In the split second before an accident time seems to slow down. I remember being in a car that was in a minor accident, and I can still see the car approaching my door as my friend turned across their path. Time seemed to stand still, and I felt helpless to avoid the inevitable outcome. A crash led to bent vehicles and frustrated drivers, but thankfully no one was injured.
When you can’t avoid a crisis, your best response is to be part of the solution that follows.
When you can’t avoid a crisis, your best response is to be part of the solution that follows.
I am shocked when I see the photos and hear the stories of the families affected by the recent weather bombs across the country. Homes are ravaged and cars remain buried. Businesses are still unable to function, and many have lost their jobs. In the worst outcome, people have lost loved ones forever.
This is not a crisis I can divert or avoid, but it is one I can choose to respond to. We can all be part of the solution that follows a weather bomb.
We can all be part of the solution
In some ways, I wish the government would back off, take their empty purse and hollow promises, and return to their offices. “Leave your brand-new gumboots in the car,” I say, “and let the community rise up and help with the love and resource they carry.” I believe this country was built on the backs of people helping people, so why should it be different now?
I believe this country was built on the backs of people helping people
We have seen the recent heroic efforts of every day New Zealanders respond in swift and effective help. Box-loads of food, clothing and supplies have been delivered by mums and their kids. Diggers driven by kiwi blokes work tirelessly. Truck drivers and helicopter pilots have rescued stranded people. Families have fed families. This is love in action, people!
This is love in action
The story Jesus told about a man helping someone in a crisis is a good reminder to us all. It’s referred to as the story of ‘The Good Samaritan,’ and you may have heard of it. In this story a man is attacked, robbed, beaten and left for dead. As he lays on the side of the road two different men pass him by, refusing to pause or even cover his nakedness. A man from Samaria does not pass by. Instead, he stoops to pick the man up, attend to his wounds and provide care and shelter for him. No wonder he’s called the good man in the story.
The point of Jesus telling the story is this; we love our neighbour by taking care of the needs they have.
When will our governing leaders realise they cannot keep spending money they don’t have to proclaim themselves as the caregiver to all? When will they realise that the answer we need in a crisis is found in the people of this nation?
For this to be true, though, we must each stop to help, attend to wounds and provide care and shelter.
Let’s say to our hurting brothers and sisters, “help is on the way.”
Article as seen in the ‘Te Awamutu News’ 9 March 2023