My response to Hurricane Ike

I found myself crying.  I was surprised by my reaction but just couldn't help it.  I felt so moved last night as I watched Hurricane Ike hit land.  I became so worried and concerned for Geraldo and the other reporters and crews  along with the officials and first responders who were risking their lives for us and those who stayed.  I was worried about the freighter stuck out in the Gulf.  I was worried about all the people who unwisely chose to stay home to ride out the storm.  My stomach was filled butterflies - butterflies of uneasiness.  As time went on I couldn't sit still.  I had to get up and do the only thing I knew to do.  Pray. And at that time I knew I was up for the night.

I found myself not really knowing how or what to pray other than general protection and that felt so weak.  Yet, I was strongly compelled to pray.  As I watched and listened my spirit cried out to the Lord and still is as it's not over yet.  I guess my prayer was asking for His presence to be there - to descend upon all the affected area.

As the evening went on I so wanted to connect with other prayer warriors who were praying for this situation.  Certainly there had to be Internet social networks for prayer.  I searched and I searched and I searched.  I found nothing that would meet my need... my heart became even heavier.  I found one site that looked hopeful but it was not a free site.  So that was a no go.  

I am left wondering - do I need to create such a social network?? 

We often feel helpless during disasters like Ike but so desire do something.  I am no exception to that. I heard a report yesterday that the Red Cross desperately needs funds.  Obviously they are being hit hard with all the disasters we've had.  I read on their website that they are still housing 1500 people just from Gustav.  Now we have Ike.  

I was nosing through the Red Cross website and found several interesting things.  I'm now receiving Red Cross updates through twitter and facebook.  I also found out that they have a fund raising program through IMing and emailing.  See the Red Cross banner at the top of this blog for more information.

Along these same lines of wanting to do something to help and the Red Cross, I'm pondering a fund raiser.  I'm a Mary Kay consultant.  I know that I rarely speak of that on my online networks.  It is not my focus here.  But, I'm also asking myself if I should do, need to do, want to do a Mary Kay fundraiser for the Red Cross.  I'm going to be talking to another consultant friend today.

At this moment the hurricane is not over although it is now considered a tropical storm.  And apparently there are more casualties that happen during the clean up after a hurricane than during the hurricane.  So, I am asking all of my readers to please continue to pray for Texas and the surrounding areas. 

I would so appreciate your input on the things that are my heart.  Share your ideas, your thoughts, and your opinions on how we can help and support in this disaster.