Looking for the Good in Times of Crisis

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Recently, I was having a discussion with a small group of writers about the recent critical events of Hurricane Harvey and the violence in Charlottesville, VA. We were considering the effect that these types of events have on evaluating what is important in our lives.

Crises such as these, as well as events such as the Boston Marathon bombing, Hurricane Katrina, and 9/11, involve enormous amounts of loss and pain. The people of our country take notice. The people of our country help. The people of our country pray. The people of our country, many times, stop to evaluate what is important in life.

In looking for the good in times of crisis, we need to pause and evaluate what’s important to us. As men, many times we are so busy going “all-out” to provide for our families, we don’t slow down to evaluate what’s truly important. We should adjust the use of our time and resources based on those priorities. For example, many of us who think back to 9/11, remember calling loved ones who were flying that day to check on them. We began hugging family members more often, along with telling them we loved them. Churches became more filled. We thanked firefighters and policemen personally and frequently. We realized that what truly mattered to us were people and relationships, not money and things.

In looking for the good in times of crisis, it is also beneficial to lean on God and pray to Him. Some people might be critical and say, “Sure, you have never set foot in a church or prayed to God, but you pray now that your life is on the line.” What is wrong with that, especially if it leads to faith in God and gratitude to Him? There may be some who turn the worst experience of their life into the opportunity to be changed through faith.

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In watching some of the coverage of Hurricane Harvey, I saw people that were airlifted to safety smiling and saying, “God is good,” because they were alive and safe. Meanwhile, all of their property was gone. I saw people at a shelter break out singing songs about their great God, even though they were likely now homeless. In these examples, people were giving thanks to God for getting them this far. It is not for us to judge whether this is a new, “emergency” faith, or a manifestation of a deep, ongoing faith. It is good that they are engaging in their relationship with God. This is an example of goodness that can come out of a crisis; activating our faith in God.

Crises are hard. Catastrophes are terrible to go through. Disasters are not something we would wish on anyone. However, in these times of crisis, many people may change their behaviors and attitudes permanently for the better. While some people may slip back into their “normal routines” over time, others will live by a new set of priorities and a renewed set of values. They may emerge from the crisis with a new way to live, treat others, and engage in their faith in God. These positive changes can occur in those watching the crisis from a distance, as well as those experiencing it first-hand.

An event such as Hurricane Harvey makes us take notice. It calls for all of us to reflect and consider what is most important to us. For all of those affected by Hurricane Harvey, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Have you gone through a crisis and found some good in the situation? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please join in the conversation with your comments below.

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