Request for Prayer and Help if Possible, Not for the faint of heart, or faith… Options

[LvSteveH]

I’ve struggled with the strength to post this, but today I’m feeling braver than usual. Every day I go outside to work on an ill-mannered car that frankly doesn’t get any respect. Even if it is off jackstands, I have been out accelerated by pickup trucks pulling huge fifth wheels. Of course I speak of the 914, and if any group can sympathize it’s all of you.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the cars. I admit I thought they were a little ugly at first, but they grew on me. It has not been an easy road though. The 914 is not exactly the status symbol that comes to mind when someone says “Porsche”. I need you all to know that I’m not giving up on the 914 or all of you, I just need some help.

Every day a GT2 cruises my neighborhood reeking of both affluence and performance. The driver literally laughs at my beloved little 914, having no appreciation that it is in fact one of his precious GT2’s predecessors. It never even occurs to him that they are related, and that he owes a debt of gratitude to those who paved the road ahead so that he would have the cornering ability, throttle response, and natural beauty that can only come from the evolution of a vision. That evolution has to start somewhere, and each and every stage plays a part…… and the 914 deserves to be respected, acknowledged, and appreciated.

As you can see I’m getting a bit worked up, and I know if this gets too long it will lose some of you… so

What I’m asking for may sound selfish, narrow minded, and perhaps even rude, but my heart compels me to do it anyway.

Would you all please pray for a new Carrera GT to be delivered to my house, paid in full (I’m not selfish, but the maintenance alone will require subsequent divine intervention, and I don’t want to ask for too much at one time).

I understand that many of you believe that prayer is reserved for selfless acts and noble causes, but my self-esteem is just such a cause. No man who has given so much to what he believes in should have to hang his head in shame. For all of you who have ever been slighted while driving your 914, this is for you too!

I know I should be able to be bigger than such things, I should be able to shrug it off and say it doesn’t matter; but it does matter. When my wife refuses to let me take her out for a nice evening in the 914 because the valet guys always laugh, it is most certainly not ok!

I do not admit to know the role God plays in our lives, or how autonomous we are with regard to his will, so, in the event that prayer doesn’t help, there is another option. We now have over 4,000 members at 914club, and if each person, could give just $150 I feel confident that I could purchase a Carrera GT outright, and proudly display a 914club bumper sticker on the rear. Now I realize that not everyone would contribute to such a cause, so, those with the ability should give more to offset the lack of participation that some members will have.

While I’m confident either of these two plans may work, there is a third and final option. Should something tragic befall, the GT2 driver, like a badly broken left foot, he would be unable to wield his mighty sword. I know this may sound distasteful to some, but I have it on good authority (Pat Robertson), that extreme measures are indeed an acceptable means of affecting the desired outcome. So, if you do not feel that praying will help, and are unable to contribute financially, please send some Jeff Gillooly type character to pick up where God left off.

To Dr. Ferry Porsche I beg…..

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

[ChrisFoley]

I've got a better idea. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/idea.gif)
Why don't you contribute $150 to the Runoffs Tent Fund. You will feel good inside because you were able to help your 914 brethren represent the Club at the SCCA National Road Racing Championships and we will all feel better about you owning one of these very special but often misunderstood little toys. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)
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[ChrisReale]

Not to stir up a pot o' poop, but considering the legit posts asking for prayers and help for friends who are suffering health woes, this title was a bit misleading, and possibly out of line. Im not trying to be the police, and Im not trying to single you out, but I had to state my opinion. I know your intentions were humorous though, so good luck with your wishes (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

This post has been edited by ChrisReale: Aug 24 2005, 04:59 PM

[LvSteveH]

While an appeal for money is a time honored tradition for seekers of absolution; I prefer the solace that comes from doing the right thing, respecting others, and maintaining a decent balance between what is and is not appropriate for a public forum.

I fully embrace the unity that comes from a group of like-minded individuals coming together for a common cause. I think the club should be extremely proud of the causes it has supported and the outpouring of compassion during some of the most trying times life has to offer. I whole-heartedly support such efforts and have even donated on occasion.

What does irk me a bit is the recent influx of posts with a decidedly religious nature. Some of which have even acknowledged the potential to upset some people, and were made anyway. Personally, I do not take offense to any beliefs, and enjoy learning more about various faiths and cultures. What I do take offense to is the invasion of cognitive commons (public places) with things that might make some people uncomfortable or disenfranchise them in any way from an otherwise cohesive group.

