Whereas, we all know we are in great need of a lot of rain in our drought-stricken state;
and
Whereas, we all know more than 150,000 acres of Texas land has recently gone up flames;
and
Whereas, there seems to be no real end in sight to either calamity.
Gov. Rick Perry has issued a proclamation asking Texans of all faiths and traditions to offer prayers to the God of their choice to open up the heavens and let the rain fall down and nourish our great land.
Or something like that.
Anyhow, last week some local officials in West Texas asked for the same thing. From what I can tell, those calls have, so far, gone unanswered. Maybe the gubernatorial proclamation will add an air of authority and help fast-track the requests, but I still can't help but think it might have more impact on the big guy upstairs if the proclamation came from Joel Osteen or TD Jakes. Either way, we should all be hitting our knees on this one.
And hey, it's Easter weekend ... so that has to help too, right?
Below is Perry's proclamation, or see it for yourself on the governor's web page.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, the state of Texas is in the midst of an exceptional drought, with some parts of the state receiving no significant rainfall for almost three months, matching rainfall deficit records dating back to the 1930s; and
WHEREAS, a combination of higher than normal temperatures, low precipitation and low relative humidity has caused an extreme fire danger over most of the State, sparking more than 8,000 wildfires which have cost several lives, engulfed more than 1.8 million acres of land and destroyed almost 400 homes, causing me to issue an ongoing disaster declaration since December of last year; and
WHEREAS, these dire conditions have caused agricultural crops to fail, lake and reservoir levels to fall and cattle and livestock to struggle under intense stress, imposing a tremendous financial and emotional toll on our land and our people; and
WHEREAS, throughout our history, both as a state and as individuals, Texans have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer; it seems right and fitting that the people of Texas should join together in prayer to humbly seek an end to this devastating drought and these dangerous wildfires;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of Texas, under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the State of Texas, do hereby proclaim the three-day period from Friday, April 22, 2011, to Sunday, April 24, 2011, as Days of Prayer for Rain in the State of Texas. I urge Texans of all faiths and traditions to offer prayers on that day for the healing of our land, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of our normal and robust way of life.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my Office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 21st day of April, 2011.
RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas
