Faith Stories: I Saw God in Louisiana

Late summer 2016 for Baton Rouge and surrounding areas in South Louisiana has been a devastating and exhausting one. So many neighbors, family and friends have endured tremendous heartache from the flooding brought on by the great, unnamed storm. Watching folks reel and ache and work and encourage prompted me to write the story below, to share with St. John’s at our Children’s Moment on September 4. I have seen the hands and feet of God working in our communities, conveniently disguised as regular folks only longing to bring the peace of Our Father to all in need in a very tangible way. Embodying an active image of Christ is what being a disciple is all about. It is also how I long to serve my Creator and King. I pray that broken will be uplifted, disciples will be renewed, and the faith of South Louisiana will show our country and the world what it means to love and serve. It is so needed right now. To me, Louisiana will forever be my sOnshine in the storm.   

I saw God making groceries at my neighborhood store,
He’s fed 5,000 and now he’s cooking for more. 
Beans and rice, sausage for good jambalaya,
God stirred an iron pot and served a meal on the bayou.   

I saw God tow a boat where the road used to be –
Bringing families from rising water to banks of safety. 
He gave them safe haven and cover from harm,
He gave them a plate and dry clothes to get warm.   

I saw God rescue animals from a vast and swelling flood! 
I saw God raise folks from brown water and mud! 
I saw God weep with the hearts of those that are broken, 
Offering comfort with gentleness and sweet words spoken.  

I saw God work construction in a waterlogged home
so families may soon return to lives they had known. 
Tearing down walls and sweeping out muck,
He is fixin’ what’s been broken and is building it back up.   

I saw God embrace the tired and comfort the lost.  
Our Father holding his children: The Promise of The Cross!  
He lights the hearts of his children ablaze with his love  
To share in Sweetest Grace, freely given from above.   

For our home Louisiana, and from His mighty seat:
God calls us to work together, to be His hands and feet.   
Pray we are One in the Spirit, hearts surrendered to Our Father’s perfect plan.

Mercifully,
    The God I see
        Abides in you and me  – every woman, child and man. 

Where a Louisianan is seen, pray it is shown
God dwells in him…
                    and her…
                        and your mom and them…
                            and y’all –
For the Glory of God may His love always be known.

Natalie Cooper