As you can see by the number of views this thread has and only one response, which I give Chris credit for making, the subject is not a comfortable one for most people. Those that agree are hesitant to say anything for fear of being labeled and lashed out at; which is a valid concern as Chris so kindly demonstrated. By saying “we” would feel better about “you” having a 914, it makes a clear distinction between those who support religious solicitation in a public forum, and those who do not. Not a very good way to promote unity is it?

My intent was not to offend anyone, simply to bring to light the importance of keeping some personal beliefs personal. I will always be there to offer a helping hand to someone in need, and have the utmost respect for the diversity that makes mankind so unique and spectacular.

Just as gratuitous boob shots used to make some people uncomfortable, religious references have the same impact on others. The off color humor has moved to the “sandbox” and perhaps rightly so, and in that same vein, religious outpourings should as well. The issue is religion, not compassion, support, or sympathy. Those are human universals, religion unfortunately is not.

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[markb]

Steve, I for one, was happy to see an irreverent tone in your post. I agree with you that there are a number of posts recently that are overtly religious in nature, and I completely agree with your stance. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beerchug.gif)

You are not alone.




Mark (donning the nomex)

[ChrisReale]

So, suppose you do get a C GT....how are you going to "hide" it from your nemises (GT2 guy)? Maybe you could glue some 914 parts on it, and then when he thinks you are dusted yet again, you can stomp on it and the force of the power would make the 914 parts fly off revealing the true identity....kinda like a Phoenix raised from the ashes....?? (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/unsure.gif)

[ChrisFoley]

QUOTE (LvSteveH @ Aug 24 2005, 07:34 PM)

as Chris so kindly demonstrated.

What?


Steve,
I think you have me mistaken for someone else.
I thought you were serious and I was just being selfish and righteously indignant. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif)

Truthfully,

I avoid posting on the prayer plea topics, not because they bother me or because I don't wish people well.
My opinion is that such pleas and their responses, while on the surface appearing to be selfless acts, are not so different than my asking for money to have a group thing at the Runoffs. The major difference is that my request is truly on topic at the 914Club and does promote unity in the 914 world (except for those members who don't give a shit about racing).

My religious rant:
We are all living a fragile and frightened existence on this planet. We are little more than candles in the wind. When we are reminded of this by illness or death most of us choose to huddle together to shield ourselves from the onslaught of the great unknown just beyond our personal borders.
My approach is to open myself up to the unknown. I choose activities that require a delicate balance of control and abandon. I practice this so that when I am confronted unexpectedly with the difficult turns that are an inevitable part of our existence I will be prepared to navigate them efficiently and successfully. I fully expect from time to time to be placed in circumstances that leave me shaking in my boots. I don't want to crap in my pants whenever "God shakes his finger at me" so I practice intending every day.

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[LvSteveH]

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif) Just what the world needs…. more mechanic/philosophers. I must confess that the GT2 in question was purely hypothetical. If I somehow were to become the new owner of a Carrera GT, I would drive it within an inch of it’s life for a few days (potentially crashing it like so many others) and then sell it to pay off my house.

For what it is worth I greatly appreciate the support. I didn’t actually expect to get any. I figured the disenfranchised would simply skip to the post about a mysterious noise emanating from the car and never know there was someone fighting the good fight. Doing the right thing can be a thankless job sometimes, which is the best indication that you are indeed doing the right thing. Knowing that I could be shunned by many people that I like and respect, was not something I looked forward to.

Like Chris, I tend not to post in the “sympathy” threads too often…… ok, never. It’s not because the posts aren’t specifically car related. In fact what makes 914club so great is that so many things are “off topic”. I truly feel like I know some people that I have never actually met or even talked to. I don’t necessarily have grounds to suggest that “sympathy” posts should be eliminated, because like any person, you have to take the good with the bad. The issue of religion is however much easier to differentiate. To look for comfort in friends during difficult times is what being part of a community is all about, it is however another thing entirely to make that appeal on religious grounds.

