Heartbroken Yet Incredibly Hopeful

I, like so many of my friends in and around Houston, am heartbroken as we sit and watch this storm demolish our city, our neighborhoods, our schools, and so many homes. The sights are unfathomable. The pounding rain off and on (more on than off), constantly reminding us that our city will not be what it was when we went to sleep Saturday night. The rain has dumped at such a high rate and for so long that the water had no choice but to take over. 

My heart aches for a city I have called home for over 6 years now- wondering how former students, their families, friends, coworkers- from my days at Arrow Academy in South Houston all the way out to Cypress- are doing with all of this. I am thankful again for technology and the ability to hear from many. Tears have fallen as I have watched the devastation being faced by so many. I sit feeling helpless, desperately wanting to help but knowing for now that is through prayer. 

But in the midst of this heartbreak, I remain hopeful. Hopeful as a city of such immense diversity stand as one to help anyone and everyone nearby no matter what color, religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation. Hopeful that a world that is hurting and divided, is witnessing a beautiful picture of love as people are helping other people simply because they need help. Hopeful that those who have lost everything are being rescued and brought to safety where shelter, food, and clean water awaits them. Hopeful as people from around the globe send prayers for safety, funds for relief, messages of love. 

Hurricane Harvey and the days thereafter will always be remembered for its catastrophic flooding and intense devastation but more than that it will be a reminder of how love always wins. Serving and helping others will always over power stories of hurt and hate. Standing as one city will be louder to those watching than a few divided. As the rain continues to pound our city, as we continue to wait and watch, praying that the floodwaters stay down, I am thankful for God's reminder that His love never fails. 

Houston (and the surrounding areas), you are my city and you always will be. Thank you for all that you have and will continue to teach me through your people. We will continue to pray for all those that were impacted and will be impacted by this storm- those in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Rockport and surrounding cities, those in and around Houston, and those in Louisiana now getting some impact from the storm. 

Thank you to those that continue to check in and pray- don't stop. Continue to pray for our first responders, city officials, volunteers, and all those involved in rescues and care. Our people are tired. They have given so much already and there is still so much to do. They have left their friends and family behind as they go and serve and for that we are more thankful than they will ever know.