Tuesday, August 30
Our hearts are heavy. We have but one train of thought this week. There is nothing but Katrina. My little town didn't get a drop of rain and but a gentle toss of wind, and yet we hurt for those hurting. There is so much hurt with more to come.Everyone here knows someone in the South Louisiana/Mississippi area. We all have family and friends who were in harm's way. We all know someone whose home may no longer exist, and we all know someone whose home now serves as a make-shift shelter. We did not lose, and yet we feel the loss.
As the images come in and as the extent of the devestation is revealed, we are overwhelmed. There is not one problem in this situation. There are hundreds of problems. While the Mississippi residents begin to assess the damage, New Orleans residents are not being allowed home because the waters are rising, not receeding. Several parishes are under martial law as the National Guard takes over the tasks at hand.
People are homeless, living in shelters not designed to hold this many people for this long. People are hungry, depending upon the kindness and generosity of strangers to provide their next meals. Unable to work because their office buildings and job sites are no longer, people are going to be struggling financially, as will the cities themselves.
It goes on and on, the toll Katrina is exacting from our state and our sister states. It is unfathomable. We see the images and know the places shown, and it doesn't quite register as being real. How could there possibly be that much water? As we are deeply thankful that our homes were spared, there is the knowledge that others were not so fortunate. There is a desire to help, and yet a helpless feeling.
I was praying this morning for our friends and family, for these strangers I'll not know, and for all who must participate in the efforts of these next few weeks. My prayers sounded hollow, even in my own ears. For what do I ask? There are such monumental needs.
For now, I'm asking that God meet the needs that He knows better than anyone... that He show each of us how we can ease the struggle for even just one soul one tiny little bit. I don't know what else to do.
[ posted by Chel on Tuesday, August 30, 2005 ]
[ 1 comments ]
1 Comments:
We have no idea what our lone voiced prayer can and will do. God hears us on behalf of others and I feel, in my heart, He acts. He needs to hear us on behalf of others. Not that He doesn't act without our request, but I feel He does respond to our prayers. Prayer is the main and foremost thing you can do. Aside from that, check around and see if any nearby shelters need anything. May God provide for all the needs that these folks have. Don't forget, Southern Baptists are taking donations for the relief effort.
By 
Bro. Craig, at
11:56 AM