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Comments on all articles by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford 
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Comment by Judi Lake (2,193)   Judi Lake (30 days 13 hours ago.)

and so, Steve, the world cannot understand such peace and love without God. Yes, He is faithful and even through our toughest times, through Him alone, can there be peace and hope -- Thanks for a very humbling read and... NICE PICTURE!!! (smile)
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (25 days 11 hours ago.)
Thanks Judi, I'm not sure I understand it myself. But peace is a wonderful thing. Oh and about the picture... I'm finding that, the blurrier the picture, the better I look. Thanks for commenting.
Michelle Mackin: (32 days 11 hours ago.)

Wonderful Steve, All glory to God. Yes his is faithful. Our choir congregation and even clergy have seen the scene over and over. Thank you for sharing.
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (33 days 14 hours ago.)

Hi Steve, very beautiful and a great testimony to God's faithfulness. His word says he is faithful even when we are not. And all these types of circumstances you mentioned happen because of the unfaithfulness of man.
Thanks for sharing your renewed revelation with us. We all need it. God bless!!
Comment by Susan Thom (8,103)   Susan Thom (33 days 15 hours ago.)

hi steve,
i just wrote a couple of similar stories. In God we trust, and when we do, we aren't as downtrodden as we would be without it. thanks for a good article,
best regards,
sue
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (30 days 10 hours ago.)
Thanks Susan. My internet connection has been spotty lately and I'm a little behind on my reading and responding. I'll make it a point to check out those articles. Steve
Judgmental Christian: An Oxymoron
Daniel LaLond Jr.: (43 days 18 hours ago.)

Jesus indeed loved and took time with sinners, but not with hypocrites. That is, with those who profess to know God with their lips but in deeds deny Him. Your idea as stated plainly in an earlier response: "we will love people when they least expect it and flatly refuse to judge anyone" is simply not scriptural nor is it loving. It is, however, quite congruent with the Christianity of our age, hence the response to this article.
The comments posted here are exactly as I would have expected given the condition of the church at large and given the prevalence of postmodern humanism in religious thought (though most Christian humanists would never consider themselves "religious").
Exihibting judgment when scripturally called for is not exhibiting hate. It is exhibiting love. To "love" and to "accept" and to fail to show judgment where judgment is needed is actually not love at all, but rather it is hate. A "judgmental Christian" is not an oxymoron, it is a biblically and historically based Christian if his judgment is levied when scripturally mandated.
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (42 days 20 hours ago.)
Daniel,
How does exhibiting judgment play out? For instance, I may sit and talk to a homeless addict, give him a clean pair of socks and cold water. I talk to him about his spiritual condition and encourage him not to give up and that God wants to help him. Loving someone who no longer expects it. What is your alternative? What does your loving judgment look like?
By the way, I went to your website but didn't see the article you mentioned. I'll read it when it comes out. Maybe it will explain.
Steve
Comment by Daniel LaLond Jr. (276)   Daniel LaLond Jr. (44 days 8 hours ago.)

Intolerance can be a Christian virtue. Example: Jesus chastised one of the seven churches (Rev. 2) for being tolerant. Paul told one of the churches not even to eat with someone who was immoral and professed faith. I realize what modern pop-Christianity teaches, but Mt 7 doesn't warn against all judgment...only hypocritical judgment. Hated the article...wreaks of humanistic sentiment mixed with Christianity. Check my article on the same topic: Intolerance: A Christian Virtue
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (43 days 22 hours ago.)
Daniel,
I'll check out your article. When I wrote this one, I expected more
comments like yours from people that place doctrine, religion and
traditions of man above a personal relationship with Jesus. Not to say
that describes you but just that I thought more would take exception to
my position.
But Jesus spent significant time with sinners. Not to approve but to
love and redeem them. He never beat them down or exhibited hate toward
them. I don't think that's modern pop anything. It's the truth of the
story as a whole. All the best. Steve
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (41 days 17 hours ago.)
Hi Daniel, sorry to intrude, but I would just like to point out the example that Steve gave is an example of hypocritical judgment and even pre-judgment. The reason being is they did not invite these men and which could have led to them sharing their heart and their desire to live as God wants them to, but they just need some help. Jesus he came to heal those who are sick. What is the church for if not the sick? I don't see any compromise of Biblical values and true Christian judgment in this article. I do however, see a great judgment on your part of all of us how responded differently than you. By your comment, you are saying that each of us who agreed with Steve are compromising Christians. That is a judgment if I ever heard one.
Boy, if Jesus waited until I stopped sinning to accept me, I would still be dead in my sin....and so would you. Romans tells us that "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us". These fictional men in this fictional account apparently forgot that part.
Anyway, just my opinion. In Christ, Teresa
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (41 days 13 hours ago.)
You make a good point. but you are making an assumption that these two new guys who wanted to come into the church had no intentions of changing their ways.
Paul qualified his statement, following it up with saying he is not talking about non believers for then we would have to get off the planet.
Send In The Hornet
Comment by Roschelle Nelson (735)   Roschelle Nelson (49 days 6 hours ago.)

Great article and excellent ending!!! "We want our enemies brought to justice now. But thankfully, for our own good, sometimes God sends the hornet." Reminds me of an inspirational sign I saw in town at a church. "PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE...THAT CARRIES A LOT OF WAIT.
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (47 days 18 hours ago.)
Thanks for reading and commenting. I like the quote. Steve
Comment by Jay Hopson (1,435)   Jay Hopson (51 days 23 hours ago.)

Steve, Thank you for a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Pro. 15:23
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (47 days 18 hours ago.)
Thanks for reading Jay. And for the Proverbs reference. I went and re-read it. Steve
Comment by April Lorier (5,781)   April Lorier (52 days 15 hours ago.)

This wasn't good, Steve... it was super duper excellent!!! Our impatience is a human trait and God doesn't think any less of us for it. I doubt if HE's affected at all, but boy, we sure do suffer for it, don't we? Maybe we're getting a hint of what Heaven will be like -- the place where time, as we know it, does not exist! I'm looking forward to it, I can tell you. Excellent, again!!
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (52 days 10 hours ago.)
Hey April! I prayed for you this morning. I hope you had a good day. Thanks for those very gracious comments. Aren't you glad that God doesn't always do things our way with our timing. It would be a disaster. Steve
Comment by Sandra E. Graham (2,091)   Sandra E. Graham (52 days 21 hours ago.)

Great article, Steve. We all need to read the Bible more often and do a little research to help us understand just what we are reading. The Bible doesn't always 'spell' things out for us, it gives us a reason to 'think' and ponder just what wonders God can and does perform.
Sandra
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (52 days 10 hours ago.)
Sandra, Thanks for that comment. I guess the Bible isn't exactly light reading is it. It seems to have come to life for me lately though. Steve
Comment by Robert Melaccio, Sr. (4,558)   Robert Melaccio, Sr. (52 days 22 hours ago.)

Steve " as I understand from the study of multiple versions "hornets " was a term used in ancient times for various afflictions. Others translate this as leprosy. In other words to weaken the enemy slowly until they could be easily defeated. That is why the years. Best wishes
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (52 days 10 hours ago.)
Great insight Robert. I had never heard that explanation. Thanks. Steve
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (53 days 9 hours ago.)

