Many of you know how deeply I love my family. Back when I was doing Youth Ministry in Memphis, I talked about them all the time – usually to help bring Bible stories to life for my students. My mom, in particular, is a proud Texan. Born in Fort Worth and raised in Beaumont, she used to joke that the song “All My Exes Live in Texas” was written about her. In her eyes, the best BBQ is brisket, the Cowboys are still America’s Team, and you better believe everything really is bigger (and better) in her Texas.
She’s often told me how beautiful the Bluebonnets are in the Texas Hill Country – her beloved home state’s official flower – especially along the banks of the Guadalupe River, where she and her family used to float on inner tubes. It’s no surprise, then, that the recent flash flooding in that very area has hit her hard. Natural disasters are always heartbreaking to witness (or God forbid, to experience) but for my mom, this one has been more difficult because of her personal connection. Watching a place she once called home suffer such sudden and dramatic loss has required a great deal of fortitude and strength.
My mom’s connection to Texas has reminded me a lot of the biblical figure Nehemiah. He’s the central character in the Old Testament book that bears his name, and if you’re looking for something to read this week, it’s a compelling story. Nehemiah’s heart ached because he couldn’t be in his homeland, Jerusalem, during their time of great need. The city’s walls had crumbled, and it lay in ruins burning. Even though he was living far away, Nehemiah mourned deeply for his people and the tragedies that had befallen them. Moved by compassion, he received the blessing of the King of Persia to return and attend to the rebuilding and restoration of his home. Through his faithfulness and devotion to his community, he eventually becomes governor, and God is able to use him for many great things in that role as well!
The resilience I have seen of Texans has been heartwarming. Reminding us what is most important until it is at risk of going away, Texans have banded together to build families and communities up as destruction looms above them. I hope this week you take time to reflect on the ways Texans (and other Nehemiahs-in-our-midst) can inspire you. If you have some time or resources, click here for the local Georgia UMC’s reaction.
And don’t forget to take some time to pray for the Lone Star State.
