Katrina, Part 2

As I watch coverage of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, I feel the necessity to once again give voice to my observations. Days pass, and the desperation in the eyes and faces of the displaced, the sick, the injured, the young, seems to increase exponentially. But even in the bystanders, those of us absorbing the scenes while sitting in our air-conditioned homes, sipping a beverage or enjoying a meal, our hearts are breaking almost beyond description.

For us, for the millions of Americans who aren’t what we would call “personally affected” by the devastation, why are we touched so deeply? It goes beyond seeing barren landscapes littered with the remnants of homes. It goes beyond observing rising waters or submerged property. It even goes beyond witnessing the profound human tragedy that is seldom seen in a generation.

I believe we are so deeply affected because within the eyes of the true victims, we see people who honestly felt this could never happen to them. I recall viewing a television program several years ago, describing the worst possible hurricane strike. Aside from a direct hit on New Orleans and instantaneous flooding, the scenario on that program was identical to what has occurred this week.

It has been said in the past, as well as in recent days, that New Orleans should have seen it coming. In the words of so many “what-if” scenario-based shows, “It’s not a question of if, but when.” Cities like Gulfport and Biloxi, in such proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, should have been prepared. It is easy to say that in hindsight, but isn’t everything easier in hindsight? Now is not the time for blame, for armchair analysis. Even if these cities and populations had made preparations for decades, nothing ever fully prepares us for such devastation. Now is the time for understanding and compassion. Now is the time for assistance. Now is the time to stop and consider our own preparations for what we must face in our life.

No matter whom we are, no matter where we live or whatever circumstances might be in which we find ourselves, deep down we all feel that bad things happen to other people, not us. Widespread destruction, disease, dehydration and death, these things happen on the other side of the world, in an Indonesia or India, not in America.

Even sitting here at my computer, I think of the thousands who, just a week ago, were doing the same thing, going through their daily routines, enjoying life. As I type, in the back of my mind I find the words that I’ve thought and said during earthquakes, tsunami, terrorist attacks and hurricanes, “I’m glad I live in a place where that could never happen to me.”

Still, there is no guarantee for me, or anyone else. Sure, I may live in a small town, limited or no threat of natural disaster or attack, but there are plenty of other situations that could easily place me, my family and friends, my community, in a similar situation to those in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. No matter what we do or think, bad things can happen, and they can happen to us.

We are not told what lies even one minute in the future. There are no guarantees about anything for anyone. This is the number one reason that we need to have peace with God, to prepare us for whatever lies ahead.

Now, perhaps some will read this entry and say, “What has God ever done for those on the Gulf Coast? If He loved them, why are they suffering?” Sadly, many, many people believe that if God was really there, if God was worth it, people would not be suffering and dying.

The Bible does not promise that life will be free of problems, even if you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. It says that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. Nothing in history says that we can be problem-free. Even if we go through life relatively comfortable and free of catastrophe, we will still eventually come to the end of the road.

In addition to all the physical and emotional difficulties of the hurricane victims, perhaps the worst experience is feeling that they are alone. No matter what we face, it is always made worse by feelings of solitude, that sense that we are all by ourselves. As I said, the Bible doesn’t promise a path free of potholes, but it promises us a Companion, a Comforter, someone to walk with us, someone who will never leave us alone.

Nothing can change what has already happened. Nothing can alter the memories, the physical and emotional scars this tragedy has inflicted on its victims. Still, if the people will allow Him, the Lord can and will help them rebuild their lives. It goes far beyond rebuilding a home or business. It goes beyond purchasing food or clothing. It reaches beyond the here and now and stretches to the “there and when.” The Lord can, and will, allow them to rebuild their lives on a foundation of love and peace, a peace that can be found nowhere except in the arms of Jesus Christ.

We join our hearts with those who are hurting. Through the questions like, “How could this be happening to Americans?” we must always be aware that, no matter who we are, it can happen to us. The real question is this: will we go through it alone, or will we endure and survive, no matter what? Survival is more than physical. It is spiritual. If our spiritual life is based on the Solid Rock of Jesus, we can, and will, carry on.


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