Proof that miracles are possible when communities act to help their own

When there is a problem, a need, we can be so focused on the problem itself that we cannot expand our view into what is possible to fix the problem or fill the need.

When it comes to what the "government" should do, if we settle for what they are not doing, then we do not see what we can do. The people of First Baptist of Orlando just proved what is possible when they raised $5.6 million for Orlando's homeless kids after the report came out on 60 Minutes. They could have settled for complaining about what legislators have not done. They could have settled on business keeping their profits instead of hiring. There are a lot of targets they could have pointed at but they looked within themselves to see what they could do in their own community.

Now this lesson learned is being expanded to help homeless veterans. There is much we can do if we look at what is possible with caring hearts.

"Proof that miracles are possible when communities act to help their own. Cute little kids are inherently sympathetic. But homeless vets — many of whom are stricken with post traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, addictions and disabilities — are often just as vulnerable.

And no less deserving, given their sacrifice.

They shouldn't have to cross their fingers and hope that Uncle Sam decides to be generous.

If you don't want Congress to make cuts to the housing-voucher program for homeless veterans, contact:

U.S. Rep. Sandra Adams at 202-225-2706 or https://adams.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster at 202-225-2176 or contact.webster@mail.house.gov"

Mobilize to help vets
Church's outpouring shows the community can act to end homelessness among GIs.

12:00 a.m. EDT, March 19, 2011


As Congress wrestles with a record deficit, lawmakers face some difficult choices.

We understand that some social programs might have to be scaled back.

But we're thunderstruck at the idea that a modest program to assist homeless veterans might get hacked by the budget axe. The target is a program that provides displaced vets with a voucher to pay for public housing and address medical care and counseling.

Lawmakers say the joint program of the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs is ripe with savings for the 2011 federal budget. A cool $75 million for the taking.

That is, if legislators take away 10,000 vouchers. The cuts that would hit Florida — home to the nation's second-largest homeless veteran population — especially hard.

Shredding a program that helps reboot the lives of troubled veterans is especially coldhearted. And hypocritical, given the flag-waving, patriotic tone of last year's congressional campaigns. Not to mention, it'd throw a wrench into the VA's noble, if Pollyannaish, goal of ending veteran homelessness by 2015.

In contrast, congregants at First Baptist of Orlando this past weekend demonstrated that need sometimes can't wait on government intervention. Challenged by a guest speaker to help homeless local kids spotlighted recently on "60 Minutes," the church dug deep and came up with a remarkable $5.6 million outpouring.

Proof that miracles are possible when communities act to help their own.

read more here
Mobilize to help vets

2nd Annual Tribute to First Responders in Orlando

Last night there was a fantastic tribute to First Responders at First Baptist Orlando Church. Ed and Mary Ganster, founders if OperationSafety91, pulled in a wonderful group of speakers and performers. Moving songs by Lt. Connie Baldwin of the Orlando Police Department, who sang God Bless America. She has such a beautiful voice, she should be on America's Got Talent. Gina Marie Incandela, the little girl with autism famous for her singing at the Magic game, once again sang The Star Spangled Banner. She left all of us speechless with her beautiful voice, especially knowing her story. Eric Horner sang Footsteps of a Hero and Proud to be an American.

Police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, veterans, active military, you name it. If they serve this country, they were represented last night.

I was asked to do a video for this event and was so humbled to be sitting next to true heroes. Below is the video I did, Honor Them.

That's something we just don't seem to do enough. We see them everyday, count on them all the time when we are in need. After then emergency is over, after the fire is out, after we send them off to war and after they come home, we never really think about them again until we need them again. The rest of us just get on with our lives. Tributes like this need to happen more often so they know how much we really do appreciate what they do for all of us. They risk their lives for us everyday willingly and to have an event like this for them was something we all did joyfully.

I wanted to make sure you knew about this event because the media, well, they didn't cover it and they missed a great opportunity to shine a light on our heroes.

Honor Them - watch more videos