I have love for, deep respect for and a special place in my heart for former President Barack Obama & his family but first things first: this picture is of the Obama family serving food in DC for Thanksgiving in 2015. This is not present day Texas. Yes, it's plausible and easy to believe seeing as what we've gone through as a Country since January 2017. But nevertheless, please stop sharing that narrative comparing him to 45. That's like comparing apples to condoms.
Let's start with Joel Osteen - because he makes so much money, he should save all the flooded areas right? His parishioners and supporters pay him enough right? He should personally save everyone, right? He should use every piece of that church, that SEATS 16k to save and house millions without a plan, any resources, any security... Oh sure, he can charter 1000s of boats, use his personal planes and/or helicopters, he can purchase large pumps to pump the water out of Houston, he can set up FEMA trailers on stilts, he can administer medicines, heal the sick, refill oxygen tanks and swoop by rooftops with an extended ladder to save the masses. He's magical. He's mythical. With the wave of his hand...
Well damn, is Joel...Jesus? We can all pitch in to help. 1000 hands could work faster and stretch a lot longer than this man's two. I don't know what he's done or hasn't done but I don't think it's right to put the weight of what's happening on Texas squarely on his shoulders. Kudos to him for opening up Lakewood after securing it. Major side eye if he didn't. You wouldn't pressure me into shit. They are going to talk about you good, bad or indifferent so do as much or as little as you'd like. You won't have to face them about your choices. "They" don't have a heaven or a hell to put you in.
Speaking of Queen Bey, same difference. If she has cameras where she's helping, she's showing off. It's not genuine. She does everything for attention. If she slides behind the scenes, she hadn't done anything. Where is your favorite singer? Why hasn't she said anything? She doesn't care about her fans. Y'all spend so much money with her and she cares nothing about y'all!
There's plenty of help to be had and plenty to go around. This is not going away anytime soon. With so many people trying to mobilize from so many different areas, in different areas, for different areas, I can imagine that it's more than chaotic. Outside of the floods, you have to remember: a real deal hurricane came through there. So, some people have lost everything. They've lost their shelter, their transportation, their pictures, their documents (to file claims), their belongings, their security and they've been separated from family and friends and may or may not have a way to call or signal for help. People are coming in from everywhere but with no centralization, it's more than chaotic. Then you have looters and snakes and gators and whatever other wildlife out lurking because they've all been displaced. Where do I go? Is my family there? Is it safe? How do I get there? What is that noise? How do I protect myself? How do I file a claim? How do I find food and drinkable water? What about my medicine? Where can I get treatment? What about my Dr's appt? What about my paycheck? Can I use an ATM? I need shoes. I need dry clothes. I need a bath. I have a headache. I need sleep. I need help.
Pics from Hurricane Harvey in Pictures from the NY Times
It's more to a natural disaster than just throwing money at it. There are logistics to be worked out. Relief efforts have to be coordinated so that the money is actually helping and going to those in need of help. You want to make sure that whatever you can give, will be given to a steward and/or organization that will actually put that money to use and not funneled into some fake scam for a quick come up by a hurricane hustler.
Bottom line is - you can't make people feel convicted of things that they don't have a passion for. Just because you would do it if you were in their shoes, doesn't make your way right or wrong. You're not in their position so quit trying to police them. Do what you can, when you can, as often as you can so when it's time for you to stand before your Maker, he can give you the thumbs up.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON YOUR OWN PAPER.
Ain't nothing like minding your own business. You don't need Joel or Beyonce to save Texas. There are plenty of us that are not in the area to pitch in without them. Yes, they'd be a great asset and wonderful for resources & their friends' assets and resources but if they weren't who they are, then would Texas still be helped? The answer is yes. So pretend that they don't exist & that you don't need their wealth to measure how much or how little that you want to help. Don't use them as your guide. Be a cheerful giver from YOUR heart.
And pray for all those that are devastated by this terrible tragedy. Prayer really does change things. And prayer without works is dead so if you can put something behind those prayers, the people of Texas would be most appreciative. But if prayers are all you have, then it's more than enough. Don't ever let anyone tell you differently.
Here are some links that I've looked up and read about if you're confused as to where to even begin....
This was floating around on Facebook
For my Houston folks...
Russel Furnace is headed toward Houston, has an airboat. His # is 432-230-3262
For anyone needing emergency rescue near 45 and Greenspoint, call Lauren Cupp at 936-499-3079 (two boats)
Dramekia and Joseph Booze have offered to rescue. They are at 409-893-1341.
Richard Espinoza has offered to rescue. He can be reached at 832-298-3582.
Derek Sereal has offered to rescue. He can be reached at 832-974-8104.
Austin Hall has offered to help and can make group rescues (10 or less). He can be reached at 214-254-1058
Lauren Henderson is in the Woodlands and Houston area. TEXT her with name, address, and any contact info for specifics. # is: 936-697-9967.
AGAIN, DO NOT PHONE THESE FOLKS UNLESS IT IS A TRUE EMERGENCY. THESE VOLUNTEERS ARE WORKING WITH THEIR OWN LIMITED RESOURCES.
Please feel free to share.
Click Here To Read Celebrities Pitching In For Texas
Click Here to Read: How Can I Help Texas?
Click Here To Read: How To Help Houston Recover After Hurricane Harvey
Click Here to Read About The Diaper Bank and How To Donate
Click Here to Read: How To Get And Offer Help After Hurricane Harvey
Lakewood Church aka Joel Osteen's Church/Relief Efforts
Click Here to Read About: Volunteering and/or Donating with Lakewood Church
Click Here to Read on How To Donate
Thanks for the helpful information
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