Perspective: Stories of faith, community remind us of what matters

Could there be a better story for the front of your newspaper's Thanksgiving edition than the journey of the congregation of First Baptist Church and its newest member, Patrick Albert?

What a story of faith. What a story about second chances. And what a story about what really matters.

We get so caught up in the throes of politics and the stories of crime that we often forget the good news that occurs in our community every day.

And as we live our busy, busy lives, we forget just how much a simple act of kindness can change a life.

Most of us have a pretty good idea how Patrick Albert ended up at First Baptist's Warm the World benefit that day -- there are no accidents when it comes to God.

It would have been easy to hand him a coat and to send him on his way. It would have been an act of kindness and good will.

But the church made a different choice -- just as many people of faith around this community do every day.

They helped a man change his life.

But what we might not completely understand is just how much their new friend has and will give back, not only to his new church, but to those it serves as well.

He brings a perspective about what one person can do, what one simple gesture can mean to someone who has lost hope -- and how a simple decision can bring a second chance.

So Mr. Albert will continue to rebuild his life in the company of his new friends and church family. He will remind them that reading the Bible is not nearly as good as living it.

And he will lead the pack when another chance comes along to help someone in need -- to bring a coat and hope to a family with nowhere else to turn.

And, perhaps, he just might make the rest of us feel a bit more thankful, too, for what we have and what we take for granted every single day.

It is a good lesson to remember as we prepare to launch into a season that makes it very easy to forget what really matters.

It is easy to get caught up in shopping lists, ribbons and bows and to forget the reason we celebrate in the first place -- and what the story of the Nativity really teaches about love and sacrifice.

But this, along with the other stories we have heard this week of generosity, kindness and good will -- as well as the comments about the needs so many are facing right now -- should put that all into perspective as we all try to balance our own Christmas celebrations with those who need our support, especially at this time of year.

It is a lesson Patrick Albert would be proud to teach -- and one we should all take to heart.

Have a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.

Published in Editorials on November 27, 2013 10:08 PM