Muhammad Ali another one of my mentors;

wasn’t just a fighter—he was a recipe mixed by heaven’s hands.

A few cups of love.

A tablespoon of patience.

A teaspoon of generosity.

A quart of laughter and a pinch of concern.

He folded in faith, stirred in joy, and spread it wide across the world.

In every fight, every rhyme, every stand—Ali served us greatness on the plate of humanity.

May 27 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“Today, I remembered that calm is possible—because Christ is on the throne.”

“He is seated at the right hand of the Father.” —Nicene Creed

“Jesus Christ… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” —Romans 8:34

Spiritual Message:

Let nothing disturb you.

Let nothing frighten you.

All things are passing away—God never changes.

Patience obtains all things.

Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

—St. Teresa of Ávila

There’s something about those words that stills the storm inside me.

We live in a world of constant motion—fear, noise, division.

But truth like this doesn’t age. It anchors.

Jesus isn’t pacing—He’s seated.

At the right hand of the Father, reigning in love, ruling in wisdom, and praying for us with perfect understanding.

He’s not shaken by the markets, the headlines, or the noise in the streets.

He’s not campaigning. He’s already crowned.

Personal Reflection:

I’ve had moments when the world felt too loud and too fast for my soul to keep up.

I tried to control what wasn’t mine to hold.

I let my peace depend on my circumstances—and I paid the price.

There was a season when I carried too much: other people’s expectations, my past mistakes, even God’s job description.

But the throne reminded me: Sugar Bear, it’s not about you—it’s about Him.

He reigns. He intercedes. And that’s more than enough.

Encouragement:

Now I want to try to sell you on something—not a product, but a posture.

Wake up each morning and whisper this:

“Lord, may Your words be my words.”

Let that prayer guide your steps, shape your speech, and protect your peace.

Let it hold you steady when the world starts to shake.

So next time the world feels like it’s spinning off its axis, breathe deep and remember what St. Teresa already knew:

God alone suffices.

Peace isn’t found in understanding everything—it’s found in trusting the One who holds everything.

God bless you and this ministry!

 Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825–1911)

Contribution: Poet, lecturer ,Advocated for Reconstruction amendments and Black women’s full inclusion in the American promise.

When I discovered "Learning to Read "by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, I realized that literacy wasn’t just about letters—it was a key that opened every locked door of dignity and destiny.

Her life taught me that to read is to rise, and to keep reading is to keep becoming—what a mentor she remains to my spirit.

May 28 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“Today, I ended the month not with answers, but with abiding peace.”

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” —2 Thessalonians 3:16

“I believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” —Nicene Creed

Personal Reflection:

Some months rush by like a race; others feel like a storm.

This one? It was a little of both. But here I stand—not because I figured everything out, but because grace carried me.

Looking back, I see footprints beside mine I didn’t notice at the time—moments when Christ held me up, whispered through Scripture, spoke through others, or simply reminded me to rest.

I’ve been crucified with Christ… and that means I don’t measure success by perfection, but by presence—His presence in me.

And that presence brings peace: not as the world gives, but as only the risen, reigning, returning Christ can.

Closing Encouragement:

Faithful children of God, here’s how we close this month:

Not with fear.

Not with regret.

But with a whisper and a promise:

“Lord, You are enough. Your peace is my anchor. Your resurrection is my hope. Your Spirit is my fire.”

So as we walk forward, we don’t need clarity—we need Christ.

And with Him, we have everything.

God bless you and this ministry. Amen!

 Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“Don’t let mission drift steal your calling.”

Last night in our Braver Angels gathering, I shared a word about something quiet—but dangerous: mission drift. Whether in faith communities or civic movements, we must remain vigilant. Over time, we can forget why we started. We get busy. We get pulled in new directions. And little by little, we lose the very mission that once ignited us.

Braver Angels has a calling: to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.

We don’t aim to convert views—we aim to change how we see and speak to each other.

That sacred calling is fueled by workshops, LAPP skills (Listen, Acknowledge, Pivot, Perspective), and a host of programs: Braver U courses, structured debates, our schools initiative, Ambassador training, and local alliances etc...

These aren’t just tools—they’re spiritual disciplines in disguise. They teach us patience. They build humility. They draw out courage and community where bitterness once ruled.

