A Sense of Purpose and How You Can Help

by   April 20, 2020 with No Comments

By David Freeze

A sense of purpose and how you can help

   Normally the local runners club would be focused on races and other active events this time of year. Between March and May, we had at least a dozen events scheduled. Local charities benefit financially, and our club members love planning and organizing the events.

   My most recent Gotta’ Run columns in the Salisbury Post received supportive comments for the positive spin on the good side of the virus. Here is another in that series, describing a real and positive need in the community and an opportunity for many of you.

   I received word that Rowan Helping Ministries needed volunteers to help serve many of their upcoming meals. The first need was for Saturday, April 4th. The Salisbury Rowan Runners took that date and looked for more. The usual civic groups and churches had decided to back away currently from a very enjoyable and rewarding contribution to RHM’s wonderful work. At the time, about 60% of the meals were without volunteers to prepare and serve. In the past, SRR has worked the meals in a much less worrisome time, before anybody even thought of catching a terrible virus. It was hard to find a slot to help due to the tremendous community support.

   SRR had committed to serving all Saturday lunchtime meals in April and its now mushroomed to three times a week. In a normal spring, we would have a group working races nearly every Saturday, so it wasn’t a big leap timewise to do this although the need and task involved were different. I asked for volunteers and got them quickly. A few more had questions about how we would meet the social distancing requirements.

   I joined Adalie Harrison, Linda Sufficool and Luann Fesperman that first Saturday morning to serve 90 members of our community. Pizza from Little Caesar’s, an amazing fruit salad from Father and Son Produce and the incredible brownies of Amanda Lewis made the meal. All three of these suppliers went way beyond normal in giving us special pricing and pinpoint timing. Debbie Suggs Catering helped with yesterday’s meal.

    Harrison, age 18, was the first to volunteer. One of the best athletes of any age in Rowan County, she said, “I like to help others, especially those that don’t have as much. Serving was a way to show strength over the virus.” Sufficool, a retired teacher from RCCC, quickly volunteered with,“It would be my honor and privilege to serve there again.” Fesperman, owner of the Trophy House and a former Rowan County athlete of the year, jumped onboard and then donated to the meal costs.

        RHM Executive Director and SRR member Kyna Grubb said, “Rowan Helping Ministries is founded on community collaboration and volunteer service.  In addition to our dedicated staff, we require a corps of volunteers to sustain our feeding programs.  We have streamlined our services and added many new protocols to ensure physical distance and a safe environment for people to help people.”

      New serving procedures at RHM allow for a streamlined process to safely ensure the correct social distancing while the meal was prepared and given to the clients. Meal trays were made ahead, about 10 at a time. Those using the trays ate in the cafeteria, two to a table. Styrofoam to-go trays were also prepared ahead for clients who didn’t want to enter the facility. Those who do enter the building are temperature checked.  

   It took us about an hour to prepare the fruit salad with some of the season’s first watermelons, cantaloupes, bananas, grapes and strawberries, a process full of conversation and fun for all. Another hour to serve the meal and about 20 minutes to clean up completed the work. Proper safety practices were as promised and thankful clients, while farther away, were still appreciative.

    Linda took prayer requests from the clients and we’ve shared those requests for follow-up. Since then, we’ve served five times and have committed to three more times this coming week. Volunteerism to serve the meals has not improved.

   While it may appear that the RHM clients and members of our community were the recipients of a fine meal, the real gift was received by those SRR members who gave their time and talents to care for others. The need is huge, and you and your group can help. If willing, contact Betsy Warner, RHM volunteer manager, at 704-637-6838, ext. 112.

Is it Hopeless?

by   April 19, 2020 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Oh, David! Surely you were drowning in hopelessness as you were in that sea of trouble.

Your words in Psalm 69:1-12 surpassed the ordinary in my mind — and took me right to where the waves had been relentlessly crashing in my own life.

For days, the Holy Spirit kept sending me back to read those words one more time. They obviously were from your heart, David, as you were one that was sinking in despair, seemingly without hope.

I understood. For I must admit, I have felt it, too.

Hopeless.

Your words kept piercing my heart:  The waters are coming into my soul. I am sinking in deep mire. I am in deep waters. I am weary of crying while I wait for God. Some hate me without a cause. They want to destroy me. I am a stranger to my brethren. Those that sit in the gates — the ‘higher ups’ and the drunkards — speak against me. God, you know my foolishness. My sins are not hidden from you. Shame covers my face. I am wearing a sackcloth to symbolize my grief.

