Kentucky doing it right...

Many years ago, Seraphim had a brief meeting with Mother Theresa. She said to him: "If you do suffering right you become better, if you don't do it right you become bitter."

Today I saw Kentucky doing it right.

'Americans working together'

Yesterday Nazareth House Apostolate offered the humanitarian side of the ministry to those struggling from the tornado damage. We sent supplies and financial aid through the channels that make it possible for direct help. We allowed those who do this best to do what they do.

Today we did what we do best - Prayer. It's what we do - walking the streets, areas of turmoil, through war zones in prayer. We went to Mayfield for the Spiritual “search & rescue” —the bathing of the area in prayer. Physically calling on the Name of Jesus in area of trouble. We carried your prayers with us.

Walking the Streets in Prayer

As we came closer and closer to the effected areas we saw trees down, then homes demolished. It seemed surreal. As we entered Mayfield the destruction was difficult to comprehend.

Looking at the devastation, tears began to well up in my eyes, but at that very moment I noticed the street stands people had set up. They were offering food, water, taking care of each other.

a stand offering food, water, good music and great hugs

In the midst of the turmoil, in the midst of utter depredation, Kentuckians were doing it right. Reaching out...

We prayed the Chaplet of the Five Wounds in Mayfield

It is through His wounds that we are healed.

What I saw in Mayfield was a paradox. In the midst of total demolition, I saw the best in people come out.

I saw LOVE. I saw smiles, I saw laughter...

Jesus often used meals to engage with people and teach important lessons. In the book of Luke alone, there are 10 stories of Jesus dining with various people. And he continues to call us to His table to feast on who He is and learn more about him through his Word. This example of Jesus was witnessed over and over in Mayfield as the people reached out to offer food, in turn providing an example to experience God’s story of love and salvation.

Farm to Fork handing out free food

McDonald's handing out free food

Random bottles of water dropped off in places for people to take as needed.

Dunkin Donuts Coffee, ready and waiting.

What I saw today made me love Kentucky even more. I saw a unified, caring, loving society in which I think our whole divided Nation could learn a lot from. And as we walked in prayer through this damaged streets, I could not help but give thanks for all of these beautiful people.