“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28-29
Like most North Carolinians, I have been watching the news over the last week in disbelief, grief, and sadness. The entire Western part of our state has been destroyed beyond recognition, and most of us either directly or indirectly know someone who lost everything as a result.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has been unprecedented. In times of extreme tragedy and loss, it is easy to look to the heavens and ask God why He allows such damage and destruction to occur in our world. And while, as Kingdom-people, we read our Bibles and recognize that God never promised us an easy or perfect life, some situations are just so shattering and heartbreaking that it’s challenging not to doubt His goodness and purpose.
In the days following Hurricane Helene, I witnessed a movement I do not remember seeing before, even during the time of Covid. Businesses, organizations, and ordinary people immediately deployed to bring help and relief to the Western part of our state. Individuals volunteered to go into ravaged and unsafe areas to rescue those who were in danger. Linemen worked around the clock to bring power to the thousands who had lost electricity. Groups delivered supplies and food, most of which were donated by local charities and ordinary citizens. Private pilots flew helicopters into areas where roads were wiped out to rescue those who were trapped. Strangers communicated with one another on social media to let those with stranded loved ones know they were safe.
I am certain during the rescue efforts, when emergency personnel came upon an individual or a group of people who were waiting to be found and brought to safety, that the thought of asking them about their political affiliation or their religious beliefs did not come to mind.
For in the midst of tragedy and loss, in the midst of fear and desperation, ordinary human beings simply mobilize to save lives.
It is both our gift and our curse.
It is our gift in that during the most unimaginable times, humans are able to put ourselves in the shoes of those who have lost everything, mourn alongside them, and give of our time and resources without question.
It is our curse in that it often takes a tragedy of unspeakable magnitude to remind us that at the end of each day, we are neither Republican or Democrat, Christian or atheist, black or white, liberal or conservative, but simply human beings created by God.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us that, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” We know that our Father mourns alongside us when lives are lost, families are displaced, and hope seems far away.
But Philippians 2:1-4 declares that, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Maybe our Father allows tragedies to occur in our world to remind us that our government cannot save us. Our politicians are not gods. The earth is fleeting and failing. And yet, humans share a powerful connection. We were created to love God above all things. And we are commanded to love one another as we love ourselves.
We are less than one month away from the most polarizing election that I have witnessed in my lifetime.
Regardless of who wins, regardless of who one votes for, may it not take another catastrophe to remind us that we are all one in Christ Jesus.
