“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
The deadly snowstorm that recently covered Buffalo, NY, brought deadly cold temperatures and over 40 inches of snow in just under 24 hours. The freezing winds reached speeds over 70 mph. The heavy snow and wind combined to create conditions that kept anyone from being able to see and navigate. The blizzard conditions trapped people away from home, stranded travelers in dangerous conditions and sadly, cost the lives of 27 people. It was the deadliest winter storm in Buffalo since 1950.
As the deadly storm covered the city, people took shelter as quickly as possible. Like many of you, I have been following the stories coming from this event and have been amazed at the kind actions of strangers and how they have saved so many lives. One act of kindness was performed by Sha’Kyra Aughtry. The storm was covering the city when Sha’Kyra heard a man screaming outside of her home. She called 911 but they were unable to respond. She went outside in the storm to find 64-year-old Joe White. Joe had tried to walk home in the storm from his job at a local theatre. Joe was covered in ice and snow.
Sha’Kyra brought the stranger into her home and began to help him recover from the storm. She quickly realized that Joe had special needs. She was able to gather enough information to contact his family. Sha’Kyra assured Joe’s sister that he was safe with her, and she would make sure that he got the care he needed. Sha’Kyra reached out for help on social media and soon helped arrived to take Joe to the hospital. When Joe’s sister was interviewed by the local news she said, “If it wasn’t for this angel, if it wasn’t for this wonderful, wonderful human being, my brother would have perished, and he would have become another statistic in this storm.”
The governor eventually called out the National Guard to help the people of Buffalo and the surrounding areas of New York. Before the National Guard could respond, it was the brave acts of kindness by neighbors like Sha’Kyra that saved countless lives during that storm. Joe continues to need medical care and the theatre where he has worked for over 30 years is now organizing fundraising to help Joe recover. Strangers and friends are caring for one another.
Long after the bitter cold and harsh storms have passed, the heartwarming stories of kindness are still being shared from Buffalo. This is the power of kindness and love. Life is full of unexpected storms, but kindness should always be present. When we go out of our way to help those in need, we can make a difference, even save a life.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
