Thursday, May 26, 2011

Relief in the Storm

I've been trying to work up this post in my head for a few days. I knew it would be deep, and a lot of words, but couldn't find the exact words I wanted to say. Sometimes you're just touched deep down and feel the need to do something about it. As I watched the news and heard about the town of Joplin, MO being nearly all destroyed by a tornado that ripped through the town, I couldn't believe the devastation. I have never seen destruction like that. I know that Alabama has also just faced a similar situation, but not to this magnitude. Nearly 75% of Joplin was wiped out by this weather disaster, 75%. That's 3/4 of their population with no homes, no where to go, no more earthly possessions, nothing. I can't even imagine! From there, I decided that since we live so close, I HAD to do something. I couldn't sit idley by and know that I was more than capable to help. I had no excuse, no reason to say no... so I started. I started trying to round up friends and family, neighbors, co-workers, anyone and everyone, to give. There are lists all over the internet of things that these people need who lost everything. 

We can do no great things, only small things with great love.  ~Mother Teresa

I also knew that I wanted to make the trip down to Joplin this weekend. I don't care how long the drive, if they're turning people away, if they don't need me, I decided I was going, and nothing is going to stop me. So Saturday morning, a group of our family/friends is heading out early in the morning, and going to do whatever it is that we can for those that lost everything. And I couldn't be more excited/scared/nervous, and any other emotion one could feel. Gerrad feels really strongly that I will not be able to emotionally handle it, but I KNOW that God would not send me into this situation if he didn't think I could. I have every knowledge that I will cry multiple times throughout the day, that I will be seeing people with such sadness like I've never seen, but I will also be able to show people love, and kindness. I am prepared to see/hear/feel things that I never have before, but it's not about me! It's about helping those in need, and trying to make a difference. 

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.  ~Sydney Smith


We are meeting up with a few people from our church when we get down there as well, so there will be many of us there to support each other, and others as needed. We are loading up everything we can fit into our vehicles, and praying that God guides us the rest of the way. I have been in touch with a volunteer coordinator, who has assured us that our services will be put to good use, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I don't care if they have me packing boxes, sorting donated goods, taking care of kids so their parents can go help search and rescue, flipping burgers... I honestly don't care what it is I'm doing, but that I will be there! Sometimes we are so gripped with fear that we do nothing, and I'm so thankful that I quickly shut out the fear. 




Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.  ~John Wooden

13 comments:

Lindsey said...

Molly, you have such a big heart! my prayers continue to go out to the city of Joplin and Alabama. If you find that there is something they need, that the blogging world can assist with, please let us know!

Caroline said...

You have such an amazing heart. I will be praying for you and your group. This is such a tragedy and my heart breaks for these people. May God bless you all.

Aly @ Analyze This said...

I think this is a great thing to do! Excited, scared and anxious for you to go. You are such a wonderful, strong faith woman! I love that about you.

Rebekah said...

I am so glad you're going. I think in those situations it's extremely emotional and hard to get through, but you'll be doing God's work! I'll be praying for you and your group!

Miss Southern Vol said...

Ahhh I am soo happy and so proud of you for doing this. I cannot seem to get enough of reading and watching and seeing the news coming out of Joplin. It completely breaks my heart to see the devistation and the loss but also the hope and the amazing stories of life. I cannot wait to hear about everything you see, contribute and grow from out of this!

Impulsive Addict said...

Molly, you are so brave! I'm sure that you will be able to help so many people just with your kind words of encouragement. Good luck and please let us know how it goes when you return.

Safe travels and God Bless~

Anonymous said...

What a great thing you are doing! God bless you all!

Anonymous said...

What a great thing you are doing! God bless you all!

Ashley E. said...

I am so proud of you!!!!!! Praying for strength and guidance! You will do great and they will appreciate whatever you guys do!

Mrs EyeCanSee said...

You have such a big heart! When things like this happen I always wonder what I, just one person, could really do to help. But this post makes me realize that every little thing counts!

Lindsi said...

Being in the line of work that I am AND living an hour and a half from Joplin, I have lots of friends that have gotten to help out in Joplin! Unfortunately with the weather we've had in Oklahoma I've had to stay planted in my office this week.

I'll be praying for safe travels for your group. Big hugs to you for your willingness to listen to God's calling! :)

MrsV said...

I can't wait to hear about the trip! Sending strength & prayers your way pass it along to everyone you encounter. I hope my donations ( although probably small ) will do good for someone who needs it!

Jamie @ The Yellow Brick Road

Katie said...

You are such a beautiful person inside and out! Way to go! I want to be you haha :)