You, David? The one God calls a man after His own heart? How could that have been you? Sinking in despair? Uncontrollable tears? Rejected by family? Circumstances beyond your capability to fix? Accused unjustly? Undeserved suffering? Bodily anguish? Broken hearted? Grieving? Bearing shame? Ridiculed? Humiliated?

Sometimes — we all feel it.

Sometimes — it feels hopeless.

Inadequate. Incompetent. In despair.

Oh, David.

We feel your heart.

Should we just give up?

What did you do about it?

We need to know.

David’s response began in Psalm 69:13 –

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy, hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

It was time.

He prayed.

He did not need to carry that burden by himself one second longer.

In the midst of hopelessness — prayer was the answer.

• Don’t feel like praying? David may not have, either.

• The chapter began with complaining to God — and ended with praising God.

• From prayer to praise — works every time.

• Hopelessness can still find hope.

• Guess you could say David went from woe is me to wow is He!

What is Your Story

by   April 18, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            Everyone I talk with has a story about how the coronavirus has affected their lives. High school students miss their teachers, classmates, and all the activities at school. Many employees are missing their jobs. I don’t like seeing the store shelves look so empty, even though I can normally find everything I need. I know we all miss finding toilet paper.

            We all have stories about other major events in the past. My parents have told me that they remember exactly where they were when they heard that President Kennedy had been shot. I remember that I was at a DECA competition when I heard about the Challenger explosion. Anyone who lived in this area can tell you their Hurricane Hugo story.

            I had just started teaching at East Davidson High School when 9/11 happened. I remember so many specific details from that day and that time in our lives. For the next 17 years of my career, I told my students about the impact of that day. I remember asking the students every year, “What grade were you in? What was your reaction?” Every student had some kind of story. In my final year, I had students who were not born before 9/11.

            For today’s students, the coronavirus will be their story. When they are grandparents they will tell their grandkids about how schools were closed and the fact that they did not get to have their senior prom. They will talk about being told to “stay-at-home.” They will remember a time in their lives when it was hard to find toilet paper. Maybe some of the younger students will appreciate their schools and teachers a little more.

            I have talked with several pastors who have said that this will impact the way we do church in the future, not to mention how we are changing the way we do it now. I can’t imagine standing at the pulpit with an empty room and trying to deliver a passionate message. When you can’t see your congregation, how do you know the impact of your words?

            One personal impact that I have noticed is that I have checked on my neighbors and friends more in the last month than I had in the previous six months. I have called or texted my family (since I can’t go see them) more often in the last month. I am praying for more people and trying not to limit my prayers to protection from the virus. I find myself seeking the Lord and asking for more of His presence in my life.

            When I get the opportunity to talk with friends, neighbors, and family, we all have stories about the impact of this virus on our lives. We want to tell our stories to each other. It helps in some ways that we are all going through this together. We need to keep reminding ourselves that we will all make it through this thing together.

            This reminds me that we have another story that we all need to tell, especially during these troubled times. We have the story of how our Savior has impacted and changed our lives. We want to share our coronavirus story. We should have the same excitement over sharing our faith story. We should want to tell our story to our friends, family, and neighbors.

            Jesus is the answer for our world today. He has helped me make it through not only this virus, but so many other situations in life. People need to hear our story of how Jesus helped us make it through in life. People need to hear how our faith has become stronger and has been a source of strength and comfort. People need to know that God is real and that he cares deeply about their circumstances.

            The doors of many people’s hearts are open. We have an opportunity to have an impact on our communities if we will tell our stories. We can show the world God’s love by demonstrating it through our lives. We have to believe that God can use us.

            I want to encourage you to tell your story. The people in your life need to hear about the love of God. They need to know that God is on their side. They need to know that we serve a God who heals and forgives. They need to know that we serve a God who has a good future planned for His children. They need to know that they can join the family of God. We need each other and we need to tell our story.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Happily Hunkered Down

by   April 14, 2020 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

So, what have you been doin’? During the current pandemic, some of you are working harder than you’ve ever worked in your life. Sincere thanks to all who are keeping groceries on the shelves and vital medical services in place. If you’re like us though, you may have more time on your hands than usual. David has done all kinds of things around the house, like moving my bottle tree to a place I can see it from my writing room. He also wrapped the base of the bluebird pole with chicken wire in hopes of deterring snakes. Since he’d been hankering for a homemade banana pudding I made him one like Grandmaw Pittman used to, by cooking the pudding on top of the stove. It was awfully sweet (not me, the pudding). Even though I had my reading glasses on, apparently I mistook the 1/3 cup measure for the 1/8. So instead of having half cup of sugar, we ended up with a cup and a third. It’s really not my fault though. I had to cancel my eye appointment because of the whole social distancing thing. I was really looking forward to seeing again. But it can wait. Extra sweet banana pudding probably won’t kill us.

