EDITORIAL: Love shines brightly during dark times

Valentine’s Day has arrived, which brings to mind the topic of romance and love. One thing we have seen in Southwest Georgia since the first of the year is that love — not particularly the romantic kind — is still plentiful. And it is symbolized by something other than hearts and roses.

Volunteers are still in Albany and other South Georgia communities that have discovered the meaning of the word “devastation.” Some have likened the imagery of the destruction from straight-line high winds and powerful tornadoes to bombs going off. We would reverse that and say bombs mimic the destruction that nature can inflict.

It can still be seen, and will be for some time. Toppled trees and trees shorn in half, leaving the image of giant toothpicks stuck in the earth, are seen amid the remains of wooded areas that are eerie after foliage has been stripped away. Crumbled and damaged buildings are still common sights, as are blue tarps stretched across roofs. Sheet metal and other materials can still be seen in the tops of the trees that survived the 150 mph cyclonic winds that ripped through Dougherty County.

Those who have resided in the Albany area for a number of years are still adjusting to the drastic landscape changes. We spoke to one individual a couple of weeks back who drives up U.S. Highway 91 regularly, and normally turns onto Vanderbilt Road when heading north to the mall area. Twice, that motorist said, he missed the turn because the surroundings just did not look right.

These reminders, unfortunately, will be with us for years to come.

But there also will be reminders of the good things that came out of this destruction, not the least of which has been the reassuring sight of people helping people. When you travel around, you still see individuals hard at work, performing cleanup for others for no other reason than it needs to be done and they know there are times when everyone needs a helping hand.

There may not be a clearer expression of love and caring.

And the love that these volunteers, both known and unknown, have demonstrated will be in the hearts and memories of those they helped long after the landscape has recovered and become the new familiar sight to area residents.

There were a great number of both faith-based and secular organizations and individuals who have made differences in others’ lives during this crisis.

Perhaps nothing symbolizes the unconditional love that has been exhibited quite as well as the Ebenezer Crosses that are being left in spots by those with the Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian relief organization led by Franklin Graham that has lived up to its name many times over in this trial alone. Those simple crosses, carved into the stumps of broken trees, are small but impactful reminders of love.

On a day when we celebrate love, the love shown by the hundreds of selfless people who have given their time, sweat and money to help others who are in great need, is something that, indeed, should be celebrated.