Submitted by Rob on March 27, 2009 - 10:07am.

In 1997 I lived in Fargo and watched the "flood of the century" invade Grand Forks (and many other cities) from the safety of my second-floor apartment by the NDSU campus. Homes in the south part of Fargo-Moorhead were threatened, but what we experienced was nothing like what happened farther north.

I couldn't help with the sandbagging effort in '97 -- it's a deeply personal story that I still can't share -- and I am not able to leave Minneapolis now either. But I send prayers and warm, dry thoughts to the people in the Red River Valley, and I'll send money to the Red Cross because I know they will use it.

The other night I saw Nan Froelich on the news talking about the students who were helping sandbag outside their house. She's the wife of Andy Froelich, my piano and music theory prof from NDSU. I know some high school and college friends are fighting and getting ready to leave as well. And Mark, my coworker, is helping at his parents' house.

Remembering the words of Isaiah, I ask everybody to pray for them, and please donate to the Fargo Red Cross if you can. For God cares for people through other people - God's Work in Our Hands!

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3a.

Meditations