On Sunday, January 9, sleet and snow began to fall in metro Atlanta, quickly resulting in the closing of interstates, airports, bus stations, government offices, and businesses. I was in Walmart picking up a few items just hours prior to the start of this winter storm. As I walked through the food center I observed people with loaded grocery carts. I further noticed the bread shelves were almost bare. As I observed shoppers, it became clear that everyone was getting prepared for the storm. Thankfully, our family was already prepared, which was a good thing, because it wasn’t until Wednesday afternoon that I was able to get our vehicle out of the driveway and make my way into town. By Wednesday some delivery trucks had arrived at the local grocery stores, although one grocery store that I visited still had no milk.
Although the ice storm of 2011 caused much disruption, as far as I am aware, no one in metro Atlanta went without power. That was a very good thing. Because our power remained on, we were able to stay warm even when it was freezing outdoors. We were able to enjoy hot meals and hot apple cider. We were able to sleep in warm beds and take hot showers. We were able to talk on the phone with loved ones and check our email. Even with several inches of ice and snow on the ground, life for the most part remained normal. Oh yes, and since we homeschool, our girls did not miss a single day of school (something which they will be more thankful for come May). And yes, we did find time to go sledding (or in our case, boogie boarding) which the girls, and our dogs, enjoyed immensely!
As I reflected on the events of this past week I was reminded of just how blessed we really are. Even when trucks could not get through to restock empty shelves and even when we were stranded at home for several days, we never went hungry. We never were thirsty. We never were homeless. God has blessed us so much—so much more than we deserve. And yet today many people, including children, are starving. Many do not have access to pure water. Many are homeless. Many are dying because of disease.
God has blessed Christians in order that we might be a blessing to others. Whether it is serving in a soup kitchen, giving to a local food bank, giving to a ministry or charity, or giving a handout, we have a responsibility to help others in need. Listen to the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew’s gospel:
34 Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?' 40 "And the King will answer them, 'I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." - The Holy Bible, Matthew 25:34–40
If you are looking for a few ways to help those in need then I encourage you to consider the World Hunger Fund of the Southern Baptist Convention. 100% of gifts received go to feed the hungry in North America and around the world. In addition, check out Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry led by Franklin Graham, which helps people in need all over the world.
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