This week the story of Ted Williams, a homeless man from Columbus, Ohio, erupted into an overnight media sensation. Through the power of YouTube and multiple videos his story has reached viral levels. For those of you not familiar with the word, viral, in association with a video, it’s a term used to describe a video which is viewed millions of times in a short span. Less than 24 hours ago I heard this story for the first time. The most watched video was still under 3 million views. Before heading to bed last night, I showed the video to my daughter Briana, and it was over 9 million views. When I woke up today, it was over 11 million.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to be Ted Williams. On Monday, he was standing by a road in Columbus panhandling. This morning he was on multiple national TV news shows. He’s received so many job offers, he having difficultly deciding which one to take.
The Ted Williams story has captured the attention of people because he clearly has an amazing radio voice, described as “golden” by some. It’s a gift Ted says he’s been given by God and early in his life he went to school to develop this gift. Then his life was derailed by drugs, alcohol and criminal activity to sustain his addictions. Now, at 53 years old it appears as though he’s being given a “second chance.” It will be interesting to see how this story plays out. I know I, for one, will be watching.
Reflecting on this story reminds me of God’s GRACE. How many times has God given us a “second chance”? I know, for me, I’ve been on the receiving end of his “grace upon grace.” John writes (1:16 NAS) “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” It seems like there are times when there is a question or confusion, whether we should extend grace to someone. I am thinking of grace in the context of forgiveness, second chances, patience, covering a multitude of sins, etc. We may hesitate to extend grace because we’re thinking it’s time for “tough love” or “speaking the truth in love” or “laying down the law.” We may be concerned that extending grace is allowing someone to take advantage of us, or enabling them to continue in sin or making wrong choices. There are times when it’s not always so clear what we need to do.
A couple of simple thoughts may help you to know what to do: One, let love lead you. Two, always make grace your first response. Three, give grace because you need grace. Four, seek to please the God of grace with your actions and reactions to others. Five, be grace-full in all you do.
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