By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The Peanut Butter Falcon opens tomorrow. This independent sleeper film is an acknowledgement of the American dream. This film contains so many subtle echoes of American cinema and literature, expect media buzz about this filmaround awards season.  

Without a family, Zak (Zack Gottsagen) has Down’s Syndrome and lives in an assisted living facility with his aged roommate Carl (Bruce Dern), a retired engineer. Zak’s caseworker is Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), a sympathetic soul who is trapped within the rigid rules of the assisted living facility. Inspired by Zak, Carl and Eleanor find escapism by watching VHS copies of Southern Wrestling featuring The Salt Water Redneck (Thomas Haden Church). 

Across a river, Tyler (Shia LeBeouf) continues his long-standing feud with Crabber Duncan (John Hawkes). A passive aggressive game of tit for tat literally explodes with a dock fire. As Tyler flees for his life, he learns he has a stowaway, Zak, on his little dinghy.

Filmed on the outer banks of Georgia, the narrative for this filmechoes Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Pat Conroy’s The Water is Wide and Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Sufficeth to say, The Peanut Butter Falcon is a meandering and leisurely told tale, but one that engages the ticket buyer up until the final image before the credits roll. Despite outrageous situations, itnever loses a human connection.

Not since Chris Burke’s work as “Corky” on the ABC Television Series Life Goes On, has an actor with Down’s Syndrome taken on such a responsible role. With a natural truth, Zack Gottsagen acquits himself as the title character. Despite a wide generational gap of acting schools (from the Actor’s Studio to the World Wide Wrestling League), the ensemble cast provides generous support towards their leading man.

Despite being tabloid fodder, both Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Shia LeBeouf provide transformative performances that may have affected their personal lives in a positive way. Shedding her Fifty Shades of Grey notoriety, Dakota Johnson gives a winning performance. Even the notorious Bruce Dern provides charm as a rebel who is confined to a chair in an assisted living facility.

Every couple of years, there is a motion picture sleeper that awakens the Dog Days of August box office. A roller coaster ride of laughs and tears, The Peanut Butter Falcon is a sharp contrast to the motion pictures on the big screen these days, go see this one for some Saturday matinee popcorn-eating fun!

Deerfield Beach

July 30: Someone entered a vehicle parked at 1278 S. Military Tr. and stole a dash camera and passport.

July 30: A woman reported that someone broke into her home at 6 SE 10 Ct. and stole a vehicle.

July 31: A woman reported that her home at 341 SE 11 St. was broken into and two computers and a purse with credit cards were stolen.

July 31: A man reported that two vehicles parked at his home at 1418 SE 12 Ave. were burglarized.

July 31: A woman reported that her Toyota Camry was stolen from her home at 279 SW 3 St.

July 31: A man reported that a trailer was stolen from 1649 SW 1 Way. Video surveillance showed two men stealing it.

Lighthouse Point

July 26: Contact was made with a victim at 3580 N. Federal Hwy. to pick up surveillance video from a recent theft. Police then combed through the License Plate Recognition and found a vehicle that matched the description at the location at the time of the theft. It was later determined that the subject who was driving the vehicle lived in Pompano, and it was confirmed that she committed the theft. The victim did not want to prosecute and collected $20 to cover the loss of the items.

July 26: Police and fire responded to a fire alarm at 2486 N. Federal Hwy. It was determined to be a false alarm.

July 26: Police responded to a residence at 4410 NE 29Ave. where the resident said he lost his wallet someplace.

(This is a partial list that we receive from BSO & LHP Police Dept. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

DB Marine Advisory Board to meet

Thursday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m.

City Commission Chambers

150 NE 2 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Public is invited to attend. Deerfield Beach’s Mayor and commission created the Marine Advisory Board and tasked its members with identifying programs, regulations and actions to encourage a healthy, and friendly, marine environment for the city’s residents and visitors. The Board, made up of homeowners and business people with expertise in marine-related fields, will make recommendations to the Mayor and commission. For further information, please contact the city’s staff liaison to the Board, Patrick Bardes, at pbardes@dfb.city.

