I attended the funeral of my uncle, Lonnie Crawford, last week. He was the second uncle to pass in a two week period.
In attendance was my aunt, Saphine Thompson, from California. She flew back to Louisiana for both funerals.
To be 77 years old, she looks great. She and my mother look similar. Had she lived, she would have probably been as well preserved as Aunt Saphine.
There were about 50 people at the funeral, nearly all family members. Aunt Saphine, now the matriarch of the family, stood out.
I told her I want to sit down and pick her brain about family history. She told me to hurry up because she wasn't getting any younger.
She could have fooled me. She'll probably outlive us all.
At 77, I hope to have her presence, stamina, health and optimism. By that time she'll be 97 and and will still be clucking along and looking good!
It's amazing how beautiful a life can be when it's in God's hands.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
More than Enough
The computer in my office has been upgraded. The technicians say that I now have a server that has four huge disk drives that operate at the same time. Should one stop working, another will automatically kick in. It holds an awesome amount of data.
I only have four of the drives running. It can handle up to 16 drives, all running at the same time. If something happens to one, the other automatically kicks in. Wow!
That's more than enough. I'll never use it all. But it's available.
The grace of God is the same way. It is more than we will ever need. In our short lifetime we will never be able to consume all of the love, mercy and blessings God can provide.
It's like that computer in my office. The only reason I won't have more is that I don't install the disks and use them.
Right now, I have more computer space than I can use.
God's grace is not just "sufficient"; it's more than enough.
I'll think about that today.
I only have four of the drives running. It can handle up to 16 drives, all running at the same time. If something happens to one, the other automatically kicks in. Wow!
That's more than enough. I'll never use it all. But it's available.
The grace of God is the same way. It is more than we will ever need. In our short lifetime we will never be able to consume all of the love, mercy and blessings God can provide.
It's like that computer in my office. The only reason I won't have more is that I don't install the disks and use them.
Right now, I have more computer space than I can use.
God's grace is not just "sufficient"; it's more than enough.
I'll think about that today.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Flash Backs
During Worship yesterday we showed flashback slides of "The Way We Were" while the choir sang a variety of selections emphasizing that we have "Come a long way."
The snapshots brought smiles and laughter as we saw younger versions of ourselves and our friends in the congregation. Everyone has changed. Even those who were older agreed that time did most of them a favor.
Included in the photos was a shot of my wife Joslyn at age 23. Then there was a picture of me at 22. I was wearing Sansabelt, highwater pants, Nylon socks, and a Banlon Turtleneck. I thought I was it..then. Size 28 waist. Slim and Trim.
Well, 35 years later I'm a size 38, but spiritually I think I'm still slim and trim.
Snapshots give us a way to measure how we have matured over the years.
Flashbacks have a way allowing us to see how God has blessed us and worked with us over the years.
The good news is that even the snapshots I take today, will look funny a few years from now, because God is not through with me yet.
I thought I was "it" at age 22. However, when God gets through with me..that's going to be a great snapshot. That will be "it."
The snapshots brought smiles and laughter as we saw younger versions of ourselves and our friends in the congregation. Everyone has changed. Even those who were older agreed that time did most of them a favor.
Included in the photos was a shot of my wife Joslyn at age 23. Then there was a picture of me at 22. I was wearing Sansabelt, highwater pants, Nylon socks, and a Banlon Turtleneck. I thought I was it..then. Size 28 waist. Slim and Trim.
Well, 35 years later I'm a size 38, but spiritually I think I'm still slim and trim.
Snapshots give us a way to measure how we have matured over the years.
Flashbacks have a way allowing us to see how God has blessed us and worked with us over the years.
The good news is that even the snapshots I take today, will look funny a few years from now, because God is not through with me yet.
I thought I was "it" at age 22. However, when God gets through with me..that's going to be a great snapshot. That will be "it."
Friday, March 17, 2006
Whose Hand Is In The Puppet?
I watched our church puppet team practice last night. The group of high spirited youth made the inanimate puppets come to life. With their hands inside their mouths and rods working their hands, the puppets danced and moved at the will of the puppeteers.
I noticed at one point in the practice that the puppeteers changed places. It was interesting to see how the same puppet, in a another hand, acted differently. It was the hand inside the puppet and not the puppet itself that controlled its actions.
There is a hand that guides us too. We can tell when that hand changes from God's hands to Satan's hand. Like the puppet, we are often guided by the hand that directs us. Our job is to stayed prayed up so that we are always guided by God's hand.
