Page 81 - Issue 30

Something to ponder
from Pastor David
f you got a chance to read last month’s Word you entrances. i was through the front door first and
know that there was a little challenge given to was met by someone who was obviously the boss
you readers. it was all about going out into this lady. she was about half my height and probably the
I ol’ world and leaving a little hope. With this sort same weight, arms crossed, and with an expression
of individual challenge, no one may ever know that that said, “oh no, they didn’t just roll up in here!” i
you did anything at all. Well… most everyone. smiled and leaned down to say that we were in town
this story is about a little thing that happened for a car show and were looking for some real BBQ.
on the rat rod tour 2014. it was Friday evening ok… i did happen to mention, in my finest southern,
early and we were all gathered in the hotel lobby that the majority of the folks with me were from the
trying to decide where we were going for supper. north and had never had real BBQ. i then whispered
you know how it is, everyone has a plan but to her asking if she was ok with us dropping
it is set firmly in jello. as for me, i already I just know in. at that moment her shoulders relaxed,
knew where i was going and it involved people need she looked me in the eyes and with a
st. Louis BBQ. specifically, Ferguson big ol’ sigh and said, “oh honey, yes.” it
BBQ as we were already there. the each other was like a veil had lifted and time had
restaurant i found was tdc Ferguson. and that love stopped along with all sound. When
there were some who were quick to say always wins she said yes everything started back up
“yes” without much thought and some that again only this time a little noisier.
got very quiet. all i did was mention to the i ordered what i wanted, not necessarily
group that if anyone needed a little loving and the from the menu, and then helped a few people get
calming sound of open headers it was the people what they wanted. everyone was laughing and
of Ferguson and we were just the group to bring it. talking back and forth with each other including
While i was pontificating this point someone said the restaurant staff like the family we are. i should
“Let’s mount up. i’m hungry” and we were off. mention the layout of this place was mostly designed
now picture 12 to 16 of the finest rat rods for take-out so there wasn’t much room for all of
anywhere pulling up in the parking lot of this little us to sit down. Because of the design, most of us
mom and pop BBQ eatery. oh yeah, as you know ended up outside on benches and the curb. Let me
we do nothing quiet and gentle when it comes to tell you, we got busy on some fine smoked BBQ pork
products. i looked up, my faced covered
in BBQ sauce, to see the boss lady walking
around filling peoples glasses with fresh
sweet tea. oh yeah… it was happening.
after i finished, i picked up my stuff and
walked inside to put it in the trash. the lady
said, “that’s ok honey, we will pick it up.” i feed homeless people of st. Louis. this is who we
chuckled and said, “not with this bunch.”
While our folks were heading back to
the parking lot to leave, i went back inside
to thank the boss lady for supper. she was
smiling ear to ear. as we shook hands i
80 Rat Rod Magazine issue thirty
said, “Lord bless you lil sister.” We locked eyes for
a moment and i was out the door. sure enough
the place looked nicer than when we showed up.
there was not a piece of trash or sign that we
had ever been there. at least none that i could
see with my eyes.
We cranked up and left in a cloud of dust,
smoke, and what people would later question as
thunder. yes, i know they were wondering what
had just happened but folks, you can’t fake smiles
like that. not only did our herd eat some of the
finest BBQ ever but they gave something back
that you just can’t buy.
here is the deal. Who was more blessed,
them or us? remember this was right smack in
the middle of Ferguson during the time when the
“media” were saying all sorts of negative things.
Well, we did not pay much attention to what was
being said as we did doing what we knew was
true and right.
myself, i am an old soldier, not so much
schooled in politics or being politically correct. i
just know people need each other and that love
always wins over, entitlements, politics, color, i
could go on. ask tracy and Jerry ripley (of raW
Bike fame) what happens when they clothe and
were meant to be. Jesus gave us two directions
in living our lives: Love god and love each other.
it really is that easy.
god loves you so much that he cannot keep
his eyes off of you.
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