Every Week There Are News Reports about people facing threats from which there appears to be no way out. Then, occasionally, encouraging stories describe means of deliverance beyond what the human mind can imagine.
At a recent conference to honor faith leaders in my county, I heard two such stories. Lanny Pinola of Point Reyes Station, California, a member of the Kashia Pomo Indian tribe, told about the tragic period of United States history when the army was rounding up Indian men and executing them.
One day soldiers arrived at Lanny's ancestors' village. They took all the males between the ages of 15 and 80 and led them about two miles away from the village to kill them. Lanny's great-great grandfather stepped forward from the group. He told the captain that they were going to die honorably, but that first they wanted to sing a "going home" song. The captain gave them permission. The Pomos formed a circle and began to sing. When they finished, they turned and saw all the soldiers standing with their hats off. The captain said, "Leave these people alone."
