The flash flood and tornado warning sounded as I texted my son who was driving down Interstate 40 on his way to Boone, North Carolina for a football reunion. “They just canceled the App State University football game. I think you should turn around.”
We’d stalked the weather reports and a cancelled reunion never crossed our mind. For the North Carolinians who live hours from the coast, we mimicked the drill for our icy winter storm preparations. With bathtubs filled, gas cans ready for generators, and cozy candles to light, many NC friends tucked into bed awaiting additional alerts. While our area incurred minimal damage, nothing prepared our Western neighbors for the catastrophic devastation that shifted the landscape of North Carolina in hours.
Entire town centers wiped away. Weeks without power or running water. Lives lost. People still unaccounted for. It’s unfathomable.
Whatever you witnessed online doesn’t begin to cast a glimpse of the gruesome reality. Yet amidst the devastation, we also watched everyday heroes birthed amidst heartbreak. On Friday, ordinary folks hunkered down awaiting a storm, but by Saturday, they heroically, miraculously maneuvered through liquid mud.
Scared and sacred moments intertwined as hundreds of everyday heroes trekked miles on foot over downed trees, demolished roads, and through impassable terrain to find and save stranded strangers cut off from society. Neighbors helping neighbors. Requests that only twenty-four hours earlier would have seemed unimaginable. The marvel of the human spirit turned strangers into lifelong friends.
People rally amidst catastrophe.
With so much heaviness, thousands of everyday heroes representing varying social, economic, and political backgrounds descended on Western North Carolina as common folk — people like you and me — became the lifeline of hope and restoration for a hurting world. It’s still happening. The Church is flourishing as it puts on love and intersects the swing pendulum of emotions of the people: grief and gratitude, cursing and courage, anger and awe — all simultaneously simmering amidst water bottles and generators. No one asks for your voting preference or ID. The Church is no longer about a building or budget, denomination or specified expectations; the focus is only enveloping others with unquestioning care and compassion.
And while we react with awe to doors flinging wide open with sweeping gestures of hospitality to strangers, this is nothing new. Did you know that this kind of generous, radical necessity for hospitality began in the Old Testament and it wasn’t only modeled during times of disaster? It was part of their Mosaic Law – a mandate.
“And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him (or do him wrong). 34 The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Leviticus 19:33-34 KJV
Throughout the Scriptures, God tells His people to welcome and love the stranger. Within the context of that ancient culture, the Mosaic Law laid out expectations for the host to house, offer food, wash feet, and keep their guests from harm — it was an obligation to focus on the stranger in need. Considered a breach of honor if either the host or the guest refused, strangers and even enemies were welcomed as guests. With no hotel, gas station, or grocery store on the corner, communities lived interconnected and their safety and survival depended on the kindness of strangers.
Does an obligation like this feel overwhelming? It sure does. I received so many texts this month saying something like, “The need seems daunting. I don’t know what to do.”
I believe one of Satan’s tricks is to paralyze us with uncertainty and assault our thoughts by mocking our inability. And yet I page through the Scriptures looking for the verse that states, “You’re scared? Unfit? Nervous to be out of your comfort zone? Then don’t bother because I need someone more capable.”
Nope, it never says that. Scriptures declare the exact opposite. Through His grace and favor God sees fit to use us when we’re completely and unequivocally unworthy and unqualified for the task.
God has given us everything we need to put on love and be an everyday hero in our own hometown. We don’t need a hurricane to shift the landscape of our neighborhood or workplace, school, or playground for His glory, but we need a softened heart sensitive to His spirit. With ears eager to hear and eyes searching for opportunities, every encounter matters to Him no matter how small it might appear.
A casserole meal doubled to share with an exhausted mom.
Fall leaves raked for the neighbor who is struggling.
A favorite coffee brought to a discouraged coworker.
A note of encouragement to a frazzled teacher.
Brownies brought to the house with an opposing political sign.
Everyday heroes write the story of their lives with unseen acts of hospitality and servanthood.
It’s in these everyday moments when the wonder of the gospel is revealed in a new way – an opportunity to be the image bearer of Christ, to be transformed more into His likeness so He gets the glory.
