There are many hurting folks along the Gulf coast and along the path of hurricane Ike. The destruction was widespread and very devastating. Some have lost family and friends to the storm. Many have lost their homes and businesses. Many are living in difficult circumstances right now without power and other utilities, or in shelters scattered far from home. Some areas of Louisiana hadn't recovered from Gustav and then were hit by Ike.
I have to confess I had mixed feelings watching the rescue of folks who had refused to leave. I was thankful they were being saved and I felt compassion for the peril they were in. However I also felt frustrated and even angry that they were so stupid after all the clear warnings and now they had not only endangered their own life, but the lives of the rescuers. I didn't feel like that during hurricane Katrina because folks just didn't know. I was horrified at the plight of those folks. This time, officials clearly said leave or die. Of course then I can also think back to some very stupid things I have done in my life, too. I try not to judge, but I don't do a very good job of it and I seem to be getting worse the older I get. In fact Cheryl now reminds me often when I make statements that are critical of others. Is this what they mean when they talk about grumpy old men? However, I digress, as usual.
Over the next several days, people will be returning to assess the damage. Many will have lost everything, but they are still alive. I don't know how I would react in that situation and I can't know for sure unless I experience it, but I would hope I would have the attitude that they are just possessions and God had spared me and my family. There are so many more important things. I am reminded of the verse that says, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:36
The Austin area was spared from the effects. Earlier in the week, Ike was predicted to come right over us and still be near Category I. As the week progressed the tracks were predicted further and further East and that is what happened. Saturday we were still predicted to have rain most of the day, which we really need. However, Saturday was very cloudy and breezy but no rain. Not a drop.
My brother called Saturday to see how we were as he said the TV said it was the end of the world down here. He didn't know I was in WalMart shopping and I told him we had terrible damage at the house. At first he really did sound concerned and asked what kind of damage. I told him the welcome mat on our front porch that says, "What happens at Grandma's, stays at Grandma's" had been blown over and folded in half!! I'm surprised my family still calls me.
4 comments:
I absolutely love your humor! Listening to you speak in church Sunday morning and then reading a small portion of your blog, I tell ya. What a great message you have, and what a great inspiration you are to people in all walks of life.
Thanks so much for sharing. I must admit, that I too found myself frustrated with people who put so many lives in danger by their not leaving - Now I sit humbled b/c, as you pointed out about yourself, I too have put more than just myself in bad situations b/c of my own poor decisions. Thank you for that humbling perspective!! That is why we need Christian brothers and sisters who aren't afraid to put it all out there!
I enjoyed hearing you speak on Sunday.What a blessing to be in a car wreck - so they could find the osteoporosis and then eventually the cancer before it could sneak up on you and be bigger and harder to treat.
Glad you are OK and that your door mat will recover.
Who would have thought we would be hurricaned out of our marathon in St. Charles, Missouri??
Prayers for the folks more severely affected.
john - came across your blog whilst cleaning out my web address favorites at work - and yes, I swear I working! nice to see your pic - could hear your voice when reading your page. trust all is well; take care, Todd.
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