thoughts on the presence of God in these difficult circumstances.
First, I think God is present in the way that people prepared. Those
who evacuated, the hospitals and nursing homes who arranged transport
for those under their care, the emergency management teams and 211,
first responders, government and non-profit relief organizations--
along with many others--all showed an awareness of the needs in their
communities and constiuencies. As Don Saliers told me in worship
class, "The Holy Spirit never minds good planning."
I also want to highlight the ways in which neighbors are helping one
another out as the long work of recovery begins. Citizens putting
others' needs ahead of their own comfort is a great example of
Christlikeness. Those who have hosted strangers and evacuees, shared
generators, waited with grace and humor in long lines for basic needs,
and more all made God incarnate by their attitudes and actions.
The question of divine will in a natural disaster is one I cannot
answer. But in the response to tragedy, may our communities of faith
keep hoping in a redeeming God and re-present that God to all we
encounter.
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