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Did you read Amye Cromer’s letter on the editorial page of Monday’s News-Sentinel? Amye is from Chapin, South Carolina. She was in Neyland Stadium for the South Carolina game a few weeks ago. She was so impressed by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band that she was compelled to let us know. She called our band the “classiest in the SEC, if not the nation.”
That is pretty high praise. I find it especially gratifying considering that two of the young people who march in it (Morgan Wallace and Andrew Myers) are members of our church. Amye was particularly impressed that the Pride played the South Carolina fight song.
Her letter underscores a couple of timeless truths. First, most clouds have a silver lining. No matter how bad things seem to be, there is usually something positive in which to find strength and hope.
Second, to conduct oneself with class and dignity is never a bad thing. In the face of adverse circumstances, demeanor and attitude may be all that one is able to control.
A lady stopped by this week to put those timeless truths to the test. Her husband had been killed in a car wreck. She needed to get to North Carolina and wanted to know if we could help. Over the phone, I offered her a tank of gas.
When she arrived, I explained where we would go to get the gas. On the way to the parking lot, she asked about food. Someone had reported her to Child Protective Services. She needed to have some food in the house before the social worker came to investigate.
We took a right-hand turn into the Fellowship Hall and headed toward the food pantry. I gave her all the tuna and beef stew that we had. She asked for some potted meat. I gave her some of that too, and lots of soup. I gave her some other stuff as well and we headed for the car. I forgot to ask her why she was worried about child Protective Services coming to her house if she was on her way to North Carolina.
After her gas tank was full, she said thank-you. As she pulled out on to the highway, I stood there watching her leave. While I was watching, I was wondering about her children, wondering where she was going, and most of all wondering if there was a silver lining in her cloud. I hope so; and I hope she is able to hold onto it and find strength in it.
Joy and Peace,
Ed
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