Sanctuary in a storm

On Friday evening, a powerful storm spead through our state, with high winds that did a lot of damage to the power distribution grid.  Over half of the power customers in the state have been without power at some point in the last few days.  Add to that we've had a 100 degree heat wave. 

We are personally lucky that our power came back on Saturday, and that we didn't have any damage.  (Sorry for the lack of posts -- I just don't have any thoughts when it is 100 degrees.). 

What has impressed me is how churches in communities in West Virginia have opened their doors to serve as "cooling stations."  They have served meals, ice cream, and places for people to seek relief from the heat. 

That's part of what we do as a church -- we offer relief in times of suffering.  I'm grateful churches have been a refuge in the storm.   It's who we are supposed to be.

I've watched as people have reported on Facebook that their power is back on.  "So if you need a cool place, come on over.  Our doors are open."