By: Carissa Lovvorn
For the Lovvorn family, the “Snowpocalypse” of 2024 was a time of giggling, layered outfits, and good old-fashioned fun. Like many residents in the South, we were not able to move our vehicles out of the driveway. So, we made the best of the situation in our little cul-de-sac in the Rural Village. We shared meals with our neighbors and spent hours with our girls and their friends sledding on anything we could find. We made a lot of good memories.
Throughout the week, I was able to connect to the “outside world” through various avenues like the news, social media, and phone calls. In all of those outlets, I noticed a reoccurring theme that warmed my heart. People went out of their way to help others.
Abnormal and emergency situations tend to bring out altruistic behavior. On our street, our neighbors checked on each other, shared food when needed, and allowed children to use their back yard for sledding because they had the best hill. Strain on the power grid prompted our entire neighborhood to band together by lowering their power usage so that we would all be able to maintain electricity. People who had ATVs offered to pick up groceries for those who were not able to make it to the store while other neighbors loaned recreational equipment to those with children.
Throughout our county, there were reports of individuals picking up stranded strangers and delivering them home safely, people helping others walk across icy streets, rescue squads helping medical professionals get to work, and store managers and employees opening despite the conditions so others could get needed supplies. There were groups who opened their churches as warming shelters. I saw hundreds of positive comments on Facebook thanking our county and city leaders even when their initial efforts to clear the roads failed. Having worked in a position that dealt directly with municipalities, I can tell you firsthand that they have a hard job, and I applaud each one of them for their efforts.
These scenarios were not unique to our area. News stations across the South reported similar situations during this freezing weather event. God asks us to not only exhibit selflessness and compassion to others during extreme situations but in normal everyday life as well. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he calls Christians to “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13 NIV). In his letter to the Galatians, he encouraged them to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). God is pleased when we do things for others. Take this scripture in Hebrews for example. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
As the snow and ice thawed, I could not help but hope that we will extend our compassion beyond the snow week vacation. Let’s keep our hearts thawed and open to helping others.
Blessings,
By: Cariss Lovvorn
December 20, 2024
