God Squad

This week PBS aired, “The Dust Bowl” Ken Burns’ latest film.  The documentary chronicled a decade-long drought during the 1930s and how it impacted farm families across the heart of America.  Survivors shared powerful stories on how they endured incredible suffering and hardship.

It was truly moving to hear the personal accounts of loss and sacrifice.  Sand and dust dunes covered crops and livestock.  Money was so scarce that mothers would turn used flour sacks into dresses for daughters.  Ranchers would burn the needles off cactus plants so their cattle could eat.  Farmers went years without rain and crops.  Families lost homes, mortgaged their farm machinery, and send children to live with relatives.  Many who decided to ride out the dust storms lost infants and elderly family members to “dust pneumonia.”

No one can watch this series and remain the same.  The hardships and trials of this generation will shock you.  The stories of survival will amaze you.  They endured the suffering and poverty that few can imagine in our country.  This series is an important reminder to be thankful and consider our blessings.

I encourage you to watch the series and consider how God has personally blessed you this holiday season.