Monday, January 30, 2006
Good News for New England
October 2005 was a life-changing month for many families living in the heart of New England. As the world watched New Orleans deal with the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, New England too was being inundated with rain. Subsequent flooding resulted in thousands of residents being displaced from their homes. Among these flood victims were residents of Brookside Apartments in Southbridge, MA who had been evacuated in the middle of the night, having only had minutes to gather a few personal belongs. In the days following they returned to water-logged apartments and began the monumental task of salvaging belongings, disposing of the those item that had been destroyed, and relocating to new apartments. The task at hand required rubber gloves, dust masks, pick-up trucks, duct tape, boxes and a large doses of courage. Because of time pressures a great deal of man-power was needed to help people get re-established.
Although, this was a very difficult time for those whose apartments were flooded, someone who may have been watching closely would have discovered a glint of goodness amidst the stress and tragedy. Along with the residents who were working feverishly to salvage their belongings were unpaid friends and volunteers. These were people who donated time, use of vehicles, food and household goods to their friends in need and to strangers whom they had never met before. This was good news for people who were in desperate straits.
Several months later, in a neighborhood not far away, a single mother checked in on a neighbor who lived alone and had been going through some difficult times. It is very likely that, because of her concern and intervention, her neighbor’s life was saved. In the coming weeks a dozen or more people from this region volunteered to provide food, labor and old fashioned “tender loving care” in an effort to help a fellow-New Englander get back on her feet again. These people were not government paid relief workers or emergency personnel; they were just members of a neighborhood prayer group who were making good news.
The above scenarios were real. I saw them played out right here in Southern New England. No doubt there are thousands of other such acts of love and goodness that are taking place on a daily basis. How refreshing it is to witness these acts of kindness mid the incessant reports of selfishness, hurt and violence that are so frequently focused upon in the news. How encouraging it is to be reminded that thousands of people, who live in New England, donate their time and resources on a regular basis. So many caring people give willingly and selflessly in order to: provide food and housing for the homeless, provide moral education for children, provide positive social experience for our young people, provide empowerment for families, and provide encouragement and fellowship for the elderly. These caring people are constantly bringing good news to the lives of fellow citizens.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has often been referred to as “Good News.” In a nutshell the Gospel says that anyone who is willing to believe in, and obey, Jesus Christ will be pardoned of their sins and empowered to live an abundant life. God initiates a process by which each of us can have everlasting life. He is good, and our response to His goodness can change our lives forever. That’s the Good News. But the Good News does not stop with the salvation of believers; it initiates a domino effect.
Believers everywhere are creating good news in the lives of others as they find ways to minister to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Have you noticed? Have you thanked someone? Have you determined to become involved? Maybe you are weary of all the negativity and sadness in your world. Rather than cursing the darkness, become a ray of light in New England. You can make some good news yourself. Consider getting involved in helping others. Participate in a food pantry. Help local charities. Join a church or a neighborhood prayer group. If you have been loved, find a practical way to show love to others - make some good news.
Although, this was a very difficult time for those whose apartments were flooded, someone who may have been watching closely would have discovered a glint of goodness amidst the stress and tragedy. Along with the residents who were working feverishly to salvage their belongings were unpaid friends and volunteers. These were people who donated time, use of vehicles, food and household goods to their friends in need and to strangers whom they had never met before. This was good news for people who were in desperate straits.
Several months later, in a neighborhood not far away, a single mother checked in on a neighbor who lived alone and had been going through some difficult times. It is very likely that, because of her concern and intervention, her neighbor’s life was saved. In the coming weeks a dozen or more people from this region volunteered to provide food, labor and old fashioned “tender loving care” in an effort to help a fellow-New Englander get back on her feet again. These people were not government paid relief workers or emergency personnel; they were just members of a neighborhood prayer group who were making good news.
