As I watch Hurricane Rita move towards the Texas coast, it hits much closer to home for me than Katrina did. Valerie grew up in Eagle Lake which is 60 miles west of Houston. I was born southeast of Houston in Texas City and lived in Clear Lake City until I was 8. Also, after we were married, we lived in Katy on the west side of Houston for 3 years. Therefore, we know many people that are going to be impacted by Rita. Many of them are probably stuck in traffic as I type this.
I’ve been watching Houston news streaming on the Internet and the challenges of evacuating one million people are overwhelming. I know people are tired and stressed, but I’m tired of everyone complaining about the government’s “slow” response. What should a “normal” response time be for this type of disaster. Who knows? Every incident is different and brings challenges. Everyone thinks that they should be totally comfortable and that all their needs should be met immediately. That is just not possible. As someone that plans small events and conferences, I cannot fathom what government officials must go through to mobilize food, water, and shelter for so many people. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.
My prayers are with the people of Houston. I pray that the Lord would protect them, but mostly that they would see their need for a Savior. I pray that they would see that this life is unpredictable and that nothing is for sure. He is “for sure” and He is never late in responding to crisis. He is the only hope for Houston.
Pray for Valerie’s parents, her sister Bonnie and husband Ted, and their two kids, Judson and one week old Carson as they ride out the storm in Eagle Lake.