The photos, news coverage and personal stories of the devastation in the wake of hurricane Katrina are truly overwhelming – my heart and mind are heavy with suffering, loss, pain, and just chaos so many are experiencing. From the loss of loved ones and pets, to the homes, cars, photos, family heirlooms, and lets not forget the historic buildings and culture significance of the area for our Nation. The loss is staggering.
I find it impossible to imagine what it must be like to be huddled on the roof of my home with my partner and four year-old with no clean water just wondering when or if someone will find us. Or what it would be like to carve out a space in a stadium where you feel safe – how do you get comfortable in a stadium? What do you do when bridges are down and many of the major streets in a city are undriveable, with no electricity, no land lines, cell towers down, no Internet, no groceries, no clean water, no working sewage systems, what about hospitals, prisons, churches, malls, etc. How many small businesses will have to file chapter 11? How will this impact employment? What will this do to the poor, and those who were just beginning to get on their feet? Will the rich get richer in the wake of this disaster? Simply overwhelming.
Just a few of the many channels through which you and I can activate our support.
- American Red Cross 1.800.HELP.NOW
- The Salvation Army 1.800.SAL.ARMY
- Catholic Charities 1.800.919.9338
- Samaritan’s Purse 1.828.262.1980
- The Humane Society
Grace & peace, dwight
sobering thoughts indeed.