Written by Patricia Benoit
Yes, we’re hunkered down to escape present the spread of COVID-19. We can take comfort from our online connections such as Sunday worship and the Book of Common Prayer. St. Luke’s is alive, working and helping others. Our congregation is alive and open to the community.
So, how did other people in previous hard times handle real restrictions, deprivations and desolations?
Dust Bowl Support
During the 1930s Great Depression, John McCarty, a Dalhart newspaper man, formed the Last Man Club, a mutual support group for farmers who chose to stay in the American Great Plains in spite of the devastation caused by the Dust Bowl natural disaster.
He called their tenacity to survive through the drought, “Grab a Root and Growl.” The emphasis was on helping each other, sharing and sustaining.
McCarty wrote: “In the absence of an act of God, serious family injury, or some other emergency, I pledge to stay here as the last man and to do everything I can to help other last men remain in this country. We promise to stay here ’til hell freezes over and skate out on the ice.”
McCarty followed the practice of first-century Christians who shared what they had and trusted in God to provide, even in desolate times.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:15-17
If Thou But Trust In God To Guide Thee
If thou but trust in God to Guide thee,
And hope in him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on a rock that naught can move.
Sing, pray and keep his ways unswerving;
So do thine own part faithfully,
And trust his word, though undeserving;
Thou yet shalt find it true for thee;
God never yet forsook in need The soul that trusted him indeed.