Ms. Veronica, an incredibly wise and multigenerational counsellor of souls.
Ms. Veronica is a lady of impeccable generosity, identified not simply by the hospitality and greeting, but also by the few moments of grace deserved and afforded in polite request to make herself more ‘presentable‘ for unexpected company.
Upon return, Ms Veronica immediately became Vera, a woman, widow, great grandma and neighbor who may not have enough, but she’d give a stranger half – and they would never know.
This is a powerful woman filled with a message. “Hurricane Ian did not create victims,” she immediately captured my full and undivided attention. She continued, “I am not a victim.”
“There are dead people, and there are survivors.”
Long pause. The depth of her eyes, intense.
I am wise enough to notice moments when my prior opinion of self, strength and fortitude are immediately being redefined. I am also smart enough to stay silent.
“Our loving God does not create victims, and apparently he is not finished using me.” Veronica’s eyes now alight. “In this moment I am filled with rejoicing,” she said, “because I know there is a purpose I have yet to fulfill.” From me, more smart silence. “How incredible is it for me at 90 to realize there’s more use, more purpose, and more time,” she concluded.
Then, just as casual as one might order a familiar coffee on any ordinary Tuesday, Vera asked…. “How is it I can help you boys?“…
There are rare moments in life when we say the right thing. For me today was one of those moments. My reply was simply, “I think you just did.”
You know something, she’s right.
All the Mr. and Mrs. Veronica’s are not victims; none of us are. God doesn’t create victims – people do.
How stark is the reality of hearing, “there are dead people, and there are survivors.”
If you are not in the former, none of us are, then we should rejoice and realize we have purpose yet unfulfilled.
♦ Scott from Fort Myers beach lost every worldly possession including his home. Scott is not a victim. How do I know this? Because I’ve seen Scott over several recovery efforts, and today I worked side-by-side with Scott for almost two hours before someone passing a water bottle told me he lost everything.
Eventually after the task at hand was accomplished, ear plugs removed, I asked Scott what he needed. His reply was simple, he didn’t know enough yet to be able to answer that question. Oddly, I think I understand. Scott needs to accomplish the two feet in front of him. Purpose within this moment, because his new normal is miles ahead. Yes, today I was the incredibly shrinking man.
Now the fun part of this…. Remember Veronica? When she said, “how is it I can help you boys,” Scott was the plural, he was standing right beside me.
When we jumped in the back of the truck, he leaned over and said to me, there’s the answer to your question.
The message was big. Ms. Veronica was the vessel, and it was Scott -not me- who was the intended target.
♦ Cynthia (aka Cindy) and John are successful small business owners. They are as attached and committed to the Cape Coral, Florida, community as any young couple could be. After originally planning to ride out the storm, they changed their mind. Late last Tuesday they loaded their car with all their most important possessions and evacuated a few miles inland to stay with friends.
Cindy and John survived Hurricane Ian and returned late yesterday to survey their property and evaluate if they could start to rebuild. A massive power pole and tree blocked their driveway, but from the street it looked like the house was structurally okay. Nervously John and Cindy navigated the debris and went inside to check.
In the fifteen minutes they were inside their home, someone stole all their possessions from the car they parked on the street.
Cindy and John are victims, that’s the difference.
Oh, and the guy who handed me the water bottle and told me about Scott’s loss…. That was John.
Today I learned again that bearing witness makes you small in comparison.
Love to all,
~ Sundance
May God bless and keep watch over the Veronicas during these evil times.
I suspect they are his true servants.
So many marvelous people populate our planet, with you, Sundance, being one of the most wonderful. Thank you, God Bless you and God Bless all those you are working with in the rescue effort.
You are all in my prayers.
That was a priceless message! Thank You for sharing it with us Sundance!
What a great description Sundance. It is rare today to meet someone with such wisdom as Vera, or people so humble and giving as the others you described.
They remind me of what is so good about our country.
Our church service in Tampa on Sunday was difficult, because we thought it would be us. There is a feeling of relief with a large dose of guilt for our friends to the south of us. I am coming down to Fort Myers tomorrow to work with Samaritan’s Purse and get an understanding how the Tampa community can get in and help for the next few months. I love the wisdom of Ms. Veronica and can’t wait to share it!
Thanks Sundance I needed that tonight.
🙏
I am crying. This is so true and so sharp. Thank you. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
My grandma, who has passed, was Miss Veronica. It’s been years but I still miss her. I smiled to myself while reading the article. You will be a changed man on the other end Sundance, your humbleness is to be appreciated and emulated.
Your grandma…. and my mother. They may feel like one of a kind to us but thankfully they are not. There are more Miss Veronica out there than we’ll ever know of.
