Last year, hubs and I took my mom to Maui. She was kind enough to take this photo of us. I wish I had gotten one of her and I in front of the famous banyan tree.
Especially since the buildings behind it are now ashes and rubble.
My heart goes out to the people in Lahaina and everyone affected by the devastating fires. On our trips around the islands, hubs and I fell in love with the people, culture, and natural beauty. To think that so much history and so many lives were lost breaks my heart. My prayers are with them as they pick up the pieces and rebuild. Maui will bounce back, but it may take years.
Not everything lost can be recovered, but hope can still spring from tragedy. This is when I pray, "God, turn it around. Take what the enemy meant for evil and division, and turn it for good."
God moves close to those who mourn. Those who are struggling. Those who call on Him in the midst of tragedy. In response, He sends people who are willing to love their fellow humans. To those without faith, the statements sound wishy washy. Maybe even a little crazy. But we've all seen people smile through their pain and choose to help someone else. We've seen people assemble and give their time to pass out meals, supplies, to clasp hands and pray with people who are hurting.
This is where God moves. Faith or no faith, we're here to spread compassion and love as much as we can.
I love the positive true stories that come from relief efforts. So often, we're tempted to focus on the negatives and news headlines. How many people are homeless? How many were lost? What is the estimated cost of damages?
But underneath those facts, to the left of the reporters standing in front of razed buildings, real stories of hope transpire.
Family members reunite after days with no communication.
A person who lost their home passes out meals to their fellow homeless neighbors before they accept a portion for themselves.
Tears of gratitude flow for the lives still present.
People open their homes and their hands, sharing what they have.
Some people offer moral support.
Others offer financial.
This is the difference between simple facts and stories. If devastation divides, stories connect people. For every great tragedy and all the horrific statistics, helpers arise and take care of the victims. I wish I could be one of the helpers in Lahaina, but for now, I'll send donations and prayers. May light shine into the darkness and lift up those who are suffering. God, turn it around.
Keep on smilin'!
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