If There is One Thing You Can Do to Help Us, Do This.

Hey guys so I had this really amazing post for you guys about tips of finding a family photographer,  and of course to share all of these beautiful family photos we took with Olya Helga Photography. But instead I wanted to share what is heavy on my heart lately.  As all of ya’ll know we have been going through a lot down here in Houston with the Hurricane Harvey after math and the flooding that came with it. If you have been watching my Instastories you know we have been unable to reach our family do to the streets being flooded. Family who live not even fifteen minutes away, and it is truly disheartening. But I think what is most disheartening is reading all the negative things people are saying about God’s word and towards the people who preach it. Would you believe me if I told you I was criticized and told I was insensitive because I attributed my family’s safety and our house not being flooded to the power of prayer and to the glory of God? I never thought in my life I would be criticized for my belief, and by a fellow Christian surprisingly, especially during this time where we need prayer the most.

But as much as it hurts, I know it is not in my place to judge, rather use this opportunity to share with ya’ll all the reason why prayer is important, not just during dark times, but good times too. Yesterday as my husband and I drove around our town trying to find ways to get to our family, we stumbled by neighborhoods we had looked at three years ago when we were looking for our first home under water. We remember how many rejections we received and how defeated we felt when we weren’t chosen for that home. It was so disheartening and discouraging for us, but God knew it wasn’t for us. They say everything happens for a reason, and I believe that. We prayed and a year later we found the home we are staying at now. A small older neighborhood, surrounded by seven different churches literally walking distance in every corner. It felt like home.

Well when the rains came these past couple of nights, non stop we were scared, scared as we saw neighborhoods around us getting flooded, as the water started to rise on our streets, as tornadoes began to form around us. Our first night we did not sleep, my husband and I just prayed. We prayed our family would be safe, that our parents and grandparents would be safe. We were so worried we would have to hide in a closet, or find higher ground. But when the dawn came, and my little guy woke up from his well rested sleep with the biggest smile on his face, the rain stopped. And within an hour it was gone from our streets. We messaged all of our family and they were fine. My mother in law who I was worried about the most was inches away from her house being flooded, but the water receded for her too. We were all safe. But we turned on the news and we saw that not everyone in Houston was so fortunate. We by the grace of God had made it through the storm. There was no other reason why we were so lucky, because luck didn’t have anything to do with it.

So yesterday when we drove past these neighborhoods that were under water, that we almost called home, we couldn’t do anything but pray. Pray for the people whose homes had been lost, pray to God for keeping us safe through the storm, and for showing us God’s greater plans.

I know it may be hard for some people to see past all the destruction and blame God, but God has greater plans for us, God has greater plans for Houston, for Texas, and for everyone affected in the storm. You may be full of heartache now, you may feel defeated, but don’t give up, because God hasn’t and will never give up on you.

So for everyone out there wondering what they can do to help, I only ask one thing for you and that is to pray. Pray with us, because God answers all prayers. Pray for those who may have lost faith during this time, for the people who reject the power of the Lord, and let us show them the power of prayer. Let is show them God’s love. Let us show them that we can come together as a community, and that we can rebuild Houston to become better than it ever was in the Kingdom of the Lord. Let us pray.

God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.– Psalm 46:1

Thank you for all of your kind words and messages, and for keeping us in your prayers. It really is encouraging to see everyone come together to help each other during this time of need. If you would like to do more, head to my Instastories on how you can be more involved. Thanks again for your support.

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