DISCLOSURE: My oldest has gone to Kanakuk for 2 summers. My youngest will when old enough.
Pete Newman, a former director at Kanakuk, a camp run by and for believers in Christ, has been charged with several horrific acts with kampers. Now it is alleged that some of those acts took place at kamp and even further alleged that Newman's bosses had received reports of incidents and counselled him about his actions. This Kanakuk dad/trial lawyer sees only one possible conclusion, Kanakuk will face lawsuits over this.
I am so conflicted over this. How would I handle it if these young men or their parents came to me wishing to recover from Kanakuk for their damages? I would represent them. That is my oath to the law. I know that some find this in conflict with God's word. I do not.
The bible says we should not drag each other into court over church matters. Is this one? What church leaders do you take this conflict to for resolution if it cannot be worked out among the parties? Who determines what will right the wrongs done to these
Is "Kanakuk" a Christian? I believe that many of its leaders are Christians. I do not believe any organization should ever be labeled as Christian. I think I have said here before that "Christian" make a great noun and a terrible adjective.
Does Kanakuk have insurance? Is that a doubtful faith? Absolutely not. It is prudent stewardship of its leaders.
What about their duty to protect the thousands who pay thousands to spend time at Kanakuk every year? I hope that Joe and the rest take full responsibility for any mistakes they MAY have made. And more than that, I hope that whatever lawyers the victims find to represent them will seek the Truth and represent them with dignity.
Do Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.
P.S. I just spent far too long posting this on way more websites talking about this than I ever expected to find. I hope fo the best in these conversations and know that Good will prevail. It just might take a while.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Civility of Children
My in-laws have in their dining area an 11x17 of this poster except it says "You Lie" at the bottom in homage to the "patriotic act" of some knuckleheaded junior congressman. I got to stare at it all night as I ate the most delicious prime rib. 
After dinner, E picked it up and said condemningly, "This is not funny." An adult retorted smugly, "You're right. It isn't." I am so proud of my little girl and sad for that adult. I am not proud that she stuck up for Obama's politics or beliefs. I don't expect her or any 3rd grader to understand or have a political opinion or affiliation. I am proud that she somehow at age 8 sees the disrespect of it all. I would hope she would have reacted the same when Bush was being raked over the coals.
After dinner, E picked it up and said condemningly, "This is not funny." An adult retorted smugly, "You're right. It isn't." I am so proud of my little girl and sad for that adult. I am not proud that she stuck up for Obama's politics or beliefs. I don't expect her or any 3rd grader to understand or have a political opinion or affiliation. I am proud that she somehow at age 8 sees the disrespect of it all. I would hope she would have reacted the same when Bush was being raked over the coals.
There is truly little civility left in the world, and even less in politics. I pray that she can hold firm to her developing personal convictions with the due respect of people and position in the midst of extremists on both sides who would rather blindly identify with a network, party or dogma than consider the merits in the many sides of any public debate. And I hope she never forgets that behind every belief, there is a child of God.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tomorrow
Tomorrow - the word has never seemed more ominous. Tomorrow will either be one of the, if not the very, worst day of my life, OR it will mean that this mountain of work that seems to consume my being will not be ending anytime soon, if ever. Seriously, what kind of choice is that?
Tomorrow is a day many are rewarded with the single phrase "be careful what you wish for."
97% is no consolation today. Seriously, is it better to be one of the 2 or 3 from your school that missed the mark or one of the 15-20% that failed?
How will you know if I passed? If you see my resume posted on monster.com, you'll know I did not.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Growing up
It has happened. A rite of passage no child believes will come, but every "adult" should experience.
I have an announcement to make.
Twinkies are no longer good.
More to the point, they are gross and have been for quite some time. At what age does this happen? Is it linked to a passage of years or certain life events. When does the goo-filled sponge become no more than a...goo-filled sponge? Even my memory of eating them as a child is tainted. I can't remember them ever tasting good. I don't even want to try one deep-fried.
Hostess, what deviltry are you performing on our innocent youth?
I have an announcement to make.
Twinkies are no longer good.
More to the point, they are gross and have been for quite some time. At what age does this happen? Is it linked to a passage of years or certain life events. When does the goo-filled sponge become no more than a...goo-filled sponge? Even my memory of eating them as a child is tainted. I can't remember them ever tasting good. I don't even want to try one deep-fried.
