The first definition of AFTERMATH is: " a second crop, as of grass that grows after a first cutting." There is a second definition: " a result of consequence, especially an unpleasant one.".I'm not sure that AFTERMATH adequately describes what many, many persons and families are experiencing right now. Certainly the grass has grown for another cutting, but so much more has happened making lawn-mowing unimportant. Unpleasant may not be a strong enough word for many. The disruption of families, schools, churches, businesses, and personal activities is untold. Absolutely staggering. My heart goes out to all who have been hurt physically, emotionally, financially, and even spiritually. The news spotlight swings to other places, but the pain and suffering will linger long.
To say IKE could have been worse means little to those who were hit hard. Most everything could be worse. 9-11 could have been worse with more lives lost. That does not ease what did happen.
We must continue to remember all those folks, the city dwellers, but also the country farmers and ranchers who quietly bury their drowned cattle and rebuild destroyed barns. We remember commercial fishermen who already were feeling the pinch of high fuel and now have no boats to ply their trade. Think of the mom and pop stores with little or no insurance. On and on the list goes and grows. We wish for the right words to say but they seem trite. A word from Psalms. "The voice of the Lord echoes from the clouds. The God of glory thunders through the skies. So powerful is his voice, so full of majesty, it breaks down the cedars. It splits the giant trees of Lebanon...the voice of the Lord thunders through the lightning...the voice of the Lord spins and topples the mighty oaks. It strips the forests bare. They whirl and sway beneath the blast. But in his temple all are praising. "Glory,glory to the Lord". At the Flood the Lord showed his control of all creation. Now he continues to unveil his power. He will give his people strength. He will bless them with peace." Psalm 29 The Living Bible.
