LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN EVERYTHING
LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN EVERYTHING
My grandmother always told me to look for the good in everything. I suppose this means even in the aftermath of a hurricane, I need to look for the good. I followed Mom Rogers advice, and I found the good in the people surrounding me as I witnessed folks from all walks of life coming together to serve. Everywhere I looked, I saw numerous individuals giving their time and resources to help the victims and communities of Hurricane Irma.
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,” 2 Corinthians 8:3 (NIV)
Working Together
Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc on my home state. The destructive winds destroyed homes, roads, and businesses leaving behind a vast rebuilding project. Although the destruction is evident everywhere, I am amazed (and inspired) at the strength and perseverance of our residents. I have witnessed communities coming together and people working together to give as much as they are able to give in an effort to serve one another. Their efforts have made such an impact on me that I wanted to share a few of their stories with you. These individuals continue to give selflessly in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
“Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:16 (CEB)
Giving Back
As restoration efforts began, utility companies throughout the nation arrived to assist with the power outages. I believe there were more than 15 million people without electricity. Caravans of service trucks lined the highways and interstates as they headed to the sunshine state to help with the restoration efforts, and we are forever grateful!
After Hurricane Irma left our community void of many necessities, FAITH Neighborhood Center, a local food bank, distributed FEMA food and water to 1201 individuals, 34% were under the age of 18. FNC staff and volunteers served a total of 315 households of South Lake County. I’m also happy to share that FNC will soon be distributing personal care items, diapers, and cleaning supplies to families in collaboration with FEMA’s continued relief efforts.
A group of bloggers known fondly as The Blessing Counters created a Go Fund Me page for a sister blogger, Marva Smith. Marva, along with her husband, Sylvester, and their two children, reside on the island of Tortola, located in the British Virgin Islands. Hurricane Irma made a direct hit on the Virgin Islands as a category 5 hurricane. Tortola is in a state of wreckage due to Hurricane Irma. Marva and the residents of the Virgin Islands need our prayers and support. You can read more about Marva’s story and receive updates here. As I write this post, I am in prayer for the residents in the line of Hurricane Maria. I hope you’ll join me in prayer.
Among the efforts of so many individuals selflessly serving, my path crossed with two amazing women. Actually, it was my husband who crossed their path, literally. Sher Alloway and Teresa Olinger, Irma Pet Rescue, were traveling late one night after spending a very long day assisting with wild horse rescue. Unfortunately, their truck broke down just after midnight, and they needed assistance. After several unsuccessful phone calls, they contacted my husband, Scott, in hopes that he would be able to assist.
I remember Scott hanging up the phone at 2 am. He looked at me, and without hesitation, he told me that he had to help them. My reply was, “I know you do.” My husband is a good man with a big heart, and there was no way he was not going to assist these two women stranded alongside the road, miles from home, with little resources available because of Hurricane Irma. To keep it short, I’ll borrow Teresa’s words, “there’s so much more to this story,” but I want to focus on the impact these two women have made because of their giving hearts.
Sher and Teresa dedicate their time to rescuing pets – dogs, cats, and horses. They help find and save these animals in hopes of reuniting them with their families. I encourage you to check out their website to learn more about their heroic efforts because words just aren’t enough to express how much these two women have served, and how much they have inspired me. They truly have a heart for giving.
“We’ll work like it depends on us and pray as it depends on Him.” Sher Alloway and Teresa Olinger, Irma Pet Rescue
Continue to Serve One Another in Love
These are just a few of the stories from the past week. There are many more stories I hope to share with you in due time, stories of inspiration and hope. If you take anything with you today, I hope you look for the good in everything and appreciate the importance of serving one another in love.
“Someday – maybe many days – you will perform some simple act of love and think nothing about it, and that act of love will be the stack pole of a person’s walk with God.” Pastor David Crosby
If you have been impacted by a hurricane, recent or past, we would love to hear your story. You may share your story below or reach out via email. Our stories connect us and serve as a testimony to those around us just how great our God is today and every day.
We are our stories.
thanks for this thoughtful prompt to look for the good even in the most difficult of circumstances … and the reminder that there’s always a way to show we care.
beautiful …
Thank you for your kind words Linda!
Thanks for sharing some stories of light in the midst of the storm. I was blessed! I’m your neighbor at Holley’s.
Thank you for connecting Sandra!
So much heartbreak, Robin. Continuing to pray for everyone involved with all the recent hurricanes, and for Mexico City and the surrounding areas as well. Sometimes it seems that tragedy brings out the good in our communities–and truthfully the good was most likely there all along–we just isolate ourselves from one another way too much. Thanks for the reminder to look for the good and to *be* the good. ((Hug))
I agree Brenda. My prayers are with Mexico as well. I love your words, look for the good and be the good!
As I’m sure you know, our local news outlets tend to focus on the recovery efforts and conditions of those in our area so we’ve heard little to nothing about Central Florida. Thanks for sharing these stories. Our hearts are always encouraged by people coming together for such a time as this.
Thank you for sharing Debby and thank you for the encouragement!
Wow, what encouraging stories, Robin— thanks so much for sharing. Simple acts of kindness as well as grand gestures of generosity go a long way and speak volumes, not only to those directly affected, but also to those of us watching from afar. Makes me think we should constantly be on the lookout for ways to bless others by being the hands and feet of Jesus! Thanks for the reminder. Stopping by from #salt and light
Thank you for the encouragement, Laura! I agree, we should be on the lookout for those God places in our path to care for and encourage. Thank you for connecting!
What an inspiring post Robin. We live in South Florida and experienced lots of typical damage -foliage, fences, loss of electricity, etc. But nothing of real value. I went to Lake Placid this week to visit my mom and see how she did – and was amazed. They are a small town, yet banded together so heroically!!! On Sunday her church had service without power and later that afternoon they decided to feed people who were hungry. They made phone calls (for one hour) rallying volunteers – and ended up feeding 450 people! What a great story!! I love that you highlight we all have stories and need to be shared. I wrote about that on my blog this week! It’s nice to meet you – I found you at FreshMarketFriday!
Thank you for sharing Char! There’s so much good happening in our communities despite the hardships. Feeding 450 people is amazing. This is truly God at work through His people! Thank you for connecting!
I wish we heard more of the positive stories than the negative. Thank you for sharing! We have been praying for everyone in the hurricanes paths. Hope things go back to somewhat normal soon!
Thank you for sharing Sarah! It seems Central Florida is much closer to recovery than the folks in South Florida and Houston but there are many people out there assisting and build up one another. Prayers for their safety and protection!
Love is still the way. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for connecting Boma!
Congrats on winning the #ChasingCommunity September drawing, Robin. 🙂 So glad you’re part of this sweet family of encouragers. If you could send me your info, I’ll get your gift right out to you. xoxo
Thank you Brenda! I apologize for the delay. I had some unexpected circumstances this week!
Hey Robin! I’ve visiting from Crystal Thadwell’s linkup where you were featured.. I so appreciate this post and the reminder I needed to contribute to disaster relief. I’m heading over to Marva’s go fund page right now. Thanks for making it so easy to do so. Have a blessed weekend!
That is wonderful Tiffiney! Thank you for connecting and commenting! I’m always grateful for new friends!
I love looking for the good in everything. I find it to be a fun challenge. Thank you for sharing some positive stories and for helping others in need.
Thank you for the encouragement Maree Dee!
Seeing others serve in love shows just how God is. Thank you for sharing this with the readers of Literacy Musing Mondays.
Thank you for connecting Tami. I am so inspired by the community of women that serve one another in love. I’m not sure many women know the seeds they are planting! #literacymusingmonday