Helene. I am trying desperately to avoid writing about politics or war in the middle East. I wanted to avoid commenting about the political wrangling about hurricane response. The hurricane recovery is an enormous problem that will take years to recover. Mistakes will be made. Patience will be needed. I find it much more rewarding to see the goodness of people sharing and caring than to find fault.
- Greg Biffle, retired Hall of Fame NASCAR driver is using his personal helicopter to aid victims of Helene. He has delivered supplies and reported back to relatives and friends about the safety of loved ones:
NASCAR star Greg Biffle delivers supplies by helicopter for stranded Helene victims (msn.com)
He was not alone:
Private helicopter pilots band together to help hundreds of hurricane victims (msn.com)
- Celebrities are helping. Dolly Parton is contributing one million dollars to relief efforts:
Dolly Parton joins Hurricane Helene relief efforts as devastation and death toll rises (msn.com)
- I found a fascinating list of companies and corporation who have already made significant contributions to the relief effort. It is a long list and is very encouraging about the heart of business in the private sector:
Airtable – 2024 Hurricane Helene
- Last week I endorsed Mennonite Relief Services. There are many other faith-based service doing great work, but I wanted you to see a report of their work in the Ashville area:
- Chef Andres who has helped in many relief efforts, brought the World Central Kitchen to the U.S.:
Chef José Andrés And World Central Kitchen Feed Thousands After Hurricane Helene (sunnyskyz.com)
Again, I will do my best to not write about political concerns until after the election. I am convinced that most people have made up their minds and for me to try to sort through the information and misinformation would be pointless at this time.
Grisham’s Latest Novel. Last weekend I traveled to Wichita, Kansas. I had nominated a classmate to be in our high school hall of fame. He was selected and I attended the ceremony. I had a great time with many old friends and good memories.
When I fly, I usually buy a novel to read. This trip I bought and read John Grisham’s latest book, The Boys from Biloxi. I like the quote on the cover, “Grisham is exceptionally good at what he does.” – The Washington Post.
In my opinion, he does not write erudite literature, he tells good stories. Stories that make flights bearable for people with long legs!
For anyone who is geographically challenged, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is about one hour away from where we live in Mobile. His fictional novel is based on myth and truth about the wide-open history of Biloxi “back in the day.” It was of interest because it is so close. I was aware of the history and fascinated by the stories.
Today the Biloxi casinos are on boats and are legal. However, there was a time when gambling and other pleasures flourished illegally in Biloxi. Gresham effectively captures that era in his novel.
I had a good friend who grew up in Biloxi. His father had some political ties. He was well aware of the history. He loved to tell a tale (probably myth based on some fact) about a former sheriff.
My friend said the sheriff died on his big yacht he bought on his meager government salary. He died in a port in Central America. His death was recorded as a suicide. He shot himself seven times.
That was Biloxi, back in the day.
I goofed. Speaking of pleasures, a reader of the last blog wrote – he was confused by what Gandi meant by saying violence comes from “pleasure with conscience.” I assured him Gandi did not say that. I mistyped the quote. It should have read “pleasure without conscience.” I trust that makes more sense. I thank him for catching my error.
This and That
An interesting, balanced assessment of the pluses and minuses of solar panels
Gary Ewen lived with us when I taught in Illinois. He has written a book of devotions, Rivers of Life. He developed 40 daily devotionals centered in fly fishing. Each day has an excellent picture, a brief statement a then a few quotes from the Bible and from a wide variety of sources.
His faith ideas are straight forward, warm, and encouraging. He has some very thought-provoking quotes. For example, I had never thought of fishing as an equity activity, but a quote from Herbert Hoover caught my eye: “… (fishing) is a discipline in the equality of men, for all men (and women) are equal before fish.”
Even though I am not a fly fisherman, I am having a very meaningful experience reading one devotional a day. I recommend it for any person of faith. It is available on Amazon.
Good News
Courage
Good Samaritan Saves Woman Trapped In Sinking Car In Texas Canal (sunnyskyz.com)
First Responder
Heart warming
Hero Dog Saves Elderly Owner By Alerting Police And Leading Deputy To Cabin (sunnyskyz.com)
Stay dry
Peace
Jerry
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