A Legacy of Joy

For the past two days I had the great privilege of hanging out with and getting to know one of the great sports icons of America: Meadowlark Lemon, the “Clown Prince of Basketball.” Meadowlark (yes, that’s his real name - actually he is Meadowlark Lemon III) won international fame as the star of the Harlem Globetrotters, the most beloved sports team in history. He has played more than 16,000 games in some 90 countries around the world.

Meadowlark was in town to speak at the South Hampton Roads Leadership Prayer Breakfast, a large regional prayer breakfast attended by local mayors, leaders from the police, fire, legal and military communities, as well as many wonderful citizens. Meadowlark became an ordained minister in 1986 and now travels the world to spread not only laughter from his basketball antics but the joy that comes from his faith.

As I spent time with him in a variety of settings, I was amazed at how people reacted to Meadowlark upon seeing him. I saw 40, 50, 60 year old (and older)men and
women become almost childlike upon meeting him. The common greeting was, “I saw you and the Globetrotters play in (Norfolk, Raleigh, Charlotte, New York City, Newark, Las Vegas, Alabama, Georgia were a few of the places named) when I was young. What a pleasure to meet you!” There were no reservations, no holding back when people met him - just pure joy. He brought back happy memories of childhood, special outings with mom, dad and friends. He brought joy.

A verse that Meadowlark shared reflected the theme of his life. John 15:11 “... so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

In my career I’ve observed the personal interaction with the public of dozens of famous people: political leaders, entertainers, religious leaders, sports figures and high level CEO’s. And while people are often excited to meet these people because of their celebrity, it was different with Meadowlark - it was like seeing a dear friend from childhood that you hadn’t seen in 30 years. There was pure joy on the faces of nearly everyone he met.

Thank you Meadowlark for spreading joy wherever you’ve gone for more than 50 years. You truly have built, “A legacy of Joy.”

A Day of Hope for Virginia and America

This morning I had the privilege of attending the launch of the Virginia Commonwealth Prayer Caucus on the steps of the Capitol in Richmond. What a glorious day - dazzling sunshine and a bright blue sky.

Today was also a day of encouragement for so many who have prayed for our nation to turn back to God. It was heartening to hear the top leaders of the Commonwealth: Governor Bob McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli speak passionately about the need for a return to prayer by our nation. It was also inspiring to see a strong contingent of state senators and delegates there to participate in the signing of the Call to Prayer, "asking Virginians everywhere to pray that God will continue to bless this country and the freedom for which it stands; and that He will continue to bless the Commonwealth of Virginia."

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God told King Solomon: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Today I witnessed hundreds of God's people, led by the top three office holders in the state, humbling themselves, praying and seeking God's forgiveness and blessing. A great movement has begun in our nation, "A Call to Prayer" that is being led by Congressmen Randy Forbes (R-VA) and Mike McIntyre (D-NC), co-chairs of the Congressional Prayer Caucus. Already state legislators in Mississippi, Colorado, North Carolina and Kentucky are preparing to join Virginia with a prayer caucus in their states.

This is not a political movement or a social movement - but a spiritual movement fueled by people anxious to see our nation return to the Judeo-Christian heritage that helped us to become the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

(photo by Nancy Green)