Written by:
Candice Pritz
The Office of Community Relations
In some ways, it is hard to believe that we are already approaching one month since the initial impact and devastation of Hurricane Helene. Many folks in the region are still waiting for clean drinking water, tree and debris clean-up, and other forms of relief and comfort.
In other ways, it feels hard to believe that it has only been one month. More offices, schools, and systems are “going back to normal” and in these ways, the storm can feel like it was long ago as life and time continue to press onward.
The truth is, all of the people of Western North Carolina experienced this traumatic and unexpected storm together. Fallen trees, whipping winds and rushing waters damaged, ruined and devastated countless homes and entire communities.
When natural disasters hit and our homes are shaken, overwhelming feelings, uncertainty, and anxiety settle in. After all, our homes are more than just roofs over our heads and storage places for belongings –they also serve as safety and security from life’s storms.
At times like these, we are faced with the reminder that one day all possessions and earthly achievements will be set aside. It is because of this promise that we must build our homes, our dwelling places, on the steadfast foundation of Christ who will never leave us or forsake us.
A common Greek word for “dwell” has the meaning of “tabernacling among us.” As we know in Jesus’s time, the tabernacle was a sacred gathering place where people came to meet with God – a place where He dwelt on earth:
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” Revelation 21:3
Even through the storm and the days that lie ahead, the presence of God is here, dwelling within us. He is dwelling within the souls of our students, faculty and staff at Veritas. It is because of God’s great love for us and presence within us, that we have a dwelling place as a community in Christ as Veritas Christian Academy.
Let us continue to be encouraged by this sweet hymn, On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils His lovely face, I'll rest on His unchanging grace. On every high and stormy day, my anchor holds within the veil. His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
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