I went back to our street today because as you guys have probably seen the water has come back with a vengeance. I hope this was its high point. I grabbed the kids' favorite stuffed animals that we had left behind and a couple of games to keep the kids occupied. I think it's all finally sinking in a little. What we used to have going as a city is gone. I really think God is going to do something completely new here. I am excited to see the new beauty in the suffering. Our pastor @bruce_wesley reminded us of that truth from Romans 8 this morning on his Facebook Live broadcast. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:18-28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A post shared by Aric Harding (@aricharding) on

Hurricane Harvey, which ravaged Houston and parts of Texas on August 27, left at least 38 dead and tens of thousands uprooted. As the devastation from the storm – the worst in 13 years – took its toll, one man sought solace in quietly playing the piano in his flooded home.

Aric Harding, a Houston pastor, had evacuated his home in Friendswood, Texas, after water from the hurricane started to flood his home and seep in through the floorboards. He later returned to pick up some supplies for his seven children, including stuffed animals and games to keep them occupied. His 13-year-old son, an avid piano player, had asked him to check on the family piano, to ensure it wasn’t destroyed.

On finding the piano intact, he decided to take a moment to play it. His friend recorded a video as he sat down and played the hauntingly beautiful tune, with water up to his knees.

Grammy-nominated singer Vanessa Carlton saw the video, and tweeted (below) offering her help. Ultimately, a few days later musical instrument company Yamaha, who also sponsors Carlton, agreed to replace the piano, while people from Harding’s church and his neighbourhood helped him clean up his home.