Katrina

Oh, how a storm can change lives.

A week has gone by since Katrina viciously visited America's southern states. Many are making plans to relocate permanently, others are still just trying to find all of their family members.

Many from New Orleans have come to Houston to recuperate. They are allowing the Houstonians to bring them food, water, clothing, and other necessities of life. They are grateful for the help.

I didn't plan to write about the sad stories surrounding the hurricane victims. I wanted to express how encouraged I am at the hearts of the Houstonians responding to the need that was brought to their doorstep.

I have watched reporters on TV delivering stories and pictures of the victims. It almost seemed like a photojournalist's prayer request. But the background of most of these stories and pictures is filled with feet running to help, hands lifting the head of the discouraged, and ears attentive to broken-hearted.

The men and women focused on helping do not stand in line to get their time on TV. They don't wave at the cameras. They don't want the limelight. The only thing these volunteers expect to gain by serving their fellow man is the satisfaction of knowing their effort made someone's day better.

I've heard about the anonymous customer who secretly paid for the meals of the two families from New Orleans. When the families finished sharing stories and tried to pay their own bills and go their separate ways, they found there was no bill to pay.

Generosity can be contagious. It has been spreading throughout the country as organizations coordinate their own individual contribution plans. Many Americans are praying for the healing of the victims. Hundreds of homes have been opened to the new homeless. Even those who are only able to give money do so because they want to participate in lightening the load of those in need.

Most of the stories show God's hands in action. I've seen strangers come together bound to each other only by the love of God. He has created us to love. It's what we're supposed to do. Those that are more interested in their own business than their fellow man on normal days have stopped to show compassion, surprising even themselves.

I believe God is using this horrible disaster to bring people to Himself. The victims in the southern states are calling out to Him, the volunteer helpers are calling for His help, and the suddenly surprised compassionate givers are recognizing God's presence in all of this. I expect many lost sheep to come back into the fold.

When we allow God into our lives, we become more fruitful and more of a blessing to others. One cannot do everything, but we can each do our part.

To God be the glory.