Interstate 65—the middle of the night. Josh is driving, singing with the radio. He’s on his way from Birmingham to Orange Beach.
His ’87 Honda is packed with bags. He’s wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flops.
Life is good for Josh. The company just promoted him to regional manager. They gave him a big bonus, and a free two-week vacation in Orange Beach.
Free.
This is the best day of Josh’s thirty-year-old life.
He pulls off the interstate at Walmart to use a bathroom, buy groceries, and get beer.
In the dim parking lot, a tall man, smoking a cigarette approaches. The man says nothing.
“Can I help you?” Josh asks.
The man steps on his cigarette. He beats Josh until he’s cracked his jaw, fractured his ribs, and broken Josh’s knee.
The man drags Josh behind a dumpster, then speeds away with his, wallet, cellphone, and his Honda. Josh watches the tail lights head toward the interstate without him.
That night, Josh sleeps among empty cardboard boxes—he is too beat-up to move.
The next morning:
A Mercedes pulls to the dumpster. A clean-cut man in khakis steps out. He tosses several bags into the trash. He sees Josh.
Josh moans.
The man furrows his brow.
“Help,” Josh says.
The man removes a few dollars and tucks them into Josh’s hand.
“Don’t spend this on crack,” the man says.
And he is gone.
A few hours later. A large SUV with tinted windows and a bumper sticker which reads: “Honk if you love Jesus.”
The man throws a crumpled McDonald’s bag into the dumpster.
Josh moans.
The man pats his pockets and shrugs. “Sorry pal, no spare change. Have a blessed day.”
And he is gone.
The sun sets. It’s been twenty-four hours since Josh has tasted water. He manages to curl himself into a fetal position.
He is coughing up red. His face is purple. When he breathes, it feels like getting stabbed with a pitchfork.
Then.
A man on a bicycle.
A young black man. He’s wearing oversized pants, sideways cap. He has gold on his teeth, tattoos on his neck. There are bags of groceries hanging from his handlebars.
Josh moans.
The man leaps off his bike.
He removes a phone from his pocket. He shouts “Mama, come quick!” into the cellphone.
He holds a water bottle to Josh’s lips. He wraps Josh’s bloody cuts with torn shreds of his own T-shirt.
A dilapidated minivan appears. A woman is driving. She and the man speed along the interstate and carry Josh to the emergency room.
Doctors find internal bleeding, bruised organs, broken bones. They tell Josh that if he would have arrived a few hours later, he might have died.
Anyway.
To the angry people who wrote me yesterday because of what I had written about the Almighty. To the young preacher who says I am a false prophet leading people to Hell; to the fiery woman who tells me I will never get to Heaven because of stories I write:
You’re in luck. The story you just read wasn’t mine.
May Heaven watch over you on the interstate of life.
126 comments
Catherine - October 13, 2017 1:10 pm
❤❤❤❤❤
dkbfox - October 13, 2017 1:10 pm
Such a vivid picture of real human behavior. You keep on writing! Tell the stories. Share the truth of this world and the good we often do not see.
Melanie Tighe - October 13, 2017 1:11 pm
Yep. Thanks Sean. You are, as my AL family says, “A Good Man”.
sandysewwhatever - October 13, 2017 1:13 pm
Oh Sean, I love this updated parable.
The One who told that story also gave you eyes to see people like He sees them. Thank you for your stories…and for the graciousness you show to people who seem to want to cast stones.
HE thinks of you in much better terms. and at the end of the day, it is His point of view that matters.
Ellylou - February 20, 2019 11:53 pm
Well said!
Sue Cronkite - October 13, 2017 1:14 pm
You hit the nail on the head, Sean. Keep writing. Your words are a fresh breath in a fetid world.
Warren Nash - October 13, 2017 1:15 pm
Sounds a lot like the parable of the Good Samaritan, set in current times…
Julie - November 17, 2017 11:19 am
My thoughts.
Maria Delgado Daniels - October 13, 2017 1:18 pm
Keep writing, Sean. Your words speak to my heart and the hearts of many of my Facebook friends.
Jan - October 13, 2017 1:19 pm
Thank you, Sean, for sharing your stories. They are stories of life with its good, bad and ugly sides. We are blessed because you take the time to see them and share them. As you have said so many times, there is more good than we realize. Sometimes you just have to wade through the bad to get to it!
Pam Bishop - October 13, 2017 1:20 pm
Preach it Sean!
