Thought about Hurricane Katrina

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJ)

Over the last 24 hours I've been pretty anxious, not for my own well-being, but for the well-being of those south of me in LA and the gulf coast. The hurricane has now hit and there are varying reports as to what the outcome will be. I've heard, though, that this one is so powerful that it will continue as a category 3 hurricane even up to the northern part of MS and even into TN with high winds. This could likely cause major power outages all over my state of MS and tornadoes in several states.

Living in the Delta just outside of Greenville may actually mean that we will be on the outside edge getting only moderate winds and some rain. But even here there could be problems if too much rain is dumped on the fields right at harvest time.

So I have been thinking about the lives of those people still in New Orleans. The people who've gotten north but may not have a home to go back to. The families of those who've already lost loved ones and those who will. Those people whose livelihood is in danger of being wiped out. And it's hard not to be anxious.

But it's in these times that we find out what kind of people we truly are. Are we really people of faith? Do we believe in a loving God? Are we ready to really get on our knees (literally or figuratively) and pray? Are we willing to show love of neighbor and get involved in clean-up efforts or sheltering or feeding those who will be without homes? Are we willing to work with UMCOR by making flood buckets or go above and beyond our tithing and make an offering to UMCOR or Red Cross or some other agency helping out?

If we look deep inside ourselves and see true disciples of Christ, then we will get involved. We will get involved because we love our neighbor as we love ourselves. And when our neighbor hurts, we hurt. Many will not be able to go to the sites and clean up. Many will not be able to afford to give a lot of money to the effort. But the one thing that all of us can do is pray. Pray for all involved. Pray that the peace which surpasses all understanding will come upon those who believe their lives are lost. Pray for God to perform a miracle and stop the hurricane from going any further.

And if you are one who is worried about your own livelihood or safety or that of your family, pray to the Lord and give thanks for what you have. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

In the love of Christ,
greg