Convenience Big Store: Houston civil rights icon Rev. Bill Lawson embodied the peaceful promise of humanity

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How to help in the aftermath of Houston's deadly storms

Thursday's storms are the only thing we're talking about today.

More than 700,000 people are without power and at least five people are dead, including a mom who was simply trying to move her car when a tree fell on top of it. Chronicle photographers captured some of the area destruction.

I was rushing home from the grocery store with my children, hoping to beat the storm Thursday evening. The sky went black and unleashed hell. It rained sideways, fierce winds blew debris, hail plummeted to the ground and gigantic tree limbs and a tree fell while I was driving.

The storm was over as quickly as it came. The sky turned clear, but destruction was everywhere.

Unfortunately, natural disasters are commonplace here, but often hit the most vulnerable communities the hardest. The Houston Food Bank has a few ways to help. You can volunteer to sort and box food for those who are in need or you can donate money.

Do you have a story to share or know of one that needs to be told? Share it with us here.

Joy Sewing, Columnist

Joy.Sewing@houstonchronicle.com

Worth your time

Rev. William 'Bill' Lawson, left, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, with his wife, Audrey, and two of their children, daughter, Cheryl Lawson, and his son, Eric Lawson, right, during a community celebration of his 80th birthday on Saturday, June 28, 2008, in Houston. The program at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church included a roast and toast.

Photo by: Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle

The Rev. Lawson embodied the peaceful promise of humanity: Sewing

The Rev. William "Bill" Lawson was a guiding light for many in Houston and across the nation as the founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a champion of civil rights.

Lawson died this week surrounded by family. He would have turned 96 in June.

As I consider the impact of Lawson's life, I think it takes tremendous strength to be clearheaded and unwavering like he was. He not only guided the city's racial desegregation peacefully, but he also showed us how faith could guide us to be better humans.

Lawson wrote me a beautiful note when my father died. I will treasure his words and his guidance in my life.

I hope generations to come will take note of his legacy. I hope you take the time to read my latest column.