It always bothers me that people don’t seem to pay much attention to the human tragedies that occur daily around the world, barely pausing while flipping the channel to note a horrible train crash in India, or an earthquake in South America. Human suffering is a constant part of our existence, and it should not be taken too lightly, or too seriously. It just is… and always will be. The best we can do is to give all experiences, good and bad, their due, and move on, being stronger for it; that is life.

[DNHunt]

Steve

I think I understand your position on prayer and I respect your right to post it. I also understand people's positions on gratuitous boobs. I've turned off avitars as that is the easiest way to limit the extra boobs and I try to choose the threads I look at. Even so, I occasionally stumble onto something I'd rather not read so I leave it and go on. It's not a perfect place but, I still enjoy it.

No one hesitates to ask for help with engines and transmissions or even wives and girlfriends. I'm glad that people will ask for help with really important issues. Quite frankly, the insights we gain (apart from Z's ass) into people's lives is one of the enjoyable parts of this forum for me. You can choose not to look at those posts. I quess I'd have to suggest you lighten up a little. Ignore the stuff that's not up your alley.

Dave

[redshift]

QUOTE (Racer Chris @ Aug 24 2005, 08:40 PM)

I fully expect from time to time to be placed in circumstances that leave me shaking in my boots. I don't want to crap in my pants whenever "God shakes his finger at me" so I practice intending every day.

I'm scared

ourfatherwhoartinheaveanhallowedbethynamethykingdomcomethywillbedoneonearthasiti
sonplutogiveusthisdayourdailybreadandforgiveusourtresspasseslethimwhohathunderst
andingreconthenumberofthebeatsforitisahumannumberit'snumberissix-hundredandsixtysix

[iamchappy]

Why do you even care what the GT2 owner thinks. I dont get it. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/spank.gif)

[Hawktel]

Hell I'll pray for yours if you pray for mine!

[ChrisFoley]

QUOTE (redshift @ Aug 24 2005, 09:51 PM)

I'm scared ...giveusthisdayourdailybread...

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[ChrisFoley]

QUOTE (LvSteveH @ Aug 24 2005, 09:37 PM)

Just what the world needs…. more mechanic/philosophers.

Been a Philosopher-welder for about 18 years now. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

[Rand]

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I'm dissapointed in your lack of wisdom LvSteveH. Maybe I'm the one out of line and I misunderstood, but this struck me as tactless and disrespectful for people who are really going through some serious shit. Maybe someday you'll have something happen that takes you down so far you'll be desperate enough to call on something bigger than you, even if you are an athiest. Dammit, I never post comments like this because it doesn't do anything positive. I'll probably get slammed now. I guess I'm just hoping you'll think about it and have more respect before posting something like this in the future.

This is a community and we need to have some room and respect for each others' personalities and beliefs. Religion and politics don't belong here, but the recent posts that provoked this are unique and DO belong in the club because the club is a group of people who care about and support each other regardless of all that.

MHO.

[SGB]

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smilie_pokal.gif)
looks like there is a spot for everybody!
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[grantsfo]

I have been praying for the same thing but it doesnt seem to work with material things. I'll pray for you if you pray for me. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif) My sense is its better to keep prayer solicitations for things that are important like family and freinds.
But we are an irreverent group here so I'll toast to your prayer request tonight. Here's to living life to the fullest!

[Jenny]

I'm not a religious person. But I do feel I am spiritual. And I consider the club and its members close friends. Maybe that makes me a car club geek. I've been accused of worse. Maybe I don't believe in prayer. But I do believe in sharing with those I'm close to. Whether it be to share my joyfulness about a happy event in my life, or share in the sorrow of a sad event. It makes me feel better to know I'm not alone. Is that selfish? Maybe. Who isn't? Who is completely selfless?

The prayers and kind thoughts are friends reaching out to comfort each other in times of need. If that is too much for you to stomach, maybe another car forum is better suited for your needs.

Respectfully,
Jenny

[Porsche Rescue]

Religion, like politics, belongs on some other forum. I don't frequent them, but there must be lots of other boards for that.
Thanks Steve.

[Rand]

Well said Jenny.

Jim, I agree. I stated the same thing. But the recent threads that spawned this were more about people reaching out to their friends for support, not about religion. I don't want to see religion discussed here, but I want to see people supporting each other regardless of their beliefs. I don't want to see clubbers mocking each other when it's about something as serious as losing a friend of family member.