Stick Together

I'm going to be straight with you guys right now. I'm looking out the window at my house and there's about 6" of snow. Here's the crazy part: I live in Austin, Texas.

Over the past few days, Texas had some of the worst weather the state has ever experienced. Nearly 15M people without power and, as of last night, we've been instructed to boil our water before using it as the water treatment plants are now down. 

This experience is one that, while incredibly difficult, is not new to me. A little over two years ago, when we still lived in Malibu, the Woolsey fire tore through our community, burning nearly 100,000 acres and destroying over 1,500 structures, many of which were homes. 

The feeling I have now is similar to the feeling I had then - this struggle is real, and it is difficult. But through all the heartache we and anger we experience as we watch our lives change before our eyes, there is a strange beauty that reveals itself: Hard times bring us together. Both in Malibu and here in Austin, I've watched as neighbors did whatever they could to help one another. Hard times often call for unique solutions and in these past few days, I've seen the true kind heart of folks here in Texas shine through - doing whatever they can to help others. 

That, to me, is what this wonderful Strap is all about. There's going to be hard times ahead, that's a given. But if we stick together, we'll weather the storm, no matter what comes our way. My hope for you is that this beauty reminds you to open your circle - to bring in the people who need a hand as if they were your own, welcome them into the family with open arms. Together, we're strong. 

Big hugs, 

 - Jason