The puppet is not real. It can't detect when its operators have changed. We can.
I will be sensitive to the hand that is guiding me because it's that hand that will determine where I go, what I say, and what I do today.
I noticed at one point in the practice that the puppeteers changed places. It was interesting to see how the same puppet, in a another hand, acted differently. It was the hand inside the puppet and not the puppet itself that controlled its actions.
There is a hand that guides us too. We can tell when that hand changes from God's hands to Satan's hand. Like the puppet, we are often guided by the hand that directs us. Our job is to stayed prayed up so that we are always guided by God's hand.
The puppet is not real. It can't detect when its operators have changed. We can.
I will be sensitive to the hand that is guiding me because it's that hand that will determine where I go, what I say, and what I do today.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Help, I Have No Sewerage!
"Does your church help people with no sewerage?"
That was the question I was asked Monday from a desperate caller who explained that she was a poor mother on a fixed income whose sewerage has backed up. She said she had no way of paying to have it done.
As I was on the phone trying to help this woman I could not escape the irony of the moment. As I worked to help her, the Roto Rooter truck was parked at my house because my sewerage was backed up too.
There were towels all over the floor. Carpet had been stripped. Washing machine water flooded the house and was bubbling from the floor.
When Joslyn and I walked on the carpet, it was like walking on a wet sponge!
When the plumber left, the Roto Rooter man told me about 40 feet of drainage line needs replacing. When everybody finished: The carpenter who replaced my bathroom tiles and woodwork, the plumber and the Roto Rooter man, we needed $2,000.
I felt like the lady who called me. I need a number to call.
Then I remembered a song, "Jesus is on the mainline, tell him what you want!"
Hello Jesus, do you folks in heaven help people with $2,000 sewerage bills?
We have sewerage now.
Anyone need the number we called?
That was the question I was asked Monday from a desperate caller who explained that she was a poor mother on a fixed income whose sewerage has backed up. She said she had no way of paying to have it done.
As I was on the phone trying to help this woman I could not escape the irony of the moment. As I worked to help her, the Roto Rooter truck was parked at my house because my sewerage was backed up too.
There were towels all over the floor. Carpet had been stripped. Washing machine water flooded the house and was bubbling from the floor.
When Joslyn and I walked on the carpet, it was like walking on a wet sponge!
When the plumber left, the Roto Rooter man told me about 40 feet of drainage line needs replacing. When everybody finished: The carpenter who replaced my bathroom tiles and woodwork, the plumber and the Roto Rooter man, we needed $2,000.
I felt like the lady who called me. I need a number to call.
Then I remembered a song, "Jesus is on the mainline, tell him what you want!"
Hello Jesus, do you folks in heaven help people with $2,000 sewerage bills?
We have sewerage now.
Anyone need the number we called?
Monday, March 13, 2006
Look At Jesus
I attended the 60th birthday party of Sister Mildred James on Saturday March 11th. It was sponsored by her eight children and grandchildren.
When I looked around the room, I saw all of her children and grandchildren. There were almost 100 people present to celebrate her birthday.
I am humbled to know that I have had the honor of being pastor to all of her children and grandchildren. I have seen the family at its high moments, struggling and also in its sorrow. I have married its children and buried its dead.
Saturday night was one of those high days for Sister James.
Staring around the room, I saw all of the happy faces and listened to the testimonials and expressions of love. Powerpoint photos of smiling family members and fun times danced across the screen. It was inspiring.
Sister James was happy. She looked like a woman of 40. She glowed.
She is known in our congregation for a saying she normally says whenever someone is blessed, "Look at Jesus."
When I saw a hundred happy family members and friends, all healthy, reasonably happy and all saved, her little motto had a great significance.
I shared her sentiment.
Look at Jesus!
When I looked around the room, I saw all of her children and grandchildren. There were almost 100 people present to celebrate her birthday.
I am humbled to know that I have had the honor of being pastor to all of her children and grandchildren. I have seen the family at its high moments, struggling and also in its sorrow. I have married its children and buried its dead.
Saturday night was one of those high days for Sister James.
Staring around the room, I saw all of the happy faces and listened to the testimonials and expressions of love. Powerpoint photos of smiling family members and fun times danced across the screen. It was inspiring.
Sister James was happy. She looked like a woman of 40. She glowed.
She is known in our congregation for a saying she normally says whenever someone is blessed, "Look at Jesus."
