“It’s because I’ve been pushed up against God and God has shown me some deep things about His purpose and Himself that for me are so satisfying and so pleasurable that I wouldn’t trade this wheelchair for anything.” -Joni Eareckson Tada

Ten years ago…

Hurricane Katrina was an uncharacteristically strong Category 3 hurricane when it made U.S. landfall for the second time on August 29, 2005. It was the costliest hurricane in U.S. history, causing about $108 billion in damage. The storm was directly or indirectly responsible for deaths in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Its storm surge and rainfall flooded 80% of New Orleans. It was agonizingly painful to watch the events unfold. I remember even the most seasoned news commentators choking back tears of emotion as they witnessed such tremendous levels of pain, suffering, and devastation.

In the midst of unspeakable loss, the city came together to mourn and support each other. Many relief organizations, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, firefighters, and churches swarmed the city of New Orleans in a collective effort to help this drowning community. In Biloxi, Mississippi, people gathered at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Members of a dozen churches recalled the hardships after Katrina passed but the friendships formed. As a nation, we were pushed up against God and He showed us deep things about character, servanthood, recovery, and healing. May we never forget the lessons learned and acts of bravery and compassion exhibited during this horrific episode, and may we constantly remember those sweet families who lost so much!

“It restores what joy you may have lost because you will see that no matter what comes your way, you can recover, you can rebuild and you can be restored,” -Derrick Sykes

Ten Years Ago…

Today, as a matter of fact. A precious little lamb, Jenna Grace Painter, was being diagnosed with an uncharacteristically strong, Category 4 brain tumor that would, just 16 short months later, escort her right into the loving arms of her Shepherd. The diagnosis would arrive like a hurricane and threaten to devastate her family and the families in their community as they battled the fiercest of storms. Together they loved, encouraged, supported, and fought. Together they grieved, mourned, were pushed up against God.

Today this precious family, like New Orleans, is recovering. They are building into the lives of others who have weathered similar storms. They continually open their hearts to grief, and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to so many through their vulnerability. They are an example to me (and to all who know them) of utter, unconditional hope. Not only hope, but genuine joy that truly surpasses all understanding, and I’m honored and amazed to have been a small part of their big lives! May we never forget and may our hearts forever be changed!