weekly post from March 21, 2008

Hi my friends & loved ones,

Well, daylight savings has begun and the days are getting longer. This Sunday is Easter, the Christian celebration of Jesus rising from the dead. While it is a joyous day and on Sunday we will be singing excitedly and I'll be doing one of the most ambitious pieces of modern Christian music I've ever done, it has made me think that while Jesus died and then rose, we have the opportunity to rise every single day. We have the chance to become better and greater and do better and greater things. Herewith, a short story to illustrate my point.

In January of 1999, an 88-year-old grandmother who lost her husband to Alzheimer's, and would eventually lose a daughter to the disease, walked from Pasadena, California to Washington, DC. At one point she was even on skies in her trek across the country. Doris Haddock walked across country because she so strongly believed in campaign finance reform. A native of New Hampshire, after the democratic candidate dropped out for state senator (because of a campaign finance scandal, nonetheless), Doris, 94-years-old at this point, ran for the Democratic party against incumbent Republican Judd Gregg. She stood up for what she believed in and went the distance; even appearing in a live debate with Gregg (who in 2005 won $850,000 in the Powerball Lottery-like he needed the money). To see the documentary of Doris Haddock, check out the DVD Run Granny Run. My point is that we should all be inspired, every day, to stand up for what we believe in and have conviction, courage and confidence.

Until next week-Stay safe, stay happy and stay healthy.

Happy Easter!

love,

paul