My Random Thoughts.

Basically, the title says it all. It also explains why I haven’t TOUCHED my blog for a few months.

Did I mention Nashville/Middle TN just experienced one of the most costly floods this country has ever seen? Chances are, if you don’t live in this region of the country, all that you know is this:

1. There was a bomb plot that was thwarted in NYC.

2. There was a huge oil-related disaster in the Gulf. (I guess this isn’t “was”. It still “is.”)

Don’t get me wrong. Those are two very huge, very newsworthy events. But, why can there only be two?

National media has now “covered” the Flood of 2010. A “thousand year flood” – meaning, most likely, we won’t see another one like it for generations to come.

What I find most interesting, is that, even though national media says they have now “covered” the flood (due mainly to Anderson Cooper’s attention), we get all of 20 seconds of coverage in the morning news shows in between #1 and #2 listed above. They DO cover our poor city and its landmarks that are waterlogged and now moldy.  The media has talked to country music stars who were affected by the flood and I realize that they are people, too. But, why does it take a country music star bailing water out of his basement to get national attention? Shouldn’t tens of thousands of regular ole folks losing everything they have in one LARGE national disaster be enough?

Ok, so the flood happened. I don’t think that’s the story for the media anymore. If that wasn’t sexy enough, maybe this will be. To quote Bart Millard, “The water is dropping and Nashville is rising.”

Nashville volunteers, in just under a week and a half, have donated more than 44,710 hrs to flood recovery. That’s 5.1 years in 9 days.  (via @HONashville) And, that doesn’t include the volunteers who didn’t register!

The people of Middle TN didn’t need national news coverage to help their neighbors. They didn’t need to be RECOGNIZED to be motivated to get their hands dirty – literally ripping floodwater soaked carpet and drywall and furniture and clothing out of homes before mold could set in.

They didn’t ask for a national telethon to be broadcast. Heck, several local artists threw one of their own (organized by Nashville’s Vince Gill) and raised over $1.5 million dollars right then and there.

Churches from all over the country have driven teams into Nashville, bunked with local families, and worked their tails off.

People who have LOST EVERYTHING have gutted their homes, walked next door, and asked their neighbors what they need.

And, while I am very fortunate because we live in an area that was spared, I can honestly say this because I am living in the midst of friends who have lost everything and have seen destroyed neighborhoods, I HAVE NOT HEARD ONE COMPLAINT. Not one.

What has been the worst disaster this area has ever seen has also been the greatest unifying force. People are taking their vacation to clean up homes, businesses, even the mall. People are buying as many sandwiches that Subway can make, driving through devastated communities, and passing them out to strangers who are busy helping strangers do some very dirty work. And the list goes on.

Middle TN has completely opened my eyes to what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ in the midst of brokenness and loss. No whining. No questions except for “What do you need?” and “How can I help?”

So, Mr. Media Man – will this make the cut? Does hope in the midst of devastation deserve more than a thirty second clip on Saturday morning at 6am?

Sorry to rant, but sometimes, I think that ranting is ok.