The photo on Page 3A of the Feb. 20 edition of The Joplin Globe featured a selection of participants in the “Dancing With the Joplin Stars” competition held recently at the Downstream Casino. While I would not dispute that Joplin Police Chief Lane Roberts and Rob O’Brian, president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, may be “stars” in their own right, there are a few other Joplin “stars” who I believe deserve recognition.
James and Marsha Whitford, of Watered Gardens, have devoted their lives to serving others. While providing thousands of Joplin area folks with many of the basic necessities of life, they also offer an unconditional love that, sadly, many of these folks have never experienced. I strongly encourage you to drop by 531 S. Kentucky Ave. and have a cup of coffee. While you are there, you will see what love in action is all about.
Kathy Wilson is a “star” who guides addicted and broken people into a home full of hope. Through Hope House, she helps to mend lives torn by addiction into productive members of society.
Capts. Jason and Mary Poff let their “stars” shine in a multitude of ways. One such way is making certain that no one who walks through the doors of the Joplin Salvation Army goes away without a meal. For some of these folks, it may be the only meal they will eat that day.
Another beacon of hope, shining bright as a “star” of Joplin, is Souls Harbor, where Joan Lewis has dedicated her life ministering to folks who, without her efforts, would not have food or shelter. Basic things that many of us seriously take for granted.
This list is by no means exhaustive, and certainly many Joplin “stars” have not been named here. However, it does recognize a handful of individuals who most likely won’t be winning any dance competitions any time soon. You see, at the end of their day, their feet are much too tired for dancing. That’s what happens when you spend your day washing the feet of others.
Joe Johnson
Joplin
