Jesus meets you where you are, even in a bar.
(Excerpt from travel itinerary below🙂 We noticed that one of the other places on the True South list was about a 25-minute walk, towards home, from where we were. So, we headed towards and down Magazine Street. We three ladies needed to visit a ladies room, so a stop along the way was needed. We came upon a bright yellow building, in the Garden District, that appeared to need some love. Little did we know that this building was a lot like many of our lives…it may appear to be a hot mess on the outside, but full of heart and soul on the inside. This next stop was the beginning to one of my favorite days in NOLA.
New Orleans. I’ve always wanted to go, not to embrace the night-life-lifestyle you always hear about, yet to see its history and enjoy the food. When my dear friend, Merrie, said years ago that she wanted to take me to her home state and share some of the sights of the town she loves, we finally made it happen. The food, the arts, the history, the music…all met my expectations.
My husband and all three kiddos had all been to NOLA, but not me. Family and friends would joke about me experiencing (or the encouragement of what not to experience) Bourbon Street. What I should see and what I should stay away from, and how many beads I would receive were banter topics of conversation leading up to our trip. I think we did it right. This girl was safe and felt very protected with my man and friends, and when the sun went down, we were either enjoying a fabulous meal or back in our Airbnb.
(Below I’ve listed our trip itinerary for those who may be interested in some ideas for a future trip.)
There were many experiences when a devotional would pop in my mind, but I want to share just one with you now.
While going through each photo, looking up the names of places visited, and reminiscing about the whole experience, I couldn’t help but smile, be grateful, and have a feeling of home/family. Yes, home and family, and here’s why…
While at the brightly colored yellow building mentioned in the intro, we met a variety of folks. A Texas couple who are living for three months in New Orleans due to the occupation of a traveling nurse, a military man who is temporarily living apart from his family while on assignment, and a few New Orleans natives were amongst this new group of friends. We all gathered on the sidewalk and either sat in aluminum chairs or stood around while sharing stories and getting to know one another. The conversations continued as we walked a couple of blocks to Ms. Mae’s.
We were now at the destination we had originally set out for after our delicious lunch. The various shades of purple building, on the corner of Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue, was as festive on the inside as the color-scheme depicted on the outside. There were tables, chairs, and high tops lining the sidewalks and inside, and a cozy patio feel for dining in the back. All the areas just summoned private and/or communal conversation. Or you could engross yourself in an arcade game or a game of pool.
The locals and transplants all knew one another, and if they didn’t know you, you quickly became part of their circle. It was here when I witnessed togetherness…a sense of family and community.
There was an incident with an elderly gentleman, whom all the locals knew about his health condition. When this man was unable to care for himself, everyone (I was even called into the scene to be a calming voice of reason) jumped into action. It was as if each person had their part to do in getting this man and his walker safely to the Uber and home. The thought of how we are the branches (John 15:5) came to mind. Just like we all have our own God-given talents, and we are to use them to bring glory to Him, yet we are all connected by Him and His love.
New and old friends
It was here where we were calling a local uncle Gary, exchanging contacts for when they visit our area this summer, and saw the heart of individuals. They were even calling Tim and one of the “uncles” the dimple twins. (see photo) When I asked about one of the “uncles”, my new friend, Buddy, told me “Well, he’s not really my uncle. We call others that.” I told Buddy that I totally get it because that’s how I grew up. Tim used to ask me “Are you really related to them or are they your pretend aunt or uncle?”
The Dimple-twins
Did I feel like Jesus showed up at the bar? Yes. I could tell by the actions of others, and by conversations that took place that Jesus was present. He’s everywhere we are, even in a bar, and we are to be Jesus for others.
There are many devotionals that came to mind while in NOLA, but the experience on Magazine Street made my heart happy. It felt like home. I felt so much compassion and love for all.
Just like the brightly colored, hole-in-the-wall establishment we first came upon, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Get to know a situation. Get to know others. Use discernment. You just may find that you have more in common with others than you expected. Remember, judging is not our job anyhow, that’s God’s.
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. John 7:24
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. Proverbs 18:13
See What does the Bible mean when it says, “Do not judge”? | GotQuestions.org
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to New Orleans. The timing was perfect with the French Quarter Festival taking place. The food, the arts, the history, the music did all meet my expectations. Next time, my man said we will visit other historical sites in Louisiana.
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. 1 Peter 3:15
I want to encourage you to get out and explore. Put on your Gog-goggles and see others the way He sees them.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Travel Itinerary
Friday:
Arrived in NOLA around 7:30am.
Breakfast at Majoria’s Commerce – Majoria’s Commerce (commercerest.com)
Jackson Square for Home – French Quarter Fest food, art, music, and people watching.
Bought a hand-painted oyster shell from a local artist.
Toured St. Louis Cathedral | New Orleans, LA (stlouiscathedral.org), the oldest active cathedral in the United States.
Had to visit New Orleans Bars – Pat O’Brien’s (patobriens.com) where I had a taste of what I enjoyed back in college. LOL! A little too sweet for me now.
