Crazy

by Jessica

This past week has passed in a blur and I've been sick and exhausted.

Last week, in the midst of the immediate (which lasted for a while) aftermath of Katrina I heard a few sentiments expressed regarding the chance to rebuild New Orleans now "without all the sin." I even heard a few people hint at this being the punishment or "God's way of dealing" for New Orleans. I must admit to a laugh out loud when I saw that Burbon Street and the area around it has made it through quite well actually- oh the irony. But what do you think? Do you think it's possible that God sent this storm to take care of New Orleans because of the city's reputation for sin? If you do, how do you explain the number of areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina that could be described as just the opposite of New Orleans if nothing else? And then, how does this impact the churches response to the needs that have arisen as a result of the storm and the devastation she left?

And I'm still planning on posting on worship in the midst of pain- seems even more appropriate now. Yesterday I had the privalidge to serve in an area shelter and hear some of the stories. If you haven't spent any time with the evacuees, you need to know that these people are amazing. I'm looking forward to spending more time with them and helping however I can this week- I'll be volunteering at the Relient Center. I'll post as I can but for now let me just say that I've been convicted and challenged by their response. Wow.