Memories Of A Radical Transformation: Part 2
As I mentioned in Part 1 of this series on my experiences with Hurricane Katrina, I planned on going into marketing. In fact I had been working in the marketing department of a multi-million dollar, international company before I ventured down to Louisiana and there had been talk of me coming on board after graduation. Talk about a great opportunity.
However, as I got off the plane in Baton Rouge and saw the military helicopters occupying space just outside of the terminal, I couldn’t help but think back on the images I had seen on television. Images of families sitting on the roofs of their flooded homes, waiting to be rescued by these very aircraft. Waiting to reluctantly leave behind everything they had worked so hard to build.
After finally arriving at Florida Boulevard Baptist Church, via what was essentially a hitch-hiked ride from a couple men delivering soup from one shelter to another, I was immediately introduced to families who had gone through similar situations, and now found themselves without homes, businesses and in some cases family members.
This was overwhelming. The thought that the things a person works so hard for can be taken away so quickly was earthshaking for me. As a soon to be college graduate who had aspirations of corner offices and white picket fences, I was left to consider if these were worthy goals.
I had growth up in a Christian household and my faith had always been a priority but was living my life for Christ the priority?
As I had opportunities to engage in deeper conversations with people, I heard stories of people’s homes being completely leveled to a point where they couldn’t even recognize their neighborhoods, business collapsing, relatives missing and one man told me he road the storm out in a dumpster next to his florist shop.
Yet in the midst of all of this, many people shared a sense of hope. A belief that God would get them through this overwhelming trial. They shared an understanding that while material possessions are nice, they aren’t what life is all about.
While, I admit I still wrestle with the desire for newer, bigger and better things, I now I have a much clearer understanding of their secondary value in life. Loving and following Christ takes the cake and strong, healthy relationships with family and friends are a close second.
For those of you who have a relationship with Christ this might sound like a “duh” statement but when you are faced with the prospect of money, and wealth, position and power, how do you respond? Do you immediately take the most lucrative path or do you prayerfully consider what is most God honoring?
This is a question that I have had to wrestle with and I image you might as well.
During my time serving at Florida Boulevard Baptist Church in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, I learn
Posted on May 25th, 2011 by David | 16 Comments »
David – I just read both parts of this story. Really captured me man – great job of communicating how Katrina affected your decisions and offered hope all the while.
Thanks Justin, stay tuned, there will be more thoughts coming in the next few days.
I think it is a tough question for most people – more money – or doing what you really are gifted in and feel called in some way to do. Money and comfort are good too – if not abused – so it’s tough. We have found we can get by on very little if we have to and being self employed is the best thing for both of us – the tempting thing might have been to stay in a comfortable job with benefits – but we broke away from that to do what we love. I know many people who have done this – and they are happier people.
I agree Cindy, money and comforts are not bad at all, we just have to make sure that they don’t control us (I think this is a daily battle).
You and Greg truly are an inspiration. I’m really happy that you guys are enjoying what you’re doing.
I’ll say this much: not many people will choose the path you did. As much as we love Christ, Mammon is a huge idol in this world. Sadly some Christians prefer mammon.
Thanks for showing us this part of your life David. Oh, and as if you didn’t already know. You made the right choice.
Mammon, is definitely a struggle and one that I still regularly have to deal with.
Nevertheless, I believe I am right where God wants me and I do believe like you said, that I made the right choice.
God is good.
Thanks for sharing! I am a fifty year old man that now wishes I had listened to God when I was in or just getting out of college! I spent the past thirty years chasing wealth and it’s trappings. Instead I found myself trapped by debt and robbed of many blessings. However, God is Great and there is hope and He will use me. The allure of wealth can be a lie and a trap. Keep seeking Him for true wealth!
Hi Tom, thanks for stopping by the blog. It’s great to have you join in on the conversation. I appreciate you sharing a little of your story and your encouragement. There is no doubt that God can use all of us, even after we’ve made some wrong turns.
I hope to see you around these parts again. You have great insight.
Thanks for sharing your heart, David. When push comes to shove, living out your faith looks a lot different than just talking about the right thing to do. Engaging in deeper conversations, serving a ravaged community, and helping rebuild lives is an amazing testimony.
It was definitely an amazing and life changing experience and truthfully I can’t imagine where I might be now if I hadn’t gone down there on that trip. I would guess that my life would be quite different.
Thanks for sharing part of your story with us. You know I can relate in some ways. I grew up in a Christian home too, and always had this want to live life on the fast lane, especially when I first started college. After I finished last December though, my perspective completely changed. Those things in the grand scheme of life are so trivial. It’s about forming relationships and fostering community.
Those are great thoughts Jon. It’s easy to get caught up in the “stuff” when it reality is all about loving God and loving people.
Powerful stuff, David. Thank you for sharing with us.
As I’m nearing the end of my MBA studies and wondering “what to be when I grow up?” things like this make me think of what has eternal value.
I hope that I get to have a job one day that provides the opportunity to really make a direct impact in people’s lives. In the meantime I’m excited for secondary activities to serve this purpose.
Thanks KC. I still have one or two posts left about my adventure.
I had to ask myself that same question and while it was hard, it was essential to do. There is nothing worse that working a job that you see as pointless.
I know God will open some great doors for you and I’ll be praying for you to be able to discern what those doors are…and have the courage to walk through them.
It really can mess with your head sometimes. As a small-town boy who moved out to California to become a movie star then put it on hold to become a youth pastor… I know exactly what you’re talking about. Great post man! *Subscribed*
Hey Dustin, thanks for checking out the blog. It sounds like you had some adventures of your own. I’d love to hear more.
Thanks for subscribing.