Golf Swing

So I spent my life learning how to swing a golf club in a very fluid motion from my Papa and Dad. I would guess that this started when I was somewhere around 10-12 years old. Learning ever so intently that where my feet were lined up is where the ball was going, therefore making sure that the line that my toes make is the direction I would like to hit my ball. Years of learning this through my teen years, and observing many people play golf and through church tournaments, would not compare to the impact of watching Ted swing.

So here I was fairly new to the Spottswood family and shaking as I go "try" to play against the father of my girlfriend. He gave me a very very subtle talk on the way to the golf course that he does have an awkward swing, and to not worry about being nervous playing in front of him. But that he did play in college, but not to worry we are here to have Christ-like fun. "Right..." I said in my competitive nature.

So we get on the 1st Tee box after paying and small amount stretching. He let me go first and I totally sliced as normal, for one thing I was still nervous even after Ted's nice talk. But then Ted gets up there. Many words and explanations will not be able to describe my thought process nor my internal gut reaction to what happened next.

Ted gets up there and totally points his feet to the severe left (which was a large parking lot) and his hands weren't properly placed on the club, and aligned the ball to his back foot. Here are just some of the ideas flying a million miles an hour through my head:

"AWH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU DOING????"

"Is he just trying to make me feel better, because if so then this is awesome cause I feel great...."

"He is totally going to hit one of those cars and we'll immediately get thrown off the course, (unless we can run really fast to our car.)"

"This is amazing just how far off alignment he is, he is going to switch back any minute for giggles."

"Wait I've seen this on TV before, never in real life"

"How am I going to react when he totally misses the ball, do I laugh or is it too early in our relationship to do this? Or do I just turn around, start walking to the cart in hopes he doesn't see me giggling inside? Its Ted I'm going to laugh."

Then it happened. The ball was hit. So here is the great part, it wasn't just hit, it was hit in the best possible way you can hit the ball. It's Unbelievable, what did I just witness? We got to the 2nd tee box and it happened again. And again for the next 10 years.

This was Ted, Ted playing golf. His swing was perfect for him, and I've never seen anyone else swing the way he did and be able to hit the 300 yard mark. I really hope I don't because this is one thing that made him very special to me. His uniqueness, quality, and devout nature he had to playing this game. He LOVED this game for it was his escape. He would get out on the course and play with all intensity to accomplish his personal goal, and in those journeys I watched. I focused in on his deliverance, methods, struggles, and got to see the true nature of Ted. I loved playing with him and miss playing with him.

Ted, I miss you greatly and really happy that we spent these times together. I do hope you are perfecting the swing that made you unique, for I can't wait to see it again. Tell Jesus hey..... Love, Matt

And this is one more story of Celebration for the life lived by Ted Spottswood.

Ted Spottswood's Memorial

Here is the video of my dad's memorial. Thanks to Chris Hollomon, Andrew Spottswood (my brother), and Brady Cooper for speaking. Also thank you to Eddie and Jessica Harrison for singing.

Ted Spottswood - Memorial from Reid Spottswood on Vimeo.

Video credits go to Cory Hammett for filming. Thanks Cory!

Message from Lisa

A friend that I went to Samford with sent me a message on Facebook today and I thought I should share it. It is amazing!

"Kat! So, I was at a Christian concert last night in Dothan, AL and towards the end of the concert the lead singer starts telling a story to lead into his testimony. He told the story of Ted Spottswood!!! It was the lead singer of Newsong (Russ) and he talked about the way Ted lived his life, his Christian example, the encouragement he gave Newsong and everyone, he talked about how the room lit up when Ted came into the room, and went on and on. He then led into how Ted passed away and how Ted is in a better place. How this will be the hardest Christmas for his family but THE BEST Christmas for Ted! He then asked the audience "are you ready like Ted was to meet your maker?" FIFTEEN people werre saved JUST LAST NIGHT!! I talked to Russ afterwards and he said that HUNDREDS of people have been saved at these concerts after hearing Ted's story and being presented with Jesus's message! Isn't that amazing!?!? God is using this awful thing for HIS GLORY!!! HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SAVED!!!!!! How cool is that??"

Anyone else have chills??

-Kat

Sean Miles

The Lord placed a young homeless man in my life Friday night Dec. 4^th. My family put him up in a hotel, and fed him a meal. I got to sit and talk with him for a while. He is 19 and living on the street. The Lord is really going after this one. The next day, the Lord impressed on my heart to take him to the service for Ted. I had no fear in doing this because I knew it would be a celebration of a life well lived and that this young man needed a Godly example of a man. We were pulling up to church and he says to me “I have been to this Church before. I visited and missed my bus and one of your pastors took me back to where I was staying.”

