Welcome to another edition of Sunday Legacy Letters. We are so glad you are here with us today. Sunday is a time for reflection, gratitude, and looking at the stories that shape our lives and our mission here at Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude).
Music has a unique way of touching the soul and telling a story that words alone sometimes cannot. Did you know that I have actually recorded three music CDs? Over the years, I have poured my heart into these projects. They are titled “The Heyday Boys…Second Wind,” “When Hearts Collide…Songs by Mel Torme,” and “Songs of Inspiration…A collection of my favorite Christian songs.”
One of the songs in “Songs of Inspiration” is “Amazing Grace.” It happens to be my all-time favorite song. But it is not just the melody that captures me; it is the incredible history behind the creation of this hymn. It is a story of total transformation, from a life of cruelty to a life of service.
The Man Behind the Music: A Life of Rebellion
In the late 1700s, the name John Newton did not command respect. In fact, he was a man many feared and even more despised. Newton was a cruel and militant atheist. As a young man, he was wild, filled with anger, and completely reckless.
He joined the Navy when he was only 18 years old. His behavior was so defiant and his actions so reckless that he was eventually publicly flogged. This public humiliation did not soften his heart. Instead, it seemed to harden him further. He eventually became involved in the Atlantic slave trade, one of the most brutal and inhumane industries in human history.
Newton was lost. He was, by his own later admission, a "wretch." He was a man who lived without hope and without any sense of moral direction. He was a participant in the suffering of others and seemed destined for a dark end.
The Storm that Changed Everything
The turning point for John Newton came when he was twenty-three years old. He was on a ship that encountered a violent, terrifying storm. The vessel was taking on water and was nearly at the point of sinking. In that moment of absolute desperation, when all human effort had failed, this once cruel and reckless man did something he hadn't done in years.
He cried out to God for help.
Miraculously, the ship survived, and Newton was rescued. From that point on, he embarked on a completely new path in life. He began to pray and read the Bible. His heart, which had been so hardened by years of anger and cruelty, began to soften. He eventually left the seafaring life behind and became a minister.
More importantly, he became a powerful advocate for the abolition of the slave trade. He used his insider knowledge of the industry to help leaders like William Wilberforce fight to end slavery. He spent the rest of his life making amends for his past by serving others and sharing the message of grace.
The Lyrics of Redemption
John Newton is most renowned as the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” You likely know the words by heart:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now I’m found,
Was blind, but now I see.
To be rescued is to be saved, set free, and delivered from danger, attack, or harm. For Newton, it was a physical rescue from a storm at sea and a spiritual rescue from a life of darkness. This is the power of having faith.
Newton’s story reminds us that no matter where we have been or what we have done, there is always the possibility of a new beginning. There is always room for grace.
Living Out a Legacy of Gratitude
At Operation T.A.G., we believe that gratitude should be tangible. We take the inspiration of stories like John Newton’s, stories of rescue and transformation, and apply them to our mission of supporting those who serve our country.
Just as Newton found a "rescue" in his moment of need, we want to be a source of support for our military families. We know that the process of buying or refinancing a home can be a storm of its own, filled with financial stress and complicated paperwork.
That is why we created the Hometown Hero Credit.
The Hometown Hero Credit is a program of Operation T.A.G., a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit project of the High Desert Community Foundation. Our mission is to do more than just say “Thank you for your service.” We provide military families with a 2% credit up to $21,000 to help them purchase or refinance a home.
How the Hometown Hero Credit Rescuing Your Home Loan
We want to be very clear about how this works so you can take advantage of it. Our program is fully funded, which means there are no games, no gimmicks, and no repayment required. It is not limited to first-time buyers either.
Whenever we talk about the Hometown Hero Credit, remember that it is a 2% credit up to $21,000. This credit is calculated on the loan amount, not the sales price of the home. Because VA loans generally do not require a down payment, this credit can be a massive help in making a home purchase affordable.
Here is exactly how you can use the Hometown Hero Credit:
- Pay Closing Fees: Covering the costs associated with finalizing your loan.
- Buy Down the Interest Rate: Lowering your monthly mortgage payment for the life of the loan.
- Pay Real Estate Agent Fees: Helping cover the professional costs of your transaction.
- Pay Down Debt: In some cases, this credit can be used to pay down existing debt to help you qualify for a VA loan.
Please note: The credit cannot be used for down payments or for non-loan purposes.
A Call to Real Estate Agents
If you are a real estate agent, we want you to join us in this mission. We offer a nationwide brand ambassador program that is 100% free. You keep 100% of your commission, and we provide you with a custom branded landing page, a lead capture autoresponder, marketing materials, and done-for-you social media marketing.
It is truly the biggest no-brainer in real estate. It allows you to offer your military clients a 2% credit up to $21,000 at no cost to you or them. Together, we can build a legacy of gratitude, one military family at a time.
Embracing the Freedom of Faith
As you reflect on the story of John Newton and the lyrics of “Amazing Grace” this Sunday, we encourage you to think about the "rescues" in your own life. Have you experienced the freedom that comes from faith?
Today, it’s time to embrace it. Whether you are facing a personal storm or just looking for a new path, remember that grace is available. We are here to support you, to serve you, and to show our gratitude for everything you do.
Thank you for being part of the Operation T.A.G. family. Let’s make a difference together.
Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit
A program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude)
501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF
Websites: www.OperationTAG.org and www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Phone: 760-456-8748 (24-hour Information Line)
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