Hitler's Pawn the Margaret Lambert Story (review by Jeffrey Schrembs)

Nazi Germany.

These words conjure up a plethora of emotions, reactions, images, and thoughts. The reality that true evil bred true discrimination and the killing of millions of innocent people, and devastated millions more and I believe took from the World sacred souls that were among the best in every profession known to man, was able to rise to power and (truly) threaten the World is something that the World should NEVER FORGET…and never allow to be repeated.

From the ashes of the death bestowed upon the Jewish people, by Hitler and the fanatics loyal to him, comes the beautiful redeeming documentary entitled “Hitler’s Pawn” which tells the true story of Margaret Lambert.

The grace, beauty, talents, and integrity of Margaret Lambert is evident in each frame in which she is present as well as in her story as a whole. This documentary moved me for many reasons and I am thankful for having come across it, quite by accident, tonight.

I would encourage others to seek out this documentary, and others like it as well as read books with similar subject matter, and to support those who allow the pains of their lives to be broadcast to the World not for personal gain but because their story is deserving.

The magnificence of the Jewish people, and the brave men who fought and gave their lives to defeat Nazi Germany, should never be forgotten. Should never be “simplified”. Should never be negated.

Their sacrifices, and their lives and their deaths, have benefited every generation afterward and future generations need to know what really happened and not have it “spoon fed” to them with portions of political correctness.

Not all heroes are nationally, or internationally, recognized. Not all heroes seek the limelight. True heroes go about their daily lives focusing on the needs of others while trying to improve the quality of lives of those around them.

In my opinion Margaret Lambert is the best of heroes because she never forgot her family left behind in Germany. She never forgot those who lost their lives to unspeakable horrors just because Jewish blood ran through their veins. She never forgot what she lost and she never forgot who she was regardless of what name she choose to use.

Such fortitude, honor, and grace I pray will not be lost to this generation or those to follow. It is not enough to learn history in compliance with the old adage of “those who know not history are bound to repeat it” but to learn history where it counts the most…in ones heart…in ones soul and in ones passing along the truth of what occurred vowing to not be silent while discrimination – hatred – inflammatory rhetoric - and evil rears it’s ugly head even in corners of the World far removed.

To those who do not stand united against true evil (i.e. philosophically, politically, personally and professionally) do a disservice to themselves and to all of humanity. If one is not strong enough to recognize, and acknowledge, true evil then one is (sadly and truly) blind.

It is documentary’s such as these, even in the timeframe of (approximately) one hour, that lessons can be learned and compassion/understanding can be seeded.

Here is the HBO link: http://www.hbo.com/sports/hitlers-pawn-the-margaret-lambert-story/index.html

Take care and may God bless you.

Happy Father's Day 2012 (by Jeff Schrembs)

Father’s Day 2012.

For me it is a bittersweet day.

I can recall the moment in which the pregnancy was confirmed for each of my children. I can recall the months of praying, hoping, and dreaming that the child (and their mother) would both be…safe and healthy. I can recall the joy in seeing my children for the first time and the beauty of seeing them in their mother’s arms, while tears streamed down the mothers face, where they belonged.

I love, have loved, and always will love each of my children. Not a moment of a day goes by that I don’t think about them – pray for them – miss them – love them – and a thankful for them. They are each (truly) beautiful in all areas (the mind, body, spirit, and soul) and I thank God for each of them.

I hope that on this day, and the other 364 days of the year, that my children (and every child) is acknowledged and given love and support. I hope that they are encourage and accepted. That they are appreciated and given the tools to achieve. I hope that they pursue the talents bestowed upon them from God and that they are never afraid, or ashamed, to…try. Even when it is the darkest hour and all seems lost that they continue to try and remember that God created them for a reason…and he doesn’t make mistakes.

Whatever I am doing. Wherever I am. I will be thinking of my children.

Father’s Day 2012 will come and go but true love is eternal.

The love that I have for each of my children will never waiver nor will it be diminished by time or distance. No matter how “grown” they become they will always be my children and their mothers deserving of my respect.

To some it will be a day just like any other.

To some it will be a day of reflection of those who have left this World having passed away.

To some it will be pain knowing that the relationship is strained and so much pain has come that the scar tissue keeps binding the wounds…but not healing.

To some it will be that contact is limited by a glass pane or bars or both.

To some it will be the silence that exists whether it is caused by Court orders, lies, truths, or the actions/inactions never knowing the path they were on would end up in an abyss surrounded by darkness and tears.