Summer Movie – How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Friday, Aug. 16, 5:30 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre, Space C104

(next to Foot Locker)

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Event starts at 5:30 p.m. Movie starts at 6 p.m. Seating is limited so please come early. Bring bean bags or blankets! The first 100 kids to check in at the Pompano Citi Centre table will receive a goody bag and complimentary face painting. Free popcorn. Other food & drinks available for purchase.

Food Truck Round Up

Friday, Aug. 16, 6 to 10 p.m.

Pompano Old Town

135 NE 1 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Come out on the third Friday of every month in Pompano’s Old Town, right at the corner of Atlantic Blvd. & Dixie Hwy. Enjoy great Food Truck dining, full bar, live DJ or bands and so much more! For questions about how to become a food or non-food vendor, please e-mail info@gourmettruckexpo.com.

Stand Up Comedy Show

Friday, Aug. 16, 8 p.m.

Carmela Coffee Company

1182 S. Powerline Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL  33069

Free show. Hosted by Lalo Rodriguez.

Sick Puppies Comedy Improv Show

Sunday, Aug. 18, 5 to 7 p.m.

Robot Brewing Company and Quixotic Lounge

2621 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Need a laugh? Come check out this local comedy Improv group while you are drinking some beer, tea or having some nosh. No cover charge! Be sure to visit www.SickPuppiesComedy.com to learn more.

Save the Date:

Pompano Stand Up Live

Thursday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

50 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Come out for a night of fun, hosted by nationally acclaimed comedian Rickey Smiley! The night will also feature four local emerging comedians: Komedian Kermit, Christopher Priester, Pam Bruno and Chea Butter. There will be a full bar and concessions available. Bring a friend and enjoy a cocktail. Two drink Minimum. 21+ only.$40 General Admission; $45 at the Door; $60 VIP Includes reception, preferred seating and one drink; $100 Exclusive VIP includes Meet & Greet with Rickey Smiley plus a signed copy of his book, private reception and one drink. Tickets: https://tickets.ccpompano.org/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent165.html

Dive In Movie- Finding Dory

Friday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.

Houston Sworn Pool

901 NW 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

The City of Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Department invites you to cool off with a dip in the pool while you enjoy a featured flick — free! Snacks and refreshments will be available. For more information, call 954-786-4116.

West Marine Customer

Appreciation Day!

Saturday, Aug. 24, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

West Marine

110 N. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

All stores open one hour early exclusively for West Advantage Customers! The first 10 customers receive a free bucket. Submit product reviews in store for a chance to win a $500 West Marine Gift Card. Customers who sign up for a West Advantage Gold membership in store have a chance to win a free Boat U.S. Unlimited Towing Package. Find the hidden toy boat in store for a chance to win a $500 West Marine Gift Card. Giveaways and refreshments available. Learn about your local tower and towing services. For questions about this event, call at 954-427-6165

Tech Fair

Monday, Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

E. Pat Larkins Community Center

520 MLK Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

This is an opportunity for hiring managers, job seekers and IT apprenticeship organizations to connect with each other and grow! For more information, e-mail dahlia.baker@copbfl.com or call 954-786-7866.

Preview of new Sprouts, cooking demo

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sprouts Farmers Market

930 S. Federal Hwy.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Sprouts in Deerfield Beach with a healthy cooking demo with Registered Dietitian Megan Perez! Megan will demonstrate how to prepare three easy and healthy recipes with fresh and unique ingredients from Sprouts. Guests will hear Megan’s tips for healthy shopping and eating and get motivated to create new, healthy meals at home. Every attendee will receive a complimentary reusable shopping bag and a Sprouts Brand product. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free admission. Everyone will have an opportunity to shop the store before the official opening, which is on the next day, Aug. 28, starting at 7 a.m.

Plein Air Painting Class

Come out to Pat Anderson’s Plein Air Painting Class on Pompano Beach on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This special event will be located south of the new Fisher Family Pier, off A1A and east Atlantic Blvd. Meet & Greet is at 10:30 a.m. You can bring lunch or enjoy food from the Food Shack. For just $30, you get the #20-wand brush, art supplies and three hours of arts fun using the LEAF BAR table. Bring your favorite paints, mixed media. Supplies are watercolors. Must register by calling 954-786-4111. For more information, visit www.PatAndersonArtist.com/classes.

One of my all-time favorite TV shows was Country Fried Home Videos, hosted by Bill Engvall. In each episode, people would do things that are unthinkable to a normal person. The most bizarre behavior gets rewarded with the “Here’s Your Sign” award. Past winners include a man who got bit as he stuck his hand into the mouth of an alligator, another man who rolled a large piece of slate down a mountainside and right into his vehicle, and another man hanging a large pincher crab on his nipple – ouch! In my opinion, the winners of these awards are idiots!

According to dictionary.com, an idiot is “an utterly foolish or senseless person.” Well, I’ve come across a few idiots in my day, and so have you. Consider the person who sees a “wet paint” sign and touches it to see if it is really wet. Think about the person who blames a ladder as defective after falling from the top section that states, “Danger: Not a Step.” The worst I ever heard was the man who ignored the warning labels and tried to trim his hedge by picking up his lawnmower; he lost fingers on both hands!

Idiots are not only revealed by their bizarre behavior, but also by their bizarre thought processes. Consider the man who gets angry when the woman he had a one-night stand with asks for child support. Consider the person dying with lung cancer or Emphysema who continues to smoke. What about the 90-year-old man who refuses to believe that his 20-year-old girlfriend is only after his money and not his wrinkly old body. These are only a few examples of foolish or idiotic thinking; but there are many, many more.

Foolish behavior is nothing new. Consider Adam & Eve, who lost everything because they believed a talking snake and ate the fruit. Consider the people who mocked Noah as he built the ark and ultimately drowned. Uzzah touched the Ark of the Covenant after God told him not to and fell dead. King David had many wives and concubines, but just had to have Bathsheba. Judas saw Jesus’ perform miracles, but chose to betray Him. The crowds chose to crucify Jesus, even though Pilate proclaimed Him to be innocent. People have been making utterly foolish or senseless decisions since the beginning.

Foolish behavior and beliefs continue today. People deny Jesus’ existence, even though His life is documented by historians. People now argue that America was never founded as a Christian nation, although the proof is stamped all over Washington D.C. People refuse to believe the Bible. People know what God expects, but they choose to live otherwise. Proverb 14:12 NIV states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

It is easy to prove that people make utterly foolish and senseless decisions every day; but the point is that we do not have to. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Realizing this, don’t be foolish; instead choose wisely. It is appointed unto men once to die and after that is the judgment. So, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. That is the wisest choice you can ever make!

Dr. Gary A. Colboch is Senior Pastor at Grace Church located at 501 NE 48 St. in Pompano Beach. For more information, call 954-421-0190 or pastor@gbcfl.org.

Tattoos have exploded in popularity over the past decade and have become an artistic way for people to express themselves. What do tattoos mean? Before we address the meaning of various tattoos, let’s take a brief look at the history of tattoos.

We can go back almost 12,000 years where tools for tattooing were found in France, Portugal and Scandinavia. The oldest surviving tattoos were found on a mummy in the Otzi Valley in the Alps from the fifth to fourth millennium BC. Ancient Egypt and India used tattoos as methods of religious worship and healing. Ancient Romans, Greeks and Chinese tattooed their slaves and criminals to be able to identify them if they escaped.

The Jewish world has a longstanding aversion to tattoos. The taboo against body ink remains powerful among largely secular Jews. The objection relates to Leviticus 19.28 “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourself.” Some liberal Jews have taken a fresh look at tattoos, but many still overwhelmingly see tattoos as inconsistent with the teachings of Jewish tradition.

