This is a purple heart. Tomorrow afternoon, I will be speaking at the funeral service for the man who earned it during WWII. He served this great nation in front-line combat and was wounded several times. In fact, his parents received that dreaded telegram, the one that told them their son had been killed in action. Somewhere in 1945, he made it back to his hometown, Reynolds, GA, and a man I knew quite well, Sam Hobbs, drove him home, where he met his unsuspecting parents. He did not know about the telegram. I can only imagine the shock! For as long as I knew him (all of my life), when he saw a movie clip of the war, he went to pieces. The trauma of combat took its toll on him. He died yesterday. He was 86 years old. He was one of the kindest, most gracious men I have ever known. Do you think he would vote to reduce monies for our military? I think not. How do you think he felt when he heard the present Commander in Chief apologize to our enemies?

I spent most of the afternoon with James Weldon’s family. I wish you could have been with me! I stand amazed at the way God lavishes his love and grace upon my life. I am truly honored to have been invited to speak as his funeral service.

Today I had lunch with a two star General (Air Force), who was passing through on his way to Warner Robins for the funeral of a Colonel. The funeral was at WRAFB with all kinds of military brass and full military honors. Two Blackhawk helicopters flew by in formation during the honors. My nephew, John Goddard, was the funeral director. During our lunch, I asked the General how long he had been in Texas (his present assignment). He answered, and then told me that as soon as he returns, he will be moving to the Pentagon where he will be the Deputy General for Internal Affairs. The “bad guy,” he said. I think I had lunch with an important someone!

Interestingly, as our lunch was ending, the waiter brought my change and placed it on the table–a nickel with the state of Texas embossed on it. I handed it to the General and said, “Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for this great nation.” As I was saying that, he was looking at the nickel. When I finished, he offered it back to me. I said, “You keep it and remember this occasion.”

What an incredible day!