Disjointed thoughts

The devastation left by hurricane Katrina is unbelievable. I just read that the disaster area is as big as all of Great Britain. Unbelievable.

I listen to KSBJ every morning on my way to work, and it's been so encouraging to hear about what is being done and how churches have opened their doors and their hearts. It pulls at my heart and makes me want to do something . . . anything. So it's been frustrating this week, knowing I won't get a paycheck until next week and having to work 12 hours every single day. But such is my life from now until at least next June.

But I am so proud that I live and work in Houston. This really is an amazing city that has drawn together to support and sustain tens of thousands of evacuees. Amazing.

Over the past few days I've seen tons of news footage that stirs a flurry of emotions - grief for those suffering and lost, anger at those politicizing this tragedy, relief for those saved and reunited with loved ones, and thankfulness for those banning together to help each other.

One such story was featured on On the Record with Greta Van Susteren. Jabbar, a young man from New Orleans who looked about 18 years-old, went into a school yard and took a school bus after the hurricane hit. He then went around and picked people up from the side of the road. Although he had never driven a bus in his life, he drove about 80 people from New Orleans to Houston in 8 hours. They made three stops for gas, and made their way to the Astrodome because they heard on the radio that's where people were being evacuated to. Hearing Jabbar tell his story was encouraging and even comical at times.

Here's another heart-warming story: An older couple living in Mississippi was interviewed on a news program last night. They're in their late 60's and retired. Their house was destroyed during the hurricane. As they stood outside what was left of their home, the husband explained that they had lost everything and that he had never imagined that they would have to start all over at their age. The wife looked up at him and said, no we didn't lose everything; we still have each other. He put his arm around her and said, yes, we still have each other.

How sweet is that???

It's easy to get overwhelmed by all that's happening. So my suggestion is to pray. Pray for the tens of thousands that are now homeless. Pray for those who are still suffering because of lack of food and water. Pray for those who have lost loved ones and for the families that have been separated. Pray for those waiting to be evacuated. Pray for those organizing evacuations, as well as rescue and relief efforts. Pray about what you can specifically do to help.

Like I mentioned, the hunt for someone to blame is really starting to anger me; it's time for people to stop pointing fingers and DO SOMETHING. Our country is divided enough as it is, and instead of drawing us closer together, this tragedy is causing a deeper rift. I was reading a blog earlier (which I won't even grace with a link) that essentially said since the states devastated are red states, they should be left alone to suffer. How stupid and heartless can people be?! Another guy said he saw a woman on the side of the road, standing outside her car, clutching her baby. He assumed she had run out of gas and slowed down to stop to help when he saw the W on the back of her car. So instead of stopping he sped up and drove away! He had the audacity to say that since she was stupid enough to vote for Bush she should wait on the side of the road for him to come and help her. What the- ?!?! I don't get how one's political standing should keep them from receiving help when they need it. Or how one can refuse help because of another's political views. What's wrong with people???

These are just a portion of my disjointed thoughts. There are plenty more where these came from, but my bed beacons. Until tomorrow . . .