Why do people stay when warned about a life threatening hurricane about to hit their particular place? Some say it’s the lack of trust in the forecast: “oh, it won’t be that bad.” Others say it’s the fear of losing what’s left after the storm due to looters. Still others say it’s the feeling that those who stay can just ride it out – this time – again.
It seems like people who live along a shoreline don’t act like people when told there’s going to be a big snowstorm: get the supplies, look around, be prepared. Looking for an answer, some commentators have written it is the lack of trust in government, others that warning s had been given in the past but the storm took another course causing damage elsewhere.
Putting something off is probably part of human nature. In spite of pictures of horrific damage and huge loss of life, such as experienced when Katrina hit New Orleans, most of us don’t think it will happen to us. Not just the damage but the real possibility of our own deaths. We really can’t imagine the world without us.
Prayer for the Day
Tempting are the ways of self-deception in our lives,
But, you, O God, summon us to turn aside and listen;
Searching our hearts, we look for the life you offer,
Freeing us from our presumptions and preoccupations,
We pray for strength and courage to continue your work of love.
In the name of him who was your gift of love,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Evacuation is not as easy as it may seem if you are outside of the evacuation area. It’s easy to think: Of course, you should pick up and leave, but for people with disabilities or pets, it can be really challenging.
- Cara Cuite, extension specialist, Rutgers University
There’s a psychological mechanism … that prevents most of us from imagining the moment of our own death. For if it were possible to imagine fully that instant of passing from consciousness to nonexistence, with all the attendant fear and humiliation of absolute helplessness, it would be very hard to live.
- Aleksandr Hemon, Bosnian-American writer
O Lord, you have searched me and known me, knowing when I sit down and rise up;
You discern my thoughts from far away, searching out my path and my lying down,
For you are acquainted with all my ways
Psalm 139: 1-3