Most people get tattoos to tell a story, to highlight pain, triumph and obstacles they have faced in their lives. Tattoos can also be therapeutic to some. Below are a few types of therapeutic tattoos:

Mastectomy Tattoo Movement: Following Breast Cancer treatment, some women opt to get artistic tattoos to cover mastectomy scars and to reclaim their bodies. An organization P.ink (Personal ink) refers Breast Cancer survivors to tattoo artists with mastectomy tattoo experience.

Recovery from Addiction Tattoo: It takes amazing strength to address and recover from addiction. It helps to have motivational reminders to stay on track, and a tattoo can inspire and celebrate recovery. A patient of mine has “one day at a time” tattooed on the inside of her wrist. If she feels anxious, she reads her tattoo and that reminds her to slow down, breath, realize she can make it through today sober and contact her sponsor for support.

Memorializing a Loss Tattoo: Sarah, a former psychotherapy patient of mine lost her father to suicide. Sarah had a tattoo behind her left ear — a semicolon. She explained that she searched for a tattoo that would honor her father and increase awareness of mental health problems. She stumbled upon “Project Semicolon.” This organization is dedicated to preventing suicide. Sarah has taken a positive step in her healing process and told me she likes to talk to others who have experienced devastating loss in their lives and wants to promote positive ways to discuss mental health issues.

A 60-year-old female patient told me that for years she thought anyone getting a tattoo did not realize the consequences, such as not liking it after a few years, and the time and pain involved to have it removed. Then, she pointed out a hummingbird tattoo on her right shoulder. She decided to get this tattoo because it represented her daughter who had died of Brain Cancer. This tattoo brought her peace. Here was a woman who was anti-tattoos for years and, at the age of 60, decided there was a very good reason, the memory of her daughter, to get a tattoo. Yes, change is possible!

Dr. Julia Breur is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private clinical psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton. For more information, call 561-512-8545, e-mail info@drjuliabreur.com or visit www.drjuliabreur.com.

By Gary Curreri

Thomas Christensen, a 2019 graduate of Pompano Beach High School, captured the most prestigious award that the Junior Golf Association (JGA) of Broward County has to offer.

The 18-year-old from Coral Springs won the coveted Julius Boros Award, which goes to the male golfer who had the lowest stroke average for the summer golf series. His scoring average was 72.4. He is headed to the honors college at the University of Florida (UF).

“I’ve always wanted to go to the UF since I was a little kid,” Christensen said. “Both of my parents went to UF and I grew up watching Tim Tebow on TV, so it was kind of my thing. I had to go to UF, and I am happy that I get to go.”

Christensen has played in the JGA of Broward since 2009, but he took some time off when he got frustrated that the other golfers in his group hit the ball farther.

“I had moved up the divisions, but I got to a point to where I didn’t hit the ball far enough to keep up,” he said. “I wasn’t really enjoying it.”

That was when he was 11-years-old. He came back after a two-year layoff after growing about 6 in. in height and working more on his game.

“I was around 5 ft. tall playing in the junior division, and the rest of the golfers looked like giants to me. They were like 5-10 and 5-11,” said Christensen, who is now 6 ft., 3 in. tall. “I was definitely a lot smaller than the rest.”

He finished third in the three-day, season-ending tournament, and, in addition to winning the Boros Award, he also won the Purdo Award for the highest grade point average for a male golfer and also the Bedford Scholarship.

“Going into the past few seasons, it wasn’t about winning every event,” Christensen said. “Every day, I came to this final event of the championship, and I see the guy who gets to go up and get his name engraved on the large Julius Boros Award trophy, and I have always wanted to do that.

“So, this year,” he continued, “it as mostly about earning that award and not so much about winning the individual tournaments. I wasn’t trying to do anything too fancy, just put up some good solid numbers.”

Christensen said he continues to improve.

“I am still learning a lot about my own game,” Christensen said. “I am finding myself in situations where I can post numbers. I like to make several birdies in a round. The key is putting it together every single hole.

“I feel like I am due for that,” Christensen said. “It hasn’t quite happened yet, so I am going to keep working at it.”

