Now is the Time to Shine
The recent hurricane has left many with nothing39 total reviews
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
You have made an excellent point here. Until we are in the position of the people in the mountains and around them, we can never really know how desperate and depressed they must be. The Red Cross envelope is lying her on my desk. Time to do something about it.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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You have made an excellent point here. Until we are in the position of the people in the mountains and around them, we can never really know how desperate and depressed they must be. The Red Cross envelope is lying her on my desk. Time to do something about it.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Carol,
thanks so much for the great review gal. Most of us are in a position to help somewhat, some more than others. As you mentioned, we just need to go ahead and do it. Like most disasters, this will eventually be overtaken by a new news story and the people will be forgotten. The folks are going to need a lot of help for a long time, and the more we can get to them initially, the better it's going to be in my opinion. Thanks for your compassion gal. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from Spitfire
My friend has been without power since Helene. Also he has RSV followed by bronchitis. Hence no going to work, no paycheck and expensive medication since he has no health insurance. I have helped him out financially, but when he complains, I say watch the news. At least you have a roof over your head and your parental units get food stamps. Stop whining!
Like you, I've been lucky, so maybe I shouldn't preach to the poor.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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My friend has been without power since Helene. Also he has RSV followed by bronchitis. Hence no going to work, no paycheck and expensive medication since he has no health insurance. I have helped him out financially, but when he complains, I say watch the news. At least you have a roof over your head and your parental units get food stamps. Stop whining!
Like you, I've been lucky, so maybe I shouldn't preach to the poor.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Shari,
I feel bad for anyone who falls through the cracks of the system. A certain amount of planning ahead for disasters can help most folks. One thing is sure in this modern world, there will be another disaster, it's just a matter of time. In some cases, such as in Asheville, I don't think there is anyway to plan for such a disaster. When you lose your home, your business, your job, your car and in some cases your family members, you're basically left to the mercy of the compassionate amongst us. One thing is sure, we can't count on the government to step up to the plate. There is too much waste, it's too big and inefficient and staffed with too many bureaucrats to be of any help to the common man. In many cases, we're on our own. Thank God for those who care and will act to do the right thing. Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
Comment from royowen
Oh yes I agree Tom, although we've had enough of our own, like you, I've never been through a natural, (although we came close with bushfires close) but prayers can always be offered if people are cash strapped, a beautifully written and thoughtful post, I'm glad you understood that the Samaritans are probably like modern day Palestinians, well done, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Oh yes I agree Tom, although we've had enough of our own, like you, I've never been through a natural, (although we came close with bushfires close) but prayers can always be offered if people are cash strapped, a beautifully written and thoughtful post, I'm glad you understood that the Samaritans are probably like modern day Palestinians, well done, blessings Roy
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Roy,
thanks so much for the thoughtful review my friend. I've watched the news from Australia in years gone by and was greatly distressed by the wildfires that you folks suffered. There is no place in the world that is exempt from some sort of upheaval.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from GWHARGIS
Very wise and true. I personally know several people who lost everything in Asheville. And a family just north of there. It hit hard and our state wasn't prepared for the devastation. Anything will help, be it monetary donations, medicines or clothing. It's going to be a rough time ahead. Beautifully written. Gretchen
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Very wise and true. I personally know several people who lost everything in Asheville. And a family just north of there. It hit hard and our state wasn't prepared for the devastation. Anything will help, be it monetary donations, medicines or clothing. It's going to be a rough time ahead. Beautifully written. Gretchen
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Gretchen,
I've wondered how you folks on the Outer Banks fared. I'm sure the storm must have impacted you too. I fear that, as you mentioned, there will be lots of folks who are going to have a rough row to hoe. How do you recover from such an event- especially when the insurance companies won't cover the loss and the government can't seem to help the very people who pay the taxes. It's up to all of us as Americans to come to the need of our fellow citizens. Most of us have more to give than we realize I think. I hope that the majority will answer the call for help.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
A poignant post for all those suffering in these natural disasters that take lives and devastate homes and split families, it is so tragic and I am glad that people open their hearts and give to such good causes as this Tom. Thank you for reminding us of those who suffer in these awful situations, love Dolly x x x
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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A poignant post for all those suffering in these natural disasters that take lives and devastate homes and split families, it is so tragic and I am glad that people open their hearts and give to such good causes as this Tom. Thank you for reminding us of those who suffer in these awful situations, love Dolly x x x
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Dolly,
thanks so much for the caring review gal. We can't count on the government for help. At one time we all looked out for each other's well being. I hope that this disaster will be a wake up call for all of us to assist our fellow citizens.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Hey Tom.
