I want to thank all of The Gantt Report readers and supporters for their best wishes, assistance and kind words after learning about the Christmas Day fire at my home.
No matter what happens to me I’m always thankful and always feel blessed.
If I may use this week’s column as a personal privilege, I want to write about what not to do when a friend or family member is impacted by some sort of devastation.
First of all, Floridians and other coastal residents in other states should know and realize that everyone that has been through a major earthquake, hurricane, flood, fire, tornado or other disaster needs some help.
“Call me if you need something” is not an appropriate response!
Anytime, in good times or bad, if you can help someone, do it! No proud man or woman is going to beg you for assistance no matter how bad their situation is.
You can never go wrong by praying for disaster victims and everyone needs food to eat when cooking is impossible but in a capitalist society none of us have many problems that money can’t solve. Give money to the needy like you contribute to lying politicians.
One thing I’ve learned is that people that give are also people that will receive. Your “blessings” oftentimes do not come from people or places that you would expect but they will come. If they don’t come immediately, blessings will come to good people.
In my case, my neighbors were on the scene in a flash. For readers that don’t know, I live on about five acres of land and I’m the only Black homeowner in my community.
I don’t care what ignorant people think but my white neighbors were there for me as I have been there for them in times of need.
For the record, I don’t hate “white people”. I love good people of all races, creeds and colors. However, don’t get confused, I do hate devils and beasts.
I just think it’s important for young people and older folk to understand that the color of a man’s skin has no more significance than the color of a man’s eyes. We all are human. We all are children of God.
Also, you should know only one publisher contacted me to offer assistance and not a single politician said a mumbling word! I wish both groups well. When I do what I do or write what I write I am following my heart. I don’t have any expectations of any Gantt Report reader that has ever glanced at or perused my column. We all should do what we feel is best in God’s eyes, best for us, our families and our loved ones.
The recent fire was the second fire I experienced on Christmas. The fire in the late 70s destroyed my home, melted my record collection of about 3000 records and destroyed my most prized memorabilia from my career like my capitol press pass that allowed me to cover the White House and Congress. I lost photos and my prized athletic jacket. Yes I lettered in basketball and track in high school.
This time of year is the time for giving. You don’t have to do anything for me but give something to somebody that has less than you have. If we all gave more we would all have more.
Thanks again for your love and support. Together we’re going to do it big in 2011 and that is a promise!
