Thoughts on Hurricane Katrina…
The situation in New Orleans is growing more horrendous as the hours and days go by. I assume I’m like most people who are still in the denial phase, just barely starting to realize how bad the situation truly is. In my narrow little world, corpses do not EVER rot on the street…not in America. Gangs with guns don’t roam the streets…not in America. Of course, my narrow little world has only existed for 44 years during a relatively calm and properous time in America. I have much to learn.
I honestly don’t know what to think or do next, especially up here in the north. I will contribute money next paycheck, I will pray, I will feature stories like Mutti Beck’s and I will offer the pastoral care of Ask the Pastor: A Christian Response to Suffering and Death. Pastor writes:
Christians seem to have it worst. We believe in a loving God. We know that “His mercy endures forever.” Now we wonder, “Where is God’s mercy?” Some even ask, “Where is God?”
Why did evil men hijack aircraft and smash them into buildings filled with people? Why did they blow up unsuspecting British commuters? Why do some people hate the Western world with such passion? Why did Katrina form and track as she did? Why is New Orleans flooded and much of coastal Mississippi leveled? Ultimately, we are asking, “Why did God allow this to happen?”
We aren’t alone in wondering, nor is this the first time the question has been asked. Many horrors lead people to ask God, “Why?” Miscarriage happens after parents begin planning and dreaming for a child’s future; we ask why. Small children are killed by accidents, afflicted with cancer, or crippled by disease; we ask why. Drunk drivers run down young people while others are paralyzed by sports accidents; we ask why. Disease, disaster, and death take away parents, spouses, or friends; we ask why.
We ask more aggressively when our loved ones die and we see the families and friends of others still alive. We complain bitterly when open, unrepentant sinners live long and prosper while believers face and trials and difficulties. We don’t understand the looting, shooting, and other acts of terror perpetrated against those already rendered helpless.
Scripture echoes our questions. Losing children, possessions, and health, Job asked, “Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power? (Job 21:7)” The Psalmist wondered, “Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? (Psalm 2:1)” Jacob wondered why Joseph was taken from him, apparently torn apart by wild animals. Joseph must have wondered about his brothers’ hatred that led them to sell him into slavery. Moses must have been practically screaming at God, wondering why he’d been burdened with leading such a stiff-necked, sinful people as Israel.
Be sure to read on here. Also be sure to view this excellent series of maps provided by AP.
Atlanta? I assume you mean New Orleans.
Corrected! Thanks, Maria. I’ve had Atlanta on my mind for the past few days on another matter. I can’t believe I wrote that! Yikes!
Thanks for pointing to the Pastor; that’s good.