Marshall Ramsey

“You know Jesus?”

The man looked up at the stranger who blocked his path as he tried to exit the hospital. He gazed at him with bloodshot eyes as he gave him an answer. “I’ve spoken to Him a few times. But I never got an answer.”

The stranger tried to say something but the man cut him off, “but son, when you get to be my age, you realize that He doesn’t have to answer you. You just need Him to listen. Someone who truly loves you will do that. But I’m sure you know that. You seem to have all the answers.”

In his hand he held a cross on a chain. It had belonged to his late wife, who had died earlier that day in the ICU. He brushed past the proselytizing stranger and into the cold rain.

I read a great metaphor for the brain and its development. When we are young, the brain is like a field of freshly fallen snow. Over time, we develop ruts from the paths we take — particularly when we are young. If that path involved trauma, then you will continue to unconsciously follow that path (because it is much easier than walking through deep snow, right?)

The brain, which is an energy hog, always looks for shortcuts.

The challenge is to create new, better paths — which is possible — and take those paths until they become the easy routes. Therapy, medication, exercise, journaling, meditation — there are lots of ways to create new paths. But they all involve doing the work and pushing against what is “easy.” That can be hard. I can tell you from experience that walking through snow is exhausting. So give yourself some grace. Be focused with purpose and lead with love.

You’ve got this.

Ben and Erin Napier, the stars of HGTV’s hit show Home Town, were on the stage last night, receiving a well-deserved award from the Community Foundation of Northwest Museum. If there is a line for Ben & Erin fans, I’d do my best to be toward the front. They are, as my grandmother would say, good folks. Sure, I like what they do on television — Home Town is a fun show to watch and their chemistry on screen is fantastic. But my admiration is deeper than just “cool, they are celebrities.” I like them as people and respect them professionally. Juggling a career, helping spark a town’s revival, keeping a marriage going and raising small children while being in a white-hot public spotlight is a Herculean task.

They do it well.

I got to say hello to them briefly while they were eating (for the record it is the second time I have interrupted them while eating — which makes me feel a little guilty.) There were over 1,000 people in the room last night and I’m sure all of them would have liked to have a minute of their time — so I tried to be brief. I introduced them to my wife Amy and my youngest son. A few months ago, I had the privilege of interviewing them; it was like talking to old friends.

There were a couple of things that they said in the interview and I think Ben repeated some of it last night reminded me why I respect them so much.

1. Erin (in the interview) said you can complain about a problem or you can do something about it. I’d say, judging by Laurel’s incredible transformation, her word is good. She is a force of nature.
2. Ben said that everything that they have achieved wasn’t part of the plan. I think that is important to remember — to pay attention and take the gifts life gives you and run with them. And do the work. (Their daily schedule is full!)
3. Erin wrote a daily blog about the good things in her life — and in time, it led to a producer contacting them about doing the show. It’s a reminder to make gratitude a habit.

Watching the news is, at best, depressing. But last night reminded me that if you see a problem, don’t complain about it; do something to make it better. Remember to do the work and make the most out of opportunities that are handed to you. Make sure you take a little time everyday to be grateful for what you have. And leave your hometown a better place than you found it.