31 Aug, 2007
U.S. marks Katrina anniversary
U.S. President George W. Bush hugs new homeowner Gen White at a mixed housing development in New Orleans, Louisiana, August 29, 2007. The area used to be low income and was in the process of being switched before Hurricane Katrina.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 -- U.S. President George W. Bush said Wednesday that recovery is well under way and there's "hope for the future" as the nation marks the 2nd anniversary of the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina.
"Hurricane Katrina broke through the levees, it broke a lot of hearts, it destroyed buildings but it did not affect the spirit of a lot of citizens in this community," said Bush in a speech during his trip to New Orleans, La.
Katrina hit U.S. Gulf Coast two ago, killing roughly 1,600 people and left tens of thousands homeless.
The whole city of New Orleans was virtually wiped out.
Bush acknowledged the task of rebuilding remains enormous, but noted that there is "hope in the future."
The president spoke of the billions of U.S. dollars earmarked for infrastructure, homes and help people put their lives back together.
He said a priority has been repairing and strengthening the levees that broke during the storm, pouring flood waters into the city, much of which lies at or below sea level.
Major repairs on the levees have been completed, and a further to strengthen them will be finished by 2011.
photo & story courtesy xinhuanet.com, 8/30/07
A future home and city?
Hebrews 13:14-16 (NLT)
14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about our real home?
I thought of this passage of scripture because of the second anniversary of Katrina. Who could ever forget the images of the despair and homeless people, especially in New Orleans? Well...I could and I did. Perhaps you did too?
The media coverage is reminding us that there are still people who lost their homes who are still homeless. I doubt that most of us can imagine the feeling of being suddenly "homeless", unless we went to the Gulf area to help and personally saw the devastation in the landscape and looked into the eyes of the victims.
It's so easy to forget the plight of others and go back to being comfortable with our attachment to "things" and our earthly homes. Yes, most of us have "the good life". But you know what? Life changed for over one million people two years ago and it could suddenly change for you or me tomorrow. Are we ready?
Here's the point of today's verses: we should not be so attached to this world, because it could be gone tomorrow and so could we! Our personal relationship with God through Christ is forever. This earthly home is only temporary.
Jesus talked about this in Matthew 6:19-21. He instructed His followers to store up our treasures in Heaven, not here on earth. Our service to Him and for His glory will last. Being Christ-like with kindness and giving to others really honors our Heavenly Father even when the world around us doesn't notice.
Remember, if we are followers of Jesus Christ, this world is not our home...
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for His promise to take all of His children (those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior) to live in His eternal Heavenly home some day! Praise Jesus that you will not be homeless after this earthly life is over! Confess any way in which you have become too attached to the "things" and "stuff" of this world. Ask God's Spirit to daily remind you that this life is temporary. Ask God to show you how to express the love and compassion of Jesus to others in need.
- Live each day with a pretty loose grip on our earthly "stuff".
- Live each day like it's our last, because we could be in our eternal "home" tomorrow.
- Live each day with an attitude of giving and sharing, rather than taking and storing.
- Do a weekly review of how we're doing with the challenge of remembering that this world is not our "home".
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- Look for ways to help the victims of Katrina, now, two years later. If you need help in finding options you can trust, talk to your youth leader or pastor at your church.
- Pray for the Katrina victims who are still trying to find a home. Pray that each of them will come to recognize that the ultimate home is in Heaven through Jesus Christ.
- Talk to others in your "storysphere" about the anniversary of Katrina. Use it as an opportunity to share how part of God's Story includes the promise of living with Him and never being homeless.
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