Hello dear friends! By now, I am sure you all have seen the devastation that hurricane Helene has wrought on the North Carolina and Tennessee area. One of my dearest friends lives in that area. So I wanted to write to you make everyone aware of this; I have lived through floods, tornadoes , a fire, financial difficulties, and even getting the dreaded call from the police that someone in the family has been killed, so I can empathize with what those people are going through, but every tragedy is personal, and everyone reacts differently to it. I am sure everyone wants to help those poor people. And I am sure there will be lots of donations, which is wonderful. But what most people don't consider is what happens after the news cycle stops making it the number one story and moves on to the next big issue. Maybe it is just me, but I felt so isolated and alone, after all the excitement (not the correct word for it,I know) is over and people get on with their lives while you are still left with the clean-up and the fears and the trauma of what has happened to you. You feel so alone in the world. So I want to remind everyone that if you have friends that have been affected by the hurricane, check in on them often to see how they are psychologically and spiritually doing and keep doing it for a while afterwards. Be sensitive when talking to them. So what I am saying is be the compassionate, loving people I know that you are, and care for the victims long after the world has moved on.
This is such good advice! I have not seen the news so was not aware that anything had happened. Thank you! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteWell, Mrs. White, I am sure you would write the same.
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Jane
Very good advice! And also for anyone who just feels depressed for no new reason. A phone call can perk up a person! And even walking places, a smile can also. hugs,andrea
ReplyDeleteSo true, Andrea. You never know what others are going through. I learned from a very nice Christian, that when you see someone that looks troubled, harried or unhappy while out, stop and send up a quick prayer for them. You don't even need to approach them. I thought that was some of the best advice I ever received.
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Jane
Yes, wonderful idea...and I actually do say a prayer, even if a thought of a person pops into my mind. hugs,andrea
DeleteI do the same! I think it is the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
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Jane
This is heavy on our hearts now and we are praying rather consistently. Yet I like your added reminder that things move on for some but it takes quite a bit of time for normal to return to those who have suffered such devastation and interruption in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are keeping those in prayer, Cathy. It will be a hard time for a long while for many, I fear.
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Jane
Very true, news has to be what it is news, but after that the tragedy will go on longer than the newsflash. I also always wonder why some news is given more attention than other news. Now for example, I (in the Netherlands), have read on the same news bulletin at least three big essays about Helena and just one about a devastated flood in Nepal (151 deaths so far). Do we feel more connected with the USA than Nepal? Or is it that there is more content available about the one than the other? But you are so right, about being more caring for each other even though you are no longer "in the news".
ReplyDeleteIsn't that strange, Wendy? Here in the States, the news cycle has moved on to politics, as it is an election year. Why they can only focus on one thing is beyond me. They just keep reporting the same story over and over again. Hope all is well with you!
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Jane
That's exactly what I've been thinking, Jane. There's a huge outpouring of support from my area of central NC, but I've been wondering about what happens when it's no longer in the news. As my niece lives in Asheville, once she gets back home, I plan to see if she knows of any specific needs. Between the college she works at, and the many groups she's in, I expect someone will be helping. Thank you for commenting on this.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Laurie, people have very short attention spans.Once it cycles out of the news, people assume all is well and on to the next. Of all the catastrophes I've been through, floods are the worst. So much mud and then you have to worry about mold, not to mention contamination from the overflowing water. My heart really goes out to everyone that has been struck.
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Jane
Good reminder Jane. ❤️ I have felt this after having a new baby. People are so excited right after the baby is born, bringing meals and visiting. Sometimes having difficult recoveries, and no family locally, I sometimes wished people would remember new moms at 6 weeks too.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good reminder Brooke! Also it is good to check on widows and widowers, especially during the holidays. Churches and communities used to do this, but society has become so isolated these days.
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Jane
Excellent advice! They will need help and encouragement in the coming year or longer. God bless them all!
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