Here’s a picture of my friend Michael and his son Gilgamesh. Mike’s post and my experience this morning are so stinkin’ depressing! But…I must share the misery. Read his story here. Michael and his family are having a really rough time. I pray for them every day.
Here’s my story:
I was driving Shirley Jr to her friend’s house in Lakeview this morning. In many parts of the city, you see devastation but there’s gutting going on or some sort of rebuilding. In Lakeview it’s different. A lot of older New Orleanians lived in Lakeview. I know a few of them. I served as interim pastor in a church in Lakeview and I know where many of the members (former members) live(d). In this area, very few trailers can be found and most houses are abandoned. Not a lot of work going on. Of course, traffic lights are still out. Some STILL don’t have power.
I felt myself getting really upset. Then I spotted some great stuff in a pile of rubble in front of a house on Canal Street! I pulled over and JACKPOT! I saw some really incredible trim and some great little shutters. These would make terrific birdhouses!
I pulled over and hopped out of the van. In the midst of the trash pile, I saw one of those crocheted doilies. All of a sudden, I felt a huge rush of emotion. I felt guilty for invading someone’s privacy. I felt tremendous sadness for someone’s loss. I felt like I was stepping on hallowed ground. I began to cry. I felt like the weight of the suffering around me was going to crush me.
I walked back to the van, got in, and turned the stereo up full blast. Then I headed to work.
I know that I’m trying to bring beauty from destruction by building birdhouses. I know that my motives are pure. But if I could, I’d go home and clear out my garage. I’d throw it all away. I’d get as far away from the destruction as I could. Man I hate this place sometimes.
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