A telling sign following this past week’s flooding of the Pearl River in Marion County, the highest water in some 37 years, was that the Red Cross shelter closed early because of a lack of use.
Why did only one person stay the night there, despite so many people being out of their homes? Because friends, family and church members rallied around those who were forced out and supplied them with food, shelter and, perhaps most importantly, love.
Just about anyone who has been through a personal tragedy in Marion County or anywhere in Mississippi could tell similar stories of an outpouring of care that follows in trouble’s wake.
Longtime editorial cartoonist Marshall Ramsey is fond of saying that as soon as the dust settles the church vans start pulling up filled with people bearing casserole dishes and chainsaws. That’s part of Mississippi’s culture and one of its most endearing qualities.
We know that many in our community are suffering today because of the flooding. But we also know that they are surrounded by people who care and want to help. Together, we’re confident that they will all get through this hardship and emerge even stronger on the other side.
