The refugees waiting for relief in New Orleans have loss their homes, their families, and their city: They have not loss their souls.

When you see those images on CNN concerning the refugees in New Orleans, remember something: Those angry, frustrated people are not a mob of bandits, lurking for an opportunity to steal, kill, and destroy. Those are moms, dads, brothers, and sisters who are hungry, afraid, and mourning. Some have loss family members; all have lost their home. These are not just people without a house; they are people without a community...without a city...without society. They have no government, no rule of law, no support or hope. They have loss their homes, their families, and their city: They have not loss their souls.

The news agencies sensationalize the crimes of the few which causes fear in the relief workers and first response groups. Some people have stated that these people are reaping what they’ve sown…that their actions have brought on this abandonment they face. It appears the authorities are satisfied leaving them to their own devices. The chaos spawns ever more fear and unconfirmed stories of further chaos. These people do not want to hurt anyone; they want food, water, and shelter. They want someone to take charge and tell them their lives matter...that things will soon be alright.

Do not judge them by the action of a few who have descended into internal chaos from the disaster that has overtaken them. If it was your grandmother dying in her wheelchair, if it was your wife floating back in the attic at what was once your home, if it was your child asking for something to eat or drink, just how patient would you be? How orderly would you be? Please, God help put into the heart of someone to bring relief to these people! Show them grace and mercy this day. This day, Oh God! Now! No more planning. No more meetings in air-conditioned rooms over Chinese take-out. No more waiting. Please! Somebody do something now! Help!