Gone to Texas-The American Spirit Takes on Harvey

Thousands of individuals answered the call for help. They hooked up their boats and loaded up their horses and they headed for Texas. Everyone who has been watching the news and social media have witnessed this unique brand of courage and determination. On the Federal, State and Local levels, elected officials gained my respect by allowing those individuals to pitch in and help with the rescue efforts.

My heart breaks for the loss of homes, animals and pets and I grieve for the lives that have been lost. It will be a very long road to recovery, but I believe that many new bonds of friendship have been forged breaking through the noise of discord and perceived slights.

We cannot deny that Mother Nature can throw us a curve ball or laugh in our face when she has an opportunity to do so. Nor can we discount that these storms bring out the worst in people. However, this particular storm has visibly dissolved anger, bitterness and distrust of the American people and replaced it with a sense of purpose and resolve.

The only shrill and contentious voices that we hear are the talking heads, disgruntled elected officials who fail to acknowledge the true American Spirit. And sadly, they do not realize that their moment of being an authority on the mores of society may be passing.

I have been going by a church sign every day on my way to work, it reads as follows: "The heaviest burden that a man carries is a grudge". And it has caused me to think upon the evidence of grudges between political parties, media outlets and the obvious contempt of those who refuse to recognize the intelligence and integrity of the average working Joe.

Several of my blogs have been centered around the condition of our hearts and spirit. Personal accountability is essential to maintain a civilized society. There has been an a huge outpouring of love, charity and volunteerism. We need that everywhere in this great nation as we experience natural disasters, wildfires and other life-changing events.

I don't have a boat, nor do I have a horse. But I can pray for those brave people who have spent countless hours rescuing the helpless, the pets and cattle in Texas. I can pray for the people who have lost everything. And I can give donations to the charities who have dedicated time and resources to helping those who have lost everything in the blink of an eye,

Will we be able to continue this inspiring surge of the American Spirit and eradicate the din of dissenting voices and a blatant disregard for law and order? Can we as a nation put aside the burden of grudges to heal the wounds of the past several years? To reach across the aisle and remember how blessed we are in this great nation?

I honestly do not know we are able to sustain the momentum in this battle-weary nation. I certainly hope so. So my prayers go out to the good citizens of Texas and Louisiana as they clean up the debris of Hurricane Harvey and heal the wounds of unspeakable loss in the days ahead. I salute the volunteers; medical teams, military and law enforcement who have risked their lives these past few days.

May God bless them all.