Hostess, what deviltry are you performing on our innocent youth?
Sunday, October 11, 2009
56 hours in NYC
It was the girls' first trip
The people who run the statue tours STINK.
The statue is amazing
Shrek is alright.
Sutton Foster is A-MAZ-ING.
My cab should never be the first one stopped at a red light.
My cab was the first one stopped at red lights A LOT.
Mom got diagnosed with the flu Friday morning.
She couldn't join us for tea and (the best) scones at Alice's Tea Cup.
The girls loved upper west, Alice's, hot dogs in front of the NatHisMus.
Central park is A-MAZ-ING.
Tribeca Rooftop is about the most amazig wedding venue on the planet.
Seriously? The sushi, fois gras, crab claws lamb chops, etc. were just appetizers?
I managed to find room for half my fillet.
We were sad to leave the reception early, but mom was spent.
Meanwhile, the girls went with aunts gina and jeanie (times square will never be the same - and first subway ride!).
Who's filming this movie with the rain machines at the courthouse? MATT DAMON!
Managed to walk all through Chinatown without purchasing one knock-off.
Pastries in Little Italy were wonderful.
I literally ate an entire pie at Joe's of Bleeker. Best ever? Maybe.
49th and 5th (Home of American Girl Mecca).
Ice rink, times square (M&Ms deserve a 3 story store?) and one last cab ride.
Not bad for a short trip. Watching the girls was my favorite part. In E's words, "It was absolutely awesome."
The people who run the statue tours STINK.
The statue is amazing
Shrek is alright.
Sutton Foster is A-MAZ-ING.
My cab should never be the first one stopped at a red light.
My cab was the first one stopped at red lights A LOT.
Mom got diagnosed with the flu Friday morning.
She couldn't join us for tea and (the best) scones at Alice's Tea Cup.
The girls loved upper west, Alice's, hot dogs in front of the NatHisMus.
Central park is A-MAZ-ING.
Tribeca Rooftop is about the most amazig wedding venue on the planet.
Seriously? The sushi, fois gras, crab claws lamb chops, etc. were just appetizers?
I managed to find room for half my fillet.
We were sad to leave the reception early, but mom was spent.
Meanwhile, the girls went with aunts gina and jeanie (times square will never be the same - and first subway ride!).
Who's filming this movie with the rain machines at the courthouse? MATT DAMON!
Managed to walk all through Chinatown without purchasing one knock-off.
Pastries in Little Italy were wonderful.
I literally ate an entire pie at Joe's of Bleeker. Best ever? Maybe.
49th and 5th (Home of American Girl Mecca).
Ice rink, times square (M&Ms deserve a 3 story store?) and one last cab ride.
Not bad for a short trip. Watching the girls was my favorite part. In E's words, "It was absolutely awesome."
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
My letter to the Alumni Association
I appreciate the thought that went into the letter sent out by Mr. Lacey. I understand this issue and the difficulties it presents. I have no doubt that the BAA has Baylor's best interests at heart. However, I do hope that the BAA is seriously considering this measure.
When I became a life member upon graduation, I was proud. I assumed two things would result from my membership and the very existence of the BAA. First, I thought the BAA supported the university financially. Second, I thought there would be ways to support Baylor locally where I am through the BAA. It had NOTHING to do with an independent voice. Honestly, like many, I assumed the BAA was a part of the university.
What I found was that during the early years after graduation, when giving more wasn't really an option, the only thing I got out of membership was a magazine and lots of offers for a BAA credit card. Are credit cards really the most responsible thing to offer young alumni? I never heard of events in my area. In fact the only events I heard of were the extremely pricey travels that BAA organized. Not the best for the most numerous group of alumni, the under 30 set.
Then, I was hired by the Baylor Network to engage young grads. I realized soon that the money was going the wrong way, from the university to the BAA. That doesn't make sense. I would venture to guess that when the vast majority hear ads saying that the BAA has been supporting the university for 150 years, they assume that is direct financial support. The BAA doesn't say "cheering on the university," or "holding the university accountable." It says, "supporting." I believe that is misleading.
