Katrina

There is so much to say, and there are so few words.

Ten years. Since this.

For those of us from New Orleans, our landscape changed forever. The aftermath has been both good and bad. Talk to people from the city, though, and you will hear that they are back. The focus is on the positive and the new buildings, better buildings, and the spirit of community that resulted in places like Musician's Village being built. This is a good thing. New Orleanians are resilient, joyful people.

For those of you who didn't live there or grow up there, and who don't know the richness of the culture and the beauty of the people, it is almost impossible to explain. New Orleans was, and is, a very special place. It is a culture that cannot be grasped through glimpses of Mardi Gras parades on national tv. It is a culture that is all about neighborhoods and community, feeding each other good food, and rejoicing and crying together.

The city has rebuilt. Time has moved on. But there is still the loss. People were lost. A city's landscape was changed forever. Sometimes you turn a corner, and see a visible scar that makes you catch your breath.

After ten years, we can stop to pray, and remember.

This crucifix went through the storm, in a home that is no longer there. God remains with us. Always.