Smoke Signals and other news
On Wednesday ahead of the cooler weather and rain, my few remaining hummingbirds seemed to have flown away. Then, on Friday, in the midst of the rain, one lone little fellow showed up and sat on a nearby perch. I’m not sure if it was a regular or just a traveler. Another one or maybe the same one stopped by on Saturday and Sunday. I changed out the contents of the feeder to ensure it wasn’t sour. This is why I leave a feeder out for a while after most have gone.
This week I learned firsthand what it is to know your child and her family were significantly affected by a hurricane and be completely helpless to do anything to help them. We knew when they moved to Georgia it was a possibility, but for it to come to fruition is another story. Helene was supposed to bypass their town with only minimal damage, but Helene had other plans. The entire county was without power with minimal places open for business and only if they had a generator and could acquire gas for it. Many utility workers had been sent to Florida ahead of the storm as that was where the need was supposed to be. Cell service was limited and spotty. We were able to get a message from her early on Friday that they were safe. While their property had minimal damage the rest of the neighborhood was hit much harder. Many older residents were not able to pick up limbs and other debris. After a long night of tornadoes spawned by the hurricane, the youngest family member, Olivia, rounded up the neighborhood children and provided babysitting services freeing up the adults to complete the cleanup. Many roads were impassable due to downed trees and washed-out roads. Ellen and family have a generator that kept the basic necessities running as long as gas was available, a grill for cooking, and their water was working. They were more blessed than many. Their two businesses remained closed until power was restored late on Friday. They were able to supply free ice to those in need out of their nutrition shop on Saturday and Sunday as some 18,000 in the area were still without power and there was little ice to be found. Their power was restored quickly because they are on the same power grid as the hospital and other emergency facilities. Simply a mile down the road there is no power. Family members and friends we have been able to contact in that area are physically safe, but some still have no power and little resources. As news of the devastation becomes available there will be many tragic stories that surface-entire towns washed away, roads and bridges gone, people stranded in remote areas, medical emergencies, deaths, homes destroyed, crops gone, and businesses that will not be able to reopen causing loss of income to thousands.
Come to the Cross-Pray for America Sunday, is set for Nov 3 at 3:33 p.m. This event invites all citizens to participate in this organized effort to pray for our country. Although the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board in Jackson has organized this effort to gather all Christians to pray for the nation at the same time on that day, this effort is open to all denominations and all people. Our country is in serious trouble. It is time to wake up America. While several churches across the county will be open that afternoon, you do not have to physically go to one of these locations to participate. Gather your loved ones wherever you are and pray for leadership and direction for our nation.
I would love to report your news, activities, etc. Please share your news with me either at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.