Joyce - October 13, 2017 1:20 pm
Brings me to my knees. Have mercy on us, Lord.
Shirley Northington (Skelton) - October 13, 2017 1:20 pm
Thank you.
Leigh Rankin - October 13, 2017 1:22 pm
I share your articles all the time on Facebook. More friends of mine shared (from me) the You Are Not A Christian article than ANY OTHER. You keep on speaking the truth.
CKD - October 13, 2017 1:30 pm
Reminds me of the story of the Good Samaritan. I love your writing and the way you view life. Not through rose colored glasses. You make my days better.
Ann Engel - October 13, 2017 1:31 pm
I have never encountered one who practices the 8 Beatitudes from Jesus’ sermon on the mount as you do!
We who read your comments are blessed!
Sing1 - October 13, 2017 6:52 pm
Amen Ann! Sean’s writing is a beam of light in a grey, dull not so pretty world! It sure makes me want to take the long, harder road to the Masters house!
Kenny Ott - October 13, 2017 1:32 pm
Keep on writing from your heart and view of life Sean. As a pastor who wasn’t always a pastor I see your stories as closer to the life of Jesus that the words of the religious folks who are criticizing you. But then again, the religious snobs criticized Jesus also. Stay strong.
Frances - October 13, 2017 1:37 pm
You are a powerful writer. I am enjoying your columns.
Nancy S. Jones - October 13, 2017 1:41 pm
Sean you are “REAL” keep writing love each and every story!
Laurie - October 13, 2017 1:43 pm
Love you, Sean.
Teri - October 13, 2017 1:46 pm
Sean, I have been reading your blogs for a short time now and you have a very good heart. I am sorry for the way the “Christians” have treated you. Ghandi once said, “I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians.” Please know that the one who did not think the boys you brought to church should not sit in the front row was NOT Jesus because he specifically said to let the less fortunate have the better seats. God said BLESSED are the poor in spirit, for THEIRS is the Kingdom of God and the least on this Earth shall be the greatest in the Kingdom of God. He said whatever you do to the LEAST of these, you do to me. I think well meaning people just want to make certain you are headed for heaven. Not a difficult thing because Jesus said and promised, ‘For God so loved the world, He gave His Only Son, that WHOEVER believes on Him shall never perish, but have everlasting life. You are right, there are many people in this world who never get noticed- the single mothers, the down and out, the alcoholics who no one knows their name, etc. But I can promise you, the God of the Universe knows each and every one of them. You tell wonderful stories about people no one would ever know about unless you write about them. I hope you get to know the Living God personally and not just the imperfect people who claim to know and serve him. I guess they are doing the best the can to share the grace that saved and continues to save them each day. It is that same grace that sees every person here. It is a Christian’s aim to make sure everyone they can know is going to spend eternity in heaven. I think that is what the sincerely concerned woman who initially wrote you wanted to know. God bless you.
Anne Parrish - October 13, 2017 10:23 pm
Well said Terri. If you look at us imperfect Christians instead of the Christ , it’s easy to
be disillusioned with Christianity. I’ve fallen down that rabbit hole too. Once my son was removed
from the line up to serve communion because his
hair style, long, was a “distraction”. After a period of
anger , I realized that the church leader who pulled him from the line was just another one of us imperfect Christians who had made a sincere, but grevious mistake and I forgave him as I hope the Lord will forgive me of my many mistakes. The sad
part is that my son became disillusioned by this incident and is no longer affiliated with a place of worship. I pray that this is not the end of the story for him and that he will know his example is Jesus , not our fellow Christians.
Jack Quanstrum - October 14, 2017 2:03 am
Amen. Very well put.
Donna - October 15, 2017 2:37 pm
Ditto.
Robin M Mullet - October 13, 2017 1:46 pm
Connie Schultz (Pulitzer Prize winner-wife of Sen Sherrod Brown) is who led me to your column when she mentioned you on her FB page, Sean. And I am so glad she did. There are days when your quiet faith in the goodness of people is the one thing that brings me hope that particular day. Thanks.
Sandy Smith - October 13, 2017 1:55 pm
L.O.V.E. !!!
Peg - October 13, 2017 1:56 pm
Astounding! And sorrowfully it does happen that way, sometimes. Thanks, Sean!
Gwen McGill - October 13, 2017 1:58 pm
I love how you see and appreciate the good in people that others would not see because these people are wearing tattered clothes or work in a low paying menial job or don’t speak English but deliver babies on the side of the road. You see the angels among us. I would rather hang with you at the carpenters table for sure. I had to read yesterday’s post again before I realized what you said at the end was pure gold. You get it.
