After the Storm

After the storm has passed, people take stock of what they have and what they have lost. During the storm, adrenalin kicks in. Circumstances produce required actions. After the storm, it is a time to assess the damages.

Hurricane Helene cut a broad swath through Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee last week. It is not unusual for hurricanes from either the Atlantic coast or the Gulf to bring heavy rains to western North Carolina, where I live. It is unusual for a hurricane and the accompanying rains to bring major devastation and flooding to the mountains of western North Carolina.

Millions lost electrical power. More than 300 cell towers are down or destroyed. My husband and I lost power for about 30 hours, before it was restored. We have water and cell service. Our minimal losses are a minor inconvenience compared to what so many are experiencing. As I write this, many in our area remain without power. Water, if available at all, is under a boil order. Gas stations, if they have gas, lack power to pump it. In some areas whole communities have washed away. Many are trapped and have no way to communicate.

Crises can bring out the worst in people. I hear reports of looting and scams. However, what I am observing is how this crisis is bringing out the best in people. I’m sure there are short tempers and frayed nerves, but I have seen no evidence of such. Instead, I see neighbors checking on neighbors to make sure they are okay and have what they need.

Our church met Sunday as usual, but without the benefit of lights, microphones or power for the praise band. We were grateful for a place to gather for prayer and worship. We learned who needs what. Someone compiled a list of families who were ready to share laundry facilities, a warm shower, a meal, and cell phone charging with those who didn’t have such things. Some offered chainsaws to help clean up fallen trees. A plan came together to check on every member or regular attender.

Relief and rescue efforts spring up across the region. Volunteers gather to help wherever they can–to dig out, clean up, or distribute food and needed supplies. Those who have lost much help those who have lost more. Volunteer crews arrive from other states. A construction company, (and probably others) conducts welfare checks, going door to door in some hard-hit areas. As they find people safe, they record names on white boards. Then they post pictures of the boards on social media to try to get the word out to family members.

After the storm, it is a time to assess damages, and consider what is left. Many have lost much in terms of this world’s riches. Some have lost everything. Regardless of the extent of their personal loss, people here are reminded of how much we all take for granted when times are easier.

Jesus teaches us two commandments are of primary importance: Love God, and love each other. When worldly wealth is gone, the riches we have in Christ and in our sense of community are what matter more than anything else. Electric power adds convenience to our lives. When it, other conveniences, and everything else are gone, the power of God’s Spirit working in and through His people is irreplaceable. Only God can provide the strength to endure the storm. Only He can provide the strength and perseverance to recover from it.

The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:10-11 NLT

 

Please pray for those suffering tremendous loss as a result of this storm.

Blessings,
Phyllis

Copyright 2024 Phyllis L. Farringer

Image by ziggy_306 from Pixabay