People make fun of me when I mention how I like riding in Oklahoma. I'm not sure why myself, but there are parts of the state that I feel "homey" in. Maybe it is because I was born in Texas, where when I go there I really feel at home. And Oklahoma lives next door. Go figure. But Oklahoma somehow intrigues me. And watching one of my favorite, but depressing movies, The Grapes of Wrath, reminded me of why. I can associate with the Joads, people of character, and conviction, whose lives are filled with adversity. And every time I ride Route 66, I look for landmarks from the movie, although it was filmed over 70 years ago, and probably not there.
Oklahoma for us is where the east starts to make its first appearance. Great Midwest food chains like Bob Evans, Steak and Shake, and Braum's make their first appearance when heading east. Beef starts to take on that distinct Midwest flavor, and portions are bigger-a tribute to the hard working ranch hands. It is wide open land, ride US 60 across it someday, and see how big the state is when the panhandle is included. But this part of the state, in fact a good part of it, also is a display of some of the worst poverty in the country. I always think of the Navajo Nation as the world largest ghetto, but parts of Oklahoma rate right up there with it.
Two years ago we stopped in Nowata, which by the way means where the water ends-no water. We know Maggie, Joe Sewell's mom, and visited her at the county clerk's office. It is the poorest county in the state, and over 70% of the population there is on some kind of relief. Shades of the Joads. We like to stop at Clanton's in Vinita-great chicken fried steak, then take old 66 up into Kansas. Where it is not bad enough a town is built over lead mines-the huge white tailings piles look like sand dunes, but the billboard warns of the lead poisoning potential. And I think, why would anyone live there knowing about lead poisoning? Perhaps a certain type of poverty, that of ignorance rules there. And to make matters worse, a tornado last year took out most of the town. Perhaps the words from a country western song were born here-if it wasn't for bad luck, we wouldn't have no luck at all!
Some people just seem born for adversity. But like Michael Landon once said, "success can be its own curse." And with today's economic climate, I see this everyday. My peer group was not used to being poor, we made money and bought the toys, took the trips, and filled the restaurants. And now with a class of people removed from jobs that don't exist anymore, are having to learn humility, and a gentler way of life. Values over valuables, a character being formed from a lack instead of an overabundance. Adversity used to sharpen, instead of destroy.
But with this has brought anger-an underlying anger, because with humility a breaking of pride occurs. I notice the discounted meal prices, buy generics, and will get by with the same car for a few more years. For in humility you see God, more precisely Jesus Christ. He never owned a home, but has a kingdom in heaven. He never owned a car, but walked the same roads as his contemporaries. He got bad press, his peer group was whores, thieves, and biker types. He only carried with him that which he owned. And owed no man anything! In his worldly poverty, He was heavenly rich. A lesson for all of us to learn. No wonder He says patience leads to salvation.
You see, it is better to be humbled than to be humiliated. To be angry, but not sin. And these lessons need to be multiplied to others. Jesus, in Matthew 25, put it like this. If you are one of his followers, He knows you. And He knows your heart, which will be reflected in your actions-and attitudes. Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, visit those sick or shut in, and don't forget those in prison. Simple. And maybe, since so many have more time on their hands, maybe we can get it together and do these things. Many hands make light work,and Jesus promises us a great harvest, but few workers. Don't miss this chance to show who Jesus Christ is in your life. A great witness, when no one is looking, to show love. Add words when needed!
Maybe that is why Oklahoma appeals to me-it is the Grapes of Wrath going on in my life, the things that are changing that we took for granted. Realizing family values, trusting in God for all your needs, and turning our hearts back to Him. Not in defeat, but back to the one who loves us. Although we may be financially ill, our spirit is alive and well, and prospering in the Lord. And our lives will reflect it. God calls it fruit.
Jesus said in your life you will have tribulation. If you have trouble with your faith I know that is one promise you can believe. Let God build in you a character you didn't know you had. Humble yourself in the sight of Him, and He will lift you up. For neither famine, pestilence, poverty, or disease will separate us from His love. And today is the best day to realize it, and live it. He changes lives, let Him change yours.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Somehow when you look at life through God's eyes, poverty takes on a whole new meaning. And so does wealth! True wealth-something the government can't tax, and no one can steal from you. The peace of God!
Jesus Christ-He is better to know than a rich uncle! Here's to all you Okies everywhere, in all states. We may be wanderers, but only because we are just visiting. And Route 66 is not the way out, try Jesus! And keep your eyes on His road-the highway to heaven.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com