Perspectives: Sam’s Perspective – Now’s the Time

Hello, I’m Sam Jones.

Hello, I’m Sam Jones. We are taping today’s show on Thursday, September 20th. and while Florence is no longer a hurricane, the damage and destruction left in its wake is nothing short of devastating. People have died, hundreds of thousands are homeless, still waiting for the flood waters to go down. You saw the results of what happened when hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Texas in August of last year.
Many of you stepped forward then, asking, “How can I help?” For the most part, the Oklahoma response and as well as the response across cross the nation was quickly organized. But the damage from Florence is far worse. When Florence moved ashore, FEMA was better organized and already on the scene, waiting.
So were power companies from just about everywhere. Legitimate agencies of all stripes were there and jumped into action as soon as they were able. One rag tag group known as the Cajun Navy was also there, over a thousand strong. And with their boats, volunteered and worked with police, fire, and our military, doing what they all do best in times like these, save lives. And still the rains fell. The result has been unprecedented flooding. Help is still needed and will be for quite a while.
Hundreds of thousands of homes are damaged or destroyed. So too are cars and trucks. Those vehicles able to run, will need fuel and that will have to be trucked in.
Again comes the big question, ‘What can I do?’ I’m glad you ask. FEMA can’t do it all, so first turn to your church or synagogue or mosque, the Red Cross or the Salvation Army and join their efforts to send clothing or food and water, soap, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products or money. Even if it’s only a dollar it will be welcome. These groups can be trusted to get what’s donated, to where it’s needed most. I’m sure there are others but these are the only ones I have firsthand knowledge of.
Keep in mind thousands will need food and clothing for babies, children and the elderly and those unable to take care of themselves. Trust the agencies that always respond to major emergencies. They can guide you. A word of warning, don’t trust the internet or facebook. I can’t overemphasize that point. I know many of you in this area opened your homes to families in need after the Houston flooding. God love you. And if any of you can do it again or, for the first time, get in touch with the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.
This is going to be a long, drawn out recovery and any act of charitable giving, no matter how small will be welcome. It’s going to require a lot of sacrifice on the part of a great many Americans. But we’ve done it before and we can do it again. We are Americans and like caring people around the world, we try. Years ago, the musical group The Eagles, recorded “There’s A Hole In the World Tonight”. The lyrics in the first verse apply here, and they are: “There’s a hole in the world tonight, There’s a cloud of fear and sorrow. There’s a hole in the word tonight, Don’t let there be a hole in the world tomorrow.”
Please, do what you can, but do it wisely.

And that’s my Perspective.