Victoria Stennett - October 13, 2017 2:02 pm
I love how you see people.
Diane - October 13, 2017 2:05 pm
Keep the faith, Sean, no matter what. It’s wearying to learn that heaven exists only for the chosen few, the ones who’ve lived the “right” way, whatever that means. When a newly-evangelical friend of mine told me that Gandhi (Gandhi!!) could not get into heaven since he wasn’t a Christian, I decided I didn’t aspire to join his tightly knit little group of pursed-lip Church Ladies. Thank you for all your messages of TRUE Christian behavior (as I interpret it). I pray that all of us learn to be real brothers to each other instead of walking by on the other side.
Janet Clark - October 13, 2017 2:08 pm
As my Grandmama Lucia would say, ‘honey, don’t stoop to their level’. She always told each of her 7 granddaughters that phrase whenever someone said something that we want to challenge. To this day, none of us ‘stoop to their level’! After all, Grandmama’s mother was a widow with 4 young children which she was financially forced to send tolive at the DAR school to live- while she delivered the last child conceived before Granddaddy died. Probably very difficult to do back in those days, but necessary. Grandmama Lucia was smart and years ahead of her time…and she turned out to be a nurse, and a trailblazer. She came from strong stock….and I like to think that we all did…we definitely share that gene! Want to come to a family get-together? We’ll show you how to not ‘stoop’ – simply with ‘the look’! Yep,, Grandmama was a wise woman!
Laura Glenn - October 13, 2017 2:09 pm
Sean, we both know that one does not have to be a Christian to act with love and compassion, and just professing Christianity does not embue anyone with love or care for their fellow man. Your words ring true whether or not you profess a religious bent. If you live up to most of what you write, you are among the best of men. I thank you for giving me something of importance to think about each day,
Connie - October 13, 2017 2:13 pm
Some people are just stupid. Don’t let them get you down. I personally love everything you write, and I share your belief that there is still good in the world.
Lauren Ulrich - October 13, 2017 2:20 pm
Factual or not, it reminds me to be careful as I drive I-65 alone to GS–and that the story of the Good Samiaritan is as relevant today as it was in the 1st century~ Thanks
Andy Medley - October 13, 2017 2:25 pm
Sean, you do know that the problem with Christianity is Christians right? These folks have good intentions, no matter how ignorant and misguided they are. You also know not all Christians are like that. Long ago I learned to ignore stupidity like that and keep focused on the Bible and the Lord. I still drink beer and let a swear word fly from time to time. Worshiping God isn’t about those idiots. It’s about you and those you love. I’m a huge fan of your stories! I don’t know if you’ve been saved or not. It’s none of my business. I think you’re a good man and you love people. Obviously, people like and love you as well. I also think Jesus thinks an awful lot of you.
Ric - October 13, 2017 2:26 pm
It’s sad. It’s true. Somewhere. Someone. The innocent becomes the victim becomes the judged. The judger. The wiser. The fool.
Terri Hamilton - October 13, 2017 2:29 pm
99% of us love your words and the way you get to the heart of things.. the other 1% who try to pick apart everything you say/write must lead a sad, self absorbed life. Don’t ever let them dim your light. Keep on shining!
Jamie - October 13, 2017 2:32 pm
We are not called to judge others, but to serve, to love, to show compassion. Those that have all the answers and are so quick to be critical of others don’t truly understand the grace, love and compassion of my Jesus. I believe you do, Sean. Thanks for seeing people as you do and sharing your thoughts with us. Do not grow weary in well-doing…
Dave McDowell - October 13, 2017 2:34 pm
Sean, I was introduced to your blog by a friend a few months ago. I have thoroughly enjoyed your writings and read eagerly each day. I just wanted to say, please ignore those who seem to have such a closed mind about religion and spirituality. I am a born-again, Christian. I’ve spent my time “away” from God, but have enjoyed much of my time communing with Him since my “surrender” in 1980. This is what I now believe … I do believe in Jehovah, the God of Israel, I do believe Jesus is his only begotten son and I believe that my path to heaven is by faith in the saving atonement of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. However, there are so many questions, conundrums and things I cannot answer. I cannot understand or explain why homosexuality is a sin according to the Bible, but most homosexuals say they do not have a “choice”. I do not understand how the Bible says there is only one way to God, through Jesus, but I sincerely believe that there are Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. who are truly seeking after God and are living by faith. Well, a few years ago, I finally got the answer to these questions. “Not my problem”. God is not waiting on my to figure it all out. God is not going to change according to my understanding or opinion. So, I now have a very simple response to all these questions. “Not my problem. I’ll leave this with God. My main and primary job is to “love my neighbor as myself”. No exceptions. I’m not supposed to love them only if they are heterosexual, Christian, Baptists, Americans, White, etc. I am to love ALL persons. I have found that if I follow this principle, I am at peace. So, be at peace, my friend.
