In recent weeks... as an American, I'm reminded once again that there is good in everyone. Hurricane Harvey showed us his power and strength as he barreled on shore in South Texas as a huge category 4 hurricane.... making sure to leave an impression.... and not only did he make one landfall, but 3 total before he headed inland creating more destruction along the way. The truth is... we are 7 days in from his initial impact and in the last 7 days, as Americans we should have all learned a few things along the way. For me.... I live in Mississippi, which as you all know, borders Louisiana. Yesterday, we felt the fury of a weakened Tropical Depression Harvey, but the reminder was there of what our neighboring state and Texas had endured on a much magnified scale.
I have many friends and colleagues and family who reside in the Lone Star state. I was worried from the beginning, but once the initial reports came in... began to quickly realize that this storm was much more than any of us could possibly imagine. Seeing interstates completely flooded, neighborhoods, and the fact that Harvey wasn't going away too quickly. He stalled and kept pouring insult on all of the good people of Southern Texas. I had many friends who had to be evacuated out of their homes. Sharing their stories and their extreme positivity of how they felt lucky... they were alive and safe. The news began broadcasting, not the bad but the good. Yes... the picture of the first responder saving the lady and her baby. You didn't look at their race, nationality or gender. What you looked at was humanity in its finest hour. Another person helping another person. The boats lined up behind trucks trying to get into the area to help rescue. The industry that we all love coming together to make donations, pull together make shift food halls, kitchens and help prepare warm meals for those in shelters. The days have Harvey's initial impact have shown me the America I love... and yet... I'm left to ponder why it takes a disaster to show the good in people. We are the home of the free and the brave. There's constantly criticism for the President. Regardless of what he says... or does... there's always something negative. The biggest thing that truly came out during all of this was the fact that if the media chooses.... they can indeed find the good in everything. They don't have to dwell or focus on the bad.
The America I love showed that the President was willing to commit personal money to help rebuild Houston. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife were helping to clear debris. The first responders, national guard and so many volunteers were out from dawn to dusk, looking for people who needed help. Pets were being saved. Things and material items... were gone and while many lost everything... in their hearts... they had their families.
In times of crisis, we all come together to lean. Houston and South Texas needed a shoulder to lean on and there were so many there to offer it. Why can we not simply do this every single day? Is it that hard? We wake up and we all have a choice. Be Kind. Be an Example. I continue to pray for those affected by the storm, those who lost everything and those who are there every day helping them to recover. I felt helpless with being able to only donate money to various organizations, but I quickly realized every single thing matters. No amount is too small. No amount is too big. The recovery will last for months, even years... but in my heart I know that Houston and Texas will be back... better than ever and for all of us... you showed me the America I love and am proud to call home.
God Bless Texas and the United States of America. #houstonstrong #hurricaneharvey
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