The Silver Lining

Hurricane Katrina has ravished the gulf coast. It is easy to look a television, see the lives lost and the suffering of the people, and become angry and disgusted. It appears that there is nothing to be thankful for, but wherever God is, there is always reason to give thanks.

We can thank God for individuals who are experiencing the ultimate glory with Him in heaven above. We can thank God for the thousands who are finding salvation and developing closer relationships with Him because of this tragedy. We can thank God for the favor He has placed upon the hurricane victims as the hearts of the entire world are moved to offer them assistance. And we can thank God for showing the true character of so many people.

In disaster, the true character of people is always revealed. People who have been able to hold everything together in peacetime and successful carry on their masquerade become completely different individuals in times of disaster or chaos. Hurricane Katrina revealed the true character of many individuals and organizations.

It revealed that despite post-9/11 preparations, FEMA and the government—on local, state, and national levels—are not prepared to handle large-scale disasters. Through media discrepancies in reporting, it was revealed that race is an issue in this country, even in disaster. It also revealed that the church is more than a religious institution and really does step up to the plate to feed and clothes God’s children. So, thank God for these revelations