I’m still sad and overwhelmed, but I’m looking for stories of everyday heroes all around me. Won’t you join me?
I’d love to hear your story of an everyday hero who impacted your life.
My niece in the Asheville area had a crew working in her yard to restore power that had come in from Canada to help. She usually has baked goods to share so her mom asked her what southern treat she shared. She answered I did better than cookies, I let them come in for a clean bathroom & warm shower. It didn’t matter that she doesn’t speak French or they English. Meeting each other with kindness refreshed those workers & restored power to my niece’s neighbors. Wins all around. Sharing what God provided to each ripples & always matters. Blessings y’all!
Yes, Ruth. The ripple impacts so many and it’s wonderful to know that it starts with us in our everyday neighborhood.
So glad to know your niece is doing well in Asheville.
During a time of dealing w a abusive Fatber. Sr Juliana a friend took me into her home until the Lord brought Allan n I together again. I told Allan my story n he didn’t judge me. We fell in love n got married.Allan was my soul mate. Sadly he passed away after we celebrated our 19th anniversary. But he lives on in my heart.
Mary – I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Sounds like he was a gem, but so grateful you had a wonderful woman who took you in during a hard time and was the conduit for you to meet your Alan. Very special.
Dear Jen…….Your story today was quite lovely and also sad. I am 77 years old and live in the North East and so far have not been hit with weather like the South and the Midwest and West Coast have experienced. I have prayed for these people that have been left with nothing or have lost someone of their family. I have one experience that happened to me. I was in Phoenixville, PA for an appointment and was upset when I left. I was distracted driving home and accidentally took the wrong exit and ended up in Philadelphia with no idea what to do. I didn’t have GPS in my car or phone, no water, no medication and had to go to the bathroom badly. I saw a place to pull over where Fairmount Park is and I sat there and just cried. I had no one to call, but this car pulled up in back of me and that scared me as Philly is just swamped in crime right now. The gentleman got out and came to my car and asked what was wrong. He said he was an Uber driver on duty, but saw how scared I really was, but he said he would try to help me. He walked all over the park, but all the restrooms were locked, but he did find a place to get me a bottle of water. He came back and said he was going to call the police to come and help. He used my phone and did just as he said. He said he was supposed to be working so he needed to go, but he said the police will help you from here. I started crying again and just kept thinking, what if they don’t show up. This man changed his mind and said he would wait with me until the police got there so he knew I was safe. I thanked him over and over. We waited for a half hour, but they did come. He then said he needed to go. All of a sudden, after I gave him some money, I hadn’t even asked him his name. This is the astonishing part. He was a black man and he said, my name is Emanuel and he left. The police were very kind to me and took me to a place where I could go to the bathroom and then had me follow them to the highway I needed to go on to get me back home. I thanked them profusely and went on my way, when all of a sudden it struck me the first gentleman’s name is another name for God. How could this even be in such a huge city with millions of people. I started crying again, this time with JOY as I knew it was the Lord there to protect me and help me. Friends that I have told this story said to me, it is just a coincidence and I said “No”. To me it was a God-Wink that I see in my Hallmark movies based on true stories. God-Winks are a divine intervention and that is just what it was. I prayed all the way home and praised the Lord for helping me get out of this frightening situation. So Jen, there is my story and this happened a year ago so we all know that God is always here with us, but I never thought I would myself see a God-Wink. I am still praying for the people in the south with the hit from Milton. How emotional and heartbreaking their situations must be and it could take them years to do whatever needs to be done. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the Women (in) courage who give us these wonderful devotions every morning. I would be in bad shape without them. Love and hugs to you Jen. You are all Angels to me!!~~~~~~~~~~~Betsy Basile
Dear Betsy,
I totally agree with you that this man who came to help you was sent from our Lord. I believe in angels & it could have truly been someone sent from God. I know my son had an experience with a friend whose car needed to be pushed when Jake was at the back of the car & pushing it when all of a sudden, another person came & helped. When they got the car to a safe place this man disappeared! My son is a strong Christian & doesn’t make up things! I feel God is always with us & gives us comfort! I hope you can meet some precious friends in your area Betsy that you can do things with. I live in CA otherwise I’d go out with you for a meal, go to church together or a nice long walk.