Hi Steve, thanks for the reminder. This very lesson came my way awhile back. My husband and I were going through some difficult times financially because of the construction industry taking a plunge. I was leaving for the weekend to teach at a retreat and I literally left my husband with -0- money in the bank and our power was going to be turned off on Monday for non-payment. SO there I was flying to CA to teach on the subject of "recovering from doubt and restoring joy" I used the story of the Exodus as the basis for the lesson. This passage that you mentioned, jumped out at me in a big way, I had never seen it before either. And I realized that God always has a better plan! The Israelites never expected it to take so long for deliverance from Egypt, but they had so much to learn about humilty and trust. And you know what else jumped out at me? What God said right after the 8th plague and that was that he worked as he did to show the enemy that he makes a distinction between his children and the enemy and to show that He is God and there is no other. WOW!!! You mean God works and it's not just about me? Amazing!! Great find and thanks for sharing. I needed this reminder as we are going through our move and I will be sharing the latest snag here shortly. Thanks again. It's always refreshing to hear the word of God presented in a new way by a fellow believer. God Bless you always.
And just in case you are wondering what happened with our power? While sitting at the airport waiting to come home, one of the gals on the ministry team wrote me a personal check; not only to cover the power bill but to cover the cost of some material that Art needed to purchase to finish a job. Now that's grace. We serve him in faith no matter what the circumstance. Even if my power would have been turned off, I would still praise Him because he did great things at that retreat.
Our God is good, keep trusting and remember He always has a better plan--perhaps a non-believer is watching your life and your response to how things are will be what causes their heart to turn.
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (52 days 10 hours ago.)
Thanks for sharing that incident Teresa. Those kinds of memories get us through the tough times when we don't "feel" God close.
Comment by Laura Trahan (30,533)   Laura Trahan (53 days 18 hours ago.)

Steve-I had never noticed that either! Thanks so much for sharing the story! I love it! What a great reminder that I needed exactly at that moment! Awesome writing! Thanks!
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (53 days 11 hours ago.)
Thanks Laura. I'm glad you got something from it. It's interesting to me that we can read the same scripture over and over and still get something new each time. Steve
Comment by Susan Thom (8,103)   Susan Thom (55 days 13 hours ago.)

hi steve,
i like your new picture.
this was a well written article. your words are smooth and flow easily.
thanks for sharing,
best regards,
sue thom
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (54 days 22 hours ago.)
Susan, What a nice comment! Thanks for taking time to read. Steve
Comment by Avis Ward (8,613)   Avis Ward (55 days 14 hours ago.)

Steve, I needed this Bible study. And you know, He knew I did and you gave it to me. Thank you. I agree, we want a microwave-fast God. I like the lesson in this. Sometimes, we need the hornet for spiritual growth and development and all the other reasons you mentioned. Great message!
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (54 days 22 hours ago.)
Thanks Avis. The thought of almighty God commissioning the hornet struck me funny but the reasoning hit home. I'm glad you found it useful too. Steve
Are You A Senior?
Barbara Fuqua from Roanoke, VA: (56 days 14 hours ago.)

Steve,
I pulled this article up and it is hilarious!! I laughed and laughed!! You are so talented, you need to write a book. Laughter is Good Medicine and we could all use a dose.
Comment by Lorrie Davids (5,237)   Lorrie Davids (72 days 20 hours ago.)

Mr. Radford, (my mom taught me to address older people with the proper title) I laughed and laughed while reading your story. I haven't had anyone ask me that question...yet, but I'm sure it will happen before I am ready. Thanks for brightening up my day!
Comment by Robert Melaccio, Sr. (4,558)   Robert Melaccio, Sr. (73 days 22 hours ago.)

Yes it hurts. When i take my 94 year old mom they ask about my wife. Wow do I look that old or does she look that good? Hey I know better. Now in your case take the discount. Your picture says you are not but most of these younger ones think 30 is going, going gone. Like little kids will say, 30, "nobody's that old".
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (73 days 8 hours ago.)
Robert, I know your Mom loved it when they made that mistake. I've had people think my wife was my daughter (she's a year older than me) which is just as bad I guess. It keeps us humble right? Thanks for commenting. Steve
Comment by Susan Thom (8,103)   Susan Thom (74 days 18 hours ago.)

hi steve,
ah, kids can't tell age. you certainly don't look like a senior citizen! this was a cute, well written article that made me smile. i was glad to read something of yours again. thanks for sharing,
best regards,
sue thom
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (74 days 11 hours ago.)
Teresa, Avis and Susan... Thanks for reading and commenting. It took me a day or two to find the humor in my little encounter but encouragement like yours keeps me going, even if I do have one foot in the grave!
Comment by Avis Ward (8,613)   Avis Ward (75 days 12 hours ago.)

