By Curt Iles ALEXANDRIA (BP) -- His name was Raymond, and we met when we were both about 18. It was unlikely we'd cross paths, much less become friends. Raymond was an urban black man from Pineville, and I was a redneck fresh from the woods of Dry Creek. He was the janitor for our section of Tudor Hall, the men's dorm at Louisiana College. I was a freshman and he had recently gone to work at the school. I was brought up to be friendly, so I introduced myself to Raymond. I'd spent all of my teen summers working at church camp, doing custodial-style work, which had taught me that all work has dignity when done well. So that served as common ground for our friendship. As we crossed paths daily, Raymond and I became friends. I think it happened because I learned his name when we met. Our casual friendship continued for my extended five-year college stay while Raymond moved up in his department. His success didn't surprise me. He was a conscientious worker who got along well with people. Thirty years later, I returned to Louisiana College as a trustee. While walking across campus one day, I saw Raymond. Like me, he had aged, his hair and beard now peppered with gray. We greeted each other and laughed at how young … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2018
Google launches new search tool to help veterans get civilian jobs
CVS pulls powdered Enfamil baby formula off shelves nationwide
Iran sentences four Christians to 45 years in jail
‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist shares God’s response to faith, willingness
College football’s growing problem – empty seats
US economy logs best performance in nearly 4 years
Aaron Rodgers agrees to megadeal with Packers to become NFL’s highest-paid player
Texas police officer saves five children from burning home
A year after Harvey, $41.6 million raised by J.J. Watt is changing lives
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