I am continually amazed at the New Orleans Saints. They are a phenomenon along the Gulf Coast. They may never be America’s Team, but, then, they don’t seem to want to be. They are quite content to belong to New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast.
Last week I heard an interview with Leroy Hoard, a New Orleanian who played football at Michigan and then in the National Football League. He now is a radio/TV sports personality in the Miami area. Because the Dolphins came to town last night, the local station interviewed him.
This was the most amazing thing he said: “I lived in New Orleans all my life until I left for college and never saw a winning Saints team.”
These fans love their team, and they have suffered with the team through the years.
There is something about New Orleans that won’t let you go.
Martha and I moved to New Orleans thinking we would go to seminary and leave after three years. That didn’t happen, and we are so glad it didn’t. In fact, we have lived within a 75 mile radius of New Orleans all our lives. Our daughters were born in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. This is home, and we love it.
But, it’s more than love. As I felt the call to preach the Gospel, I also felt the call to do so in south Louisiana. I’ve often said, “It will always be ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ but God has given us the wonderful privilege of preaching the Gospel to this people in this time.”
I am thankful to have the opportunity to reach the entire region by television and to get to minister for a life-time in this area.
I believe God has a great plan for this region that frankly has always been resistant to the Gospel. I certainly am not the only preacher and the church I serve is not the only church, but God has called us all to be salt and light to our culture and our community.
What is God calling you to do where you live? Please leave a comment.
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15 Responses
I, too, am so thankful that God has called you and Martha to preach and teach in this area. You both have been such a positive influence on so many people in this part of Louisiana. We should all be guided by your example and the teachings of God to be salt and light in our community.
Thanks Tissie. May God bless you.
Waylon, you are so right! I’m originally from Alexandria, Virginia, right outside of Washington DC. The area is very transient due to folks working for the government or serving in the military. Even though I didn’t move to Louisiana until I was 31, this is home. Virginia is a faint memory. After 30 years, my roots run deep here. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s a special place to be for so many reasons.
I believe God assembles a people who will honor Him and works through that group. Wherever we live, may we pray for the peace and blessing of that place.
Lynn and I thought our stay in LA would be brief also–like you and Martha, long enough to get through Seminary. But I am so thankful for our life here in south LA, especially here on the Northshore. It really felt like coming home when we moved here in 1987 and started attending FBC, on Jefferson St. at that time. I think wherever we serve the Lord we find a home. Even those who are imprisoned for Christ’s sake seem to find a home in prison.
I also like Jeremiah 29, where God told the exiles to pray for the land where they were sent. When we pray, we make a home for ourselves.
Good morning pastor Bailey. Thank you for your daily blog. I rarely miss the opportunity to read what you have to say. Currently the Lord is calling my wife and I to facilitate a home group studying the bible. What an experience thus far having the Holy Spirit guide and bless our group.
Joy (Jesus-others-self)
Good for you. I have found real satisfaction in life comes from serving and giving yourself for God.
May I too join in the celebration of your presence as a member of the indigenous population, born in New Orleans Baptist Hospital, attender of the first Saints Game, in the parade for Charlton Heston’s NUMBER ONE movie opening celebration in New Orleans (1969)?
May I share a portion of my prayer to Him this morning after your presentation on Romans 2: 1-11?
“Father, You have provided opportunity. Thank You. You have offered each a place. Thank You. May we find Your Best in our Service to You; discovering our Best in You is waiting for Us. Amen.”
Glad the rest of you guys are here Whom are In His Service too!
Blessings
Thanks Ed. I appreciate you.
Thank you Ed. I will join you in this prayer!
Pastor, as always thank God for using you to communicate and model His will. You live in a wonderful part of the country, with wonderful people, unique culture. pretty good food and a pretty good football team (still a Saints fan, even as I suffer “America’s team” here in Big D). With all that you love about the gulf coast and the life you’ve built there, I understand (now) that those wonderful attributes are not what brought you there or keep you there. You’re where you are because it’s exactly where God wants you and your family to be. Therein lies lessons for all of us – (a) start where we are – God is hanging around wherever we are and he
has work to be done in every mission field for those who are listening for his call. It may be in our schools, our workplace, our church, community or city. Or it may be thousands of miles and many cultures
away from our comfort zone, which is lesson (b) Be mindful of Spirit promptings. When we are in right relationship with God, we’ll know (we may resist and question) but eventually we’ll KNOW where God wants us, and then: (c) JUMP!!
Thanks Ron,
a, b, and c are great lessons for all of us.
I am a Caregiver…
A great way to live life is by Colossians 3:17: Whatever you do, do in the name of Christ.