differeing views, but I also believe the governing and bettering of my city has to always come before my personal feelings or politics! Once the campaigns are over, we must roll up our sleeves and work together and seek common ground. President Lincoln often worked with men who had criticized him terribly and made fun of him. Yet, he recognized that the such men were still needed to keep the Republic together and was able to put his personal feelings aside. We can all take humility notes from Mr. Lincoln. Its not about how any of us feel--its about doing what is good and right and making a difference. Its about loving our neighbor and honoring God by doing good.
Then we had a state rep race last year, where there was again much ugliness between both camps and many bruised feelings and more division created.
All that division from last year, while it slowed some perhaps during the holidays and in January--its been creeping back up and getting nasty again. Let me say--that there are many good people on both opposing sides of city council races that are passionate and strongly believe in their candidates. THATS OK!!! THATS A GOOD THING!!! But there are a few individuals out there, who seek to not just get their message out and their views heard. There are some out there who seek to be "Fire Eaters" as they were called back during the 8-10 years prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. There are some in our city, who seek to go beyond healthy debate and disagreement. There are some who by harsh statements, e-mails, phony letters, accusations, and just sometimes a hateful demeanor--who seem to literally want to cause great division and hate among our citizens! They don't seem to care who gets hurt. The ends justify the means with such people--and I believe it is really but a few people. WE WHO LOVE JESUS CHRIST AND WHO LOVE OUR CITY--MUST NOT STAND BY AND IGNORE SUCH EFFORTS TO HURT OUR BELOVED CITY! Especially when harshness and mean spiritedness is done in the name of Jesus Christ! Too many unbelievers over the years, have been turned away even more when they see those of us who claim to follow Christ--acting the opposite of Christ! Its one thing if non-Christians do such things--the Apostle Paul tells us we cannot hold non-Christians to the same standards as Christians. But those of us in Christ, are called to be loving, kind, gentle, and forgiving. Jesus said if someone asks us to walk one mile--that we should walk with them two miles.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1, that we are to find ways to agree with one another so that there may be no divisions between us and that we may be perfectly united in mind and thought. Now I don't believe that literally means we have to agree on every issue. But it does mean there should be lines we don't cross when we disagree because of the love of Jesus that is supposed to be among Christian brothers and sisters! Paul later tells us in the Ephesian letter--that we ought to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ! That is a tall order for many of us who are passionate about what we believe in--especially when political matters are involved--but we are no less called to still uphold such a standard! WE CANNOT SAY WE FOLLOW CHRIST IF WE CANNOT FIND BETTER WAYS TO LOVE AND SERVE ONE ANOTHER AND NOT LET OUR DISAGREEMENTS GIVE SATAN A FOOTHOLD TO DESTROY ALL THE GOOD THAT COULD BE DONE IN THE NAME OF JESUS IN MESQUITE, TEXAS!
And LET THERE BE NO BLAME CAST IN ANY ONE DIRECTION! WE ALL CAN SHARE SOME OF THE BLAME FOR SOME OF OUR LOCAL DIVISION--ME INCLUDED!!! If any of us were not directly involved in ugliness--we should have been standing up and speaking out against it. And as we seek to learn to better work with those we disagree with--let us distance ourselves from those who cannot find a kind word to say about those they disagree with--let us make clear to those who would take healthy disagreements on local issues--and seek to be mean and harsh--that we will not associate with such people! MESQUITE DOES NOT NEED FIRE EATERS OR FLAME THROWERS!!!
If we could find ways to sit down and really listen to one another and empathize with each other--really get to know each other--who knows how many common bonds we might discover that exist between us. When I listen to active players in this year's local elections--all I hear is how the other side has "made me mad" or done this or done that. When often most involved don't really even know each other! We are a better people than that!
Therefore, after this election--I am going to be calling for a "Mesquite Peace Summit" to be held some time this summer. We will invite various individuals who were active participants in local political campaigns over the last few years--from various sides of those campaigns--to sit down at the table of brotherhood and just start a dialogue. A dialogue about where our real disagreements are and where we can find common ground. A dialogue about what things of the past have offended or angered us--and see if some discussions of forgiveness can take place. God is always pleased when divisions between His children can be healed and we learn to really love one another. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22, that loving God and loving our neighbor--thus LOVE--is paramount over all the other prophets and commands! LOVE! 1 John 4 tells us that the way we show our love for the Father--is by how we love each other! We in Mesquite--who call ourselves Christians--who are involved in the community--who say we want good things for our children's futures and for our city--NEED TO LEARN TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER BETTER!
