I was a young child asleep in my parent’s small apartment. I was shaken awake by my father, told to get up and follow him. When I reached the front door, I saw that my mother was waiting with two suitcases.
My dad opened the door to the flood that had surrounded and trapped us. Torrential overnight rains had poured down the mountains into our town. Everywhere I looked was water.
After a moment, I saw my mother’s brother, my Uncle Jay, motoring toward us in a small boat. We loaded the suitcases and climbed into the boat. We rode to my uncle’s house (on higher ground) where we stayed until the floodwaters receded.
I thought it was the greatest adventure of my life.
Our eastern Kentucky mountain region has had a history of devastating floods. At least three aquatic disasters have swept the area over the past four years.
Recently our town received warnings of severe weather, with the possibility of tornadoes and flash floods. A local church had planned a large vacation Bible school during the threatened week. Major preparations had been made. Dozens of volunteers had committed their time.
The day before the VBS, the pastor, based on weather predictions, canceled the event, to great disappointment. That evening, to everyone’s surprise (including the weather service), the storms dissipated and missed our area.
Instantly, some people criticized the pastor and blamed him for the cancellation.
But the pastor did the right thing. He based his decision on the history of our region and a desire to protect the children.
Don’t judge other people’s actions without the facts. Encourage leaders who try to make wise decisions. Stop the criticism and start the love.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” NIV
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