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

For multiple reasons, football is not as important as it used to be to me. In the past two years, the drama has been on the sidelines and off the field of play. When the Miami Dolphins play tonight, I will be more interested in how the commentators, Nat Moore and Bob Griese, both Dolphin legends, are doing.  The Dolphins opponent will be the Atlanta Falcons.

The film Brian Banks opens this weekend, and the Atlanta NFL franchise plays a part in this narrative. The dream of playing football is a big part of the film, but this movie is based on a true story about a 16-year-old male that is victimized by rumor, gossip and hearsay.

The film opens on a playground as Brian Banks (Aldis Hodge) watches from a gated fence. He is enjoying the game of pee wee football, but is annoyed when he has to answer a call from his parole officer. 

Under a new California law, Brian is forced to limit his travel outside of Los Angeles. This law derails his chances to play football with a small time college, which opens up old wounds. He was a high prospect recruit for USC, but this was prevented when Brian was accused of sexual assault in a high school hallway. When a plea bargain deal failed, Brian spent his formative years in prison.

With only the support of his mother (Sherri Shepherd), Brian perseveres and obtains the aid of a civil rights lawyer, Justin Brooks (Greg Kinnear). Yet, Brian’s case is mired in bureaucracy and legalese. A break in the case occurs when Brian’s accuser makes an overture to be his Facebook friend.

Brian Banks is a fascinating modern story, with echoes of great drama from Jean Paul Sartre, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Friedrich Nietzsche. In the darkest abyss of solitary confinement, Brian finds his true character when he remembers the inspirational words of his mentor (Morgan Freeman, in an unaccredited cameo). 

Since his recent passing, HBO has been playing the documentary The Many Lives of Nick Buoniconti, which recounts the man’s career as football player, a lawyer and as an advocate to cure paralysis. Like Brian Banks, Nick Buoniconti used football as a means to an end, but it did not define their lives. Brian Banks is a cautionary film about having a dream denied, but through character development, life does not have to be a nightmare.

Deerfield Beach

July 23: It was reported that six vehicles parked at Best Western were broken into. The vehicles’ windows were smashed. One wallet was reported stolen. The incident was reported at 1050 E. Newport Center Dr.

July 23. It was reported that wheels and tires were stolen from two vehicles at Enterprise Car Rental at 160 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

July 24: A woman reported that a chain saw and wet tile saw were stolen from her mother’s home. The incident was reported at 428 SE 11 St.

July 24: It was reported that two women stole four clothing items from Target at 1200 S. Federal Hwy.

July 24: A man reported that someone entered his car parked at 4364 NE 9 Ave. and stole $1,000 and a Florida driver’s license.

July 24: A man reported his scooter was stolen from 1501 Green Rd.

Lighthouse Point

July 18: The store manager at 4758 N. Federal Hwy. was notified by his cleaner that someone took four pool poles and two pool nets from the company truck. A review of store security systems shows a male subject removing the items from a truck and placing them in another truck and fleeing. The truck was captured by the camera reader.

July 20: Police responded to an alarm call at 2120 NE 33 St. The perimeter was found to be secure and the alarm was reset.

July 24: A wallet was found in a store at 3700 N. Federal Hwy. by an employee. It was placed in property at the police department.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

Summer Jam Put Back

Saturday, Aug. 10, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DS Sports Plex

3650 SW 10 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL, 33441

Game Time Clothing presents their second annual event. A four team basketball tournament, 3 point contest skill competition, fashion show, fun zones, food, beer and wine. Kids under 15 are free, ages 15-18 are $5 and adults are $15. For more information, call 954-798-6535 or 954-882-3373.

117 Year Anniversary –

First Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Sunday, Aug. 11, 4 p.m.

First Zion Missionary Baptist Church

125 SW 1 Ct.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

You are invited to help them celebrate their church’s 117^th year anniversary. Guest speaker will be Dr. Rev. Howard Barr Jr. of Saint Paul missionary Baptist Church, Delray Beach. For any questions, call 954-481-6884 Tina Wilson, clerk.

