Words In Honor of Jeff Dallas, USMA 1985

(This memorial presentation was offered by Samuel D. Jackson at the Celebration of Life for Jeff Dallas, USMA 1985, in Columbus, OH on 17 February 2016 in the presence of Jeff's family, Classmates of USMA 1985, colleagues of the Ohio State Patrol, and friends.)

I am humbled and privileged to stand where a thousand others could stand to pay honor and tribute to my West Point classmate Jeff Dallas.  Rarely does a human being’s journey on earth command such notice, such regard and such respect.  Jeff and I served in different companies and regiments during our West Point experience, but his stature and bearing command one’s attention just as his smile, warmth and humility commanded one’s affection. 

It is regretful that it is often only in the death of a loved one that the true breadth and depth of the impact of their lives becomes known.  When the news of Jeff’s earthly departure spread among the members of our class, countless spontaneous accounts of acts of Jeff’s kindness, help and support began to surface.  They seemed to come to light by the hour with classmate after classmate sharing story after story of how years after our time spent as cadets, Jeff had gone beyond what was hoped for or expected to embrace, encourage and assist a classmate, family member or connected friend with an act of service, assistance and love. 

Perhaps what is most clear about Jeff from the day he arrived at West Point until his far too soon appointment with eternity is his determination to make the most of the opportunities afforded him in this life.  He made the most of the gifts, talents and abilities given him and sought EVERY opportunity to use those gifts with joy, courage, excellence and consistency.

There are many words that could describe this wonderful man we had the privilege to know.  Among those that touch my heart most deeply when I think of Jeff are these: 

Classmate, Husband, Father, Friend, Brother.  Nevertheless, as one whose own life was forever transformed by a once in a lifetime experience along the banks of the Hudson River, 3 magnificent words will always define Jeff, as they have defined every honorable person who has had an encounter with this esteemed and hallowed place: Those three words encapsulate the essence of who Jeff is and the reasons we stand together today to celebrate his life – Duty, Honor, Country. 

These words are not just a motto nor are they a sentimental reflection we call upon during times of solemnity and grief.  They represent the core convictions of people like Jeff, who believe they were placed on this planet for something more self-fulfillment, and that they were born with the purpose of serving a greater cause – a greater good that by the force of its importance would outlive them even when their work was done.

We celebrate Jeff’s exemplary life devoted to his DUTY! Duty recognizes one’s obligations - obligations not seen as burdens of performance, but rather embraced as opportunities to serve the needs of the times beyond oneself, beyond personal fulfilment, and beyond personal recognition. Though it be in obscurity and self-denial, duty is fulfilled that others might benefit and that the nation and goodness might live.

We pay homage to Jeff’s HONOR! Honor stands as the pillar of virtue to which we must cling and the virtue that demands that we always do what is right! We live with honor not out of self-promotion or self-glorification, but from a steely-eyed commitment to righteousness and all that is good, so that evil will not prevail and so that justice might reign supreme.

We remember Jeff’s excellent service to his COUNTRY! Our affection for this nation is not a cold acknowledgment of territorial borders but a burning, soul-deep love for and allegiance to the PEOPLE of this nation comingled with an unquenchable desire to serve and protect the inhabitants of our land all the days of our lives.

These 3 HOLY words were completely and powerfully fulfilled in an amazing and wonderful man named Jeffrey Dallas – my classmate. Let us honor him by remembering the standard of service he has exemplified for us and by pursuing the accolade he now has received from the One Who made Him and gave him to us. Let it be said - WELL DONE!!!

Hope Community Church - Poised To Make A Difference

In a challenging world, in the midst of challenging times, there is a crucial need for people who are ready to serve God and others.  Hope Community Church is a local congregation comprised of such people!  It is Hope’s mission to take on the challenges of our times with a message of Jesus’ love to minister to people from every culture and ethnic group that it can, backed by powerful, practical demonstrations of that love in ways that make a difference in our community and beyond.  Just who makes up Hope Church and what makes these people believe they can really make a difference?

Hope Community Church, Racine, Inc. was officially recognized as a non-profit organization by the state of Wisconsin on May 27, 2015.  It has received full non-profit status and possesses all the rights and privileges of a Southern Baptist affiliated congregation.  These privileges include full tax-exempt status, and the ability to minister fully and formally in any capacity it feels called to serve.

