There are lots and lots of people on Earth, and each one comes with an opinion, as we well know.

In the unexpectedly mild aftermath of Hurricane Laura for my immediate area, some are ungrateful, and complaining that they were “inconvenienced” by the evacuation for “no reason”. They list many reasons why this whole thing was an overreaction, and why it shouldn’t have been so hyped up.

On the contrary, some are very grateful, and realize the evacuation wasn’t for no reason. Had the storm remained on track, and not jogged 30 miles East at the exact ideal second for us, we would be in Lake Charles’ shoes. We could have hardly anything recognizable to go back to. They believe God had mercy on SETX, sparing us from devastation at a time when some are still recovering from Harvey, Imelda, and the TPC explosion.

Then there are the ones who think it’s selfish to be grateful, because, as I said stated to several people before the storm made landfall, who is God going to favor when everyone is praying for the same thing? I understand all points of view, and normally try to empathize with everyone.

Except I get so angry when people with their big opinions, and their keyboard warrior courage, get online and start bashing ways of thinking that differ from their own.

Why post complaints, and who tries to publicly shame thankful people for being thankful?

I remember reading people’s commentary about how thankful they were when water came just to the edge of their doorways during Harvey, but they “prayed so hard”, and God spared them. I thought, “Well, good for you. I guess God hates me because I prayed as well, and 2 feet of water flooded my brand new home, so why don’t you go be happy with your dry self, and shut up”… but I didn’t actually address them; I said it to myself. Of course, God doesn’t hate anyone, and He had a good plan for me and my family all along. It was hard in the moment, but we received the strength we needed at the moment we needed it.

I also get that we shouldn’t only be thankful, and not care for the well being of others. We should go be a helper, and look for ways to serve those in need since we were spared.

I don’t have any actual answers, but my thoughts are like this: We don’t understand the sovereignty of God. Why even try? Look at all the awfulness in the world. We can’t make what we see happening all around us match up to what we know about the good character of God. He loved us enough to send Jesus to reconcile us to Himself, yet He allows so much pain and incomprehensible suffering for those His Son died to save. Sometimes it’s hard to wrap our heads around that.

Regarding this major hurricane that we just escaped from, it simply wasn’t our turn this time, and that doesn’t mean it won’t be again later. But mainly, the point is, we need to realize in ALL circumstances God is good. He allows what He allows, and sometimes we don’t like it, but sometimes we do. In 2017, we didn’t like it one bit, but Louisiana was spared, and they liked it, and were happy to assist all over SETX. This time we mostly like how things went, and we should be happy to help where we can.

The fact is, it’s early yet. September has been known to send some monster storms. Being all judge-y and stupid is not a good idea. Why can’t people just give each other grace? I need a LOT, and I try to give some because, thankfully, I get a lot.

“Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’”

Matthew 18:33 NLT