Another misleading communication found specifically in Mr. Lacey's letter is that the university took BAA staff to form the Network. I continue to be baffled by this. Those staff positions were funded by the university while at the association. They were hired by the university. The BAA resented thembeing in the building. President Sloan soon realized that any alumni outreach would be better done directly under the umbrella of the university. So, he moved UNIVERSITY FUNDED STAFF AND PROGRAMMING back to the university. Also, the BAA was one of the loudest voices for the removal of Sloan. It should be noted that no president has raised that money going in the wrong direction, from Baylor to the BAA more than President Sloan. I don't know if he needed to go, but he was no enemy of the BAA. Neither are the Regents or current administration. There is no conspiracy. This idea has been talked about OPENLY for years. And finally, why does Baylor need this independent voice more than any other private university in the country?
I have no idea if you are still reading, but I will add one parting thought. I was part of a dying church at one point in my life. Many proposals were brought forth to the congregation to seek new purpose, new direction, partner with other churches, etc. These ideas were brought by people who had a heart for God, that church and the community where the church was located. But what it really came down to in the end was that those who had been there the longest did not want to let go of their idea of what that church had always been. Nobody was willing to accept the imminent death of that limb of the Body of Christ. But even without their acceptance, it happened.
There is a season for everything. 150 years is a very long season. Regardless of what decision the BAA makes, you have had a wonderful season thus far.
God Bless,
Kendall Cockrell
BA 1998, JD 2009
When I became a life member upon graduation, I was proud. I assumed two things would result from my membership and the very existence of the BAA. First, I thought the BAA supported the university financially. Second, I thought there would be ways to support Baylor locally where I am through the BAA. It had NOTHING to do with an independent voice. Honestly, like many, I assumed the BAA was a part of the university.
What I found was that during the early years after graduation, when giving more wasn't really an option, the only thing I got out of membership was a magazine and lots of offers for a BAA credit card. Are credit cards really the most responsible thing to offer young alumni? I never heard of events in my area. In fact the only events I heard of were the extremely pricey travels that BAA organized. Not the best for the most numerous group of alumni, the under 30 set.
Then, I was hired by the Baylor Network to engage young grads. I realized soon that the money was going the wrong way, from the university to the BAA. That doesn't make sense. I would venture to guess that when the vast majority hear ads saying that the BAA has been supporting the university for 150 years, they assume that is direct financial support. The BAA doesn't say "cheering on the university," or "holding the university accountable." It says, "supporting." I believe that is misleading.
Another misleading communication found specifically in Mr. Lacey's letter is that the university took BAA staff to form the Network. I continue to be baffled by this. Those staff positions were funded by the university while at the association. They were hired by the university. The BAA resented thembeing in the building. President Sloan soon realized that any alumni outreach would be better done directly under the umbrella of the university. So, he moved UNIVERSITY FUNDED STAFF AND PROGRAMMING back to the university. Also, the BAA was one of the loudest voices for the removal of Sloan. It should be noted that no president has raised that money going in the wrong direction, from Baylor to the BAA more than President Sloan. I don't know if he needed to go, but he was no enemy of the BAA. Neither are the Regents or current administration. There is no conspiracy. This idea has been talked about OPENLY for years. And finally, why does Baylor need this independent voice more than any other private university in the country?
I have no idea if you are still reading, but I will add one parting thought. I was part of a dying church at one point in my life. Many proposals were brought forth to the congregation to seek new purpose, new direction, partner with other churches, etc. These ideas were brought by people who had a heart for God, that church and the community where the church was located. But what it really came down to in the end was that those who had been there the longest did not want to let go of their idea of what that church had always been. Nobody was willing to accept the imminent death of that limb of the Body of Christ. But even without their acceptance, it happened.
There is a season for everything. 150 years is a very long season. Regardless of what decision the BAA makes, you have had a wonderful season thus far.
God Bless,
Kendall Cockrell
BA 1998, JD 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Uncyclopedia
Lookie what I found. Found it reserching a mispelling of Funyuns. I like Funyuns. Haven't had them in years. But I'm pretty sure I like them.
But back to that website. I like satire and wasting time. But this is too much. Where to people find the time, Sterling? Seriously. I can see the occasional funny blog, Winkler, but an entire deep site of nonsense? But it did look like something some of you would enjoy, Osler.
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