Mission drift isn’t just a Braver Angels concern—it’s a church concern too. When the gospel is softened to avoid offense… when giving replaces going… when programs replace prayer… the Church veers from its call. As Peter Greer warned, “It’s not if we are drifting, but where are we drifting?”

So how do we hold the line?

Define the mission—write it, repeat it, rally around it.

Stay humble—we all drift, but humility lets us recalibrate.

Abide in Christ—our vine, our source, our steady hand (John 15:4).

Build teams of mission keepers—those who serve not for ego, but eternity.

When we worship, do you hear both Law and Gospel?

Jesus said, “Seek first the Kingdom…” (Matt. 6:33). And the early Church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and prayer (Acts 2:42). That’s our model. That’s our map.

Let’s not lose our way. In Braver Angels and in the Body of Christ, let’s keep the mission in view—and the cross at the center.

God bless you and this ministry!

 May 30 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“Today, I remembered that joy multiplies when I give it away.”

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” —2 Corinthians 9:7

Spiritual Reflection:

At a recent Braver Angels conversation, someone asked: Do we need a Christian revival? I paused.

My answer was simple: It depends—are we reviving for God, or for man? God is the revival.

Not the crowd. Not the music. Not the preacher’s energy or the politics of the moment.

Revival isn’t when we get louder—it’s when we get lower.

You see, if revival is just noise, a political badge, or a campaign to be seen—it’s already dead. But if it begins on our knees, in the quiet place where cheerful giving and faithful obedience take root—then yes, we need it more than ever.

Because true revival isn’t measured by crowds or headlines. It’s measured by the cheerful givers who serve from grace, not guilt.

At Braver Angels, we model that spirit. We give our time, our listening, our patience. And when it’s cheerful—God multiplies it.

Jesus didn’t give under obligation—He gave from love. The cross was not forced. It was the overflow of a heart surrendered. And when we, too, give like that—with open hands and willing hearts—we reflect the One who gave first:

“For God so loved the world that He gave…” —John 3:16

God doesn’t just want our service—He wants it seasoned with joy. And revival won’t come from louder voices, but from lighter hearts.

So Christian warriors, when you feel the tug to give—do it with joy. Whether it’s your money, your attention, your vote, or your voice—give it as an offering, not an obligation.

And if you’re wondering if revival is needed, ask yourself:

Is what I’m doing pointing others to God’s glory, or to my own goals?

A cheerful giver is like a sunrise: it costs nothing, but it brightens everything it touches.

Closing Blessing:

Braver Angels reminds us that the most radical act of healing in a divided world is to show up with joy—and give anyway.

God bless you and this ministry!

 May 31 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“Today, I rested in the peace that passes all understanding.”

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:7

Spiritual Message:

Some Christians experience transformation instantly; others, like me, walk it out one surrender at a time. But the truth remains the same:

old things have passed away; behold, all things are made new. Those reconciled to God are called to live for Him. It’s not always flashy, but it is faithful—a life of love, holiness, self-control, uprightness, and good deeds.

Jesus said, “The one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Not because of their own strength, but because they’re sealed by the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30).

True followers of Christ cling to the Word, reject falsehood, and hold fast—because God holds them fast (Jude 1:24–25).

And that’s where the peace comes from—not from a perfect world, but from a perfect Savior.

Personal Reflection:

The world spins faster every day, but Christ’s peace anchors me. Not because I’m fearless, but because He is faithful. And that’s the peace I carry into every hard conversation, every moment of confusion, every long night of doubt.

Again, my curiosity as a child of God :

“Do we need a Christian revival?”

“It depends. If it’s man-made, it’s just a flash in the pan. But if it’s from God—then He is the revival.”

True revival isn’t driven by emotional highs—it’s anchored in holy endurance.

It’s not stirred by hype but grounded in holiness.

And when that kind of revival takes root, it reshapes how we love—especially those who see the world differently than we do.

My new self with the mindset of Christ within my Braver Angels 100-foot circle of influence, isn’t a courtroom for settling who’s right.

It’s a campfire where the redeemed gather—warmed by truth, guided by peace,

and lit by the One who calms storms with a word.

