April 26 – Vol. 30 No. 16

You Are Not a Problem

The bumper sticker read “I identify as a problem.”

My first thought was, “I’m sorry.” Then, I thought, “Me too. Sometimes.” When I have messed up at work, in a relationship with a family member, or with a friend. And especially when I fail to follow Jesus as closely as I want to. I sometimes identify as a problem, but then I remember that God does not identify me as a problem.

You are not a problem either. If you were in the car with the bumper sticker, you do not need to identify yourself as a problem. And here’s why: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8)

These words from Matthew West share the same message. 

If grace was a kingdom, I’d stopped at the gate
Thinkin’ I don’t deserve to pass through
After all the mistakes that I’ve made
Oh, but I heard a whisper as Heaven bent down
Said, “Child, don’t you know that the first will be last
And the last get a crown”

Now I’m just a beggar in the presence of a King
I wish I could bring so much more
But if it’s true, You use broken things
Then here I am Lord, I’m all Yours

The pages of history, they tell me it’s true
That it’s never the perfect
It’s always the ones with the scars that You use
Oh, it’s the rebels and the prodigals
It’s the humble and the weak
All the misfit heroes You chose
Tell me there’s hope for sinners like me

Grace is a kingdom with gates open wide
There’s a seat at the table just waiting for you
So, come on inside. Broken Things^[i]

Whoever you are, do not identify as a problem. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

^[i] Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Matthew West / Jason Houser / Aj Pruis

Broken Things lyrics © Highly Combustible Music, House Of Story Music Publishing, Two Story House Music, One77 Songs, Combustion Five, Third Story House Music, Get Ur Seek On, Anthem Highly Combustible Music

A Prayer for the Class of 1970

Father, 

When we began our senior year in the fall of 1969, we had no idea what lay ahead for us. With your guidance, you led us through difficult challenges and fostered strong leadership within our class, culminating in that day of relief and celebration in May of 1970. For that, we gave you thanks then, and we give you thanks today. 

Since our graduation from Hope High School in 1970, You have walked us through many good times and many very difficult times. Now, fifty-six years later (which is sometimes difficult to comprehend), we come together again…at least some of us to reunite, to share the good times, try to match names with faces, and remember with some sadness those who are no longer with us. 

So, we thank You for those who have planned, organized, and worked hard to bring us together. And as we once again say our goodbyes, we ask Your blessings on us, those who could not be here, until we come together again…whenever that may be. We love You and thank You for bringing us together as a class unlike any other, for the way we have blessed each other and been blessed by each other, and for how our experiences at Hope High School have shaped us into the people we are today. Thank you for the class of 1970.

May we have love, may we have joy, may we have peace, may we have rest, and may we have healing (Ian Cron). Amen.

A Norvell Note

April 12 – Vol. 30 No. 14

Only What Is Helpful

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29, NIV)

I have no idea how many times I have read, taught, discussed, and preached on that verse, but I do know I have felt convicted when I failed to follow its wisdom. Never has it been more difficult to practice what I preach than it is right now. But I continue to try. 

In my everyday conversations, I want to say only what benefits those who listen. When I am speaking to co-workers, I try to be aware of their needs and address them. When I speak publicly and in my writing, I often pray, “Lord, give me words that encourage, words that are helpful, and words that benefit those who read or hear them.”

I will continue to pray that my words will build others up. I hope you will pray the same prayer. 

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

A Norvell Note

April 5 – Vol. 30 No. 13

One Shining Moment

Monday night, either Connecticut or Michigan will be crowned the 87^th national champion of college basketball in the finale of the tournament that is known as March Madness. Rejoicing and regret will fill Lucas Oil Stadium and around the nation. The bracket will be complete, the winning team will cut, highlights of the tournament will roll, and the traditional “One Shining Moment” will be played. 

On this Sunday, celebrations will ring out around the world over the one shining moment that outshines all other shining moments: “He is risen!”  That moment, more than any other moment, brought hope of victory and hope to a hopeless world. It still does. It always will. Praise be to God, He is alive! I hope you believe that and live your life as you believe it. 

As we reflect on this season, may the joy and promise of the resurrection fill our hearts and guide our steps each day. Let us continue to share the light of that one shining moment with everyone we meet, living out the hope that Easter brings.

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved