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We share a common interest: volleyball. I just happened to click on your comment to Ty Loomi’s Facebook status. And when I saw your info that tells briefly about your story with Drunk Driving, I was intrigued and later, touched.
I am fortunately still able to play the sport I love (despite the lack of height and getting older, 34). Now, I am starting to love soccer, too. And this is where your story comes in. Your story made me appreciate that I can still do sports and other things I do on a daily basis that are sometimes I take for granted.
I thank you for being such an inspiration to others. I admire that you have found your peace with God after what you have gone through. I am not a very religious person but I was raised a Roman Catholic. And I do believe that things happened for a reason. Things that we, humans, just can’t explain. What happened to you could have driven anyone crazy and could have resorted to doing other horrible things such as drugs, violence, and worse, suicide. But you, you stuck through it all and became a better person. I applaud you. I wish there are more of you in this earth, and this lifetime.
More power to your. Good health and more peace.
-From a new friend, all the way in Northern California
Thank you for sharing your story. I have grandsons who will be driving next year and I am going to have them read this. Nothing tells it like it is like someone who has been there. You’re doing a wonderful service in your effort to save lives and I wish you the very best. Medical breakthroughs happen every day and I pray you will get a miracle that will restore you to a full life.
Thanks again for doing this. I am positive it is making an impact.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. There are SO many who need to hear this. They need to hear a firsthand testimony of the dangers of drunk driving. They need to hear that you can keep a great attitude and have joy and peace no matter what the circumstance. And most of all, our world needs to hear that GOD IS FAITHFUL!!
Lance,
Your courage, strength, and honesty are inspiring. I have been friends with Sommer for several years now, and as many times as I’ve seen you I never knew anything about your accident until last year. You are an amazingly strong man, and you live your life to the fullest. Thanks so much for sharing yoour story.
Jamie
You have major, major courage, my friend! I don’t know you accept through our fellow interest in all things MOTU, but I read your story and was touched.
Glad you are on the mend and seem to have a positive outlook. That makes all the difference each and every time.
Jamie and I were just talking about you the other day and then received an email your mom had sent Alyce – We read your story again and then shared it with our daughter. God had another plan for you and you are living up to that expectation. Keep sharing your story, it is truly moving for everyone who hears or reads it. Love, Jamie and Tina Williams
Lance, I just read your story and I am so inpired. I was diagnosed with renal disease in 2001. I spent the majority of 2004 in the hospital in Columbus and at Emory. I had a kidney transplant that failed after 16 months. The docotrs said that they didn’t know how to treat me or what to do with me. They said that I was a puzzle, I in turn told them to send me back to the manufacturer, he knows how to fix me , he made me. I am on dialysis now 3 days aweek but God is good and His mercies endures forever. Although my story isn’t the same as yours, We both have experienced His miraculous healing power. When satan tries to step in and tries to make me question why? I remember Romans 8:28 :”All things work together for the good of those who love God and they that are called according to His purpose.” There is a purpose for what we are going through and it is to show the Father’s awesome power. Continue to do His , His way, Much Love
Hi Lance
You don’t know me but my husband Chris Strength does. I was very touched with the story in the paper and your website. You had angels watching over you the day of the accident. You was saved by the grace of God. Chris says he remembers visting you in the hospital. Its just amazing that you lived through this accident. Chris was saved by the grace of God too. As you can recall when he was in the baseball accident and was in a coma for 5 days. He wasn’t supppose to live but he’s still here. Sometimes we don’t understand why things happen but if we lift them to God everything will be ok. And that my friend is a blessing.
Lance been a long time since i actually sat down and talked with you. Its a miracle more of us weren’t injure in our younger days of partying and drinking. I will never forget the night u wrecked there were a few of us together from our old gang and we were in Auburn when we found out it was a shock and an eye opener all in one. It really opened my eys to the risk we had been taking for all that time we were ing fun. Your story ever forget and i have told my two teenage sons your story more than once since they started driving. I wish you all the best and if you ever need me for anything feel free to let me know. Friends are always friends and if you need me let me know. Jason
Lance, thank you for visiting Lighthouse Baptist Church and sharing your story. I was so moved and know that it had an impact on our young people. A few of our college kids were home for the summer and in attendance and the prom for one of the high schools in the community is this weekend – God’s timing was perfect to have you with us. We will continue to pray for you and your ministry. God Bless you!
Lance, I was at the church service Wednesday May 12th at Lighthouse Baptist Church. I am 25 and a mother of 2 and I wanted to let you know Your story really touched me because I have had friends die in car wrecks caused by drunk drivers or themselves being the drunk driver. The main reason it really touched me though is because of my dad. My dad means the world to me, he is 46 years old and he is a great guy. He use to be a Youth Leader there at our church but about 6 years ago, everything fell apart on him, no one to blame but his self, He has been drinking ever since. Well here in the last month, my dad got into a very bad car wreck, he claims that a deer ran out and hit the drivers side of the car and that it startled him and he jerked at the wheel spun around and wrecked into a tree, it totaled out his car. The weird thing about it, is the side where the deer hit, there is barely a mark. It doesn’t make since to me. My dad has been drinking a lot these past few years and when he wakes up some mornings that is the first drink he grabs. But back to the story when the cops showed up they said they couldn’t believe that he was alive and standing outside of the car. I really and honestly believe he was driving home drunk, but he won’t be honest with us. I really wish my dad would calm down on the whole drinking issue. He did start going back to church with me after it happened, and I know people can’t just change over night, but I feel like its getting worse again. My dad has 8 children and 5 grandchildren…I don’t want to lose him and him never get to watch his kids or his grand kids grow up. I am a daddy’s girl dispite all the things he has done in his life, I will never turn away from my dad…I just wish something would wake him up and I thought when he wrecked that it would. I talked to Brother Hershel after your testimony and he is giving me a dvd of your testimony to let my dad watch. I am also emailing my dad your site so that he can read over and watch the videos. I really hope that sometime soon he will wake and smell the roses and see what he is doing to his family. But once again…I would like to Thank You very much for speaking at the church and giving me a way of showing my dad, what could happen to him or someone else with all the drinking that he does.
Lance it was good to have you and Gail with us in our service last night. I have just been reading through your story and even after hearing it in person last night and reading it today I was not prepared for the emotions that I experienced. I do believe God has his hand on you as He has throughout your life. God has a purpose for you and I believe that you are about to begin to experience what God wants for you in your life. You have experienced a great deal of suffering but I believe Romans 8:28 is still true today. God said in Revelation that He has set a great door open for you that no man can close. I believe that thousands will hear your story, all of them will not change their lives, many will go on to make the same bad decision that you made but if some of them listen and avoid that bad decision I truly believe that one day you will be able to say it was worth it all. As I sat and read Gail’s story I began to weep knowing but for the grace of God there go I. I am so thankful that I cannot say I know how she feels nor do I ever want to be able to know how she feels. God obviously worked in Gail and Lamar’s life to give them strength to go through what they had to endure during that difficult time. Your sister’s story was equally moving to me. God has a great work in store for you and your family, if I or Lighthouse Baptist Church is able to assist you in any way in the days ahead please let us know. I will be sharing your website with other pastors and encouraging them to have you to come and share your story in person, our Church was deeply moved last night.
Faith Taylor 5/14/09|14/05/2009 at 10:02 am|Permalink
i hope everone reading this changes there minds about drinking and driveing or rideing with someone who has been drinking.everytime i read this i cry. hopefully another family will not have to go tho this. lance we are proud of you
Walking into ICU on trembling knees that day to see you was enough to keep me away from the stuff for nearly 10 years.
Apparently back in 1993, you had sent word through friends that you wanted me to stop-in and talk to you about joining the Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers (M.A.D.D.) organization. Little did I know that you were actually planting a seed that would later mature into something that has helped to keep me from falling over the edge on many occasions along life’s journey. For that, I thank you.
