Deep Waters: A Spiritual Response to Hurricane Katrina

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What should we say to those who are suffering from hurricane Katrina, or any of the other things that plague us quite unexpectedly? I would suggest that we be wise enough not to make snap judgments and glib pronouncements. Sometimes, but only sometimes, it is clear that human beings get themselves in a mess and are allowed to experience the natural consequences of their actions. But most of life's tragedies do not fall into this category, and hurricane Katrina certainly does not. Most events are a bit less transparent than that when it comes to connections between sin and judgment or between disasters and the Judge of all human beings.

We would probably do better to follow the wisdom of Corrie ten Boom. When asked by a Jewish violinist who had had her fingers smashed in the death camp called Ravensbruck, "How can you believe in a God of love who would allow this to happen to me?" Corrie reflected and told the woman she did not know why that hideous thing had happened to her. But then she said "But what I do know is that no pit is so deep, that God's love is not deeper still."

Our faith is based on grace moments that reveal God's character. We know that God can turn the worst disaster or tragedy into a triumph. Look at the cross and remember: "God works all things together for the good, for those who love Him" (Rom. 8).

The teaching of Judaism is that while the world changes, there is permanence. There is continuity in memory, in connections between people, in God. Although much in this world might be lost, it is reclaimed through recollection.

Part of the understanding to be wrested from any tragedy is that everything has not been rendered meaningless by loss. Even something so fixed and durable as a home is not ultimately what lasts. The abidingness of life is found in others, and in God. There will be much to mourn for many who have lived through this terrible tragedy. Nothing can obliterate the horrible pain, the sense of life's work having been swept away, the helplessness and violation.

Yet Judaism adjures us to remember that which lasts. It is in our power to ensure that no storm can blow away memory, and no floods wash away faith.

Life is a like a fast-flowing, turbulent river that we must cross in order to get to the other side. We hold the hands of our loved ones in this journey; we hold on to worldly attachments; and many of us consciously make God the Guide in this journey. In crossing the river of life, we may occasionally lose our footing; lose the hand of our loved ones; see our worldly goods washed away; and as human beings feeling deep pain, confusion, and despair, we are likely to forget the presence of God.

"The Supreme Lord is too near

To be abandoned,

Too close to be witnessed.

Behold Nature's splendor

And the Lord's divine poetry

Both are beyond decay and death."

(Atharva Veda. 10.8.32)

It is at these times, when we need God most, that we need to recall another side of our relationship with That All-Compassionate, All-Powerful, Loving Being--the relationship of

. It is almost like letting go (in swimming), so you can float on the water. In surrendering, we "let Go and let GOD." When we surrender, then the sudden showers of God's love rain on us, bathing the soul in celestial joy.

Loss of dear lives cannot be made up at all. Acts of god are always mysterious and peculiar. Questions of "why" can remain unanswered forever. Even if answered, that answer cannot bring the lost lives.

But there is definite hope and solace. Physical, mental, spiritual, and financial distress, during and after this great tragedy, though very challenging, can certainly be dealt with. There are around 5 billion humans around the world to share the emotion, and so many of them are willing to step forward with love and compassion. As the Bhagavad Gita affirms, the display of that love and compassion also is the glory of god only!

Hindu Scriptures reiterate that dharma always triumphs and helps humankind to look up and move forward. As the Hindus believe, the One Lord assumes various forms and comes from all directions to deal with calamities and re-establish normal life. With that conviction, let every one reassure themselves, rise up to the hour, assess what needs to be done, and keep moving on. Faith in the Lord, love, and determination will always help achieve all noble goals.