Why is it we always see ‘humanity’ at it’s best during tragedy? I wish we could see it every day.  Hurricane Harvey wrecked havoc on Texas and at this time it continues  to rain, bringing even more devastation.  I see the photos of the elderly actually sitting in water up to their waist, waiting to be rescued.  (Help eventually came) and seeing people on roof tops, and being lifted to safety by helicopters and boats.  My heart breaks at these images as I try to take in the suffering of so many.  Yet, in all of the suffering, we see others who are out there doing all they can to save lives.  Young ones helping the old, black helping the white, white helping the black, and I am reminded of the truth, that we are all one people, and we are all of the same race; the human race.  Once again I have hope that maybe we can move on from all the hate we see and embrace all the love that always seems to show it’s best side in tragedy.

I believe in the weeks to come, we will hear more and more stories of people who risked their own lives to save others; we will hear about the weak becoming strong in helping strangers they have never met.  We will see those who rescue pets who are like family to many and we will see mercy and grace prevailing through every neighborhood.  This is who we are, and this is who we need to be, not only in the darkest of days, but in each and every day that we are given. Oh, I fall so short!  I am not against any race, color or creed, even though I am against many things the culture embraces.  I must admit that when I read some comments or hear something that is ungodly, or see injustice and prejudice, it is easy for me to get riled up.  I find myself getting angry or combative in my commenting .  Oh, please forgive me!  I am saying this because I don’t mean to preach at anyone, before I look in the mirror at myself.

All I really want is for people to love as much as they can, and show respect for others with a different opinion.  As Americans, let’s let go of the hate and anger and embrace all the good we can.  Take your brothers hand and tell him, you’re praying for him.  Embrace your friend and let her know you’re there if she needs to talk.  Bow your head and ask God for help, for compassion, for empathy, and for forgiveness.  Let’s come together and unite as a people that care more about life, love and liberty than we do anger, malice and hate.  Let the images of the every day hero’s that we see in Texas, remain in our memory, those in uniform, and those we would never recognize.

We don’t all have to look the same, believe the same or live the same, but in the name of humanity, let’s treat others as we would like to be treated.

One day Christ will come and reign and He will make all things right, but until then, may we be His hands and feet in our neighborhoods and in whatever places He brings us to. In closing, as my Pastor says every Sunday at the close of his sermon, “You are loved.”