What a journey…my travels have taught me so many lessons that I have had to start writing some of them down so that I can pass them along to my son, to my family, to my friends and to others – just as you have. Keep it going, never ever surrender!
I want you to keep this in mind, especially when you are at one of your low-points or when the pain is almost unbearable. “There is a reason that you are here on this earth at the time that you are here and deep-down you really already know what your purpose is so DON’T EVER HOLD-BACK! Pain and suffering in this life is normal but so is good-health and happiness. You must remember to tell yourself that there are thousands of people hurting worse and suffering more than you are right now and if they can make it through it then, damn-it, so can I.”
I will leave you with this, Lance…You and I both know that we have never been that close of friends. Sure, we attended the same high school and grew-up in the same little city but we each had our own circle of friends. However, I want you to know that if you ever need anything (regardless of what it is or where you are when the need arises), all that you would need to do is to contact the guy who is leaving you this posting and I will be there. My contact information will always remain updated on Facebook.
You never cease to amaze me. This is so much more than you could have told me about. It truly is a great & powerful thing you are doing and it is so good to know where it comes from. I hope everyone understands that and can see that part of you now more than ever. You are a great friend & I am so glad that we get to spend the tiem we do together. Love you!
So glad to call you freind. I remember when you were on that rotating bed. I am so proud of you. God has ALWAYS had his hand on your life. Your determination is such an inspiration. Thanks Lance.
What an amazing story of miracles that are still performed everyday. . You do not realize how many lives you will save by sharing your story. Thank you for the courage you have shown by sharing your testimony.
Thank you for sharing your story. Very touching and so very true. I’m proud for you and your family that you not only overcame a tradegy, but you have also enlightened many lives. I too will share with my children. God bless you as you continue to rebuild your strength and serve the Lord.
Lance, it is so wonderful and courageous for you to share your story. You are truly an inspiration and I know you are meant for very great things to come!
Lance,
I am so proud of you for sharing with the world your amazing and painful story. Thankfully I understand how something so tragic can also be a blessing. My illness over the years changed my life as this has yours. You can never understand the depth that your courage and faith has inspired so many people. I have always believed that God has a plan for us and if we keep the faith his plan will be revealed and immense blessings will be shared. The love that your family has for you especially your Mother is wonderful to see. I remember so well how devastated they were. The out pouring of love, prays, gifts, etc was a testament of just how much you and your family are loved. It was a beautiful thing to see. The last time I saw you, you looked great. I am so glad that you are finding the courage to get out of the house and explore life again. Remember you are not alone, God and your family and friends are with you. The best is yet to come. I love you and thank you again for sharing your story. I am going to share this with Billy and Scarlett so that we can be reminded how lucky we are what a blessing you have been in our life. Oh Yea. Roll Tide!!!!!!
Brandi Belisle Day|11/05/2009 at 4:32 pm|Permalink
I hope you understand how many people you are helping by telling your story. I commend you for doing this. Now everyone can see from your videos and pictures the true reality of drinking and driving.Thank you!!
When we hung out in school we always had so much fun together. But you know we never thought about things like the consequences of our actions and how huge of a mistake drinking and driving could change our lives forever!!!! Hell I turned a blind eye to those consequences even after I was grown and knew what happened to you. Drinking alters your judgment and that’s why friends play such a big role in stopping you.
Now I have a son about to start driving and worry EVERY DAY about this kinda stuff. Not only about him driving after drinking but someone else getting behind the wheel after too many. I worry about it so much because I know how I was and just hope he is smarter than me. It just happens so fast and at that age they just don’t think it can happen to them. I know I didn’t!!
I know you can make a difference by talking to people and I’m so proud that you are willing to share your story. You are a remarkable person and I love you!!!!
Hey Lance! I am so proud of you! I am crying like a baby now after reading your mom’s story! I am going to show this to Hannah, even though she is only 10 years old. Never too early to learn about the dangers! Love ya!!!
{ 32 } Guestbook Entries
We share a common interest: volleyball. I just happened to click on your comment to Ty Loomi’s Facebook status. And when I saw your info that tells briefly about your story with Drunk Driving, I was intrigued and later, touched.
