A tribute to Coach Dave Sochor on his retirement - Journeys 7-12-15

Journeys for Doniphan Herald

7-12-15

Last night there was a reception to celebrate the retirement of Dave and Susie Sochor at the interstate Quality Inn.  My years at Doniphan High School were a long time ago; sophomore through senior years, 1974-77. I took one class from Mr. Sochor, “Automotive repair.”  Mr. Sochor was also one of my football and track coaches.  I was around the weight room in high school, but not one of Mr. Sochor’s powerlifters. 

I don’t remember specific things he said.  I do remember what it felt like to be around him.  Coach Sochor somehow found a way to be positive, encouraging and challenging at the same time.  And he was subtle; just a word, a look or a pat on the back.  He had a way of being able to plant the seed of risking myself in such a way that I’d think it was my idea in the first place.  

I’ve also told Dave that I’ve always considered him a modern day Peter Pan.  He saved a lot of lost boys in high school by giving us a challenge; in shop class, on the football field, track and weight room.  Especially, small skinny Doniphan guys who could build muscle powerlifting and win big trophies by lifting a greater percentage of their weight. 

Most teachers do not retire as millionaires.  What I want you, Dave, to understand is that your investment of your time and soul into all us teenagers has made the world a better place.  We are better people because of you.  And in the currency of God, that’s worth more than a million bucks.

Thank you Coach Sochor!

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Kelly

Journeys 6-21-15

Journeys
6-21-15

We lived in Charleston, SC from 1988 to 1993.  Our two older children were born there at the hospital just down the street from the Emmanuel AME church on Calhoun Street.  Cindy served as an associate pastor at Trinity UMC, just three blocks from the Emmanuel church.  It is the first African Methodist Episcopal church in this country. It was a break-off from the Methodist church of its day.

The history in this colonial port city was hard for this Nebraskan to comprehend.  Cindy’s Trinity UMC celebrated it’s 200 year anniversary while we were there and it was young as churches go for that city.  The Civil War began there with the battle of Fort Sumpter.

So my grief is spattered with images of that place.  When they said there were nine victims of this hate crime, I wondered if we knew any of them (we did not).

My heart breaks at the thought of nine lives snuffed out.  My heart breaks at the thought of this crime being racially motivated; complete strangers killed by a white man because they were black.  The anguish grows deeper as the story emerged that the shooter sat in on the Wednesday night bible study for an hour before he stood and started to shoot.  Then we find out that the killer was just 21 years old.  Just a kid to this old man.  Somehow that makes this hole thing just that much more insane.

In my heartache all I know to do at this point is to pray.  Pray that those involved may know God’s presence in the midst of their darkest hour.  I invite you to join me as I pray for the victims and their families.  Pray for the killer’s family.  Pray for the Emmanuel AME church family.  Pray for the city of Charleston.  Pray for the ancient culture that would produce a child that would think its OK to shoot innocent people because their skin color was different than his.

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Kelly

Journeys 2-8-15 "Valentine's Day"

Journeys

2-8-15

Saturday is Valentine’s Day.  It is the florist’s shop’s Super Bowl and Christmas all wrapped into one day.  They are praying for no snow this coming Saturday, ‘cause Valentine’s Day can make or break your year when you’re in the business of flowers.

This year in my family Valentine’s Day is all about getting those care packages off to our kids in North Carolina and Florida.  The Bishop’s Confirmation Day in Lincoln falls on Valentine’s Day this year, so I will be road-tripping our confirmands to Nebraska Wesleyan on the day of love.  We should get back around 7 p.m., but Saturday nights are usually work nights for the pastors in my house (if you know what I mean).

For us, after a little over thirty years of marriage, Valentine’s Day has become gentle reminder.  Small public notes on Facebook to, “Thank God for the love of my life!” are combined with private cards and kisses that say, “Thanks for being you, and for sticking with me all these years, or,  . . . I love you more every day.”  Some time around Valentine’s day we’ll go to a movie or out to a favorite place to eat.  But Valentine’s Day for this old married couple is just a day to look up from the hustle and bustle of our lives and catch our life-mate’s eye and say, “You know I love you.”  Then they wink back and say, “I know you do, I love you too.”

Grace & Peace,