6 • THURSDAY, December 16, 2021
www.merrittherald.com
VIEWPOINT
MITRA: Finding design in natural disasters The recent splurge in stories emanating from natural disasters is surely creating fear and restlessness. Coming as it is just before Christmas activities, the heart-wrenching flood stories are replacing “joy to B.C. and the Atlantic provinces” with NARAYAN MITRA combined emotion of stress and You Gotta Have helplessness. FAITH Those who are watching the recent cycles of natural disasters in the form of earthquakes, wildfires and flood have been seeing a trend in the form of destruction and loss. Thankfully, the loss of lives has been minimal in B.C. and Canada compared to other areas in the world. In recent times, earthquakes, especially in Asia and the Americas, have taken numerous lives. Mudslides have washed away entire villages in Central America and, a few years back, fear of bird flu mutating and invading the human race challenged any talk of growth in a nation’s GDP. I wish I could distance myself from the questions raised by natural disasters. In some ways, it is easier for me to address human needs than to process such disasters theologically — to find reasons for massive suffering and death. But I am beginning to question why we have this apparent mindless, meaningless madness of epic biblical proportions. Is God telling us something specific? Is this the beginning of the end? On one hand, I wish I knew the definitive answers, but that requires me to be God himself. Having been relieved of that privilege and responsibility, my next best option is to seek answers in his final revelation in the Bible. Barring those absolute claims, I can only propose some
likely, but tentative responses with scriptural, philosophical and circumstantial warrant. Causes for unexplainable natural disasters are more complicated since the perpetrators seem invisible and their purposes incomprehensible. When it comes to man-made disasters, we can identify someone to blame. For example, unstoppable natural causes of global warming have been overrun by human causes linked to human activity, need and even greed. Mere human existence, population growth and economic requirements produce ripe conditions for natural disaster. The question of apparent randomness brings us to another factor in natural disasters. Regardless of human contribution to nature’s distortion, whether directly or indirectly, short-term or long-term, we also factor in Satan’s role in random human suffering and death. Satan defied God’s sovereignty and was cast out of heaven to Earth. Our Earth began to shudder and continues to tremble. That could explain why there are earthquakes occurring frequently. Only when humans are present do complex natural phenomena — many of them observable to physicists — turn into disasters. If no one died, we would have simply viewed them as natural, even normal, events. Cataclysms only turn into catastrophes when humans are affected. Nature is wobbly, infected and terrorized by Satan. He has been thrown down from heaven in eternity and toppled on earth in history. By sheer force of will and with his ongoing demonic influence, he continues his terrorist acts on earth. Natural disasters are not “acts of God” like the insurance industry would describe nature’s fury. They could just as easily be “acts of Satan.” We can underestimate Satan’s power, but anything he does is under the determinative con-
trol of God. In the above list of causes, we find many answers. But the question remains: Is there discernible divine meaning in natural disasters? I wish I could mine the mind of God to offer absolute answers concerning bad incidents. This problem of clarification applies to good circumstances as well, but natural disasters do communicate meanings about humanity, God and history. Natural disasters highlight man’s inability to predict and control. The quest of the secular humanist enterprise is deficient at its very premise because man is not the measure or foundation of anything. He is small, weak and at the mercy of the elements. Natural disasters call for humility before God and remind believers to find their security in him. Yet natural disasters can showcase human resilience and perseverance. People return to the same location and rebuild from scratch. Humans rebuild in the very areas prone to floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. That might be viewed by some as foolish, but they show human capacity to create something livable out of rubble against great odds. In fulfilment of the Godgiven mandate to rule nature (Gen.1:26,27), we can flourish precisely where we have endured calamity. Natural disasters may bring out the best in compassion and community. Christians, with their special obligation to love their neighbours, ought to serve in the forefront of aid and relief efforts with unselfish abandon and generosity. Lastly, natural disasters induce reflection and repentance. In the face of disasters — be they man-made (Luke 13:1-3) or natural (Luke 13:4) — we must repent and evidence fruit (Luke 13:6-9). Narayan Mitra is the Pastor of Merritt Baptist Church.
Merritt Hospice Society: Dealing with grief during disaster
The recent floods have disrupted our lives even if we haven’t been directly impacted by the flood waters. Many people are struggling with change and uncertainty about safety and have worries about their future finances and the well-being of friends and family. You may find that you feel “not quite yourself ”. You may be distracted, anxious, irritable, angry, and fearful. You might feel a sense of hopelessness. The flood has stirred up emotions and thoughts that are very similar to those we experience when we grieve. Death is not the only time we grieve. It is normal to grieve whenever you lose something or someone important to you. The flood has led to a whole series of losses that are affecting our sense of safety, social connections, personal freedoms, and daily routines. At the same time it has caused significant changes and losses in our healthcare, economic, and government systems. It is normal to have thoughts or questions that may not have answers when you grieve.
Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241
MERRITT HERALD
There are some things you can do that may help you through the Pandemic and may help you feel better, such as: Feel what you feel - Feelings are not right or wrong. Let your emotions move through you. When you suppress or avoid these feelings they tend to become bigger. Stay informed but set limits on exposure to “bad news” - It’s important to know what’s happening, but set limits on how much time you spend on the news reports and “bad news” stories. Focus on the positives, such as kindness, humour, and creativity. Focus on what you can control – Follow the guidance of the Public Health experts. Try to look after yourself by healthy eating, exercise, and getting enough sleep. Connect with others – Have regular phone calls with family and friends. Connect using Skype, Face Time or social media. Help friends or neighbours, following guidelines for social distancing. Show support and appreciation
Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241
for those in essential roles. Get support for your mental health – If you need more help, reach out. Many national and provincial mental health programs have set up online and telephone supports. Check out the local mental health and other support services such as Merritt Hospice and BC Bereavement Helpline. Use online resources such as Canadian Virtual Hospice. Connect or reconnect with your faith community. When you are in the depths of your grief, it can be hard to believe that you can heal and take part in life again. Grief comes in waves. It’s more like a hilly, winding road than a mountain. Everyone grieves differently. The changes you see in yourself and those around you could be your responses to grief. Try to be kind and patient with yourself and others in these challenging times. Submitted by Merritt Hospice Society.
Reporter Morgan Hampton reporter@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241
Sales Representative Office Administrator Ken Couture kcouture@aberdeenpublishing.com 250-378-4241 Making Advertising Work For You.
2090 Granite Ave., PO Box 9, Merritt, B.C. Phone (250) 378-4241 Fax (250) 378-6818
Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher.
This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
