This week the world reeled in shock over the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the southern Gulf States of America. Although other important events have happened this week, people living in North America, in particular, are still trying to come to terms with reality and scope of this disaster in their backyard. Thoughts and images come to mind of the affected area several times a day. With highly developed technology available today, the media allows us to follow the tragic events as they unfold, and it feels as if it happened close to home, the reality of thousands of miles away.
The disaster of Hurricane Katrina, for me, and I'm sure many others, has raised many questions and emotions. Although days have passed since Hurricane Katrina took its toll, I still have strong feelings of shock and disbelief that this really happened! The feelings of empathy and grief for the millions of people who have lost so much overwhelm my heart, and then returns flashes of anger at the looters and the criminal element that are taking advantage of the misfortunes of others. I understand the desperation of people may resort to stealing to meet their urgent need for survival, but the violent and selfish behavior that caused the police to stop rescuing those who are still locked for security seems incomprehensible to me. Then comes to mind many questions - 'Why did not that 20% of the population to evacuate New Orleans?' 'Why have they chosen to stay?' There are so many questions of 'Why' and 'if' that remain unanswered now, and can never be resolved.
Could this disaster have been prevented? Looking with hindsight you can always see things that can prevent a disaster or accident, and as human beings we have a strong desire to place blame somewhere in a desire to reconcile with the harsh reality. The sad truth is that nobody knows when a disaster or accident could happen. Fatal accidents and tragedies can happen to anyone of us at any time, any where, and we could become an innocent victim. We just may happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. When I see those people suffering in conditions so dire, so be aware that but for the grace of God, that I could be. I might be visiting New Orleans and managed to get out in time. Maybe you went from a car accident, and realized, like me, that if I left your house a few minutes earlier, could have been a victim, instead of that person. Although everyone is able to take the necessary precautions for their personal safety, it is impossible to protect ourselves from every potential tragedy, disaster or unforeseen accidents.
It is not healthy or realistic to live life in fear of a disaster either. Human nature, however, can often go to the other end, and we live with a sense of rejection and the feeling of 'not happen to me'. This may be true, but of course we do not know for sure. For example I live in an earthquake zone, with a major fault line in the ocean. Seismotologists record an average of 500 minor earthquakes every day in our neighborhood, but they are so small that they are felt. Recently we heard two or three largest earthquakes. Everyone knows that the 'Big One' is due, and could happen at any time. 'The Big One' could cause a tsunami that would seriously damage the areas that are below sea level near the ocean. Yet, these areas are also known to be the fastest growing sectors in terms of population growth and industrial development. Nobody really believes the 'Big One will happen - surely if they did, there would move.
When tragedy strikes the perspective of what is important changes. A common theme of victims interviewed by Hurricane Katrina, was that I am grateful that their lives were spared. Homes and possessions can be replaced but life can not. I wonder if the victims had known last week what their life would be like now if they would live their lives differently.
None of us knows what the future holds, even the events of the next hour of our lives. If something good can come from the disaster of Hurricane Katrina might be that people would stop and evaluate their life and review what is really important. For me, I'll be more appreciative of what I have, I live my life in order to make a difference and live more fully each time. I like to give more time for what is really important and valuable, and will change some priorities for me.
After all is said and done, but for the grace of God it could have been me. How about you?
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