Thoughts Post Hurricane Helene - Be a Neighbor

The hurricane hit home, literally. It devastated our community. Businesses were destroyed, homes were taken off their foundations and thrown down the road, trees were uprooted, power lines were disconnected, the list goes on. We have lived through a historic event and this city/community will never be the same. Yet, in the midst of all of these terrible things, there is a glimmer of light. More than a glimmer, if I do say so myself. They say that light shines brightest in the dark and I would say that it’s true. I have seen people be the light: folks who have lost so much, but are willing to share their little resources with their neighbors. I have seen communities gather to barbecue all their food and eat together. I have seen countless people from out of the city and state, use their own money to gather resources and drive into this city to distribute to those in need. Not to mention, there are countless first responders, utility workers, members of the National Guard, nurses, doctors, and more that are working so tirelessly to put our community back together. The Lord is at work all around us, using all sorts of people to be His hands and feet, bringing peace and comfort to all of His children. 

There have also been people who have unjustly taken advantage of this situation, looting houses and businesses. To those people: stop and repent. Not only are you hurting your own community and fellow man, you are sinning before the Lord (an even greater transgression). If you are in need, there is help. I have seen countless people give the coat off of their backs, figuratively and literally speaking, to take care of their fellow neighbor. There is also help coming in at all levels of government, businesses, and people from in and out of the community. Everyone is trying their best. To those who are not in need and are simply taking advantage of this situation to steal and destroy: I pray that guilt and shame will somehow turn you to repentance and turn you to The Lord who loves you too. 

Speaking of neighbors, this week in church, we studied The Parable of The Good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37 tells us:

“30 A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 

37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” 

We need true neighbors now more than ever. The reality is, almost everyone has lost something. We’ve been beaten and bruised, figuratively and physically, by this hurricane. If you are able to, be a neighbor. Feed and clothe those who are in need. Help someone cut down a tree, assist in giving out food. Be the “one who showed him mercy”. 

No questions that it’s been a difficult week. But, God is not surprised. He gave us truths to lean on during these times. 

Psalm 34:18

“18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Matthew 5:2-6

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Matthew 11:18

“18 Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-ladened, and I will give you rest.”

God is not done with this city yet. God is on the move. His hands and feet have been moving all throughout the city, meeting the needs of His people. He has compassion and love for us. His shoulders are strong enough to carry all of our burdens. It’s easy to ONLY read about the community updates and devastation around us. However, it’s even more important to rest on God’s truth, so that we are not overwhelmed with all the terrible events that have happened. 

As the age old saying goes: God is good, ALL the time. ALL the time, God is good.