Let's hear it for the Calvary

I have been listening to news reports and reading blog posts and emails regarding the situation in New Orleans (and surrounding areas), and all I can say is that I am sickened, saddened, and encouraged all at the same time. The awful things – what can one say. Would that the hurricane hadn’t hit. Would that the city had been better prepared. Would that help could’ve been rallied sooner. Would that so much suffering and death could’ve been averted. But I am encouraged that relief efforts of all kinds are being made, including those of people who are putting themselves in harm’s way. Thousands of troops are on hand. Major relief organizations are doing their part. Our church denomination’s world relief department is collecting funds for on-the-scene aid. A local freight company is collecting donations of bottled water, non-perishable foods, and other simple provisions. To name a few.

I am encouraged that many are turning their energies to prayer and the offering of whatever tangible aid they can rather than playing the blame game. Not that error should not be noted, or that effort should not be put into correction and other improvements so as to avoid future tragedies of a similar nature, but blame itself is non-productive, if not counter-productive.

There was a fabulous typo at the top of the front page of Saturday’s local newspaper, announcing the arrival-in-force of troops in New Orleans: The Calvary Arrives.

Would that people can find Jesus in all of this.