Tag Archives: Damage from Hurricane Sandy

Somebody Do Something

Posted on November 12, 2012 by expressyourself4him
     During his inaugural address in 1961, John F. Kennedy understood the spirit of rugged individualism.  Instead of waiting for the government to come the rescue, JFK urged American citizens to be proactive by saying, “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what can you do for your country.”  In other words, somebody do something now!
     In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, residents from New Jersey and New York have been heard on television complaining to reporters covering the aftermath of this super storm.  These citizens directly affected have been waiting for FEMA, local officials and utility companies to come to the rescue with little or no avail.  Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh recently compared the Obama Administration to Santa Claus, creating a society seeking free handouts, goodies from the government.  Unfortunately, president Obama have convinced voters to go against JFK’s plea, waiting for somebody else to act.
     According to Jesus in Matthew 20:20-28 and Mark 9:46-50, the greatest achievement in life a person can accomplish is serving others.  Churches during Hurricane Katrina were vital transport areas, taking food and supplies directly to those affected.  Meanwhile, every Thanksgiving, homeless shelters across the nation provide a warm meal to the poor and needy.  Therefore, if you are tired of waiting for someone to come to your rescue, look around your neighborhood for a desperate soul and lend a helping hand.  When somebody does something for another individual, they will receive more from giving than they do from receiving.
by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Hitting the Reset Button

Posted on October 31, 2012 by expressyourself4him

     When the sun arose along the Atlantic Coast this morning, the landscape has been transformed by the wind and waves of Hurricane Sandy.  Piers like the caption above have disappeared into a few mangled pieces of debris scattered across sand dunes, at least what’s left of them.  Meanwhile, home owners, local businesses and nearby residents are left to pick up the pieces of their properties, trying to salvage as many things as possible.  In a sense, these families affected will be hitting the reset button today, forced to start over from scratch.
     Every month or so, my old laptop will freeze.  Sometimes, I will walk away for a few minutes and return to a normal screen.  Unfortunately, most of the time, I am forced to hit ctrl, alt delete.  While I may lose what I was working on, at least I have the option of hitting the reset button, to reboot my computer.  Although not life threatening, for a writer, computer failures are more of an annoyance than anything else.
     In the early first century, Jewish leaders struggled to grasp the message Jesus communicated daily.  One night, one of the Pharisees, secretly met with Jesus, afraid of what his peers might think.  During their conversation, John 3:1-21, Nicodemus asks a few questions to comprehend Jesus’ mindset.  Sarcastic at first, Nicodemus leaves Jesus dumbfounded.  However, the words of John 3:16-17 stuck with Nicodemus.  Based upon the accounts of John 7:50-52 and John 19:38-42, Nicodemus hit the reset button in his mind, becoming born again, John 3:5.
     According to Matthew 6:19-24, despite the material possessions and wealth people accumulate, these things will pass.  Storms will erode our homes, possessions will decay overtime and life will run out.  Therefore, before its too late, don’t miss out on your chance to hit the reset button on your life spiritually, Acts 8:30-38.  The one whom Jesus loved leaves you with the promise of eternal security, 1 John 5:13.  Follow the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:20-21, reboot your mind spiritually and you will off to a good start!
by Jay Mankus

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.