Katrina

Life experiences are unplanned. It is not as simple as plotting a course, establishing a starting point, and then reaching one’s destination. This may be one person’s experience, but it certainly has not been mine. Sometime ago, I came upon a passage in the second chapter of the book of Daniel, which stated “And he (God) changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (verse 21).

As I reflected on the passage, it reminded me of two additional verses that have been my life’s beacons. Lamps, if you would, to my feet and lights for my path. These are Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths,” and Jeremiah 29:11-12 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.”

Hard as I have tried to determine my own life’s course, I have found that letting God lead me has always yielded the best outcomes. I reflect on a course change that, in retrospect, significantly altered my life for the better. As a first-time young medical executive for a small specialty hospital, I took part in negotiations for the restructure and merger of the medical staff with a nationally known tertiary hospital. Towards the end, they offered me a lucrative salary, high-level position, and an opportunity for even further advancement at the larger institution. After much prayer, I not only turned down the offer, but subsequently resigned from my post. Although I did not know, this was to be a most pivotal move for me personally, professionally, and even spiritually.

My first new assignment was a staff position with a different specialty hospital, during which I embraced an opportunity to train in emergency preparedness. No sooner had I completed my training, when I joined a conglomerate of medical and military personnel to provide relief efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Katrina. There are not too many words that evoke the depth and latitude of emotions like this one. For some it is literally a visceral response, which engenders heart wrenching anxiety. For others, it reeks of a politicized disaster. Taking part at ground level, I witnessed firsthand the superiority of nature and the power of the United States military. As I escorted displaced families and cared for their children, it reminded me of how blessed I was at that moment, but also how fragile was the element of time.

We are all one catastrophe, one disaster away from life-altering circumstances. Displacement, disease, and death lurk at the periphery of each person’s life, yet often unbeknownst to them. These post-disaster experiences have engendered a resilience not otherwise thought possible. The camaraderie of people from different backgrounds fostered this resilience in part, walks of life, goals and aspirations who step forward and shoulder the responsibility of assisting others not as fortunate as themselves.

Last week, 16 years to the day, Hurricane Ida struck with almost as much ire in New Orleans, Louisiana. For me, it brings back bittersweet memories of the time I spent serving with total strangers, who became friends, more than friends. How these events simultaneously divided a nation and banded others together is unclear. I was fortunately on the latter side of that coin.

I invite you to consider your opportunity for service during the current Hurricane Ida relief efforts. You may not provide “boots on the ground”, but your tangible contributions to any of the relief organizations would speak volumes.

Of course, your prayers for the residents are immeasurable.