Our city faces serious problems and challenges! We have parts of our city where chiildren live in poverty and grow up around horrible ugliness and crime. We have serious city and school district budget challenges. We have businesses closing up here and there. Yes, we have many wonderful things going for us--but like the rest of America--we are feeling the tough times. THERE IS NO GREATER TIME OR NEED FOR OUR CITIZENRY TO COME TOGETHER AND BE UNITED! When Nehemiah and God's people were rebuilding Jerusalem--they all rolled up their sleeves to rebuild the walls. They worked side by side. Those who were not working on the walls and gates--were protecting the others from the enemy who wanted to destroy those efforts. Let us in Mesquite--roll up our sleeves and come together and rebuild our broken walls. We are a good people. With God's help, we can accomplish this and much bigger things!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce Archer
Deep divisions were made in that campaign. However, there are always two sides to a battle and Brian Hutcheson has expressed that he felt like there were unfair things done and said about him. Hutcheson has also said that he was not involved with the publication that smeared Mr. Ward and that he would never operate a campaign that way. I nonetheless did express my hurt to Mr. Hutcheson last year that a handful who did support him took the route they did against Gary Ward. And then it was time to put the past behind us. I have appreciated the rapport I've had with Mr. Hutcheson since he took office and we've worked together on a few projects for the betterment of our city. When the election is over, I judge elected officials by what they do or don't do from there on out while they are in office. Some have criticized me for reaching out to people who were once combatants in a campaign. I respect all differeing views, but I also believe the governing and bettering of my city has to always come before my personal feelings or politics! Once the campaigns are over, we must roll up our sleeves and work together and seek common ground. President Lincoln often worked with men who had criticized him terribly and made fun of him. Yet, he recognized that the such men were still needed to keep the Republic together and was able to put his personal feelings aside. We can all take humility notes from Mr. Lincoln. Its not about how any of us feel--its about doing what is good and right and making a difference. Its about loving our neighbor and honoring God by doing good.
Then we had a state rep race last year, where there was again much ugliness between both camps and many bruised feelings and more division created.
All that division from last year, while it slowed some perhaps during the holidays and in January--its been creeping back up and getting nasty again. Let me say--that there are many good people on both opposing sides of city council races that are passionate and strongly believe in their candidates. THATS OK!!! THATS A GOOD THING!!! But there are a few individuals out there, who seek to not just get their message out and their views heard. There are some out there who seek to be "Fire Eaters" as they were called back during the 8-10 years prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. There are some in our city, who seek to go beyond healthy debate and disagreement. There are some who by harsh statements, e-mails, phony letters, accusations, and just sometimes a hateful demeanor--who seem to literally want to cause great division and hate among our citizens! They don't seem to care who gets hurt. The ends justify the means with such people--and I believe it is really but a few people. WE WHO LOVE JESUS CHRIST AND WHO LOVE OUR CITY--MUST NOT STAND BY AND IGNORE SUCH EFFORTS TO HURT OUR BELOVED CITY! Especially when harshness and mean spiritedness is done in the name of Jesus Christ! Too many unbelievers over the years, have been turned away even more when they see those of us who claim to follow Christ--acting the opposite of Christ! Its one thing if non-Christians do such things--the Apostle Paul tells us we cannot hold non-Christians to the same standards as Christians. But those of us in Christ, are called to be loving, kind, gentle, and forgiving. Jesus said if someone asks us to walk one mile--that we should walk with them two miles.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1, that we are to find ways to agree with one another so that there may be no divisions between us and that we may be perfectly united in mind and thought. Now I don't believe that literally means we have to agree on every issue. But it does mean there should be lines we don't cross when we disagree because of the love of Jesus that is supposed to be among Christian brothers and sisters! Paul later tells us in the Ephesian letter--that we ought to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ! That is a tall order for many of us who are passionate about what we believe in--especially when political matters are involved--but we are no less called to still uphold such a standard! WE CANNOT SAY WE FOLLOW CHRIST IF WE CANNOT FIND BETTER WAYS TO LOVE AND SERVE ONE ANOTHER AND NOT LET OUR DISAGREEMENTS GIVE SATAN A FOOTHOLD TO DESTROY ALL THE GOOD THAT COULD BE DONE IN THE NAME OF JESUS IN MESQUITE, TEXAS!
And LET THERE BE NO BLAME CAST IN ANY ONE DIRECTION! WE ALL CAN SHARE SOME OF THE BLAME FOR SOME OF OUR LOCAL DIVISION--ME INCLUDED!!! If any of us were not directly involved in ugliness--we should have been standing up and speaking out against it. And as we seek to learn to better work with those we disagree with--let us distance ourselves from those who cannot find a kind word to say about those they disagree with--let us make clear to those who would take healthy disagreements on local issues--and seek to be mean and harsh--that we will not associate with such people! MESQUITE DOES NOT NEED FIRE EATERS OR FLAME THROWERS!!!
