A Job, a Move, and a Flood

The last time I spoke to many of you about our plans for this fall, I probably told you that Keith had accepted a short term (9 month) non-tenure-track position at LSU in their Kinesiology department that would allow us to stay in Baton Rouge for at least another year. At the end of that year, we would begin searching for a full time, long-term position yet again. We knew we would eventually be moving out of state, and as a recent PhD Grad, Keith knew he would have to take whatever was given, without much choice.

A lot has changed.

About a month ago, Keith got a call from Mississippi College, a small Christian University in Clinton, MS. Keith had been in contact with the school for over a year. We had both fallen in LOVE with the school, the people, and their heart for bringing Christ to higher education (PLUS, my little sis is a sophomore there). But, we knew that getting a job there right out of school, was a long shot.

So when Keith got the call that one of their professors had resigned last minute, we were shocked. That was a Tuesday. On Thursday of the same week, we traveled to Clinton so that Keith could interview/meet all of the important people at MC. By that afternoon, he had been offered the job. A process that usually takes a month had taken 3 days. We were in AWE of how God made all of our dreams come true in a matter of minutes.

Fast forward to last weekend. Keith and I put an offer on a house in Clinton, MS, moved out of our rental and into my parents, and were all packed to move on Saturday, August 13th. Keith would start work on the 15th and we would stay with my uncle (who lives in the area) until we closed on our house.

The weather had a different idea. As many of you know, Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas got almost 30inches of rain in a little over 24 hours on August 12th-13th. This caused widespread devastation for our area. If rain alone wasn’t enough, it caused the rivers in our area to rise in record speed. Together, they create the worst flood that our area has seen in the last 500 years. 90% of my parish was underwater. Homes, businesses, and cars all became victim to the rising water. People that I knew to be the most responsible and proactive were trapped in their homes awaiting rescue by boat.

As my family sat dry (by the grace of God) in our home, trapped by flooded roadways, we watched the devastation unfold around us. We were helpless and unable to be of immediate help to anyone. My heart ached for those that were loosing everything and the guilt of coming away with no damage was surmounting. Keith and I knew that moving to Clinton on Saturday was not an option. So, we went across the street to our church to help in whatever way we could.

Judson Baptist Church wasn’t supposed to be opened as shelter for evacuees, but with the growing need, the people of the church came together to open our doors. My family joined those helping. We were quickly put to work sorting clothes, cooking food, blowing up mattresses, and loading supplies.

Just as the chaos was threatening to take over, the church members and volunteers gathered to pray over the shelter and the families that were coming in. It was in that moment, surrounded by the family of believers that had seen me through my childhood and ushered me into adulthood, that the tears came.

Tears for the families that were experiencing complete loss. Tears for those who couldn’t locate loved ones. And Tears because Keith and I were moving away from the people we love and who love us. But mostly, they were tears of Joy. Joy because God was there, at work, in the lives of those around us. Joy because in the midst of disaster, I was surrounded by amazing people who immediately sought to meet the needs of those around them. And Joy because what God allowed to be washed away, he will restore. And what is restored will be even greater because HE is GREATER.

Keith and I were able to leave on Sunday, just in time for him to start work on Monday morning. Though we left, my heart has stayed behind and is still with those in my home town who are working to rebuild what was lost. I am so proud to have been raised in a place with so much compassion and resilience.

As Keith and I embark on this new adventure, we are reminded constantly that God is in control. That is a phrase we say often and without much meaning. As a complete control freak, accepting the truth in that phrase is always a challenge. But if this flood has taught me anything it is that I need to allow my heart to be flooded by HIM daily. To allow Him to consume me and to wash away what was and restore me to His glory.

There will be many losses in the next few months, but look ahead, friends. Because with God, each ending means a GREAT new beginning. Great doesn’t mean easy, but keep the faith.

We will Rise on Wings like Eagles

Isaiah 40:31