Dental Day

Sunday, Aug. 11, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

AAA School of Dental Assisting

2227 SW 2 St.

Pompano Beach, Fl 33069

Bring your kids, ages 6-12, for free check-up and teeth cleaning.

Zion’s Preschool

Open House & Renaming

Sunday, Aug. 11, approx. 11 a.m. (following 10 a.m. service)

959 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Zion Lutheran Church is renaming their preschool Evergreen Academy of Zion Lutheran Church. They are now enrolling infants 8 weeks to 4 years for childcare and preschoolers 4 to 5 years old for VPK. After the service in the sanctuary, there will be games and snacks plus free tours of Evergreen Academy classrooms and facilities. The community is invited!

Styles & Smiles

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 9:30 to 7 p.m.

800 NW 8 Ave.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Enjoy food, drinks, music, games. Get pampered with haircut/style. Parents must come with child. Ages 6 – 17 only.

Save the Date:

Summer Movie – How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Friday, Aug. 16, 5:30 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre, Space C104

(next to Foot Locker)

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Event starts at 5:30 p.m. Movie starts at 6 p.m. Seating is limited so please come early. Bring bean bags or blankets! The first 100 kids to check in will receive a goody bag and complimentary face painting. Free popcorn. Other food & drinks available for purchase.

What a storm we had this afternoon. The lightning bolts were bright and seemed to pause, almost demanding our attention. The thunder was booming and the rain was falling. My wife and I sat on the back porch in amazement, as we watched one lightning bolt after another. The storm lasted for less than an hour and then it was over. The lightning ceased, the thunder silenced and the rain stopped. It was in that moment that my wife spoke these words of wisdom, “Storms don’t last forever.” I said, “That would make a great blog,” to which she replied, “I know,” and then chuckled.

Like thunderstorms, the storms of life seem to hit us out of nowhere. Life can be sunny and, before you know it, you are in the middle of a storm: Finances fall short, companies downsize, health fails, relationships end, careers close out, cars break down, miscarriages happen, we fail tests, miss promotions, and the poor choices of others often affect us. We can close our eyes, cover our ears and bury our head in a pillow; but the life-storm rages on.

It is no coincidence that the Bible records so many stories about storms. Probably the most familiar is found in Matthew 8:23-27 where a storm rose up while Jesus and the disciples were boating on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples were fearful and upset that Jesus was sleeping; but when they woke Him, He calmly said, “Peace, be still,” and the storm ended.

Listen to some of the promises in Scripture related to the storms of life. Psalm 57:1 tells us that we can take refuge under the shadow of God’s wings, until the storms of destruction pass by. Nahum 1:7 tells us that God is a stronghold and we can take refuge in Him. Psalm 91:1-2 calls God my (personal) refuge and my (personal) fortress. Isaiah 4:6 calls God a refuge and a shelter from the storm. Psalm 23 reminds us that God protected those travelers that navigated through the treacherous Valley of the Shadow of Death (a literal place). 2 Cor. 4:8-9 states, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” Just “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

You may remember the song “The Anchor Holds,” written by Lawrence Chewning and sung by Ray Boltz. I had the privilege of hearing those two men sing that song together. Just before they sang it, I heard Lawrence Chewning tell the story of writing that song in his year of sorrows after: his father died, his wife experienced her third miscarriage, the church he planted and pastored for 19 years split, and he was tired, burned-out and discouraged. It was during that time that God gave him the lyrics to “The Anchor Holds” and used it to comfort, encourage and renew his soul. Those words have also blessed countless thousands of other people, too!

Today, you may find yourself in the middle of a personal storm. In the words of my wife and a Bible full of promises, remember that storms do not last forever. “Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Hang in there!

Dr. Gary A. Colboch is Senior Pastor at Grace Church located at 501 NE 48 St. in Pompano Beach. For more information, call 954-421-0190 or pastor@gbcfl.org.