Lives and Levees

With all of the news focused on Gustav, my wife and I have been reliving our memories of surviving Katrina. While we didn't live in the city and were blessed to be on the weakest side of Katrina, the damage was significant and the memories still create emotional responses from us that still surprise us. Katrina was a life changing experience and has left a permanent mark on us as a family. Our prayers go out to the thousands who will be affected by Gustav.

I was watching the news last night and heard a reporter's interview with a FEMA representative. The FEMA guy said that one levee was being topped by water and that it was beginning to leak water through it. Usually when a levee is topped and begins to leak it is only a matter of time before it breaks. When conditions are normal the levees look fine and give the false impression that all is well and they can hold. When the pressure is turned on, though, the true nature of the levee is revealed. Such is the case with us Christians.

Christians are notorious for putting up facades and fronts that communicate to everyone who sees that things are fine when, often times, things are not fine. It is only a matter of time and pressure before whatever weaknesses you possess come to light. The New Testament has a great deal to say about being sincere, genuine and without hypocrisy (which literally means masking something or covering it up). As Christians we shouldn't attempt to hide or cover up our frustrations, faliures and fears. Rather, we should carry them to the Lord and allow him to help us. We can also carry them to faithful brothers and sisters who can also help us shoulder the load. Just like the national guard reinforcing those weakened levees, we can find reinforcement for our souls from God and God's people.