Over the past week our country has been hit by an event no one saw coming and something no one can ever truly be ready for. Hurricane Harvey hit Texas at full force. This storm brought wind that was off the charts, often over 200 miles per hour. Emergency evaluations were ordered and thousands of people left all they knew to seek shelter. Rain, wind and storm surges pounded down on our southern state companions. Mother nature went at full force, many of us watching in a terrified awe of the damage and power of the storm.

In the middle of all this terror and destruction there is one thing that never ceases to surprise me, the hope, heart and strength of people. Many volunteers have braved the storm to recuse those who didn't leave or ran out of time to. Make shift hospitals were established and residents and volunteers alike helped those who were injured and separated from loved ones. After the main destruction had slowed, residents slowly came back to their communities. While the scene before them was bleak, many will begin the courageous rebuilding of their lives.

Outside of those in Texas, many are donating blood, time and resources to help those who have lost so much to rebuild and not feel so alone in these times of crisis. We as a country are coming together to help the 20,000 people who are homeless and lost.

One of the amazing things is that people always come together. As a country we are divided by so many things right now. The fact we can come together to help our fellow countrymen is a huge step forward. The love and effort we put in to helping those in need is the same love and effort we need to repairing our broken country. Together we can make the changes that are needed to be the great country we all want to be.