01/25/2026
I know we all had a good laugh this week about Texans and winter, me included. The jokes, the memes, the full armor of God trip to HEB… it was hilarious, and if you’re new here, welcome to the vibe shift that is Texas weather.
But this morning, I’m lying in bed, warm, listening to the rain fall, my kids still asleep and I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment with y’all for something a little more serious.
Where I live now, I drive past the fire department every single day. Last night, I saw them prepping the trucks, checking gear, getting ready, not for the laughable side of Texas winter, but for the part most of us don’t see.
In fact, just yesterday on the way to school, there was an accident, bad enough to make me instinctively tell my kids to look away. And as I lay here reflecting, I couldn’t stop thinking about the people who show up. Every single time.
We joke about Texans rushing to HEB like it’s the end of the world, but those HEB employees? They’re out there holding the line too. One clerk told me that during the last freeze, they were shut down for three days of work and they were so nervous about how they would be able to pay their bills. You wonder why we love HEB? HEB paid all of their employees for every single day missed. Because that’s who they are. They didn’t have to. But they did.
Small businesses will be closing for the next few days, which can be HARD especially during this time of the year. What do I see neighbors doing? Rallying to have people out to eat this week to give them some higher sales, buying gift cards to their favorite mom and pop restaurants, knowing they might be closed a few days. That little bit of foresight can mean the world to a small business.
And I know I am not the only one sending the texts out to our friends who serve, our first responders, the nurses, the linemen, the EMTs, police. The ones who won’t be curled up warm at home this weekend. “Hey, y’all good?” “Need anything before it hits?” “How can we support you?” (Outside of just sitting still and getting off the roads of course)
We take care of each other here. That’s what makes the jokes possible. That’s what lets us keep laughing.
So before we get back to the memes and crockpot soup recipes and cozy blankets…
Let’s take a second to pray …
God,
Thank You for warm beds, stocked fridges, and the safety we so often take for granted.
Today we pause to cover the ones who can’t pause.
We lift up every first responder, firefighter, medic, dispatcher, officer, lineman, tow truck driver, trucker, correction officer, postal and grocery worker. Every single person showing up to fulfill a need. Our ranchers, doctors, care givers, veterinary personnel, every position that impacts a life.
Wrap them in Your protection as they brave the roads and the unknown. Strengthen them. Cover them.
Calm their hearts, steady their hands, and give them peace in the middle of chaos.
Let them feel the support of the community they serve, and the weight of Your presence going before them.
We pray for the families waiting at home while their loved ones serve.
We pray for every neighbor checking in, every small act of kindness that ripples further than we see.
Thank you God for the communities you’ve built in us. For neighbors who check in. For people who support local dreams and livelihood. For corporations that choose to do the right thing. For the quiet goodness that holds everything together when conditions aren’t ideal.
May this cold front bring us closer together.
May it reveal not just the cracks in the weather but the strength in our people.
Keep us warm Lord but more than that, keep us aware.
Amen.
