Merle Watson, Lessons from a Life that seemed too short

I went to Merlefest this weekend with a friend of mine, and let me tell ya, it was a tremendously awesome foot-tappin time! Banjos and Mandolins were everywhere. It was a festival in the bustling metropolis of Wilkesboro, NC. Great town, you should go there sometime. Beautiful area. Before we got there we stopped by another youth pastor friend of mine, Sterling Griggs' house, to have some wonderful five sided coffee. Order a pound or two, you'll be amazed at the blends created at this company.

We headed up to Wilkesboro, and we were handed a guide to the festival. As I was reading the event program guide, I was unfamiliar with the story behind Merlefest. It was put on in honor of Doc Watson's son, Merle. You can read about it here. One thing about his story struck me. Before his tragic death, he asked for help from several neighbors, all of whom knew him very well. They did not answer the door to help him. Why? The answer was not clear in the program guide. There's many layers to that onion I'm sure. But the tribute of the festival was not in the tragedy, but in the celebration of a life well lived.

But it still struck me. Why didn't they help? More importantly, are there people that we turn away that need our help? Desperately?

Our church just got through with something called "Operation Inasmuch." It was a statewide event, where churches across the state participated one Saturday, and made a difference in their communities showing acts of love in Christ's name. Some built, some prayed, some visited. Pretty awesome. Many opened their doors to the needs around them.

Maybe there's a Merle out there somewhere, waiting for us to respond. Will our door be shut? I pray not this time. Check out my friend's blog, he 's the one that went with me.