Stopped and listened to music at The Famous Door (neworleans.com) Was once known as “the Jazz corner of America” back in 1930’s.
Danced and listened to the amazing longtime sound of New Orleans band at Fat Catz Music Club | Facebook.
Walked along the river to enjoy more of the French Quarter Fest.
Eric Johanson
The music continued on the stage at House of Blues New Orleans | House of Blues New Orleans. The talented Eric Johanson kept our attention. A talented young man!
After music and fun, Tim and I retreated to the rooftop of our Airbnb for a relaxing moment.
Dinner was a five-minute walk, from our Airbnb to Briquette Restaurant (briquette-nola.com). A delicious coastal meal was enjoyed.
Saturday:
https://creolehouserestaurant.com/ was our breakfast place. The portions were huge.
Then…Tim had to stop and check out more military/pirate/rifle antiques at Antique Weapons, Rare Coins & Currency, Jewelry | James H Cohen & Sons – Cohen Antiques. It is a five-generation family business serving our loyal customers for over 120 years. The owner gave us wonderful service and…yes, Tim came home with an old bayonet from the battlefield from the Civil War.
To hunt down old bars with stories isn’t really that hard to do when in NOLA. Our next stop was ABOUT US – LAFITTE’S BLACKSMITH SHOP BAR, New Orleans, LA (lafittesblacksmithshop.com). This structure dates back to 1722! Named after Jean Lafitte, known as a privateer, entrepreneur, sailor, diplomat, spy, and hero of the Battle of New Orleans.
Walking along the streets during the French Quarter Fest, you’re bound to not only hear bands in the bars, but on stages in the streets. I love music!
Lunch was at French Quarter | Acme Oyster House. This restaurant dates its beginnings back to 1910. Acme has gone through two World Wars and withstood over 77 hurricanes.
Dinner was at another fabulous place, https://emerilsrestaurants.com/meril/.
Sunday:
Breakfast was at Ruby Slipper & Ruby Sunshine #ThatBrunchLife 🥂 (rubybrunch.com) Another full plate meal preparing us for another day of walking and taking in the sights of the French Quarter.
While the rest of our travelers enjoyed Ruby’s breakfast, Tim went ahead and got in line for some melt-in-your-mouth beignets at https://shop.cafedumonde.com/history. When in NOLA…
Did we listen to some talented musicians? Yes! And (2) Maurice The Music | New Orleans LA | Facebook did not disappoint. Here you see this young man, standing on top of his beat-up SUV, his two dogs on the hood playing, and Maurice belting out country songs. Tyrell Jenkins (Maurice the Music) was on the show, American Idol, 20th season.
Time for a trolly ride. The sights were beautiful, yes even through the roughness of places, there was beauty. A trolly is a cheap and convenient way to get around in the city.
Tim watches a show (on the SEC Network and ESPN) called TrueSouth – John T Edge. True South “tells honest stories about the region’s past and present. In each city, we focus on two restaurants that talk to each other in interesting ways. From barbecue joints to gas station ceviche cafes, we share the origins of these restaurants, the forces that threaten them, and the belief systems that support them.” In one episode, they mentioned several “must go to” spots when in New Orleans. On our trip, we were able to hit three. First top was at frankieandjohnnys.net. It opened in 1942. The restaurant thrived feeding hungry dock workers and merchant men who made a living working on the river. We left our plates clean, well…except for the guys’ crawdad shells.
We noticed that one of the other places on the True South list was about a 25-minute walk, towards home, from where we were. So, we headed towards and down Magazine Street. We three ladies needed to visit a ladies room, so a stop along the way was needed. We came upon a bright yellow building that appeared to need some love. Little did we know that this building was a lot like many of our lives…may appear to be a hot mess on the outside, but full of heart and soul on the inside. This next stop was the beginning to one of my favorite days in NOLA. (See journal entry)
The yellow-colored dive bar, Brothers Three Lounge (neworleans.com), included low ceilings, old jukeboxes, arcade games, a pool table, and old bar stools that have been there for years. If walls could talk! We met locals and almost-locals, who quickly became friends like family.
The next stop was the True South mention, The Club Ms. Mae’s (neworleans.com). This indoor/outdoor/patio joint is open 24/7. Our “new family” grew. We met peeps at Brothers Three and our circle of friends grew at Ms. Mae’s.
We got word from the locals that Theo’s (theospizza.com) was the best pizza in the area, so….dinner was pizza.
Monday:
Last day, the flight leaves around 8:00 pm. Packed up and stored our luggage.
Lunch was at Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar – The First Name in Oysters (felixs.com). Mmmmm.
Hours were spent enthralled at Home | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans (nationalww2museum.org). Beautiful displays, captivating and emotional movie, actual planes and memorabilia, beautiful stories, and so much more. Go!
An early dinner was at another True South recommendation, Peche, New Orleans (pecherestaurant.com). Loved the decor and the food was fabulous!
As the sun was setting, so was our trip.
So long, NOLA, until we meet again.
