Hello to my Empowering Godly Wives family!

This week we are pausing to thank God for Mercy. In spite of what is happening around us, we have a lot to give thanks for.

When I realized that Hurricane Melissa was going to make landfall in Jamaica and was going to affect the section of the island where I live, I knew only the mercy of God would allow us to survive.

The severity of the storm, its strength, and the slow pace it was traveling were strong indicators that widespread devastation should be expected. I tried to prepare as best as I could, then worked out a few worst-case-scenario backup plans to safeguard my family.

In the eye of the storm, when I looked outside, the mountains were naked, the landscape was entirely different, and I had a panoramic view that was a mile long in some directions. 

There was widespread devastation, but all my neighbors made it to the other side of Hurricane Melissa. We all lost something, but we still had life, and for that we were eternally grateful.

Thanksgiving this year may look a little different. The menu may be simple, and the list of dishes may not be the same, but we still have to give thanks. 

Things To Be Thankful For After Hurricane Melissa

This is my list of things to be thankful for after Hurricane Melissa. Some things didn’t make the list, but more than likely they could fit under one of the categories mentioned below.

1. Making It Through A Category Five Hurricane.

I’m sure that others will agree that it wasn’t the building material used for our houses that brought us through to the other side of this powerful storm. 

Yes, housing materials had a part to play, but ultimately it was the goodness of God that kept us when the roofs flew away, when the windows blew in, when the walls fell flat, and when heavy appliances and equipment took to the outdoors.

2. Hope and a Future

The mountains that were naked four weeks ago are now beginning to restore their shapes and curves. The trees have sent out new leaves, banana plants are now taller than me, wild berry plants are full of new fruits, and Christmas peas will be ready in a few weeks.

The signs we see in nature tell us that just like the plants, we will eventually put the pieces back together. With a positive mindset and the spirit of thanksgiving, we can dream big and work towards our goals.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

3. Donors and Sponsors

There is no doubt that others have been ‘touched by the feelings of our infirmities’ and have extended a helping hand to help us as we face the aftermath of this storm. I am grateful for each individual or organization who volunteered their time, resources, and effort to help those who were affected.

4. The Famington

The Famington is a worldwide family parented by Ling and Lamb. Ling and Lamb donated and asked the Famington to help members of the Jamaican family who were affected. They even visited the island, interacted with individuals on the ground, and completed projects to restore homes that were damaged by the hurricane. 

I’m happy that I’m a member of this amazing family-the Famington. I thank the Lord for the advocacy, spirit of giving, love, and compassion that Ling and Lamb continue to share with each soul they come in contact with. I pray that others will replicate these qualities and demonstrate them to others.

5. Ryan’s Shop

Where I live, Rayon’s Shop is a source of empowerment in every sense of the word. During the storm it was a place of refuge for displaced individuals. After the storm it is the hub for electricity, internet connectivity, snacks, fellowship, and dinner in the evenings. 

I’m thankful that Rayon has opened his doors and shared his facilities with the members of our community. There are many individuals who are now doing the same thing in many other communities. I know that our family members and friends are grateful for the fact that we can charge our devices and they can hear our voices.

6. Todd’s Advocacy 

In the evenings hot nutritious meals are served at Rayon’s shop thanks to the advocacy of Todd. He brought attention to the need in our area, and now each evening food is transported to the location and served on site.

I give thanks for Todd, his spirit of advocacy, and the many volunteers who make this initiative possible. Thank God for nutritious, delicious, hot meals. 

7. World Central Kitchen 

Food is one of the basic things needed for survival, and World Central Kitchen made sure that this need was met in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. During the day, vehicles proudly marked with the logo are seen traveling to and from the distribution sites. 

We thank God for the juicy apples, bottled water, delicious meals, the drivers, the chefs, and every individual attached to this organization. May they be blessed and favored by the Lord, and may the work that they do continue to provide hope in the lives of others.

8. Political Representatives

In Southern St. James, Member of Parliament Nekeisha Burchell and her team have been working assiduously to assist and encourage her constituents. We give thanks for her effort, advocacy, and coordination.

May she continue to be a beacon of hope, a tower of strength, and a godly leader who will inspire, empower, and transform lives.

9. Hurricane Melissa Relief Teams

What would our lives feel like if after the storm we didn’t have the empathy and assistance of others? School, medical services, and a lot of other things have been disrupted. 

