Redemption, thanks to God

We need stories like this to come along now and then as reminders of some basics.

Actions have consequences. Be responsible for yourself. Be grateful. Take nothing for granted. Happiness is a choice. Humility is powerful.

This story has it all.

Coverage of the YouTube video-overnight success of Ted Williams, a homeless Ohio man with a golden radio voice, focuses on his new opportunites to become a sports announcer, maybe with the Cavaliers.

But this morning, when he appeared on NBC’s Today show, Williams turned that deep, rich voice directly to God. His new-found faith brought joy to his stuggling life (troubled by addictions and 10 years on the street) he told Matt Lauer. And all the suprising joy of his second chance, he offered up in thanks.

This is too sweet, too amazing, to be told in snips.

One of my biggest prayers that I sent out was that (my mother) would live long enough for me to see me rebound or whatever, and I guess God kept her around and kept my pipes around to maybe just have one more shot that I would be able to say, ‘Mom, I did do it before,’ — I might pass away before her or whatever, but my dad didn’t get a chance to see this. But God is good.

CBS reports:

Despite the crack, the alcohol and the many years on the streets, Williams retains his golden voice, and gave thanks for it. “I always said, ‘God, you’ve never seen fit to take my voice in spite of all the flames and everything that went down my throat.’

And I’m thinking…for a good reason. So that you can now be here, at this point, telling this story.

The difference between my successes of years gone by is that I didn’t acknowledge the Lord or thank him for anything before,” he told them. “This time around, I have God in my life, acknowledging him on a daily basis. I’ve found a new sense of spirituality now.”

Amen, brother. You are a witness to human dignity.