Have you heard the story of Ted Williams?
It’s likely that you may have heard the story (and voice) of a “homeless” man named Ted Williams. His voice is indeed amazing but the story behind his voice, truly shines. Most will focus their attention on the voice and the feel good story of second chances but if we listen to his story – in his own words – we’ll hear the story of redemption and reconciliation and…
a God who is still speaking to the world today.
While his story is unique, it also has a common thread that can be understood by all: we’ve all been down and out in some way or another.
- A few years ago, he was strung out on drugs & alcohol, barely surviving, and living out on the streets.
- Even a few days ago, he was homeless and simply looking for a break.
And then this video below was filmed this week. It was uploaded on January 3 and at the time this post got published, it was viewed 8,747,752 times and counting:
You’ve heard his voice…
Now, listen to his story…in his own words.
Just take 6 minutes to watch this video. It’s pretty amazing. In his own words, he speaks of 2010 – while perceived by most as another wasted year – as the most significant year of his life as he encountered God in his life.
Stories of redemption & encountering God never grow old.
They are the most beautiful stories.
I love this story – maybe even more than the story of Susan Boyle – because it gives a face and a story to many who are homeless.
So many nuggets of wisdom and life lessons, no?
We’re cruel and unfair when we paint everyone who are down and out with a broad stroke or description of ‘homeless.’
We all have a story and a voice.
We are created in the image of God. We are loved by God. This – in essence – is the definition of human dignity. Indeed, the Gospel matters…
Everyone needs a break. 2 million?
And as we feel all tingly and mushy inside, know this:
When the frenzy dies down, we need to remember that there are anywhere from 672,000 to 2 million people that are homeless in America that are looking for 2nd chances.
They, too, have stories and voices.
How about you? What’s your takeaway from this story?
EUGENE CHO 
no words…just feelings…and words don’t work!
ha! updated my blog and then checked twitter and found out we were on the same brainwave snd had almost identical posts. funny 🙂
What an inspiration to all!! Wishing him the best of luck!!
I saw him on the Today Show this morning and I cried as I listened to him and saw how he seemed to really impact Matt Lauer. He talked of what has changed in him is that now he doesn’t miss an opportunity to talk to God and to thank Him, whereas before, he took so much for granted. I wish him all the best!
Great piece Eugene. Thanks for posting –
Love this story! Love your post. Thanks for the reminder that he is just one of many. My take away:how many people drove by this guy with his sign? All it took was one guy to stop and ask him about his story. What can I do as one person?
What an encouragement and challenge to start 2011!
What a cool story…loved the video of him reuniting with his mother, as well.
God is Awesome!
It’s expected that people will criticize, but how often doesn’t God come knocking at our own door and we don’t let him in. God’s always on time!!
It had to be a**holes who called him a phony and looked at his previous history. That shouldn’t matter. As a 15 year old boy, that is an inspiration for me to pursue my dreams and it definitely brought a tear in my eye. Congrats Ted, you deserve it.