My community and state are
still recovering from the catastrophe that struck recently. A wall of storms
with hurricane force winds struck late on a Friday evening knocking down trees,
blocking roads, damaging homes, and destroying power lines. Hundreds of
thousands of people suddenly found themselves in the dark without water,
electricity, air conditioning, telephones, internet, and television. They found
themselves cut off from the modern world enduring sweltering 90 degree plus heat
with no help and no idea when it would be over.
The most amazing thing happened, however, as the
reality of the crisis sank in: it brought out the best in us. While there were a
few acts of selfishness and stealing they were overwhelmed by the wave of love
and compassion that came from the hearts of so many. People shared their food,
ice, and gasoline. People who still had power opened their homes to those who
had none.
People rushed out to clear roads and homes of fallen
trees. Selfless power crews worked around the clock to repair the damage and
restore electricity. People gathered on front porches to talk, share hugs and
offer words of hope and faith that God would see them through it all. Strangers
came together as one family to help each other in this time of great need. It
was such a joy seeing all these people acting like true Children of God under
the most trying of circumstances.
Life’s disasters strike all of us from time to time.
No one is spared. We all get hurt. We all get challenged. We all get squeezed by
difficulties during our days here. How we respond to them, though, is up to us.
We can let them bring out the worst is us or we can let them bring out the best
in us. We can react to them like demons of selfishness or like angels of love.
May you always bring the best from your heart and soul to whatever life may
throw at you then. May you live all of your days here with so much love that
Heaven sings and God smiles.
Joseph J. Mazzella joemazzella@frontier.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.