ForgottenWoman

Such Heartbreak!

Quiet time at home allows for more than usual video watching – and it is truly heartbreaking to see the devestation from the fires in California. Besides heartbreaking, it’s frustrating to feel helpless – and that’s what I feel. It’s the same feeling I had when here in WNC we experienced Helene. Gratitude for my personal safety and the safety of those I loved and helpless to make a dent in what others were suffering.

Believe me – I’ve seen the angry posts – people are upset that so much has been promised to those in California when so many are still homeless and helpless in WNC. I understand the heart behind the anger – people who have lost their homes who have recieved not one penny to help them get back on their feet. Most of us who had some sort of life altering damage – but who have received nothing. Some who have paid into insurance for years only to be told they will receive nothing. The word heartbreaking keeps coming to mind.

I am not an expert in FEMA, local or national government agencies and what they are or are not doing. I won’t participate in the theories because I’ve seen our local people go above and beyond and I’m not close enough to national “help” to have an educated opinion.

What DO I know? Well, what I do know may anger some of my friends and acquaintances. But I’m going to say it anyway. I’ve walked through enough devestation in my own life to know that the real answer is found in trusting the One Who sees all, knows all, loves all and is able to handle all. If He has allowed it- then He will see me through it. He allows both good and evil to take place in this world. He allows the storms and the fires and even the deaths. Sometimes, the pain we walk through is unimaginable suffering – and we can only navigate with our hand securely in His.

One of my friends called me today after saying something like this to me. (She has been suffering with sciatic pain for about 2 months now.) She said, “I can tell you this! God is using this to make me more compassionate! I know you’ve pushed through physical pain for many years and I now have an appreciation for that.” What is she doing in the midst of her suffering? She is asking the Lord to teach her – soften her heart toward others – give her compassion when someone else is hurting – teach her to trust Him and His timing for her healing.

This is something I CAN do – when I feel helpless in these situations. Instead of posting angry comments about what others should be doing, I can find out where I can help and do it. I can also understand that there are some things I can do nothing about! Those things I take humbly to the throne of grace and I beg God to comfort, to protect, to provide and to teach those walking these dark paths exactly what He wants them to know about Him and trusting Him in these times.

Should we be concerned about things that don’t seem right with our government? Absolutely. And we should contact those in charge, ask the questions we need answered and make sure we elect the right people each time we get a chance to vote. Is it ok to discuss this with our friends and family? Of course! Iron sharpens iron and we can learn from each other! Is it wrong to post on social media that we smell a rat – something isn’t quite right? I don’t think so – I just think we need to be doing more than venting. We need to actively engage with those who can make changes where needed. We can thank those who have worked tirelessly for one another and recognize those in our local organizations who have done phenomenal jobs in impossible situations. Sometimes it’s more fun to vent – I know – but it’s way more profitable to say thank you where appropriate.

I know – I went into Momma mode there for a bit. That’s why so many call me MommaJoy. I’m sorry if my message offends you – that’s not my goal: ever! I’m talking to myself as well as anyone else who will listen. My frustration and my anger and my fear for those still homeless – I MUST take them to my Father! He sees them. He loves them. He can reach into their situations – and He wants them to seek Him in all of it. That can be my prayer. When I get up off my knees I feel less helpless; and often He gives me wisdom concerning some small thing I may be able to do to help.

Love to you, my friends!