Don't Just Pray For Arkansas, ACT For Arkansas

Last night, a series of tornadoes passed through my state and devastated at least three cities. It was a terrifying night, watching massive black storm clouds blow over my house, seeing clouds swirling in what appeared to be the beginning of a tornado outside my back windows, and listening to the weather station directing people to take immediate cover. At this moment, there have been at least 16 fatalities, but this is not likely the final count. Emergency rescue teams worked through the night and are still working to recover families buried in the rubble.

This has really hit me hard. Being utterly helpless in a situation like this is difficult. Wanting to do something, wanting to make a difference to the survivors is (for many) a natural response, which is why I get why everyone on Facebook keeps posting this:


But it still upsets me. Yes, people want to feel like they are helping. Yes, there is little we civilians can actually do. Praying makes people feel like they are doing something.

But guess what. It's not.

Here's what we CAN do:

-Donate money (try here here or here)
-Donate supplies (bottled water, batteries, flashlights, first aid kits), food, clothing, baby necessities, blankets and shoes
-Volunteer to help WHEN volunteers get clearance to help, not before
-Set up drop off venues to collect donated items
-Open up your home to an acquaintance who has lost their own
-Spend time with survivors who have lost a loved one or babysit their kids while they process their shock

What we can do is little, but it's practical. Praying, well, if you believe in it, I guess it makes sense, but it's not the ONLY thing you can be doing. It's actually the lazy way out.

(I'll write more about that subject later.)

For now, I humbly ask, as someone who has very little herself and knows that it's not easy to donate the little you have, to DO SOMETHING instead of or alongside your prayers.