Bless you for your kind heart. You have made your sentiments very clear and I, agree with you wholeheartedly. I wrote an article published about the situation. Our power was out for eight days but it just came back, along with Internet, cell service, and cable. The Lord showed us mercy. We live just down the mountain from Asheville and Boone. The devastation is unbelievable. We know people who lost everything they owned. I really appreciate this piece. It is well written. Samaritan's Purse is an amazing organization. Their HQ is just up the road in Boone.
God bless you.
Robert
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hey Tom.
Bless you for your kind heart. You have made your sentiments very clear and I, agree with you wholeheartedly. I wrote an article published about the situation. Our power was out for eight days but it just came back, along with Internet, cell service, and cable. The Lord showed us mercy. We live just down the mountain from Asheville and Boone. The devastation is unbelievable. We know people who lost everything they owned. I really appreciate this piece. It is well written. Samaritan's Purse is an amazing organization. Their HQ is just up the road in Boone.
God bless you.
Robert
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Robert,
I didn't realize that you lived down there, or if I knew I'd forgotten. Please keep me posted about the situation and how I can assist. It's going to be a long term commitment for people to get back on their feet again. I guess you must not have a generator. We had the power out for 39 hours on Jan 1 a few years ago. The wind was howling at about 60 MPH and the temp was hovering around zero. After that experience I bit the bullet and got a 7500/9500 watt dual fuel generator. We can't afford to have the pipes freeze. In any event, I wish I could come down and help some how, but I think my money would be better spent supporting those who have the means to make a real difference.
Have a blessed day my friend.
Tom
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We are just 40 miles from Boone where Samaritan's Purse is headquartered. They have done amazing things in helping with tragedies worldwide. They are very busy in W. NC. I live 10 miles from Hickory and there have been helicopter flights from the airport there. Yesterday there were over 60 sorties flown into the mountains. One chopper made an emergency landing in Hickory yesterday, but no one was hurt. All of the choppers are private and the owners are providing the fuel. FEMA has barely made a scratch. Private groups and agencies are doing all the work. The damage in the mountains is apocalyptic. We know people who have lost their houses. They don't know when power will be restored. There are hundreds missing. I-40 between Asheville and Knoxville is gone. Check Chimney Rock and Asheville on the net. I live 8 miles from Hickory.
Robert
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Hi Robert,
I saw on the news tonight about those private chopper pilots flying in supplies. Where are the blackhawks? The military needs to step up and support our own people.
Comment from Brenda Strauser
What a beautiful story. You are so very kind and caring. we had some water damage from Hurricane Sandy, but nothing like what these people are enduring. My heart goes out for them. Well written story.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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What a beautiful story. You are so very kind and caring. we had some water damage from Hurricane Sandy, but nothing like what these people are enduring. My heart goes out for them. Well written story.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Brenda,
thanks so much for your delightful comments gal. When we're sitting in our homes watching the news unfold on TV, it's easy to gloss over the problems that others are facing. We just can't afford to do that though. In my own life, God has blessed me, but it's not for me to keep to myself. The Dead Sea is dead because it has no outlet. God has allowed me to see the needs and has blessed me with the means to respond. I hope we'll all help in any way we can, knowing full well that next time it could be us who have the need.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from judiverse
I've been fortunate enough to have been spared these disasters. It must b terrible to go through what these people are going through, especially those living in Ashville. I've seen pictures of the devastation, and it's terrible. So true, the government is often the last to appear on the scene. Samaritan's Purse is there on the scene. I've read of some places where their aid hasn't been welcome because of the group's religious foundation. I gave some money at a Dollar Tree store that was collecting money for the hurricane relief. I've read that the government may not have funds available if there are more hurricanes during the season. This makes me curious, as they have money for everything else, including for the migrants that have been coming in. As you write, prayers are needed. It also helps if others kick in a little bit with whatever assistance they might give. When these disasters occur, it seems like people could help themselves by having a supply of food on hand and maybe a generator. Great writing, and thanks for reminding us of the disaster the hurricane created and the need for help in that area. judi
