Saturday night was the benefit for Lesli Walker. Held in
the LDS A frame building, the dinner and auction was well attended. The Medevac
chopper landed in the parking lot and took Lesli on a ride over her beloved Island
Park. It was wonderful to see such a cross-section of residents. Bishop George
Brunt and Pastor Connie Day were there to show their support for the Walkers. I
even got a chance to say hi to Ann Kuck (“The Other Paper”).
Watching the community raising money to help Lesli and
expressing their love to her was inspiring. This event brought out the best in
us. True charity is making one’s self available with labor, food or funds when
someone is in need. The other half of charity is the gratitude that the receiver
expresses when they accept the offered help.
It was humbling to see the humility and graciousness
that Lesli expressed Saturday night. This event has strengthened the communal
fabric of Island Park.
This brings me to my observation. When the government
becomes the primary distributor of charity, there is no connection between
those who give and those who receive. That robs all involved of the opportunity
to grow in love for each other. That is a shame and it is wrong. It is through
direct sacrifice that we grow together as a community and a nation.
I know that the spirit of Saturday night will fortify
Lesli and Greg as they work through this trial. Of all the gifts, your love,
prayers and support were the most cherished.
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