Bishop Harvey gives thanks for Louisiana's 'amazing' United Methodists

When I arrived in Louisiana in September of 2012, I learned a phrase, "When we don't know what to do, we know what to do."  While I was puzzled at first, it did not take me long to figure out what these good Louisianans meant. 

I arrived on the heels of Hurricane Isaac and while I was astounded at the extensive  damage water can create, I was even more astounded at the way people in Louisiana respond at times of disaster. 

"When we don't know what to do, we know what to do."

This past week that phrase rang in my ears and in my heart as I witnessed once again the way people respond to the needs of their neighbor. They don't even have to think about it or be told what or how to do it, they go into full-out help mode. When they don't know what to do they step in and help rescue their neighbors by boat. When they don't know what to do, they begin assembling cleaning kits (aka flood buckets). When they don't know what to do, they prepare their churches to serve as safe shelters from the storm. When they don't know what to do, they set-up shop as the distribution site for cleaning kits and health kits. When they don't know what to do, they begin feeding first responders and those who have no access to a meal. When they don't know what to do, they know that loving their neighbor is what they do when they don't know what to do. 

I am thankful for the amazing people we call United Methodist in Louisiana.  I thank God for you every day.