SUPER-STORMS....

 

Anytime I hear the word "STORM" I can't but help to think of these words that stay in my heart and soul: "Do not tell God how big your storm is, instead tell your storm how BIG your God is"

 

 

Over 7 years ago, i really felt God had lead me in a particular direction.  I do believe God shows up... all the time... In fact He never leaves.  He shows up in small ways and some time in BIG ways! With some emergency training, I was able to be a part of Red Cross's team.  I flew into Layfeette, Lousiana.  This was the second strongest hurricane recorded in the U.S. history. Katrina affected over 15 million people.  The final death toll was 1,836 people. 80% of New Orleans was under water. Unless you were present or saw the aftermath, the t.v. only portrays a minimal of the devastation. Strangers became friends., There was an instant special bond among us Red Cross volunteers. There were so many people who lost everything they ever owned.  There were shelters among shelters that were overflowing with people, that simply just had what was on their back, no pictures, no money, no identifacation, no food, but their house was flooded or swept away. Many didn't even have their medications that they needed so desparatley.  There were some folk who couldn't find their loved ones, separated in all the chaos. Some even got word their own family's lifes were tragically taken  We did the best we could with what we had.  Sadly enough, within just a few days later, another Hurricane was on her way, every shelter was now to be evacuated! Yet time was running out, My shelter were all up and ready to go at 4 am.  Headed to higher ground.  The roads were bumper to bumper stopped cars and no gas to be had.  Completely speechless with what was coming our way.  You do what you have to do though... try not to panic, stay calm but move fast.....so much took place.  After this hurricane, things calmed down some, it just meant more people in the shelters, more food to try to find to feed everyone, keeping people calm.  Finally, the local and state police and fireman and the National Guard were all involved.  The friendships made, and the love and kind words shared will last me a lifetime.  I could list hundreds of more things and memories that happened down there, from people I met, to hundreds of endless tasks i did, even without thinking, but I will leave it at that....God's plans will always prevail, and I pray that I will continue to see His grace and mercy in my everyday life.


Courage in Chaos


This hits home again and talks to my heart heavily.  In October, 2012, Sandy was at it this time. During the night of October 29th, the 900 mile wide storm, the largest ever recorded in the Atlantic, flooded tunnels, airport runways, dirupted power, started fires and swept away anything in its path, even 2 little boys as their frantic mother tried to save them. 

It takes courage even in all the chaos.  Facing homelessness, fear and loss of family and friends, people were grateful and held together in their communities.

The storm claimed the lives of at least 110 people, fathers and sons, childhood friends, young children, the elderly, Sandy did not discriminate, when she hit land, the surge struck, it hit with mind-boggling speed and force, throwing up a terrifying wall of water that proved ruthlessly destructive.


One thing that touches my heart and moves me in the most emotional and sentimental way is, My daughter Renee has a huge heart and couldnt just watch all this devastation on tv.  She also had decided she wanted and needed to help in any where she could.  She contacted Red Cross and took all the neccessary training and is ready to help in anyway she can...

So, it goes back to the beginning of my blog: "DON'T TELL GOD HOW BIG YOUR STORM IS....TELL YOUR STORM HOW BIG YOUR GOD IS!"


because of His Amazing Grace.....