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Hello St. John’s Family,
Like so many, I have followed the updates from Texas as a region reels from the impact of the devastating flooding. Disbelief, shock, heartbreak, anger – these are just some of the feelings that surfaced as I learned of the widespread destruction and horrific loss of life. Hearing of a river rise over 25 feet in less than an hour is almost incomprehensible. This is a moment when words like “grief” or “sorrow” cannot begin to capture the depth of the pain so many are experiencing.
In my attempts to process this tragedy, I’ve found myself looking for reasons why it occurred. Not in an overarching or cosmic sense; rather, in a practical sense: what exactly happened, and why was the outcome so much worse than other storms. Yes, weather is unpredictable, however this devastation seems far beyond what should have occurred. Why is that? And… as my mind goes there, my heart inevitably raises this follow-up: and who is to blame.
It seems those questions are being raised by many. Yesterday, as I watched a local official respond to a journalist’s pointed questions regarding the timing of flood alerts, I could see the frustration in his response. Similar questions have surfaced in my mind; questions I’m quite sure I already know the answer to. His response – half pleading and half utter frustration – was this: we’re not there yet. He acknowledged they were important questions and pledged they would be answered fully at a later time. Now, though, they are only focusing on searching for and recovering victims. A pause – and some reflection – reminded me that is how it should be.
As I reflected, I saw how a basic human response in times of chaos is to try to retake a measure of control. We see horrific devastation and death that shocks and angers, and we have a deep need to respond. We could not stop the flood waters; we cannot go and join the teams of volunteers searching, but we’ve got to do something. Clearly, for something this bad to have happened, someone must have messed up. And we can figure that out, whether it’s helpful at the moment or not. I saw how I was falling into that very mindset – a sobering and humbling realization.
Perhaps, at this moment, a pause, deep breath, and prayer is what is needed most. Can we pause and grieve with our neighbors who are hurting? Can we hold some of the overbearing heaviness and grief those neighbors are carrying? Can we lift up our collective pain and grief to God in prayer, seeking the healing and peace that only Christ can provide? Can we wait for the appropriate time to ask the difficult, probing questions… instead of firing them off before the next outrage steals the spotlight? There lies the real challenge: to follow up in a responsible way, that will glean needed lessons from this tragedy and help avoid similar outcomes in the future. Lord, in your mercy, may it be so.
I hope you’ll join me this Sunday for a powerful morning of worship! We’ll continue our trip back to Sunday School, and the lessons we learned there, as we explore Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan and how it speaks to us. We’ll also pray for our upcoming week of Vacation Bible School and the 42 children who are currently registered… and at our 10:30 service we’ll celebrate 2 Baptisms. I hope you’ll read Luke 10:25-37, then join me in worship-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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