I am fortunately still able to play the sport I love (despite the lack of height and getting older, 34). Now, I am starting to love soccer, too. And this is where your story comes in. Your story made me appreciate that I can still do sports and other things I do on a daily basis that are sometimes I take for granted.
I thank you for being such an inspiration to others. I admire that you have found your peace with God after what you have gone through. I am not a very religious person but I was raised a Roman Catholic. And I do believe that things happened for a reason. Things that we, humans, just can’t explain. What happened to you could have driven anyone crazy and could have resorted to doing other horrible things such as drugs, violence, and worse, suicide. But you, you stuck through it all and became a better person. I applaud you. I wish there are more of you in this earth, and this lifetime.
More power to your. Good health and more peace.
-From a new friend, all the way in Northern California
You are truely an inspiration!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have grandsons who will be driving next year and I am going to have them read this. Nothing tells it like it is like someone who has been there. You’re doing a wonderful service in your effort to save lives and I wish you the very best. Medical breakthroughs happen every day and I pray you will get a miracle that will restore you to a full life.
Thanks again for doing this. I am positive it is making an impact.
Thanks for sharing your Story.
I admire your strength and determination… I will definatly pass your message on.
God Bless
Thank you so much for sharing your story. There are SO many who need to hear this. They need to hear a firsthand testimony of the dangers of drunk driving. They need to hear that you can keep a great attitude and have joy and peace no matter what the circumstance. And most of all, our world needs to hear that GOD IS FAITHFUL!!
Lance,
Your courage, strength, and honesty are inspiring. I have been friends with Sommer for several years now, and as many times as I’ve seen you I never knew anything about your accident until last year. You are an amazingly strong man, and you live your life to the fullest. Thanks so much for sharing yoour story.
Jamie
You have major, major courage, my friend! I don’t know you accept through our fellow interest in all things MOTU, but I read your story and was touched.
Glad you are on the mend and seem to have a positive outlook. That makes all the difference each and every time.
Lance,
Jamie and I were just talking about you the other day and then received an email your mom had sent Alyce – We read your story again and then shared it with our daughter. God had another plan for you and you are living up to that expectation. Keep sharing your story, it is truly moving for everyone who hears or reads it. Love, Jamie and Tina Williams
Hello, Brad…You have alot of courage my friend…
Lance, I just read your story and I am so inpired. I was diagnosed with renal disease in 2001. I spent the majority of 2004 in the hospital in Columbus and at Emory. I had a kidney transplant that failed after 16 months. The docotrs said that they didn’t know how to treat me or what to do with me. They said that I was a puzzle, I in turn told them to send me back to the manufacturer, he knows how to fix me , he made me. I am on dialysis now 3 days aweek but God is good and His mercies endures forever. Although my story isn’t the same as yours, We both have experienced His miraculous healing power. When satan tries to step in and tries to make me question why? I remember Romans 8:28 :”All things work together for the good of those who love God and they that are called according to His purpose.” There is a purpose for what we are going through and it is to show the Father’s awesome power. Continue to do His , His way, Much Love
Hi Lance
You don’t know me but my husband Chris Strength does. I was very touched with the story in the paper and your website. You had angels watching over you the day of the accident. You was saved by the grace of God. Chris says he remembers visting you in the hospital. Its just amazing that you lived through this accident. Chris was saved by the grace of God too. As you can recall when he was in the baseball accident and was in a coma for 5 days. He wasn’t supppose to live but he’s still here. Sometimes we don’t understand why things happen but if we lift them to God everything will be ok. And that my friend is a blessing.
Lance been a long time since i actually sat down and talked with you. Its a miracle more of us weren’t injure in our younger days of partying and drinking. I will never forget the night u wrecked there were a few of us together from our old gang and we were in Auburn when we found out it was a shock and an eye opener all in one. It really opened my eys to the risk we had been taking for all that time we were ing fun. Your story ever forget and i have told my two teenage sons your story more than once since they started driving. I wish you all the best and if you ever need me for anything feel free to let me know. Friends are always friends and if you need me let me know. Jason
Lance, thank you for visiting Lighthouse Baptist Church and sharing your story. I was so moved and know that it had an impact on our young people. A few of our college kids were home for the summer and in attendance and the prom for one of the high schools in the community is this weekend – God’s timing was perfect to have you with us. We will continue to pray for you and your ministry. God Bless you!
