Gratitudes of Another Kind 8/29/17

    It is dismaying.

   The destruction and lives lost in Houston, Texas.  I am with you, I am alarmed and sad-dened with this part of the country devas-ted by Hurricane Harvey.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it will be
years before all the damage can be repaired.

    It is estimated, Hurricane Harvey will leave behind billions of dollars in destruction to the region. 

    On hold is the normal list of optimistic gratitudes expressed here. Today, expressed are quiet gratitudes of another nature.

The hurricane has certainly been an oppor-
tunity to express support and compassion. 

1.  For the rescue workers, including the National Guard, who put themselves at risk, while help-ing those suffering in the Houston region.
2.  For the acts of kindness by many, to assist those af-fected by the storm.  For example, TV and motion picture stars donating large sums of money. One popular reality star and her family are donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.  Kudos to you!
3.  For the owner of the Houston Rockets basketball team.  This man, Leslie Alexander, donated $10,000,000 to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.  Yes, ten million dollars.

      God bless him, for his generosity and example!

4. A national beer company halted production of its product to provide cans of water for Houston residents. 50,000 cans have been shipped so far.

"Putting our production and logistics strengths to work by providing safe, clean drinking water is the best way we can help in these situations,” brewmaster Sarah Schilling said in a statement.
5.  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce pledged $26 million, while CNN Money's analysis is that $40.9 million has been pledged by several companies this afternoon.
6. Verizon alone pledged $10 million.   Godspeed to this company.

7.  Southwest Air-lines got permission to evacuate 500 residents of Houston to Dallas, Texas.  This was after the Houston airport was closed by the FAA on Sunday morning.

    The airline re-quested permission, however, and was able to take five planes loaded with hurricane victims.
8. Airbnb has changed their rules of service so that Texas users can offer up their place of residence to Hurricane Harvey evacuees for free.

9.  For hope.  
      Seeing the immediate helpful response by so many for those involved in an environmental tragedy warms my heart.  My need for seeing a caring con-nection with those who are undergoing upheaval is being met. Witnessing consideration, compassion, and sensitivity towards those suffering is heart-warming.

       We are observing man operating at his best.  

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        Please join me in praying for what is happening in Texas as a result of this catastrophe. 

    Dear God,  

Please be with all those suffering from the devastation in Houston. Watch over their welfare and those who are helping. We ask you to spare the lives of those in peril. 

     Provide practical comfort and hope to those in need----those who have lost everything or nearly everything in this flood. 

     We are grateful for many acts of kindness and compassion demonstrated by the people aiding those afflicted by Hurricane Harvey. 

     We don't know what the future holds.  But we know You hold the future. We pray that you guide those in authority and those solving Houston's problems to respond wisely, bravely and quickly.           

    Show us how we can contribute to those in need during this crisis. Help us to demonstrate your love by our response.  

     We make these requests in your name, 

              Amen