When I saw a hundred happy family members and friends, all healthy, reasonably happy and all saved, her little motto had a great significance.
I shared her sentiment.
Look at Jesus!
Monday, January 02, 2006
They Gave Me A Car
Apparently the men of Tabernacle didn't like the fact that the pastor drove a 1985 Honda CRX around town, so they did something about it.
I bought the little car for my son back in the 1980's. He went to the Marines, returned and decided it was too small for him. He moved up and purchased a new car leaving the little Honda.
I wasn't about to waste a fully paid automobile. For $2,000 I put a new engine in it, had the body work retouched and amused myself driving all over town in the little car that's about the size of a Volkswagon. I could drive a month on a few gallons of gas. In two years, there was never a repair needed.
However, the men decided that the pastor deserved something better.
For Christmas, they presented me with the keys to a Ford Taurus. They made sure I knew that it was paid for and had a tank of gas.
I drove away in the Taurus, giving God and the men of Tabernacle a great thanks.
I didn't ask for the car, but I certainly received it in the spirit in which it was given.
What about the Honda? It still runs. It is paid for and insured. It reminds me never to get too high and to keep the common touch.
The Taurus is a sign of God's favor.
I'll keep them both.
I bought the little car for my son back in the 1980's. He went to the Marines, returned and decided it was too small for him. He moved up and purchased a new car leaving the little Honda.
I wasn't about to waste a fully paid automobile. For $2,000 I put a new engine in it, had the body work retouched and amused myself driving all over town in the little car that's about the size of a Volkswagon. I could drive a month on a few gallons of gas. In two years, there was never a repair needed.
However, the men decided that the pastor deserved something better.
For Christmas, they presented me with the keys to a Ford Taurus. They made sure I knew that it was paid for and had a tank of gas.
I drove away in the Taurus, giving God and the men of Tabernacle a great thanks.
I didn't ask for the car, but I certainly received it in the spirit in which it was given.
What about the Honda? It still runs. It is paid for and insured. It reminds me never to get too high and to keep the common touch.
The Taurus is a sign of God's favor.
I'll keep them both.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Camping in the Woods
Last week I spent five days at camp with about 50 members of our church Boy Scout troop. I've been doing it for over 30 years.
At 56, it's getting harder. However, my wife Joslyn makes it easier, in fact camping was almost luxurious.
We bought a giant tent, a portable queen size bed, air mattress, blankets, comforters, outdoor heaters, night lights, a table for my computer (I have to do three hours of study daily even in the woods) and many of the comforts of home.
With the exception that we couldn't make a quick walk to the bathroom, it was "home" for five days.
It reminded me of the first years of our marriage 31 years ago. We lived in a shotgun house with only a bed, a refrigerator and a kitchen table. When Joslyn finished decorating and arranging, the sofaless, chairless, shotgun house appeared to be our artistic desire rather than a reflection of our poverty.
The bible says he who finds a wife, finds a "good thing."
I hope I have been as good for her as she has been for me.
At 56, it's getting harder. However, my wife Joslyn makes it easier, in fact camping was almost luxurious.
We bought a giant tent, a portable queen size bed, air mattress, blankets, comforters, outdoor heaters, night lights, a table for my computer (I have to do three hours of study daily even in the woods) and many of the comforts of home.
With the exception that we couldn't make a quick walk to the bathroom, it was "home" for five days.
It reminded me of the first years of our marriage 31 years ago. We lived in a shotgun house with only a bed, a refrigerator and a kitchen table. When Joslyn finished decorating and arranging, the sofaless, chairless, shotgun house appeared to be our artistic desire rather than a reflection of our poverty.
The bible says he who finds a wife, finds a "good thing."
I hope I have been as good for her as she has been for me.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
More Than A Dinner
Joslyn and I went to dinner last night, but not alone.
Our congregation hosted a dinner for 70 evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at Sophia's Restuarant.
Sophia's is plush Soul Food restuarant in Monroe. It's a greasy spoon without the grease.
The idea was to share a fellowship with evacuees in a setting that was not condescending or patronizing with men and women who have seen their share of misery.
Pastor Joe Adair of the Second Macedonia Baptist Chuch of Elizabeth New Jersey joined us. He brought financial gifts from the seniors of his church and the City of Elizabeth Fire Department.
As the dinner ended we distributed boxes of blankets, sheets, cleaning supplies and checks to evacuees. We intend to partner with them throughout the year to help them in many small ways.