If we could find ways to sit down and really listen to one another and empathize with each other--really get to know each other--who knows how many common bonds we might discover that exist between us. When I listen to active players in this year's local elections--all I hear is how the other side has "made me mad" or done this or done that. When often most involved don't really even know each other! We are a better people than that!
Therefore, after this election--I am going to be calling for a "Mesquite Peace Summit" to be held some time this summer. We will invite various individuals who were active participants in local political campaigns over the last few years--from various sides of those campaigns--to sit down at the table of brotherhood and just start a dialogue. A dialogue about where our real disagreements are and where we can find common ground. A dialogue about what things of the past have offended or angered us--and see if some discussions of forgiveness can take place. God is always pleased when divisions between His children can be healed and we learn to really love one another. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22, that loving God and loving our neighbor--thus LOVE--is paramount over all the other prophets and commands! LOVE! 1 John 4 tells us that the way we show our love for the Father--is by how we love each other! We in Mesquite--who call ourselves Christians--who are involved in the community--who say we want good things for our children's futures and for our city--NEED TO LEARN TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER BETTER!
Our city faces serious problems and challenges! We have parts of our city where chiildren live in poverty and grow up around horrible ugliness and crime. We have serious city and school district budget challenges. We have businesses closing up here and there. Yes, we have many wonderful things going for us--but like the rest of America--we are feeling the tough times. THERE IS NO GREATER TIME OR NEED FOR OUR CITIZENRY TO COME TOGETHER AND BE UNITED! When Nehemiah and God's people were rebuilding Jerusalem--they all rolled up their sleeves to rebuild the walls. They worked side by side. Those who were not working on the walls and gates--were protecting the others from the enemy who wanted to destroy those efforts. Let us in Mesquite--roll up our sleeves and come together and rebuild our broken walls. We are a good people. With God's help, we can accomplish this and much bigger things!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce Archer
Thursday, March 24, 2011
My Friend Henry Kratz
Today, a great American was put to rest at the DFW National Cemetery. Henry Kratz, a man I was honored to know for many years and call friend left this life for a new life with His Savior Jesus Christ--oh how I envy Henry! I can say that, because I know first hand the life in Christ Henry lived.
Along with a long and faithful service to the United Postal Service, Henry Kratz also served his nation honorably in the United States Army. While I was not able to be at the service where military honors would have been bestowed, let me share a few thoughts I have about such honors.
When taps were played, it is right that they should do so. However, that solemn sound simply cannot fully memorialize a life lived honorably and faithfully beyond Henry's military service. The sound of taps cannot fully honor a man who loved his wife dearly and was a dutiful husband every day of their marraige!
When the 21 gun salute was drawn, it is right that they should do so. However, that moment of tribute to a fallen soldier, cannot fully honor a man who loved his children deeply everyday and did not retire from his fatherly duties simply because his children grew up. Henry Kratz' tour of duty as a father was happily volunteered and extended up until his last breath. And beyond his last breath on this earth, his legacy of compassion, kindness, firmness, his moral example, and his simply always being there for his children will live on for generations.
When the flag was passed on to Henry's family for his service with distinction, it is right that they should do so. However, as powerful as a symbol as that flag is, it pales in comparison to the service with honor and distinction that has left a blessed legacy that his grandchildren and great grandchildren will be left with and have always.
Lastly, many of us who knew Henry, were not able to know him when he served in the Army. What we saw was honor, integrity, generosity, real agape love, a strong faith in the Lord, and truly--the ability to simply be a good and kind friend! Abraham Lincoln said of a man who has friends: "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." Whatever honorable traits Henry lived out in his military service--clearly grew and expanded in the following many years of his life. Especially the quality of friendship. All of us who counted him as friend, have lost greatly this week. And yet, we have gained so much from the years we were blessed to know such a good man.
In a time of our country, when good men are hard to find when it comes to leading their families and working hard to do what is right day in and day out--we surely lost a good one this week in Henry Kratz.
So how do we honor such a man? No eloquent words we can say today can do justice to such a good man. Indeed, the way we can honor a man like Henry Kratz--is to simply live life how he lived. We can honor such a man by being better spouses. We can honor such a man by being better parents. We can honor such a man by being good friends and neighbors to all who know us. We can honor such a man by living daily to be more like Christ. As we reflect and appreciate the kind of man Henry was, let us heed these words from President John F. Kennedy:
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
In conclusion, let me say that to my knowledge, Henry Kratz was not a businessman per say. I never knew him to be of a strong entrepreneural spirit or a big investor etc. He worked most of his life for the public and the latter part of his life almost entirely for his family. But one thing is for certain--Henry was a great investor in people. That is where he put value.
