There is an interesting story in the Miami Herald this morning. It resurfaces from time to time because there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.  In fact, there is so much right with it that many of us should be ashamed of not being more like the people who are cited in this story.  Most of us do what these people do but only with our pocketbooks. These are the workers who give of their TIME as well as their money to help others. They are the FAITH BASED groups from different states who came to Florida to pass out food and supplies (NOT from FEMA) to the sorely afflicted who have no money, no fuel, no food and many without roofs over their heads.  This is merely a reprise of the kind of help arriving to try to make a difference in the Gulf Coast debacle.

I think these people are not just good people but from a pool of persons who are driven to help others because they cannot do otherwise.  They are religious and have no interest in proselytizing and do not make the recipients pay for what they get by having them listen to preaching. I think (in the parlance of such things) that an angel makes them do it.  There are some who are on the receiving end of help who take because the devil makes THEM do it.  There are so many frauds out there who take advantage and rush to the head of the line to get something for nothing because of the people who have worked hard to give to others who are in need.

I was one of those looking for ice because of no electricity to run our freezer and refrigerator.  I expected to pay for the supplies we got after waiting in lines that were uncomplaining and filled with other people of good will who helped us and others who had infirmities and or loaded down with children while trying to carry heavy loads of water and ice away.  These lines are gone now. Some supermarkets are still empty of such items and particularly needed are the products requiring cold to keep them fresh. We were part of the lucky ones who really had minor problems.

What is most impressive, besides the selflessness of the faith based volunteers, has been the mood of people helping others. The devil seems to be hiding these days.  The curfew may have been responsible for keeping him and his minions at bay.  But the people in line and the neighbors helping neighbors has been inspiring.  One of the biggest miracles (Angels, again) has been the courtliness of four way stops and taking turns while navigating roadways without traffic lights or officers directing traffic.

I really do not believe in either devils or angels but the selfless people of the FAITH BASED persuasion should be praised for their efforts on our behalf.