The above scenarios were real. I saw them played out right here in Southern New England. No doubt there are thousands of other such acts of love and goodness that are taking place on a daily basis. How refreshing it is to witness these acts of kindness mid the incessant reports of selfishness, hurt and violence that are so frequently focused upon in the news. How encouraging it is to be reminded that thousands of people, who live in New England, donate their time and resources on a regular basis. So many caring people give willingly and selflessly in order to: provide food and housing for the homeless, provide moral education for children, provide positive social experience for our young people, provide empowerment for families, and provide encouragement and fellowship for the elderly. These caring people are constantly bringing good news to the lives of fellow citizens.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has often been referred to as “Good News.” In a nutshell the Gospel says that anyone who is willing to believe in, and obey, Jesus Christ will be pardoned of their sins and empowered to live an abundant life. God initiates a process by which each of us can have everlasting life. He is good, and our response to His goodness can change our lives forever. That’s the Good News. But the Good News does not stop with the salvation of believers; it initiates a domino effect.
Believers everywhere are creating good news in the lives of others as they find ways to minister to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Have you noticed? Have you thanked someone? Have you determined to become involved? Maybe you are weary of all the negativity and sadness in your world. Rather than cursing the darkness, become a ray of light in New England. You can make some good news yourself. Consider getting involved in helping others. Participate in a food pantry. Help local charities. Join a church or a neighborhood prayer group. If you have been loved, find a practical way to show love to others - make some good news.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Derelict?
New England is famous for it’s ports and the brave sailors that hailed from places like Bar Harbor, Portsmouth, Boston, Newport, Vineyard Haven and Gloucester. Such sailors were rough, tough men who routinely said goodbye to their loved ones and sailed courageously into the deep, icy waters in search of fish, fame, fortune or adventure. Among the things these gutsy men feared the most was a derelict vessel. This was a vessel that had been abandoned by its crew at high sea. It had no moorings, and since it was drifting it did not operate by any rules. It was free and uncommitted. There was no captain to impose his will upon it. As a result it became a grave danger to anyone else who happened to be in its vicinity. These unpredictable derelict crafts caused many tragic shipwrecks.
The term “derelict” was subsequently used to depict a person or culture which lacked discipline and direction. At first glance, a life free from restraint, rules and responsibilities can be appealing. In fact, the idea that we should all be free to determine what to believe and how to behave has been peddled as a reasonable, noble and freeing philosophy. But how does such reasoning play out in very practical terms. Suppose, for example, we applied the concept of “there are no absolutes” to our roads and highways. How comfortable would you be if the average driver was not held to the convictions that red means “stop” and a double yellow line means “do not pass.” Suppose stop signs were optional and people could pick and choose which side of the street to drive on. We would all certainly have more freedom and more options, but there would be fewer people living to tell about it. When anything goes, everything goes - downhill.
People, groups of people and nations with no moorings can be dangerous. Every world class civilization in history crashed when it became so tolerant that there were no longer any sure guidelines by which people could be civilized. For example, the Great Roman Empire amassed a mighty army, conquered the known world, built an unprecedented network of roads and erected spectacular buildings such as The Colloseum. They improved their cities and lifestyles until less of their energy was needed to survive and more was available for pleasure and sports. Soon they embraced and applauded variations in moral and family values. The became tolerant of nearly everything (Christianity being a glaring exception). Their sports events became increasingly lewd and senseless violence in the arena became the rave. As a result, the Romans became a derelict. The empire crashed. Everybody lost.
There are many communities in New England that have been great places to raise a family. They are communities that have standards and values. I am thankful for the people who work hard to preserve our towns; people who are vigilant against a derelict society. Just as we are not so tolerant as to let people drive on the wrong side of the road, run unhealthy restaurants, or yell fire in a crowded room, we must not be tolerant of other dangerous trends and ideas. As for me and my family, we’ll stick with anchors, moorings, buoys and charts that have protected families and societies for centuries.
I am thankful for parents who still teach their children the value of brushing their teeth, eating their vegetables, washing behind their ears, using clean language, avoiding drugs and saving sex for marriage.
I am thankful for city officials who care about safety, the law, drug free streets, and positive programs and activities for our families.
I am thankful for teachers and principles who focus on fundamental skills, maintain discipline in the classroom, monitor student behavior and language, believe in accountability and hard work, and don’t just let anything influence our children.
