The insurance company sprung a little suprise clause on him. You don't get a check for the full value of the damages unless you sign a letter saying you will rebuild. That said, it really grinds on my nerves that a person can pay his premiums all those years and get a 10 grit sand paper dildo rammed up his ass. I guess that sort of helps explain why there are fewer and fewer farms operating in the Upstate area.
What does all of this have to do with Faith or Religion? Well, there is a strong (if small) Amish / Menonite comunity up there and within days of the burning a few of the men came by and offered to raise a new barn if my uncle wanted to rebuild. He'd have to supply the materials and lay the cement but they'd do the rest. He agreed and sure enough, come the day agreed upon they were there and the work was done. My family is Roman Catholic and has been for who knows how long....much longer than I've been alive. Yet, here these folks were....because it was what they believed was the proper, Christian thing to do.
You can say what you like about these people but they actually practice their Faith. Its not the going to church once a week, being a jackass the rest of the time, confessing and doing penance, wash, rinse, repeat, as it seems to be in the vast majority of Catholic churches and congregations today. Its not the half hearted crap I've seen in a half dozen churches in the past year. It's a true dedication to their Faith. In short, they act on their Faith. They practice charity for the sake of charity, kindness for the sake of kindness and forgiveness because they truely believe that it is God's place to make judgement and not theirs.
I've always liked the Amish way of life but I have a new found respect for their values and their commitment to their Faith. Pity more folks aren't more like them. The world would be a better place.
The Golden Rule.
In action.
If I were God, I'd be smiling.
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Well said, and I totally agree. Honestly, that is the very same thing I love about the Jehovah's Witnesses. I have spent years now in Kingdom Halls. And as difficult as it is on me that they want so badly to convert me (and I just cannot bring myself to do it for a number of good reasons) ... I have always enjoyed being a part of their meetings. Faith in action is a beautiful thing, and 9 times out of 10 the Witnesses nail that dead on.
By their fruits you will recognize them. (Matt 7:16)
People harrass the Witnesses all the time. There are tons of well known jokes about their door to door ministry. But you know what? The world would be a better place if everyone were more like them. They are honestly some of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I wish I could reconcile some of their teachings that I do not agree with (and don't ever see myself agreeing with), because if I could I would be honored in every other way to be a part of their fine association.
Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it. (Matt 7:13-14)
Thats awesome man. Really... too many ppl look down on religious folks and yet many of them are prime examples of awesome human beings. Ppl that care not because its cool, or expected, but because its right and the enjoy it.
That was awesome of them and im glad that their kindness was able to shine for your uncle.