Did you see it? Did you feel it? Did it blow you away? No, I’m not talking about the winds and rains of Hurricane Ian. We’re now a few weeks removed from the storm that devastated our state leaving flooding and ruin behind it. What I’m talking about is the amazing response from the community – people who wanted to find a way, any way, to help and support those who were flooded out of their homes.
Watching that response made me immediately think of our theme for this school year “Love First” based on Romans 5:8. So many people from our St. Luke’s family reached out to me – even before the hurricane was gone – asking how they could help those who were victims of the storm. Their first impulse was to “love first” and provide for those in need. In a time of challenge for so many, people recognized all the blessings they’ve received from God and wanted to share those blessings with those who needed them. People opened their homes, provided meals, donated uniforms and toys, picked up a rake or shovel, bought gift cards, and so much more.
The aftermath of Hurricane Ian will be with our community and our state for a long time. Let’s make every effort as a St. Luke’s family to sustain our support to those in need. “Loving first” is not a one-time event. It’s a way of living that embraces the truth that all that we have is an undeserved and unmerited gift from God to be freely and sacrificially shared with others.