Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction in its wake, and in the aftermath, I’ve been reflecting on what truly matters. I’m thankful to share that my family and I, here in East Tennessee, are fine. However, my parents were not as fortunate and suffered damage to their home, and many of the surrounding areas have been deeply impacted. Our hearts go out to all affected here in East Tennessee, Appalachia, and beyond.
My heart aches for those who have lost their homes, their loved ones—both people and pets—and for the farmers whose livelihoods have been devastated. Farms are such a huge part of life here, and the loss of that connection to the land has left a deep impact on all of us.
A close friend of my husband and I shared a poignant story after the storm. The only thing left intact from his mother’s house was a hymnal book, opened to the song “Victory in Jesus.” In the face of such loss, it’s these moments that remind us of something greater than ourselves. As the song says, “He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood.” Even in the most trying times, there’s a comfort in knowing that we’re not alone.
This storm has taught me something that I hope will resonate with you too. In moments of crisis, what do you look for? It’s not your possessions, no matter how much space they take up or how sentimental they are. It’s your loved ones. The things that truly matter are not material, and we cannot take them with us. The Bible reminds us of this in Matthew 6:19-21:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (KJV)
What has been incredible to witness in the wake of such devastation is the way people have come together. I’ve seen so many selfless acts of kindness—neighbors helping neighbors, communities rallying to collect donations, and strangers lending a hand to those they’ve never met. We are all stronger together, and the love and support I’ve seen during these trying times have been overwhelming.
One thing that has deeply touched me is the outpouring of generosity for my own parents. They’ve had a tough year already, and the damage from the storm was another hit for them. To make matters worse, they were told they had to cover the cost of the repairs, which added even more strain to an already difficult situation. But through it all, people came together—whether they shared the GoFundMe, prayed, or donated—and I cannot express how thankful we are. Your kindness has lifted a huge weight off of my family, and we are incredibly appreciative of everyone who helped. You have no idea what a difference it has made.
The Bible speaks of the power of unity in Galatians 6:2:
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (KJV)
Thank you to everyone who has come together in these difficult days. Whether through a prayer whispered in the quiet of your home or by working out in the field to help clean up debris, every gesture of support matters. We are still praying for those who have lost so much—those who are still searching for loved ones, whether they’ve been displaced or are still unaccounted for.
For those who need support, I’ve created a Facebook group where you can stay updated on donation drives, volunteer efforts, and community resources. Feel free to post any information that could help others or ask for help if you need it. It’s a place where we can continue to come together, lean on each other, and move forward.
The facebook group is here just click.
To those who have lost loved ones, homes, farms, or even the animals they cherished, my heart breaks for you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and I know many others feel the same. I cannot imagine the weight of your grief, but I want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to support you in any way we can, and we continue to lift you up in prayer.
Let us hold fast to the truth that material possessions are fleeting, but love, kindness, and community are eternal. In times like this, it’s so important to remember that, as Romans 8:28 says:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (KJV)
We may not always understand why things happen, but we can trust that even through the hardest trials, God is working behind the scenes. Let’s continue to come together, help one another, and hold onto faith as we move forward. In the end, it’s our relationships, our acts of kindness, and our love for one another that will carry us through.
Going to post a song that goes with this down below.
With love,
Kayla (Katie Bee)