DaNine J. Fleming
Director, Office of Intercultural Programs
Slippery Rock University

Katrina

As the news coverage continues to unfold on the complete devastation of Hurricane Katrina, I can not help but think that this is torn from a chapter in my life. You see, in 1989 my family and I survived Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina. Although the devastation was not of this magnitude (or at least not for my family and me), there are subtle similarities.  

In any event, I am driven to write this article because it breaks my heart to see and hear the stories played, replayed and played again on the news. As if exploitation of the survival victims were not bad enough, how many more carcasses can we see of our fellow brothers and sisters lying in the streets and floating in water? Have we become desensitized to such tragedies? 

 Who would ever think that the tears of the devastated would take us global? This is amazing in itself. Now, some interesting conversation have been exchanged over the past few months concerning some of the occurrences in storm ravaged Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

 First, there is a lot of coverage and comments concerning the tremendous amount of looting. I find it interesting that the majority of the people being shown are young and African American. Am I condoning the behavior? Of course not. But, as the word says, “Man seeks the ruler’s favor; but every man’s judgment cometh from the Lord”. Proverbs 29:26. So I choose not to sit in judgment of any man or woman.

 The consistent concern is the fact that instead of getting food and items deemed “necessary” by majority America, some of the “looters” are choosing items such as microwaves, televisions, shoes, clothing and the like. I would like to place a spin on this situation. If some of these individuals have always lived in a situation where they were taught to capitalize on the moment or “go for theirs” how then can we expect them to act in any other way? They have the same basic needs as all of God’s children, but unfortunately they have chosen to fill superficial needs even in the time of disaster. There seems to be an insatiable desire for those things that will pass away rather than for that which will sustain them. This is sadder than the fact that they are looting in their own communities. I pray that the reserved word will come in an overflowing abundance to their hearts and to their remembrance. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” Psalm 119:11.

 Second, equally relevant is how the National Guard, law enforcement agencies and unauthorized vigilantes have now been called in to “control” the looting and lawlessness. Let your mind wander with me for a moment. The stores that are being looted are inevitably not going to open any time soon. Due to regulations I pray that they are insured so in a sense they have nothing to loose. Why bring in man power, guns and more violence to handle an already devastated area? I see bodies lying unattended in the streets, Rescue Teams breaking into houses finding entire families who have perished and we are worried about stores that have merchandise remaining that may be of no use and or destroyed. Are we choosing to major in the minor?

 Lastly, it is also a sad scenario that many people did not heed the warnings, chose to remain in place, and now need to be rescued. What is even more devastating is that now hundreds of Rescue Team volunteers are risking life and limb to save the same people who chose not to listen to the warnings and/or literally had no place to go. We must also be mindful that many people did not have a place to go. Can you imagine being told that a disastrous hurricane is coming and you must evacuate, yet you have no place to go? I am glad that I have a friend and hiding place in Jesus and I know him in the pardoning of my sins. But, I am not able to revel in that word until I realize all of my brothers and sisters do not know Jesus.

 The word reminds us that we are to assist our brothers and sisters when they are in need. We are not to leave them destitute when we are walking in the image of Christ. He is not going to come down to give to the needy; that is OUR job. As the holiday season approaches I hope  we each will introspectively meditate on the goodness of the Lord and seek ways to assist our brothers and sisters who are in need. As we continue to shop for our family, friends and loved ones my prayer is that we each will think of those who are not as fortunate. I also hope God will bring this back to your recollection. As I tell my four year old daughter when she tells me all of the things that she wants for Christmas, “Isn’t it amazing that we get gifts on the birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?” This will hopefully put things into perspective for each of us. Give the gift of love, life and charity to those who need it most.