Machelle Bernheim - October 13, 2017 2:42 pm
Thank you, Dave McDowell!
Kim - October 13, 2017 3:09 pm
I agree with Dave McDowell!
Lois M Cockerill - October 13, 2017 7:47 pm
We all have questions Dave, God looks at the heart and if the heart is right the path taken will be also.
Shelley Dorris - November 17, 2017 10:21 am
Dave, I do believe you just got it right!!! God bless.
Lisa Bowman - October 13, 2017 2:39 pm
Always goes back to each of us remembering that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover and those with the least, help the most! Very Nice, once again!
Chelsey smith - October 13, 2017 2:43 pm
I recognize this parable. ? Love to you, Sean.
-the trailer doctor
Memphis fan - October 13, 2017 2:43 pm
I love your stories! Love that you always find some good, in even the littlest or dirtiest or ugliest of situations. We’re from Memphis and have a place on 30A. I’m familiar with the towns along I-65 and 331 but have a greater appreciation for them because of your blog. I love how you bring those places to life in ways I never knew. Keep up the good work. God is good and life is good. And your writing is especially good.
ray - October 13, 2017 2:48 pm
Isn’t it great to find your space and are good at it?! What a blessing. Every day you pass on something that offers a little hope and, at least for that, deserve a pat on the back. You can’t get a hit when you don’t step up to the plate. Enjoy your pat on the back from me.
Bob Hubbard - October 13, 2017 2:50 pm
Yes Sean, the Good Samaritan can often be just a skinny black kid riding a bike. Or a tattooed dude with a beard on a Harley. Or a beautiful young woman driving a Benz. Because Samaritans don’t live by any rules except those ones outlined by Jesus during his brief stay on earth……
Kat Pittman - October 13, 2017 2:52 pm
I love your writing. You speak to things I believe and give my day a positive boost. I also love your stories about the panhandle of Florida. My folks bought a house in Old Seagrove 50 years ago and it is my happy place and the spot that always calms and restores me. Keep writing your truth for it is the truth of many. I find with all that is going on in the world your musings on life are a grounding and restorative . Keep on keeping on.
Thomas Wildon - October 13, 2017 2:55 pm
Sean, after 47 years in the newspaper business I can tell you, there will always be those who condemn what you do. Most often, their condemnation is their angry way to make them feel qualified to judge others. All along they know they are masking their failings.
Janie - October 13, 2017 2:56 pm
Do not EVER stop writing! Ignore the critics for they do not know of what they speak!!!!
NATHAN BENNETT - October 13, 2017 2:56 pm
WHAT IS VERY SAD, Sean…some Christians have NOT found the “interstate of life” like you have…THEY ARE SPENDING THEIR TIME – on the roller coaster one day and the treadmill the next – NEVER actually finding life’s rhythm nor the interstate that leads to fulfillment. You spend much of your time “doing and going” where the church won’t…church leadership has not understood Jesus’ teaching about – THE HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES…pulpit and pew religion won’t save many lost.
MANY PRIESTS AND PHARISEES pass by the wounded and bleeding – until the “good Samaritan” comes to the rescue!
Thanks, Sean, for the “little corner you brighten.” I talk to you a lot, Sean…I KNOW – you never receive these commentaries, but you should! I comment daily on your stuff to my list of friends.
Jane Henderson - October 13, 2017 2:57 pm
Sean, sometimes the critics point out to us what is obvious to them but oblivious to us as writers. To those who got it wrong, I always say thank you. What you wrote made me think. To those who got it right, I say thank you. What you wrote deepened my convictions.
It’s all good for us.
You always make me think. Love your style.
Maria - October 13, 2017 2:57 pm
Such a sweet message for those that call themselves Christians.
