These days watching the news is a very emotional experience for me. There is just so much crazy going on. Last night I was sniffing as I first watched the story of a husband lost while protecting his wife in a tornado, then the story of a mother who survived the same tornado while 2 of her 3 children did not. Later in the same broadcast I was sniffling because of the many who were reaching out to this same community in simple ways - clearing debris, delivering water. These simple acts of kindness were making a huge impact. One man interviewed was nearly in tears because he was so relieved to have the simplest of help offered to him.
All this was hitting closer to home than usual as my city is in the midst of flood fighting. The waters are rising. Some have already lost the battle. Others may soon. Still others are on the bubble - fight or evacuate? Wondering what to do? Wondering who will help them?
As with any natural disaster there are no easy answers. The predictions change daily. The rumors are running rampant. And seeing neighbor reach out to neighbor brings a lump in my throat each time I leave my home.
While there is a long line of people waiting for sandbags on the hill near our home, there are also people shoulder to shoulder shoveling as fast as they can to fill the bags. As we drove by today and I told Krissy with tears in my voice, "This place where we live may have the worst weather ever, but the people make up for it. This IS a good place to live." My Krissy does not like living way up north in ND, but even she had to agree.
This will be a long flood. The cruel rushing river is expected to be at unprecedented heights for up to 8 weeks before it slowly recedes. A flood of this nature was thought to be impossible. It is shocking and so very sad.
Please pray for the many who are making difficult choices. Pray God's peace and wisdom. Pray that the massive levies that the city is planning can be built in time AND that they hold. Pray for the provision of many who do not have flood insurance and will flood.
(Our home is in no danger. Our business should be safe as well. With heavy hearts for many others, we are very thankful.)
Father God, please, protect our land.
