A few days ago, life looked a lot different.

It was before, as in before Hurricane Helene ravaged much of our city and many others in her path.  We woke up last Friday to pelting rain and seventy mile an hour winds, honestly as a Florida girl, this wouldn’t have been something to be very alarmed about in my home state.  But we aren’t in Florida, and this area, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, was blindsided by a storm that would normally affect coastal towns, not those a thousand feet and more above sea level. 

My husband and I were just waking up when we heard the power go out, at the time I thought it would probably be back up in a few hours, having no idea how much damage Helene was causing as she stormed through.  It wasn’t until later that same morning we realized this was worse than any of us realized.   Our entire community was without power, minus a few fortunate places here and there, most had tree damage and some had flooding. 

I think I can safely say, everyone felt something; no one was left untouched by her rage.

That day we, and most everyone, were left without power, internet, cell service and with fallen trees, flooded creeks and rivers, washed out roads, and an overall feeling of alarm.  We couldn’t reach out to family or friends, not at first, the only way to find out what was happening beyond our neighborhood was to talk to the neighbors and hope they were having better luck with cell service.   We did find out a little that day, and it was devastating; what we’ve learned since then has been cataclysmic. Homes destroyed, animals displaced, power lines dangling from trees, debris everywhere, fences torn up, roads blocked and the list goes on…

My heart hurts for the towns and cities not too far up the road from us that were completely wiped out and left with destruction that will take years to repair.

Some are without water and roads are completely gone so there’s no way to leave, it’s just disastrous.

In our little part of the world people began to panic about having gas so the gas station lines were up to a mile long.  A few restaurants were able to open (once power was restored to them) and they could barely handle the number of people because thousands and thousands were still without electricity and couldn’t cook.   Some restaurants ran out of food and that caused more panic.  I could go on and on telling you all the things Helene left us to deal with, but I think you get the idea. 

It was, and is, a really hard time.

I was surprised how emotional I felt when I had to throw away food from my fridge and freezer.   It seems like a small thing, and I chastised myself for caring so much.  But then it occurred to me, when we go through something hard, it’s still hard even if someone else is going through something harder.  Are there levels of hard?  Probably.  But that doesn’t mean our pain isn’t valid; pain is pain and comparing doesn’t make my pain less or theirs greater.      

What’s been on my heart to say is how amazed I am with all the people trying to help.

One of our neighbors had a large number of trees fall around their home and people showed up with chainsaws to clean up their yard.  I’m always amazed at the beautiful way people rally around one another in hard times; the compassion and love shown all around is heartwarming at a time when so many things are heartbreaking.   There are still many businesses closed and many without power as I type this.  But, the spirit of this community is far from broken, there is a camaraderie that runs deep, and we won’t stop helping or sending for help until the work is done.   

We are a resilient people.

Now that a few days have passed and there is a sense of order returning, people are finding ways to help beyond our city; I dropped off baby diapers and other things at a local restaurant to be taken to a small town in deep need of necessities.  They have access to a helicopter so they can reach the places where the roads have been washed out and people are stranded.  I am grateful for those who are able to help on a larger scale giving the rest of us a chance to contribute.  I love the quote Mister Rogers used to say (his mom told him as a kid), “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” What words of wisdom.  When you feel helpless to all the chaos around you, look for the helpers, they are there, working and providing opportunity for the rest of us to help as well.  

Churches are opening their gyms for charging points and showers, restaurants who have food are offering free plates, there is water available for those who don’t have any, I read where a drone brought medicine to a family who is unable to leave because of washed out roads, grocery stores giving away ice, and so much more!  I’m overwhelmed at the kindness I see, and no one is doing it for recognition, it’s out of compassion. 

There’s no place you can drive around here without seeing the aftermath of Helene, we won’t soon forget her fury.  I hope and pray we don’t forget the love and kindness shown in our time of recovery either. 

As the scriptures say, “beauty from ashes.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Compared to last Friday, today our life feels closer to normal, I know there are many who cannot say the same and I pray for them constantly.   

Will you join me in praying for everyone still recovering from Hurricane Helene? 

So grateful for the lineman who are helping to restore electricity to our area.

“the helpers”