Lance, I was at the church service Wednesday May 12th at Lighthouse Baptist Church. I am 25 and a mother of 2 and I wanted to let you know Your story really touched me because I have had friends die in car wrecks caused by drunk drivers or themselves being the drunk driver. The main reason it really touched me though is because of my dad. My dad means the world to me, he is 46 years old and he is a great guy. He use to be a Youth Leader there at our church but about 6 years ago, everything fell apart on him, no one to blame but his self, He has been drinking ever since. Well here in the last month, my dad got into a very bad car wreck, he claims that a deer ran out and hit the drivers side of the car and that it startled him and he jerked at the wheel spun around and wrecked into a tree, it totaled out his car. The weird thing about it, is the side where the deer hit, there is barely a mark. It doesn’t make since to me. My dad has been drinking a lot these past few years and when he wakes up some mornings that is the first drink he grabs. But back to the story when the cops showed up they said they couldn’t believe that he was alive and standing outside of the car. I really and honestly believe he was driving home drunk, but he won’t be honest with us. I really wish my dad would calm down on the whole drinking issue. He did start going back to church with me after it happened, and I know people can’t just change over night, but I feel like its getting worse again. My dad has 8 children and 5 grandchildren…I don’t want to lose him and him never get to watch his kids or his grand kids grow up. I am a daddy’s girl dispite all the things he has done in his life, I will never turn away from my dad…I just wish something would wake him up and I thought when he wrecked that it would. I talked to Brother Hershel after your testimony and he is giving me a dvd of your testimony to let my dad watch. I am also emailing my dad your site so that he can read over and watch the videos. I really hope that sometime soon he will wake and smell the roses and see what he is doing to his family. But once again…I would like to Thank You very much for speaking at the church and giving me a way of showing my dad, what could happen to him or someone else with all the drinking that he does.
Lance it was good to have you and Gail with us in our service last night. I have just been reading through your story and even after hearing it in person last night and reading it today I was not prepared for the emotions that I experienced. I do believe God has his hand on you as He has throughout your life. God has a purpose for you and I believe that you are about to begin to experience what God wants for you in your life. You have experienced a great deal of suffering but I believe Romans 8:28 is still true today. God said in Revelation that He has set a great door open for you that no man can close. I believe that thousands will hear your story, all of them will not change their lives, many will go on to make the same bad decision that you made but if some of them listen and avoid that bad decision I truly believe that one day you will be able to say it was worth it all. As I sat and read Gail’s story I began to weep knowing but for the grace of God there go I. I am so thankful that I cannot say I know how she feels nor do I ever want to be able to know how she feels. God obviously worked in Gail and Lamar’s life to give them strength to go through what they had to endure during that difficult time. Your sister’s story was equally moving to me. God has a great work in store for you and your family, if I or Lighthouse Baptist Church is able to assist you in any way in the days ahead please let us know. I will be sharing your website with other pastors and encouraging them to have you to come and share your story in person, our Church was deeply moved last night.
i hope everone reading this changes there minds about drinking and driveing or rideing with someone who has been drinking.everytime i read this i cry. hopefully another family will not have to go tho this. lance we are proud of you
Walking into ICU on trembling knees that day to see you was enough to keep me away from the stuff for nearly 10 years.
Apparently back in 1993, you had sent word through friends that you wanted me to stop-in and talk to you about joining the Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers (M.A.D.D.) organization. Little did I know that you were actually planting a seed that would later mature into something that has helped to keep me from falling over the edge on many occasions along life’s journey. For that, I thank you.
What a journey…my travels have taught me so many lessons that I have had to start writing some of them down so that I can pass them along to my son, to my family, to my friends and to others – just as you have. Keep it going, never ever surrender!
