Dear Friends in Christ,
As I write this letter, we are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. On Friday morning after the hurricane winds/mini tornadoes came through, I met a man who had spent all of his seventy-some years living in Aiken. He said that this was the worst he had seen in his lifetime. It certainly is the worst devastation that I have seen in my entire life. It is like the aftermath of a horrific battle but without the huge loss of life.
And yet, it is much, much worse in many parts of the country! The death toll from Helene stands at about 100. Much of the Gulf Coast of Florida, southern Georgia, and Asheville are totally destroyed. As bad as we might think we have it, it is so much worse in many parts of our nation.
Yet there always is hope for the people of God. As I went out to check the churches and our school this morning, I discovered that we now have power at the new church and at the school. Many subdivisions now have power restored and grocery stores and gas stations are returning to service.
As I reflect upon our current difficulties, I am reminded of the first reading from Friday, September 27th, the first day after the storm hit us:
“For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”
(Eccl 3:1-8)
These words of wisdom cover every possible human circumstance. Now we are in a time of weeping and mourning. But soon, we will be in a time of healing, laughing, rebuilding, and planting. As we cling to our Lord, He is faithful to provide for us.
May we remember and help those among us who are disadvantaged, homebound, or need special assistance. May we pause, reflect, and give thanks for all of God’s blessings. May we cling to God, to His mother, and to His Church!
All the best…in Christ.
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