I don't usually enjoy public dinners, banquets and formal affairs. I enjoyed this one.
I felt I was among friends although I really knew only a little about each guest and they probably knew even less about me.
Jesus was often criticized because he chose not to frequent the banquets of the rich and the affluent. His tendency to be seen frequently outside of the respectable social circles, while not completely ignoring others, was a major cause of friction in his ministry.
He seemed most comfortable where those around him needed or appreciated his prescence.
Last night Joslyn and I felt we were among those who appreciated our prescence.
I felt so comfortable...I ate some of my chicken with my fingers!
It was a memorable moment.
Our congregation hosted a dinner for 70 evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at Sophia's Restuarant.
Sophia's is plush Soul Food restuarant in Monroe. It's a greasy spoon without the grease.
The idea was to share a fellowship with evacuees in a setting that was not condescending or patronizing with men and women who have seen their share of misery.
Pastor Joe Adair of the Second Macedonia Baptist Chuch of Elizabeth New Jersey joined us. He brought financial gifts from the seniors of his church and the City of Elizabeth Fire Department.
As the dinner ended we distributed boxes of blankets, sheets, cleaning supplies and checks to evacuees. We intend to partner with them throughout the year to help them in many small ways.
I don't usually enjoy public dinners, banquets and formal affairs. I enjoyed this one.
I felt I was among friends although I really knew only a little about each guest and they probably knew even less about me.
Jesus was often criticized because he chose not to frequent the banquets of the rich and the affluent. His tendency to be seen frequently outside of the respectable social circles, while not completely ignoring others, was a major cause of friction in his ministry.
He seemed most comfortable where those around him needed or appreciated his prescence.
Last night Joslyn and I felt we were among those who appreciated our prescence.
I felt so comfortable...I ate some of my chicken with my fingers!
It was a memorable moment.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Changing Glasses
I had my glasses changed this week. I'm 60/20 on distances it seems.
I'm becoming more dependent upon them as time passes. Since I'm a heavy reader and frequent computer user, I really put them to work.
I have bifocals. My wife, Josh, has tri-focals. Neither of us can see clearly without them.
There are many things I still can't see about life, even though I've changed my glasses. There are people, events, and circumstances that I can't seem to see clearly. I don't have 20/20 vision yet, when it comes to spiritual things.
The Word says, "Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face..."
To see God's plan clearly, I'll have to change glasses and get spiritual 20/20 vision.
I'm becoming more dependent upon them as time passes. Since I'm a heavy reader and frequent computer user, I really put them to work.
I have bifocals. My wife, Josh, has tri-focals. Neither of us can see clearly without them.
There are many things I still can't see about life, even though I've changed my glasses. There are people, events, and circumstances that I can't seem to see clearly. I don't have 20/20 vision yet, when it comes to spiritual things.
The Word says, "Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face..."
To see God's plan clearly, I'll have to change glasses and get spiritual 20/20 vision.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
No Drawers on My Desk
I have three offices. One at the church complex. One at my business and another at home. All three have desks.
I like my desks organized, but I don't like drawers. Drawers make it easy for me to stuff important but non-essential things out of sight. Once out of sight, they are usually out of consideration. So, I usually have desks with very few drawers or no drawers at all.
This week I cleared desktops. A matter is removed from my desktop when it is handled. Then it is filed away, otherwise it stays on the desk, in a neat stack of other items that must be completed.
With three desks, it took me some time to clear them all: Church, business and personal matters. However, since there were no drawers, I had no choice but to deal with them sooner or later.
Paul preached before Felix and Drusila about temperance, judgment and righteousness. (Acts 24:25) He laid it on their desk, but they put off their decision until a "A more convenient season." They never got around to dealing with the matters that Paul presented.
They must have had drawers on their desks.
I like my desks organized, but I don't like drawers. Drawers make it easy for me to stuff important but non-essential things out of sight. Once out of sight, they are usually out of consideration. So, I usually have desks with very few drawers or no drawers at all.
This week I cleared desktops. A matter is removed from my desktop when it is handled. Then it is filed away, otherwise it stays on the desk, in a neat stack of other items that must be completed.
With three desks, it took me some time to clear them all: Church, business and personal matters. However, since there were no drawers, I had no choice but to deal with them sooner or later.
Paul preached before Felix and Drusila about temperance, judgment and righteousness. (Acts 24:25) He laid it on their desk, but they put off their decision until a "A more convenient season." They never got around to dealing with the matters that Paul presented.
They must have had drawers on their desks.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
She Won't Do Shirts
The owner of the local laundry was pleasantly amused to learn why I spend so much money for the laundry of my shirts.
The fact that I have more than 30 shirts a month cleaned, starched and pressed was a curious plus for her business. This week a casual comment in passing, required an explanation.
When I married Joslyn 31 years ago she told me that she would go anywhere with me, do anything with me and support me in almost anything I did. However, there was a warning, "I don't do shirts."
With a few emergency exceptions, she's kept both promises.
Busy pastors use many shirts. Sometimes I have time to press them. Sometimes I don't. Hence, the laundry loves to see me walk in the door.
The Word of God says, it's better not to make a vow than to make a vow and break it. My wife has kept all of her vows to me. I hope she feels I'm doing the same.
There's one vow she keeps for sure...
Except for unusual circumstances, she won't do shirts.
The fact that I have more than 30 shirts a month cleaned, starched and pressed was a curious plus for her business. This week a casual comment in passing, required an explanation.
When I married Joslyn 31 years ago she told me that she would go anywhere with me, do anything with me and support me in almost anything I did. However, there was a warning, "I don't do shirts."
With a few emergency exceptions, she's kept both promises.
Busy pastors use many shirts. Sometimes I have time to press them. Sometimes I don't. Hence, the laundry loves to see me walk in the door.
The Word of God says, it's better not to make a vow than to make a vow and break it. My wife has kept all of her vows to me. I hope she feels I'm doing the same.
There's one vow she keeps for sure...
Except for unusual circumstances, she won't do shirts.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Frustrated
Our church has been working to get Hurricane Katrina evacuees out of shelters into homes or back home. My wife, Joslyn, has been an energy dynamo in this area, taking one family by the hand and sifting through the paper, politics, propaganda and pushing to get them a house, utilities, financial assistance and a job.
She's one of several in the congregation who have re-routed their time to help stranded families return to normal life.
We're both frustrated today. One family absorbed a week's work. Joslyn and the church committee quickly worked to get finances for the family, take the mother to view an available housing unit, get deposits paid and to weave the family through the back door of the process that involved long waiting lines.
Mission accomplished. With keys in her hand and utilities on, the last step was to bring a small army of church women to the house to turn it into a house where a home could thrive.
Today, a group of church women were set to help, mop, sweep and help the family move into a three bedroom unit.
Yesterday, after all of the hard work, with new washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator on the the grounds, the mother decided she didn't like the house. She refused our efforts and won't move in.
Boom! Crash!
A weeks work went down the tubes. We were both so frustrated at the money and time lost, we went home, ate ice creame and watched T.V.
So what now?
We'll look at the next name on the list and start all over again.
We were not promised that our efforts would always be rewarded everytime by grateful recipients. There will be times, as we do God's work, that the only thank you will come from God.
As we work on the next family...
We'll keep a half gallon of ice cream ready.
She's one of several in the congregation who have re-routed their time to help stranded families return to normal life.
We're both frustrated today. One family absorbed a week's work. Joslyn and the church committee quickly worked to get finances for the family, take the mother to view an available housing unit, get deposits paid and to weave the family through the back door of the process that involved long waiting lines.
Mission accomplished. With keys in her hand and utilities on, the last step was to bring a small army of church women to the house to turn it into a house where a home could thrive.
Today, a group of church women were set to help, mop, sweep and help the family move into a three bedroom unit.
Yesterday, after all of the hard work, with new washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator on the the grounds, the mother decided she didn't like the house. She refused our efforts and won't move in.
Boom! Crash!
A weeks work went down the tubes. We were both so frustrated at the money and time lost, we went home, ate ice creame and watched T.V.
So what now?
We'll look at the next name on the list and start all over again.
We were not promised that our efforts would always be rewarded everytime by grateful recipients. There will be times, as we do God's work, that the only thank you will come from God.
As we work on the next family...
We'll keep a half gallon of ice cream ready.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Picking Up
For nearly a month we have wrestled with the impact of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Most of the time, we have watched on television, night and day. For Joslyn and I Hurricane watching has become a ritual.
When Hurricane Rita moved through Texas and South Louisiana, we started to feel some of the winds in Monroe. Over the weekend power was out in most of South Monroe because power lines were toppled by falling trees, bent to the extremes by the wind. For many, power still has not be restored three days later.
We heard the whistling of the wind and the crackling of tree limbs around us. A giant Oak tree behind our home cracked like a toothpick as it crashed into two houses behind our home. The tree poked holes in the roofs and stuck its limbs all the way to their floors. Electrical wires snapped and dangled into the streets.
All night we heard limbs falling from the tall Pine and Oak trees in our yard. Because their branches stretch over our home like great fans in the summer, we anticipate the worse in storms. Their potontial is devastating in strong winds. We fully expected one of those trees to plunge through our house as well.
By Sunday morning, most of the neighborhoods looked devastated. Tree branches, downed electric lines, and debris were everywhere. Amazingly, we still had electric power but no cable connection. When we arrived for worship, our congregation was was miniscule. Most had been battling the storm in the dark all night.
A family of 35 from Lake Charles worshipped with us. They spent the weekend cramped in a local beauty shop. Another family of 20, also fleeing Hurricane Rita shared with us as well. The sermon God gave me addressed the moment, "Life Is Not Fair, But God is Good."
We fed our guests after the worship and returned to our homes to pick up after the storm.
All we had was just the risidual winds of the storm, and we were dislocated. Those who were actually in the storm endured more.
As we drove home the sun began shining brightly in the sky. The clouds seem to break away and allow the reassuring sun rays to make a bold entrance. It was a striking contrast to the broken community we passed as we drove.
The sun was a welcomed sight.
It reminded me that "After the storm, the SON will shine."
God is still good.
When Hurricane Rita moved through Texas and South Louisiana, we started to feel some of the winds in Monroe. Over the weekend power was out in most of South Monroe because power lines were toppled by falling trees, bent to the extremes by the wind. For many, power still has not be restored three days later.
We heard the whistling of the wind and the crackling of tree limbs around us. A giant Oak tree behind our home cracked like a toothpick as it crashed into two houses behind our home. The tree poked holes in the roofs and stuck its limbs all the way to their floors. Electrical wires snapped and dangled into the streets.
All night we heard limbs falling from the tall Pine and Oak trees in our yard. Because their branches stretch over our home like great fans in the summer, we anticipate the worse in storms. Their potontial is devastating in strong winds. We fully expected one of those trees to plunge through our house as well.
By Sunday morning, most of the neighborhoods looked devastated. Tree branches, downed electric lines, and debris were everywhere. Amazingly, we still had electric power but no cable connection. When we arrived for worship, our congregation was was miniscule. Most had been battling the storm in the dark all night.
A family of 35 from Lake Charles worshipped with us. They spent the weekend cramped in a local beauty shop. Another family of 20, also fleeing Hurricane Rita shared with us as well. The sermon God gave me addressed the moment, "Life Is Not Fair, But God is Good."
We fed our guests after the worship and returned to our homes to pick up after the storm.
All we had was just the risidual winds of the storm, and we were dislocated. Those who were actually in the storm endured more.
As we drove home the sun began shining brightly in the sky. The clouds seem to break away and allow the reassuring sun rays to make a bold entrance. It was a striking contrast to the broken community we passed as we drove.
The sun was a welcomed sight.
It reminded me that "After the storm, the SON will shine."
God is still good.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
We All Have Our Inner Tubes
Last night a Hurricane Katrina evacuee gave a testimony. We were meeting concerning our response to the diaster. The evacuee told how her son was stranded in New Orleans on a roof top with water rising all around him.
Just when he thought he would drown, he sent up a final prayer. Suddendly an inner tube floated by and he grabbed it and floated to safety when he was picked up by a helicopter.
That innertube saved his life.
We all have our innertube situations. I have certainly had mine.
Sometimes the Lord answers my prayers in grand ways. Then sometimes he does it in small simple ways..
...like floating inner tubes our way!
Just when he thought he would drown, he sent up a final prayer. Suddendly an inner tube floated by and he grabbed it and floated to safety when he was picked up by a helicopter.
That innertube saved his life.
We all have our innertube situations. I have certainly had mine.
Sometimes the Lord answers my prayers in grand ways. Then sometimes he does it in small simple ways..
...like floating inner tubes our way!
Friday, September 16, 2005
Soles Repaired free of charge
My favorite shoe repair shop closed. 
I scanned the phone book to discover that there is only one remaining shoe repair shop in our city. One place left that repairs holes in soles.
I have a few pairs of shoes that I have been wearing for years. Each time the soles or heels wear out, I take them to the shoe shop for new half soles and heels. The shoes are just like new at a third of the cost of new ones.
