If you read this blog or know me personally, you know I’m a proud Houston resident. I’ve been blessed to be in the comfort of my own home since Friday as a result of Tropical Storm Harvey. Friends and family members are shocked to hear that I’m OK after they’ve watched the shocking news coverage, but God!
I’ve watched the nation and the people in my social network respond to the crisis here in Houston and it’s taught me a lesson that I already knew deep down, but it’s now 100% confirmed:
There are some really amazing people in this world, but there are some equally horrible ones as well.
Just as there are people who have driven hundreds of miles to come assist Houstonians in need, there are others who saw this as a time where people would be most vulnerable so they chose to loot and break into their cars. I’ve seen photos of several cars with their wheels removed placed on bricks in their owner’s driveways making it impossible for them to evacuate if needed. All I could think was “who could do such a thing?” but then I remembered that there are horrible people alive, ones with no morals or values. We shouldn’t be surprised when they act as they do. But we can show gratitude when people go above and beyond to help others when they’re not obligated to do so.
I don’t understand people.
Another lesson I’ve learned during this storm is that I won’t always understand others and it’s not my job to do so. Adding frames that say “Pray for Texas” and “Pray for Houston” on your profile photo does nothing to help others, but people still do it. It’s their way of dealing with the situation at hand. In addition, I’m not understanding why people are spending valuable time begging/attempting to persuade others to donate money to help those in need and bashing those who aren’t.
In the very beginning of the storm, I saw people calling for Drake and Beyonce. Why though? Do what’s in your heart and allow others to do the same. While I admire celebrities like Kevin Hart donating big bucks and encouraging others to follow suit, on the other hand, I see how bad those being challenged would look to the general public if they didn’t donate. It’s not their job to be philanthropists so allow them to act out of the goodness of their hearts without pressure. This includes Joel Osteen and everyone else…
Preparation is key, but it guarantees nothing.
The last lesson I learned is that it’s important to prepare for emergencies while realizing that you can’t control everything. I remember grocery shopping last week and seeing how there was no water or bread left at my local stores. Ignorantly I assumed that people were overreacting and that there was no way Hurricane Harvey would be super serious. But for many, it’s a HUGE deal and their lives will be forever changed.
This is my first experience with a natural disaster and I hope it’s my last of this magnitude. It’s been amazing to see all the good samaritans helping complete strangers find their way to safety and I look forward to doing my part once it is safe for me to do so.
In the meantime, you’re welcome to check out these links to find out how you can help those affected by Hurricane Harvey (via NPR):
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner established a Harvey relief fund at The Greater Houston Community Foundation. The organization connects donors with a network of nonprofits and innovative solutions in the social sector.
GlobalGiving, which calls itself the largest global crowdfunding community, has a goal of raising $2 million for its Harvey relief fund. Funds will be used first for immediate needs of food, water and shelter and then transition to long-term recovery efforts.
United Way of Greater Houston has launched a relief fund for storm-related needs and recovery. The organization says it already maintains a disaster relief fund but anticipates the needs of Harvey will far exceed those existing resources.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy has also launched a Hurricane Harvey relief fund. The organization says its strategy emphasizes “investing well rather than investing quickly, addressing the greatest needs and gaps in funding that may be yet to emerge.”
GoFundMe, the social fundraising site, has created a landing page that gathers the campaigns on its platform related to Harvey.
The Salvation Army says it is providing food and water to first responders and preparing for massive feeding efforts for residents.
Send Relief and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief says its teams began responding before Harvey made landfall and continues on-the-ground relief work.
Samaritan’s Purse is accepting donations as well as volunteers for Harvey disaster relief for the coming months.
Wise perspective, dear Alex. It will impact and motivate many. Everybody can do…what they can do. I am enjoying getting to know you, albeit Internet. Thanks for the books, I’ll get one to a special source here in Idaho. Love, Fran Munning (Nicole Alexandra Wright’s Mom)