LOL - A masterpiece, Steve! It was a sucker punch, wasn't it? A hilarious true tale of the joys of maturing and acquiring wisdom. You could have had a senior moment and asked, "where am I?" Nothing like a youngster to splash you in the face with an overdose of reality, huh Steve? Welcome! Great article!
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (75 days 14 hours ago.)

Steve, you had me laughing out loud!! What a crisis!! Your sense of humor just proves your not a gumpy old man! Thanks for the laugh and the good advice at the end of your tale. Blessings to you!
Vindication: Good Movies, Bad Gospel
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,917)   Mr. Keith (120 days 17 hours ago.)

This article was well written but it is a veiled attempt to shed the "word of Christ" in a forum that the unsuspecting wander into. I have no issue with you expressing yourself but I have no desire to read half way into an article to learn it is all about my salvation. The title should serve as a warning as well as a description.
I wish you luck and all the best in your endeavor.
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (119 days 16 hours ago.)
Keith,
No trickery intended. Thanks for commenting. Steve
JoAnn from Roanoke, Va.: (121 days 1 hour ago.)

Great article, Steve.It would be very exciting to see the difference it would make in the world if we truly followed Jesus"s example ! JoAnn.
Hannah Quinn from Australia: (121 days 11 hours ago.)

Steve,
Amen to you. I'm not a believer in any faith or religion, but when I dialogue with those who are, this is one of my main sticking points with them. The intolerance, one-upsmanship and sometimes Bible thumping, further reinforces my varied views about religion and belief. As a child, I spent five years at a Catholic school and among the many contradicting things we were taught was one thing I truly liked: that Christians turn the other cheek. I'm not always in favour of that, it depends on the circumstances, but it is what you are proposing here and in the main, I agree with it. We, all of us, regardless of faith or lack of, are too ready to defend ourselves right across the spectrum rather than accept that we all have different needs, experiences, beliefs and attitudes - and that we can change no-one but ourselves. I much prefer leading by example than blustering like a storm. It worked for me as a parent, and I believe it works with most people in the long run.
Refreshing!
Cheers, Hannah
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (121 days 8 hours ago.)
Thanks Hannah!
Christianity as a religion has become pretty lame. It needs a new name. Maybe churchianity or something that doesn't give the false impression that it has something to do with Christ.
On the other hand, Jesus figuratively fights his way upstream through a crowd, all walking in the wrong direction. His objective is to reach and lift the one that has fallen and is being trampled. The trampling crowd includes a variety of religious types.
So you're in Australia! No wonder you have such clear perspectives. You have to be upside down to understand this crazy world.
Comment by Tim Hicks (268) (121 days 18 hours ago.)

This is a FANTASTIC article. I feel that this world would be a better place if the people who called themselves Christians actually started behaving like the Followers of Christ. Thank you very much for a much needed reality check.
Comment by Ken McCreless (238)   Ken McCreless (122 days 2 hours ago.)

Great job, Steve. It staggers the of to think of this "radical" edict set in motion.
Comment by Joel Hendon (3,426)   Joel Hendon (122 days 2 hours ago.)

An unusually insightful artical Steve. It causes one to search his soul. I am somewhat of a failure in this area I realize and I do fight it. Your are absolutely right in that Jesus showed and taught kindness in response to abuse. I sincerely apreciate the article.
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (121 days 8 hours ago.)
Thanks Joel.
I'm glad this challenged you. I had been thinking about the topic for weeks and couldn't get away from it. Steve
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (122 days 8 hours ago.)
I hear you on this, it is usually what causes me to write or teach on a specific topic.
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (122 days 10 hours ago.)

