We’re told that in places, the Mississippi River runs both ways. One layer of water heads south toward the Gulf, while underneath, the bottom layer is flowing northward. Obviously, that condition holds true only for a limited number of miles before it all gets together and heads back downriver. Riverologists (is there such a word?) have an explanation for the phenomenon, no doubt.
Two streams are flowing in opposite directions in New Orleans life these days.
The outward stream was on display Sunday morning at the First Baptist Church of New Orleans. While Pastor David Crosby led a prayer for the city’s recovery in his pastoral prayer, a time when the altar was filled with members interceding for the community, various church leaders announced their plans to leave.
Brian Skinner, minister of music at FBC-NO for the last year or two, was experiencing his final Sunday before departing for the same position at FBC-Daytona Beach. Brian said to me, “My family was just never able to make the adjustment to this city.”
The pastor thanked the former president of the choir. “Today is her last Sunday with us.”
Donna Johnson–whom I pastored in Columbus, Mississippi, when she was a teen and went by Donna Fielder–informed me she has taken a job in Mobile and bought a house in the bedroom community of Daphne, and that the family will be moving over soon. Her family has been a mainstay at FBC-NO for many years.
Meanwhile, the other current flows, the incoming stream.