The "I" of the Hurricane

So many thoughts have been swirling through my head since news reports of Hurricane Helene's impact began crossing my news feed. I don't know how to process on unpack them all - honestly every day unearths more emotions. But I feel like maybe my expression of what is happening inside of me will help someone else. On the chance that one person could be you, here goes.

I am in Florida - a place known for annual hurricane issues. Yet here I am, just an hour from the coast dry and safe, with power, water, and food while thousands of folks including numerous friends, family and colleagues who live hundreds of miles away from the Atlantic ocean and struggling to find resources to get through the day.

Included in this group is my wonderful assistant, Andy, and his wife, Courtney, who also works for me occasionally. Thankfully Andy and his family are safe, have food and power, but no Internet and water they have to boil to use. They are doing the best they can and know it could be so much worse.

My "business bestie and podcast partner, Gael, has also been affected as she lives in Boone. Similar to Andy, she and her family are OK overall, but there is damage all around. She and I were in St. Augustine during the hurricane but she has since returned home to confront many unknowns.

Words are inadequate to describe the level of destruction that has occurred and that has yet to be seen. I won't post more of it here.

As someone who was born and raised in North Carolina - I know the damage runs so much deeper than the crevices cut by the flood waters. No, it feels like the fabric of who we are has been shredded into something we do not recognize by a force that we cannot comprehend.

And yet, while the tears and gashes in our hearts have brought so much pain and distress, they are also revealing to us the best of humanity. People all around are digging deep to help where they can. Whether through their blood and sweat to provide manpower; finances and supplies to fill a need; or creativity and intellect to provide information or solutions, people are giving from what they have to make a difference in the lives and well-being of others. It is a beautiful thing to see and be a tiny part of.

When I drew the picture above the other day, it was one of the feeling of hope I was trying to connect with. It is expressing my believe that despite the hugeness of the storm and its impact on all affected by it, the light is emerging from behind it and cannot be silenced. I've donated to a few charities and suspect you have your own favorites. If you don't know where to turn, might I suggest World Central Kitchen and Samaritan's Purse as a place to start. No one can do it all - or for everyone. But we can all do something to help someone. Let's be the "I" in the middle of the hurricane - the tiny spot of calm and comfort and that brings relief from the stormy times around us.