Typhoons are Uncool

If you haven’t heard, the Philippines are in a bit of a crisis.

Last weekend’s Typhoon Haiyan claimed the lives of nearly 2500 people last week. It devastated the country and residents are trying to recover. Several countries have pledged aid but it’s difficult to get all the efforts coordinated.

Meanwhile, people need food.

I’m not trying to get into your wallet or guilt you into helping the Philippines, but I want to ask you three things:

1. Look at the pictures. See the devastation. Read their stories. Weep. 

See photos of the destruction here
Read about it here: From the Washington Post
Here:From Fox News
And here: From the Huffington Post

2. Pray.

If you feel led to give toward the relieve effort please do so. I’m a fan of helping people in practical ways. But I also know that while practical helps are good and necessary, it does nothing to heal their deep losses. Pray for the families who are still missing members, for those whose moms, dads, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters were killed in the storm. Pray for God’s peace that passes all understanding to wash over them. Pray they will know God’s comfort, His presence, and His healing hand. Please pray.

3. Be Thankful.

It’s November, and Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Is your safety on your list of thankfulness this year? Some of my friends are identifying and posting one thing everyday this month that they are thankful for. I’m not doing this (though I should), but it’s encouraging to see how my friends have been blessed. After seeing storms of great magnitude both here and abroad over the past few years, it only makes sense to praise God for His protection. Stop taking your blessings for granted. You’re not entitled to a safe life. Please be thankful.

Typhoons are uncool.