The Least of These

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35 NIV

What a perfect verse for today. The world has been watching as Hurricane Irma churned its way to be the strongest cyclone on record. She comes on the heels of Hurricane Harvey that devastated Houston and other parts of Texas. A great many people have lost everything, some have even lost loved ones. We have seen the news as Florida has been making preparations over the past week where people could not just up and leave. All they have will be wiped away by wind and rain. There were some who are unable to leave on their own accord, whether elderly or disabled, or even without the proper resources. For a family struggling to pay bills, there's no money for extra gas and supplies, or for a hotel if they evacuate. Where will they go?

For many, Hurricane Irma will be a defining moment in their lives. And because of this, right now in Osceola County, staff members and volunteers of the Osceola Council on Aging have set up their special needs shelter, put out the cots and linens, fired up the kitchen and generators, and laid in supplies. They are manning the shelter around the clock for the most vulnerable citizens. In Tallahassee, staff members of local community service agencies went out on foot ensuring those who have no shelter know that a storm is coming and where the shelters are that they can seek refuge. All across Florida, first responders and emergency personnel are stocked and ready to go, working 12 hour shifts around the clock to ensure no one gets left behind. As we sit and wait to see what Irma does and how much impact she will have on our little town, I marvel at how much advance preparedness there was this time. No one was taking chances. As the old saying goes - prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

But in all this, people are helping people in need. Helping the least of these - the sick, the weak, the elderly, the disabled, the low income. These are disproportionally impacted by disasters and it is to these that Jesus called to his followers to help. The healthy person doesn't need a doctor, the sick person does. At least that's the way my dad always said it. He meant that we should help those that need help if we are able.

So in your preparations, remember there are people who will need help. Be kind. Be compassionate. Be patient. And most of all, remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive.