In light of the storms that came through our area in April, it is apparent that we are surrounded by a great crowd of people who are not only caring and loving, but also ready to help. As time has passed on, people are still offering their services and aid to those less fortunate than themselves and this is never more evident than in the churches around north Jefferson County.

It was amazing to see the devastation that took place on April 27, followed quickly by the helping hands of the churches and neighbors in our area. There were no lines drawn, no denominational barriers stood when it was time to put into action the things that these congregations had been taught over the years.

I grew up the daughter of a Baptist pastor. Our lives have always revolved around church and God, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But I have never been more proud of being a “churchy lady” as I was after the storms. It seemed that members and leaders of each church in our area went into a God mode that made them take the reigns of the situation and figure out how they could help.

We’ve seen different churches in the community reach out to those in other areas when the need arose, but when it hit in our own home town, they were ready and willing.

The thing that I think many people forget is that the members of our local churches were the very ones who lost everything, yet they were out there helping others also. It was amazing to watch a lady who only had the clothes on her back passing out water to others in need. We forget that the storms not only affected us, they affected all of those around us. It’s impossible to find someone in this county that wasn’t somehow touched by the storms, yet they were right there helping others.

FEMA personnel have said over and over again how impressed they were with the sense of community that abounds in our county and I would like to amen that statement.

If you gave nothing more than a bottle of water to a worker, then you were a great help. If you donated to the local charities that raised funds for the victims, then you were a great help. If you prepared lunches and breakfasts for the workers, then you were a great help. No matter how small or how large you helped, thank you.

It is in times of crisis that you figure out what kind of people you have surrounded yourself with, and I couldn’t be more happy to be surrounded by the group of individuals that I live around.

North Jefferson County residents, you are amazing. You help when the needs arise and you are ever willing to be there for those around you. Thank you.

Thank you to the churches for stepping up and offering showers, food, shelter, money and prayers to all of the victims of the storms. God’s love truly shined through His people in this area and it has made a difference in those around us.