Amazing Response
It is quite impressive to see all that has been accomplished in helping the citizens of the Gulf Coast in the past month. I know that there has been much criticism of the leadership of our federal government, as well as the state and local governments of the areas affected, but in spite of that, with all that has happened, it is hard to believe that it has been less than one month since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.
I spoke to a guy at our swimming pool (where else?) who was one who had lived in downtown New Orleans. His name was Steve. He owned a recording studio ... that is, to say, he used to own a recording studio. The sensitve recording equipment had been completely destroyed and he and his business partner were having to make the difficult decision as to whether they should rebuild and literally start over or take their lives in another direction.
But Steve was not bitter or angry. On the contrary, he was remarkably gracious about the sort of support that people had given to help he and others who had been displaced by this tragedy. He refused to take any cheap shots at governmental officials on any level, saying he understood that politicians feel like they have to assign blame, but he wouldn't do so. Instead he asked me, "Do you think any agency or political leader in our country genuinely has a plan for relocating a million and a half people in one week that everyone would be happy with?" I had to admit that I didn't. He went on to again reiterate how appreciative he was of everyone's efforts to make that happen in spite of the criticism that was going on.
I must admit that I was struck by this guy's humility and graciousness. We talked for almost an hour about his studio, the recording business, his love for New Orleans, our spiritual relationship with the Lord and more. He asked about our church camp and how things were going there (how he knew about our church camp I assume can be attributed to local Sayle Gardens Apartments grapevine ... after all, it was how I knew about him initially).
After awhile, he got his things together to leave and I prepared to finish swimming my laps. Before he left, he told me, "Dave, thanks for everything that you are doing." I chuckled and reminded him that when I offered to help him with something that he had declined it, saying he was doing okay. He admitted, "I didn't need the help that you could offer ... but my neighbors, who suffered a lot more than I did needed your help and the help of millions of others ... and you all helped. As bad as this all was, we'll be a better nation for it. Because more people know that they can count on each other for help."
I think he was right! I was reminded that even the tragic events that occur through this imperfect world we live in don't prevent God from being honored and glorified. For instance, think how many times in the last month prayers have been offered, thanking God for "Good Samaritans" who weren't even believers, but because of something built into their DNA refuse to watch and do nothing. Why? Because we were made in his image ... because we are like him. As terrible as mankind may become, there is that spark within us all to be like our Father. We may ignore it sometimes, but it is still there ... and our nation, indeed our world is better for it!
I spoke to a guy at our swimming pool (where else?) who was one who had lived in downtown New Orleans. His name was Steve. He owned a recording studio ... that is, to say, he used to own a recording studio. The sensitve recording equipment had been completely destroyed and he and his business partner were having to make the difficult decision as to whether they should rebuild and literally start over or take their lives in another direction.
But Steve was not bitter or angry. On the contrary, he was remarkably gracious about the sort of support that people had given to help he and others who had been displaced by this tragedy. He refused to take any cheap shots at governmental officials on any level, saying he understood that politicians feel like they have to assign blame, but he wouldn't do so. Instead he asked me, "Do you think any agency or political leader in our country genuinely has a plan for relocating a million and a half people in one week that everyone would be happy with?" I had to admit that I didn't. He went on to again reiterate how appreciative he was of everyone's efforts to make that happen in spite of the criticism that was going on.
I must admit that I was struck by this guy's humility and graciousness. We talked for almost an hour about his studio, the recording business, his love for New Orleans, our spiritual relationship with the Lord and more. He asked about our church camp and how things were going there (how he knew about our church camp I assume can be attributed to local Sayle Gardens Apartments grapevine ... after all, it was how I knew about him initially).
After awhile, he got his things together to leave and I prepared to finish swimming my laps. Before he left, he told me, "Dave, thanks for everything that you are doing." I chuckled and reminded him that when I offered to help him with something that he had declined it, saying he was doing okay. He admitted, "I didn't need the help that you could offer ... but my neighbors, who suffered a lot more than I did needed your help and the help of millions of others ... and you all helped. As bad as this all was, we'll be a better nation for it. Because more people know that they can count on each other for help."
I think he was right! I was reminded that even the tragic events that occur through this imperfect world we live in don't prevent God from being honored and glorified. For instance, think how many times in the last month prayers have been offered, thanking God for "Good Samaritans" who weren't even believers, but because of something built into their DNA refuse to watch and do nothing. Why? Because we were made in his image ... because we are like him. As terrible as mankind may become, there is that spark within us all to be like our Father. We may ignore it sometimes, but it is still there ... and our nation, indeed our world is better for it!
