In Light of Devastation

Superstorm Sandy resurrected haunting images of Katrina, only this time upon the most populous region of the U.S., the East Coast. Deaths, havoc, unthinkable destruction and devastation, were left behind after the flood waters receded. Eight million without power, homes and neighborhoods vanquished, and souls strained and severely tested. This could have been any of us, and really it is all of us.

Yet, in spite of it all, in the midst of adversity, the human spirit finds resiliency and rises to the occasion. Calamity tends to awaken the humanity in all of us. Indiscriminate devastation overwhelms our prejudices and biases, and pulls down our artificial barriers. We navigate around our differences. For a brief period of time, we all become the same: homeless, powerless, and vulnerable. Remarkably, selflessness, generosity, compassion, sacrifice, and humaneness surface above the collective torrents of havoc. Devastation ignites the human spirit to reach across ethic, racial, and class prejudices and divides. Even venomous political party lines and diatribes vanished, at least for a few days.

Calamity is like lightning, it shines a bright light upon the darkened and suppressed virtues of the human soul. We witness flashes of whom we should be. Calamity often awakens the best of the human spirit, but understand, it can’t and won’t sustain that spirit. Outside stimulus can only generate fleeting images of benevolence. Genuine and lasting humility, civility, generosity, gratefulness, and compassion are born, bred, nurtured, and sustained from within.

May our prayers, hopes, and help reach those directly affected, and may we all find the strength and determination to reach deeper inside of ourselves to cultivate and radiate the light of the best of humanity, in both good and trying times.

Submitted by Imam Plemon T. El-Amin