Beautiful Seattle
During the 1890s, sarcastically called "The Gay (Happy) 90s", the United
States was in the midst of a deep depression. The country was rapidly being
transformed from a farm-based society into an industrial giant. Some might have
more accurately labelled the developing society an "industrial dwarf" however,
for the transformation pushed several large railroad companies as well as 16,000
businesses throughout the nation into bankruptcy, the result was nation-wide
unemployment! Cities around the nation became flooded with people looking for
work. Most of these were forced to live in substandard conditions, and as is so
often the case when unemployment is high, crime, pollution, and widespread
epidemics resulted. Only a few, the rich industrialists, lived extravagantly.
Given these facts, is it any wonder the news of gold in the Klondike spearheaded
such a massive stampede?
The city of Seattle had it no better than the rest of the nation. Besides facing
the same nationwide depression, it was also trying to rebuild itself from the
Great Fire of 1889. Business was almost completely dead, leaving extensive
unemployment and hungry people in its wake.
As gold fever spread rapidly across the country, some of Seattle's finest city
leaders recognized a golden opportunity for their city. If stampeders could be
led to view Seattle as the place to embark for their adventures, local profits
would soar!
On August 30, 1897, the Seattle Chamber of Commerce founded the Bureau of
Information. The primary purpose of the Bureau was to promote Seattle as the
gateway to the Klondike, and to counter the endeavors of any other west-coast
town that might try to make the same claim. Soon newspaper ads and pamphlets
appeared on the desks of librarians, mayors, newspaper editors, postmasters and
railroad employees nationwide, promoting Seattle as the sole place to adequately
outfit stampeders. Local inhabitants were asked to write to their friends back
East to publicize their city, and any negative press was countered by a quick
"Letter to the Editor". Too bad there was no Internet in those days! Their
efforts would have been much easier and far less costly!
In March 1898, Seattle lobbied with Washington DC for the establishment of an
assay office in town (This is not where essays are written, sorry!). An assay
office was responsible for turning gold into cash. Having such an assay would
mean that much, if not all, of that cash would in turn be spent in town! In June
1898, Seattle was granted their petition and local business began to bloom. In
fact, the day the assay office's doors officially opened, it took in over $1
million in gold! (Would any of you like an assay office, by any chance?)
In a matter of months, Seattle was transformed into a booming, prosperous city,
and to the joy of the city officials, the city's tax revenues grew. This allowed
for substantial improvements to sewer systems (No more stink!), water systems
(Do you think it was chlorinated at that time?), and gas systems. Seattle had
succeeded in using the Klondike Gold Fever to turn the tide for them. Though
they were hundreds of miles from the gold fields, they had literally "struck
gold"!
As I reflect on the 1890s, I can't help but think about the different ways that
we tend to face adversity.
Some complain about trouble. Complainers don't tend to get very far, however,
for although the other grumblers will listen, anyone with good sense will turn a
deaf ear! After all, criticism doesn't change the harsh realities of life!
Others develop an attitude of fatalism. This doesn't work either, as adversity
continues to dominate every thought.
Still others face adversity with passion, fighting to subdue it under their own
efforts and power. Some of these succeed, but many don't and they are left even
more deflated than before.
How can I be so sure that none of these strategies work? Because through the
years, I've tried them all!
So what CAN one do in desperate times?
Maybe we should follow the example of Seattle! Maybe we should see trials as
golden opportunities-opportunities to grow, and opportunities to experience God
personally and intimately! Instead of seeing "doom and gloom", we should face
troubled times with anticipation and longing, for it is in the midst of trouble
that we can see our Father's unfailing love most clearly!
David experienced God, and although he was persecuted by his king, he trusted in
the Lord and faced adversity with confidence. What was his secret?
1. "When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. I'm proud to praise God;
fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do?" (Ps 56:3-4 The Message)
2. "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all
their troubles." (Ps 34:17 NIV)
David challenges us to experience God for ourselves. He knows, as I do, that we
will not be disappointed, that we will stand a 100% chance of striking real
gold! "Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good GOD is.
Blessed are you who run to him. Worship GOD if you want the best worship opens
doors to all his goodness. Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but GOD-seekers
are full of God." (Ps 34:8-10 The Message)
Try Him out for yourselves and discover His unfailing love, for: "Even though I
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are
with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Ps 23:4 NIV)
Has your life come to a stand still? Are you facing heavy trials? Why not
experience what God has in store for you? You have a golden opportunity in front
of you, tax free!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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