Everyone needs encouragers in their life. I know I do. Otherwise, when situations don’t turn out the way I anticipated or the road gets tough, I inevitably fall into negativity. The critical voice in my head replays the same old stories from my past sending me into a tailspin. But it’s not only the inner critic that drags me down. Cynics and naysayers have the same effect.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, this kind of thinking doesn’t bode well for physical or mental recovery. Yet this is not what I’ve experienced so far after Hurricane Helene roared through Appalachia a little over three weeks ago. Instead, what I’ve seen are people helping people and encouragers everywhere.
Even though my husband and I didn’t have damage to our home, we do live in the middle of the affected region. Our only inconvenience was the lack of power for five days and no cell service for eleven. Our internet remains out, but I can drive down the mountain and pick it up about a mile away.
I call these “inconveniences” because they are not life threatening like the perils experienced by others in our area. The idea of complaining about these little problems doesn’t even enter my mind when so many others are in worse situations. Everyone I know whether they lost nothing or everything are simply thankful for the abundance of help offered from so many sources.
FEMA, local authorities, convoys of linemen from other states, friends, neighbors. and random volunteers with shovels and chainsaws have joined together in our recovery efforts. The outpouring of love and encouragement is heartwarming. Whenever a monumental hurdle appears impossible to overcome, helpers come out of nowhere to our rescue. I’ve never experienced anything like this before.
Just last week, we gathered at church to brainstorm what to do with a mountain of donated clothing. As we were speaking, a van pulled up with individuals from a group home in Marshall who volunteered to help with anything we needed done. Praise the Lord. He answered our prayer before we even had the opportunity to ask for help. These people spent the remainder of the morning sorting clothing and carrying it under a shelter. We have more to do with these donations, but this group made a huge contribution. So many others have similar stories to tell.
None the less, I don’t want to discount the level of pain and anguish the people of Appalachia are now suffering. It is profound and will take years or even lifetimes to heal from the trauma. So, cynics and naysayers please stay away. We don’t need you on television, social media, or in our backyard.
Everyone needs encouragers at a time such as this. Encouragers offer hope and hope stimulates recovery. The road will be long and difficult, yet the mountain people are strong and resilient. I have faith they will rise from this disaster stronger and even more resilient than before.
But we still need your love, prayers, help, and encouragement. Please, keep sending it our way.
*featured photo courtesy of Canva
