Community in the Storm

This has been an intense time in the US with the race issues and several natural disasters impacting many Americans. What is happening to us? Well, as I think about the three intense hurricanes impacting Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico along with the fires in California wine country… so much loss of property and life! Yet, in the aftermath of these tragedies we see whole populations of various ages, races and genders coming together to rebuild. It is as if God has allowed these natural disasters to occur in order to remind us as a nation that we are in this together, no matter how different the culture and backgrounds we come from. Jesus came preaching about the Kingdom – God’s nation that is beyond race, ethnicity, and gender. He gathered a group of disciples together to train in community and they went on to bring the message to others meeting together – “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus (Acts 5:42).”

It appears to me that God is trying to remind us to come together as a community in the aftermath of these natural disasters – As we meet the basic needs for clothing, food and shelter; we are displaying our faith through action (James 2:14-16, Matt 5:15-16).” In times of struggle and crisis, it is the Churches opportunity to let our light shine before men, showing them the kindness of our Savior! It is time to come together in unity to help rebuild community.