11 minute read
Opinion
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 combined emotion of stress and helplessness.
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 NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have FAITH 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.
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 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.
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OPINION
LETTERS to the editor Video may have overstepped boundaries, says citizen
Editor,
I note in your article “Stay-behinds question City of Merritt’s methods” references to the residents who described living in a “gulag”, and you quoted Ms. Hentze’s video, in which she expressed a belief police would arrive at her door to make her wear an armband denoting her stay-behind status.
This after Merritonians were offered news of a life-threatening emergency, support being evacuated, and provided paid accommodation and groceries while they were gone, followed by assistance returning home.
To the cowards who cite such opinions, these jokes comparing the two situations might be cheap and easy. To those of us who are members of groups targeted by authoritarian rulers, and executed by dictators for nothing more than being who we are, the remarks are depraved.
I hope Ms. Hentze and her ilk have, with hindsight developed an ounce of human decency, utter shame, and a desire to abjectly apologise for their truly disgusting remarks.
Charles Grove Merritt, BC
Editor,
A catastrophe has hit Merritt, the likes of which we have never seen. A huge portion of our city has been decimated. It was absolutely vital to restore essential services as quickly and efficiently as possible. Crews needed to be able to rework roads and sewers and water mains and check electrical and gas infrastructure as quickly and safely as possible. Had access to Zone 4 been granted before this work was done, most of us would likely still be on evacuation order – we would have no water and no sewer capability – which would mean no hospital, no fire protection, no business community. The amount of work needed to be done was absolutely staggering and I am in awe of our public works employees. Three weeks after unbelievable destruction, most of our city is functioning normally and 5,000 evacuees have returned home. That’s good news. We need to hear some good news.
But that victory has come at a price. A significant part of our community is still hurting – badly. They need our help. They have borne the brunt of this catastrophe. They have more than enough to deal with. There is more than enough anger and hurt to go around. They don’t need anyone sensationalizing their pain nor capitalizing on it. They need help. They will not be left behind. As precious as the items are that have been lost or destroyed, nothing is as precious as our loved ones. We can replace things, we can’t replace people. We need to be there for each other. We can rebuild – maybe smarter and better. We are stronger together. Folks, you can be part of the solution to help us get back on our feet; or be part of the problem by continuing to fan the flames of despair. Think about it. Please help.
Kurt Christopherson, City Councillor Merritt, BC
A letter of gratitude to Merritt Mayor, Council, and staff
Editor,
Making decisions at the best of times is not always easy but as the saying goes, it is a decision that “gets us” and a decision that “gets us anywhere.”
So, for the role of Mayor and Council, it was decisions that got us through the fires and recently the flooding of the Coldwater River.
When the call came from an old friend that it was time to leave my house and the invitation to be cared for by friends, I was happy to pack a few belongings and drive the few miles out of Merritt for as long as necessary. At 86 years old, I was glad to not have to drive a long distance not knowing where I would end up. I felt safe and cared for; was graciously housed and well fed and even entertained from time to time with Johnny Cash vocal favourites to help stave off the question of “how long?” would this go on.
Our hosts worked tirelessly, often up in the early hours for an interview with the newscasters from the east. The phone rang for consultations day and night; decisions were in the making and and people were hurting, not to mention those workers who hardly ever slept while refurbishing the broken infrastructures of the city!
Tired or not, there was no stopping the dedication of Mayor Linda Brown and her husband Ken Gillis (TNRD Chair). I watched their constant concerns and attention given to their duties over the course of the Nov. 15 to Dec. 3 ordeal.
I thank the Mayor for her generous and caring spirit towards an ‘old’ friend (me) and the welfare of all Merrittonians.
The last three weeks have not been a time for politicking; that comes ten months from now! Let’s continue appreciating all the help, generosity and care that has been given by Samaritan’s Purse and Red Cross, not to mention so many citizens who have given and continue to give; as well as the Mayor, Council, and staff.
THURSDAY December 2, 2021 • 1
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PASSPORT TO CHRISTMAS NEW RULES & REGULATIONS Brought to you by the Merritt Herald and participating businesses. WIN BIG! 1. This year for Passport to Christmas, with a minimum purchase of $20 you will receive one entry form from the store clerk, up to 20 entry forms ($400) per purchase. The entry form must have a MH stamp or the business stamp, or entry will be invalid. 2. There will only be entry forms, no passsports will be provided due to COVID 19. 3. Be sure to bring a pen so you can fill in the entry then, or you can bring your entry back at a later date. 4. Boxes will be provided at the stores to drop off your entry. 5. All prizes awarded in Gift Certificates. 1st Place: $1,075, 2nd Place: $500, 3rd Place: $375. Winners will be drawn from all completed entry forms received by Dec. 19, 2021 at 5 pm. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, no cash value. 6. There is no limit to the total number of entries. 7. The winners must be 19 years of age or older. 8. Double entries if you purchase a food bank donation from one of the local participating businesses. 13th Annual
