[January 2008 - I want to share some of my thoughts regarding our area and the storm that ravaged our coastline two-and-a-half years ago.

I am continually asked the question, “You all about got it back together on the Coast?” The answer is, “No, we don’t!” Yes, we have made great strides in rebuilding the Coast. We have had a continuous flow of volunteers who have been so important to our rebuilding efforts, and we are encouraged as we are beginning to see proposals for future development along the coast. But give us about ten years and then ask if we’ve about got it back together.

The devastation of this country’s worst natural disaster was just that…devastating. Most people who don’t live on the Coast are not aware that people here are still suffering. Take a short visit to south Mississippi and you’ll see for yourself.

The rebuilding is moving forward, and every day brings signs of renewal and rebirth. The people on the Coast continue to join together and work hard on the rebuilding effort with a great spirit, a strong commitment, unbelievable determination, solid leadership and generous hearts. We choose to not look back, but rather to look forward and upward! We thank all of you for your generous support and thank you in advance for your continued prayers.   — H. Gordon Myrick, Jr.]

August 29^th, 2005 – A Date to Remember…

            There are no words to describe the devastation and heartache inflicted on the Mississippi Gulf Coast by the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. No matter what you see on television or in newsprint, you must see it firsthand to understand its true impact. Our world on the coast has been changed forever. It will be an exhausting and long process of recovery.

            Katrina was a very large storm that lasted for many hours, with sustained winds at 165 mph and gusts up to 186 mph. She brought with her a storm surge that was reported up to 30 feet high. Our bayous, bays and lakes experienced the surge, and homes and businesses that were above the flood zone were destroyed or severely damaged. I’ve been told that 40% of the homes that were flooded were above flood zones and the owners had no flood insurance. There is not a block south of I-10 that did not experience Katrina’s winds or storm surge. Historical homes that painted our coastline are no more. Bridges linking the coast towns are gone. Our newfound casino industry has been destroyed. From state line to state line, the Gulf Coast has suffered property damage in the billions of dollars.

            There are many stories of people who rode out the storm and survived, and amazing stories of rescues. During the storm surge, families were clinging to roofs, gutters, trees, and even swimming to higher ground, literally fighting for their lives. As I write this article, the death toll has yet to meet its final count and there are many people still missing. Thousands of people have been uprooted from their homes and many of them have had to move away. Many are living in tents. It’s heartbreaking to think about all the valuables forever lost: family photos, special furnishings, antiques and family memorabilia. How can you account for the loss of the memories in one’s home?

            Jobs have been lost and careers blown away. And what effect has all of this had on our children? They, too, have lost friends; their schools were damaged or destroyed. Where do they go for entertainment? In all this suffering, depression has hit hard upon the children as well as the adults. Some are able to cope better than others.

            On August 29^th we lived through the worst natural disaster this country has ever witnessed.

            Where is the silver lining in all of this? To be honest, I don’t really have the answer. We thought we went through the worst after Hurricane Camille in 1969, but we were wrong. What I can share with you is the resiliency of the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. At first, we were all overwhelmed with what to do next. We were in clouds of haze, disoriented. We were in denial and shock. So much to worry about.

            From the book of Matthew Chapter 6, it reads, starting at verse 25 through 34:

            “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet the heavenly Father feeds them. Are you much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

            “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not so much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat? Or “what shall we drink?” or “what shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given unto you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Live one day at a time.”

            This scripture has been proven to be true each and every day. Neighbors have helped neighbors. People have gladly helped strangers. People began to work and care for one another. Soon the shock in our eyes turned to smiles on our faces. We were humbled, and became grateful for all we had. Our communities came closer. Hands were extended out to all in need. Churches were revived along the coast, and hosts of people came from all over the country to come in and help in the cleanup.

            At my church, Trinity United Methodist Church, we were feeding hot lunches to up to a thousand people a day. What a spiritual time to see poor and wealthy, doctors and laborers, black and white, Baptist and Methodist, and people of all different walks of life eating at the same table and talking with each other. Work teams were going out from the church every day to help others in the community. Eighteen-wheelers were arriving every day with food, clothing and supplies. We were a distribution center for supplies to any and all who needed it. Donations were being given for the Katrina Relief Fund at our church.

            As I write this, some nine weeks after the storm, there are still work teams coming from across this land and staying at our church to help. Every church that is still standing and able on the coast has been doing the same things. The Red Cross, the Salvation Army and FEMA have been so instrumental in helping the coast heal, and we are truly grateful to them. On and on it goes, people helping people in need. I have never witnessed the outpouring of love that I have seen since the storm. It has been such a testament and an affirmation of the scripture from Matthew.

            Where do we go now? We move forward and rebuild our beautiful Coast. Trees, bushes and plants that nine weeks ago looked like death had set in are now greening again, budding with new growth. We will do the same! We are a strong people, and a proud people. We will be a better people because of this tragedy. Together, hand in hand, we will build back stronger and better. You can count on it. It will take time, but time is on our side, so what do we have to worry? And let the people say…AMEN.

----- Gordon Myrick -----