Who is you hero? Sgt. York? Audie Murphy? George Washington? Mom? Dad? What if your hero is your child? Wouldn’t that be something? It could happen. In my case it did–more than once! Think about it! —HDS

Every Thanksgiving we are reminded to “Count your Blessings”, as well we should. But perhaps that’s not all we should think about. With all the good positive thoughts about Thanksgiving should we just pretend that evil doesn’t exist, that pain isn’t real, that needs aren’t important? I raise this question because, although they have plenty reasons to rejoice, many are suffering greatly, perhaps in silence. Telling them they should be thankful and not complain doesn’t really help. Your words won’t heal their wounds, your counsel doesn’t give them comfort, and your rebuke doesn’t help them rejoice. I’m not saying we shouldn’t say anything– words can show concern. I’m just saying that words alone doesn’t change their situation. They need the kind of help that only God can give, therefore they need our prayers. Help them as much as you can–please, but never forget that they need more than that! So, as you sit down to enjoy a wonderful meal with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, please think about some of the bad things as well as the blessings and pray for others. Not everyone has it as good as you. Think about it!

While I would like to say much more, I’ll end by saying I thank God not only for my wife but for all those who have helped in various ways. They have made the journey a joy, a blessing rather than a burden and I am grateful for each and every one of them. Now as I enter my 30th year at Lakeway Baptist Church, I have no idea when it will end, I just want to live each day feeling as Paul did when he said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain“.(Phil. 1:21) –HDS, 10/22/16

You don’t have to give your opinion on every subject under discussion, or respond to every criticism leveled against you, or correct every mistake you see, or condemn every sin, or rail against every injustice, or complain about every problem, or dispute every question, or repeat every tale, or gripe about every grief, or brag about every accomplishment. Many things are better left unspoken! Knowing what to leave out is sometimes more important than knowing what to say. I come to believe, when in doubt don’t. What you say might be true and even eloquently spoken, but if it doesn’t edify eliminate it. Don’t risk ruining the effect of all the good things said by interjecting something better left unspoken. Think about it!

I want to add to that my belief that those folks are unsung heroes. Like police, soldiers, nurses, etc. they make a tremendous difference in people’s lives. Their influence and importance is impossible to measure. Most of them are over- worked, under-paid, and unappreciated. Please pray for them and do what you can to encourage them. Just as most of us can remember the names of teachers we had in elementary school, today’s teachers will make a lasting impression on their students — your children and grandchildren. The teacher’s lessons and life will help shape the lives of those they taught. Let them know you appreciate what they do, and that you are praying for them.