\That's been my habit most of my adult life. Repair good shoes, don't throw them away.
Apparently, my method is not fashionable anymore. Folks are not getting their soles repaired; they are throwing away old shoes and buying new ones. Resultingly, shoe shops are going out of business. (They don't seem to repair anything: marriages, relationships, friendships; they just throw them away and get new ones.)
I pace, so my favorite pair of black loafers often have holes in the soles.
The other day I felt rocks on my socks as I walked. That's when I knew I needed sole repair.
I found the last shoe shop in town. The repairman looked lonely, glad to see a customer. She said I can pick up my repaired shoes Monday; they'll be like new.
There are times when I feel like there is a hole in my soul, just like my shoes. I can feel the rocks of this world making things uncomfortable.
I'm glad that God hasn't gone out of business. He's still in the business of reviving worn-out souls and making them just like new. He's not in the Yellow Pages, but he is in the Book.
My shoes will cost me about $25 Monday, but I'll have new soles.
When God revives me, though, there is no bill.
Jesus paid it all.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Ravels, New Shirts & Cufflinks
When I returned home from the National Baptist Convention yesterday, I returned with 10 new shirts. They are multi-colored with my last name embroidered on the left collar. More importantly, they have cufflinks.
A few Sundays ago, my old white shirt that I've been wearing, with other old ones for about six years, had a ravel dangling from the sleeve. I didn't see it, but everyone else did, including thousands who watched as I preached on television.
After the service no one remembered what I talked about; only the ravel that floated through the air, clinging to my shirt sleeve everytime I moved my left hand.
Joslyn said that's the end of it. No more ravels. She said I am to get new shirts and cufflinks. Fancy shirts and cufflinks are low on my priority list. I'd rather cut the ravel off the shirt and keep wearing it; but Joslyn says the public will fault her for my ravel, saying "Why does she let him go out like that."
Now I have new shirts and some fancy cufflinks.
I'm not a flashy person. They look good, but they are not "me."
Since they won't ravel soon Joslyn will be pleased.
I have a few ravels in my life that keep showing too. Sometimes I embarass myself and can't focus on what I should be doing because I keep looking at my ravels. Fortunately, God looks at the inside and not the outside.
What does Joslyn think about that?
She says it's true that God sees the inside, but "black folks are not God they only see the ravels"...keep wearing cufflinks!
A few Sundays ago, my old white shirt that I've been wearing, with other old ones for about six years, had a ravel dangling from the sleeve. I didn't see it, but everyone else did, including thousands who watched as I preached on television.
After the service no one remembered what I talked about; only the ravel that floated through the air, clinging to my shirt sleeve everytime I moved my left hand.
Joslyn said that's the end of it. No more ravels. She said I am to get new shirts and cufflinks. Fancy shirts and cufflinks are low on my priority list. I'd rather cut the ravel off the shirt and keep wearing it; but Joslyn says the public will fault her for my ravel, saying "Why does she let him go out like that."
Now I have new shirts and some fancy cufflinks.
I'm not a flashy person. They look good, but they are not "me."
Since they won't ravel soon Joslyn will be pleased.
I have a few ravels in my life that keep showing too. Sometimes I embarass myself and can't focus on what I should be doing because I keep looking at my ravels. Fortunately, God looks at the inside and not the outside.
What does Joslyn think about that?
She says it's true that God sees the inside, but "black folks are not God they only see the ravels"...keep wearing cufflinks!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Ah Atlanta-Reborn
Joslyn and I are attending the National Baptist Convention this week in Atlanta. It is a city of high rise buildings whose pinnacles seem to touch the sky. It has beautiful parks, several wide eight lane streets and hustling commerce.
When General Sherman burned this city during the Civil War its inhabitants looked at the ashes and thought it could never be rebuilt. Margaret Mitchell even wrote a book about the determination of Atlanta citizens and Scarlet O'Hara, called "Gone With The Wind."
I see Atlanta and I think about New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina. It certainly can rise again.
Atlanta left behind its endearment of slavery and much of its racism. Maybe, New Orleans will have to leave a few things behind when it rebuilds.
To be born again, we can't do the same thing again. We must be brand new.
The good must rise from the spoils; the bad must be "Gone with the Wind."
When General Sherman burned this city during the Civil War its inhabitants looked at the ashes and thought it could never be rebuilt. Margaret Mitchell even wrote a book about the determination of Atlanta citizens and Scarlet O'Hara, called "Gone With The Wind."
