These last few days have been extremely stressful due to packing up clothes and other belongings for moving into college. I have moaned and groaned about moving another box or hanging another set of clothes on my car's hanger rack. I took a minute to realize that this stress was nothing compared to the devastation people in Louisiana were facing, some coming back to find their houses completely obliterated and with nothing left but the clothes on their back.
Hurricane Katrina affected the states that rest along the Gulf of Mexico, one being my home state of Mississippi. My house, luckily, was not affected, but my grandparents' house was damaged in the horrific storm. I can't even begin to describe how much suffering my family went through and the long hours it took to redo their house. But my point in telling this is that I understand what the people of Louisiana are going through. The tough times will end, but for now, you have to stay strong and unified as a state.
Difficult times are often the times when our true character shows, when we as human beings realize how much more we are capable of. It is in these times that we grow stronger, not only in our life here on Earth, but also in our spiritual life with God. Louisianians, stay close to God. It may not seem like He is always there, but believe me when I say, He IS always there and He always will be until you can be by His side in Heaven.
I could say so much more, but simplicity is the key to life and living it happily. No, life is not always a grand occasion, but it isn't a bland concoction, either. Always remember that not only your country is behind you, but your God is behind you too.