I want you to keep this in mind, especially when you are at one of your low-points or when the pain is almost unbearable. “There is a reason that you are here on this earth at the time that you are here and deep-down you really already know what your purpose is so DON’T EVER HOLD-BACK! Pain and suffering in this life is normal but so is good-health and happiness. You must remember to tell yourself that there are thousands of people hurting worse and suffering more than you are right now and if they can make it through it then, damn-it, so can I.”
I will leave you with this, Lance…You and I both know that we have never been that close of friends. Sure, we attended the same high school and grew-up in the same little city but we each had our own circle of friends. However, I want you to know that if you ever need anything (regardless of what it is or where you are when the need arises), all that you would need to do is to contact the guy who is leaving you this posting and I will be there. My contact information will always remain updated on Facebook.
Best of luck to you and to this endeavor!
You never cease to amaze me. This is so much more than you could have told me about. It truly is a great & powerful thing you are doing and it is so good to know where it comes from. I hope everyone understands that and can see that part of you now more than ever. You are a great friend & I am so glad that we get to spend the tiem we do together. Love you!
So glad to call you freind. I remember when you were on that rotating bed. I am so proud of you. God has ALWAYS had his hand on your life. Your determination is such an inspiration. Thanks Lance.
What an amazing story of miracles that are still performed everyday. . You do not realize how many lives you will save by sharing your story. Thank you for the courage you have shown by sharing your testimony.
Thank you for sharing your story. Very touching and so very true. I’m proud for you and your family that you not only overcame a tradegy, but you have also enlightened many lives. I too will share with my children. God bless you as you continue to rebuild your strength and serve the Lord.
Lance, it is so wonderful and courageous for you to share your story. You are truly an inspiration and I know you are meant for very great things to come!
Lance,
I am so proud of you for sharing with the world your amazing and painful story. Thankfully I understand how something so tragic can also be a blessing. My illness over the years changed my life as this has yours. You can never understand the depth that your courage and faith has inspired so many people. I have always believed that God has a plan for us and if we keep the faith his plan will be revealed and immense blessings will be shared. The love that your family has for you especially your Mother is wonderful to see. I remember so well how devastated they were. The out pouring of love, prays, gifts, etc was a testament of just how much you and your family are loved. It was a beautiful thing to see. The last time I saw you, you looked great. I am so glad that you are finding the courage to get out of the house and explore life again. Remember you are not alone, God and your family and friends are with you. The best is yet to come. I love you and thank you again for sharing your story. I am going to share this with Billy and Scarlett so that we can be reminded how lucky we are what a blessing you have been in our life. Oh Yea. Roll Tide!!!!!!
I hope you understand how many people you are helping by telling your story. I commend you for doing this. Now everyone can see from your videos and pictures the true reality of drinking and driving.Thank you!!
Lance, you are such an amazing person in side and out! You have touched my heart forever!
When we hung out in school we always had so much fun together. But you know we never thought about things like the consequences of our actions and how huge of a mistake drinking and driving could change our lives forever!!!! Hell I turned a blind eye to those consequences even after I was grown and knew what happened to you. Drinking alters your judgment and that’s why friends play such a big role in stopping you.
Now I have a son about to start driving and worry EVERY DAY about this kinda stuff. Not only about him driving after drinking but someone else getting behind the wheel after too many. I worry about it so much because I know how I was and just hope he is smarter than me. It just happens so fast and at that age they just don’t think it can happen to them. I know I didn’t!!
I know you can make a difference by talking to people and I’m so proud that you are willing to share your story. You are a remarkable person and I love you!!!!
Lance, stay close and clean and God will use you mightily. Please let me know if I can ever help.
You move people in a positive way more than you will ever know.
Hey Lance! I am so proud of you! I am crying like a baby now after reading your mom’s story! I am going to show this to Hannah, even though she is only 10 years old. Never too early to learn about the dangers! Love ya!!!
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer
I’m very proud of you, brother – and happy to help you see this vision to reality.
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