They live in the city of Moss Point, near the Gulf Coast. Katrina ravaged their community, sending a storm surge of more than 20 feet into large parts of the city. Sharon and Thomas immediately joined with others at their church to help those who were affected.
God led us to Sharon, a strong Christian and natural leader with very deep ties to her community. Sharon agreed to direct our Hurricane Katrina response efforts in Mississippi. She worked with local churches and community leaders to identify people who needed help but who had fallen through the cracks of the formal response system. We sent volunteer teams to help clean out and rebuild the homes of these people, working in partnership with local plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. Thomas, who knew a number of construction skills, helped with technical assistance and project management.
Disasters like Katrina have a terrible impact on the lives of thousands of families. But, they also often connect us with wonderful local believers who are filled with compassion and doing all they can to help, often at great personal sacrifice. In the course of responding to the disaster, these people become good friends.
That was true of our relationship with Sharon and Thomas. We got to know their kids and extended family, sharing personal needs and praying for each other. They introduced us to wonderful southern food like sweet potato pie. We invited them to come to the Northwest where we introduced them to sushi and grilled oysters (with mixed success.)
So, when we knew we would be traveling through Mississippi on our way back to Oregon, we knew could not drive through the state without stopping to see Sharon and Thomas, who invited us to stay with them at their home in Moss Point.
As we sat down in their gracious dining room to a great dinner of fried shrimp and southern vegetables, we talked about all that had happened since we had seen each other—answers to prayers for family members who had been very sick, new grandchildren, Thomas’ retirement, their staff recruitment company, their church, politics in the town, their son’s need for a new kidney.
Along the way, we learned that Thomas had volunteered his time for more than 30 years as a baseball coach for young boys aged 9-12 years old in the area. This team had recently won the state championship for their age group.
Over the years, Thomas has coached hundreds of boys. As a result, he cannot go anywhere in town without being recognized and greeted. Everyone in town knows and respects Thomas.
As Thomas talked about his coaching experience, he confessed that he was thinking of stepping down as a baseball coach. “I’m tired,” he said.
We asked him why he was tired, and he responded, “It’s a different time and a new day. Boys today often don’t respect people in authority. It’s a constant struggle to get them to follow direction. And, when they don’t do so, there aren’t many alternatives that help to promote discipline.”
From there, the discussion went on to the realities facing a large number of African-American men today. Many come from single-parent homes where the father was not present. They have not learned skills at school. There is very little work available in the community. As a result, they turn to drugs and alcohol and hanging out on street corners.
When they father children, they find themselves unable to support their families because they cannot get work. So, they leave these families, starting a second generation of single-parent families. This vicious cycle then leads to the young boys who show up to play baseball on the teams that Thomas coaches. These boys often have no role models of effective male authority figures in their lives. They often have very little self-discipline or respect for authority.
“What are you going to do?” asked Thomas as he reflected on this situation. One answer is increased opportunity for employment, but this will require skills, a work ethic, and good work habits. And, even then, there are the enormous obstacles of the disappearance of jobs overseas or to automation here at home.
“What are you going to do?” We talked about improving the schools in the area, but this will take political leadership. Unfortunately, local politicians are struggling with competence and corruption.
“What are you going to do?” We talked about efforts to elect better leaders. While both Sharon and Thomas are involved in efforts to improve the quality of political leaders in their community, it is clearly a long, uphill battle with more than its fair share of setbacks and disappointments.
‘What are you going to do?” We talked about what the church could do, but had to face the fact that many of these young men had lost faith in the church and no longer attended.
“What are you going to do?” We talked about how increasing numbers of black men are winding up in prison for drug crimes, leading to the sad fact that one of the only growth industries in Mississippi today seems to be the prisons because dramatically increasing numbers of African-American men are being sent there by the criminal justice system.
“What are you going to do?” asked Thomas. “A generation of young African-American men is growing up without hope, with no fathers, with no opportunity to work, standing on the streets, vulnerable to drugs and alcohol.”
He looked at us. “Do you really want to hear this?” When we nodded yes, he went on,” I’m afraid that some day we won’t be able to contain this anymore. What we’re seeing in Jefferson, Missouri, is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m afraid that someday we won’t be able to contain this anymore.”
There are no easy answers to Thomas’ question.
Of course, political involvement to support leaders and policies that will provide opportunities to those who want to work but who are unemployed.
Of course, a greater sharing of resources and wealth in our society.
Of course, improvements in schools.
Of course, more honest and compassionate ministry and outreach by churches.
Of course, involvement in youth sports programs because sports seems to be one of the few ways to reach young men these days.
Of course, efforts to develop and train young leaders living in communities where poverty, unemployment and drug use is destroying families.
Of course, prayer because only God can transform hearts.
“Even so,” Thomas wondered, “it may already be too late.” Too late to stop the forces leading to decline and destruction.
Thomas’ question kept me awake that night and has not let me go since. “What are we going to do?” Or, more importantly, “What am I going to do.?
We are determined to answer that question for ourselves. And, our answer to that question will probably help to define how we spend our time in our retirement years ahead.
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