Thanks to the compassion of others, medical supplies, food, clothing, health checks, dental services, water, tarpaulins, and a lot of other items were made available. 

I remember a group who wore shirts with the tagline “Melissa was merciless but God is merciful.” For me it’s a reminder to thank the Lord for His mercy, goodness, compassion, and provision.

10. Soldiers

I have not seen a lot of police officers or police vehicles since the storm. On the other hand, soldiers have been up and about playing their part to help us deal with life after this historic hurricane. I’m thankful for their training, discipline, and the compassion they show as they travel through our communities and interact with the people.

11. Helicopters

Helicopters have been playing a significant role as it relates to transporting people and goods. Medical teams and supplies have been able to get to remote and marooned areas thanks to helicopters. 

I have seen various types and models flying by, some with packages dangling on a rope and others with soldiers answering the call of duty. Thank the Lord for the pilots and numerous teams who have worked tirelessly throughout this ordeal to provide aid to those on the ground.

12. Solar Lights

If there was ever a time my neighbors were grateful for solar lights, it’s now. We are able to perform certain tasks after sunset even though we don’t have any electricity from the power company. 

In fact, a nighttime view of neighboring communities gives the impression that power has been restored because the houses are lit thanks to solar-powered lights.

13. SpaceX

Cellphone connectivity was lost in some areas before the power went out or the storm made landfall. I didn’t expect to see any signal on my phone until the roads were cleared and the telecommunication companies had the chance to take fuel to the cell towers. 

However, a few days after the storm, my phone was showing Digicel SpaceX. This means I could see messages about missed calls from friends and family members. This may seem simple, but to me it was a sign that they were okay. Hats off to SpaceX for giving a helping hand when we needed it most.

14. Digicel Stay Safe

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Digicel has been using the Stay Safe tagline as a reminder to its customers. These two words are simple but powerful, and once a device is connected to the Digicel network, this reminder is visible during tropical storms and hurricanes too.

I’m grateful for the fact that Digicel values the safety of its customers and has taken the initiative to add these two words to the name of the network when the company wishes to remind Jamaicans to ‘stay safe.’

15. Atmosphere of Worship

A number of churches have been left topless or suffered damage during the storm. Though the physical buildings suffered damages, communities across the affected parishes have been reminded that the church is not the building but the people.

The atmosphere of worship at various church sites is a tangible reminder of thanksgiving. As worshipers blend their voices in singing, pray together, and fellowship with each other, they exude sentiments of hope and resilience.

16. The St. James Federation of Seventh-day Adventist Youth

I appreciate the fact that this organization has been active after the storm to ensure that the Seventh-day Adventist youths in the parish of St. James feel seen and heard. Though it’s a nonprofit organization, it has taken steps to provide and distribute care packages and visited congregations to encourage and provide hope.

I thank the Lord for the leadership of the St. James Federation of Seventh-day Adventist Youth and pray that they will continue to be compelled by the love of Christ as they work to fulfill the gospel commission.

17. Pathfinder and Master Guide Ministries

Pathfinder and Master Guide Ministries train and equip youth to function and survive in adverse conditions. Thanks to the training of these two Seventh-day Adventist youth groups, individuals are equipped physically, mentally, and spiritually to face the challenges that come with a hurricane. 

Sleeping in a tent, using outdoor bathroom facilities, surviving on basic amenities, and cooking outdoors are some of the training that I and other individuals are now using since the passing of Hurricane Melissa.

18. Praying Neighbors

The prayers of our neighbors and their faith in God have been evident. Prayers have been going up since the tropical storm watch, warning, landfall, and passing. Prayers for provision, prayers for sunny weather, prayers for rain, prayers for assistance, prayers for health and well-being, and prayers of rejoicing and thanksgiving have ascended to the throne of grace.

I’m grateful for all those who are praying not just for themselves but for others. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful as it is working. I pray that the Lord will continue to hear and answer the prayers of His children.

Final thought

I have to thank God for Mercy and for all the blessings He has bestowed on me since the passing of Hurricane Melissa. I’m grateful to be alive, for the advocacy of others, and for donors, volunteers, individuals, and organizations who have helped in one way or another to help all who are facing the devastation that the hurricane has caused.

What are you thankful for today? Let me know in the comment section.