I’ve lived in Houston all my life, and I’ve always known it to be a special place. At least once a day, one of the following will happen to you in Houston- someone will wave you ahead of them at a stop sign, a stranger will hold open a door for your entire family, or a person will look you in the eye, smile and say hi. These are the kind people that make up this city. Watching the city you’ve called home your entire life be swallowed up by water is heartbreaking. It’s so hard to see such widespread devastation. I’m grateful that, as of right now, there is no water in our house, but so many Texans are now homeless. There’s a quote I thought of when I started seeing pictures from my friends and images on the news…
…”When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”-Fred Rogers
There are so many helpers in Houston right now. There is so much strength and hope coming from them, and they are giving so much light.
I see hope in the man’s face who was rescued, along with his young son, by helicopter and says to the newsman, “God is good.” I see hope in my friend’s face who lost everything but posts a picture of herself and her family with huge smiles on their faces, just grateful to be alive and safe. I see hope in the countless rescues my neighbor has made with his boat that he brought in from Port O Connor, hoping to save it from Harvey’s path. I see hope in my friends that opened up their garage as a shelter. I see hope in all of the small acts of kindness that are being performed all over the city.
If a small birthday candle was lit for every act of kindness, I have no doubt that Houston would be the brightest spot on the entire globe right now.
I’m so grateful for all the helpers in our city. If you are one of them, thank you. You are bringing so much hope and light to a desperate situation.
This is just the beginning of a long, long, long road for us. Please pray for US.
If you’d like to be a helper, don’t worry about the numbers. Anything and everything helps! Click here.
The helpers:
The helpers in Houston provide so much hope.
I’m a fellow Texan and have cried many tears for your dear city over the last few days. I’ve been praying for all of you and will continue to do so and plan to give financially as well. God Bless you.
Thank you for your prayers and help.
Beautifully said and all so true, Carly. {Love that Mr. Rogers quote}. It’s been heartbreaking to watch and I cannot imagine living through it. Prayers going up hourly. I grew up in Houston but moved to Austin for college and stayed here. While I’ve been away more than 25 years now, I still say Houston is “home”. Your description of Houstonians and their kindness is spot on. God bless Houston today and for the months ahead. #houstonproud.
Thank you for your prayers, Phyllis.
Sending you prayers and help through Red Cross. People can text Red Cross to 909-99 to give.
Such a touching post. I am so sorry for all the devastation and hope and pray you and yours remain safe.
We are praying for all of you! As a New Orleanian (from birth) who went through Katrina, I know first hand what you are going through. It’s NOT easy, but I promise it WILL get better! Louisiana is making many efforts to help our neighbors in TX. There are donation centers all around town here. I hope our efforts can really make a difference for the people who need it most right now.
Marissa, Thank you for your encouraging words and for helping!
Just like you Carly to spread your lovely, authentic, “real” POSITIVITY in the midst of tragedy when people need it most. YOU are a source of HOPE for so many. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us who look forward to every post. May God continue to bless you and everyone in Harvey-impacted Texas with the gift of HOPE through all the HELPERS (near and far) who are constantly praying, donating and giving their time in service of those in need. Much love my friend.
Kathleeeeeeeeen!!!!! Hi! I miss you! I have always admired your positivity, so this means so much coming from you! Let’s chat soon! Lots of love to you rand your family!