Earlier this week, my mom needed a medical procedure performed at a facility, but the water levels were rising in Houston. Hurricane Harvey was leaving devastation in its path.  Although her home was dry, the streets were flooded to a point that made travel dangerous.  She had no way to get there.

The procedure needed to be done urgently.  My brother called multiple phone numbers to find a way, but he was being routed to other agencies.  We were running out of options, and time was of the essence.  Friends and family were in prayer for a way to be made.

Then, it came…through a stranger.

My brother learned of a group of neighbors who had banded together to help each other out during this devastating time.  People locked arms to lift one another in this time of need. No matter their race, socioeconomic status, or background…they all had one thing in common:  the experience of potential or real loss.

One neighbor posted about five gallons of milk he had in the fridge..and offered it to a family with small children who had run out.

A baby, who had become ill, was in need of medical attention right away…a doctor and pharmacist made a house call.

A family of four with rising water needing to evacuate…a neighbor took them in.

Then…my mom.

A young man, whom my parents had never met, with a Jeep that could drive through the rising waters, was part of this group of volunteers.  He drove my parents to the facility, and he became part of her testimony.

Our prayers were answered through a complete stranger…a Good Samaritan.

While it is easy to get pulled into the negativity and criticisms on social media when it comes to Hurricane Harvey, try to focus your eyes on how the city that has endured such loss has banded together to lift each other up.

Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost.

That’s all of us.

He took our burden of sin, and in the same way, we carry the burdens of those around us.  Praise God for all the Good Samaritans that have made a way for the hopeless.

Ask God how you can help a hurting person today.

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on”

(lyrics from Lean On Me by Bill Withers)

~Betsy