We get into the service and it was awesome! The number of people celebrating Ted’s life and ministry, even in the personal pain of missing him. I miss him.

About halfway through, this young man looks at me and says, “That’s the guy that gave me a ride!” Of course it was…

In an unsurprising act of service, Ted opened a door for the Lord to use. By his life, the Lord showed this young man what a legacy is and what a man who loves Jesus looks like. By his homecoming, the Lord brought the circle closed in this young man’s mind that the Lord loves him and is showing His hand and plan in his life. I used that door to let this young man know that the Lord is screaming his name.

Be encouraged, even now the Lord is using Ted.

Mike Woodruff

To All who Knew "The Ted"!

As Matt's Dad, I remember him telling me, I was going to have the opportunity to meet Katie's Dad. My wife, Teresa & I already knew Jane from back in the "ole school days", so we were anxious to meet Ted! All Matt told me was how much he liked Ted, and that we would like him too! He mentioned that he had the most unorthodox golf swing he had ever witnessed! Game On!

The day came to meet Ted. The moment we met Ted a big "smile" came across his face and he said, "I have been waiting to meet both of you, b/c I think we are going to be seeing a lot of each other in the near future". He gave us both a "big bear hug"! I paused and Thanked God that my son Matt would have this man in his life, and what a blessing that would be! Ted never let me down! From that time on, Ted painted a portrait for me of what it looks like to live a dedicated life for God, Family, and Friends! God gave Ted the ability to be so uninhibited in his faith that all people, young and old , knew where he stood in his Christian journey!

In closing; I have been given a lot of gifts in my life, but the one I will cherish the most is how Ted lived his life! What a beautiful portrait he left with me!I know and have the assurance that one day Ted & I will rejoice together again!

Sherry Lewallen

Mom got this email from a friend this morning. We can totally see dad jumping up and down like an excited little 4 year from the kids that came to know the Lord that day. Mom wanted me to share it. Thank you Sherry for tell mom and thank you Russ.





Jane, I'm praying for you today and wanted to pass along something that happened at church last night. R.G. and I are living in Atlanta now. We are attending FB Woodstock and Newsong was there last night. When Russ Lee started giving the invitation, he mentioned a friend from his church named Ted Spottswood. He told about Ted's dedication and love for the Lord and how he always reached out to others. He said what a great man of God he was and that he had gone to be with our Lord. When he finished, there was about 30 young kids and teenagers that went forward, maybe more. I just thought "Ted must be rejoicing with the angels at those kids coming to know Jesus". That was his life and now God is using Ted's legacy to bring Him glory and draw others to Him. I just wanted to share this with you. Love you, Jane and pray God will continue to comfort you and be your strength. Sherry

My Dad

When I think of memories of my dad right now. I think of all the funny stories.

I am sure it is to no ones surprise that there are a lot of funny Ted stories.

One that I was present for, but do not remember, was the day I was born. Being the first born, mom and dad didn't realize that when a baby comes out of a teeny tiny hole their heads can be a little pointy for a short time. So when the Dr. handed me to my mom she was a little taken back by the pointy headed child that was just put in her arms. Then Dad being the forever optimist, said, "Well honey, we can atleast play football with her."

At my wedding, my dad made sure he was on his best behavior. He really wanted to make sure that he didn't do or say anything wrong. When he walked me down the aisle to answer the question who was giving away this woman to be with this man...
He answered, with all the confidence in the world...
"HIS MOTHER AND I!"
Bless him, he tried.


One of dad's faults was that he didn't pay attention to details.
Like the time we were out and we both needed to use the restroom. While we were walking to our restrooms we were talking to each other and neither one of us were paying attention (a quality I inherited) and he walked into the ladies restroom with me! Luckily one of us came to our senses and he jumped out, but now without making some type of scene.

When we were living in Knoxville, one Christmas break I came home from college, I was going to help dad and work a lock-in (like a sleepover but everyone stayed up all night) for the high schoolers. I wanted to drive my brother's, new to him, car. Dad jumped in the car with me and as I was driving up the road we were both trying to figure out the cd player. While I was looking down the road curved ever so slightly so I ran into a mailbox. Totally took it out.
Dad just laughed and said, "Well I guess it is a better time then ever to meet the neighbors."
When they answered the door they mentioned that they just moved in.
Both of us said, "Welcome to the neighborhood!...um...we broke your mailbox."

I know that most kids go through a stage where they are embarrassed for their parents to be around their friends. I can honestly say, I never felt that way. I knew that everyone would love both my parents and especially my dad.

I am truly honored to have been his daughter and cherish every day that I had with him. Especially those 3 and a half years we lived next door to each other.

Thank you Lord, for giving me such an incredible dad! Please help us to carry on his legacy with our children.