Over the last few days of watching the aftermath of the tornadoes fall into place, I have watched raw courage unfold before my eyes. People who literally lost everything of a worldly nature haven't lost their faith, their hope or their humor.
The world continues turning despite their losses, but what has moved me as well is the response. Aid from within and without the state continues to pour into the communities known and unknown that are suffering. The news converges upon the big name cities because we know them, but now, they are trickling out to the towns and communities too small for the average viewer to take note even as they may pass by on the highway every single day in other circumstances.
Now, these strangers are our neighbors in need of our helping hands. These cities that were once just a map dot if even that are places of importance to our heart and soul as we share in the suffering by donating time, food, love and care.
We all bleed red no matter what team we root for, what high school we attended or even if we didn't attend at all. Doesn't matter what church we attend or which services we skip. It only matters that we hold out our hands to our friends whom we haven't met yet.
There are animals in need who have families that may not have survived or who, in the rush to seek personal safety, forgot Fido. They are in shelters and they are being cared for and also need love and comfort and assistance.
They, too, bleed red.
But the bond between us all be we animal or human goes deeper. We are all creations of God who cares for us all. It is His divine plan that we assist one another and make life better for those around us.
Though we share in the happy times readily, it is a blessing to see that we also readily jump in with labor, love and yes, even our own blood, to aid someone who has suffered in ways we will possibly never comprehend.
We all bleed red and we all hurt.
This storm has brought something more powerful than devastation to Alabama. It has brought truckloads, baskets and open hands of love. Hope hasn't been blown away. And through the care we offer to man and beast in this terrible time of suffering, we show our connection to that God who has made us all.
Hope you will enjoy the link. The song by Ronnie Dunn truly moved me. I hope it will move you as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RVSOOBQB6I0