Lord bless you with His guidance & love!
Barbara
Betsy – thank you so much for sharing your beautiful “angel in disguise” story. What a special way the Lord looked out for your needs and protection.
We are so honored you’re a regular part of our special community here.
Jen lovely everything you have wrote. I have more than one Hero in my life. But my main every day hero is none other than Jesus. As when I read my Bible Jesus was great hero that taught us so much and how to live in the world we live in today despite all that is going on in our world to. Jesus is my hero for another reason Jesus has taught me how to love all people in the world from Adults to Kids. How to forgive people in my life that have hurt me and still love them no matter what as well as show them the love of Jesus. Let them know I have forgiven them and I am praying for them. Without Jesus I couldn’t have done that. As it says in Colossians 3:13 says ” bearing with one another and forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you so you also must do” how true that is. Without Jesus showing me this I would have ever done it. Today I wouldn’t be speaking to them. They did the wrong. I told them I have forgiven them put it behind me. But I will never forget about it. Jesus said to me Dawn now you done that I have forgiven you for hold a grudge against them until you forgave them. Yes Dawn it was hard. But it the right thing to do. I feel so much better for doing it. I have no bitterness now in my heart towards them. Also another hero in my life is Worlds Share. Because they do so much to help God people less well of than us. From Babies Children and Adults. In places like Hati and other places Kids are abused by their Father’s and other people. Also they do other great work. They another of Heros because they make me think and be thankful for all God has given me. When I hear of people less of than me the way show God love to people less well of than us. They go out of their way to help them if they can. It makes me cry when I hear what Adults and kids. I go into prayer for them. I thank God for them at World Share helping them. Then Derek Prince ministries. Derek in Glory now. But he left a legacy. That was teaching people the word of God. How to understand the Bible. As it can be a difficult book to understand. Derek made it easy through his teaching. Also the way the ministry is kept on today even though Derek Prince is in Glory. When Derek Prince was alive the Bible was translated in different languages so People could read it in their own language. They could buy teaching to help them as well. Then had conference to teach the word of God. All this being kept on today. I say Amen to that. Then my Husband they way he loves me and cares for me in his own way especially when I suffer with seizures. Plus you at incourage as your readings by all other people in incourage have helped me grow closer to God. By what they say and the people who leave a comment. I pray for you all thank God for the good work you guys do as well as all the others I have said about. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little Enniskillen Co.Fermanagh N.Ireland xx
Thank you for sharing about Derek. It sounds like he truly left a legacy on many lives. Have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Many Canadians are weeping with what we *can* see on social media platforms. We want so desperately to help! But we keep hearing that FEMA is not trustworthy, and we have no local contacts. Would you share how we can help?
I traveled in Tennessee a few months ago for work. I know those winding, narrow roads and that brown, muddy water. I have wept for the people who – though not rich in earthly goods – have lost their way of life. The loss of human life makes it that much worse. I feel so handicapped from where I sit! Prayers feel futile.
Thank you for caring all the way from Canada!
I am not personally in North Carolina, but what I’ve heard from people in Asheville is that FEMA crews and funds have been helping enormously there. (generators! tons of workers! equipment! water! food! funds for repairs!)
That said, *you can’t actually donate to FEMA anyway* since it is a government-provided disaster relief fund and does not accept cash donations (so please, please don’t donate to anything claiming to be FEMA that is asking for donations!). If you do want to donate, the Red Cross has also been on the ground there and is typically well-run. World Central Kitchens gets meals on the ground, and Feeding America also does a lot.
Thank you for your concern and empathy on our state’s behalf. It’s been truly devastating and for many of the locals, they have a long road. Samaritan’s Purse is the non profit who is truly make a long term difference as the partner with the locals there. So grateful for all their doing along side local churches.
My everyday hero is my doctor, Muhammad Muzammil. Yes, we expect our doctors to do their job but they are pushed to their wits end but tiny time slots for patients, insurance rules and regulations, and their own company rules. They are often pushed so hard, that their job seems impossible. They want to help people but their help is very limited by these very things.
