23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8: 23 -24 (NIV)
This week many took a break from stories about how quickly everything in the world is going to hell, to focus on heart-warming stories of unity, selflessness and brotherly kindness and love. In the huge area of eastern Texas and Louisiana drowned by Hurricane Harvey, there are wonderful tales of youths using boat -flotillas to rescue people from rooftops. Stories of horses and dogs abandoned by cruel – or possibly mentally -snapped owners, rescued by passers-by. Videos of National Guard and other mobilized services rescuing or sheltering the thousands of displaced. Dogs being transported from shelters in the affected counties to other parts of the nation, to permit the rescued pets to have a shelter to go to. The before and aftermath pictures of the region are startling.
All along the Gulf Coast, and Eastern Seaboard, a major storm comes ashore between June and September, where at least someone in that community affected can recount being a previous witness to torrential rain, floods, and the unity of communities putting aside politics, culture, and social divisions to aid them.
This an opportunity for hatred, antagonism, politics, and the incessant stirring by journalists and social media to be drowned. To be buried and not resuscitated by overwhelming love and compassion of neighbor helping neighbor. At least for a while.
We pray tonight, in whatever tongue, faith, nation, social or political persuasion you have, dear reader, that you send a wave of solidarity and compassion, and yes, maybe even a contribution to an agency that may be there to support you someday in a time of need. Peace.
It's a Dog's Life 