I couldn't help feeling guilty this week as we were forecasted to take a direct hit from Hurricane Michael. While we watched the Weather Channel, Michael barreled his way north directly towards the Florida Panhandle.
There was absolutely no situation that could save us from damage, destruction, and possibly loss of life, yet Michael decided to shift east 10 miles, leaving us to simply deal with the outer bands. Long story short, we had minimal damage, a few power outages and about 15 miles east of us, there was total devastation.
The strongest storm to hit the Florida Panhandle had left devastation that you cannot imagine, but we will rebound.
Situations like this bring out the best in people.
As diverse as we all are, we are all children of God. We are all brothers and sisters, and when we are faced with loss and devastation beyond belief, those little things we argue about seem so petty.
We bond together and help our neighbors. We help our brothers and sisters in need without questioning their political party, how much money they have, or the color of their skin. Those boundaries no longer exist, and we use the resources and talents that God gave us to do the work He intended for us to do.
Michael, you may have torn down a home, destroyed landscape and property unimaginable, and even taken lives, but you will not weaken the human spirit. In fact, you made us stronger.
I believe that God does not cause these events in our lives, but He knows they'll happen and His presence is shown in the people who show up to help. He gives us the ability to weather the storm. All the good you're seeing in people is God making us stronger than ever.
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Stanfield is a former Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper and Stoddard County business owner, who currently lives in Florida with his wife, Tina. An author, Stanfield has chronicled the couple's experience of going from successful business owners in Stoddard County, to living out of a borrowed car following the collapse of a new venture in Florida and the hard work it took to rebuild their lives. The Stanfields have been doing non-stop hurricane relief volunteering in Panama City, Florida since the day after Hurricane Michael made landfall.
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Editor's note: This is a regular series featuring area religious leaders writing about faith, family and community. To participate or suggest a church, contact us at news@darnews.com or 573-785-1414.