Hi Steve, What a mighty word the Lord spoke through you in this article! Christians in general act just like the Pharasees did in Jesus'day. We think like they did, somehow we are better--sadly mistaken. We need to be looking to the eternal kingdom, not the temporal and shallow arguing. Because while Christians fight, Satan has his way and many will go down the road to perdition because we did not properly represent Christ. Thanks for the reminder!! God Bless you and God forgive us!
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (122 days 9 hours ago.)
Thanks for the encouragement Teresa, I'm glad you found this article helpful. I had the topic on my mind because of a growing awareness of my failure in this area. We are part of a very peculiar kingdom. Steve
Comment by Judi Lake (2,193)   Judi Lake (122 days 12 hours ago.)

Well, Steve, you have my attention -- what an incredibly powerful piece! While reading your work, I am humbled. Thank you, Steve for the reminders that many of us forget.
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (122 days 9 hours ago.)
Judi, Based on the little bit I know about you from reading your articles, I would say you don't need any reminders. Thanks for the kind remarks. Steve
Comment by Jean Horst (1,036)   Jean Horst (122 days 12 hours ago.)
The book also has a subtitle.... "living as an ordinary radical". Based on many of your previous articles here, I believe this book will resonate with you.
Comment by David Tanguay (5,777)   David Tanguay (122 days 14 hours ago.)

interesting read
Comment by Robert Melaccio, Sr. (4,558)   Robert Melaccio, Sr. (122 days 22 hours ago.)

An excellent perspective and well presented. It is the human in us all that you have stated so intelligently.
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (122 days 12 hours ago.)
Robert,
Thanks for taking time to read and for the nice comment. Steve
Comment by Jean Horst (1,036)   Jean Horst (122 days 23 hours ago.)

Bravo, well-said. Have you ever read "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne?
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (122 days 12 hours ago.)
Thanks Jean. I have not heard of that book but I like the title. I'll check it out.
Comment by Susan Thom (8,103)   Susan Thom (123 days 2 hours ago.)

hi steve,
this was a well thought out, interesting article.
it had some very good points. thanks for sharing,
best regards,
sue thom
Comment by Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford (122 days 12 hours ago.)
Thank you Susan.
Winning the War on Roaches
Comment by Susan Thom (8,103)   Susan Thom (153 days 18 hours ago.)

hi steve,
well, this was different. we need to do something like that around our neighborhood for mice. i've never seen a roach. i hope your stay behind the bars wasn't too long.
thanks for an interesting article,
best regards,
sue thom
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (153 days 8 hours ago.)
You're right Susan. This was a little different for me. An experiment of sorts. Thanks for the generous comments.
Comment by Sandra E. Graham (2,091)   Sandra E. Graham (153 days 22 hours ago.)

Great article, Steve. I love articles that can find humour in situations like you have just described. I for one will look forward to the day that roaches are on the 'endangered' list for extinction!
SEG
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (153 days 8 hours ago.)
Sandra,
Thanks for reading and for the great rating. Steve
Comment by Ken McCreless (238)   Ken McCreless (154 days 3 hours ago.)

Steve,
I had trouble reading your article, I was laughing so hard! Great stuff!!
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (153 days 8 hours ago.)
Thanks Ken. Glad you enjoyed it. Steve
Comment by Robert Melaccio, Sr. (4,558)   Robert Melaccio, Sr. (155 days 14 hours ago.)

Roaches forever. They have beaten mankind at every turn. In Florida they ares as big as B52 bombers and they come in all sizes. We have our seasons for major infestations but for the most part schrubs, lights, mulch are the attractions. Barriers around the parimeter, electronic devices liberally sprinkled about. Spray and the good old shoe do the job. Yes and even then we must udnerstand they are where we least expect them to be. Good article.
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (154 days 11 hours ago.)
"As big as B52 bombers", I got a chuckle out of that imagery. And I thought everything was supposed to be bigger in Texas! Thanks Robert.
Teresa Ortiz: (156 days ago.)

