Don't Blame Katrina

Hello friends!

 

We've all come across someone whose life has had a defining moment that has, in their minds, at least, crippled them emotionally, spiritually, financially, or relationally.  Perhaps the person you know hasn't been crippled, but has never quite received the health, joy, peace, or freedom that you just know could otherwise be theirs. 

 

Sean Payton, coach of football's New Orleans Saints, found this mindset rampant in post-Katrina New Orleans.  He had been hired to coach a team that had almost no success in its 40 year existence at the time of his hire.  Payton arrived in spring 2006, just a few months after Hurricane Katrina had so damaged the area.  He found that much of the area was still not functioning and that some had developed an attitude that failure and disrepair was still blamed on Katrina.  So, he instituted a rule among the entire football team: Don't Blame Katrina.

 

Many of you will give personal and spiritual leadership to folks who have suffered personal Katrinas.  They may have occurred many years ago, but they still play a role in the life of your friend.  Perhaps you can't institute a "Don't Blame Katrina" rule, but you can listen with skilled ears.  Blame is a result of a person suffering chronic shame.  They desire to hide and not be known.  As you listen and get to know such people, you are beginning the process of undermining their Katrinas.  You communicate worth, value, and hope in your ministry and leadership.  And in so doing can begin to develop an atmosphere that helps people overcome Katrinas by God's Spirit.

 

Don't Blame Katrina.  I hereby, in this email, give each of you permission to call me on it if you hear me "blaming Katrina." 

 

Thanks for your ministry and leadership.  As always, feel free to be in contact with me with questions, suggestions, and prayer requests.  It's a joy to serve with you.

 

Grace and peace,

 

Aaron