Everything right now is 24/7 Hurricane Harvey. The tragic news reports and heart wrenching images from Houston Texas are filling our news and crowding our social media accounts.
Our thoughts and prayers are turned toward Texas.
On Tuesday we mourned the flooding of our beautiful LDS Houston Temple located in Spring, Texas. The temple sits on a significant hill, and was prominently seen throughout the area. Now it sits as a small island surrounded by a huge lake of putrid water – a stark testament to how deep and wide the flood water has risen.
My heart is broken for all the huddled masses of Texas who are wet, cold, tired, frightened, hungry and suddenly homeless. I fervently hope and pray that the rain will cease, the sun will shine, and the waters will recede.
Of course, we know there is a very long, agonizing process ahead.
But, the human spirit is resilient.
There are a multitude of earth angels descending on Texas right now with helping hands and loving hearts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYZdXi9FDUa/?hl=en&tagged=hurricaneharvey
There are miracles happening every minute.
And despite it all, there is lots of courage and hope for better days ahead.
Photographer Robert A. Boyd, from hard-hit Spring Texas, shared his stunning photographs of the Houston Temple today, accompanied by his beautiful testimony of faith on his Facebook page today.
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”(Hymn: How Firm a Foundation vs. 4)
“After dumping trillions of gallons of water on the Houston area, the storm FINALLY passed. These images of the Houston Texas Temple were taken that first sunset, just hours after the rains had stopped (Tuesday, August 30th, 2017). Our cars were still trapped by flood waters so my friend Andrew Speckhard braved the drive and the trek through rushing water and mud, and then through a swampy field (where I was sure all kinds of fanged creatures were taking refuge), and finally through vines with thistles that cut our sandal-ed feet. It was well worth it, the sight was amazing! Because the flood waters entered the temple,the temple lights did not turn on, as they usually do every night. But this provided for some different pictures, long exposures.You will see it is still windy by the blurry branches and flowing clouds, and that the water was still high and flowing fast. It reminded me of the adversity that the people of Houston are facing this week, and the road ahead for many who need to restore their homes. How fitting that our sanctuary, the Lord’s House, will be restored as well. While it is a sad time, it is also a chance to look forward with renewed Hope. The members here in Houston LOVE their temple, and we will look forward to it’s reopening with great anticipation.”
– Robert A. Boyd – Spring, Texas
It’s equally hard to remember that there are actually places in the world that are experiencing equal, if not worse, human tragedy right now.
Your prayers, kindness, and service to others matters.
You can also help by donating to LDS Humanitarian Services.
Love, – MoSop
- See daily Hurricane Harvey Updates on Mormon Newsroom
Latter-day Soprano 