September 2017

•  Many families mourned for their loved ones lost on that horrible day 16 years ago.
• Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc in Florida and surrounding islands and states.

     Some weeks seem like there is a flood of tragedies. Thankfully, we have our national guards, our police and sheriffs’ departments, our firemen, and EMT’s. Don’t forget our power company workers; they often go unrecognized for their sacrifices. But, when emergencies occur…they are there.

Uniquely Designed

     I believe God equips each person with particular talents, and when we use these gifts for His glory, our world is a better place. Numerous people volunteer their time to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and organizations like Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief.

     Help reaches others in the specific ways needed . Supportive and honest insurance company employees often go far beyond the call of duty. Doctors and nurses give extra hours.

A Family Example

     As the reports of Irma’s power was building in the Atlantic last week, Aunt Laurie from California called me asking if her friends from Tampa could stay with me if needed. Not having a clue who they were prior to her phone call, I still readily embraced the possible opportunity, including the statement that they had a place as long as they needed. I know I was among thousands who got a phone call similar to that request.

The southern old-fashion ways of taking care of others seemed to resurface and kick into overdrive. I noticed this kindness was on a large scale too.

Businesses Rallied 

     Six million people were asked to evacuate Florida. Moreover, schools, churches, and campgrounds were opened. Thus, Working together some solutions developed for the millions needing shelter. One media source stated that the state of Georgia opened their homes to strangers, who had traveled long hours to find hotels with no vacancies. The Atlanta Motor Speedway opened its doors for people to seek refugee.

     A veterinarian in Atlanta sent emails, offering to board pets–fee of charge; an equestrian center in Alpharetta gave a shout out to house up to 150 horses for free.

     Our Braves wanted to help, donating free tickets to residents of Florida, who have had to evacuate here to take their mind off their worries.

Media Showed the Good

      Even the media! I notice the news focus on some very sweet pictures. One showed two rescue workers carrying an eighty-year-old from her house in her chair, and I saw a hug exchanged between another emergency worker and a young child.  Among the madness that was happening, someone from the media paused to record a volunteer pick up an American flag that had blown from a house and was washing down the street.  The man held it up, and its stripes waved in the winds.

Hope

     With all the yesterday’s sadness, we have hope. God gives us that.  In return, He wants us to share His love and hope with others around us in need. There are many days that I shake my head at how far we have drifted as a nation, but yesterday was not one of them.