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails" (Henry David Thoreau). There is no doubt, Henry's investment in goodness and in people--has reaped great wealth for generations to come!
Thank you Henry for all the years. Thank You Lord for men like Henry Kratz! We will not forget.
Along with a long and faithful service to the United Postal Service, Henry Kratz also served his nation honorably in the United States Army. While I was not able to be at the service where military honors would have been bestowed, let me share a few thoughts I have about such honors.
When taps were played, it is right that they should do so. However, that solemn sound simply cannot fully memorialize a life lived honorably and faithfully beyond Henry's military service. The sound of taps cannot fully honor a man who loved his wife dearly and was a dutiful husband every day of their marraige!
When the 21 gun salute was drawn, it is right that they should do so. However, that moment of tribute to a fallen soldier, cannot fully honor a man who loved his children deeply everyday and did not retire from his fatherly duties simply because his children grew up. Henry Kratz' tour of duty as a father was happily volunteered and extended up until his last breath. And beyond his last breath on this earth, his legacy of compassion, kindness, firmness, his moral example, and his simply always being there for his children will live on for generations.
When the flag was passed on to Henry's family for his service with distinction, it is right that they should do so. However, as powerful as a symbol as that flag is, it pales in comparison to the service with honor and distinction that has left a blessed legacy that his grandchildren and great grandchildren will be left with and have always.
Lastly, many of us who knew Henry, were not able to know him when he served in the Army. What we saw was honor, integrity, generosity, real agape love, a strong faith in the Lord, and truly--the ability to simply be a good and kind friend! Abraham Lincoln said of a man who has friends: "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." Whatever honorable traits Henry lived out in his military service--clearly grew and expanded in the following many years of his life. Especially the quality of friendship. All of us who counted him as friend, have lost greatly this week. And yet, we have gained so much from the years we were blessed to know such a good man.
In a time of our country, when good men are hard to find when it comes to leading their families and working hard to do what is right day in and day out--we surely lost a good one this week in Henry Kratz.
So how do we honor such a man? No eloquent words we can say today can do justice to such a good man. Indeed, the way we can honor a man like Henry Kratz--is to simply live life how he lived. We can honor such a man by being better spouses. We can honor such a man by being better parents. We can honor such a man by being good friends and neighbors to all who know us. We can honor such a man by living daily to be more like Christ. As we reflect and appreciate the kind of man Henry was, let us heed these words from President John F. Kennedy:
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
In conclusion, let me say that to my knowledge, Henry Kratz was not a businessman per say. I never knew him to be of a strong entrepreneural spirit or a big investor etc. He worked most of his life for the public and the latter part of his life almost entirely for his family. But one thing is for certain--Henry was a great investor in people. That is where he put value.
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails" (Henry David Thoreau). There is no doubt, Henry's investment in goodness and in people--has reaped great wealth for generations to come!
Thank you Henry for all the years. Thank You Lord for men like Henry Kratz! We will not forget.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Throw Off The Shackles America and Mesquite!!!
I do not consider myself an optimist. As a Christian and a missionary preacher the past several years, I know first hand that there is indeed real suffering that takes place in serving God. Its not all Cumbaya and church socials! Not if you care about the lost and taking care of God's people.
Admiral James Stockdale, in an interview with Jim Collins (author of Good To Great), when discussing who struggled the most as POWs in Hanoi, Vietnam--Stockdale resoundingly said "The Optimists." Stockdale explained that the optimists would believe they'd go home by Christmas, then Easter, then Summer and eventually they just gave up hope and died. Whereas, Stockdale and others believed that ultimately they'd get through their dilemma--but that there would be difficult times they'd have to work through. Thus, if we are willing to work through difficult times and embrace the brutal facts in front of us--and keep our faith--we will prevail! Collins calls this concept, "The Stockdale Paradox."
Sadly though, prevail is not a word or phrase that is in most of our vocabularies these days! Nor is "Succeed," or "Be The Best," or "Win." Too often today, especially with generations under 35-40 years old--its "Get By" or "Making It" or "Surviving." It makes me absolutely sick when I ask my kids if they could have done better on a test at school and their response is "Hey, I'm Passing!" IS THAT ALL OUR KIDS WANT? TO JUST PASS? TO JUST GET BY? ITS NOT JUST OUR KIDS!
