By Fr. Justin Fulton
I’m a pretty big fan of George Strait. I know what you are thinking... how many half-Asian, quarter-Irish, born-and-raised-in-the-United-States American priests are there in this beautiful world who listen to George Strait?
I don’t claim to be the only one but I do know this—I’m the only one I have ever met.
George Strait. The King of Country Music.
He has a tune entitled “The Nerve” off his 1997 “Carrying Your Love With Me” album. It’s a rather obscure piece of his. It was never released as a single. Yet, it is a powerful, simple, beautiful song. It’s a tune that talks about courage and fortuitous providence. It relates a man having the courage to talk with a woman on a chance occurrence and that talk turning into a lifetime of wedded bliss. It also ends with God loving all existence into being. If one really listens to the words and prays over them, one can come to a deeper understanding of the beautiful design of God’s divine grace, His will, and human free will. Perhaps look the tune up online sometime and give it a listen.
Let me share a letter that explains a situation that mirrors the story of “The Nerve.” This was written by our Director of Social Services Katie Patrick to a donor of ours. She explains how the donor and friends exercised their free will along with perfect timing in answer to God’s Will to help a person in Lincoln. The beautiful design of God’s grace, His will, and human free will allowed more help and love into the world.
Dear XXXXXX,
Thank you for your generous donation of $300. With this gift, your group met the urgent need for one of our emergency service clients.
He is a disabled gentleman in his early 70s who lives on a fixed income of $1,025 per month. He lives in a very modest mobile home community in north Lincoln and was in need of a toilet. He had previously been using a commode placed in his living room.
With the help of his caretaker, his humble request made its way to our Random Acts of Kindness webpage. We learned of his need and in the very same week, XXX, you and your group reached out to offer your financial support for his request.
It is our privilege at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska to connect those in need to those who are able to give. With your donation we were able to purchase a toilet and have it installed.
On behalf of our client and staff, I thank you sincerely for your charitable gift.
With Gratitude,
Katie Patrick
CSS makes a difference in this world. We put God’s love into action. We connect human lives. We allow God to touch His people. We make this world a better place.
I’m a pretty big fan of George Strait. But I am a bigger fan of our staff, volunteers, donors, and our clients.
Thank you for your prayers and support of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. May God bless you always!