My glasses have water on them. Those pups on the chopper, their owner, rescue workers, Ms Vera. Cindy and John. Sundance, even the arshole that stole from the truck, the boy and his dog praying, just you know. Hugs and prayers for all.
The teacher of my Bible study says, “You are either a victim or a victor. You cannot be both.” Ms. Vera is a victor and knows from “whence cometh her help”. Thank you for posting about this great encounter, Sundance. And for also being a VICTOR! Praying for all of you there who are being the hands and feet of God.🙏🏼
God is a God of adversity, and if you head towards adversity with that in mind it gets real small. It’s how you get hold of Gods hand, and yes he will carry you if need be when your eyes are on him.
Why does God throw so much at us? Because It devastates our ego, our self reliance and we seek the inner parts we often deny. It’s where God resides in us. It’s about salvation, always.
And it’s not necessarily God throwing anything at us but this place we call home is dangerous, and evil. It’s only his protection that gives us rest.
Makes me wonder why some people feel compelled to move into the rage of life’s storms. Faith or ignorance? Either one can be mislabeled as the other.
John, that is too cute by 10!
I was wondering when Sundance meets and interacts with the people of his community, does he disclose his identity as the author of this blog? I would think that in his conversations with people, someone is bound to ask him what he does for a living? Just wondering if he encounters any “fans”.
Very touching update. Amid such destruction and loss of life and property, coupled with the daily decay we witness in our society, it is a true gift from God to meet people like Veronica who restores our hope in humanity and makes us ponder our true purpose here on earth. Each day is a gift from God. Praying every day for the good people of Florida. That the survivors will be able to thrive and smile again, and fulfill their purpose with humility and grace.
The blessing is how many Veronicas walk among us. One discovers this first time one goes on a disaster relief mission, or a home rebuild. We truly do outnumber the evil ones … even though in this earthly domain they hold the reins.
People are piling into FEMA like it is the next PPP. I heard about it from two people, essentially give them very basic info and await the windfall.
I contained myself and did not take the bait. I do not need Uncle Fed’s help. I will not ask for assistance just because others are.
While some people truly need help, should I step into line and delay someone else and paint a picture of misery regarding my small pocket of poverty?
I have to live with that guy (MYSELF) for the time I have left and that is not for me.
Things have probably changed since the Dems are in charge, but when we were in Hurricane Charley in 2004, we had to sign up with FEMA but got nothing since we were insured.
Does anyone know if there is a givesendgo or gofundme to donate directly to Sundance or people affected directly in his area?
On the top right corner of each Blog page is a flickering candle. The donation button link is by the candle. Donations go to Sundance and he determines how they are used. If you want a good donation site .for weather disasters such as this I have found Samaritans Purse is usually active first response to these Hurricane related recovery efforts.
Thank you. I have already donated multiple times to Sundance over the years through this site. I will look into Samaritans Purse.
I just donated directly to Sundance below. He can use it himself or use it to help others in need. We all can donate $10.
There’s a “donate” button on the mail page.
What an incredibly beautiful message that you share Sundance. A true inspiration for everyone.
The strength of character and love that all the good people are showing there in Florida.
My brother got a boat ride to his home in Bokeelia on Sunday and found out it survived the storm.
Your statement, ” I am wise enough to notice moments when my prior opinion of self, strength and fortitude are immediately being redefined.”, rang a note in my heart. Having the intuition to know that each of the people in your story are fulfilling God’s work, ministering through this hardship as survivors ! What an incredible blessing !
Love and prayers for strength to everyone.
And thank you for the daily updates.
God won’t waste our suffering and pain, if we give it to Him for His glory and our good.
Every now and then, I get a “tilt” that changes my perspective permanently for the better.
Thank you for this one Sundance.
God bless, we need it.
wow absolutely beautiful God Bless you all !!
I love that pic of the boy and his dog. It’s as emotional as the Ms Veronica passage. ☺️
Glad you are writing about the soul of people. However, I detest thieves – especially the kind who stole the belongings out of the car- I hope they are found and quickly dispatched. In case you haven’t read the news illegals are out roaming.
That is the lowest of the low type of crime! That poor couple.
Canada Free Press gives Sundance another nod. So glad more people will be reading his stories.
https://canadafreepress.com/article/knowing-the-tragic-story-of-pine-island-will-bring-on-the-tears
Thank you Sundance for today’s report. Wow, an encounter with Veronica would have changed my way of thinking as well. I just love the elderly for all the wisdom and knowledge they have to share with us “kids.” Sending prayer $$$. Agree that you should spend it as you discern is best. Maybe find something better than Dinty Moore for yourself if you are able.
Much love.
God bless you and yours.
Beautiful. Lessons learned from a tragedy that gives life, real life, meaning. We all need Veronica’s in our lives to show us the way to appreciate just being alive and knowing there is yet a purpose for your life ahead.
Thank you Sundance for sharing this and your wisdom about it. Made my day.
Sundance/SWFL locals – As a follow up to my message on Day 4, I will be on my way to the Ft. Myers area on Wednesday morning with a SUV/truck full of supplies suggested by Sundance. I’ve received many generous donations from my neighbors in Delray Beach in the past 36-hours and I would like to put them to good use. Quick summary, I have:
~Tarps
~Gas Cans
~Extension cords plus triple tail extensions
~Contractor grade trash bags
I also have many other supplies including paper plates, bread, and other misc. items. It would be great if I could drop these off at a CERT meeting point / drop-off location if those exist. I’m driving via Alligator Alley, so could drop off anywhere in the vicinity of Ft. Myers (between Naples & Punta Gorda).
Samaritan’s Purse, who I am signed up with, doesn’t distribute goods (they are more about rebuilding the community) which is why I am hoping to get these in the hands of local teams. Would even be great if I could get them to Sundance’s team! All feedback welcome…
Godspeed!!
You can’t imagine the joy you will give to those who are in need. The devastation. Is overwhelming.. a friendly face and a giving heart is incredibly restoring in itself. Godspeed!
I had my first day with Samaritan’s Purse today and understand it a little better now. The mission is truly about Jesus and showing believers and non-believers what the love looks like. They come in and help with the chaos and get the property contractor ready. It’s an incredible amount of work inside and outside the home. I was a day worker but many people are over night workers from all over. Very cool. I would think to give away supplies would be through a local charity and churches.
Same here, Tom. I ended up at the Punta Gorda location. Where are you (Ft Myers or Englewood)?
Ft. Myers. I’ll go to Englewood next week. It will be quite a bit shorter drive. The traffic is brutal. I was hoping the hurricane might chase back the newest residents to the states they came from.
Just an awesome witness Sundance you are during these trying times in Florida. I pray for you, your family, all Floridians affected by Ian. May God sustain you as the recovery goes on. I cry for all of you.
Thank you Sundance i think we all needed this post today . humbled as always and that picture is priceless up there with the baby cowboy and the bull picture be well stay strong we are all keeping you in our prayers
R.D.
“In the fifteen minutes they were inside their home, someone stole all their possessions from the car they parked on the street.”
There are not enough words to describe how much I hate thieves.
Unkownsailor Ditto times 1,000!
Illegal. Alien. Looters.
Could be who ripped off Sundance’s friend.
Only psychopaths could do this…
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11281455/Ron-DeSantis-tears-illegal-alien-looters-not-arrests.html
The individuals, aged between 20 and 33, were booked for ransacking devastated homes and businesses on Fort Myers Beach while they suffered in the wake of the raging torrent.
All four looters were arrested on September 29 – but documents reveal that they were released after posting $35,000 bonds each.
Amazing that the illegals were able to post bail so quickly!!!!!!!!!!
They should have been shot on sight.
“Vera” is “Faith” in Russian / Church Slavonic.
Saint Vera is one of three daughters of Saint Sophia and their Feast Day is September 17th (September 30th civil calendar). Faith, Hope, and Charity/Love.
Saint Veronica is a woman whom Christ healed of the issue of blood.
<3
…“Our loving God does not create victims, and apparently he is not finished using me.” Veronica’s eyes now alight. “In this moment I am filled with rejoicing,” she said, “because I know there is a purpose I have yet to fulfill.”..
Words to live by and hands-down the absolutely best and most inspiring words I’ve ever read in the TreeHouse.
Pondering it all in my heart…
Perhaps Florida needs armed civilian patrols, a militia sounds about right. The sheriffs could authorize or maybe even the guv.
A wonderful strength tempered by faith and time. When tomorrows seem endless it’s too easy to brush aside the moment no matter the circumstance. All sold for a coming promise of what might be when in truth it’s only that moment, that matters. The only thing of real value in this world is love. Love is the light that will lead you on a righteous path, see Mrs. Veronica.
James 4:14,: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (Modern vernacular: Here today, gone tomorrow so live each day for what it is)
Matthew 6:28-33
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Prayers up for these people in Florida, keep the Lord in your heart and He will keep you, BE SAFE!
Note: Remember, the demons are always present in these challenges and will do their evil deeds, looting or worse, remember it’s just stuff, Be Careful!