In my ministry, I've been working for years with people who simply are ok to just get by and exist. When offered opportunities to do better, to get more education, to work harder for a promotion or to just seek a better life--so often the years of lack of self worth and poor discipline is such a difficult obstacle to overcome! Some have said finally "Enough Is Enough" and they decided to pull out of their lot in life and with God's help--moved forward and began to live the American Dream. But I see too many who will just not try to do better--they are simply defeated. And unfortunately, that mentality--that disease--is spreading like wildfire all through our community and our nation!
Yes, we are in some tough times. Yes, we face major challenges right here in Mesquite and around the nation. BUT WE ARE NOT DEFEATED!!! We need to stop acting like we are!
Just like the Israelites who forgot that God had delivered them from the hand of the Egyptian Army by parting the Red Sea, who was content to go back to slavery and bondage as opposed to deal with some tough times and keep their faith in God--we as Americans and Mesquiteites--we forget all the greatness we've experienced as Americans. We forget that we are a nation who overcame a terrible civil war. We forget that we are a nation who overcame two awful world wars and a depression. We forget that we once put a man on the moon. WE ARE STILL A GREAT NATION AND A GREAT CITY! But we act like we are beat and that we can't do much better. It seems as if we are resolved to just accept that other nations are beating us in the classroom, in the market place, and in many other facets where we once led! But we've gotten behind before--AND THEN CAME BACK AND WON AGAIN! WE PREVAILED OVER AND OVER THROUGHOUT HISTORY! And regardless of how bad our economics are or other struggles we face--WE IN AMERICA AND IN MESQUITE CAN PREVAIL AGAIN!!!!
I often don't agree with President Obama on a wide array of his policies. But I so appreciated it when he acted like an inspriational leader at his last State of the Union address when he reminded us that "This Is Our Sputnik Moment" (in reference to once fierce competition between the U.S. and the Soviets to put a man on the moon). Why not let this, a difficult time like many others in our history that we've overcame--be a moment where we say "We are going to do what it takes to win and prevail!" Why not? The President in his speech also said "We Do Big Things!" Lets run with that thought! Lets get back to being a nation and community that produces risk takers and entrepreneurs like the Wright Brothers and Thomas Edison. LETS GO DO BIG THINGS!
Maybe you've always wanted to go back to college and get an education--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've always wanted to go out on your own and start your own business--you just know you'd be good at whatever it is--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've always wanted to lose weight and get in shape--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've always wanted to go run for public office because you know what needs to be done but didn't have the courage to get into the arena--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've always wanted to go help the homeless and or start a ministry to help those in need--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you messed up a lot when you were younger, but are ready to start living a different life and pursue your dreams and not be held back any longer--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've been unemployed for a while and just can't seem to find a job where your comfortable and you may have to do something different--GO DO IT!!! We're Americans--WE DO BIG THINGS!!! America can again, be a "Shining City On A Hill" as Ronald Reagan once described us.
Franklin Roosevelt, in his 1933 inaugural address, as the nation faced a terrible financial depression, spoke these simple words of hope that we'd be wise to embrace today: "There Is Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself." So often we live mediocre and unfulfilled lives simply out of fear! And yet, scripture tells us not to live a life of timidity, but of courage and love. We were made in God's image. We were not created to be wimpy, whiny people. We were made to do great things! Let us live within the boundaries of the Stockdale Paradox. Let us recognize and embrace that things are tough and won't be easy--the brutal facts if you will--and work through those facts. But then let us live out an indomitable faith that says in the end--WE WILL PREVAIL! And let us not waiver from that belief! As Robert Kennedy told us, "The future is not a gift. It is an achievement."
Does that mean that prevail is only defined in that you get just what you wanted? NO! It does mean that the ride on the way to the goal and mission--was well worth the effort! A life well lived. THERE ARE SIMPLY WORSE THINGS THAN FAILING AT ONE'S ATTEMPTS TO SUCCEED. THAT IS TO NOT TRY AT ALL! My hero, President Theodore Roosevelt explain's this concept much more eloquently than I can in his speech titled "Citizenship In A Republic" or more commonly known as "In The Arena"--which this blog is consequently named:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat" (TR in Paris, France April 23, 1910).
Lets get up my fellow citizens, my neighbors, my friends, my brothers and sisters--and lets get out of comfort zones that are killing our spirit--and lets go win. Lets go succeed. Lets go prevail! Lets go really live life! Lets go make a difference. If the naysayers and the negative nillies say it can't be done--THEN GET THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE! Lets throw off the shackles that are keeping us down and rise up and be all we can and more! With the Lord's help--we will!
