It’s almost two weeks after Hurricane Irma swept through the Caribbean and Florida leaving a path of devastation, despair and sadness. But if we take a moment to look back on the storm we can find examples of incredible kindness, sensitivity and hope where we rose to be our best selves even in the midst of the chaos.
When I went to church this past Sunday morning, along with many other Floridians, I was moved to tears during much of the service. The church was packed as everyone came to give thanks for making it safely through the storm – whether suffering material losses or not, everyone was thankful to have their family and friends safe. When I entered the church and gazed down the long hallway – I felt so much of a sense of pride and amazement at seeing the stacks of supplies that were there for anyone who needed it – food, paper goods, diapers, water and more – serving not only our church but the entire community and the needs of all.
Before the hurricane hit, as preparations were being made and immediately after when everyone was helping with the clean up that will be on-going for a long time, no one cared what anyone’s race, ethnicity or sexual orientation was – it did not matter! Everyone dropped everything to help in some way. Think about it. Should it really take something like a hurricane to make us reach out to one another with kindness, respect and love? I hope not but if it does, let’s keep in mind what could have happened, be grateful that it didn’t happen and act as if we can be the person that we were during the storm even if the storm never comes.
Jane Wayock says
Very true, Clolita! What a shame that it takes a tragedy for people to come together. Maybe God’s trying to tell us something!