KATRINA

The worst hurricane disaster in modern American history has deluged one of our greatest cities. Mark predicted on Sunday that many people there would conclude that God is bad through this. It seems that here on Thursday night, at the very least they have concluded that rescue workers are bad, that they have been forgotten, and that their desperate need must be met immediately.

I have a tendency not to step forward when other pushy people seem to voice a stronger need than I have. That tendency is usually positive, but there have been several times when it has hurt my family, because I haven't stood up for them or been assertive when necessary. After four days in stench and heat, living with all my family gathered around, with my little ones teetering on dehydration, with dead bodies just a few feet away, waiting for a few buses to come and take 42 people at a time away, would I reach the point of desperation? What if I were a poor Black man (Ellen noticed that almost all of the images are of Blacks)? Would I add this to my long list of sleights and conclude that someone out there was getting help, but that nobody cared about me? They say we all have a breaking point. What would mine be?

So from my comfortable home, with no immediate need for gas and no shortages affecting me, what does God call me to do? We sent money electronically. I am praying some generic prayers for mercy and help. What else is there? There should be no needy people among us believers, and we are called to heal and bless the nations. Sacrifice is called for. But what would be of practical help? LORD, give me ideas and give us all ways to help from here.