Help! is a good prayer

My Hurricane Beryl Edition

I posted this on my Barefoot Crossing substack page and thought I would use it as my ELOGOS entry today as well.

• Psalm 119:84-88

• “…help me…”

Oh, God…there is relief in uttering that most heartfelt and simple prayer. To start where we are is to face our limitations. To use what we have is to appeal to our relationship with you. To do what we can is to live and love another day. Amen

From Deb:

• Hurricane Beryl hit my area last Monday - the above scripture text was appointed for that day. I always find these intersections of current events with random scripture moments of barefoot crossing - encounters with the holy.

• I lost power in the early morning hours of Monday before the storm had peaked. Cell phone service was down or intermittant. I managed with a small generator for a few days. My weariness caved in on me. With my parrot Reggie, I drove out of the area to friends in Temple outside the power outage areas. I am still waiting for news from neighbors of power being restored to my street.

• I am grateful that several of you reached out to me in Barefoot Crossing’s absence to check on my welfare. I am deeply grateful for your concern. Never underestimate of the power of saying, “Are you okay?” There is always a risk in asking, but for me, on the receiving end, the benefits of being on someone’s radar of compassion outweigh the risk.

• I ache for the millions who have far fewer resources of materials and compassion. Some of my readers have also been impacted and to you please know my “Are you okay?” is heartfelt. When you can, let me know.

• I am still in an emotional/mental fog that happens after a weather disaster like this. This is my fourth major event since moving into this area in 2007. One phrase of wisdom I heard that has proven true for me is that “If you have been through one hurricane, you have been through one hurricane.” Each one is different. My preparations and my decision-making process has improved but each one brings unexpected damages - both physical and emotional. Am I okay? I am weary. Tender. Grieving. Grateful.

Peace,

deb