Ben - October 13, 2017 3:00 pm
Hang in there Sean. As a Christian, I believe I will go to heaven when I die. I didn’t earn this through work, I didn’t earn this through knowledge, I don’t deserve this by being a pretty good guy, I received it through mercy. Have faith that Jesus was intolerant of the hypocritical organized church of his day more than anyone, and He’s very disappointed in the organized church of today. As you’ve been schooled the past couple of days, I don’t believe that you or I will come back as a squirrel or a dog, but I’ve also joked before that “if I could come back to earth, I want to be my wife’s dog”. I guess I’m at risk of going to hell too. Dang, I’d much rather come back as my wife’s dog. Sorry, I couldn’t resist taking some of the venum for you. It’s sad so many people today are simply angry, and can’t find a way to smile, to have fun, to enjoy life. I’m sure Jesus didn’t want all of us to be miserable, and being a “martyr” in his name doesn’t get anyone to heaven anymore than any of the other activities I mentioned above.
Please tell your wife hello for me, and hope to see you guys somewhere sometime soon.
Kathy Kelley - October 13, 2017 3:09 pm
Please keep writing your stories!❤️
Virginia Watson Snell - October 13, 2017 3:11 pm
Sean, thank you for your heart. I will see you in Heaven.
Lee Taylor - October 13, 2017 3:12 pm
Sean, MANY years ago I was running camera as we interviewed our company President. My boss asked the President if he ever had doubts as a Christian. He chuckled and said, “Of course! You can’t have honest faith without honest doubts!” That has stuck with me the rest of my life. You are as honest as it gets! Thanks!
Jack Quanstrum - October 13, 2017 3:18 pm
Wow! What a story. Fantastic! It mirrors the Good Samaritin. The Samaritin this time a man on his bike. It’s not a parable, yours is a true story! What a beautiful follow up to yesterday’s story and response. Sooooo, enjoyed reading it, it’s inspirational and it humbles me to the point of helping to focus on the goal for me today of not acting or speaking as though I know it all about any subject. Thank you, Sean. Keep those stories coming!
Carol Webb - October 13, 2017 3:20 pm
Keep on writing. I’ll keep on reading.
Sharon Reaves - October 13, 2017 3:34 pm
Sean, you have to ignore the ignorant and continue to use your God given talent of writing, to touch the world. I would dare say that there are a great many “Christians” that do more harm than good, by sitting in their lofty places judging and condemning the rest of us. Especially when that is the complete opposite of how Jesus treated people. Loving kindness can do wonders for the hurting people of this world.
Laura - October 13, 2017 3:37 pm
Sean, You know what makes me angry- judgmental people– ” Holier than thou” people. People who think they know better than anyone else what God is going to do. The last time I read about it, I believe the Bible says “Judge not, lest ye be judged”. Only God can decide whether you go to heaven or hell and He doesn’t have an understudy who decides in His stead. If folks don’t like what you write, they are welcome to not read it! But they have no right to judge you. There is so much hate in the world and you show us the other side- the love of good samaritans who stop and really help rather than walking to the other side of the road.
Clay - October 13, 2017 3:43 pm
Amen! Do you think they got it?
Sarah Hytowitz - October 13, 2017 3:52 pm
Wonderful stories! Makes my day, everyday!
muthahun - October 13, 2017 3:54 pm
Just watched Bill Murray “singing” with an amazing trio – violin, cello, piano – behind him. It was a medley from West Side Story. “See the pretty girl in the mirror there…” Go, Bill! It ended with a reminder that Puerto Rico WAS America. I sure hope their saviors show up in time.
Pat Durmon - October 13, 2017 3:54 pm
This could be a skit. A modern rendition of the Good Samaritan story. I love it. God bless Samaritans (who are everywhere) and bikers who care.
I believe behaviors, not words, not stickers on cars. The biker had the Christian behavior. Thank you. Hey Sean, I just try to fly over those with meanness in them. You have some beautiful posts. Write on!
Peter Wong+ - October 13, 2017 4:02 pm
I’m looking forward to our days as squirrels, running up and down majestic oak trees in the Florida breeze and daring each other to cross the street in front of cars;-)…keep up the good work and keep preaching the Good News, my friend.
Nancy - October 13, 2017 4:22 pm
Thank you Sean for your amazing insight into everyday people and for telling their stories. I share your blog with my friend, Angie, everyday. She could sign up for them, but this keeps us in touch and we both cry when our hearts are moved by your words – which is almost every blog!
Tawanah Fagan Bagwell - October 13, 2017 4:29 pm
That’s a modern day Good Samaritan story.
