I have a story about Texas governor Rick Perry on NRO today, a magazine piece graciously made available online, free of charge, by The Suits.
Because American politics is stupid, Perry has been in the national news of late because, in the midst of a drought, he suggested that the people of Texas say a prayer for rain. This has been a source of mirth for some of the more secular-minded pontificators — you know the sort: “Flying Spaghetti Monster” jokes and such.
About that, a few thoughts:
1. If you’ve ever seen a drought in Texas, prayer might not seem like an unreasonable response. I might ask: Got a better plan?
2. There is a long and charming history of prayers for rain in my part of the world. I remember going home once after a long while away and, driving in from the airport (the Lubbock International Airport), seeing a group gathered in a field to pray, and thinking that those petitioners were a pretty good symbol of the difference between a place like West Texas and the Northeast or the West Coast.
3. I note that while they may pray for rain, the local farmers still build high-tech irrigation systems. The Lord helps those who help themselves.
4. It rained.