It’s difficult to write a blog knowing that so many people are suffering right now in Oklahoma.
The devastation left by the mile-wide tornado isn’t going to disappear in the next day or week. It takes months to clear the debris, to rebuild homes, to repairs roads and utilities and businesses. Everything can be replaced, except people. It’s those left behind that I ache for. I can not imagine — I do not want to imagine — what people who have lost more than their home or business are feeling.
I give to a few favorite charities, and I give a lot to my church, but during times of disaster I think of the American Red Cross who have an outstanding record of making sure their donations are used primarily for those in need. They help when disaster strikes. They’re in Oklahoma now, providing blankets and water and shelter and food. Doing what’s necessary to help people who have lost something, or someone.
It’s times like these that I think about those who run into disasters — the fire fighters, the police officers, the medics, the military — who go into the line of fire, whether it’s a natural threat or a human threat, instead of run away. It takes a special kind of hero to be able to put aside their own fear to help others. As John Wayne said, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”
I think this is why I read about–and write about–these kind of heroes. People who run into danger to help others, to protect others. When most of us would run away, they stay. These people are truly awesome and inspiring.
We all know someone who is a hero, who stays and helps in the face of danger. Give them a shout out and a thank you. God bless them.