Jim - October 13, 2017 4:34 pm
Sean. Thank you for being a light in the darkness especially when you shine the light on some modern day Pharisees
Jim
Christine Johnson - October 13, 2017 4:42 pm
We have turned into a society filled with people looking for the speck in their neighbor’s eye and ignoring the Boulder in our own eyes. Your blogs are always a great reminder that each of us is important and special to our God and to treat others as such. Thanks
willdd2014 - October 13, 2017 4:45 pm
Thank you. We are losing our ability to see, touch, feel, hear, and love. You’re words remind us of these senses and encourage us to dig deeply within ourselves and to use them.
Larry Blumen - October 13, 2017 4:51 pm
Now, tell us what it is about your stories that the young preacher and the fiery woman object to.
Pat Irvin - October 13, 2017 4:55 pm
Nobody forces unpleasant people to read your posts, so it would appear it is THEIR problem if they don’t like what you write. I happen to love your writings… they lift my day.
Dana - October 13, 2017 5:04 pm
Keep writing truth. No pharisee ever liked the truth
Marjolein Zelinsky - October 13, 2017 5:08 pm
Good for you Sean. New to your blogs and glad I found you.
CW - October 13, 2017 5:15 pm
Sean,
It’s ok to leave those folks behind now and get back to center.
It’s ok to remind me of when I was a boy in the woods, alone, hunting rabbits and suddenly my vision and hearing became so acute that it was the closest thing to a spiritual experience I ever had. That when I took my first rabbit (of only 4 in my lifetime, of which I ate all of them) I gave thanks aloud to the universe for this rabbit giving its life for my nourishment because it just felt right, and my naive 12 year old self thought that’s what the Indians (Native Americans) would do.
It is ok to remind me of the freedom my mind was allowed during my twentys and thirtys while making many trips down those black ribbons of asphalt crossing Georgia into Alabama…all the way down to “the farm” in Covington county to spend the weekend with Grandma after Grandaddy died…and how I wished the serenity gained in those trips could have been afforded to my fellow Atlanta expats (I’ve since moved to “The Farm”, where the money’s not as good, but the living is oh so much better).
It’s ok to remind me that a lot of change has happened in the last few years and that I am half way through this journey and maybe, just maybe, I shouldn’t take myself so seriously any more.
Sean, it’s ok to leave those folks behind now…you just get back to being you, Brother…the others will catch up eventually.
CW
CW - October 13, 2017 5:21 pm
Just to put that last post in context…
I noticed you spent the last couple of days talking to a “narrow” group of people…
Judy - October 13, 2017 5:25 pm
So many have said it better. Thank you for being you. Thank you for your stories. They are like a soothing balm for hurting people. And most of us are hurting in some form or fashion. Your stories, and you, are positive and I so crave positive.
Bill King - October 13, 2017 5:33 pm
I was once told of a man that spread the word of compassion and showed great forgiveness and was crucified by the scared and threatened masses.
Karen - October 13, 2017 5:39 pm
More power to you Sean, Thank you for sharing!
Pamela McEachern - October 13, 2017 5:56 pm
Dear Sean I am a better person since I began reading your stories, a good dose of Humanity never hurt anyone. Please don’t give the negative people any more of your time, those types don’t even like themselves. I found out long ago that you can’t make people like you that don’t and you can’t make people stop loving you that do. That has been my way of understanding all types of people that have crossed my path. People want to be with you, just read their posts and I too believe your words bring us all closer to God’s love for one another. Peace and Love from Birmingham
Ashley - October 13, 2017 7:39 pm
Amen.
Beth - October 13, 2017 6:02 pm
Sean, you are a bright light in this world. My hat is off to you for speaking the truth yesterday. I suspect you are a believer in the original Jesus. Folks had a problem with Him too. I love all your stories, even when you occasionally upset the Pharisees. Don’t change a thing, brother!
And in case no one’s told you today–
I love you.
Pamela McEachern - October 13, 2017 6:42 pm
Awesome, God Bless
NovaLee - October 13, 2017 6:14 pm
As for the hateful comments you’ve received, please disregard with pity for the sad souls responsible for them. Your posts serve as a daily devotional for me. In my humble opinion I believe the Almighty is smiling when you set your thoughts to pen and paper. ❤️
Ed S - October 13, 2017 6:25 pm
Dearest Sean,
I know the parable of the Good Samaritan and had recently thought of one with the president’s motorcade, Joel Osteen and a Muslim. Yours is far, far better. You always bring me to tears. Thank you so much.
