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Problem or Solution?

There have been a lot of stories on the news, Facebook and being passed around by mouth about the heroism and sacrifice resulting from Hurricane Florence.   Some areas of the southeast coast were devastated by the lingering rains the storm brought with her.   Many residents of the east coast and inland communities sat riveted to weather forecasts as Florence was predicted to come onshore as a category 4 storm and at one point there were predictions that she could have blown in as a category 5.   Needless to say, for a week or more all eyes were glued to satellite images of this massive storm.

As Hurricane Florence crept closer to shore it became clear she would not make landfall with the winds necessary to qualify her as a category 4 or 5 storm.   Many breathed a sigh of relief, which they should have.   The devastation would have been unimaginable.   Florence slowed to 2 mph movement and what many failed to comprehend was all the water the forecasters were warning of would come and more than predicted would fall in places.    Not only would the water impact the areas in which it initially fell, it would later terrorize many communities as it overflowed riverbanks on its way to the ocean.   Community after community and its residents fell victim to massive flooding.

The storm struck terror in many hearts as they watched their homes and businesses succumb to the rising water.   Some would be able to salvage their homes and businesses; while others have not been and will not be that fortunate.   Water rescues were a common occurrence and homeowners watched as their homes and belongings grew small in the distance while clinging to their loved ones and pets.  Thankful for the prayers that had been answered; but grieving also.

The days Florence graced the southeast, citizens held tight, many with no power and no generator to supplement power.   For many, food supplies began to diminish and by the fifth and sixth day there was much that needed to be done.   There were people being affected by flooding that would need rescue, there were areas cut off from supplies that would need supplies to be brought in by boat, air or not at all, there were those who had run out of food and were hungry.  All needed nourishment of the body and the soul.

As with most catastrophic events, immediately there were people and organizations that jumped into action and moved with speed that is not often seen into today’s environment.    Different factions rescued those who needed rescuing, fed those who needed to be fed, prayed with those who had faith and even those who did not.    The needs of others were of utmost importance to many who looked exhausted themselves.

And, unfortunately, there were those who only wanted to take advantage of the situation.   Stores were looted and broken into.    Water donated to residents was picked up and sold in stores.    Price gouging was reported.   Some of the people who were complaining loudly had done nothing to help their neighbor or community.    That noise continues even as many of the communities are slowly starting their recovery journey.   The word journey, because it is going to be a long process for so many.   Some of the communities will persevere and come back, some will not.

Many in these communities are still pounding the pavement, making deliveries, repairing homes and businesses, feeding those that cannot feed themselves, encouraging prayer and praying, but most importantly they are a part of the solution that is in the making.    You must realize, if you are not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem.

It is clear that we all cannot give the same thing as the solution unfolds.  Some may have political connections that make it easier for them to steer funding and donations to a particular area.   Some may have access to a checkbook that allows them to give generously of money when they do not have time to offer.    Others still will have the resource of time, energy, knowledge and skills with no money to spare and don’t forget those who are helping to heal our hearts and souls, with prayer or just a kind word.

What are you?   Part of the problem or part of the solution?   If you cannot identify which you are, it seems you are probably not part of the solution.    Don’t remain in that category.    One small act can change someone’s life forever.   Your smile alone could offer someone who is drowning in despair a lifeline, if only for a moment.    An embrace or a warm handshake may wrap someone’s heart in much-needed comfort.  You may have no time, no resources, no political connections, no knowledge, no skills, and no money to offer, but you can have compassion and empathy that could help start the healing process for those who have suffered so much.    Don’t make them suffer your disdain and disheartened attitude.   Be the strength and comfort you would desire to find.  Know and let it be known that you are part of the solution.

SGHR

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