Lost leg, gained wings

[chaplain220]

I think we all need to remember that as roadracers we are different from many other people, and like it or not, there comes with this difference an ability to make a powerful impact in the lives of others.  The reality is, second only to jet fighter pilots and other elite members of our military, we are some of the most dynamic examples of an adventuresome life that most young people get to see, and unlike the heroes of our military, we, and our racing machines are very accessible to the public.  So here's some recent pics of what has been goin on behind the scenes.

During the CCS races at Daytona last month, two van loads of rough-n-tumble foster kids rolled up to watch the races.  I stumbled across em, then talked to a few of you, and we rode our bikes right out to the stands at the horseshoe along with our gear, and for the next hour watched as the scowls and feigned disinterest turned into smiles and excitement.  Talking to em about life and doin whats right, even when your own parents let ya down, I even saw one of the racers talking to one of the little kids, who put his arm around him and gave him a hug.  We got a letter from the foster authority, instead of wanna be gang-bangers, there are now 20 incorrigible roadracers chompin at the bit.  In fact, since Daytona, hundreds of young men have heard about hope, moral values and what it means to be real men, from the saddles of our race bikes.



Track day yesterday at Jennings, I was hangin with da boyz trying to encourage a few of em, when there was a surprise visit from CCS's own Nate Kern.  He dropped his bike in our pit and spent his whole day risking the newbs to ride with em, teach em some lines and let them see some technique.





There were a few bros from the rough ryderz, (I don't know if I spelled that right), there as well, and one of em was sitting on his CBR...with one leg!  I asked how he lost his leg, to which he replied, "Lost?"  He said that he was a bad kid, that I wouldn't even understand how bad he was.  One day, while watching an illegal street race in Miami, a car lost control which took his leg when he was 19.  "But now I have a beautiful wife and 4 children," then tapping his bike, he said, "God took my leg, and gave me wings."



With the holidays approaching and the economy in rough shape, most of us think along the lines of "what have we lost", instead of "the good things we still have."  I'm honored to race with you on the track, and I am daily amazed to learn of all the good things that are happening when you pull on the leathers and ride so someone else can have a podium finish.  From opening up your garages for wrenching and chain cleaning nights, meeting some bros at events, even riding the bikes into your local hospital or church youth group, get involved in the lives of others.  People often ask me why God doesnt send an answer to prayers, He does, He sends you!  Right now our nation's youth need some superheroes, and you are about the closest thing I can think of...no capes.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, #220 

[Super Dave]

People often ask me why God doesnt send an answer to prayers, He does, He sends you!

Awesome.  Yes, I agree!

You have a great Thanksgiving, and a blessed Veteran's Day!

[2old2fat2slow]

Great post Art!!!! Warms my heart to see the progress you are making with your two wheeled ministry. You are definately making a difference in the lives of a lot of kids that would otherwise surely take the wrong path. Happy Thanksgiving right back at you brother. We think of you often and look forward to seeing you and your family in Feb. May God bless you in your mission.

[Cowboy 6]

Wish I could have been there as well.

[PJ721]

Art..

you have a true gift

I've been going through some rather tough times this year....lost my job....lost my father in an auto accident (he got hit by
another driver that crossed the median) - wife just had her 3rd surgery to repair damage to her arm from a fall last
December...and will be going through months of rehab on it....

your words make me realize how lucky each of us really are.

Thank you for being YOU!

[Jeff]

What an awesome post.  Thank you for sharing and thanks for what you do...

[chaplain220]

Paul, it is not the good times, but the most difficult and painful trials, which define us and build us into the men who can lead our families and encourage others.  The Bible refers to them as "fiery trials", in fact, contrary to the sunshine message that many preach, most of what God tells us has to do with the suffering that will happen during this physical life, and then He reminds us that even He suffered the loss of a Son, so that you will know you are not alone during the tough times, and that there is hope, to keep us sane and throttled open for the next curve in life.  Prayin for the fam, pm'd also. 

[PJ721]

.....Art thank you for the inspiring words....and the prayers