Laurie - October 13, 2017 6:29 pm
Love and receive from all your stories, please stay in your path.
Ashley - October 13, 2017 7:37 pm
Don’t listen to those IDIOTS. I DISPISE IDIOTS DON’T YOU SEAN?
Regiena Berry - October 13, 2017 8:04 pm
Sean,dont be dismayed by “that” letter, hopefully someone will open his blind eyes. I enjoy your writing so much, look forward to it every morning. It is easy to discern the love in your heart for the Lord and for your fellow man. Keep up the good work. Regiena
Linda Chipman - October 13, 2017 8:08 pm
Some days I read your blog and just can’t find the words to express how much I like what you write. Just keep doing it.
Amy - October 13, 2017 8:23 pm
Dear Sean,
Please ignore the criticism from those who understand only words directly from the Bible, but don’t recognize a heart that has been changed by it and shares it in a way that isn’t common, but is more meaningful than a rote verse from the top of the head, rather than from the bottom of the heart.
You have style, sir. I wish I had half of it. Keep up the beautiful work, and keep touching the lives you are touching, here, there, and everywhere.
🙂
Didi - October 13, 2017 8:29 pm
TOUCHE’ ?
DannoNPCola - October 13, 2017 9:03 pm
Sean, My wife and I recently moved to PCola and found your well written and insightful blog. We love it and how you are able to capture the heart of the people you write about. I share many of them far and wide because they bring me joy and hope. Screw the haters and the naysayers, they will find preaching a Christian lifestyle doesn’t mean they are living it all too soon. Keep up the good work!
Ann Locke - October 13, 2017 9:14 pm
Enjoyed “your” story very much.
shouda - October 13, 2017 9:19 pm
Another story and so true. People are too quick to judge, no time to analyze, and too willing to ignore the obvious.
Ayn Pullin - October 13, 2017 9:30 pm
When those folks say ugly things about you…tell them to “eat dirt!” You are wonderful. I wish you were in my family.
kathi hill - October 13, 2017 9:40 pm
Hmmmm. This story sounds awfully familiar. And all too true. Sad. But thank God for the Samaraitins!
Cheryl Duncan - October 13, 2017 10:31 pm
Sean, Love your stories…sometimes supposed Christians are just an embarassment. As I told a supposed Christian the other day..I didn’t realize that Jesus was hiring judges.. evidently I missed the call..Keep up the good work…and it is definitely good work.
Bill King - October 13, 2017 10:56 pm
Good rendition of Jesus’ parable. Hey Sean, Jesus is the one we’ll report to, not all those letter writers. Only he knows what, or who, is inside our lives.
Mary Ellen Hall - October 13, 2017 11:41 pm
LOVE THIS, SEAN!!
Life can be SO VERY FRIGHTENING & CRUEL!!!
Yet, it ONLY takes ONE “ANGEL!!”
Jackie Goldstein - October 13, 2017 11:53 pm
Thank you Sean, for your wisdom and your heart and your courage. Your stories are always, at the very least, charming. But God (whomever or whatever s/he/it is) BLESS YOU for your courage at laying bare the hypocrisy that tries to masquerade as religion or Christianity or whatever.
June Pryor - October 13, 2017 11:56 pm
What is the rest of the sto ry?
Jan Hammac - October 14, 2017 1:13 am
My reply to you yesterday was not one of hate, Sean. Mine was one of genuine concern and love for your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He will never disappoint you, my friend.
Michael Hawke - October 14, 2017 2:22 am
And again; May God bless.
Linda Parker - October 14, 2017 2:29 am
I wanted to reply yesterday…did not see all the comments but I guess they forgot about the many ‘forgotten, unloved, socially unacceptable, “the least of these”, the hated, the unspiritual, law breaking” souls that Jesus loved. LOVED and touched. The night before he suffered for us- ALL of us, he admonished us to love one another, comparing it to the same as love for God the Father. Didn’t see anything about judging…just loving. guess they missed that, for we are ALL ‘the least of these”. That is what grace is all about..to ALL of us. I love your stories… Keep ’em coming! Linda
Kathy Burgess - October 14, 2017 3:32 am
There is a story about this in the Bible…it is called the Good Samaritan. Most people have at least heard of it, The young man on the bike was the Good Samaritan in this story. The others are the mean self-serving jerks, Just saying…
Gail - October 14, 2017 12:08 pm
Bless that young man’s heart for caring enough to truly help a stranger!! And Sean, the Lord knows our hearts. He knows how much love is in them. I doubt he’s impressed with legalities, but He loves a truly generous, loving heart. I’m sorry some people feel so ‘right’ that they can hurtfully judge others. I read your columns often, and am always impressed with your loving heart. So keep on pleasing the Lord with your stories of goodness!!!!
