Bettye Mack awoke one Friday morning in April to water quickly coming under the door of her house. She did everything she could to make it stop, but it was no use.

The water came into her house so fast she didn’t have a chance to save any of her belongings. By the time she and her adult son evacuated, the water had enveloped their living room coffee table.

The greater Houston area experienced record-breaking rains that caused flooding throughout the city. Some residents, like Mack, experienced it worse than others.

“My whole house was destroyed,” she said. “It’s depressing, it’s devastating and it’s overwhelming.” 

The Buckner Family Hope Center Houston/Aldine continues helping victims of the floodwaters weeks after the rains stopped. The center has helped almost 100 families with immediate needs such as clothes, food, toiletries, hygiene items, bedding and even school uniforms.

“We are their community,” said Shawna Roy, director of the Hope Center. “We are here, and that is what community is about: helping those that are closest to us.”

Scripture tells us that we are saved by grace. It also tells us that good works will happen in response to the grace God has shown us. In many ways, the volunteers and staff who have come together through the Hope Center exemplify a group of believers helping others for the glory of God.

They are living out Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.”

This week, how can we live likewise?

Deeper Relfection:

• What does it mean to be "the light of the world?" What are the characteristics of light we need to reflect?
• What are some ways we can shine light before others?

Next Steps:

• Pick one of the ways you identified in the previous question and act upon it this week. 
• Be a light to vulnerable children and families by volunteering through Buckner. Check out the opportunities by clicking here.