We also find ourselves watching stuff on television that we would have never seen. Since the Braves aren’t playing, Peter Rabbit became a viable option. It was pretty good. Or maybe we’re just desperate. All that counts is that we laughed. We also found The Zoo episodes on Animal Planet. Currently we’ve been visiting the Bronx Zoo. Now I know how a variety of exotic animals procreate. Their Komodo Dragons probably won’t be having offspring any time soon. The female nearly ripped the arm off her suitor when he got a little too friendly. Apparently they’d been shut up in the same space for too long.

But he probably didn’t move her bottle tree or fix her bluebird house.

The other pastime of choice is cooking and therefore eating. Our doctor, Caroline Adams, is not going to be very pleased with us if we ever get back in for our regular checkups. I bought David a gas flattop griddle for Christmas. He’s been trying all kinds of yumminess on that thing. Last week, he made homemade dressing, like we serve with turkey. Then he smashed small portions of it on the hot surface and fried it up crispy like savory pancakes. I found a can of cranberry sauce in the back of the cabinet and purposely ignored the expiration date. He made sausage gravy to smother the dressing and we called it supper. Happy quarantine to me!

Except for the necessary grocery run we are able to stay hunkered down. Being an introvert makes it easy for me to embrace this happy lifestyle. In fact I’m kind of loving being “non-essential.”

So, what have you been doin’?

The Message

by   April 14, 2020 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

It was one of those seconds in time that should have been forgettable, but was not.

My 13-year-old was talking to me about his school day when my phone beeped.

I was getting a message.

It diverted my attention for just one second.

I quickly saw that the message was unimportant, and looked back toward him to continue our conversation.

The moment had been lost.

Well, maybe not lost, because it did bring about this message to you.

How often have I missed the real message — because I was distracted by a message of lesser importance — or even of no importance?

No message is more valuable than THE message.

THE message is the one message that would be worthy of dropping everything else to hear. Have your ringer on. Listen for the beep. Do not let anything — or anyone — hinder you from receiving it.

Because it is from THE messenger.

It is a personal message just for you.

And at the same time — it is also a message for the whole world.

For the message you will hear is from the Holy Spirit, and the message will be heard in your heart.

As you receive it, may the love of the Messenger begin to pour out over you. May you know in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

And, as a result of that, you can have victory over death and live eternally in heaven.

I call it the message of salvation. And it is for each of us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” — Acts 16:31

“That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

Some say it is as simple as ABC:

A — Admit you are a sinner.

B — Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

C — Confess Him as your Lord and Savior.

After you pray, tell someone. Begin to read the Bible daily. Talk to God throughout the day.

Receiving the message will be the best decision you will ever make.

The God of the universe living in our heart — that’s a whole lot closer to us than our cellphone!

Best message ever.

Let me know if you received the message at annfarabee@gmail.com.

I would love to hear from you!

There is Always Something Good

by   April 13, 2020 with No Comments

By David Freeze

While all of us have been limited by the state and national response to the coronavirus, we are still fortunate. Yes, we are! I will tell you why I think so.

Back in 2013, I was on my first long-distance bike ride. Still struggling to get the hang of spending long and challenging days on the bike, I had a bad day going. At least, it seemed a particularly trying day. I had just arrived in Three Sisters, Wyoming, after battling a headwind and intense climbing for hours. While trying to get a room, I heard “no vacancy” and extremely high prices. I was already borderline late on getting my daily report in. And a big storm was bearing down on me. I called the Post and spoke to nighttime editor Paris Goodnight. Paris, an outdoor adventurer in his own right, listened to my list of problems and said, “So, what was good about today?” I was immediately floored and realized he was right. There were good things that I didn’t think enough about. No days are perfect, but every day has something good. So, with this column, I hope you will join me as I consider some of the good things even during the response to this virus.

Most of us still have our health. We can still exercise and use the outdoors freely. I read the other day that 20% of people never exercise and an even greater number never seek time outdoors. One friend told me on Sunday about a visit to a botanical garden for the first time and was so amazed that he made 40 pictures. It won’t surprise anyone that I think any day with exercise and time outdoors is my kind of day.

With meetings and events curtailed, we all have extra time for new of different things. Another friend told me that his family decided to do some housework together. They cleaned and reorganized cabinets, talked more than usual and later grilled a meal. He was happy that all of this made great quality time together.