My doctor goes above and beyond. He asks questions, jokes around when he can, and truly cares. He was also voted the company’s best doctor last year. He is truly a one of a kind. I feel so blessed to have him, as I am sure all of his patients feel the same way.
Dr. Muhammad Muzammil is a primary practitioner here in Itasca, IL. He knows just about anything. He is always working, never a care that he himself can get sick. I tell him to be careful. He has a family. I don’t want him getting sick and bringing it home to them either. We don’t often think about the lives of our doctors but they are just human too. He is a really good one. One that his family can be proud of.
Tracy – it’s so rare to hear such powerful stories of a doctor who goes above and beyond in all those ways. He definitely sounds like an everyday hero and I’m so delighted he’s in your family’s lives.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation from both Hurricane Helene and Milton. I just want to pray for healing and peace in all those areas.
Also, I guess an everyday hero I could mention would be my 5th grade teachers. When I had to switch to home school for a few months after surgery, both of them stepped up and volunteered their time to come to my house and teach me. It was very nice of them to go the extra mile for me.
Yay for you teachers. They truly are everyday heroes who often go above and beyond (and definitely not for the money.) Such a wonderful story of helping you.
I watched my Mom and Dad care for an elderly neighbor. She was the last surviving member in her family. She was a retired professor and was an alcoholic. Mom prepared meals and delivered them to her. Mom took her to her doctor appointments. I don’t know all that they did for this woman, but it made an impact on my life. I watched them love on newborn babies who were up for adoption. Dad was always looking for ways to help the elderly. They were loving servants.
What a true legacy you have in your parents. How they modeled being everyday heroes to so many is such a gift. Thank you for sharing. I know you’re grateful to have them.
Dear Jenn,
I enjoy your devotionals so much & have passed them on to friends who are really struggling with their lives right now.
My hero right now & for the past 50 years is my husband, Jerry. The past 10 months I’ve been struggling with back pain & on Oct 3rd had 2 serious procedures done on my spine. I was in the hospital for 5 days & now home for 3 weeks. My husband has been right by my side helping me with so many things that I normally could do & now find myself pretty helpless. He doesn’t complain about the added work, he constantly encourages me & spends extra time with me playing games & we pray together every day. We have been doing that though for years! I don’t take him for granted & tell him thank you for even the smallest gestures!
He’s been helping me with my recovery so much that I’m able to walk now without a walker (I’m 70 years old). I start PT on Nov 13th. Jerry is encouraging everyday & takes me out where I can walk on flat ground, we live in a pretty hilly area. I’m very thankful for all the Lord has blessed me with & that He has been right by my side throughout this ordeal & everyday!
Thank you for your encouragement, Barbara and wow, your husband is truly an everyday hero. What a wonderful example of the special covenant of marriage after all these years. I’m sure you’re the same to him. I’m so glad you shared and I’ll also be praying for your back .
Jen,
Years ago my neighbor was in the hospital for heart trouble. My dad went over one day & mowed his yard for him. Nothing big, but a gesture that was greatly appreciated.
Hurricane Helene hit upper E. TN hard. Greene county lost 5-7 bridges so many couldn’t get out. Unicoi county was hit hard & lost a small hospital. Carter County’s east side got the worst of it. A local high school was flooded out. They are just now going back to school this week. Loaves & Fishes Food pantry church was hit really bad. They are back up serving meals & food boxes. Many people have volunteered time & supplies to help out. Biltmore Baptist, my church, gathered supplies right afterwards & took them up to Hampton area. We also fed line workers. Those brave men & women work 24/7 getting the power back on. There is a local restaurant giving free meals to line workers. We also gathered blankets, warm clothing & supplies that were airlifted over to NC. Our motto here is Appalachian Strong! We help our neighbors any way we can.
Blessings 🙂
Jen,
Hey, friend. I have many everyday heroes. But I want to call out one. The water/sewer utility worker. They have been the heroes of our mountains as of late as they get water systems back up and running so that everyone can drink water and not worry about getting sick.
But, they are also the ones who enable us to drink water safely every day and to be able to flush our toilets without damaging the environment. If you see one, give them a hug.