Wed., Aug. 22, 2018

Psalm 4:8 – In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

This is what our previous hometown looked like yesterday.

For 10 years, Hubby Rick and I lived in Mazomanie, WI. We have wonderful memories of when we lived there. On Monday night into Tuesday morning, records rain poured down in western Dane County in Wisconsin. Amounts vary but at minimum 11 inches came quickly, with some areas reporting 15 inches. The largest single rainfall in Wisconsin. Ever. The serene Black Earth Creek meanders through the little communities of Mazomanie, Black Earth and Cross Plains. Each community has been devastated by flooding as one of the premier trout streams of the state quickly moved beyond its banks and into homes, businesses and fields.

Today, roads remain closed. Electricity is off in affected areas. And people begin the process of mucking out homes and businesses. Everyone is praying for no more rain which is in the forecast for Friday.

Hwy 14 is the main tributary through these communities and runs into Middleton and Madison, WI. Thousands, and I mean thousands, of people commute along Hwy 14 each day. In Black Earth, the power of the creek caused a bridge and road to give way. A milk truck was crossing the bridge at the time. Thankfully, the severely shaken up driver and his young daughter were not hurt.

Because the water raised so quickly, evacuation before floodwaters rushed into homes was not possible. Yesterday, local responders attended to families and individuals stranded in their homes.

I can only imagine how scary it would be to wait for someone to retrieve you and your loved ones, including pets.

What has been shared over and over about this significant flooding event in our former hometown?

• Amazingly, there were no fatalities in Mazomanie, Black Earth and Cross Plains. One man died in Madison while leaving his sinking car. While people tried to hang onto him, he was swept away in the strong current. The people who couldn’t hang on are deeply affected. Please pray for them as well as the family that lost their loved one.
• The whole event happened very quickly. Many people were still going home after work when the flooding began. People were stuck for hours where they were. Reports say many people were in a Costco for up to 18 hours. Things could have been so much worse. It is hard to contemplate replacing homes, possessions, vehicles and so much more. When awful things like this happen, suddenly we are forced to remember what is important.
• Local responders have gone above and beyond in assisting people. They truly are local heroes, sometimes working non-stop for 24 hours. In small communities, these people are volunteers. They have real jobs outside of being an EMT or a fire fighter. They take their commitment to serving the community very seriously. Sometimes, this means stepping away from their house or property that is flooding to assist other people.
• When disasters happen, it is always more real when your hometown, your loved ones and your friends are affected. Truthfully, I have not contemplated about all the families that have been affected by the California wildfires this summer. When our former hometown was hit, I took notice. When we see and hear about these disasters, may we pause and remember real people are affected. Pray for them, emergency personal and those involved in next steps.
• Clean-up begins today but will take time. In Mazomanie, volunteers are encouraged to report to the village office, which has also sustained flooding. Through social media, I see local people helping. Local businesses are accepting donations. One woman today posted that she has a truck and isn’t working. She simply asked for anyone who needs assistance to contact her. Overwhelmed people need help. It is so important to see people truly being the hands and feet of Jesus.

It is very humbling to see pictures and videos of places where you have driven a thousand times, streets I’ve ran hundreds of miles on and neighborhoods where I know who lives in this house and that house. I pray for strength for these communities, families and local personal as they navigate recovery. I pray they feel God’s peace and safety when they lie down tonight, exhausted and spent. I pray they have seen the face of Christ in those who have responded in a time of need. I pray these small communities will band together and rise above the scary strong currents that quickly changed so many things.

May we all remember God’s provision of safety in our daily lives; on days of disasters, on days of recovery and on normal days of living.

For God’s safety, I am grateful.

Lord God – safety many not be the first word that comes to mind when we think of You. Some people may feel You have not adequately protected them. For them, I pray for grace and patience. Thank you for the many, many people who are caring for those affected and in need. Surround those who have lost much with tribes of people to help care for them. May Your peace and web of safety surround all affected and those who are part of recovery. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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Photos were retrieved off of social media. Thank you to those who have posted them.