<<Previous Issue
Next
Issue>>
September 2005
This week, our nation
has experienced a terrible natural disaster in the Gulf coast states
devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The images of the dazed and
homeless victims break my heart, and the scope of the destruction,
deprivation and death is overwhelming. I know I join each of you in
praying for all those whose lives have been forever changed by this
tragedy.
In the midst of the news reports on the myriad dimensions (physical,
emotional, environmental, financial, logistical, political..) of
this catastrophe, I see or hear evidence of the goodness within us.
The stories of courage and sacrifice to help others in need reassure
me that we can still find our moral compass even in the midst of
chaos around us. Although official efforts to mobilize help have
been launched, I also see much evidence of caring, generous
individuals throughout the country stepping forward to offer
housing, money, equipment, labor, airline tickets, and blood
donations to help those in need.
I hope that this time in our country will be a time to come together
as a community, with more compassion and communication. I hope that
we will learn to be more responsible with our natural resources, and
sensitive to the delicate environment of this planet. I hope we can
each reach out and help those less fortunate to rebuild their lives
and homes. I hope that we can, to paraphrase Maya Angelou, be
changed by what has happened to us, but refuse to be reduced by it.
Sharon
Sharon Keys Seal