Tuesday, September 06, 2005



One of the things that we were so sad about last Thursday was that we missed the girls' fist day of school...and Ella's true first day, ever, of school. So, today we took pictures and video and acted like it was the real first day. Here are two back-to-school beauties.

I've sensed this collective depression over what's happened in the Gulf. We're feeling it at our house. The girls always want to watch the news and pray for the people and Sheryl and I are trying to get certain images out of our minds long enough to sleep at night. Last night, with abdomen throbbing, Sheryl said, "We can't go one more day without doing something."

So...not sure exactly what that is. Are any of the rest of you finding it hard to find ways to do hands-on helping? There's always the dropping off of food and clothing and that seems easy--needed, but easy. I just want to go help. It's weird how difficult it's been this morning to track down information about Red Cross training. Thankfully, Linda Benthal, one of our missionaries to China is here in the states and has extra time so she's helping to coordinate Otter Creek efforts for Katrina survivors. Doug, Steve Sherman and Beck Cowart took off for Mississippi today with a huge truck and trailer full of supplies and water. Linda's helping us who are here figure out the best way to direct our efforts.

Sheryl continues to heal. Yesterday wasn't as good, but she's making steady progress. Thanks for your prayers.

Prayers. I feel like I am running out of words. What to pray? How to come before God in all of this. He truly is God above the storm and over the flood, but it seems to me that all I really want to do in prayer is be quiet. I don't understand this whole thing and I still trust Him, but I feel like my words are blather at this point. We're praying for comfort and safety. We're praying that God would soothe loneliness and grief and we're praying for provision. Other than that...I am at a loss.

One thing I DO know...God sees and knows about the pains and hurts more thoroughly and completely than CNN, FOX, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, any governor or President or even survivor. Even if he seems distant, He sees. He is in the hands of those comforting. He is in the arms of those rescuing. He is food and water. He is with those dying. He is Emanuel, God with us. It's hard to even say that and not feel like a cheesy Christian commercial. But I believe it. It's a part of the tapestry of my life. I don't even feel like I am choosing to believe it. I believe because it is in the core of my being. Even though I doubt and want to shake my fist somewhere--heaven, govt.--somewhere, I still believe.

3 comments:

believingthomas said...

Brandon,
We have just returned from the coast and are cordinating teams from our church and others who would like to go help. Many, many workers are needed. IT IS SAFE in Mississippi. There are others as well coordinating work crews. Even if you just want to go and stack cans or cook, help is needed.

anyone that wants to help can e-mail me or I can give other churches helping coordinate efforts. A group of 60 are coming from Oklahoma this week, that will not be enough. Encourage all you can to help in this

Peggy N Texas said...

You have your hands full there, taking care of your family. I know the feeling. We are here in Beaumont, Texas with over 2000 evacuees and we still find it hard to know how to help. I have offered our home on several occasions but so far no one has taken that offer. Not sure why, but I have left it in the Lord's hands to do His Will. We have heard of problems with one woman in the hospital from being beaten because she took in a family. That can happen and I am trusting that when the right family comes along, God will send them to me.

Prayer is the only sure fire way of helping at this point, that and monetarily. But I have only so much to give. It is heart breaking and at times feels hopeless. But we know who holds the future, whatever future that may be.

I have said before and I say again, the world we have known is gone forever. We live in a different time now and these things, 9-11, natural disasters are waking us up to what is truly important. I just hope we take heed.

God bless and take care of your family. You do more than you realize every day!

courtney said...

Hi Brandon,
I wasn't sure from your post if you were indeed able to fine the information, but here is the link to the website for the Nashville Red Cross

http://www.nashvilleredcross.org/

There is a link for "I want to volunteer". Also, it says in their latest news that a shelter was opened up at Crievewood Baptist Church. You may be able to call the church directly and find out what kind of volunteering they are in need of.