The thoughts and ideas expressed below are exclusively those of Jack Straley and www.justplaintalkwithjack.com.  We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too.  My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all, when presented the opportunity, please vote.

There is no way to not feel moved when seeing the images of destruction that are almost constantly flooding our television screens.  How deep does the despair sink when one loses every possession they own other than the clothes they have on.  How deep does the future look when trying to figure out their next steps, not in rebuilding homes but in rebuilding their lives.  The only source of strength I can rationalize is an abiding faith in God that his will shall prevail.  Times will no doubt be tough but the affected communities must gather together as one and work hard, hand in hand with one another.

Watching football games from the warmth, comfort and ease of my recliner this weekend I was reminded and encouraged repeatedly to aide in the healing process by contributing to Red Cross relief efforts.  This organization does aide displaced families but there are other organizations as well.  Several large companies have made huge donations to Red Cross and their contributions are appreciated.  Much help is needed for smaller groups to continue in their assistance efforts as well.  Smaller groups are very often more efficient due to less organizational costs, administration costs and logistics issues.

It is really great to see the nation uniting in supporting those affected by the California wildfires.  Many of those affected have no insurance due to no fault of their own, but the majority of residents are upper middle class and higher up on the economic scale.  While severe, their loses are not as devastating to them as those on the lower ends of the economic ladder when faced with similar adversity.

How short it seems our memories really are.  Only a short time past many on the opposite side of the country were besieged with natural disasters equivalent to or more massive than the wildfires.  Parts of our nation were inundated with flood waters from multiple hurricanes and storms causing hundreds of lives to be lost.  Months later bodies are still being located while others remain lost.  Our government rushed to the aide of these people offering $750. 00 to qualifying families, in the form of a loan.  FEMA has not performed as funded or expected to act.  The weather is much harsher in the North Carolina Mountains than it is on the California beaches especially, in the winter months.  Many families are living in tents and cooking on outside fires as a means to survive.

One organization that has contributed more aid than any other union is Samaritan’s Purse.  This organization is comprised mainly of volunteers and exists on donations, donations of any size.   Very little recognition is given this group compared to other organizations.  Less than two percent of the monies received go to costs of operating their programs leaving ninety-eight percent to go to the cause.  If you are in a quandary as to how you might help with relief consider Samaritan’s Purse. 

I normally do not solicit funds for any cause, including politics.  However, I feel these people deserve our help and compassion.  If you can contribute, any amount, please do so.  If nothing else along with donations or in lieu of, please pray for all in need.