A storm turns to blessing

[mavislb]

Well, we have just come through the worst week of weather I have ever experienced. The storm hit last Saturday night. Power went out early Sunday morning. My power came back on late Wednesday evening and most of the town is back up since. But there are still a few parts of town without and most of the rural areas are still without. And even in parts of town that have power there are individuals that are without because the falling trees tore the power line or meter box from the house. It was really scary to wake about 4:00 Sunday morning and spend 2 days listening to trees and limbs falling from the weight of the ice. The town looks like a disaster.

This community has been amazing. I got a call Sunday afternoon from the Methodist pastor. She and her daughter (10) were at their church cooking soup for people that couldn't get out and had all electric so they couldn't cook. I helped some of her members cook the soup and deliver dozens of meals around town. By Monday morning the Red Cross was is town setting up a second shelter. The volunteers from neighboring counties that came to help were such a blessing. There was a 7th Day Adventist pastor and his wife and another wonderful Christian gentleman (I don't even know what denomination) that drove an hour one way2 days in a row to volunteer. And the elderly people from the Methodist Church where the first shelter was set up that came every day and helped cook and deliver meals were amazing. And I have made such wonderful new friends from the residents in the shelter. Here I was trying to help them and they were so appreciative and kind and concerned about me.

Why is it it takes a disaster to bring people together? Why can't we be this kind and considerate of our neighbors every day? I am waiting for the day we are no longer "us" and "them" but doing what the Body of Christ was called to do together - serve.

There are still shelters in the county open since there are still people in need. But there were no fatalities and no wide-spread severe structural damage. The National Guard is here, community groups are starting to arrive to help with clean-up, and people who never knew each other before are pulling together to get through this thing. Praise God for His protection and blessings.