January 2, 2012. Lanett, Alabama.
Reverend Jim Avery (audio and photo)


Bouncing Bettys were a type of mine used in Vietnam that, when triggered, shot an explosive charge four feet into the air, detonating at chest level. Over breakfast - his treat - the reverend told me how his friend had died in this way, and how he had witnessed it.

He also told me how he healed.


...Hear the public radio feature at transom.org


Transcript:
"What I'm saying is that we as individuals, we must be who we are. Because if you don't know what you are, you don't know who you are, and you don't know where you're going. You got to want to do something for your life, for yourself.

Supposing I had to stay who I was when I come back from Vietnam. Stayed in the mode I was. I'm pointing my finger at everybody. Took no responsibility, no accountability, and didn't have no availability. So I sit on the stool and do nothing. Doing nothing, what was I supposed to get? Nothing from nothing leave nothing. You know what I'm saying? This thing, that it make you aware that there is some circumstances, some trials, some tribulation, some aggravation, and some frustration, if you don't change your destination. You got to change your destination."