No Services (10/1)

No electricity, water, cell or internet services. That’s a difficult position and one that a large number of people are facing in Florida right now.

Honestly, it could be the least of the worries for some that find themselves with a damaged or lost home. We have all probably been without utilities services at some point but not too often that all services are down for such an extended period of time. It’s nearly unheard of nowadays, at least in our country. It’s isolating, scary, and lonely. Life takes on a new meaning when experiencing such destruction. A sense of gratitude for minor things that we all tend to take for granted, like a hot shower and a roof over our head. There is a strong desire to commiserate and connect with our community, to love our neighbors and empathize with each other’s pain. There is tremendous opportunity in the midst of our difficulties. A time for bonding and bringing our gifts to good use. I realize a lot of people aren’t facing such loss, but there is a good chance we all know someone who is. If not hurricane loss, then another kind of loss.

I am grateful for Christ that gives us a peace that transcends all understanding, even while facing the unknown. We have a big God. MUCH bigger than the storms of life.

What are some ways you can reach out and help a neighbor?

How are you reconciling the randomness of some of the devastation in Florida?

How does seeing the damage impact your sense of control that you have in your life?

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

*For those with internet access, you can copy and paste the link below and zoom in for some aerial views of the area: https://storms.ngs.noaa.gov/storms/ian/index.html#8/26.929/-81.436