There are several “defining” moments in our lives. Moments that we will remember regardless of where we are or what we have become. In my life, when these moments have occurred, I often wish that I would have better memorialized it. I know that in the old testament, whenever God would do something great for his people, they would remember it by doing something simple. They made an altar out of rocks. That’s it. It doesn’t seem that technical, but it was effective. And, back then, the population being what it was, you didn’t have to worry about people coming and developing land and mowing over this precious site.

Today, though, it’s easier to remember. In my office I have a picture of Times Square in New York. The caption reads, “Times Square, 1942.”



I love the picture. An obviously cold and misty night where bundled up people were going to the movies during a time when the world was at war. I like seeing people trying to retain a sense of normalcy in this otherwise chaotic world. It’s a nice reminder of the resilience and determination that people have. Honestly, it’s nice to look at.

But, then I looked a bit more closely.

The movies showing are Battleground and The Third Man. The Musical listed at the top of the picture is Kiss Me Kate. Hmmm…America has just joined the war and already in 1942 they have a movie out about the war? I don’t think so. So, I did some research. Both The Third Man and Battleground debuted in 1949. Kiss me Kate won 5 Tony Awards in 1949. So…the date of this picture is actually - 1949.

Wow. I’ve been duped. Here I have a picture of people I admire doing something I think is very brave and truly ‘American.’ But, this new information changes everything. It’s not a picture of the American spirit battling tyranny and oppression through economic capitalism. It’s just a bunch of people going to the movies in Times Square. (which may really by the true American spirit…entertainment at any cost.)

Defining moments need to be remembered. We need to do something in the moment to remember the moment. If we try to symbolize the moment 30+years later, then we might be remembering something that may make us feel good, but won’t necessarily be the whole truth. Just some thoughts…Oh well…the picture is still nice to look at.

Rita

So, we left Wednesday Morning at around 5:00 a.m. Some people thought we were crazy then, but we didn't care. Of course now, they tell us, wow you were smart. We made it in 3 hourse 45minutes to Dallas. It was early, but nice. However, I feel badly for those friends of mine who were stuck in traffic for over 12 hours.

What makes me mad is that our media has been scaring the living daylights out of our City by choosing the most terrifying words possible to describe the possible effects of this storm. So, in essence, they caused the largest traffic Jam in the history of America.

Oh well, that's what we get for living in a place where things actually happen. I pray that the storm is lenient on whoever it hits. I hope that the community of Houston and America has been strengthened through this event. We'll see. But for now, I sit and wait...

oh...by the way...those of you who have tried to contact me by Cell...It's not worked very well lately. But Shelly, Liv and I are allright. We're in Dallas with the Folks. Hopefully for just a short while.

It's Amazing!

I've been able to meet some really amazing people since Hurricane Katrina hit. It's good to know that when a person gets to a point when they are almost completely self-involved, God intervenes and shows them some things that are possible.

I've been able to meet a man named Ted Ellis www.tellisart.com This man had family in New Orleans and since the hurricane, they've all come his way. 50+ to be exact. Granted, Ted has a nice house and has some space, but 50 people gets a bit overwhelming. But, what I saw in Ted, his wife and children, was an 'unselfishness' that comes directly from God. They've opened their house, their time and their wallet to a family and extended family that just needed a place to be.

It's been my extreme privilege to talk with them, make friends with them, laugh, cry and sing with them. They aren't asking for things, but they need things. They aren't acting angry, even though I know they must feel it occasionally. They are grateful to be alive and with family.

The stories are unbelievable, but necessary to hear. When one family was able to find temporary housing, after sleeping on the highway, at the dome and on the floor of the Ellis's house, they said, God sent you. We had to say...No, I really think God sent you to us. Why? I don't know, but I'm better now. I'm closer to God because of these new friends.

I wish I could have met them under different circumstances. I know that they are dazed and not knowing where to go next. I know that some of them just want to rest and go back to not having to live in a 'survival' mode. I know that they would rather not be here, but unknowingly they have created a community out of a city of 2 million. I know they feel lost and helpless, but to me, I have 50 new heroes. And through them, I've been able to see a little glimpse of God.

It's amazing.