To others it will be a meal shared by family members and the exchange of cards or presents. Cameras will record the events and videos and photographs sent wirelessly or email or via mail.

To far too many it will be a time when the reality of War takes those far away and the hope of a safe return triumphs the novelty of the day.

Regardless of which, or a combination of, of these examples are applicable the point is that without Fathers (and being a Father is not limited to just whose genetics brought life to each child). Being a Father means sacrifice, unconditional love, and eternal prayers for good health – happiness – and a long life (for all of God’s children).

Father’s Day 2012 would otherwise go “unnamed”, and thus Father’s not having a special day of their own, and more importantly without Fathers life itself would cease to exist. It remains my hope, and prayers, that Fathers everywhere are afforded the respect – love – appreciation – understanding – and forgiveness that brings upon us the honor as ordained by God…and is deserving.

May this day be one of happiness, beloved memories, and a commitment that life is not about forgetting the days that have come before but the promise of better days ahead.

Lastly, to those whose Fathers have passed away I wish, and pray for you, that this day is one of peace and remembrance.

May God bless you all. Jeff Schrembs

PS: This video makes me laugh so I attached it.

Why does it have to be this way?

Looking back I should have know It wasn’t your age but you hadn’t grown Into the woman you would come to be Emerging from the darkness unwillingly You kept your secrets and you planned a day When all of our world would cease to be Torn apart and thrown away With conviction yet carelessly What was left behind can’t be recognized Through the tears that have long left these eyes Worst of all is the written and spoken lies That one day will be uncovered, analyzed But what about today? Will they ever heal? Hearing your mantra of truthful denial So easily dismissed the oath before God Have all your dreams now come true? All that you sought? The pages of life continue to turn When you look in the mirror does it burn? With the knowledge of all you have done and said Hurting the innocent leaving them scarred Do you pray that time will take me away? That I will cease to be, in a box to decay Then you’ll be the victim and your lies fulfilled My silence ensured…your webs finally killed May God have mercy and hear my prayers For nothing else matters but to truly care For those who I love and miss everyday Kept apart I pray…temporarily As I cherish them truly each day since their birth Nothing means more, nothing on earth They will know that I love them so In their true hearts…into their soul For truth has a ring that one only has to hear True love has the power to sustain…and to heal For it took both to bring them to life And it takes both now... no longer husband and wife I pray you’ll find your way to do what’s right To cease all the drama, put a stop to the fight I was wrong in so many ways My God I’ve paid a price each second of everyday Maybe one day you’ll stop being blind To the pains they suffer today, and in time I never would have allowed the tables to be turned For you are deserving, even after you burned The one who was lost by sickness and depression That could never be cured by dishonorable sessions I write these words knowing I truly loved But love wasn’t enough; I’ve learned…I’ve heard Mistakes I’ve made I’ll never make again For this is now, and that was then The steps I’ve taken to improve and to better Are evident in my heart, and that’s what truly matters And to those I’ve loved and longed for each day I pray for the opportunity to make the hurt…go away I don’t regret falling in love and all those years Spent by your side, sharing hopes – dreams – and fears But that time has gone and to what will take its place? For me it will be to love them…and to see their face Not just in pictures or through space or walls Built up internally, in the mind, or in laws But to do for them what needs to be done For them to be happy and loved by; Father to daughter…Father to son Whatever you were, whatever you are, whatever you’ll be I will always wish you well and hold specific memory Wherever my children go, whatever they do I will love them, pray for them, not taking from you Maybe one day you’ll realize that no one can take my place For they are ours by blood, my name and my face The time draws near when decisions are to be made That will determine the path, determine their fate No matter what happens, or what happened in the past My love will never leave them, it will…ever last Why does it have to be this way? Who’s to know, who’s to say? If it was up to me after true reflection and care The answer is simple…the answer is to share For without one they are missing the other They shouldn’t have to choose between their Father and Mother There is room in their hearts and lives for both I will do what’s right…I give them my oath To focus on their healing, to love and support Through all of the madness this is what I’ve sought I ask you now to stop, to give them time to recover Your last name is irrelevant for you are their Mother And if you can’t see what is right and what should be Then you are too blind and you’ll never see Please take their hand and show them the way To truly forgive, to start to heal, beginning today For tomorrow is uncertain and it will always be For they are what is important, not I…not we