May God Be With You

Without a doubt, there have been times that in the middle of writing a yodaism, I've stopped to do a new one. Monday afternoon I was halfway done with a yodaism entitled "In A Hearbeat" when Hurrican Katrina hit the Gulfcoast, mainly Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, plus Southern Florida. Watching the news for the past 4 days has been on of absolute disbelief as you witness homes either under water or destroyed completely and it got me thinking. Yet, what makes this catastrophe so unbeliveable is that an entire city, New Orleans, is no longer liveable. For many of its surviving citizens they have only but the clothes on their backs and treasure keepsakes, if any, that were taken that meant so much to certain people.

Its so surreal to know that parts of Alabama are without power probably for several weeks or months. New Orleans, a place where people and many college students like to party, as well as celebrate Mardi Gras, is now a considered a ghost town. If you think about it, Mardi Gras, is a staple of Americana just like apple pie and the late Peter Jennings. Its not only New Orleans, but parts of Mississippi such as Biloxi where millions of people have trekked to have a good time and hopefully win some money instead of lose it. Its basically the luxeries, which deal with fun and entertainment, will be temporarily or permanently closed. Let me ask you this question, when was the last time you stopped by the French Quarter of New Orleans and the Casinos/Shows of Biloxi?

Unfortunately, when a natural disaster such as a Hurrican occur so called Mr. Hydes tend to reveal themselves in people when desperate times call for desperate measures. Measures such as breaking into stores and stealing/looting food and/or clothing. Its a sad situation indeed as you witness seemingly leve headed, law abiding citizens run rampid in a city, such as New Orleans, where fighting has been reported and shots are being fired at helicopters who are trying to save/help these people. Its understandable that sometimes you have to fight to survive but doing something such as firing at people who are trying to help is just plain stupid. For the question can be asked, would you resort to looting and/or stealing if you were in their shoes?

For there is saying that goes with every dark cloud there is a silver lining. Essentially, the silver lining to this is that all across the United States from New York, Texas, California, etc. and even overseas are wanting to help. Help by provide some much needed services like getting food, clothing, blankets, and even electricity to people as best they can. You hear good samaritans opening up their homes and even baseball standiums such as the Houston Astrodome to refugees. People helping people out of the goodness of their own heart who genuinely want give or do something to help their fellow Americans and neighbors who have nothing to go back.

In retrospect, for a person who lives in Pensacola, Florida you feel happy that it missed you; but at the same time you feel guilty. Guilty because you see so much suffering there and yet we're watching all this in the comfort of our air conditioned homes, sleeping in our warm beds, with plenty of food to eat. Initially, it makes you sick to your stomach to see people go through this as you find yourself crying but also you find yourself wanting to help in some way, shape or form. Where I work, we're talking about putting together a drive to give food, blankets, clothes, and letters of encouragement to the people from the kids, which will hopefully lift many spirits. In the end, to all the refugees we will keep you in our prayers and may God be with you.