Greetings!
So did you expect that we would have a record-breaking heat wave this summer? The previous record, at 14 consecutive days, was broken last week and who knows where it will stop. I marvel at the tenacity of IM's staff. Through thick and thin they are out in this heat welcoming refugees and helping them find jobs, delivering meals to thousands of seniors every weekday and following up with case assessment visits. And they do more than just deliver a meal or welcome a stranger, they are checking up on their clients - with an attentive smile and an open heart.
So I want to give out a big THANK YOU to our dedicated staff who brave the heat to make sure that no senior goes hungry and that our refugees are "warmly" welcomed. It is hard work and I so appreciate their positive attitude even in these scorching temperatures.
While the extreme heat continues, more fans are needed for our elderly Meals on Wheels clients. Fans do not solve the problem, but they are an economical step in helping a bit. So if you are able, please consider dropping off a fan or two at our offices (3217 Montrose Blvd) or through our new wish list site here.
A THOUGHT TO PONDER
Things changed on a fateful day almost ten years ago. I was on a Southwest flight out of Dallas to Houston for an interview with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Upon landing, we all learned that two airplanes had hit the Twin Towers.
It was a surreal day. I was interviewed with everyone's eyes on a TV that had been wheeled into the room. Somehow we made it through the process and since I could not catch the return flight, we all sat around watching the events unfold. As we became aware of the enormity of the tragedy, it was clear to all of us that a "new normal" was to come about.
That new normal led America into a series of wars, new security institutions and years of doubt.
Now ten years later, in just a few short weeks, there will be many community-wide events and certainly a lot of soul-searching. I have written a small prayer for us all, and it goes something like this:
I pray that men and women of all races, creeds and religion learn that we have the power to destroy and to build. May we understand that though it is easy to rationalize our power to destroy, it is more important to find the strength to build. If our highest aspiration is to reflect the Divine in the world, may we be taught how to love our brothers and sisters, and even those whom we do not know. Show us how to overcome anger and grief and turn our weapons into plowshares. May we be guided to build safe, healthy communities of respect, kindness and compassion. Help us to turn outward to find partners for peace.
My friends I hope that each of us use the memory of this terrible anniversary for good. Look for and participate in the many community activities that will be taking place (you will find a number of them on IM's webpage on the Community Calendar). Learn about a new coordinating body called Compassionate Houston that is being launched to recognize the many wonderful collaborative works being done throughout our city and region (you can visit www.compassionatehouston.org).
My guess is we will see more 9/11s in our lifetime. I also know that we will also see great outpourings of kindness when the next tsunami hits. We have a choice - we can bemoan the state of the world or we can choose to come together to help build a better world. I choose the latter. Join me, please.
Talk to you in two weeks.
Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
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