Let our hearts beat as one in a sacred stillness—

not a fragile calm, but a Spirit-breathed peace.

That’s what I’m holding onto today:

Not the kind of peace the world offers,

but the deep, enduring peace that only Christ gives—

and the light He places in us to carry into the lives of others.

God bless you and this ministry!

 To Max S

What a blessing to see you out there at the Iowa State football Big Man Camp—a new generation stepping onto the same turf we once battled on. Your Uncle Karl Schueneman and I shared something special on that field, and now it’s your time to write your chapter. Stay humble, stay hungry, and

remember: the real strength isn’t just in the body—it’s in the heart.

“Fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10

Sugar Bear" brotherly loves you"—and I’m proud of the man you're becoming.

—Ron “Sugar Bear” McFarland

June 1 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“Today, I found strength in looking forward—not just around.”

“Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief… these have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith… may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

—1 Peter 1:6–7

Personal Reflection:

Children of God, sometimes the road gets hard.

And lately, I’ve felt every bump.

But today I paused—not to look back at my struggles, or around at the world’s chaos—but to look ahead. Ahead to a promise that never fades, even when the light around me dims.

As James reminds us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12).

There was a time I leaned more on my own strength than on God’s promises. But as I’ve grown, I’ve learned that hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s remembering what God has already guaranteed.

Romans 8:18 echoes in my soul: “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

You see, faithful warrior’s for Christ, the crown isn’t for the proud—it’s for the persevering.

And every step, even the tired ones, bring us closer.

Hebrews 10:35 reminds us: “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

So when the nights feel long, I cling to the truth that “the God of all grace… will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” —1 Peter 5:10

Let’s keep walking—not perfectly, but faithfully. Not for applause, but for eternal praise, glory, and honor when Christ returns.

Hold on. Hope strong. We’re almost home.

God bless you and this ministry!

 June 2 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“Today, I remembered what it means to think like a child.”

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3

“Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” —Luke 18:16

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” —Mark 10:15

Personal Reflection:

As a kid, I remember visiting my great Uncle Bill’s home in Hamilton, Ohio. It was a towering house, far removed from the red brick projects of Laurel Homes in Cincinnati’s West End where I grew up.

On Sundays, cousins and family members gathered, laughter lingered—but there was also an unspoken rule: "children were to be seen, not heard." That old quote stuck for years.

Now I know the Gospel turns that idea on its head.

Jesus doesn’t shush children—He honors them. And He tells us: be like them. Why? Because children approach life with wide eyes, soft hearts, and open hands. They expect good. They believe their Father will carry the heavy stuff. They don’t carry the burdens of the world—they trust.

To think like a child is to live with holy curiosity—to wonder, listen, and trust without trying to win.

In Braver Angels, we don’t gather to correct one another. We sit side by side like children at the feet of the Father—each of us learning, each of us listening. The goal isn’t to teach each other how to think but to rediscover how to understand each other.

A child asks, “Why?” Not to argue—but to learn.

What if we all approached politics, faith, and relationships that way?

And so today,join me as " Sugar Bear", and choose to think like a child again: not naïve, but hopeful. Not passive, but expectant. Because our Father carries it all—and invites us to simply follow, speak boldly, and love freely.

God bless you and this ministry!

 Look Who I Ran Into!

What a joyful surprise at the 60 Forward community building —running into my Cyclone teammate, Tom Randall. Years may pass, but the bond forged on the gridiron never fades. Tom’s smile, spirit, and handshake brought back memories of hard-fought games, locker room laughs, and the brotherhood that only teammates understand.

Moments like this remind me how deeply blessed we are to share not only a past but a legacy that keeps on giving. What a wonderful joy.

Go Cyclones!

June 3 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

"Today, I remembered the strength of God's silence."

“Be still, and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” —Exodus 14:14

Personal Reflection:

Some days, the silence of God feels heavy. We pray, we plead, and heaven seems to whisper nothing in return. But silence isn’t absence—it’s invitation. It's God saying, "Let Me hold this battle. Just be still."

I remember a summer storm as a kid, watching from the window

as lightning cracked the sky. My grandma sat beside me humming a hymn.

