Thank you Loto for sharing your story with us, but more importantly with the kids whose lives you touch. We’re all a little better off having your positive spirit in our lives.
Another amazing and humbling story. I really appreciate you, Bill, for opening our eyes on the beauty in the world when it is easy to get caught up in the misery. Loto, I am going to carry your words, "God let the devil close the eyes on my face, to open up the eyes of my heart," in my heart and hope I can exhibit your faith and strength one day.
Sooo…it sounds like META, aka, Facebook, doesn’t like competition. They already had issues with Apple because of the moves Apple made to protect their customers.
I completely agree with Fatherly; Halloween 🎃 should always be on a weekend. It’s also interesting that so many events - Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and even Valentines Day - are based on pagan celebrations and astrological events.
What a wonderful gift from Loto! It’s great to know that your writings reach so many and do such good. Loto is an amazing human being; nice to know you have helped him on his mission.
I am very moved by your story. My daughter went to an adoption party last weekend that a foster child in our community had invited her to. None of us had ever heard of such a thing, or knew anyone there, but she went alone anyway. It was a huge celebration & she was welcomed in by that Childs new family and friends. She was also given a business card and asked to spread the word of much-needed foster families for this area.
My daughter has struggled with "differences" her entire life & recently Bill shared another story about Phoebe, whose son was rejected in social situations - "Blocked", which led her to build walls of anger around her life to protect her heart. As a mother, I understand this pain all too well as my own child has been treated as an "outcast", which is the worst kind of pain I've ever felt. We built love inside our walls, shutting everyone else out. But now, letting my own daughter experience the world alone (where I'm not there to "snub the snubber") has been the biggest challenge now that she is an adult.
In the article, the author pointed out that "disagreeing is not abuse" - I've been pondering this statement for days. I am realizing that my daughter is helping me break down the walls that I've known for so many years, like Phoebe. She is out there supporting another, because she understands the need goes on, and it is helping her with her own struggles. She is also pursuing a degree in college to be a Teacher & I am SO very proud of her! My walls are slowly coming down, too, because of her love and compassion for others.
Walls that you probably could have built, but didn't... and you're blind. Taking a gunshot to the face for the "hood", and now helping a group in a world that only a few can even relate to. That's incredible. I am so inspired by you, too.
After writing this, I've decided to reach out to the organizer on that business card about fostering, or helping, or something! Not sure where it will lead. But I'm going to be brave and do this for her, and because of your shared story. Thank you :)
Thank you, Lotto for your sharing and doing. While I am considering “the light”, may be caused by dying brain process, it was a “mind opening” experience for you. Tragedy turns to triumph!
Aside; Apple has long been known for keeping it’s children in the family. Whadda ya gonna do, call a cop?
It is SO very humbling to discover that what we do or say in the general course of our daily lives can have such a great , positive impact on others we might not even know.
I never comment on anything. However, Loto, what an inspiration you are. I am so blessed to have come upon this story today. Wow! I’m still processing but I know for sure you are truly blessed and are such a blessing to others. Thank you for sharing your incredible story!
This is a true beauty for ashes story. Thank you Loto and Bill for helping to shine a light on what some may say are people who are too far gone and showing how with grace, love and the power of God, there is no such thing.
Ok, Bill…talk about leaf blowers all you want. Every now and then give me one of these gems, and I’m down for next year.
Loto,
I’m just a guy who grew up in the burbs…not “well off”, by any means. Spent a year eating chili & rice for dinner cuz that’s all we could afford. Even still, I was sheltered from anything even remotely close to the life you experienced. Reading the phrases you used to describe your situation really increases my world view in a direction that’s more meaningful than watching shows about fancy mansions and cars on MTV. Seeing how your experiences led you to the life of service and gratitude that you share with others now, and understanding why you do what you do, help me see my life differently and want to give more back, as well. So, thank you.
Wow, great newsletter Bill! Thank you for sharing Loto's story today. What caught my attention was not "gangbanger" but it was American Samoa and Loto's name. Loto means "the will" or "having guts".
Talofa Loto! We'll take you out to any buffet of your choice anytime. Your inspiring story is one of the positive experiences that came out of a bad situation. As a Samoan, I'm proud of how you portray your story in a light that touches others and teaches the young people to respect their lives.
Thank you Loto for sharing your story with us, but more importantly with the kids whose lives you touch. We’re all a little better off having your positive spirit in our lives.
Thank you for sharing Loto's story and the interview. What an inspiring message of hope!