Another friend has been interested in learning a new language and has decided to make it happen. Challenging your mind anytime is good and especially if this virus has provided time to do it. I am looking forward to extra reading. Plus, no time is better to plan my own next adventure.

I have decided to do a neglected project each day. On the farm, there are always plenty of these. For the last week, I have stuck to this and made some good headway. We had some fence problems last week and as of today, I’ve removed about 600 feet of scrub trees and overhanging limbs that make fence maintenance a lot easier.

To this point, I have addressed self-needs. One of my favorite things is to help others, often providing a sense of real accomplishment by the end of the day. Think of your neighbors, friends and family and how you can help them through this. Just the simple task of finding good bananas for one of my neighbors was great fun. It took a very early visit to an already busy grocery store to find some and in turn, the same neighbor got a torn work jacket repaired for me.

In the bigger picture, I love giving blood and realize the need is great. With the attention on the virus and fear of the process, blood donations for other medical issues have waned. Use https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive to find a drive near you. Kannapolis Church of Christ has a drive on scheduled Friday and Mt. Zion Church of Christ in China Grove has one on next Sunday afternoon. Check ahead for any changes.

We certainly have plenty of uncertainty and reasons for concern, but hopefully these are some ideas that will replace worry in a positive way. Yes, there are good things still happening. Let’s remember them and plenty of other blessings we still have. Check out the blooming azaleas and the nice weather as you can. Keep those prayers going.

Happy Easter!

by   April 11, 2020 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            For more years than I can count, the tradition in my family has been to gather at my brother’s house for Easter. Everyone would go to their own church for Easter services, some even venturing out for sunrise services. Then we would all make our way to my brother’s house for a great lunch, followed by an Easter egg hunt.

            I am really going to miss the gathering this year. Mom always brought the ham. Everybody else brought all the trimmings. My favorite was all the different types of salad that were there to enjoy. Naturally, there would be many different kinds of dessert. One thing that was really popular with the kids (when they were younger) was the Jell-O eggs. I never took one because I thought the kids were supposed to get them, but I will miss seeing them this year.

            After the big meal, my brother would look over and nod his head. That meant it was time to go out and hide the Easter eggs. I know we accumulated hundreds of plastic eggs through the years. We would put them out everywhere. As the kids got older, we worked hard to really hide the eggs. I know some of my nieces and nephews were teenagers and still hunting Easter eggs. All the older adults would sit on folding chairs and watch the kids run around collecting eggs.

            There would always be some basketball games, my brother and I would shoot a few games of pool, and there was always plenty of catching up. There would be little conversations here and there, and always plenty of laughter. You can’t get my family together without the prankster coming out in all of us. The laughter would slowly fade as each of us would head our separate ways. Stomachs filled, hearts warmed, and still chuckling as we drove home. 

            Easter will be different for families everywhere. The highways will be less busy. There won’t be as much good food to eat. Easter egg hunts will have to wait, or at least become more creative. The hugging, the family games, but most importantly, the laughter, will all have to wait. It will be alright. I know that in my family we will get together once this stay-at-home order is dropped. The fun and laughter will resume and we will all have stories of what we did during our time of being home.

            There is one thing that this Corona virus can’t stop, and that is the real meaning of Easter. It’s hard to believe that there are still people who don’t know what Easter is all about. I assure you that many churches have launched online and live versions of their services. You can attend Easter Sunday service right from the comfort of your home. I have links to a number of churches that are having live services each Sunday at EncouragingU.com.

            We know the message of Christmas is that Jesus came to earth born to be our savior. The message of Easter is the fulfillment of his mission. Jesus was born to be the sacrificial lamb that would take away our sins and restore a right relationship with God. God’s law required a blood sacrifice to cleanse us from our sins. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price we could not pay.

            His death is not the end of the story. At sunrise on Easter morning, Jesus rose from the dead. No other religious leader did that. He experienced death’s sting but came out the other side a resurrected king. He has all authority and power. He has set us free from sin and death. He has given us forgiveness, joy, and peace.

            You see, the Corona virus can’t stop you from experiencing the true meaning or the true gifts of Easter. All you have to do is open your hearts to the living God. He’s done the rest. He paid the price for your redemption. If you accept Jesus as your savior, you can be assured of your place with Him for all eternity. While you are alive here you can experience His love, joy, peace, forgiveness, and His abiding presence. It’s yours for the asking and receiving.

            I want to encourage you to invite Jesus into your heart. Easter is symbolic of the life-changing power that is available to you. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave is now available to you. You don’t have to clean yourself up first. He is awesome at taking broken lives and transforming them into something beautiful. I promise He will do it for you.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

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