“Some trust in chariots and some in horses; but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” – Psalm 20:7
My father grew up in Asheville, N.C. Throughout the years, he shared how beautiful it was living with the Blue Ridge Mountains in constant view. He worked for a local grocer during the summer when he was in high school, delivering groceries to the Biltmore House, and graduated college from Western Carolina University in 1955.
I have tried to shelter him from devastating news for the past two weeks. At 91 years old, he has lost a lot, outliving nearly everyone he loves. I don’t want him to know that his hometown is now virtually destroyed.
Hurricane Helene, which came up through Florida, across Georgia, and stalled over eastern Tennessee and western Carolina, caused historic flooding in Asheville nearly two weeks ago. Torrential rain caused roads to disintegrate and be swept away. It destroyed homes and vehicles – virtually everything in its path – and severely damaged the city’s water system. Many people are still without power, clean water and food. Some lost everything, including family and loved ones. The comprehensive death toll is still unknown.
They have literally experienced devastation of biblical proportions.
From all credible reports, the Biden-Harris administration is slow to provide meaningful assistance. It seems they are swift to send money abroad – billions to foreign nations such as Ukraine and millions now to Lebanon – but when it comes to the American taxpayer, the purse strings are virtually closed. It is not surprising that an administration that has been a disaster is incompetent during a disaster.
And now we have Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 hurricane, on an odd trajectory toward Florida. I mean, Ron DeSantis is “America’s Governor,” but he can only do so much.
Psalm 20 offers these comforting words: “May the Lord answer you when you are in distress.” As a Christian, I desire that for myself and for others. I want the Lord to provide. I want those in distress to feel His comfort and sense His loving presence.
Thankfully, we are blessed to still live in a nation with churches and organizations that act as the hands and feet of Jesus. One such organization is Samaritan’s Purse, started by Franklin Graham. The Graham family has ties to North Carolina, as that is where Graham’s parents, Billy and Ruth, raised their large family. Samaritan’s Purse is providing medical help with field hospitals, triage units and rescue teams. They have coordinated air relief, delivering basic items (clean water, food, baby formula) to those affected by Hurricane Helene, sometimes dropping them from helicopters to families temporarily cut off from stores. They have been partnering with local churches to provide help for families who need virtually everything.
Another group that deserves heaps of credit is Cajun Navy Relief. The organization began in Louisiana and is comprised of volunteers. It provides rescue and relief during natural disasters. Its mantra is “neighbors helping neighbors,” which is not only a Southern tradition but a biblical mandate.
An amazing group that has shown up in North Carolina is Mountain Mule Packers. With washed-out roads and treacherous terrain, some communities have been completely cut off from resources. The Mountain Mule Packers have been making supply runs to these communities via these wonderful four-legged creatures. A video showed the group with their mules delivering insulin to a gentleman living in an inaccessible area. They have taken water and food to elderly residents stuck in their homes with no current way to leave their property.
These are all examples of the America I love – the part of America where neighbors still support neighbors and volunteers sacrifice to serve. More so, they are examples of the God that I serve. He is Jehovah-jireh, the great Provider. He is a way-maker when all ways are seemingly washed out. That doesn’t mean His way will be easy or fast. His ways are not our ways. His timing is rarely ever in sync with mine. I suspect He rather delights in the 11th hour dramatic deliverances that remind me of the Auburn vs. Alabama Kick Six game from 2013. But He sees the big picture with all its purpose, while I cannot.
That is why we do not trust in chariots, or horses, (or mules) alone. While they are certainly useful in these situations, they alone are insufficient. They are limited. Christians trust in the name of the Lord – who uses the chariots, the horses, and yes, the mules – for His purposes. His power is unlimited. Those who test it will one day discover that.
He will answer us in our days of distress.
Kristin Landers is a substitute teacher and freelance writer. Landers’ previous work includes serving as Communications Director for the Alabama Policy Institute and working for Citizens Against a Legalized Lottery (CALL) to defeat legalized gambling in the state of Alabama.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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