As the sun sets on this storm torn town, a picturesque glow fills the sky above. Traveling from one friend’s house to another, I’m taken back by the enormous amounts of damage and destruction that surrounds me.

From houses completely destroyed in Seabrook and Kemah to flooded restaurants filled with tradition, it is difficult to understand the pain and sorrow felt by those who’ve lost everything. Across town, there are neighborhoods spared from tidal surges and flooding streets. These neighborhoods did not make it through Hurricane Ike unscathed though. From street to street, trees lie across yards and on top of some houses. Roofs are speckled with missing shingles and barren plywood atop beautiful homes. Some comment that these people were lucky, but seeing the stress and worry upon their faces gives a hint to another perspective. Some homes with only enough damage to make it unworthy of an insurance claim leave the entire burden of repair upon the owner who has no money to pay for such unexpected strain.

Many people are still in the dark as power slowly returns one subdivision at a time. Others sit in the dim light of their homes wondering how they’re going to eat. Hurricane Ike devastated a major metropolis on the northern Texas Gulf coast.

I sit here upon my couch, power restored and this internet connection to entertain myself. I’ve wandered around my apartment complex looking for laundry facilities so that I can be prepared for work tomorrow only to find numerous machines inoperable. The tree limbs have been removed, the water levels returned to normal, and restaurants open for business. Yet this area remains a ghost town. People shocked by the storm ask why. Some using it as an excuse to renew their life and take a “fresh start.” I’ve observed many sitting upon stone staring into the sky as if paralyzed by the events that have transpired over the past 5 days. I am energized.

In the face of mass destruction and the evident pain and sorrow that surrounds me, I observe neighbors who have never met one another aide each other in this time of need. I’ve experienced brothers banding together to help one another regain confidence and composure in a time of utter destruction. Pictures of vast losses around town are overshadowed by acts of kindness and compassion. Those without homes are on the front lines aiding those in need and place others before themselves.

I thank God for the opportunity to experience the unconditional love that surrounds me. A time when our community recognizes that we are one and can accomplish so much more together than individually. A time of individuals who normally take care of “Number One” taking care of others before themselves. An opportunity to experience life with others who care about life and the hearts of others over material goods. I thank God for this cultural cleansing.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll hear stories of further death and destruction from Hurricane Ike. I pray that we all come together to support each other in whatever way we can. I pray that each and every one of us take the opportunity to thank God for every blessing in our lives and share those blessings with our neighbors. I pray that God continue to protect us as we rebuild our communities and that God provide us the insight and vision to use this disaster as an opportunity for a community-wide “fresh start.”

If you would like to register for assistance or if you can help in any way through donations or volunteering please visit Ike Assist.