Responding to Devastation

This morning I was reading through some facebook posts. Folks trying to post funny comments (myself included), one talking about the importance of their upcoming book, and others sharing their coffee orders as they wait in line at the cafe. For some reason these just don't seem appropriate to me right now. I worry about those who have had their lives turned upside down. I feel for those who have lost loved ones. I am thinking about those who are left with nothing. How do we respond to devastation?

It's hard to watch the live footage of the storms and not sense their fear. It's difficult to see the destruction and not feel their pain in our own hearts. If you are experiencing those feelings too, own them, own those feelings. These are our natural reactions to our brothers and sisters when they are hurting. Whether we like it or not, whether we want to admit it or not we are connected to each other. Regardless of the differences or the distance we are connected as God's creation. It is natural for us to hurt when someone else hurts.

So what do we do? First, pray and then pray some more. Pray for those who are hurting. In your prayer ask God how he would like you to respond. If he is telling you to go out there and work with those who are trying to put their lives back together, then get in your car and go. Go and take as many folks with you as possible. If he is telling you to open up your wallets and send some financial aid then do just that. Whatever we do it is important to let those who are hurting know that they do not hurt alone. We are with them during this time and God is with them during this struggle.

See you Sunday,

Chris