Our shared humanity

Today, I am reflecting on the idea of an expanded community, as I witness this wonderful community and state stepping up to help each neighbor through this crisis. Many of the citizens are opening their homes, volunteering to help with clean up, and contributing in many other ways great and small. These range from lending an excavator to the neighborhood, to rebuilding the washed-out road, to bringing water to a neighbor in need or just simply giving a helpful prayer. When disaster strikes, it is easy to feel disconnected and disheartened, feeling like you're on an island with no way out. This series of storms can feel like waves crashing on rocky shores over and over again. But there has been a safe port for many of the citizens and businesses in the area, a refuge in the calm, bright cove of our shared humanity. 

Each small, loving gesture is the real fabric of the community. It is not tangible, but rather a comforting blanket knit together by love, support, and strength. That spirit lets the loving rays of light encompass the community, illustrating our strength and proving it will safely lead us forward.

— Gareth Henderson