What is the good we can take away from tragic situations like Hurricane Florence?
The best of America shines brightest when we handle tragedies with the indomitable spirit to love one another even during heart-wrenching and difficult times. No matter what the current week’s bad news is we are America’s best when we show strength and compassion.
In recent days, Hurricane Florence pounded North and South Carolina among other east coast states, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without power, many towns flooded, and even some fatalities.
Others who have suffered tragedies in the past are reaching out to help those in need now.
The Cajun Navy began in Louisiana during the major flooding that took place in 2016. Clyde Cain is the CEO and Founder of the Louisiana Cajun Navy. It started with a couple men with boats wanting to rescue those trapped in floodwaters to now responding to major natural disasters across the country with dozens of boats and volunteers. The Cajun Navy Mission statement reads, “We don't wait for the help, We are the help! We the people of Louisiana refuse to stand by and wait for help in the wake of disasters in our state and the country. We rise up to unite and help rescue our neighbors! Our mission is to help the people who can't get help, not only in the wake of disaster, but in everyday life."
Just this week, the Cajun Navy has traveled to and launched rescue operations in North Carolina where Hurricane Florence devastated town after town along the coast.
The Cajun Navy is the best of America.
Eight Days of Hope began after Hurricane Katrina wiped out much of New Orleans and large parts of the Mississippi Coast. Shortly after Katrina hit, Steve Tybor and other volunteers from North Mississippi planned a trip to the Mississippi coast to aid in the recovery efforts. Over 13 years later, Eight Days of Hope has taken 16 trips with 32,000 volunteers and rebuilt thousands of homes.
In October, EDOH is taking its second trip to Houston, TX to continue rebuilding from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 while at the same time sending a Rapid Response team to North Carolina.
Eight Days of Hope ministry is the best of America.
I’m not done. The last example of what I’m calling the best of America is a well-known ministry called Samaritan's Purse. In the early 1970’s a man by the name of Bob Pierce founded Samaritan's Purse (SP). SP is now led by Franklin Graham.
According to the SP website, “through over three decades of earthquakes, hurricanes, wars, and famine, Franklin has led the ministry in following the Biblical example of the Good Samaritan all across the globe. God has blessed the organization under Franklin's leadership, and the ministry has seen explosive growth.” There is no doubt that this ministry is right alongside victims of Hurricane Florence helping to minister to them and rebuild their lives. (Sign-up page: www.spvolunteer.org/project-response/178)
Samaritan’s Purse is the best of America.
To be honest, this is just a glimpse of the ministries that God is using to bring hope and healing to those affected by natural disasters.
Next time you become discouraged at the spiritual state of America and how divided we’ve become, remember that there are still good-hearted Americans, more in number than you might expect. Plenty of Christians continue to obey, work and pray as they follow the example of being a Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-38) following God’s lead to positively intercede.