Dave, nice blog! I'm impressed that you have mentioned Barry Manilow as one of your favorite musicians. He is also one of my favorites. God has truly given him an abundance of talent.
Posted by
Anonymous |
4:44 PM
Agreed ... of course, I also like Michael Buble as well a greatly gifted singer in his own right!
Posted by
Dave Smith |
8:19 PM
You had me right up to....Barry Manilow ! What !.....I don't think so....
Amazing Response is well said, you go Dave.
terry
Posted by
Anonymous |
8:27 PM
Dave, I like the blog page. This website is looking good - or as Harry said, "Looking good in the neighborhood!"
I am excited about learning how to work on the website.
I like Barry Manilow also.
Maybe we should start calling you "Uncle Dave!"
Keep up the good work - God has great plans for you - we can already see results of that good work.
Posted by
Anonymous |
8:45 PM
Terry, am I to assume that you are not a "Fan-a-low"? The sheer volume of his work dictates that he is greatness. For instance, if I were to say this phrase, "Her name was Lola," didn't your mind immediately think, "She was a showgirl"? Plus, how can you be so disrepectful to a man who wrote these immortal words:
"Get a bucket of chicken, finger-lickin' good, have a barrel of fun, goodbye ho-hum. Say hello to your family come on everyone, at Kentucky Fried Chicken ... have a barrel of fun!"
Posted by
Dave Smith |
6:33 AM
Good job, Dave. I missed the one about Barry Manilow. I like him also but still like Elton John (the music, not the man). He has written some of the best songs of our generation (I guess we are both in the same generation?).
Posted by
Anonymous |
9:03 AM
I'm up to speed now. My dad was right. I was rough on him. If you got the email that invited you to come to this blog, I tried to be funny at the end of it, insinuating that my dad may cuss on it. Those of you who know my dad probably knew that was a joke and he took it as such good-naturedly, but even in his jesting with me it reminded me that someone else might read this and not realize that my dad is my hero and one of the godliest dudes I know so, if you didn't know that, now you do. My dad doesn't use profanity. He does, however, sing many weird and confusing songs which were, no doubt, big in "his day!" --Love you Dad
Posted by
Dave Smith |
8:11 PM
Dave's idea of "musical genius" is somewhat suspect, but I have to confess that Manilow has definitely produced some volume. (I hasten to remind you, David, you also had a fondness for John Denver music for a time.) I would have to agree with some of your other favorites, but maybe this shows a level of maturity from John Denver days.
I commend you all in letting God use you through your outreach to Katrina evacuees.
Oh, by the way, your blog looks real nice...
Michelle Smith
Posted by
Anonymous |
11:00 AM
Wow, I must respond to my sister's assertion that I was a John Denver fan. This is wholly untrue. My mother was a big fan for awhile ... perhaps this is what she is remembering. I would guess like most Americans I had a passing fancy for Thank God I'm a Country Boy but beyond that, I don't know what she is talking about. It is completely from left field.
Of course, can her credibility be trusted? After all, what can you say about someone who counts Can't Stop the Music featureing the Village People as one of the all-time great movies?
I rest my case.
Posted by
Dave Smith |
1:17 PM
I believe, Dave, that in your aged condition you have lost your mind a bit. I will forgive that, since you ARE a brother and all. Perhaps too many renditions of "Thank God I'm a Country Boy!" has cost you a few brain cells. I'm into dance movies, so the greatest movies of all time would have to be "Electric Boogaloo" and, of course, it's sequel, "Electric Boogaloo 2". :-)
Michelle
Posted by
Anonymous |
3:30 AM
Michelle,
No such movies exist, thus undermining your credibility. The movies to which you refer are, I believe, Breakin' and Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo. This information is easily accessible at one of my favorite websites http://www.imdb.com
Speaking of which, use the site to try and find out this trivia question about another of your favorite movies, Staying Alive, which boasted John Travota dancing on broadway and a cameo by the movie's writer, Sly Stallone (can anyone say, "Greatness"). Anyway, here's your question: The movie featureed an uncredited extra/dancer who would go on to bigger dancing roles, including one in yet another of your "favorite" movies. Can you find out who he is?
Posted by
Dave Smith |
5:52 AM
Michelle never guessed ... if anyone ever sees this and wonders, it was Patrick Swayze!
Posted by
Dave Smith |
1:47 PM
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