I thought it might be a good time to share some photos of what the mountains of North Carolina looked like before Hurricane Helene. Much of these mountains form the pristine wilderness of the Smokey Mountains chain of the Appalachians. I have friends scattered throughout those mountains and into Tennessee. Some lost homes, livestock, and pets. Because many of you live far from here, it is hard to express the deep sadness we feel. Pray that the Comforter will come alongside them and that many will find salvation.
In many places, these mountains look like the Lord just finished creating them. My hikes among the multitude of wildflowers and trees have given me many happy memories. Here is a celebration of that beauty based on Psalm 46.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day…
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Psalm 46:1-7 NIV