Thought-provoking as usual, Sundance.
Thanks.
Beautiful writing, on a level rarely seen these days. Thank you, SD.
THANKS! Sundance. GOD BLESS!!!
Looters need to be shot.
Border crossers…”not sending their finest” never rang truer….
It often takes an older person to remind us of what the facts are and what is important.
God doesn’t create victims.
I hope my 70-year-old mind will continue to remember Ms. Vera’s comment and the fact that she is practicing her faith in the almighty God.
I feel that I still continue to learn important things way, way too slowly.
But you are still learning, that is the important thing!
Our family moved from Long Island to Oklahoma boonies when I was in the third grade. Started life there in a Coleman tent, then an abandoned tin roof shack. No well, no electricity, no water for showers or baths, no a/c, nothing. Long Island, stores two blocks away, beautiful house, lots of friends, to that.
Wasn’t long until neighbors saw us and started trying to help. The accent scared many away and I don’t blame them now.
I used to think all those neighbors were rich, they gave and gave to help us. Now, I see they were almost as bad off as we were.
And, they were wealthy by Gods standard. Should be all that matters because it’s the right way to do things and keep the devil out of our business. Don’t need to have a lot of money just a willing heart.
It is good to be small when your God is big.
I have tears in my eyes. You have touched my very soul. God bless. Keep praying.
God Bless you, Sundance. Your humble stories of loss abound with life and truth. God is so good to reveal Himself and His kingdom here.
Amen.
cross posted at https://freedomaustralia.freeforums.net/thread/2827/survivors-victims?page=1&scrollTo=10761
Prayers..as stated by my friend that is on Pine Island “Tommy and I have decided that this is the only place we want to live out our lives The community of people are, bar none, the best. I’m eating better than I ever have. We have more help than we ever dreamed of. We are definitely going to rebuild!!!
So, when Jesus calmed the storm I believe He said something like this in venacular, “Hey boys, what ELSE can I do for you?”
At THE Great Reset there will be spiritually dead people and spiritually alive survivors in Christ.
There will be NO victims!
Ms. Vera provides us with clear insights on eternal life and eternal death.
Let those with spiritual eyes see and those with spiritual ears hear!
Sundance, your perspectives are needed now more than ever. Yes, there’s fire and trial in the midst of the storm, but the dross is removed and brilliant life is restored.
Keep shining God’s Truth on us, brilliantly!!
God Bless Ms Vera and John and all those like them.
These are the people I have decided to surround myself with as much as possible these days.
I do not live in Florida but here in Colorado.
We are not trying to survive physically a horrible disaster like a hurricane as those in Florida are now dealing with.
But many of us are trying to survive a psychological and Spiritual disaster and keeping people like Ms Vera and John close helps a lot.
Chloe, turn your eyes to Jesus who is the Center of all God’s Creation.
Let’s agree the best life is a life lived in God’s Righteous Ways through faith in Jesus Christ. Where are God’s Righteous Ways found? In His Holy Word, the Bible as we know it, wherein His Will for us is found, also.
Being grounded in His Ways and Will we have nothing to fear as God goes before us Mighty in Deed.
You see He’s already been ‘there’ and paved a Way for us through Jesus’s once and for all sacrifice on the cross. Yes, Jesus has set us free from the guilt and punishment for our sins.
Yes, we are FREE to live out our lives according to God’s Righteous Will for us through faith in Jesus Christ.
Believing this and living this, God grants us a spirit of boldness in this age. The Christian lives in God’s Grace, Mercy, Love, and Forgiveness.
So what is there to fear and feel down about when God is on our side, and quite literally AT our side?
NOTHING!!
As Paul writes, “To live is Christ but to die is gain!”
I can testify that each day I now live freely through the Power and Presence of Christ’s Spirit in me.
That same free life is granted to all who believe on the Name of Jesus, “The Christ,” and acknowledge Him as the very Son of God.
So what you say?
Well, for the believer in Christ EVERY day can and should be lived out as an expectant kid on Christmas Eve waiting to open his presents – with unbridled joy and hope.
Why? Because saving faith in Jesus is the gift granted us, and that saving faith points the believer to the time Jesus will come back to Earth once again as the Victorious One who has conquered eternal death and the devil.
Saving faith points us to that expected heavenly reality which is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. And that’s the hope all Christians have. That’s the Promised Gift which brings unbridled joy and expectancy into every day.
What peace and what joy God grants us!
My prayer for you is that you find and live out God’s Greatest Gift to ALL people through faith in Jesus by God’s Grace alone.
actually, He rebuked the three for their lack of Faith after having just seen His feeding of the 5000 and many of His other miracles