Stormy Weather

During these trying times it is important as Christians to draw from GOD’s WORD in order to make an impact on our neighbors so they will see HIM through our actions.  It is also important that we make a difference in areas whether it be by phone, Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter on Capitol Hill, in person or anywhere GOD places us so that HE can be glorified.  Which leads me to the question at hand.

Have you ever noticed when there’s a crisis, people “ban” together for the good of all? Personally I believe people generally want to be kind and helpful. I’ve been told that I can be a bit naïve but generally give all the benefit of the doubt (until I am shown differently) and it has to be smack dab in my face ☺. Even then when someone has been rude or even if they pretend to be loving towards me I just say “hurt people hurt people” and remind myself that they mistreated and crucified Jesus. You know that phrase. Well that’s who I am. Yet, I need to always refer to the Word of GOD as TRUTH as we see in

Job 14:1  – Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.

Remember earlier I stated that people do try to come together during a crisis.

Now unless you fell from Mars and just landed on planet Earth, anyone that lives in Texas or Louisiana has heard about, or maybe even witnessed the effects of Hurricanes Katrina (August 2005) and Harvey (August 19-September 2, 2017).

Hurricane Katrina was the 2^nd hurricane I remember for two reasons. One because a number of sisters had just returned from a Ladies Retreat that was held in New Orleans; and oh yes, we had a wonderful time. It was exactly one month from the day we returned that we were informed that a hurricane named Katrina was gearing its winds and was headed towards New Orleans. Then, 12 years later Houston, was preparing for Hurricane Harvey that hit like 1,000 tons of bricks. During both of these devastating events, the people of in both of their paths were extremely side swiped and totally unprepared. In the case of Katrina, New Orleans (which I found out is/was shaped like a bowl) was one of the worst places to be in a flood of any kind. And Houston, being flat with so much concrete, had the one of most horrible drainage system that was not prepared for the outcome. Harvey caught even the best weather professionals off guard. Forget the damage to property, the most devastating was the loss of life which totaled over 2,000 of both hurricanes combined. Still today, many people have not been accounted for especially during Katrina.

It was overwhelming to me to sit in my bedroom window and watch the water rising. One thing I was ever grateful for was that my family was snuggled under the same roof. I loved how the media tried very hard to keep the public abreast of the weather updates and how things were looking around our city. I have a friend I love very much who was responsible for reporting during Hurricane Harvey. I as well as his family were concerned for him bring out there for days at a time. I would text him periodically and told him he’d better stay safe or I was going to “hurt him.” Oh he took that in stride and laughed at my statement because he knew I just wanted him safe. He gave me such encouragement during this storm which is where I want us to be. As I said, the resilience of the Houston community was and is profound as I witnessed during the next few days, weeks and months after Harvey. In watching story segments, the human spirit often times would bring me to tears because of the beauty of neighbors helping neighbors. People in our community were going to their neighbors’ homes rescuing and transporting using their boats to wade through water. Some were using kayaks – even surfboards. I intentionally give these tedious details because they show through “Stormy Weather” the SON will shine through. Please be Encouraged, Uplifted and Inspired when thinking of those sad memories. Remember what Jesus said in

Matthew 25:35-40 35 For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger and ye took me in 36 Naked and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me I was in prison and ye came unto me 37 then shall the righteous answer him saying Lord when saw we thee and hungered and fed thee? Or thirsty and give thee drink? 38 when saw we thee a stranger and took thee in? or naked and clothed thee? 39 or when saw thee sick or in prison and came unto thee? 40: and the kin shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my bretheren ye have done it unto me.

We are our neighbors keeper and are to look out for one another. So, if there’s “Stormy Weather” today it may be you, but next time you might be the neighbor. Be looking out for each other and love on each other until next time we chitchat.

Love You,

#ChristianGirlsChat