The sunrise solemnly appears this morning, May 21, a day after devastating storms ripped through Oklahoma.
Here in Tennessee, I hug my sons a little closer, and think of the moms and dads who long to hold their own children… but now can’t.
Words seem irreverent. Respectful silence is my heart’s response. Prayers, tears, and heart-aching understanding of this risky parenting. How can we bear to parent our own children when we have seen how easily they can be ripped from the safety of our arms?
But I can’t be silent… because they need a voice. Those who have lost homes, families, everything. They aren’t just nameless faces on the news. They are our friends, brothers, sisters, neighbors — working with us, raising the next generation together. They need a voice, but I would imagine that right now, breathing in and out… in and out… is all they can muster the strength to do. To put one foot in front of the other and will themselves to move forward into completely unknown territory.
So we, who gather all around them – from the mountains of Tennessee, to the cities of New York, the beaches of Florida, the coast of California, the forests of Washington – we all must be their voice. When the heart of a body aches, we wrap around them in a fetal position… protecting the heart by wrapping arms of love, pulling up legs of strength, mouths that speak encouragement and hope. We must cover our brothers and sisters, many we have never met and will never meet, in the hope that is humanity.
We must be the helpers.
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” ~ Fred Rogers (“Mr. Rogers”)
We must be their voice. We must deliver more than supplies… we must deliver hope where there is none.
Please financially support the American Red Cross and organizations like Samaritan’s Purse who have already mobilized their trucks to provide assistance in Oklahoma.
Your gift is more than a dollar amount. Your gift shows a tangible commitment to stand with those in Oklahoma.
Your gift delivers the crucial message to them today: “You are not alone”.
Please help in any way you can.
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UPDATE: Samaritan’s Purse is now calling for volunteers — you can sign up here.
Also, you can text to donate: text SP to 80888 for a $10 donation to Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief. Msg and data rates may apply.
