Yesterday my brothers and I, along with my son Josh had the opportunity to serve our community. We partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, one of the leading “disaster relief” organizations in the country, to help some of the flood victims here in Nashville. 3 weeks ago, our community was severely devastated by unprecedented floods and rain of mass destruction. Some lost lives, and thousand’s lost their homes, businesses and literally everything they owned. It’s been heart wrenching to watch neighbors and friends go through the pain of uncertainty and grief in all of this.
What can I do? How can I help? Where do I even start? These are questions that most of us ask during a time like this. Sometimes the overwhelming sense of feeling so small in a situation so big can paralyze us. I don’t have the money to do what I’d like to. I don’t have the skill to make a difference. I really don’t have the time to give. I wish I could, but I have my own problems too you know. Have you ever said or thought any of this? I know I have.
Isaiah 1:17- “Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”
Matthew 25:35- “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
Our team of volunteers had very little experience in construction. We were a bunch of musicians, a middle-school student, a lady in her 70’s that paid her own way from Washington State, a retired professor, a fireman, an administrator, a media consultant and an illustrator, all volunteering to help a family we never even met. By the time we left that uninhabitable house yesterday, the cleanup and rebuilding process was well on its way.
There are people all around you who have been hit by the storms of life. They are down and out or maybe up and out! They are flooded with doubt and fear. They’ve been ravaged by death, divorce, rejection and despair. They may appear to have a lot, yet they’ve lost their way. What will you do? How will you respond? Don’t be overwhelmed by your lack of ability or resources. Use your gifts, your talents, and your time to assist those in need. God will take your little and make it big! He wants to use you to help someone else! Whatever you do, please don’t sit there. Don’t turn a blind eye to a world in desperate need! DO SOMETHING!
Joe