With a mind on strategic success, Hope has built a team of key ministry partners who are already investing resources in its formation and growth.  Who are these partners?  They are people and organizations who believe in Hope’s mission and are willing to back that belief with practical, financial and material support!  Among the strong and established ministry partners walking alongside Hope are these: The Lakeland Baptist Association, The Minnesota/Wisconsin Baptist Convention, Grace Church of Racine, WI, Youth For Christ of Southeast Wisconsin, Angelstone Ministries and The Navigators.  These partners have provided Hope with resources such as funding, grants, building usage, personnel usage, and equipment. These partnerships have enabled Hope to begin its ministry with strength, confidence and decisive action.

Hope is not only strong through external partnerships, but benefits from a strong and committed internal core, comprised of professionals from every aspect of life. This group’s commitment has established Hope to be a church that makes a difference.  After months of introductory gatherings, Hope has grown in the number of people attending each meeting and in the resources it has to apply towards ministry. 

Hope’s heart to make a difference can be seen in its drive to extend hands of compassion to those in need, both locally and globally.  Hope has already reached out through Thanksgiving and Christmas projects to encourage local families who were not benefactors of other assistance. It has also partnered with the Southeast Wisconsin Youth for Christ ministry in an outreach that began at Christmas and will continue for the foreseeable future. This outreach is designed to assist very young, single high school mothers and their families.

Through a partnership with Angelstone Ministries – a non-profit, mission organization - Hope also ministers to needs of people in tremendously challenging circumstances in the Philippines and India, contributing to projects that have provided hunger relief, community development and the promotion of education. Projects include the construction of a new school, and the establishment of businesses and the initiation of community services.

Though Hope is young and might appear - at a glance - to be an upstart church, it is led by people with extensive experience in starting new churches and filled with highly skilled and professional people who are energized by new opportunities to reach out and serve others.  Pastor Sam Jackson and his wife Luz, have over 50 years of combined ministry experience in reaching the poor and starting new ministries. They have begun new work in 2 major cities within the United States – Cleveland, Ohio and Detroit, Michigan -  as well as internationally.  In each ministry setting to which they have been called to start a new work, they have gathered, organized, and directed people into an effective, self-sustaining, congregational body that impacts their community for the good.  

In Cleveland, their place of service was located in one of that city’s most dangerous communities, with very limited support. In time, the Jacksons had formed a coalition for ministry that led to the establishment of one of the most effective hunger relief programs in the city at the time, assisting over one thousand people a month in hunger related needs.  The church they established and led also saw the transformation of scores of individuals who went from being besieged by significant social challenges and cyclical dependence to becoming producers and contributors who themselves reached out to help others.  Beginning with few initial resources, the Jacksons in partnership with the Southern Baptist Convention and other agencies, led in the establishment of a healthy, growing and effective congregation and other associated ministries.

In Metro Detroit, the Jacksons established a Multicultural Congregation that consisted of a membership with over a score of nationalities and backgrounds represented.  Similar to the start of Hope, the Eastside Community Church began with about a dozen individuals and saw its membership surge within its first few years, even partnering with the local and nationwide Southern Baptist Convention to establish and assist other congregations.  Eastside continues to be a powerful source of help in a community that has been sorely tested by economic hardship.  It is in Detroit that the Jacksons established and partnered with Angelstone Ministries – a partnership which led to extensive ministry within the local school system of Harper Woods, and led to the congregation being recognized as the most effective congregation for outreach in the denomination in the state of Michigan!

With this kind of experience and more under their belts, the Jacksons are qualified and prepared to lead Hope Community Church in Racine, Wisconsin.  They have served locally for over six years and have built strong relationships with their ministry partners, having served on staff with Grace Church for the majority of that time, and having built a good reputation among various community organizations including the Philippine American Society of Kenosha and the Filipino American Association of Racine County – organizations that have recognized and contributed to the ministry partner, Angelstone, and organizations that have expressed a deep interest in continuing to partner with Hope Community Church.

Hope is indeed poised to make a difference. Hope is blessed with the compassion and the drive to serve and the determination to make a difference. With the resources, partnerships, and experience involved in our church’s circle of partnership, we believe the future is bright and the potential for growth is strong. Why this place, why this church and why reach out to those who are hurting and need help the most?  Because our society and community need it! 

It is our conviction that Hope Community Church’s promise and vision for the future, supported by caring and determined individuals, is helping to establish it as a dedicated and effective platform for ministry for this region and beyond!  Please check out our website at:

                                www.thereshoperacine.com

In Christ’s Love,

Samuel D. Jackson

Pastor

Hope Community Church

                             

                               www.thereshoperacine.com

The Manhood Test - A Valentine Story

A dear friend who was a witness to my total and utter immersion into the cavernous and unrelenting love that has characterized my feelings for Luz since the moment I met her, asked me to recount an event at our wedding that went unseen by most, but was very much felt by me. 