She never flinched, just watched and waited. “The storm’s not ours to fight,” she’d say. “The stillness—that’s where the strength is.”

Now I see—stillness isn’t passivity. It’s holy trust. It’s Galatians 2:20 lived out loud: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

To be still is to surrender the wheel. To trust that the One who calmed the sea can calm you too.

So when fear shouts and doubt whispers, I return to the still place—

The cross.

The tomb.

The throne.

He speaks even in silence. He moves even when unseen.

Ah, as I have a Sugar Bear moment,

remember:

Still waters still run deep.

And the God who parts seas in silence is still the One who carries you through.

God bless you and this ministry!

 June 4 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

"Today, I remembered that I don’t carry this alone."

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28

Personal Reflection:

As I'm recovering from surgery, there's been moments—I’ll never forget—when I've dropped my cane trying to get out of the car. I was stubborn. I wanted to do it myself. But before I could even reach down, someone I barely knew was already there, steadying me. No fanfare. No fuss. Just a quiet gesture of grace.

And isn’t that how God often shows up? Through the strength of others when ours runs low. Through kindness when we least expect it. Through a well-timed word, a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on.

We were never meant to carry it all. That’s not weakness—it’s design.

We are the body of Christ, meant to lift, lean, and link arms together.

I’ve been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), and in that death, I also died to the lie that I have to be strong all the time.

Strength isn’t pretending you’re fine.

It’s saying, “Help,” and trusting someone will answer.

So my fellow Christians, if you’re weary today, hear this:

You are not alone.

Christ walks with you. And so do I.

One burden shared is a burden halved.

Let the grace of others be your reminder: God is carrying you through.

God bless you and this ministry!

 June 5 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

"Today, I remembered that love is my anchor—and my call."

“I pray that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power… to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” —Ephesians 3:17–18

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” —Ephesians 1:3

Personal Reflection:

I once heard a tree described not by how tall it stood—but by how deep it grew.

Its roots were wide, its foundation strong, and so no wind could shake it.

That’s what I thought of today.

Not just about trees—but about me.

And about you.

Because, child of God, we’re not planted in shallow soil.

We are rooted in love—and not just any love, but the unshakable, undeserved, redeeming love of Christ.

That’s not just poetry. That’s power.

And it’s not a feeling—it’s a fact.

When the winds of life howl—when culture shakes, when friends fail, when guilt creeps in—we don’t topple.

We endure.

Why?

Because we are grounded not in fear, but in grace.

Not in appearance, but in promise.

Not in performance, but in Christ alone.

The law says, be courageous, resilient, upright.

The gospel says, you already are—in Him.

And oh, how it changes things.

When we know we’re loved like that, we don’t need applause.

We don’t fear rejection.

We rise, not because we’re strong, but because we’re anchored.

So mighty believers, not

’ just stand tall today—but stand deep.

Sink your roots into His love.

It’s the soil of strength, the seed of joy, and the fruit of eternity.

God bless you and this ministry!

 June 6 – Serendipitous Thoughts by Sugar Bear

“Today, I chose to walk in the freedom that comes from grace—and stay anchored in the mission that gives it meaning.”

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” —2 Corinthians 3:17

Personal Reflection:

Some chains don’t rattle.

They cling quietly—made not of iron, but of guilt, shame, comparison, and fear.

I’ve worn a few in my life. Maybe you have too.

But today I

remembered:

Christ didn’t go to the cross just to improve me—He went to the cross to liberate me.

And not with conditions. Not with strings.

He gave His life freely—so we could live fully.

The law reminds us that sin is slavery.

The gospel declares that grace is freedom.

But don’t miss this: freedom isn’t the absence of structure—it’s the presence of purpose.

If we forget why we were set free, we risk drifting from the who that sets our course.

That’s mission drift—when we start chasing shadows instead of following the Savior.

It sneaks in when comfort replaces calling.

When our own agenda replaces God’s assignment.

And that’s why today, I whisper again:

“Lord, may Your words be my words. Keep me rooted in love and faithful to the mission.”

So lets , stay free—but stay focused.

Stand tall in your liberty—but don’t wander from your assignment.

We weren’t just saved from something—we were saved for something.

Let your freedom fuel your faithfulness.

God bless you and this ministry!