Big Ups!
This week we are a cheering section!
GOOD PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, WE SALUTE YOU!
Every July, I think back on the 18 (!) Julys that were marked by mission trips I led with the youth of Christ’s Lutheran Church, beginning in 2004. We’d work hard during the days on various service projects, and in the evening there would always be a gathering. We’d start with a corny skit or two, then a Contemporary Christian music singalong (Our CLC kiddos were at a bit of a loss then, because our church does not have a praise band, so we were unfamiliar with “Awesome God” and “Mighty to Save.”)
After that, we’d have a little de-briefing about the day—we’d be asked to share our Yay Gods and Big Ups. Yay Gods were times and places we had seen God’s spirit in action. Big Ups were shoutouts to members of the group who had done something especially nice/helpful that day. Honestly, the Yay Gods were a bit of a tooth-pull, as teen after teen would raise a hand, and say things like, “Uh, well, at least it wasn’t too hot today.” “Yay, God!” the gang would chorus in response. Far more interesting to me were the Big Ups. It was pretty cool to see the youth focus on lifting each other up, and to see the reactions of the kids who were complimented.
Everyone needs to be on the receiving end of a Big Up now and then, right? Here are some who really rate kudos…
“BIG UPS” TO FRIENDS CHANGING THE WORLD WITH LOVE AND GRACE
PASTOR VIOLET LITTLE
I’ve known Violet Little for over 15 years now. The Welcome Church ministry is still going strong. Attending a Sunday afternoon open air church service, accompanying Violet to a center city train station (where many folks sleep), to distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday, and walking the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, are always very special experiences. Pastor Violet, you work to serve the underserved in our society with such compassion. I salute you!!
PASTOR MARY LAYMON
I got to know Pastor Mary when she led Gloria Dei Church in Huntingdon Valley, PA (where Ya-Jhu was music director for a long time). Mary possesses a deep well of loving insight—her retreats are such meaningful events. In recent years, Mary and her husband Greg began Tikkun Farm outside of Cincinnati, Ohio, where her creative and practical outreach to low-income families has been a great blessing. In late 2020, I profiled Mary and the farm for Living Lutheran . Mary is currently exploring new ways to share her many spiritual gifts (I love her weekly email reflections based on each Sunday’s gospel). Thank you for all you do, Pastor Mary, to “repair the world”!!
“BIG UPS” TO SOME ARTIST FRIENDS WHO MAKE THE WORLD A BRIGHTER PLACE (FOR ME AND MANY OTHERS
SINGER/ACTOR/TEACHER KAREN MURDOCK:
Karen has the distinction of being the very first actor working with us (Duet Productions/Family Stages), when our two-person theatre company was challenged by the birth of our first child, Sheridan, in 1984. Since then, this busy and very talented gal, who sings in clubs and restaurants, performs in musical theatre, and teaches high school drama, has made time for us each summer to be the Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre’s theatre and film camp instructor extraordinaire. Karen, we couldn’t do it without you!!
Karen singing the gorgeous song “We Can Be Kind,” by David Friedman, from home, during lockdown
HUMOR WRITER JEFF BENDER:
I took an online humor writing class with Jeff a few years back, realized he lived fairly close by, and have since reconnected with him for coffee and conversation. He’s been kind enough to email back and forth about a few of my comedy pieces, and his comments are always so helpful. Jeff’s really funny work has appeared in humor pubs including Slackjaw, Points in Case, Electric Lit, and every comedy writer’s goal publication (mine too!), McSweeney’s. In addition, Jeff teaches at Hugo House and Ursinus College, he’s an award-winning short story writer, and he’s working on a novel.
Check these out (and thanks for the laughter, Jeff!)
I'm the Badass New Teacher at This High School and This is My Masterclass (McSweeney’s)
A Facebook Announcement from Your Author Friend Who Has Some News (Electric Lit)
Rules for Dealing with a Coworker Who Plays Guitar (Hard Times)
AND I DON’T KNOW THESE FOLKS PERSONALLY, BUT WANT TO GIVE THEM A SHOUT OUT ANYWAY…
“BIG UPS” TO IVAN FERNANDEZ, RUNNER: WHAT IS TRUE VICTORY?
What would you do if the runner in first place inexplicably slows down, and you suddenly have a chance to win the race? If you’re Ivan Fernandez, you evaluate the situation, and let the other guy win! This is a really heartwarming story…
AND FINALLY… “BIG UPS” TO BRITISH COMPOSER PAUL HARVEY AND HIS SON NICK: WHEN WORDS FAIL, MUSIC GOES ON
Paul lives with dementia, but his musical talent has not left him. He improvised a beautiful piece based on four notes, and it made its way all the way to the BBC Symphony, which recorded it. The recording has raised over 1.5 million pounds for dementia research. Watch this lovely short video of Paul, Nick, and a very special surprise visitor too…
BLOG PREVIEW: GRAY LADY
You think The New York Times is “The Gray Lady”? Nope! C’est moi (or at least, c’est will be moi when I finally put away the dye bottle for good.) Will that make me a “Wise Elder”? Meet me over at Working Title and find out!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
In a time when opinions are a dime a dozen (and run rampant over the internet), I’m trying to take a page from today’s “Big Ups” recipients, and doing my best to set a positive example—something every single one of us can do!! Big Ups to YOU, my friends!
