Lights Out- Living in the Dark (Literally)

This has been a strange week. We were packing to return from vacation when we got the call that a storm had hit VA and lights were out.  It was a massive storm and it was not going to be one of those overnight situations. It was a hurricane without the water. Trees were down everywhere. Damage was widespread. Home after home was out of power.

We came home.  We had been gone a week and were tired and needed to get back to things.  We got back Sunday night and power had been off all weekend.  Our house was 95 degrees plus.  It was over 100 outside.  There was no relief from the oppressive heat.  Over 12,000 households in our county were dark.  Many had no water due to using wells.   Lynchburg was a wreck with 25,000 plus dark.

Our church became a cooling station and folks spent the night on Red Cross cots in the fellowship.  I saw the body of Christ at work as folks gave freely of themselves to help strangers and friend alike.

It’s now Thursday and my county has 6000 or so without lights.  More and more folks are getting their lights on and getting things back to order.  Lynchburg still has much to repair.  My own house is still dark.  I’m told any time now we will have power.

I’ve learned that being in the dark isn’t easy.  So much of our current world depends on electricity.  I’m aware that some countries have constant black outs and many people live without any of the things we take for granted.  I’m aware that our society is dependent on the ‘juice’ that keeps things going.  Our houses are not designed to be without power.  Our lives are not prepared for it either.

Still we have power.  We have the power that God gives each of us.  We have the power to be God’s people and to care for those in crisis.

Still diabetics need to keep insulin cool.  Seniors and kids are not able to withstand heat.   We need power to cook and eat.  All of this is a reality.

I can’t wait to enjoy a class of iced tea in my own house.  I miss taking a warm shower at home.  I miss reading in my study.

Still….

There are many who will never have these things or the quality that we have.  Perhaps this can serve as a reminder of why we need to go, share, and love.

Blessings!