Laura - October 14, 2017 12:16 pm
I spoke too soon. This may be my favorite.
Phil Mitchell - October 14, 2017 2:36 pm
Sean, I was just introduced to your blog a couple of weeks ago and LOVE your posts. I grew up in GA in the 50s-early 70s and can relate. I apologize for those who aren’t acting very Christ-like to you, like some of those in your good Samaritan post today. I ask you to not judge the Christian faith by some of its supposed followers, but to look to the example of Christ as revealed in God’s Word.
If you’re ever in Dallas, I would love to have a cup of coffee with you or buy you lunch!
Karen T Irby (@KarenTIrby1) - October 14, 2017 4:02 pm
Dear Sean: I believe the “Almighty” is proud of the way you use His gift of storytelling. You lift up those whom most consider “less” and give them such beauty! Keep telling your stories, because we need to hear them, and because they lift us all up. God bless!
Roz barber - October 14, 2017 7:21 pm
Ignore those so called Christians. Keep writing. It is soul touching stuff.
revbigbaldguy - October 14, 2017 9:59 pm
Some folks will always try to murder the voice of reason, humility, truth, and joy. I personally know one man who was nailed to a tree for what he said. Funny thing, though; on the third day after his burial he refused to stay dead. Keep on being the voice of reason, humility, truth, and joy, Sean. Resurrection is a HOOT!
Kathy Daum - October 15, 2017 1:00 am
All you teach is the love of God. How can that be wrong. Blessings on you.
Kathy Daum - October 15, 2017 1:01 am
And actually you don’t teach; you tell stories.
Darlene - October 15, 2017 5:57 pm
Once again my one word…amen.
Annie - October 15, 2017 6:51 pm
I like your retelling of the Good Samaritan. Your messages have helped me on more days than I can count. Please don’t be discouraged about the people who write thoughtless, mean messages to you. They are unfortunate and need our prayers.
Cindy - October 22, 2017 9:28 pm
We need your voice in this country divided. All lives matter and so do your stories. Thanks for picking up your pen and telling the truth.
Susan Parker - November 17, 2017 9:12 am
I knew that story seemed familiar! Don’t ever sweat the haters, when Jesus confronted people with the original version of this story, they were not to crazy about it either, I expect. Don’t have any idea what you said yesterday that hacked anybody off, I read your stories all the time and cidn’t see anything out of whack. Keep right on going!!
Laura Davies - November 17, 2017 9:16 am
Sean, ignore ’em. I’ve been told that I’m going to hell many times because I’m not their brand of Christian. I’m a Mormon, you see, and I can’t even count the number of times people have been ugly to me because of it. They claim that I’m not Christian. Preachers have preached against my church from their pulpits and taught their congregations lies about my church. At 12, I was asked by a teacher at my school if, as a Mormon, I really believed in being eternally pregnant. When I told him that it was wrong, that we believe that God has provided a way for families to be together forever, not eternal pregnancy, he called me a liar because, “My pastor has been teaching us about y’all and he wouldn’t lie.”
Your faith is between you and God. And your stories have touched me and made my days a little better and smiles easier to come by. ‘Sides, anybody who couldn’t recognize the story of the good Samaritan in this last one probably needs to criticize less and read their Bible more.
Dianne - November 17, 2017 11:55 am
Sean, I’m so very blessed daily by your articles, Your a good man, and God has blessed you with eyes to see, a heart to feel and the words to remind us to use our eyes and hearts as you do. In my thoughts your a Christian because you walk the walk and share the talk with us. Thank you.
Gus - November 17, 2017 2:04 pm
You know the only 2 commandments in the New Testament? From what I read you cover them both very well. God bless you my friend.
Becky Russell - November 17, 2017 2:06 pm
Sean, yesterday’s story was one of my all time favorite. I read my favorites out loud to my husband…he can read but he likes it when I read to him and with him. ? God gave you a special gift…to see the beauty of simplicity in a complicated and confusing world. God just loves that about you…and I have no doubt you are one of His favorites!
Diane Rinaldi - November 17, 2017 4:38 pm
Let the truth you post convict ’em – or not. I wouldn’t mention their small little selves again. ?
Kjm - November 19, 2017 2:28 am
Thank you!