The Veil and Cord Ceremony conducted at Filipino weddings serves as a wonderful illustration of the presence and blessing of the Lord in the purity of marriage and symbol of the loving unity that marriage was meant to produce. Luz and I were blessed to have experienced this tradition as a part of our wedding. One slight miscalculation on the part of those who placed the veil and cord around us, gave me a strong but unintended illustration of endurance and perseverance marriage requires as well. 

As the veil was placed around my shoulders and Luz’s head, the sponsors were very conscientious to do their very best to make sure that neither symbol slipped off. As they fulfilled their duties, I suddenly noticed a great deal of discomfort in my shoulder as If I had been stung by a bee or wasp. As I made a hasty appraisal of my situation, I quickly realized that the veil had actually been pinned to the trapezius muscle of my shoulder itself, not just my Barong Tagalog, or traditional Filipino shirt! In my desire to be a real man for my bride, I then surmised that my sticking was one last test, designed to try my love in a way that wasn’t visible to the congregation and family, but was all too obvious to me. This test would be seen by the wedding party and a few insiders, and would prove beyond a doubt I was willing to pay any price and face unplanned obstacles and discomfort as a husband and father. In my mind, I couldn’t just pass this test, I had to max it! So, I smiled, put on a thoughtful face and avoided giving even a clue that I was at all fazed by this trial of manhood. 

When the ceremony was over, and the veil and cord had been removed, I whispered to Luz and asked if she was proud of my performance in passing the test? She looked at me curiously and asked “What test?” “You know.” I replied, and explained what had just happened and how I had endured it all with distinction and honor! Luz almost bent over double laughing. “That was no test!” She chuckled. “They were probably really nervous and just stuck the pin too deep so that the veil wouldn't come off! Manhood Test! You are SOOO funny!” 

It seemed that though I had failed impressed my new bride with my masculinity, I had succeeded in entertaining her with my stupidity. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but laugh myself. Looking back on that day, amidst many ups and downs and trials and victories, I have still continued to find myself laughing with joy some 20 years later. I have also learned a few lessons, among them being this bit of truth - while you may make a fool of yourself thinking you’re doing something noble, manly and brave to prove your love, in your failure you may achieve something much sweeter and more enduring – bringing the one you love incredible joy and exposing a heart that is faithful, devoted, and willing to face any obstacle for the sake of a love that is beyond measure and without shame. When you really consider it, what could be manlier than that? Lots of love and Happy Valentine's Day! Until next time...

Sam.

Now Is The Time To Say, "I Love You!"

This particular picture has stayed on my mind for the past week. It is one of the last pictures of the three of us together as a family.  There were several years remaining until Ma made her eternal transition,  but there weren't many family pictures afrer this one. 



I am sure we didn't consider that this would be such a final record at the time the photo was taken, and I had no clue about the life struggles that awaited us. Through it all, the picture reminds me of the importance of letting your love for your family be known while it can be heard and appreciated.  



My mother frequently told me with her voice that she loved me. Her voice resonates in my heart and her embrace warms me to my soul, though they have been physically silenced and removed in death.  My father frequently and easily verbally told me that he loved me, hugged and kissed me in public, even in uniform and never shied from expressing his feelings towards me. That too is a tremendous comfort as dementia has stolen his ability to easily express himself, and I must strain to see glimpses of a stream where a river once mightily flowed. 



Why express these sentiments this evening?  Because today, you need to tell your family and friends that you love them. You must build memories because life can rob opportunities that only memories can restore.  I know my father loved me because for 46 years, he told me so. Now that his mind is betraying him, I trust the heart he so readily shared when he was in command of his own faculties.  My mom's voice is totally stilled.  Her love beats in my heart and the hearts of the grandchildren and daughter-in-law she loved so well and so openly.



So open your mouth! Open your arms! Open your heart! Don't wait until tomorrow to say "I love you!" Say it now! You're building up a savings for the future that those who follow you will need to be able to collect!



I love you all my friends. You need not doubt it, because you've read that I said it!



Blessings on you! Now get to loving!



Your friend and Brother, 

Sam Jackson

Missing Georgia

Georgia is on my mind every day, but especially today, for what would've been my mother's 77th Birthday.  Ma has been gone for almost 20 years, and it seemed she left  much too soon. 

No one has impacted my life as much as this woman. She had an excruciating early childhood, being orphaned along with her sisters and for a time before their rescue, severely abused. As a result, she always struggled in the shadows of her mind with believing that she was loved. 

This nagging doubt, however, didn't stop her from loving me - her "Ponderosa" as she sometimes called me - because like Ben Cartwright's ranch was to him, I was her "Big Spread!"  Her early pain and struggle also didn't make her mean or bitter. She was sweet, courageous, kind, and generous with the love she gave to others. 

