Dear Friends,
Regret makes the whole world a prison.
Forgiveness opens the doors.
This week, Monte and I went to jail.
It's not what you're thinking. I didn't get arrested for excess speed in a wheelchair, and Monte wasn't accused of inappropriate public displays of affection. We visited the local detention center so I could speak to a group of inmates about dreams.
Jail's not necessarily a breeding ground for dreams. Even for this group of nonviolent offenders, jail is a discouraging place of regret, resentment, and recrimination. Orange uniforms and locked doors foster despair, not dreams.
You aren't certain what to expect as one door clangs shut behind you before the other one opens. Hallways are deserted, lined with concrete blocks and heavy metal doors. Pleasing color schemes don't disguise the purpose of the place or the danger concealed just beyond the barriers.
The audience files in, eyeing the visitors skeptically. Then a dog appears unexpectedly, and a spell breaks as Monte wags his tail, welcomes pats and ear scratches, and pants happily as smiles appear on weary faces.
I share some small talk with folks in the front row, and the orange uniforms suddenly become young men and women. Monte's brought a small bit of normal to this awkward environment and, as he always does, shattered barriers that might prevent authentic interaction.
As we talk about overcoming adversity and chasing dreams, I'm struck by their intense attention. They laugh at my lame jokes, shake heads with empathy as I tell about my accident, and applaud as I tell them of overcoming difficult obstacles.
When we get to the part about hope, I watch eyes soften. It's almost like they forgot hope exists, forgot that it doesn't always need to be like this. They seem to hang on every word of encouragement like a thirsty man shaking every last drop of water from a canteen.
Each listener received a copy of Relentless Grace, and as I signed books later I marveled that these struggling folks seemed so grateful for a message of hope. Their stories touched me as they shared personal dreams and renewed faith.
Jail's a good place to be reminded that God never lets go.
Retirement: a promotion into the position of full-time personal recreation.
I've certainly enjoyed my first month of retirement, and any worries about staying busy quickly disappeared. Speaking opportunities and a couple of new writing projects provide a wonderful new sense of purpose, and I've taken advantage of wonderful Colorado weather for long daily training rides.
Thanks for continuing to visit the blog. I'm planning during July to roll out a re-design of the web site and blog that I hope will be helpful to more folks. Stay tuned.
Recent blog entries:
The Crazy Quest (What would you do if you didn't know you couldn't do it?)
You Have To Climb The Hills
Be Your Own Engine
Wheel-cam (the view from a seated perspective):
The World’s Best Excuse
Contentment
Shine or Shrink
What Can I Do?
Covenant And Community
Relentless Grace:
How Do You Know God?
Jesus In An Orange Jumpsuit
Grace Has Found Me
What Do You Do With The Gift Of Grace?
Set Free Today (my Friday contribution to SetFreeToday.com):
An Imitator Of Jesus
Rose Colored Glasses
Please visit any topics that grab your attention.
Click here to receive blog updates via email.
le Tour de Pooch
Mark your calendar. September 5, 2009 is the official date for le Tour de Pooch 2009. We'll ride bikes, eat, catch up with old friends, and raise funds for Canine Partners of the Rockies. More details to follow, but make sure to reserve the date and pass the word to other intrepid cyclists and dog lovers.
Click here to read an article about last year's ride.
Postcards From The Valley: Messages From A Fellow Traveler is still available as a free download. If you'd like to read these reflections or pass them along to someone else, please click on this link and complete the form. I'll reply via email with a link to a free e-version of the POSTCARDS.
I've also started work on a new project called A BRIEF GUIDE TO ACCOMPLISHING THE IMPOSSIBLE. This project addresses the question, "What would you do if you didn't know you couldn't do it?" More news soon.
If you prefer to read on your computer, Relentless Grace is now available as an ebook. Go to the order page to get your electronic version.
The book will also be available soon as an audio book.
If you've read recent blog entries you'll notice the recurring theme of building a community. As the newsletter and blog expand, as I speak to more people, and as RELENTLESS GRACE reaches more readers, I have a sense that there's a community forming around the notion of hope, dreams, and overcoming obstacles.
Thanks for joining this community and for telling others about it. I appreciate all you're doingto raise the Internet profile of Relentless Grace. For more simple ways to help with building the buzz, this page has some suggestions.
I'm still seeking speaking engagements with both general and faith-based audiences.
Talking to individuals and groups about hope, love, and the story of Relentless Grace continues to be an enriching and meaningful experience. I’d welcome the opportunity to visit your community and share a bit of my story. As summer and more predictable weather approach, I'm eager to travel a bit and expand the circle even further.
Calendar and News
Here are links to recent articles.
THE GOOD LITTLE GIRL: Signs of the Times (May, 09)
HEAVEN: Today's Pentecostal Evangel (Mar 8, 09)
NOT ABANDONED: The Lookout (Jan 18, 09)
GRANDMA'S CAR: Mature Living (Feb 09)
LE TOUR de POOCH: New Mobility (Feb 09)
October 17-18: Disability awareness day at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, Denver
November 5-7: TOUGH MINISTRIES CONFERENCE at The Woodlands United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.
If you know someone who is looking for a motivational speaker, please contact me or forward this information to an appropriate contact.
If you are engaged in raising funds for a group or individual, send me an email and let’s discuss using the book to support your efforts.
You can't get ahead as long as you're getting even.
Blessings,
- Please visit my web site: http://www.richdixon.net
- I’d love to hear from you. Send me a note at: rich@richdixon.net
- If you haven't seen it yet, please click this link to view a short video trailer for Relentless Grace.
- Listen to my interview on KRFC
- Join the conversation about Relentless Grace at: Relentless Grace blog
- Read my blog post every Friday at: SetFreeToday.com
- To update your contact information: rich@richdixon.net
- I promise I won’t distribute your information to anyone for any reason.
- Take a moment for an Interview With God
