I remember watching the news of New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina and seeing how varied the reactions were. Some used the occasion to loot, steal, rob, rape and murder. Others willingly sacrificed so that others could have. Some devoted hours, days, weeks and months to rescue, rehabilitation and relocation. I was reminded that crises don’t develop character nearly so much as they reveal it. It is a rare thing that evil inclinations turn to good in the face of adversity.

The same principle played out on corporate levels as well, I suppose. Whether by local management or top executive, I don’t know, but numerous hotels and gas stations skyrocketed their prices immediately, happily exploiting those who were able to get out of the city.

Civilizations, cities, neighborhoods and families all seem to reflect a similar pattern; where bonds are strong, calamity serves to strengthen them. In the other cases, tension turns to trauma and fractures turn into chasms. Rebuilding the cities might be easier than bringing a family back together. Particularly if it is one that has never truly been a family.

Regardless of the history, though, those who seek the path of God’s blessing, who come confessing that they, too, are sinners, who seek him in humility, who are willing to show mercy and eager for the flow of grace in all directions, they shall yet see the work of his hands and understand that truly, he is at work in all things for their good.

H. Arnett
11/02/09