Tommy Mann

I read about a commuter named Dean Niferatos who was riding the transit bus in Chicago. It was the middle of the afternoon and most of the passengers seemed out of it, tired from a day of work, shopping, or running errands. Some of the people had their eyes closed and were trying to get a few minutes of rest.   At one particular stop three people boarded the bus. They must have been frequent patrons of this bus because the driver recognized them immediately and made an announcement to the other riders: “Everybody watch your valuables. Some pickpockets just got on board.” The trio didn’t hesitate, but jumped right back off the bus. The driver’s warning got everyone’s attention, as they began to clutch their briefcases and shopping bags, pulling them closer to their person.  If we aren’t careful we can become like those travelers, lulled to sleep by the sounds of the city, feeling safe and secure. We nod off, leaving our valuables exposed to any would-be bandits who can execute ...

  In Washington State a 17-year-old would be thief decided to vandalize a Louis Vuitton store. This was going to be his first heist, so perhaps he was a little nervous. Security cameras caught the whole thing: the masked teenager frantically grabbing as many of the high-priced bags as he could, stuffing them into a larger bag, and then bolting for the exit. That’s when he made a critical mistake that led to his capture. He sprinted towards the glass doors that stood between him and a clean getaway, but he ran into the doors. Either he didn’t see the glass (hats off the to the custodian) or he thought it would open automatically. Either way, he ran into the glass so hard that he knocked himself unconscious, and was still out cold when the police came and cuffed him.  This young man fell into his own trap. He was so focused on making a speedy exit that he literally ran into the exit. And of course, if he weren’t breaking the law, he would not have had any problems.  In the ...

The Florida Gators put together a memorable March Madness tournament as they clinched the national championship. Although they were ranked as a #1 seed, they trailed in multiple games late in the second half, including being down 6 to UConn, 9 to Auburn, and 12 to Houston in the final game.   During the final media timeouts, which occurs when there are four minutes left, Florida seemed to find another gear in the form of senior guard Walter Clayton, Jr. Clayton stepped up throughout the tournament, making big shot after big shot. He was the epitome of clutch, the guy you want to have the ball in his hands when time is running out and you need a big play.  The team had confidence in Clayton because he had confidence in himself. He is only human, and will certainly miss shots in the future, but I can’t help but think about someone who is even more faithful.  Speaking of the Lord in Psalm 91, the anonymous author said, “He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings...

Did you know a former President once sued a newspaper reporter and won a judgment? Theodore Roosevelt brought a libel suit against Geroge Newett from the   Ishpeming Iron Ore   because of repeated articles about Teddy’s drunkenness. Roosevelt called a list of dignitaries to testify in his defense that he was, at worst, moderate in his habits. Among those who testified were former Secretary of State Robert Bacon, Admiral George Dewey, and son of another President, James Garfield.   Roosevelt won his suit and was awarded the full judgment he sought, the minimum under Michigan law, six cents.  Why would someone go through the trouble of a lawsuit, and asking bigwigs to come testify, for the paltry sum of six cents? The action clearly wasn’t about the money, but about clearing his name. This story is the epitome of what Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” The ex-president could have asked th...