I am thankful for church leaders and church members who still demonstrate love to everyone, teach clear morals, insist on ethical behavior, declare right and wrong, and keep the lights on for anyone in need of an old fashioned conversion. I’d like to thank believers everywhere who are not afraid to embrace the 10 commandments even if it is politically incorrect; those ten simple rules would be great rules to live by even if no God existed.
A disciplined, moral life takes more effort and requires some restraint, but it certainly makes for a much safer ride. In short, if it ever becomes socially acceptable to stop bathing or stop brushing one’s teeth, I will still choose to do so. If my neighbors begin keeping livestock in their bedroom or piling garbage in their front yard I will still choose not to do so. I plan to keep my clothes on in public, remain faithful to my spouse, refrain from murder and thievery, and avoid pornography, drugs and chemicals that affect good judgment. I will continue to obey the law, pay my taxes and attend church. Forgive me if I am not embarrassed to keep my moorings and navigate by tried and true rules for living. I am trying not to be a derelict.
The term “derelict” was subsequently used to depict a person or culture which lacked discipline and direction. At first glance, a life free from restraint, rules and responsibilities can be appealing. In fact, the idea that we should all be free to determine what to believe and how to behave has been peddled as a reasonable, noble and freeing philosophy. But how does such reasoning play out in very practical terms. Suppose, for example, we applied the concept of “there are no absolutes” to our roads and highways. How comfortable would you be if the average driver was not held to the convictions that red means “stop” and a double yellow line means “do not pass.” Suppose stop signs were optional and people could pick and choose which side of the street to drive on. We would all certainly have more freedom and more options, but there would be fewer people living to tell about it. When anything goes, everything goes - downhill.
People, groups of people and nations with no moorings can be dangerous. Every world class civilization in history crashed when it became so tolerant that there were no longer any sure guidelines by which people could be civilized. For example, the Great Roman Empire amassed a mighty army, conquered the known world, built an unprecedented network of roads and erected spectacular buildings such as The Colloseum. They improved their cities and lifestyles until less of their energy was needed to survive and more was available for pleasure and sports. Soon they embraced and applauded variations in moral and family values. The became tolerant of nearly everything (Christianity being a glaring exception). Their sports events became increasingly lewd and senseless violence in the arena became the rave. As a result, the Romans became a derelict. The empire crashed. Everybody lost.
There are many communities in New England that have been great places to raise a family. They are communities that have standards and values. I am thankful for the people who work hard to preserve our towns; people who are vigilant against a derelict society. Just as we are not so tolerant as to let people drive on the wrong side of the road, run unhealthy restaurants, or yell fire in a crowded room, we must not be tolerant of other dangerous trends and ideas. As for me and my family, we’ll stick with anchors, moorings, buoys and charts that have protected families and societies for centuries.
I am thankful for parents who still teach their children the value of brushing their teeth, eating their vegetables, washing behind their ears, using clean language, avoiding drugs and saving sex for marriage.
I am thankful for city officials who care about safety, the law, drug free streets, and positive programs and activities for our families.
I am thankful for teachers and principles who focus on fundamental skills, maintain discipline in the classroom, monitor student behavior and language, believe in accountability and hard work, and don’t just let anything influence our children.
I am thankful for church leaders and church members who still demonstrate love to everyone, teach clear morals, insist on ethical behavior, declare right and wrong, and keep the lights on for anyone in need of an old fashioned conversion. I’d like to thank believers everywhere who are not afraid to embrace the 10 commandments even if it is politically incorrect; those ten simple rules would be great rules to live by even if no God existed.
A disciplined, moral life takes more effort and requires some restraint, but it certainly makes for a much safer ride. In short, if it ever becomes socially acceptable to stop bathing or stop brushing one’s teeth, I will still choose to do so. If my neighbors begin keeping livestock in their bedroom or piling garbage in their front yard I will still choose not to do so. I plan to keep my clothes on in public, remain faithful to my spouse, refrain from murder and thievery, and avoid pornography, drugs and chemicals that affect good judgment. I will continue to obey the law, pay my taxes and attend church. Forgive me if I am not embarrassed to keep my moorings and navigate by tried and true rules for living. I am trying not to be a derelict.
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