When I think about what some people have had to endure this past few weeks, I feel almost ashamed that I have been placed in the same category as them. Flood Victims! Yes, I live in a home that was flooded. I lost a few possessions. I have a massive clean up in our yard. But really, what did I lose?
A torrent of water raced through cities, towns, and villages, destroying all that lay within its path. The earth was stripped bare of it's vegetation, trees were ripped out by the roots! Cars, vans, and trucks were carried away in the devastating wave of water.
Peoples motor homes were smashed amongst the more deeply rooted trees, entire houses simply vanished! The buildings that remain either totally destroyed, or in need of many tens of thousands of dollars of repairs. Some homes, still standing, can only now be demolished by their distraught owners.
Pets that couldn't be retrieved in time. Livestock and horses with no chance of rescue. If the damage to the property were not enough, the livelihood of the inhabitants swept away. But this- this absolute disintegration of life as many people knew it- was only just the beginning. The worst is yet to come. But also the best!
Amongst all the buildings and vehicles and animals being carried off, a more horrible sight. As rescue worker attempt to save the life of a family, a young child is sucked into the raging river of water. Families are taken by surprise and for many it is just too late. Too little warning, so very much too late. Elderly, little ones, and all in between, life just drowned out in a moment.
As the "inland tsunami" passes on, people take stock of the situation. Checking for loved ones, neighbours, and complete strangers, people are confronted with overwhelming joy as the are reunited, or complete devastation at the realization they have lost someone, without hope of ever seeing them again.
But amongst all the turmoil, a ray of light shines out. The stories of survival, kindness, and heroism begin to emerge, and we find that, once again, the people of Queensland can pull together and make the best of the worst situation. Let us be grateful that there are some who will risk it all to help a fellow battler make it through.
As we continue with the cleanup, we must needs remember that there are some places with no one cleaning- because no one was left too clean up. We needs to figure out who needs the help. There are so very many people who have lost it all, but Praise God, they still have breath!
My hope and prayer is that people will turn to the One who gave His all for us. Christ is the Comforter. Christ is our Saviour. If only we will turn to Him, not only will he take care of our eternity, he will also help us through the here and now. Listen Australia, God is calling!
Jim
is the Golden land. We have an heritage of wealth, a spirit of achievement, and a 'can do' attitude. Australians have a resilience that many other people cannot (or will not) show. When a town gets hammered by a disaster, we rally around and fix it up. When tragedy strikes, we pull together and pull through! It's in our history, it's in our blood!