One year ago...
I was in my home, four walls standing, a roof over my head.
The sun was shining outside, not a cloud in sight.
My power was on. My house was nice and cool. My water was clean. The food in my refrigerator was fresh.
That night, I tucked my child in bed. She slept soundly, holding her favorite stuffed animal.
But, in a place that seemed to be so far away, yet just down the road...
The wind blew. The waves came. And the rain seemed to never stop.
The air was hot. humid. heavy.
People cried out because they were trapped. They did not leave.
The helicopter passed a man holding a sign- "Help Me."
And all I could do was watch. Pray. And cry.
Days and nights went on. The suffering continued.
Many perished.
Those who survived returned to destruction. No walls. No food. No water. Just total, overwhelming sadness.
But, one morning the veil of suffering was torn.
I was in my home, four walls standing, a roof over my head.
The sun was shining outside, not a cloud in sight.
My power was on. My house was nice and cool. My water was clean. The food in my refrigerator was fresh.
That night, I tucked my child in bed. She slept soundly, holding her favorite stuffed animal.
But, in a place that seemed to be so far away, yet just down the road...
The wind blew. The waves came. And the rain seemed to never stop.
The air was hot. humid. heavy.
People cried out because they were trapped. They did not leave.
The helicopter passed a man holding a sign- "Help Me."
And all I could do was watch. Pray. And cry.
Days and nights went on. The suffering continued.
Many perished.
Those who survived returned to destruction. No walls. No food. No water. Just total, overwhelming sadness.
But, one morning the veil of suffering was torn.
The Light was shining. His Truth was told. His Love was shown. His Church went forth and fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless and clothed the naked.
Hope filled the space that had once been filled with sadness.
"I waited patiently for the LORD to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be astounded.
They will put their trust in the LORD."
Psalm 40:1-3 (New Living Translation)
People are still waiting, healing. God's people are still reaching. And, the world is still watching.
Psalm 40:1-3 (New Living Translation)
People are still waiting, healing. God's people are still reaching. And, the world is still watching.
Please remember the victims of Katrina in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana by giving through your church's ministries. You can also visit the following links to find out other ways to help our country prepare and respond when disaster strikes. I have personally witnessed what The Church can do when disaster strikes.
God's people are the hope of the world in times like these.
The American Red Cross
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
United Methodist Church Committee on Relief
The American Red Cross
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
United Methodist Church Committee on Relief
5 comments:
Great post Melanie. It's hard to believe that was a year ago.
Very nice, Melanie to remember those who still need the help after a whole year!
It is easy to forget when it's not in your backyard; thanks for the reminder. BTW - I tagged you for a meme!
Wow. I can't believe a year has passed already. Wonderful post. Thank you for the reminder.
Beautiful, Melanie!
I remember watching TV for days, crying and praying, also. Great tribute and reminder.
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