Wrapped in Red
Dear Teacher,
This last week signified the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene's destructive path through southern Georgia, western North Carolina, and southern Virginia. This Category 4 storm caused widespread devastation, resulting in catastrophic flooding, landslides, and high winds. With over 250 deaths, it marked the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina, with estimated damages around $78.7 billion.
A testament to the horrors of the storm, Carl and Linda McMurray lived in Damascus, Virginia at the time of Helene. Married 57 years, both were in their home when powerful floodwaters ripped their house apart, instantly separating them. Linda remained trapped in the dark second floor of their collapsing house, unsure of the fate of her husband.
Carl was carried away by the swift waters, certain he would drown in the raging currents. Desperately he reached for debris and wreckage in the hopes that he could stay afloat. Carl finally managed to grab hold of a tree, lashing himself around and around the trunk with a red ribbon so that he wouldn't float away and that rescue teams would see the bright color. Holding on for dear life, Carl was beaten repeatedly by the rapids and wreckage, sustaining significant injury and eventually losing consciousness.
When the storm subsided and flood waters retreated, rescue crews went in search of both Carl and Linda. After 16 hours, neighbors found Linda, wrapped in blankets for warmth, sitting among the house remains. Carl, on the other hand, after clinging to a tree for hours, was spotted and airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center, where he was eventually released in good health, having been saved by a tree wrapped in red.
And you, Teacher, there in your classroom, are weathering storms of your own. Maybe it's a student whose traumatized behavior brings destruction to the learning environment. Perhaps it's the roar of anxiety or depression that rips through your peace and wellbeing. It could be the swift current of change in a relationship that has put you in survival mode.
Whatever your storm, you, too, have Hope in the storm. In the swirling current of confusion, lash yourself to the Tree and hold on tight. Wrapped in the red blood of Jesus, your story will be one of survival, safety, and salvation in the wake of the storm.
Clinging on for dear life,
Christian Educator & School Counselor