Mr. Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Over the last week, we have seen the devastation in Texas AND we have seen the helpers. This natural disaster may be defined by the flooding, but the legacy will be how people came together to rescue one another. People grabbed their boats, canoes, and even, jet skis, to comb the neighborhoods and bring people to safety.  Strangers became neighbors. Gratefully, the news covered the stories. Mosques became shelters, Mexico sent help, and one furniture store became a safe haven for hundreds. Compassion became the lens that people used when they saw someone in distress. 

Why do we wait for a tragedy? What this devastation brought out in people is how our true nature shines. In a time when the country is at odds with one another, there is hope in seeing people come together and recognize the common humanity in each of us.

So, rather than only focusing on the helpers – become one. There are many ways to show your support. Do what you can to help a neighbor close to home or across the flood lines.

Leanne Rubenstein 
Executive Director 
Compassionate Atlanta