I wish I could somehow, as I sit at a friend’s house flowing with electricity eloquently put my thoughts together… but I can’t. My first thoughts are to type complaints of how tiered and emotionally drained I am. I know that my family and my entire Cross Point Church family are feeling the same. Days of devastation have taken its toll. But then I look out my window and realize that going without electricity isn’t that big of a deal.

Beyond the devastation that is visible to the naked eye there are heartbreaking stories not so visible. Like a couple that just replaced their whole kitchen less than a month ago. The newly retired couple that were so close to paying everything off but without flood insurance fear financial ruin. A new dear friend who had to say-goodbye to a loved one who has only a few hours left to live. The sad reality that three of our Cross Point church staff members have lost everything. And the stories go on and on.

But in the midst of all the pain I feel this deep sense of peace and joy that is rooted in knowing our heavenly Father is in control! God has given us an amazing opportunity to love on our community not through our words or church building but simply by our actions. I have hugged, cried and silently prayed with many families that have been affected.

The first 24 hours of the flood for our family involved rescues and watching helplessly as their homes were overwhelmed by the floodwaters. Before the clean up even began we were toasted. Yet again deep joy overwhelmed us as we watched our church family quickly rally around those in need. They came strong, equipped and filled with hope that none of us were in this alone.

There are no words that would express the gratitude I have for our church family. Each person represented hope and help that we couldn’t provide. I felt deep joy seeing first hand our mission statement come to life:

“To continue to grow as a community of believers radically devoted to Christ,irrevocably committed to one another and relentlessly dedicated to reaching those outside God’s family with the Gospel of Christ.”

Thank you Cross Point family for living this out!

Thank you to our families and friends around the world for your encouraging notes. Although we still have no electricity there are small windows your messages come through and they have been so good for our hearts. Please continue to pray for

-       Flood victims

-       Our church staff as they continue to organize supplies and volunteers

-       Our volunteers living in Nashville and those coming in from other states

-       Supplies and contributions to get people back on their feet

With much love and gratitude for each of you!

Trish