PD Anxiety

Traveled to the Community Ministry today where I sit on the board of directors. Stopped by a local grocery for coffee. While there some folks stepped aside to allow me a faster access. Arrived at the office and a persons shouted across the lot, "can I help you". All with compassion. If I had been in their shoes I probably would have done same. In a restaurant I feed myself differently.  Leading Sunday School on rotation. More diffickt than befire bt akk are understanding.  I have discovered the most difficult are those who do not know how to react to me.

Sure there are giggle an stares and always will be, but they do not control mine or your life.

A few weeks ago I walked into Church and saw the greeter in the distance and (with my head slumped forward called out I need a periscope". I heard a giggle in response and the stress was gone. About 15 years ago I was walking the corridor of City Hall. I sensed someone behind me. Turned around and discovered it was Muhammad Ali. As I approached the door I opened it, extended my hand as said "hello Champ" to which he gave a gentle smile.

Little did I know. . .

Sometimes a PD public encounter is like the first date jitters. Once done, its OK.

The Village of Louie – the beginning

 

In this modern fable we hear the story of Louie, the quiet village by the river.  All was peaceful until several years ago when Louie attacked the surrounding lands.  From that victory came the Kingdom of Louie.  All went well for several years until the King noticed the treasure room was becoming increasingly bare.

“What shall we do” asked the King of his advisors who replied “more tribute is needed.  Many serfs are suffering and the countryside is in need of repair”.  The King asked in a frustrated manner “where will the tribute come from.  I have my priorities and cannot be bothered with these everyday expenses . . . “  to which his advisors replied “your ruling class does not want to be bothered or responsible, Let’s go to the serfs who must purchase their products”.

Rather than levy a tax directly against the serfs it was decided give the serfs the power to tax themselves.  In the end everyone felt good, the serfs became poorer and the kingdom of Louie’s treasure room was refilled.  For a day all were filled with that warm and fuzzy feeling and the Kingdom of Louie was filled with treasure.  The King was happy and the ruling class relieved.

Reflecting upon Wednesdays Families Helping Families Event

 

In SLCM Strategic you'll read a quote Michael Harrington who states in his seminal work

The Other America, "It is an ethical proposition, and it can be simply stated: In a nation with a technology that could provide every citizen with a decent life, it is an outrage and a scandal that there should be such social misery....We must perceive passionately, if this blindness is to be lifted from us. A fact can be rationalized and explained away; and indignity cannot."

SLCM whose mission states

To exist as an interfaith association of churches, established to coordinate the efforts of various services to the community in order to enhance the religious, educational, social, health, economic and community development to improve quality and dignity of life.

Simply stated, I could not agree more.  Since the great recession of 2008 cities across America have looked inward for ways to revitalize, renew, and redevelop themselves or whatever you want to call it.  Inwardly urban America is dealing with deteriorating infrastructure, housing in place long after its projected life cycle and thousands of families left behind in America's urban core. The SLCM community of 80,000+ occupies that core and we're the operating paradigm that renews our community.

On February 27 families, many with deep South Louisville roots, corporations such as Churchill Downs, and Saints Mary and Elizabeth Hospital  joined Annual Fund co-chairs Dolores Delahanty and Tim Firkins in what  will be a turning point in South Louisville history.