Finding Hope in the Storms: Reflections, Resilience & How We Can Help

November has arrived with a sobering reminder of how life can shift in an instant. As Jamaica faces the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, many of us—whether near or far—are feeling the heaviness, concern, and emotional toll that comes when home is hurting.

Watching the images and hearing the stories has taken me back to Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, a storm I personally lived through. I remember the sound of the wind—howling like a living thing outside our walls. I remember the uncertainty, the days without power or water, and the way a community had to lean on one another just to get through. Gilbert left a lasting imprint on my heart: not just because of the destruction, but because of the unity, kindness, and resilience that rose from the rubble.

Today, as Melissa affects families, communities, and livelihoods across Jamaica, that same resilient spirit is being called on again.

A Time to Reflect—and Act

Moments like this reminds me:

• How quickly life can change

• How deeply we are connected to one another

• How powerful community support truly is

It’s easy to feel helpless when we’re far away, but we are never powerless. We can pray, we can give, and we can be part of the rebuilding—together.

How You Can Support Relief Efforts

Whether you have family in Jamaica or simply a heart to serve, here are simple yet meaningful ways to help:

 1. Offer Resources & Supplies

Many affected families will need essentials such as:

• non-perishable food

• water and purification tablets

• hygiene kits

• tarps, flashlights, and batteries

• school supplies for children

2. Give Financially (Even Small Makes a Difference)

Reputable organizations providing immediate relief include:

• ADRA Jamaica (Adventist Development & Relief Agency) – supporting with emergency response, shelter, and long-term community recovery

• The Jamaican Red Cross

• Food for the Poor Jamaica

• Salvation Army Jamaica Division

(If you’d like a curated list with direct links, reply or message me, and I’ll send it.)

 3. Pray for Jamaica

Pray for protection, provision, restoration, and strength—especially for the most vulnerable: the elderly, children, single-parent households, and those already facing hardship.

4. Share Information & Encourage Others to Support

Awareness creates action. Your voice can inspire someone else to give, volunteer, or pray.

A Final Word of Hope

Storms remind us of our fragility, but they also reveal our strength, compassion, and courage. Just as we rose after Gilbert, Jamaica will rise again. We are a people of resilience, faith, and unbreakable spirit.

If you would like to partner with me in gathering resources, forming a relief support group, or simply staying informed, please comment or send a message. Together, we can help lift the load for those affected.

"We can’t stop the storms from coming, but we can be the shelter that helps someone through."