When one looks at the devastating effects of hurricane IKE, coupled with the mass destruction of most of the Texas cities like, Galveston and Houston, it is difficult to see any good in such a catastrophic act of God.

  Looking from the sidelines, I was able to see that the hurricane, though catastrophic and devastating, was also simultaneously constructive in the sense that it has enforced a mandatory act of friendliness and neighborliness among the Houstonians.

            On the eve of the hurricane, I observed neighbors coming out to sit and chat. There was an exciting air of anticipation as people waited for the storm. Children were outside flying kites, neighbors were helping each other out with moving things that could be potentially turned into missiles.  Oh what love and a picture of a perfect world.

  After the Hurricane had come and gone, its handprints and footprints could not be overlooked as a whole city was left to clean up after it. Everyone seems to have something to say about the negative impact that was made by this rude intruder.

Besides the incredible destruction of homes and businesses, One common and remarkable damage is the one that was done  to a vast majority of fences. Hardly will you pass by a home without observing some sort of damage to the fence.   

As I observed the fences, I heard God say, “We must pull down Spiritual fences that have segregated and separated us from our neighbors for so long”.  As Christians, we must move beyond those manmade structures that have obstructed and impaired our view, and as such have prevented us from being good and friendly neighbors. We must begin to stretch out our arms of love, fellowship and brotherliness to our neighbors,  no matter how strange they may seem.

It is time to find  a common ground, that would lead to an open door for us to Minister the Love of God to them. The execution of this charge has been made mandatory for us here in Texas as neighbors join together to mend broken fences.

May we never forget to send the hurricane of love, and a flood of brotherliness to our neighbors, so that together, we may stand on a common ground, and upon the solid rock, the foundation of which is Christ the Lord.