Hi Steve, very, very funny and filled with lots of common sense application that could be applied to just about everything that is going on in our world. Thanks for the laugh and the thoughts! God Bless you and yours, Teresa
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (154 days 11 hours ago.)
Hey Teresa. Thanks for the nice comments. Steve
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,917)   Mr. Keith (156 days 10 hours ago.)

I loved your story. I sit here with a smile and I really liked what I read.
Keep on creating!
Thanks,
Mr. Keith
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (154 days 11 hours ago.)
Thank you for reading and taking time to comment Mr. Keith! I'm glad you liked it. Steve
Pierced Ears Delight God
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (195 days 7 hours ago.)

Hi Steve, thanks for joining my fan club, I wouldn't have found your articles otherwise. You did a wondeful job explaining the Biblical definition of a slave - in today's terms its pretty much like employee/employer. God bless you and yours! I will read more. Teresa
Anonymous: (205 days 13 hours ago.)

Since the symbol of the pierced ear (for men or women) is instructive in Scripture, I find it hard to be hostile to the real thing.
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (205 days ago.)
Exactly. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Bum Has a Name
L.E.R.: (221 days 13 hours ago.)

This article was very challenging and touching. Hope it causes hundreds of Christians to "be Christ" to homeless men/women. Keep up the good work!
Pierced Ears Delight God
L.E.R.: (221 days 13 hours ago.)

I think you brought this scripture lesson to life in a very touching and helpful way. Who says a meaningful sermon can't be presented in a short time! Pastors, take note! :-) I enjoyed it, as I have all of your articles I have read so far.
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (221 days 10 hours ago.)
LER,
Thank you so much for taking time to read my articles and for the encouragement. It means a lot to me. Steve
Advocates and Collies: Illustrating the Importance of Influencers on the Sales Process
L.E.R.: (236 days 16 hours ago.)

I loved this article! Actually, I loved everything about it.
Judgmental Christian: An Oxymoron
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,740)   Teresa Ortiz (250 days 13 hours ago.)

Hi Steve, better late than never :-) I just came across this article. It's sad but true. I remember people leaving the church I attended because we "allowed" bikers in our church. Some still had a rough word here and there, but the point was they were growing closer to the Lord. I'll never forget our pastors response to such people "well, we would rather have these bikers in here with us and not out there on the streets killin' people like they used to" I couldn't have agreed more! Didn't Jesus say He came to seek and save the lost? Wouldn't all the buildings be empty if only perfect people could attend? Anyway, thanks for sharing. May God forgive us! Teresa
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (247 days 17 hours ago.)
Thanks Teresa. We had a guy attend our church recently who had just been released from prison. I agreed to drop him off at the halfway house and he mentioned that everyone at the church treated him like they had known him all his life. He's been back every week since. You are exactly right when you say 'the buildings would be empty if only perfect people could attend'. Thanks for reading and for your spirit of grace.
Comment by (268 days 12 hours ago.)

I love the way you ask the reader to put the thing or person they detest the most. It makes you think. I love Matthew 7:1 (one of my favorites).
Vignettes of a Model Mom
Comment by (268 days 12 hours ago.)

Wonderful article. I loved the part about eating all the casserole and how Steve's mom didn't seem to mind. It made me laugh.
Comment by Avis Ward (8,613)   Avis Ward (268 days 20 hours ago.)