Lets get up off the ground, brush
Admiral James Stockdale, in an interview with Jim Collins (author of Good To Great), when discussing who struggled the most as POWs in Hanoi, Vietnam--Stockdale resoundingly said "The Optimists." Stockdale explained that the optimists would believe they'd go home by Christmas, then Easter, then Summer and eventually they just gave up hope and died. Whereas, Stockdale and others believed that ultimately they'd get through their dilemma--but that there would be difficult times they'd have to work through. Thus, if we are willing to work through difficult times and embrace the brutal facts in front of us--and keep our faith--we will prevail! Collins calls this concept, "The Stockdale Paradox."
Sadly though, prevail is not a word or phrase that is in most of our vocabularies these days! Nor is "Succeed," or "Be The Best," or "Win." Too often today, especially with generations under 35-40 years old--its "Get By" or "Making It" or "Surviving." It makes me absolutely sick when I ask my kids if they could have done better on a test at school and their response is "Hey, I'm Passing!" IS THAT ALL OUR KIDS WANT? TO JUST PASS? TO JUST GET BY? ITS NOT JUST OUR KIDS!
In my ministry, I've been working for years with people who simply are ok to just get by and exist. When offered opportunities to do better, to get more education, to work harder for a promotion or to just seek a better life--so often the years of lack of self worth and poor discipline is such a difficult obstacle to overcome! Some have said finally "Enough Is Enough" and they decided to pull out of their lot in life and with God's help--moved forward and began to live the American Dream. But I see too many who will just not try to do better--they are simply defeated. And unfortunately, that mentality--that disease--is spreading like wildfire all through our community and our nation!
Yes, we are in some tough times. Yes, we face major challenges right here in Mesquite and around the nation. BUT WE ARE NOT DEFEATED!!! We need to stop acting like we are!
Just like the Israelites who forgot that God had delivered them from the hand of the Egyptian Army by parting the Red Sea, who was content to go back to slavery and bondage as opposed to deal with some tough times and keep their faith in God--we as Americans and Mesquiteites--we forget all the greatness we've experienced as Americans. We forget that we are a nation who overcame a terrible civil war. We forget that we are a nation who overcame two awful world wars and a depression. We forget that we once put a man on the moon. WE ARE STILL A GREAT NATION AND A GREAT CITY! But we act like we are beat and that we can't do much better. It seems as if we are resolved to just accept that other nations are beating us in the classroom, in the market place, and in many other facets where we once led! But we've gotten behind before--AND THEN CAME BACK AND WON AGAIN! WE PREVAILED OVER AND OVER THROUGHOUT HISTORY! And regardless of how bad our economics are or other struggles we face--WE IN AMERICA AND IN MESQUITE CAN PREVAIL AGAIN!!!!
I often don't agree with President Obama on a wide array of his policies. But I so appreciated it when he acted like an inspriational leader at his last State of the Union address when he reminded us that "This Is Our Sputnik Moment" (in reference to once fierce competition between the U.S. and the Soviets to put a man on the moon). Why not let this, a difficult time like many others in our history that we've overcame--be a moment where we say "We are going to do what it takes to win and prevail!" Why not? The President in his speech also said "We Do Big Things!" Lets run with that thought! Lets get back to being a nation and community that produces risk takers and entrepreneurs like the Wright Brothers and Thomas Edison. LETS GO DO BIG THINGS!
Maybe you've always wanted to go back to college and get an education--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've always wanted to go out on your own and start your own business--you just know you'd be good at whatever it is--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've always wanted to lose weight and get in shape--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've always wanted to go run for public office because you know what needs to be done but didn't have the courage to get into the arena--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've always wanted to go help the homeless and or start a ministry to help those in need--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you messed up a lot when you were younger, but are ready to start living a different life and pursue your dreams and not be held back any longer--GO DO IT!!! Maybe you've been unemployed for a while and just can't seem to find a job where your comfortable and you may have to do something different--GO DO IT!!! We're Americans--WE DO BIG THINGS!!! America can again, be a "Shining City On A Hill" as Ronald Reagan once described us.
Franklin Roosevelt, in his 1933 inaugural address, as the nation faced a terrible financial depression, spoke these simple words of hope that we'd be wise to embrace today: "There Is Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself." So often we live mediocre and unfulfilled lives simply out of fear! And yet, scripture tells us not to live a life of timidity, but of courage and love. We were made in God's image. We were not created to be wimpy, whiny people. We were made to do great things! Let us live within the boundaries of the Stockdale Paradox. Let us recognize and embrace that things are tough and won't be easy--the brutal facts if you will--and work through those facts. But then let us live out an indomitable faith that says in the end--WE WILL PREVAIL! And let us not waiver from that belief! As Robert Kennedy told us, "The future is not a gift. It is an achievement."
