The greater Houston area, as well
as most of the Texas coast and east Texas, have been ravaged by a storm of
historic proportions over the last week.
The widespread devastation is unprecedented.
The best in humanity can be seen in
trying circumstances. Our response as
people caring for one another has been impressive.
- First responders and emergency
personnel have risked their lives for others.
- The volunteer based Cajun navy has
rescued thousands.
- Volunteers and donations at
shelters and churches have been overwhelming.
- Neighboring communities and states
have sent all forms of aid.
- Cities far and wide have shared
nurses, emergency responders and supplies.
- People are showing up to clean up
the homes of perfect strangers.
But here is what impresses me the
most… None of these people see race or
color when they show up to help. Volunteers
are not concerned with how someone voted; they just see people who are in need. Ordinary people have gone to extraordinary
lengths in order to help others, regardless of race, neighborhood, political
party or job title. Those impacted have
not blamed the government. We are not
waiting on FEMA or crying for government assistance. We are helping one another, rolling up our
sleeves and working towards recovery.
The national media has tried to
divide us. We have been asked to place blame. Reporters have wanted us to suggest that the
city or county could have done more. It
has been implied that poor decisions were made by our leaders. As a people, we have stayed above that. We have focused on the task at hand, helping
others. What I have seen is a sincere
response from people out of love and caring, a deep desire to help this entire
area through a horrific disaster.
We do not know how long this
recovery will take, but we are off to an amazing start! The outpouring of support and assistance will
bring Houston back. It makes me proud to
be a Houstonian, proud to be a Texan.
#texasstrong
