Hurricane Lessons

What I am learning from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina

Photo by Jack B on Unsplash

I took some time this morning to reflect on some lessons I’m learning right now and right here. Western North Carolina has been hit hard— very hard. It’s devastating and we live 2380 feet above sea level.

We live in Brevard, NC surrounded by the National Forest. Now, our little mountain town is an island in the clouds— an island surrounded not by the sea, but by thousands of fallen trees creating havoc and flood waters they have washed away homes and lives.

I am among the fortunate. A few days with power, cell service and TV is absolutely nothing compared to these dear souls who have lost everything, some their own lives.

We are ok. But here are some insights I’m working through right now on Day 5 after it hit our cozy town and cozy lives:

Hurricane Lessons

Great suffering awakens us to the human condition and the brokenness in the natural world as well as the human heart.

Great suffering brings people together.

Great acts of love are healing.

Small acts of love begin with me and my neighbors.

The gap between “the haves” and “the have nots” is very wide, very deep and very problematic.

Everyone should have a crank radio.

Nature is violent.

Candles bring solace.

Let First Responders always be first. Honor them and thank them.

Just hearing that something one “out there” cares about you brings a deep comfort and consolation.

The old are vulnerable.

Children are vulnerable.

The sick are vulnerable.

Vulnerable people matter.

The “have nots” have dignity too.

Difficult situations and high stress reveal a human beings deepest flaws and highest virtues.

Some public officials should resign.

Some public officials are brilliant and sterling leaders.

Let gratitude be spoken and sensed.

Abhor, renounce and name that which is evil.

When we pray The Lord’s Prayer, let the emphasis be on the words : “our” and “us” because community matters and is holy also. Perhaps those two words are what is intended in the prayer.

A radio preacher gained my respect and admiration. He helped us in giving directions, news and updates when others might have only preached the gospel. Instead this preacher lived the gospel. His message saved me. I’m thinking his message saved many of us here. And I have been no fan of radio preachers.

The brain knows: fight and fright. But the greatest solace in n the brain and body is flock. Who is my flock to go through this with now? Who is my flock? In moving here two years ago… it is this one question that has most dominated my thinking. I’m so glad we can say we have a small flock now. It would be terrible-perhaps, non-survivable to have no flock in life when things get hard and when life is so very good.

I can be judgmental. I’ve made a note to work on that.

Blessings of peace to all who read these words!

Please be mindful, prayerful, helpful and generous in your help to folks in this region!