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Our lives changed forever Friday morning when Tropical Storm Helene wreaked havoc on our area. Some have felt the devastation more than others, but all of us feel it. The devastation along Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda, the devastation in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure—there are really no words to describe what families and property owners are going through right now.

Many lost their homes entirely, many homes suffered severe damage from falling trees, some even lost their lives—but these communities are strong, resilient, and full of hope.

The strength exhibited by folks in Tryon, Saluda, Columbus, Landrum, Green Creek, Mill Spring, and all the surrounding areas is incredible. Neighbors helping neighbors, removing debris, and cutting away trees with chainsaws show that Polk County folks know what to do in times of crisis. Often without being asked, community members band together to focus on the tasks at hand—helping with clean-up efforts, transportation, or supplies. The resilience of mountain folk is legendary and has been on full display over the last several days.

Places like Trade Street Diner in Tryon, Hare and Hound Pub in Landrum, and countless churches, community centers and local fire departments have been instrumental in helping those hit hardest by this disaster—and have asked for nothing in return. Heroes don’t always wear capes.

As I write this, I’m posted up with my laptop on a vine-covered bank in downtown Tryon while a complete stranger—though not a stranger for long—is charging my phone in her vehicle, which was completely dead and vital to getting out daily news during this crisis. The little ways in which we help each other during this dark time are instrumental in getting through.

But we will get through. We will come out of the other side of this—stronger than before. Our faith compels us to be strong and resilient, but the hope that we all have is the driver that keeps us from giving up. Help is on the way. The electricity will return. The trees will eventually be cleaned up and structures can be rebuilt.

We will persevere.

James Chapter 1, verse 2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.”

Oure area is in dire need of fuel, food and water, and many types of help—but we are not lacking in anything. Our spirit, strength and hope allows us to persevere.