Allison Majors 9/10

Hurricane Harvey was such a devastating event that many people are suffering from. Angie Kemple, an elderly woman, lost portions of her home because of the hurricane. Her house was flooded, destroying some of the furniture and photographs inside that were very dear to her. 17 people willingly came to her house to help her clean it up. Most of them were christians, and they eventually formed a prayer circle. Mr.Kemple’s eyes reddened with tears because of all the support his mother was receiving. They wondered if everything happens for a reason and why God has humans suffer. They claimed that this terrible flood has not shaken, but only strengthened their faith. Mr.Kemple also helped out a friend of his who's ranch was destroyed. He searched for stray animals and herded them back together. He said that God has a reason for everything that happens to us. Another man involved in the prayer circle stated that this destruction reminds people that heaven is our loving home and not the earth. They can tell that God still cares for them because people are helping each other out and showing love for one another.

The fact that these people don’t know each other, yet were able to all connect to each other through faith and God adjoined in a prayer circle is such a beautiful concept. They aren’t concentrating on grieving on all their losses and letting the effects of Harvey get to them. Instead, they are choosing to support one another. This article takes a negative concept and turns it around to become positive and uplifting. It shows how people can find hope in any way possible. This article can relate to U.S. history because in the past when disasters like wars occurred, some people would turn to religion as a coping mechanism. They would look at God for support. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/09/us/harvey-prayer-circle-texas.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fus&action=click&contentCollection=us&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=5&pgtype=sectionfront