Does that mean that prevail is only defined in that you get just what you wanted? NO! It does mean that the ride on the way to the goal and mission--was well worth the effort! A life well lived. THERE ARE SIMPLY WORSE THINGS THAN FAILING AT ONE'S ATTEMPTS TO SUCCEED. THAT IS TO NOT TRY AT ALL! My hero, President Theodore Roosevelt explain's this concept much more eloquently than I can in his speech titled "Citizenship In A Republic" or more commonly known as "In The Arena"--which this blog is consequently named:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat" (TR in Paris, France April 23, 1910).
Lets get up my fellow citizens, my neighbors, my friends, my brothers and sisters--and lets get out of comfort zones that are killing our spirit--and lets go win. Lets go succeed. Lets go prevail! Lets go really live life! Lets go make a difference. If the naysayers and the negative nillies say it can't be done--THEN GET THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE! Lets throw off the shackles that are keeping us down and rise up and be all we can and more! With the Lord's help--we will!
Lets get up off the ground, brush
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Nehemiah Mesquite Mission Update
I pray that all of our Mesquite neighbors are doing well so far in this new year. I pray that our unemployed neighbors are finding work, that those without hope are being more and more encouraged.
I pray that those who attended the recent Community Job Fair held at Sharing Life were connected to some jobs. Lord willing, we will start planning another one that we will do better than the last one soon.
The weather has kinda kept us from doing as much as we'd like to be doing in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. My last drive through that area this last week--I had mixed feelings. I see some progress on some streets, and on other streets a lot of trash on the streets and in yards. I am hopeful that we will be planning a trash/bash over there soon. Also, I am hoping to put together a neighborhood cookout/fellowship some time in March--and invite the whole neighborhood to come together as well as citizens from all over Mesquite to all come together and celebrate community! Yesterday when we had the annual prayer breakfast--many of the attendees went out around Mesquite to place a pvc pipe into the ground that had a declaration in it claiming that area for Jesus. My group went out to a vacant lot in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood and placed that pipe in the ground and prayed for every family in that neighborhood. We also prayed for God to send more workers to come out and help rebuild, blot out crime, and bring neighbors together and let love abound!
The Nehemiah Mesquite Mission is also fully committed to bringing about unity in Mesquite! As we are nearing the spring and local political season--the seeds of disunion are quickly growing! So let me offer this:
I am a pastor who believes in being involved in the political and civic process. I vote and I state who I believe are the best candidates and I work for or against local propositions depending on if I believe they are good for our people. Although I never, ever use the pulpit to discuss politics. I encourage every other Mesquite resident--Christian or non-Christian to also exercise their right to vote and participate in their government. HOWEVER, when we take positions and argue and debate different views and positions--PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET US DO SO IN LOVE AND WITH MUTUAL RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER! Let us not question each other's motives. Let us not be unkind. Let us state our positions and do what we think is right--but still love and care for one another. And when the election is over--let us unite behind who the people choose--and let there be a time period where we set politics aside and all of us roll up our sleeves and work alongside each other to rebuild the broken parts of our city the way Nehemiah did in Jerusalem!
Let Democrats and Republicans and Independents and people who hate politics but love their community come together and find common ground. Dear Mesquite Neighbors--WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT TRYING TO ERADICATE POVERTY IN OUR CITY? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT HELPING WIDOWS FIX UP THEIR HOME? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT CLEANING UP NEIGHBORHOODS? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT PROVIDING LOVE AND MENTORING FOR MANY CHILDREN WHO HAVE NO DAD OR GUIDANCE? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT WATCHING EACH OTHER'S PROPERTY TO STOP CRIME? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT TRYING TO SPREAD HOPE? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT HELPING OUR UNEMPLOYED NEIGHBORS FIND JOBS? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT MAKING SURE POOR CHILDREN IN OUR CITY DON'T GO HUNGRY?
Please, please, please--let us tone down the harshness. Let us disagree when we need to--but not be so disagreeable. And together--let us do great things for the Lord and for each other!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
I pray that those who attended the recent Community Job Fair held at Sharing Life were connected to some jobs. Lord willing, we will start planning another one that we will do better than the last one soon.
