Brewing Through the Storm: Life Before and After the Hurricane

When asked about the one thing I love most about where I live, it’s easy to recall what sold me on it when I moved here from Alabama in 2019: the people and the community. I had never experienced the genuineness of strangers quite like I did when I settled here. It was easy to fall in love with the mountains, the people, and the terrain. Everywhere I looked, there were breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, greenways filled with families and children, and a town bursting with pride.  

Of course, like anywhere else, if you stay long enough, you discover unexpected challenges that bring hurt and devastation. For us, that challenge arrived in the form of Hurricane Helene.  

At first, we weren’t too concerned. It was just rain. We lived in the mountains—how could a hurricane possibly affect us? But Helene quickly proved that even those of us nestled in the mountains aren’t immune to the wrath of a natural disaster. In the heat of the moment, panic set in—not just for me, but for all of us.

I was alone with my two cats when the floodwaters began rising. I scrambled to place what I could on top of soup cans and opened the front door to try and sweep the water downhill. I couldn’t leave because the river had risen over the bridge, and the roads were flooded, but I knew I needed to find somewhere dry. My loving neighbors took me and my cats in until the water receded. Just hours later, we were all faced with a heart-wrenching view of our new reality.  

The days, weeks, and months that followed changed our community forever. I was blessed to have suffered only minor damages compared to others, but what struck me was the heart posture of everyone I encountered. No matter how devastating or heartbreaking someone’s losses were, people shifted their focus to how they could bless others, even as the tears fell. Comparing devastation never turned into a competition to see who had it worse; instead, it united us in the face of destruction. The beautiful people of the High Country didn’t stop to think of themselves—they reached out to help their neighbors instead.  

I can hardly put into words how my heart aches for the friends, families, elderly, and children who lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Yet, in the midst of such profound pain, I witnessed an equally profound, Christ-centered hope. I watched the Church become the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing glory to Him through every act of service. In those weeks, life didn’t look like it normally did. Businesses were damaged, schools were closed, and survival became the priority. Both of my workplaces—the coffee shop and my counseling office—were impacted by the floodwaters and mud. In the meantime, I turned to volunteering wherever I could.  

Seeing videos or photos of the destruction doesn’t compare to being in the thick of it—standing knee-deep in mud, embracing a stranger who had just watched her home crumble in a mudslide, or comforting a family as they watched their house float away. Those moments create a lump in your throat that doesn’t fade quickly. I was amazed by the strength God gave to these people through the Holy Spirit. I saw how God softened the hearts of nonbelievers, how He brought those searching for answers to receive prayer for the first time, and how some even gave their lives to Him. God’s mercy in protecting lives was immense, but His grace in uniting hands and hearts was even more extraordinary.  

Now, months later, the flood is “old news” for major outlets. Most of the world has moved on to the next “breaking story.” That’s understandable, I suppose, for those who weren’t in the midst of it. “Out of sight, out of mind,” as they say. But not for us. Not here.  

We are blessed and endlessly thankful for the outpouring of support—not only from one another but from people across the country. Donations of food, clothing, and shelter have helped families rebuild, businesses reopen, and communities begin to heal. Hurricane Helene came hard at the heart of the High Country, but by the grace of God, we Appalachians are standing tall. We remain arm in arm, united in the restoration of our home.

I’m honored to call this place my home and blessed to put my hope in the God who is our strength, our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer.  *Psalm 18*  

Please consider the WNC MTN OPS link below if you want to help families and individuals in our mountain community. 100% of the money will be used to purchase food cards to support those facing food insecurity after Hurricane Helene. Thank you for helping us make a difference!