Steve, I enjoyed this article so much. I am still teary-eyed after reading it. Make sure you tell your mom how you feel. I have an inkling you've done that. You were blessed to have been raised by a God-fearing woman (and parents). A beautiful tribute to your Model Mom. I'm proud to say, so was mine. A Merry Christmas to you and your family. Be safe and well!
sue thom from nj: (268 days 21 hours ago.)

hi steve,
very nice article.
i feel the same way about my mom, although she's passed.
i enjoyed reading and feeling good, best regards,
sue
Comment by April Lorier (5,781)   April Lorier (269 days 7 hours ago.)

Steve, a very fine presentation of vignettes! It's so nice to see a man writing about hero moms! Your article was restful (white space and short paragraphs) and entertaining. One thing: none of us know how the first paragraph will look once the advertisement is placed, so maybe you (and all of us) should read it after publishing, then make adjustments by editing again.
Example: "Simple!" (NEW PARAGRAPH) Having..." would look better and read better because of the advertisement.
I do enjoy your writing, Steve!
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (269 days 7 hours ago.)
April,
Thanks for the nice comments and for the good formatting tip.
IHOP Logic: Homeless by Choice?
Jeff Brown: (282 days 14 hours ago.)

Steve,
Great article. Yes, habits, regardless of the type, are hard to break. There is comfort in being comfortably numb. I have been there, living without income for months, hope, happiness, in complete depression and despair. Why? So I can descend beneath, if not all things, many things, to relate to those who suffer, for who is to be looked after but the sufferer, regardless of income. Why do others suffer as such? Only they know the full truth, and sometimes it’s never discovered for the answer lies within fear.
In working with the homeless at a shelter in LA, I discovered that many homeless have jobs and are even taking classes. I encountered a young woman as such. To lie awake most of the night, listening to a cacophony of snores, I wondered at such a plight as theirs. Why are they here? Why are others sleeping fat, well fed in satin sheets? Are they any better? Worse? No. Just a part of life, life, asking us to look to our poverty, even our wealth to discover the eternal answers that lie within. Keep writing and loving.
Comment by Jean Horst (1,036)   Jean Horst (295 days 10 hours ago.)

Steve, Thanks for this very articulate and spot on article. My husband has a family member who lives in near homelessness. Crashes on couches of whoever will accept him, lives in his car (when he has one), spends a lot of time in jail. Never has any place of his own. We finally concluded that he could not cope with the responsibilities that "normal" life requires: Regular hours for a job, paying taxes and other bills on time, bank accounts, etc. We've decided we need to accept him for what he is and where he is. Odds are that in his mid-40's he probably will not break this pattern. He might, but not likely. Alcoholism and drug addiction are also factors. His lifestyle really is the one he has chosen - and for him it is easier and more comfortable. Thank you for sharing this story. It helps to know that others deal with the same issues. We feel now that accepting his choice (not in an enabling manner) is better for all involved then constantly pushing for him to change.
Comment by Danny Davids (13,298)   Danny Davids (296 days 10 hours ago.)

How's that quote go? "Better the devil that you know than the devil that you don't." The life they have is wretched at best, and yet it's what they know and are comfortable with. Thanks for sharing this, Steve.
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (296 days 8 hours ago.)
Good point Danny. Their mindset is similar to that of a person that stays in an abusive relationship. Thanks for reading.
Comment by Susan Thom (8,103)   Susan Thom (296 days 10 hours ago.)

hi steve,
i think this was a great article.
being homeless would scare me to death, and yet, any of us could become so in a very short time, say if a job is lost and we're living paycheck to paycheck. i feel for your friends. i hope they eventually try Dallas life.
but then again, maybe they like where they are? who are we to say, right?
at least now they know it exists, and where it is, and that's a lot closer than they were before pancakes.
thanks for a good article,
best regards,
sue
Response from Steve Radford (917)   Steve Radford : (296 days 8 hours ago.)
Susan,
I'm with you. If I were homeless, my top priority would be to find a home. But I'm learning that not everyone feels that way. Thanks for commenting.
Comment by David Tanguay (5,777)   David Tanguay (296 days 16 hours ago.)
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