With my daughter, Elena, and her husband, Brandon, living on St. Simons, the reality of Hurricane Matthew hits home hard. I lived there for eight years and never experienced anything more than a bad thunderstorm and a twin set of water spouts.
When I found out about Matthew, it was a text from my husband who monitors all the weather. My first thought was, This is just like EYEWALL by Buzz Bernard. With Buzz’s books, it is not if, but when. I can only pray the devastation is not as bad as what he wrote about. In my mind’s eye, I see the trees bracing themselves; my beautiful live oaks with all that flowing moss at Epworth, and the palms bending nearly to the ground in The Village. I can hear the wind, the creaking and slashing, and things flying all over. Just imagine the animals; the deer out at Ft. Frederica, the gators, snakes, squirrels, birds of all kinds, armadillos, and possums, much less those pets that had to be left behind. Think of all the elderly at Magnolia Manor and the patients in the Brunswick Hospital; the EMTs, Fire Fighters, and Police who volunteered to stay behind. Think of those trapped on the highway having run out of gas; those at airports who will be there for who knows how long; those who are ill, with small children, and little money.
All those along the Eastern Seaboard need our prayers for a very long time, as well as any donations—food, bottled water, diapers and wipes, clothing, medical supplies, gas for their cars, sanitation supplies, and even a place to stay that is cost-free. How many people can afford a hotel room for a few days, much less weeks or months while their lives are being sorted among the debris? Like Katrina, we must pull together and be the hands and feet of Jesus, regardless whether or not we think we have enough. There is always enough. Forget race, religious preference, or social status, think ‘human’.
Dear God, please watch over all those affected by Hurricane Matthew all over the world. This is not just here but has touched the lives of millions. Let Your loving arms wrap around them all and Your words and promises comfort them. Amen.
- Jeanie Loiacono