I see Atlanta and I think about New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina. It certainly can rise again.
Atlanta left behind its endearment of slavery and much of its racism. Maybe, New Orleans will have to leave a few things behind when it rebuilds.
To be born again, we can't do the same thing again. We must be brand new.
The good must rise from the spoils; the bad must be "Gone with the Wind."
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Can't write a check
My wife Joslyn has always said that computers were going to be a curse on us. Now she's partially vindicated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Because I bank with New Orleans based Hibernia Bank my banking capabilities have been limited to making deposits and withdrawals up to $100.00. No online banking. No electronic transfers. Automatic withdrawals for regular payments have been halted. Credit card receipts from business activities can't be posted.
Hurricane Katrina has taken out many businesses in the New Orleans area. UPS has 2,200 employees in 22 buildings; they have not heard from several hundred of them. Georgia Pacific Railroad had 8,000 workers, they are out. BellSouth has reporte 1.6 million phones not working. Cox Communications has 1000 employees, 500 in New Orleans.
Then there is Hibernia Bank.
I'd open an account at another bank, but I can't transfer any funds.
The bible says in the last days that that the world would become totally dependent on a evil number based system that will not allow us to sell or buy anything or even make commercial transactions with the Satan's approval.
We have not reached that point in the Revelation prophesy, but the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina let's us know how close we are to the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Joslyn has been predicting a computer dependence meltdown for a long time.
However, she's not laughing about being right....she can't write a check or use her debit card either!
Because I bank with New Orleans based Hibernia Bank my banking capabilities have been limited to making deposits and withdrawals up to $100.00. No online banking. No electronic transfers. Automatic withdrawals for regular payments have been halted. Credit card receipts from business activities can't be posted.
Hurricane Katrina has taken out many businesses in the New Orleans area. UPS has 2,200 employees in 22 buildings; they have not heard from several hundred of them. Georgia Pacific Railroad had 8,000 workers, they are out. BellSouth has reporte 1.6 million phones not working. Cox Communications has 1000 employees, 500 in New Orleans.
Then there is Hibernia Bank.
I'd open an account at another bank, but I can't transfer any funds.
The bible says in the last days that that the world would become totally dependent on a evil number based system that will not allow us to sell or buy anything or even make commercial transactions with the Satan's approval.
We have not reached that point in the Revelation prophesy, but the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina let's us know how close we are to the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Joslyn has been predicting a computer dependence meltdown for a long time.
However, she's not laughing about being right....she can't write a check or use her debit card either!
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Hurricane Fallout
I went to the makeshift shelter in our community for Hurricane Katrina evacuees. The number has grown here to 2,200 in one place. Yesterday, it was announced that another 5,000 are expected.
The number of hurting people is overwhelming.
It looks like a battle zone in the relief centers. There is so much need, yet what we are able to do seems so little.
To sufficiently rise to the occasion takes a united effort. I'm afraid the disunity of our community is beginning to reveal the cracks in the dam.
The Red Cross controls the whole process, the overwhelming majority of its staff and leaders are white. The overwhelming majority of the evacuees are Black.
Black agencies such as "Community Action" and other Black community relief groups are excluded from the relief process inner circles.
When that happens it means that big money is being raised, distributed and handled. Whites have a tendency to have a great compassion for the poor when there is money available.
So, most of our churches stand on the sideline doing what they can individually, but are being excluded from the big picture as others "help" our people...for a profit.
Jesus said the "poor you will have you always."
I guess that applies to poverty and disaster scavengers too.
The number of hurting people is overwhelming.
It looks like a battle zone in the relief centers. There is so much need, yet what we are able to do seems so little.
To sufficiently rise to the occasion takes a united effort. I'm afraid the disunity of our community is beginning to reveal the cracks in the dam.
The Red Cross controls the whole process, the overwhelming majority of its staff and leaders are white. The overwhelming majority of the evacuees are Black.
Black agencies such as "Community Action" and other Black community relief groups are excluded from the relief process inner circles.
When that happens it means that big money is being raised, distributed and handled. Whites have a tendency to have a great compassion for the poor when there is money available.
So, most of our churches stand on the sideline doing what they can individually, but are being excluded from the big picture as others "help" our people...for a profit.
Jesus said the "poor you will have you always."
I guess that applies to poverty and disaster scavengers too.
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