Helping Moore

     Tragedy tends to bring the best out of people.  That statement seems strange even as I type it, but it seems to be true.  When we see others suffer in some way, it affects us.  Compassion, it seems, is universal (at least among the sane).  If we too have experienced tragedy, then we empathize . . . we've "been there" and so we feel even more deeply . . . and even if we can't fully understand what someone is going through, there is a stirring that wells up from deep within us.  We have the inner urge to do something; to help out in some way . . . even when tragedy strikes hundreds of miles away, we are still swept up by it all.

 

     But, what can we do?  In the aftermath of the devastating storms in Moore, OK, that's the question that rings in my head and heart:  What can I do?  Is there a way to help?  I live in Mount Sterling, KY which is 871 miles away from Moore, OK (according to Google).  So what, if anything, can I do?

 

     As a Christian, the first thing that comes to mind in times like these is prayer.  Easy answer I know, but often we discount prayer as second-rate somehow.  I suppose it's because so many will say, "I'll be sure to pray about that" . . . but most probably never do.  It sometimes seems to be the easy way out.  BUT . . . prayer is powerful and God hears and answers prayer.  Scripture tells us that the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective (James 5:16; NIV).  So we must not be to quick to dismiss this important response.  It's easy and immediate:  so I pray for those suffering the effects of the storms in Moore, OK.

 

     We can also help tangibly by giving to the relief effort through reputable agencies.  There is a great opportunity to do just that right here in Mount Sterling.  Needed items are being collected until Thursday, May 30, and will then be shipped via U-Haul to Moore, OK and distributed to those in need.  You can click here to view more details and see how you can help.

 

     Physical presence is an obvious way to respond as well and I'm sure there will be numerous opportunities to go there and help with the rebuilding of lives in the days and months (even years) ahead

 

     Tragedy moves us.  It is intrinsic to who we are made to be because of the image we bear.  We are moved with empathy, compassion, and love because that's the character of God in us.  His compassion never fail and his mercy is new every morning.


A few "moore" ways to help:

     World Vision Relief
     Salvation Army
     International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES)
     LifeChurch.tv