Thursday, January 29, 2009

Acts and Community

I've now lived in Louisville about 17 months. There have been more natural emergencies here then I've ever been through living in FL or NC. Now, that may say something for the preparedness of FL and NC for these natural emergencies, but still. High heat (well over 100 for days), earthquakes, Ike, blizzard, ice storm...all these things.
What I have learned here is this. Community is so strong here in Louisville. I've had many offers of places to stay, food, space heaters, parties, sledding excursions, prayers, etc - all during this time of the ice and snow. I've had people offer me their empty apt for a warm shower and a place to sleep. I've been offered futons in a warm apt. I've been offered places just to go and hang out if I get bored of being in the cold.
Just to say what I am thankful for before I go any further: I am thankful for my little space heater from the housing office. I am thankful for an electric oven so I can warm my kitchen and cook food. I'm thankful that I still have power. I am thankful that I was able to take a hot shower moments ago. I am thankful for friends who have Extra Strength Tylenol and money for a Sprite while I was running check in for the boyce girls yesterday. I'm thankful for people who are making these decisions at Southern re: housing, work, staffing, food, etc. God has blessed me with so much - so even if my hands are cold - that is not complaining, just stating the obviouos.
But, back to community. Southern and my friends here in Louisville live out Acts 2.44-45. As Paul said about the early church - I say about my community around me and the people in other states who I know who are praying for the people here. There are still about 200k without power and heat, temps under 30, more snow on the way tentative for Sunday night.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

1 comment:

janel said...

haha; we read that verse at small group the other day and i read it out loud and then "made up" the next verse-- "...and the believers were first called Communists at Jerusalem."

Gotta love Christian jokes.

Glad you are finding good things in the midst of the cold and harsh winter! I hope your spirit stays warm and cozy ;)

miss you!