May 24, 2011 with 8 Comments

349.

When Disaster Strikes

For most of us, the world didn’t end as predicted on May 21, 2011, but for some in Joplin, MO, life did come to an abrupt halt on May 22, 2011.

I’ve never been to Joplin, Missouri. I’ve never been to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Another day, another channel, another disaster. It’s easy to get jaded. It’s easy to shrug it all off.

I took care of a patient last week who had just driven back from Tuscaloosa to bury 10 of her relatives. It’s not so easy to forget when disaster strikes closer to home.

When disaster strikes, real people suffer.

While I try to figure out how I’ll squeeze in my 30 minutes of cardio, someone in Tuscaloosa is trying to figure out where to tuck in their 3 year old kid. While I try to decide between Sushi and Mexican, someone in Joplin is trying to decide where to bury their mother.

Life has a way of taking us by surprise. It’s never the things you expect that knock the wind out of you. It’s never the potholes you see that trip you up.

When disaster strikes, real need is felt.

I need every single day of the week. I need new shoes. I need a haircut. I need a vacation. It’s funny how one word can mean so many different things. This morning a woman in Joplin needs a glass of water. Later in the day, a family in Tuscaloosa will need a place to store their father’s insulin.

Life has a way of rearranging our needs.

When disaster strikes, real opportunities are given.

My friend Rich spent last week in Tuscaloosa covering the effects of the tornado. What tornado, I asked? The flood in Mississippi had already taken over my cable channel. I find myself entertained by the magnitude of a disaster, like a peeping Tom sitting in the comfort of my home watching how others cope with the aftermath.

I’m being idealistic, I hear my mind think. You can’t fix all the problems of the world, I tell myself. You’re helping the ones God has placed right in front of you.

Yet I find myself oddly convicted that I haven’t even tried to grab an opportunity that may be waiting for me today.

When disaster strikes, real love is shown.

Where is God when disaster strikes? Where is God when darkness looms? People look upward, pointing fingers, accusing. Doesn’t God care? Where is He now?

Christ in me, the hope of glory. Christ in me, the aroma of life to those perishing. Christ in me, giving light in a dark world.

Where is God when disaster strikes? A fair question to be asked.

But the better question is this:

Where are you, Christian, when disaster strikes?

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  • Gina

    Lina what you said is so true.when I see and hear these things it makes me want to go and help.This is making me cry for all those people and families. I can only pray for them.

  • E-Dub

    Well said.

  • Milo

    Yes indeed what do we do? I had to turn TV off yesterday it was so bad? The problem did.not go away. The .search was still on for someone alive. when .disaster happens we need to be ready. Preparation starts today. If I am taken by surprise what do I worry about? My house? My money? Etc… I need to know what next. There is .eternity and you .start preparing before you are .taken by surprise. Do noT wait, it will be too late. Jesus came He lived ,and died for me, my role is to believe and be .safe or. Neglect and be taken by surprise. thank God for slvation

  • ramzi

    well said, but allow me suggest-why not go help a church maybe take a group from Harvest Church and suxh and make a trip. There is no better way to express love concern for those affected.

  • Gina

    Great idea Ramzi!!! How could we do that?

    • ramzi

      thank you

  • Amber

    I we as Christian are praying hard for the family’s that have lost everything in this world that they know. Sometimes I wonder how people can watch the news when stuff happens like this and, now have a heart for them. I also believe with all the disaster going on the Lord is very close to coming.

  • Gina

    Amber.people watch the news 2 be informed. Is it easy to watch No.But it is a tool to go and help or make donations.As Christians that’s what we do.We all need to pray hard for these people and families. Didn’t mean to sound rude.