With all of the noise, the chaos, and the current events of these turbulent times in which we live, life sometimes becomes overwhelming, overbearing, and much too intense. We often become numb to our own humanity in dealing with all of the challenges just living life brings to our doorstep, and completely forget about the feelings and frailty of others. There is so much trouble in this world at home and abroad, and we are still in the midst of a global pandemic that has taken almost 800,000 lives in the United States alone. Catastrophic events like school shootings, cataclysmic traffic accidents like the one that just killed 55 migrant people trying to make it to the U.S. in search of a better life, and horrific climate events like the tornados that devastated so many peoples’ lives in 8 states this past weekend. It is so much to bear. And yet, we must. We must find a way to carry on. Even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death and destruction we must look up, look ahead, and keep hope alive that a better day is coming. Like the old folks say, “Trouble won’t last always.”
It is often within our darkest hours that we actually begin to recognize what is truly important to us. What we most value in life. We begin to recognize how valuable life and health is compared to everything else. Whether by choice or force, we are made to stop for a moment and sit with ourselves, our thoughts and our own frailties and emotions in these life altering moments. In these moments of great human tragedy and devastation, communities pull together, and our common humanity compels us to give aid and comfort to our fellow human beings without regard to race, gender, class, religion or national origin. In an instant, any one of us could find ourselves at death’s door. We could be at the center of a natural disaster, a horrific accident, or the target of the unimaginable evil that depraved human beings inflict upon other human beings.
One day the sun could be shining, and we are going about living our lives in relative peace, safety, and comfort. And the next moment, without warning, we could be in the middle of a tornado, hurricane or wildfire that utterly destroys our home, all of our worldly possessions and even cuts short the lives of some of our dearest friends, neighbors and relatives. We could be standing in the middle of devastation depending on the kindness of strangers and the federal government. At any time, it could be any one of us. It could be our neighbors, friends or loved ones. It could be you or me who are standing in the need of prayer. We should all recognize that the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike. Catastrophe has absolutely no respect for persons. Let us all remember that we should be doing whatever we can do in the face of this current human disaster. If all you can do is pray…at least do that.
Remember these will be horrific days of recovery, grief and loss for the people in the middle of this country just 2 weeks before the Christmas holiday is upon us. They have lost everything they have, except their very lives. Perhaps you can send them some financial support or donate blood or give in some other ways. If it were you and your family, what kind of support would you want if you were standing where those people are standing today? As we also remember the thousands of families who have lost friends and loved ones due to this despicable pandemic, we should consider what we might do for them to help them too. We want them to know that their grief and loss is not forgotten in this holiday season. To those people who have lost family and friends to senseless gun 
violence and murder, we continue to hold them close and support them through this season where light is supposed to dispel the darkness.
Let us all remember that we are indeed our “brothers’ keeper.” And your sisters’ too! Share with others in whatever ways you can over the holidays. You have been blessed so that you can be a blessing to others. And there are so many people in need of a little love and compassion in these final weeks of 2021. Remember, one day it may be you standing in devastation. Today you have your life so with that life you have been blessed to have…#DoMORE #SayLess.