The weather has kinda kept us from doing as much as we'd like to be doing in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood. My last drive through that area this last week--I had mixed feelings. I see some progress on some streets, and on other streets a lot of trash on the streets and in yards. I am hopeful that we will be planning a trash/bash over there soon. Also, I am hoping to put together a neighborhood cookout/fellowship some time in March--and invite the whole neighborhood to come together as well as citizens from all over Mesquite to all come together and celebrate community! Yesterday when we had the annual prayer breakfast--many of the attendees went out around Mesquite to place a pvc pipe into the ground that had a declaration in it claiming that area for Jesus. My group went out to a vacant lot in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood and placed that pipe in the ground and prayed for every family in that neighborhood. We also prayed for God to send more workers to come out and help rebuild, blot out crime, and bring neighbors together and let love abound!
The Nehemiah Mesquite Mission is also fully committed to bringing about unity in Mesquite! As we are nearing the spring and local political season--the seeds of disunion are quickly growing! So let me offer this:
I am a pastor who believes in being involved in the political and civic process. I vote and I state who I believe are the best candidates and I work for or against local propositions depending on if I believe they are good for our people. Although I never, ever use the pulpit to discuss politics. I encourage every other Mesquite resident--Christian or non-Christian to also exercise their right to vote and participate in their government. HOWEVER, when we take positions and argue and debate different views and positions--PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET US DO SO IN LOVE AND WITH MUTUAL RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER! Let us not question each other's motives. Let us not be unkind. Let us state our positions and do what we think is right--but still love and care for one another. And when the election is over--let us unite behind who the people choose--and let there be a time period where we set politics aside and all of us roll up our sleeves and work alongside each other to rebuild the broken parts of our city the way Nehemiah did in Jerusalem!
Let Democrats and Republicans and Independents and people who hate politics but love their community come together and find common ground. Dear Mesquite Neighbors--WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT TRYING TO ERADICATE POVERTY IN OUR CITY? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT HELPING WIDOWS FIX UP THEIR HOME? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT CLEANING UP NEIGHBORHOODS? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT PROVIDING LOVE AND MENTORING FOR MANY CHILDREN WHO HAVE NO DAD OR GUIDANCE? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT WATCHING EACH OTHER'S PROPERTY TO STOP CRIME? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT TRYING TO SPREAD HOPE? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT HELPING OUR UNEMPLOYED NEIGHBORS FIND JOBS? WHAT IS POLITICAL ABOUT MAKING SURE POOR CHILDREN IN OUR CITY DON'T GO HUNGRY?
Please, please, please--let us tone down the harshness. Let us disagree when we need to--but not be so disagreeable. And together--let us do great things for the Lord and for each other!
Grace and Peace,
Bruce
Thursday, January 6, 2011
New Beginnings For Mesquite
Today I had the opportunity to speak before the Mesquite Ambucs Club to share what the Nehemiah Mesquite Mission is about and what all we do. If you or your church or service organization would like to have me come speak, I'd love to come share what God is doing to rebuild our community!
Some progress has been made in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood, but there is much left there to be done--and many more neighborhoods to tackle. But of course, we know that God moves in HIS own time--not in our impatient ways! :)
I am hopeful to connect with some of our former Mesquite Citizens Police Academy Alumni, who could help build neighborhood crime watches with their knowledge and experience. I very much appreciate all the help the Mesquite Police Department has been giving us as well as Mesquite Code Enforcement. More and more homes that were in perpetual construction are remodeling and rebuilding and many of those houses look nice--that were just delapidated a few months ago--this in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood.
We need volunteers--short and simple!! Please help us!
If you have some repair and maintenance/construction skills, lawn care skills, or if you could just come help us pick up trash some Saturdays or help with a neighborhood cookout/fellowship, be a mentor for kids--please let me know--and together with God's help--we will do great things for the people of Mesquite in 2011!
Love in Christ,
Bruce
Some progress has been made in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood, but there is much left there to be done--and many more neighborhoods to tackle. But of course, we know that God moves in HIS own time--not in our impatient ways! :)
I am hopeful to connect with some of our former Mesquite Citizens Police Academy Alumni, who could help build neighborhood crime watches with their knowledge and experience. I very much appreciate all the help the Mesquite Police Department has been giving us as well as Mesquite Code Enforcement. More and more homes that were in perpetual construction are remodeling and rebuilding and many of those houses look nice--that were just delapidated a few months ago--this in the Valley View Heights Neighborhood.
We need volunteers--short and simple!! Please help us!
If you have some repair and maintenance/construction skills, lawn care skills, or if you could just come help us pick up trash some Saturdays or help with a neighborhood cookout/fellowship, be a mentor for kids--please let me know--and together with God's help--we will do great things for the people of Mesquite in 2011!
Love in Christ,
Bruce
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