In the Midst of a Storm

In the midst of a snow storm, there is nothing better than a nice cup of hot chocolate, a good movie, and spending quality time with your loved ones. There is just something special about knowing that no matter what happens outside those doors, everything inside is perfectly fine. Of course, feeling secure during a snow storm will depend on the amount of information obtained from the media as well as the supplies acquired prior to the event. If only in our own lives, we could be given as much forewarning about our not-so-distant future as one obtains in preparation for a storm, life would be much easier. However, reality is that we have no knowledge of our future or for that matter where our lives are headed. This uncertainty at times can be frustrating, especially when we are anticipating changes in our lives due to a job, a decision or an event. Interestingly, even in these times of uncertainty, there is an anticipation or an expectation with respect to the outcome being of a positive or negative nature.

But what if the event is completely unexpected such as is the case of a natural disaster (i.e., Haiti earthquake). It must be devastating to the missionaries, volunteers and support groups stationed in that island to know that no matter the level of preparation to help the earthquake victims, there is little that is within their control. Furthermore, it must be even harder for the Haitians to know that no amount of money, supplies and support will replace the loss of their homes, loved ones and even their own future. Then again, even in the midst of this “storm” there is a small spec of hope and security when we, as outside spectators witness a Haitian surviving against unimaginable odds, days or even weeks after the earthquake struck. The even more amazing thing about witnessing such as event is that no matter the discrepancies between culture, society, or beliefs we all commonly empathize with the victim. We all feel happy and hopeful when a survivor is rescued from the rubble or when food and supplies reach the victims. Ironically, many of those that are happy about the survivors also blame God for an event of such magnitude. They say, “Why did God let this happen?” or “God has abandoned us.”

In my logic, I can’t understand how the world exclaims joy and can believe these statistically unlikely events and disbelieve that a greater power was involved in the survival of these victims. For that matter, I don’t understand why today’s science and technology does not recognize God’s presence when many fundamental scientific concepts are based on abstract thought or components that the naked eye cannot see. Why is it that humans can breathe and not see the air or establish languages that logically a primitive ape could not have developed or feel emotions that have not evolved (e.g., joy, sadness, doubt) since the beginning of time? Why is it that we feel secure when we have control over our destiny but panic when we leave it in God’s Hands?