Another amazing and humbling story. I really appreciate you, Bill, for opening our eyes on the beauty in the world when it is easy to get caught up in the misery. Loto, I am going to carry your words, "God let the devil close the eyes on my face, to open up the eyes of my heart," in my heart and hope I can exhibit your faith and strength one day.
Another great story!
Sooo…it sounds like META, aka, Facebook, doesn’t like competition. They already had issues with Apple because of the moves Apple made to protect their customers.
I completely agree with Fatherly; Halloween 🎃 should always be on a weekend. It’s also interesting that so many events - Christmas, Easter, Halloween, and even Valentines Day - are based on pagan celebrations and astrological events.
Yes, QUITE amazing. Thanks for sharing this Bill.
great story. not assuming prematurely we understood someone is so important when there is conflict...
What a wonderful gift from Loto! It’s great to know that your writings reach so many and do such good. Loto is an amazing human being; nice to know you have helped him on his mission.
Good morning Loto,
I am very moved by your story. My daughter went to an adoption party last weekend that a foster child in our community had invited her to. None of us had ever heard of such a thing, or knew anyone there, but she went alone anyway. It was a huge celebration & she was welcomed in by that Childs new family and friends. She was also given a business card and asked to spread the word of much-needed foster families for this area.
My daughter has struggled with "differences" her entire life & recently Bill shared another story about Phoebe, whose son was rejected in social situations - "Blocked", which led her to build walls of anger around her life to protect her heart. As a mother, I understand this pain all too well as my own child has been treated as an "outcast", which is the worst kind of pain I've ever felt. We built love inside our walls, shutting everyone else out. But now, letting my own daughter experience the world alone (where I'm not there to "snub the snubber") has been the biggest challenge now that she is an adult.
In the article, the author pointed out that "disagreeing is not abuse" - I've been pondering this statement for days. I am realizing that my daughter is helping me break down the walls that I've known for so many years, like Phoebe. She is out there supporting another, because she understands the need goes on, and it is helping her with her own struggles. She is also pursuing a degree in college to be a Teacher & I am SO very proud of her! My walls are slowly coming down, too, because of her love and compassion for others.
Walls that you probably could have built, but didn't... and you're blind. Taking a gunshot to the face for the "hood", and now helping a group in a world that only a few can even relate to. That's incredible. I am so inspired by you, too.
After writing this, I've decided to reach out to the organizer on that business card about fostering, or helping, or something! Not sure where it will lead. But I'm going to be brave and do this for her, and because of your shared story. Thank you :)
Thank you, Lotto for your sharing and doing. While I am considering “the light”, may be caused by dying brain process, it was a “mind opening” experience for you. Tragedy turns to triumph!
Aside; Apple has long been known for keeping it’s children in the family. Whadda ya gonna do, call a cop?
Lotto’s story:
It is SO very humbling to discover that what we do or say in the general course of our daily lives can have such a great , positive impact on others we might not even know.
What an inspiring story!!!
Thank you, Bill …
I never comment on anything. However, Loto, what an inspiration you are. I am so blessed to have come upon this story today. Wow! I’m still processing but I know for sure you are truly blessed and are such a blessing to others. Thank you for sharing your incredible story!
This was such an unusually good post that I shared the link to my 408 Facebook Friends.
I just now watched the you tube interview that you had with Loto, Bill. It stopped at 38 minutes. But, What an amazing story!!
I plan to share this with others
Loto - May blessings continue to pour into your life :-)
This is a true beauty for ashes story. Thank you Loto and Bill for helping to shine a light on what some may say are people who are too far gone and showing how with grace, love and the power of God, there is no such thing.
Ok, Bill…talk about leaf blowers all you want. Every now and then give me one of these gems, and I’m down for next year.
Loto,
I’m just a guy who grew up in the burbs…not “well off”, by any means. Spent a year eating chili & rice for dinner cuz that’s all we could afford. Even still, I was sheltered from anything even remotely close to the life you experienced. Reading the phrases you used to describe your situation really increases my world view in a direction that’s more meaningful than watching shows about fancy mansions and cars on MTV. Seeing how your experiences led you to the life of service and gratitude that you share with others now, and understanding why you do what you do, help me see my life differently and want to give more back, as well. So, thank you.
Wow, great newsletter Bill! Thank you for sharing Loto's story today. What caught my attention was not "gangbanger" but it was American Samoa and Loto's name. Loto means "the will" or "having guts".
Talofa Loto! We'll take you out to any buffet of your choice anytime. Your inspiring story is one of the positive experiences that came out of a bad situation. As a Samoan, I'm proud of how you portray your story in a light that touches others and teaches the young people to respect their lives.