My community and state are still recovering from the catastrophe that
struck recently. A wall of storms with hurricane force winds struck late
on a Friday evening knocking down trees, blocking roads, damaging homes,
and destroying power lines. Hundreds of thousands of people suddenly
found themselves in the dark without water, electricity, air
conditioning, telephones, internet, and television. They found
themselves cut off from the modern world enduring sweltering 90 degree
plus heat with no help and no idea when it would be over.
The
most amazing thing happened, however, as the reality of the crisis sank
in: it brought out the best in us. While there were a few acts of
selfishness and stealing they were overwhelmed by the wave of love and
compassion that came from the hearts of so many. People shared their
food, ice, and gasoline. People who still had power opened their homes
to those who had none.
People rushed out to clear roads and homes
of fallen trees. Selfless power crews worked around the clock to repair
the damage and restore electricity. People gathered on front porches to
talk, share hugs and offer words of hope and faith that God would see
them through it all. Strangers came together as one family to help each
other in this time of great need. It was such a joy seeing all these
people acting like true Children of God under the most trying of
circumstances.
Life's disasters strike all of us from time to
time. No one is spared. We all get hurt. We all get challenged. We all
get squeezed by difficulties during our days here. How we respond to
them, though, is up to us. We can let them bring out the worst is us or
we can let them bring out the best in us. We can react to them like
demons of selfishness or like angels of love. May you always bring the
best from your heart and soul to whatever life may throw at you then.
May you live all of your days here with so much love that Heaven sings
and God smiles.
Joseph J. Mazzella