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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I've been fortunate enough to have been spared these disasters. It must b terrible to go through what these people are going through, especially those living in Ashville. I've seen pictures of the devastation, and it's terrible. So true, the government is often the last to appear on the scene. Samaritan's Purse is there on the scene. I've read of some places where their aid hasn't been welcome because of the group's religious foundation. I gave some money at a Dollar Tree store that was collecting money for the hurricane relief. I've read that the government may not have funds available if there are more hurricanes during the season. This makes me curious, as they have money for everything else, including for the migrants that have been coming in. As you write, prayers are needed. It also helps if others kick in a little bit with whatever assistance they might give. When these disasters occur, it seems like people could help themselves by having a supply of food on hand and maybe a generator. Great writing, and thanks for reminding us of the disaster the hurricane created and the need for help in that area. judi
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Judi,
I've heard the same thing about the government not having enough money to respond to another disaster, yet the illegals are flown into the country, given cell phones, cash, food and a hotel room in some locals. Unbelievable.
I can't imagine anyone turning away desperately needed help just because they didn't want to receive it from a Christian organization.
I agree that it's a good idea to prepare for whatever situation may come up in our lives, whether its a strike at the ports so that goods can't come into the country, or a natural disaster or losing a job. Our grandparents were prepared for whatever came along. It would be good if we took a lesson from the past.
I don't know the financial situation of anyone else, but where I live, lots of people frequent the coffee stands, and there are a lot of grown up toys in so many folks yards. I suspect we can all give something. At the very least a sincere prayer. Thanks for the great review gal.
Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment from LJbutterfly
This post is a good thing. I'm glad you said there is something we all can do. I feel fortunate. I've lived in Florida for nine years, where hurricanes are frightening to me, but my house has been spared. Hurricane Helene gave my area strong winds and heavy rain, but touched down north of my town before moving up into Georgia and beyond.
My 'go to' charities are the Salvation Army, veteran's organizations, and children's hospitals and organizations. I'm not financially well off, but God has brought me through a lifetime of personal challenges. I am fortunate.
Thank you for this encouraging post.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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This post is a good thing. I'm glad you said there is something we all can do. I feel fortunate. I've lived in Florida for nine years, where hurricanes are frightening to me, but my house has been spared. Hurricane Helene gave my area strong winds and heavy rain, but touched down north of my town before moving up into Georgia and beyond.
My 'go to' charities are the Salvation Army, veteran's organizations, and children's hospitals and organizations. I'm not financially well off, but God has brought me through a lifetime of personal challenges. I am fortunate.
Thank you for this encouraging post.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello LJ,
I love the Salvation Army. We support the VA, Tunnel to Towers and some others, as well as Samaritan's Purse. They have the equipment to respond to disasters such as Asheville is facing. I'd love to be able to go down there and help, but for now I'll just send money, as it's always going to be needed in a disaster.
Have a blessed day gal.
Tom
Comment from Begin Again
You are to be commended, my friend. I know this is not the first time you have stepped up to the plate and I am positive it won't be your last, because that's who you are. God is smiling on you and will continue to do so. Suggeting and reminding all of us that even the smallest thing can be the bet thing that happened to a person today. Thank you again!
Smiles, Carol
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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You are to be commended, my friend. I know this is not the first time you have stepped up to the plate and I am positive it won't be your last, because that's who you are. God is smiling on you and will continue to do so. Suggeting and reminding all of us that even the smallest thing can be the bet thing that happened to a person today. Thank you again!
Smiles, Carol
Comment Written 04-Oct-2024
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2024
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Hello Carol,
thanks so much for the very kind words gal. We don't have to be rich to be able to give. Collectively, we can make quite an impact. Who knows when the shoe might be on the other foot and we are the people in need? I've heard somewhere that we are never more like God than when we are giving of ourselves. I know I get a good deal of pleasure from being able to bless others.
Have a blessed day my friend.
Tom
