Irene, Natural Disasters and God
My mother’s name was Irene. She was a gentle, loving, and quiet soul. A devoted wife and mother. So when I heard the news that a hurricane had the same name, there was a disconnect for me.
And yet, over the weekend we all found ourselves in the midst of tropical storm Irene. The street where we live was unscathed, but a few streets away you can see the effects – downed trees and branches littering the roads.
My wife and I stopped in D’Agostino’s to pick up some lunch yesterday, and the clerk told us how her area in East Arlington was still without power. Everywhere you go one of the first things out of folks' mouths is “How did you make out?”
The eastern seaboard will be cleaning up for awhile from this. And those families that have to deal with the tragic loss of life have much more to overcome. My heart goes out to them.
In an effort to make sense of these types of natural disasters, people often attribute them to the will of God. I recall there was a lot of that during Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, and the earthquake that devastated Haiti. Some individuals in responsible positions even claimed that it was God’s punishment to the populations of those areas.
All of that is something that I simply can’t subscribe to.
I think of God as a loving deity – one who brings good to all of His creation.
Now, I’m not naïve enough to think that everyone reading this is going to say “OK” to that, let alone agree that God exists. But I have seen how shifting my thinking to that model has brought about significant changes in all aspects of my life – including health, well-being, relationships, and finances.
So as the clean-up goes on, let’s continue to focus on how we can help our neighbors. The Bible and many holy texts from faith traditions around the globe recommend that we love our neighbor as ourselves.
And for me, doing that is seeing God’s love in action.
Don Ingwerson
2:56 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thanks Ken,
Sometimes at the worst of times we see the best of people. Now is the opportunity for us all to more fully reflect God's goodness.
Ken Girard
4:46 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hi Don,
Thanks so much for your thoughts. Good point!
Virginia McCullough
9:05 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thank you Ken and Don, I live near the mouth of the Merrimack River and it was captivating to watch some sail boats being brought to safety by a local tow boat at the height of the storm. Many boats had been taken out of the water, but some remained and apparently a few needed help. I prayed as I watched to see God's harmony expressed. There was much coordination. One man in a wet suit would jump/climb onto the boat and tie the line from the tow boat and then steer the boat to follow. The Rt. 1 bridge had to open to let some of the boats be towed up river where it was calmer. One boat apparently broke from it's mooring and floated sideways up river (the tide was still coming in). It got caught on a dock, and with additional help from another man who came to the rescue, the tow boat was able to tow it up river. These boaters must have been well trained and knew what they were doing. It was inspiring. I'm sure all of our prayers were/are helpful as the clean up continues in many places.
Ken Girard
9:18 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hi Virginia,
Thanks for your comments. I'm sure that the expertise of First Responders and others engaged in this recovery work is of great help throughout the aftermath. And whatever one chooses to do personally to help -- whether you choose to pray, provide support or donations, help neighbors, or simply be kind and patient -- will benefit everyone.
Robert
10:08 am on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The bible is the only source for the one true God of the universe. Yes, these are prophetic times, yes, things are getting worse, yes, God is angry...There is only one way to reach the one and only God of the universe...that is through the cross and precious blood of Jesus Christ. The is no other way! Lamblion.com. Hal Lindsey report. Grace to you w John MacArthur. David Jeremiah thekingiscoming.com grant jefferey. Research and learn for yourselves that these are final days in bible prophecy. Don't believe in idols and astrology!
Ken Girard
2:39 pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Thanks for your comments, Robert. Though I don't agree with your assessment about God's anger and an impending doom, I think we could agree that the Bible describes God as love. And for me, it's that love that I find to be at the root of Jesus' teachings -- a love that embraces all of humanity.
Robert
5:54 pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The bible states in many places that God will pour out his wrath on those who harm Israel. Also, the book of revelation tells how God will pour out his wrath on an unbelieving world after the rapture of the church takes place. Have you ever read the bible? The book of revelation? Have you ever studies prophecy? As we read and learn about the end days prophecies, we see that many prophecies have been fulfilled, and the scene is set for massive trouble with Israel, from surrounding nations. Also, the USA has rejected Israel in the past and that is why the USA is suffering in so many ways, and unfortunately, will continue to suffer. The love of Jesus? Yu mean when he died on the cross for the sins of mankind? Why did he die? Because we are all sinners and fall short to the glory of God. So what about those who reject Christ? The bible speaks of separation from God....Hell! No, sir....there is far more to the bible than just a bed of roses. Prophecies are passing before our eyes...careful now....none are worthy of God, except through Jesus Christ, through his blood, by the cross. No man, anywhere....will ever get to heaven any other way.