Amidst the Storms

It's been three weeks since Katrina unleashed her power and now New Orleans, among the Gulf Coast communities hit hard, begins to put back what it can of the pieces. As the floodwaters begin to recede, however, let us ensure that our concern and attention do not recede. The people along the Gulf Coast who will be rebuilding their lives -- whether here, there, or somewhere else -- for some time to come need to know that we are in it with them and for them for the long run.

At the same time that we remember the losses and the lost, let us also be grateful for the blessings that have been poured out in the midst of the catastrophe, chaos, and confusion. For example, last night, after three weeks of worry and prayer, I received the good news through someone else that a pair of friends who own and run a B&B at the edge of the French Quarter are safe and secure (and the business pretty much is, too, but truthfully that's secondary). I was so relieved I began to dance and sing!

While the blessings and losses, collective and personal, cannot be weighed one against the other, let us find hope in the blessings in order to garner the strength to rebuild despite the losses. And at the same time, let us remember too those experiencing the rains of Ophelia and those who are preparing for the touchdown of Rita.