She was brilliant, and taught me the art of written and spoken communication from the "Old School ways" that produced many great black leaders of days gone by. 

She possessed unwavering faith that prepared me for the possibility of her early departure - a faith so rigorous that the doctor who tried to save her as she died, was shaken as she tried to save him and asked to attend her funeral.  A faith so deep that she knew beyond a doubt that the God she had trusted and Who sustained her as a small child when her mother departed, could certainly sustain me as a man after her journey Home. 

I know that when I mention Dad, she is pleased, but I  have been remiss in not mentioning the woman who taught me to be a man, and who shaped my spiritual formation while the man in our home was away. 

Ray Charles' "Old, Sweet" and haunting strains remind most people of a great State, but for me, they keep my one true Georgia forever on my mind!

A Change Has Come

My Dear Friends,

As 2015 draws to a close and 2016 starts afresh, I am excited to write to you for the 1st time exclusively as the pastor of this body of believers called Hope.  It is my commitment to serve you as your brother in Christ - one who is called to teach, encourage, support, uplift, guide, help, love and lead for the glory of God and the benefit of His Kingdom work!

Luz and I are ready and primed to do the Lord’s work in our community and world by reaching out to those who need to hear the Word about Christ. We are also ready to serve those already committed to follow Jesus to grow in the knowledge of God to the highest measure and to assist all in putting their gifts to work to the fullest extent that Hope Church might be strengthened and the lost might be reached.

We believe God has great plans for Hope Church – not temporal plans to make us great, but eternal plans to touch lives through faithfully living for Christ, that those who do not know Him might see Christ in us and truly understand that He is the Hope of glory!  We invite you all to enthusiastically reach out to your friends and acquaintances, asking them to join us in our endeavors so that they might hear a word about Jesus and see His love lived out in spirit and in truth among us.

We further invite you to walk alongside us as we seek to follow Christ and to demonstrate what we believe by how we live our daily lives.  Join us, as we pray, study, work and serve, seeking to grow daily to be more like Jesus by loving God with all we are and have and loving others with all the grace and strength that God provides!

Thank you for all of the love, encouragement, support and devoted friendship you have shown! They are precious treasures to us – treasures that motivate us to give our all in all that we do for the Lord and for you!  Please call, email, text, grab us or message at any time –  we would love to hear from you - know that we are here to serve!

There is now no more waiting!  This is the hour we’ve been waiting for!  Today, we press on in faith and obedience in Jesus Name!  He’s our Rock! He’s our Fortress! He’s our Deliverer! In Him we do trust! Praise God for the opportunity to live for Him and to see Him glorified in our lives as the fellowship known as Hope Community Church!

Your Brother in Christ and Pastor,

Samuel D. Jackson

Don't Wait to Encourage Others

This week, I learned of the unexpected death of a comrade and mourned anew for the recent passing of a dear friend.  Though any of us can leave this life at any time, I am now at a stage of life where parents are entering their eternal rest, having lived full lives and blessed many along the way, even as others pass unexpectedly as an sudden or unobserved malady leads to their earthly demise.  This eventuality of death awaits us all, and marches on with mechanical coldness and unrelenting certainty. Nevertheless, my faith gives me the hope of eternal life and the resurrection of the just, but one must somehow deal with the eventuality of death.

Considering this inconvenient truth, we are often tempted to be philosophical.  That is not my purpose of writing on this day.  Hebrews 3:13 exhorts us to, "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called 'Today,' so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."  "Encourage one another day after day."  Let me encourage each of you to take the time to reach out and encourage someone who's been on your mind - today! Make the phone call. Send the text.  Drop by and treat a friend for lunch.  Give that buddy a hug!  "Life is hard and then you die" or so the saying goes!  That gives each of us a perfect excuse to take the time to encourage a friend - now!  If they're on your mind, let them know.  If you feel the need to connect, what's stopping you?  If they don't pick up, leave a message - not just your name and number - a message!  Tell them you were thinking about them.  Tell them you love them. Tell them you're there for them!

I doubt that I'll be the last one standing of my generation.  Nevertheless, while I'm breathing, the world in which I live and my friends who live in it, deserve my best!  They need to hear my voice, see my messages, and receive my encouragement.  It may not cure what ails them, but just maybe in will stir them up as they fight the good fight!

Be a friend!  Encourage others!  Use you voice and your gifts to be a blessing.  Work to bless others while you can!  The time to enter a long, long rest will come soon enough - for each of us!

See you along the trail of encouragement!

Your Friend,

Sam