Dear All,

Thanks for the many notes and posts about your concern for those affected by the floods here in Middle Tennessee.

The devastation is, in fact, beyond imagination.  My family and I have focused our attention on working in two neighborhoods very close to our home.

We have worked several days at the home of one friend who lost everything.  The watermark on her house was within a foot of her gutters.  There are 68 houses on her street – all with the same devastation.

The other neighborhood we’ve been working is  close to that one – with over 200 homes destroyed by the water.

You can’t imagine what it is like to drive down a street where every earthly possession these people had is ruined and pushed to the curb.  It’s like you’re driving through a tunnel of debris.

The flip side of all of that is - - the AMAZING spirit of these people.  There are literally hundreds of volunteers pitching in wherever they are needed.  Church groups, sports teams, offices, you-name-it.  People are just showing up helping whenever and wherever they can.

Restaurants and grocery stores have tents set up serving food to people.  Kids handing out fresh water.  The spirit of service is overwhelming.

I wanted to post a couple of pictures – unrelated to the comments above (images are below).  I need to stress - - the mild “inconvenience” we have experienced is not even on the same chart as so many that have lost so much.

I only post these pictures as “of interest” to Smitty fans.  You’ll recognize some of the instruments you see in these pix – especially the piano.

Michael and several other artists (Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Amy Grant and others) do their rehearsals and store their gear at a facility called SOUNDCHECK.  This facility was completely flooded and most of the gear stored there was ruined.

Again – this is insignificant compared to those that lost the basics of everyday living.  And I only share these pictures to show you one of the “smaller” sides of the floods destruction.

If you haven’t done so already – I urge you to give to Samaritan’s Purse or to The American Red Cross.  Both organizations are amazing and your donation will, in fact, make it to those that need it most.

Blessings to all.....

CHAZ CORZINE
Michael's Manager

P.S.  In spite of all the water - - - I’m still excited and counting the days until the cruise!!!!!!!!!!!

Images of the gear Michael had at Soundcheck (remember the piano from some pretty major tours, over on the floor to the left in one picture):