Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Recently there was a violent earthquake in Alaska. Those who live there knew of the danger that faced them every day because of the history of earthquakes surrounding them. But it’s where they live. It’s not easy to find a new place to live when you don’t have the finances to do so. And, it’s where their families live, so they stay and rebuild.
However, what do people do when they live through a horrific earthquake, hurricane or wildfire and there’s no place to go for miles around where they lived. What do they do when there’s nothing left to go home to? As I have written about in previous posts, this is what my mom faced in the wake of a wildfire. It was like as if her town had been wiped away. This also meant that there will be no rebuilding for at least a year, because of the need to repair infrastructure including water, sewer, and power along with making sure that all toxic materials have been removed. So now what? The many displaced residents have been forced into temporary shelters or they have fled to other cities. And I can say with certainty, whether someone has been in a shelter or a new area, many stories have been told of how the victims’ trauma has been met with kindness and compassion. There has been the provision of food and clothing, blankets and tents, and all along the way the two steps of kindness and compassion are leading many to find themselves on the road to healing from the tragedy. This is what my mom has met at every turn.
Time-after-time, she has been met with kindness and compassion. She has cried. They have cried. She has laughed. They have laughed. She has been confused. They have helped her figure things out. Yes, kindness and compassion go a long way in the healing process. Here’s a few ways you can help a victim:
Reader’s Digest (rd.com) post the article, “15 Ways You Can Help After a Natural Disaster (Hint: It’s Rarely Donate Clothes),” and suggests to think of children by donating toys, snacks or juices; also, hosting a food drive or donating your skills to your community. With a little help from each one of us, by showing kindness and compassion, it will go a long way to help natural disaster victims begin to heal. The Bible verse above speaks of kindness and compassion like clothes we put on. So as you change your clothes or shoes during the day remember the victims of a natural disaster that has recently happened and be the hands and feet that bring relief. |
AuthorKaren Dalske is a freelance writer, public speaker, is active in her church and writes her blogs out of her own experiences of pain, illness and loss. Archives
January 2021
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