Sunday, January 17, 2010

Sunday Morning Church Disservice: Faith, Hope, and Charity

It’s a gray and damp Sabbath in Bagwine, Ohio today.

My 11-7 shift at the Beer Mine will probably be a little slow and boring as was yesterday, although yesterday at work did yielded a couple of high points.

First, my brother Marty stopped by and gave me a genuine, sweet looking Camel Hair suit coat that no longer fits him. He even had it dry cleaned and let me tell ya, I look sexy in it.

The ex and Ryno stopped by as well to pick up their “weekly allowance” from me and in the process brought unto me two corn dogs and a huge cup of coffee. Zehr gut.

Schmoop’s brother Dave came through and not only brought me a huge ham and swiss cheese on dark rye, he also gave me a radio that he no longer needs. I shall put it to good use at work today.

Praise Jeebus, it was like Christmas at the Beer Mine yesterday!!

With so much good will and charity being shown toward me, I feel like Haiti. I may start referring to myself as, Matt-au-Prince.

Speaking of Haiti…could this earthquake end up being a blessing in disguise for the long suffering country?

In addition to the tragedy claiming so many innocent lives, wiping out housing, and destroying the minimal infrastructure of the nation, is it possible that this tectonic cataclysm has also wiped out years of crime, corruption, and abject poverty?

One can hope, and one should pray that perhaps this near total erasure of what once existed in Haiti and specifically the capital of Port-au-Prince, has given the inhabitants of this island nation a chance to clear away the rubble, and build a new future…

A future that consists of housing and buildings that are more tolerant of hurricanes. A future that includes an honest government, free of corruption and that works for the development of the country.

A future that is built on a viable national economy that provides services, educational opportunities and good paying jobs to the current and future generations of Haitians.

I do hope and pray that this will be the case.

I hope that the people of Haiti demand from those who claim to have the best interests of Haiti in mind to make certain that the outpouring of money and aid from the international community is put into the reconstruction of Haiti and not into the pockets of criminals, thugs, and racketeers.

The country of Haiti, in spite of the indescribable tragedy of human life is being given what many of us would like to have…a do-over.

Once the rubble is removed, the bodies buried, and the tears wiped away, Haiti will be, for all intents and purposes, a blank slate…an unpainted canvas.

I hope that the citizens of Haiti demand better than what they have been getting from their government and that future leaders of Haiti take the resources given to them by countries around the world and paint a picture of Haiti that is worthy of the beautiful region in which this island nation sits.

Amen, and Amen.

Enjoy your Sunday all…

Cheers!!

14 comments:

Scott Oglesby said...

Wow, I’m really digging this positive energy flowing off you like musk off of a horny rhino. I can smell you baby!

I used to love when I was working on the turnpike and people would just give me stuff left and right. Although, I never ate the food unless it was sealed in some way, I used to find myself being handed an eclectic collection of magazines, religious tracts….with fantastic cartoons by the way, fresh newspapers or crossword books, and many times falshed me. Which depending on the girl is the best gift ever. Thank God they didn't know what I made.

I have the same wish for Haiti that you do, I can’t stand to see people suffer. Anyway, make the most of your Sunday brother!

Scott Oglesby said...

....flashed me....

Ken said...

Speaking of Haiti…could this earthquake end up being a blessing in disguise for the long suffering country?

I hope so, we're looking for a cheap living place to sail into and while away our old age. The Dominican Republic has been on my list for years and if Haiti gets a major face lift from the world it might present opportunities for the marine industry to lay new roots. (fingers crossed)

Schmoop said...

Scott: Ha. Yeah, people offer me food all the time, but I have never been fully flashed. However, in the summer, from where I stand, I see quite a bit anyway. I mean, not that I'm into that thing. Hee Hee.

Here's to a new and bright future for Haiti. Cheers Scott!!

Micky: It could become the Pearl of the Carribean. But it could also become the same ol' same ol'. Let's hope it's the former. Cheers Mick!!

Michele said...

I sure hope the people of Haiti get a better deal out of this.

Back in 1998 we sent our oldest son to the Dominican Republic to visit JR's brother who lives there. He came back 4 days early because they were expecting a hurricane. After the hurricane blew through and devastated the country I said to B; "That is so sad. All those people lost their houses." B said; "Mom, they lived in shacks pieced together with scrap wood. They'll just pick up the scraps that blew into their yard and make another house out of it."

Seriously how sad is that? And what an experience that was for a 13 year old boy? And how sad that 12 years later it is still the same?

Jay said...

I used to work for a company that had operations in the DR. We used to send people down there and always told them "Don't worry, we'll provide you with armed body guards when traveling between the two facilities."

We weren't kidding. They really did need armed guards to protect them.

Oh okay, I'll hop on the positive hopes for the future bandwagon too. Maybe 10 years from now people will be talking about "The Earthquake from God" and how it turned Haiti's image and future around.

Schmoop said...

Michele: It's odd how the island of Hispaniola has suffered all these years. Now don't get me wrong...Other countries in the region aren't the prototype for great governments and places to live, but damn...It's just so backward there. Cheers Michele!!

Jay: Glad to have you on board. There will be tequila for all who sign up. And maybe if Haiti gets with the program, Dominicans won't dominate players coming into Major League Baseball. Cheers Jay!!

David said...

You did have a tsunami of giftage. I hope the same for Haiti but I fear a non-corupt government will be the greatest challenge in you list.

Oh - Scott I was already googling falshed and trying to figure out which obscure reference might apply to a woman driver on a turnpike. I'm sure being flashed was much better.

Cheers Matt-Man-au-Prince.

Dianne said...

what a lovely Saturday you had!!

when you have a chance google 'American (corporate) involvement in Haiti"

with or without the corporate it tells a tale

you can also substitute several nations - prmimarily the UK - for America and find more of the same

I hope ALL corruption is dealt with swiftly - here and there

those with the least always deal with the most

Anonymous said...

Haiti could certainly use this horrible situation as an opportunity to start anew, but I have doubts... It's too easy an opportunity for gangs and corrupt leaders to take advantage.

Schmoop said...

David: A history of corruption in Haiti is certainly a hard to thing to overcome, but international attention changes the dynamics a bit. Cheers David!!

Dianne: It was pretty good for being at work 10 hours. I'll check that stuff out after I get MOnday's post written. Thanks. Cheers Di!!

Lady: There is going to be chaos for awhile but hopefully the U.S. and others will help clamp down on ht eugliness and abuse. Cheers D!!

Dana said...

I think those unexpected acts of kindness are the BEST!

Marilyn said...

I hope so too... about Haiti, and congrats on the new radio.

Schmoop said...

Dana: And I whole-hertedly agree with ya. Cheers Dana!!

Marilyn: Yeah me too, it's a sad situation. The radio works just fine. Cheers Marilyn!!